8d AUDUBON 



low bushes where the Rabbits must go in, whether dur- 

 ing night or day, we did not start one. We saw a Wolf 

 which ran close by, reached the brow of the hill, and kept 

 where he could watch our every motion; this they do on 

 all possible occasions. We were all very warm, so we 

 rested awhile, and ate some service-berries, which I found 

 good; the gooseberries were small and green, and almost 

 choked Harris with their sharp acidity. On our return, 

 as we were descending the first deep ravine, a Raven flew 

 off close by ; it was so near Bell that he had no time to 

 shoot. I followed it and although loaded with No. 6 

 shot, I drew my trigger and the bird fell dead; only one 

 shot had touched it, but that had passed through the 

 lungs. After we reached the prairie I shot a Meadow 

 Lark, but lost it, as we had unfortunately not taken Bragg 

 (Harris's dog). We saw a patch of wood called in these 

 regions a "Point; " we walked towards it for the purpose 

 of shooting Deer. I was sent to the lower end, Bell took 

 one side, and Harris the other, and the hound we had with 

 us was sent in ; no Deer there, however, and we made for 

 the fort, which we reached hot and thirsty enough after 

 our long walk. As soon as I was cooled I took a good 

 swim. I think the Indians hereabouts poor swimmers; 

 they beat the water with their arms, attempting to "nage 

 alabrasse;" but, alas! it is too bad to mention. I am 

 told, however, that there are no good specimens to judge 

 from at the fort, so this is not much of an opinion. It is 

 strange how very scarce snakes of every description are, 

 as well as insects, except mosquitoes and horseflies. 

 Young McKenzie had been sent to seek for the lost ferry- 

 boat, but returned without success; the new one is ex- 

 pected to be put in the water to-morrow evening. Squires 

 and Provost had the skiff carried overland three miles, 

 ,and they crossed the river in it with the intention to 

 remain hunting until Sunday night. 



July 8, Saturday. Mr. Culbertson told me this morn- 



