240 NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITION. 



azhishee^ or mire, broad-leaved plants extending over the surface 

 of the water, in which I recognized a diminutive species of yellow 

 pond-lily. There was no mode of reaching dry land but by 

 stepping into this yielding azhiskee. The water was rather tepid. 

 After wading about fifty yards the footing became more firm, and 

 we soon began to ascend a slight elevation. Some traces of an 

 Indian trail appeared here, which led to an opening in the thicket, 

 where vestiges of the bones of birds, and old camp-poles, indi- 

 cated the prior encampment of Indians. 



I had now traced this branch of the Mississippi to its source, 

 and was at the south base of the inter-continental highlands, 

 which give origin to the longest and principal branch of the Mis- 

 sissippi. To reach its source it was necessary to ascend and cross 

 these. Of their height, and the difficulty of their ascent, we knew 

 nothing. This only was sure, from the representation of the 

 natives, that it could be readily done, carrying the small bark 

 canoes we had thus far employed. The chief said it was thirteen 

 ojnirjidjiioemm, or putting-down-places, which are otherwise called 

 onivayhees^ or rests. From the roughness of the path, not more 

 than half a mile can be estimated to each omoaybee. Assawa Lake 

 is shown, by barometric measurement, to be 1,532 feet above the 

 Gulf Having followed out this branch to its source, its very 

 existence in our geography becomes a new fact. 



While the baggage and canoes were being carried to the spot 

 of our encampment, a camp-fire was kindled and the cook busied 

 himself in preparing breakfast. The canoes were then carefully 

 examined and repaired, and the baggage parted into loads, so as 

 to permit the whole outfi.t and apparatus to be transported at one 

 trip. These things having been arranged, and the breakfast dis- 

 patched, we set forward to mount the highlands. Ozawindib hav- 

 ing thrown one of the canoes over his shoulders, led the way, 

 complaisantly, being followed by the entire party. 

 / The prevailing growth at this place is thick bramble, spruce, 

 white cedar, and tarcarak. The path plunges at once into a 

 marshy and matted thicket, which it requires all one's strength 

 to press through — then rises to a little elevation covered with 

 white cedar, and again plunges into a morass strewed with fallen 

 and decayed logs, coshered with moss. From this the trail emerges 



