INDIAN TRIBES OF THE MISSOURI VALLEY. 369 
Springs and small groves of trees frequently occur in the intervening prairie, and good 
encampments can usually be found by any one familiar with the geography of the country 
throughout tne length and breadth of the interior. In the winter, however, it happens 
that persons are frozen to death in crossing these prairies; for when storms occur it is 
often impossible to travel, the sun is invisible, and all objects are hidden at the distance 
of from fifty to one hundred paces by the particles of snow that are whirled through the 
air by the wind. This is called by the Canadian voyageurs pouderie, and when occurring 
in extreme cold weather, leaves but two alternatives to the traveller,—to ramble on at 
hazard, in the hope of keeping himself warm by walking and stumbling on timber, or to 
lie down and let the snow blow over him, remaining in this temporary grave until the 
atmosphere becomes clear, and his course can be determined by the sun or stars. Both 
of these methods are often resorted to by the Indians and traders when caught in snow- 
storms, where timber is not at hand, and sometimes success and sometimes failure attends 
their efforts. 
The three streams, Shyenne, Moreau, and Grand Rivers, approach so near each other 
that there is no broad stretch of level prairie between them. As we proceed west, the 
surface becomes more broken and intersected by valleys, which are clothed with excellent 
grass. In all the small streams beaver are very abundant. Grand River has the largest 
valley, is best wooded, and best stocked with game. Buffalo are found along this river 
when there are none in the country around. Elk rove in large bands through the wooded 
bottoms, and antelope are abundant upon the grass-covered hills. Many deer, both white- 
and black-tailed, are found in the valleys of the little tributaries. 
The fruits and succulent roots indigenous to this region are few but quite palatable, and 
form no small item in the bill of fare of the Indian in times of scarcity. ‘The prairie 
turnip, Psoralea esculenta, ti'-psi-na of the Dakotas, Pomme blanche of the voyageurs, is 
found everywhere on the high prairies. It may be eaten raw or boiled, and is collected 
in large quantities and dried by the Indians for winter use. It is quite farimaceous, and 
when dried and pulverized makes a very good substitute for flour, and in any form it will 
sustain life for several months without the assistance of animal food. ‘This root is also the 
favorite food of the grizzly bear. 
The wild artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus, pan'-ci, grows in great abundance along the 
marshy banks of the rivers. It is roasted or boiled, but often eaten uncooked. 
Dakota peas, Apios tuberosa, dm-a-ni/-ca, grow very abundantly in the rich valleys of 
the streams. ‘his plant has a vinelike top, and the tuberous roots form the edible por- 
tion. In the fall of the year large quantities of these tubers are collected by a species of 
field-mouse for its winter store, which is in turn robbed by the Indian squaws, who often 
secure half a bushel from a single nest. They are boiled with dried buffalo-meat, and the 
