THE SHOSHONEE INDIANS. 65 



The Shoshonees, or Snakes, are supposed to be the 

 most numerous tribe of Indians in existence. The Ca- 

 manches of the plains are a branch of this nation ; and 

 although many hundreds of miles now divdde their hunt- 

 ing-grounds, they have a common language, and there is 

 a close analogy between their religious rites and legen- 

 dary tales. The Camanqhes rule supreme on the eastern 

 plains, and the Shoshonees are the dominant power in the 

 country west of the Rocky Mountains, and in the moun- 

 tains themselves. A branch of the latter is the Tlamath 

 Indians, the most warlike of the western tribes ; as, also, 

 are the Yutas, who may be said to connect them with the 

 Camanches. 



The Shoshonee chiefs informed us that beaver was 

 abundant on the streams of the Bayou Salada, or Salt 

 Valley, and at the boiling Springs. We determined to 

 proceed to the latter place, starting the next morning. 

 While in camp, my tame cimaron, Fondle, excited much 

 interest among the Shoshonee squaws and children. They 

 never seemed to grow tired of playing with it, and towards 

 night I was compelled, in consideration for the worried 

 animal, to confine it to our camp. The Indians insisted 

 on our taking full share of their hospitality that night, 

 ard to please them we ate too much of their favorite root, 

 wlmA affected our stomachs. Before we laid down to re- 

 pose we made arrangements for the perfect security of 



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