44 HEALTH OF THE ANIMALS,, 



the base of the lofty escarpments of red clay and sandstone which ter- 

 minate the valley upon the north side. 



Soon after we started it commenced raining violently, and has con- 

 tinued incessantly throughout the day. It has raised the water in the 

 river about twelve inches, so that now the entire bed is covered. In 

 consequence of the rain we made an early encampment upon the south 

 bank of the river. 



The country upon each side of the river along where we have passed 

 to-day has been much broken up into deep gorges and precipitous 

 ridges, which are wholly impassable for wagons ; and the features of 

 the country adjoining have assumed a desert character. With the 

 exception of a narrow strip of land forming the river bottom, no arable 

 soil can be seen, and no timber is found except a few stunted cotton- 

 woods directly upon the river-banks. Several varieties of the wild sensi- 

 tive plant, and especially the Schrankia angustata, are found everywhere 

 throughout this section, and the atmosphere is redolent with the de- 

 lightful perfume which is emitted from their blossoms. 



Having traced this branch of the river to its source, and satisfied my- 

 self, from the portion that we have passed over, as to its general physi- 

 cal and topographical features, I have resolved to leave it at this point, 

 and taking a southerly course, shall endeavor to make our way to the 

 south branch of the river. I think the remainder of the time we have 

 at our disposal can be more profitably occupied in exploring the coun- 

 try along the borders of that stream than in any other way. 



We shall set out with a supply of water and wood sufficient for three 

 days ; and we hope, before that time expires to find ourselves upon the 

 waters of the south branch. Our animals that were poor when we left 

 the settlements, are at this time in most excellent condition ; and if we 

 continue to find water and grass as abundant as we have done, we shall 

 take them home in much better plight than they were at the com- 

 mencement of our journey. 



Thus far we have been most singularly fortunate in not losing even 

 an animal by death or straying away ; and, indeed, we have been much 

 favored in every respect. The command have generally been in fine 

 health and spirits, and with the exception of two cases of scurvy that 

 originated before our departure from Fort Belknap, we have had no 

 sickness worth mentioning. 



June 24. — We were in motion at a very early hour this morning, 

 and taking a southerly course directly at right angles to the river, we 

 soon became involved in a labyrinth of barren sand hills, in which we 

 travelled some fourteen miles before we emerged upon a high ridge, 



