[ 237 ] 48 



to the extent that its exploration is really dangerous, because of the rival 

 and contending parties of Indians that one is exposed to meet with. 



On reaching the plateau of the S/iaijen-oju, we were at once surprised 

 and saddened at the sight of still interminable plains extending before us ; 

 for we had hoped that, after crossing the river, some variety would present 

 itself, to relieve the monotony of the scenery, and the listlessness conse- 

 quent upon it, which seemed to be gaining upon our party. The Indians 

 and buffaloes, that give animation to the prairies, had not made their ap- 

 pearance for many days ; the heat was excessive; the thermometer three 

 times had reached 93°, and we were scarce of water ; our horses were 

 harassed by flies; and, worse than all, the whole party appeared to be, and 

 were, dissatisfied. I could not but feel the responsibility of my situation, 

 and made an effort to secure the successful result of our expedition, which 

 for a while seemed to be endangered. A trifling incident brought about 

 the change. 



1 had brought along with me in my medicine chest some tartaric acid 

 and bi-carbonate of soua, with which I composed an effervescent draught, 

 that was freely distributed among the party. They thus foiuid themselves 

 unexpectedly relieved ; and, regaining new energy, we proceeded on onr 

 journey. The spirits of the party were further enlivened by falling in with 

 a herd of buffaloes a few hours after. It was an immense herd, whose mi- 

 gration to the southwest obstructed our onward progress for three days and 

 nights. But it was necessary, for safety's sake, to get out of their path ; 

 and, besides, they might be fleeing before some hostile party of Indians ; so 

 that we preferred to take a safer position on a branch of the Skayen oju, 

 laid down on my map as the Tampah^ or Birch creek. 



On the second day after reaching the latter position, Dixon and Freniere 

 announced some Indians, of whom three were brought into our camp, who 

 gave information that, about eight miles off, there was an encampment of 

 three hundred lodges, consisting of Yanktons, Sissitons, and Yanktonnans, 

 preparing for a '^swrou/id,'^ with which it would be very dangerous to m- 

 terlere. It was deemed, therefore, advisable, before advancing, to have 

 some previous conversation with the chief of the party. Accordingly, 

 after some necessary precautions, on the afternoon of the third day, having 

 forced our way through the buffaloes, we met two chiefs, Wahanantan 

 and Manka-indlah, who were advancing to meet us, and invited us into 

 their camp, where we had a most animating reception. I caused many 

 presents to be distributed among them, whicli brought about talks, feasts, 

 dances, songs, and the whole series of their usual ceremonies. This lasted 

 twenty-four hours; after which we resumed our line of march, parting on 

 terms of perfect amity from our new acquaintances. 



Having explored the plains of the right side of Shayen oju, we crossed 

 the river, and directed our route towards the Miniwakaii^ or Devil's 

 lake. As we advance, the wooded borders of Devil's lake gradually 

 come into view, the rounded summits of the hills looming above the 

 horizon. There is one of these hills in particular which the Sioux call 

 the Mini wakan.c/ia?ite — literally meaning "the heart of the enchanted 

 water," and translated by the voyageurs "the heart of Devil's lake."' We 

 could see its summit at a distance of more than 30 miles, though it is not 

 more than SnO ieel above the waters of the lake. Still, I was reminded, 

 by its appearance, of some of the dome-shaped sunmiits of the Jura, as 



