128 NARRATIVE OF A JOURNEY 



taking any, and must therefore depend for a supply on the In- 

 dians, whom we hope soon to meet. 



We found, in the mountain passes, to-day, a considerable 

 quantity of a small fruit called the choke-cherry, a species of 

 prunus, growing on low bushes. \A'hen ripe, they are tolerable 

 eating, somewhat astringent, however, producing upon the mouth 

 the same effect, though in a less degree^ as the unripe persimmon. 

 They are now generally green, or we should feast luxuriantly 

 upon them, and render more tolerable our miserable provision. 

 We have seen, also, large patches of service bushes, but no 

 fruit. It seems to have failed this year, although ordinarily so 

 abundant that it constitutes a large portion of the vegetable food 

 of both Indians and white trappers who visit these regions. 



