550 FROM FORT BENTON TO LATITUDE 49 30 . 



prairie ; for in richness of soil, luxuriant vegetation, and bright-colored flowers, it greatly resembles 

 the prairies of the Western States. 



On the 8th we started on the return trip, striking for the Cut Bank river, but taking a course 

 farther from the mountains than when coining up. Crossed five fine creeks which are the sources 

 of Milk river, and are formed by the spring-brooks we crossed near the base of the mountain. 

 Noticed several ridges of soft sandstone in the plain, running for several miles north and south, 

 with a nearly vertical dip, and resembling generally the roof of a house. Many antelopes, elk, 

 and deer were seen, and I killed enough to supply my party with meat. 



On the 9th, left Cut Bank river and pursued the same route by which we came up, this being 

 in fact the only route where the stream can be crossed in high water. Observed to-day great 

 quantities of the camash, now in full bloom. It is a beautiful dark-blue flower, bell-shaped, and 

 growing single on a stem ten to fifteen inches high. The camash is particularly abundant in the 

 vicinity of Marias river, near the mountain. Crossed Clear fork, Middle fork, and Fall fork, and 

 encamped on the latter at the Cascade. 



The next day was devoted to making further explorations of this pass. Following the old 

 lodge trail, now no more than a narrow foot-path although the decayed stumps and trunks of 

 trees clearlv indicated that a broad road had once been cleared in two miles found that the 



/ 



stream forked : keeping the left-hand branch, came in six miles to where it forks in many branches, 

 all heading in rugged mountains on the right hand, or northwest. Pursuing from this point a 

 course due south, magnetic, or south 19 W. true, in 20 miles struck the main stream of Marias 

 river, which is still a considerable stream, running in a defile or ravine 500 feet in width, and 

 having banks of perpendicular limestone and sandstone rock ; the bed of the stream being of the 

 same material in huge fragments, and breaking the water into a continuous rapid. The trail 

 continues up the river, sometimes over hills of moderate elevation, densely timbered with the 

 narrow-leaved pine, and at others through small openings or prairies of rich soil, producing luxu 

 riant bunch-grass and a great variety of flowers. At a distance of four miles more I ascended a 

 lofty hill, from the summit of which I obtained a commanding view of the pass and the course of 

 the river for a long distance to the southwest. 



The pass continued about fifteen miles in breadth ; the country hilly and densely wooded with 

 pine. The mountains on either hand are lofty and rugged, showing generally perpendicular rock 

 from within 300 feet of their summits, and are covered with snow as in mid-winter. Snow-banks 

 were also found on the north side of many hills in the pass. Up the pass to the southwest no 

 mountains obstruct the view; and I am satisfied that Mr. Tinkham could not have passed over 

 this trail, or he would not pronounce this portion of the pass so difficult as his report and topo 

 graphy represent it. This pass is not vouched for as a good railroad or pack-train route, yet it 

 is believed worthy of further examination ; and I only regret that I cannot make it, as your instruc 

 tions require me to be at Fort Benton in the last days of this month. The trail which I followed 

 continues up the valley, and a deserted encampment of last summer indicates that this pass is 

 occasionally frequented by the Flatheads or the Kootenaies, tor the purpose of hunting elk and 

 deer, which are numerous here. 



The day had been oppressively warm, and I returned to camp at sundown somewhat fatigued 

 with a ride of sixty miles. One of the men had killed a deer, and we made a luxurious supper 

 on venison and coffee. 



June 11. To-day being Sunday, we remained in camp. The sand-flies and mosquitoes were 

 very numerous, and annoyed our animals so much that we were compelled to make smokes for them. 

 Collected here thirty-five new varieties of flowers, and noticed a plant said to possess remark 

 able qualities. The leaves are five or eight in number, and closely resemble the leaf of the pump 

 kin vine in shape and size. The stalk rises to the height of three or four feet ; is cylindrical and 

 hollow. This stalk is eaten by the Indians, and is cooked by throwing it on the coals for a few 

 moments, and in taste slightly resembles cabbage ; in fact, the French and half-breed hunters 



