ACROSS THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, ETC. 217 



rupted, will be easily taken. I have not seen the birds spoken 

 of, but suppose them to be some of the small gralloe. 



On the 15th, the wind, which had foi' several days been light, 

 began steadily to increase, until we were running ten knots by the 

 log. In the afternoon, the atmosphere became thick and hazy, 

 indicating our approach to the shores of the continent. In a 

 short time, a number of the small Auks, — of which we saw a 

 few immediately after leaving the Columbia, — were observed 

 sporting in the waves, close under our l)ows ; then several gulls 

 of the species common on the river, and soon after large flocks 

 of geese and canvass-back ducks. 



The sea gradually lost its legitimate deep blue color, and as- 

 sumed a dirty, green appearance, indicating soundings. Upon 

 heaving the lead here, we got only eleven fathoms, and found that 

 we had approached nearer than was prudent, having been misled 

 by the haze. Wore ship immediately, and soon saw land, bear- 

 ing east, which we ascertained to be south of Cape Disappoint- 

 ment. Stood off during the night, and the next morning at 

 4 o'clock, the wind favoring us, we bore up for the cape, and at 

 7 crossed the dangerous bar safely, and ran direct for the river. 



28 



