THE MISSOURI RIVER JOURNALS 1 59 



dint of industry, through swamps and mire. We saw 

 two bulls, two calves, and one cow; we killed the cow and 

 the larger calf, a beautiful young bull ; returned to the 

 boat through the most abominable swamp I ever travelled 

 through, and reached the boat at one o'clock, thirsty and 

 hungry enough. Bell and all the men went after the meat 

 and the skin of the young bull. I shot the cow, but 

 missed the calf by shooting above it. We started later 

 and made about ten miles before sunset, 



Thursday, 31st. Started early; fine and calm. Saw 

 large flocks of Ducks, Geese, and Swans; also four 

 Wolves. Passed Mr. Primeau's winter trading-house; 

 reached Cannon Ball River at half-past twelve. No game; 

 water good-tasted, but warm. Dinner on shore. Saw a 

 Rock Wren on the bluffs here. Saw the prairie on fire, and 

 signs of Indians on both sides. Weather cloudy and hot. 

 Reached Beaver Creek. Provost went after Beavers, but 

 found none. Caught fourteen catfish. Saw a wonderful 

 example of the power of the Buffalo in working through 

 the heavy, miry bottom lands, 



Friday, September 1. Hard rain most of the night, and 

 uncomfortably hot. Left our encampment at eight o'clock. 

 Saw Buffaloes and landed, but on approaching them found 

 only bulls ; so returned empty-handed to the boat, and 

 started anew. We landed for the night on a large sand- 

 bar connected with the mainland, and saw a large gang 

 of Buffaloes, and Mr. Culbertson and a man went off; 

 they shot at two cows and killed one, but lost her, as she 

 fell in the river and floated down stream, and it was dusk. 

 A heavy cloud arose in the west, thunder was heard, yet 

 the moon and stars shone brightly. After midnight rain 

 came on. The mosquitoes are far too abundant for 

 comfort. 



Saturday, September 2. Fine but windy. Went about 

 ten miles and stopped, for the gale was so severe. No 

 fresh meat on board. Saw eight Wolves, four white ones. 



