[174 J : 152 
Frequently, during the day, clouds had rested on the summits of their lofty 
mountains, and we believed that we should find clear streams and springs 
of fresh water ; and we indulged in anticipations of the luxurious repasts 
with which we were to indemnify ourselves for past privations. Neither, 
in our discussions, were the whirlpool and other mysterious dangers forgot- 
ten, which Indian and hunter’s stories attributed to this unexplored lake. 
The men had discovered that, instead of being strongly sewed (like that of 
the preceding year, which had so triumphantly rode the eafions of the Up- 
per Great Platte, ) our present boat was only pasted together in a very inse- 
cure manner, the maker having been allowed so little time in the construc- 
tion, that he was obliged to crowd the labor of two months into several 
days. The insecurity of the boat was sensibly felt by us; and, min 
with the enthusiasm and excitement that we all felt at the prospect of an 
undertaking which had never before been accomplished, was a certain im- 
pression of danger, sufficient to give a serious character t ti 
The momentary view which bad been had of the lake the day before, its 
great extent and Tugeed islands, dimly seen amidst the dark waters in the 
curity of the sudden storm, were well calculated to heighten the idea 
ined danger with which the lake was generally associated. — 
CPOaAtIvil. 
September 8:—A calm, clear day, with a sunrise temperature of 41°. 
In view of our present enterprise, a part of the equipment of the boat bad. 
been made to consist in three air- tightbags, about three feet long, and ea- 
_—~ipat le each of containing e. een filled with water 
_ the night before, and were now placed in the boat, with our blankets and 
t , consisting of a si it, telescope, spy glass, thermometer, and 
. 
at 
