50 AUDUBON 



that it amounts to no specimen at all. Harris and I 

 walked several miles, but killed nothing; we found the 

 nest of a Sparrow-hawk, and Harris, assisted by my shoul- 

 ders, reached the nest, and drew out two eggs. Sprague 

 went across the hills eastward, and was fortunate enough 

 to shoot a superb specimen of the Arctic Bluebird. This 

 evening, Mr. Culbertson having told me the Rabbits, 

 such as Bell had brought, were plentiful on the road 

 to the steamboat landing, Harris, Bell, and I walked 

 there; but although we were very cautious, we saw 

 none, and only procured a Black-headed Grosbeak, which 

 was shot whilst singing delightfully. To-morrow morn- 

 ing Mr. Chardon leaves us in the keel-boat for the Black- 

 foot Fort, and Mr. Kipp will leave for the Crows early 

 next week. 



June 22, Thursday. We rose very late this morning, 

 with the exception of Provost, who went out shooting quite 

 early; but he saw nothing fit for his rifle. All was bustle 

 after breakfast, as Mr. Chardon's boat was loading, the 

 rigging being put in order, the men moving their effects, 

 etc., and a number of squaws, the wives of the men, were 

 moving to and fro for hours before the ultimate departure 

 of the boat, which is called the "Bee." The cargo being 

 arranged, thirty men went on board, including the com- 

 mander, friend Chardon, thirteen squaws, and a number 

 of children, all more or less half-breeds. The flag of 

 Fort Union was hoisted, the four-pounder run out of the 

 front gate, and by eleven o'clock all was ready. The 

 keel-boat had a brass swivel on her bows, and fired first, 

 then off went the larger gun, and many an Antelope and 

 Deer were doubtless frightened at the report that echoed 

 through the hills far and near. We bid adieu to our good 

 friend Chardon ; and his numerous and willing crew, tak- 

 ing the cordelle to their shoulders, moved the boat against 

 a strong current in good style. Harris and Bell had gone 

 shooting and returned with several birds, among which 



