158 ' NARRATIVE OF A JOURNEY 



the Walla-walla and other tribes, whose wigwams we see on the 

 opposite side of the river. As we approach these rude huts, 

 the inhabitants are seen to come forth in a body ; a canoe is im- 

 mediately launched, the light bark skims the water like a bird, 

 and in an incredibly short time its inmates are with us. Some- 

 times a few salmon are brought to barter for our tobacco, paint, 

 &c., but more frequently they seem impelled to the visit by mere 

 curiosity. To-day a considerable number have visited us, and 

 among them some very handsome young girls. I could not but 

 admire the gaiety and cheerfulness which seemed to animate 

 them. They were in high spirits, and evidently very much pleased 

 with the unusual privilege which they were enjoying. 



At our camp in the evening, eight Walla-walla's came to see 

 us. The chief was a remarkably fine looking man, but he, as 

 well as several of his party, was suffering from a severe puru- 

 lent ophthalmia which had almost deprived him of sight. He 

 pointed to his eyes, and contorting his features to indicate the 

 pain he suffered, asked me by signs to give him medicine to cure 

 him. I was very sorry that my small stock of simples did not 

 contain anything suited to his complaint, and I endeavored to tell 

 him so. I have observed that this disease is rather prevalent 

 among the Indians residing on the river, and I understood from 

 the chiefs signs that most of the Indians towards the lower 

 country were similarly affected. 



9th. — The character of the country has changed considerably 

 §ince we left Walla-walla. The river has become gradually 

 more narrow, until it is now but about two hundred yards in 

 width, and completely hemmed in by enormous rocks on both 

 sides. Many of these extend for considerable distances into the 

 stream in perpendicular columns, and the water dashes and 

 breaks against them until all around is foam. The current is 

 here very swift, probably six or seven miles to the hour; and the 



