514 



FROM HEADWATERS OF THE MISSOURI TO DALLES OF THE COLUMBIA. 



tion that covers the surface, except in a few more favored spots, is scrubby wormwood. The 

 river is wide, and well stocked with ducks and geese, which congregate in great numbers on its 

 sandy points and bars. 



At the end of about thirty-five miles we camped on the best point for grass that could be found, 

 but it was still poor. Soon after, a canoe which was dropping leisurely down the river, with a 

 load of whooping and singing Indians, approached the shore, and its variegated crew favored us 

 with a visit. Being on their way to the Dalles, they were all dressed in their Sunday s best 

 in old clothes, cast off probably by emigrants, which were so patched with different colors that 

 it was difficult to see of what color the original garment had been. One of them, proud of his 

 exterior, and wishing to show that in addition to his fine appearance he was a man of &quot; means,&quot; 

 pulled out a small piece of buckskin, carefully unrolled it, and produced two ce?its, which, after 

 shakino- with great complacency, he as carefully rolled up again and put back. Another small 

 party from a camp near by looked in upon us about sunset. One of this band brought a pack of 

 cards rolled up in a greasy rag, and was very solicitous to get up a game. 



Last night it rained till nearly morning, when it turned into sleet, and at sunrise discontinued 

 altogether, though it remained damp and heavy this forenoon. 



On the 5th we travelled about 30 miles. The country was more broken and rocky than yes 

 terday, near the river, but the soil was about the same. On a shingle beach which we passed 

 soon after noon, I picked up a few small pieces of agate, obsidian, onyx, and petrified wood. 



March 6. Camped on the &quot;Des Chutes&quot; river. The banks have been high and rugged on 

 both sides, but the soil on the flats has been much better. On some of them, grass of this year s 

 growth is several inches high and quite thick. 



The &quot; Des Chutes&quot; river is about 12 miles from the Dalles, and after fording it on the morning 

 of the 7th, it may be imagined that no time was lost till we jumped off our horses for the last 

 time, and our feet again touched civilized soil. 



Temperature, &c. 



