THE MISSOURI RIVER JOURNALS 1 83 



produces to his visitors and clerks, wlio are seated in their 

 proper order and rank. The mechanics of the fort eat at 

 the second table. Adjoining this room is the residence 

 of Mr. Denig. In the upper story are at present located 

 Mr. Audubon and his suite. Here from the pencils of 

 Mr. Audubon and Mr. Sprague emanate the splendid 

 paintings and drawings of animals and plants, which are 

 the admiration of all; and the Indians regard them as 

 marvellous, and almost to be worshipj^ed. In the room 

 next to this is always kept a selection of saddlery and 

 harness, in readiness for rides of pleasure, or for those 

 rendered necessary for the protection of the horses which 

 are kept on the prairie, and which suffer from frequent 

 depredations on the part of the Indians, which it is the 

 duty of the men at the fort to ward off as far as possible. 

 The next apartment is the tailor's shop, so placed as to 

 be out of the way of the Indian visitors as much as pos- 

 sible, who, were it at all easy of access, would steal some 

 of the goods which it is necessary to have always on hand. 

 So much for the principal house. On the east side of the 

 fort, extending north and south, is a building, on range, 

 all under one roof, 127 ft. long by 25 ft. deep, and used 

 for the following purposes. A small room at the north 

 end for stores and luggage; then the retail store, in which 

 is kept a fair supply of merchandise, and where all white 

 persons buy or sell. The prices of all goods are fixed by 

 a tariff or stationary value, so that no bargaining or cheat- 

 ing is allowed; this department is now in charge of Mr. 

 Larpenteur. Adjoining this is the wholesale warehouse, 

 in which is kept the principal stock of goods intended for 

 the extensive trade; this room is 57 ft. in length. Next 

 is a small room for the storage of meat and other sup- 

 plies. At the end is the press room, where all robes, 

 furs, and peltries are stored. The dimensions extend to 

 the top of the roof inside, which roof is perfectly water- 

 proof. It will contain from 2800 to 3000 packs of Buf- 



