132 NOTES TAKEN. 
deep running stream, filled with catfish, gar and soft turtles. 
’ We also found a number of large specimens of the pearl 
muscle, a beautiful and singular bivalve, which, I have no 
doubt, would make an excellert substitite for the costly , 
mother of pearl. 
During the day, we were recalled to home and civilization, 
by passing through at least an acre of wild rye, looking just 
ready for the sickle, an incident which could not fail to make 
its impression upon us in this remote spot. 
‘With a pleasant bath, and a hearty supper of catfish-and 
coffee, we relished our evening in camp more than ever, our 
anxiety about water, being removed for the present, which 
with our thirsty family was no small relief. 
July 22d.—I spoke of the stream upon which we were now 
encamped, as a running stream, and to explain. What is 
called river, creek, or rivulet, in this country, and at this 
season, refers to the course of the stream, not one in fifty 
having any water in it, except where the rain-water accu- 
mulates in holes in the bed, or some tiny spring trickles out 
from the bank, no wonder then at the anxiety of the traveller. 
In the rainy season, the contrary, from the water marks, 
must be the case, and doubtless then the country is impass- 
able, as it is intersected by dry beds of streams in every 
direction. 
We had enough, and to spare, at this camp, and so halted 
for the day, until our wagons could be re-tired and prepared 
for future work. The effect of the atmosphere upon wood of 
