ACROSS THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, ETC. 11 



along the uppei' rim of her ear, and insert them in it. I saw her 

 soon after this operation had been performed ; her cheeks were 

 covered with blood, and she was standing with a vast deal of 

 assumed dignity among her tawny sisters, who evidently envied 

 her the possession of the worthless baubles. 



2Sth. — Mr. N. and myself propose starting to-morrow on foot 

 towards the upper settlements, a distance of about three hundred 

 miles. We intend to pursue our journey leisurely, as we have 

 plenty of time before us, and if we become tired, we can enter 

 the stage which will probably overtake us. 



29i/i. — This morning our Indians returned from the barracks, 

 where I understand they transacted their business satisfactorily. 

 I went on board the boat again to see them. I feel very much 

 interested in them, as they are the first Indians I have ever seen 

 who appear to be in a state of uncultivated nature, and who retain 

 the savage garb and manners of their people. They had en- 

 gaged the entire covered deck for their especial use, and were 

 lolling about in groups, wrapped in their blankets. Some were 

 occupied in conversation, others seemed more contemplative, and 

 appeared to be thinking deeply, probably of the business which 

 brought them amongst us. Here and there two might be seen 

 playing a Spanish game with cards, and some were busily em- 

 ployed in rendering themselves more hideous with paint. To 

 perform this operation, the dry paint is folded in a thin muslin 

 or gauze cloth, tied tightly and beaten against the face, and a 

 small looking-glass is held in the other hand to direct them where 

 to apply it. Two middle-aged squaws were frying beef, which 

 they distributed around to the company in wooden bowls, and 

 several half loaves of bread were circulating rapidly amongst 

 them, by being tossed from one to another, each taking a huge 

 bite of it. There were among the company, several younger fe- 

 males, but they were all so hard favored that I could not feel 

 much sympathy with them, and was therefore not anxious to cul- 



