186 NARRATIVE OF 1853. 
rock from within 300 feet of their summits, which were covered with snow; and snow banks 
were also found on the north side of many hills. It is to be regretted that Mr. Doty did not 
continue on, and ascertain where the trail issued on the western side of the mountains, 
This is the true Marias Pass, described by the Little Dog to me at Fort Benton in Septem- 
ber, 1853, and formerly used by the Indians in crossing the mountains. 7 
From here he moved off toward the southeast, directly for Fort Benton, by the valley of the 
Teton river. The country now became a vast plain, descending towards the east, the soil of 
inferior quality, and the dry vegetation indicated the change in the climate observed in going 
over these high, dry plains towards the Missouri. At the same time, heavy showers were 
occurring in the mountains; but two passed over him, giving only a few drops of rain, though 
the thunder and lightning were terrific. But on June 13, twenty-five miles from the moun- 
tains, a severe storm of rain and hail fell in torrents, covering the valley of the Teton to the 
depth of four inches. This portion of the valley he describes as of no use for farming pur- 
poses, and the yearly fires will soon consume every stick of wood. 
Here is the hill, some two hundred feet high and perfectly resembling a woman’s breast, 
from which the river derives its name, called by the Blackfeet Mone-e-kis. This hill is visible 
from a long distance. 
Below this point the valley, for more than 125 miles to Fort Benton, was well timbered with 
cotton-wood, covered with luxuriant grass in the bottoms, and the soil appeared rich, being still 
very soft from recent heavy rains. At the middle of J une vegetation was in its highest state 
of perfection, the ground covered with brilliant flowers of the cactus and lily, and the air 
perfumed with the scent of roses, : 
Mr. Doty reached Fort Benton June 19, and found the Missouri full, nearly level with its 
banks, which appeared like a mighty stream in comparison with the little streams he had crossed. 
The general results of his reconnoissance were a thorough exploration of the Missouri, along 
the base of the Rocky mountains, to the parallel of 49° 30’, carrying a correct odometer 
measurement to the boundary; discovering the sources of the Sun river, Breast river, Marias 
river, Milk river, and their branches, and also Mo-ka-un, or Belly river of the north, and their 
general characteristics ; ascertaining the existence of a large body of agricultural land, and 
proper localities for farms, and the general capabilities of the country for settlement, and col- 
lecting specimens in geology, natural history, and botany. Three hundred and twenty varieties 
of flowers, many of which, it is believed, are new to the botanist, were collected and care- 
fully preserved. The barometrical observations were continued as far as Badger river, when 
the barometer was broken. Observations were taken for latitude, and the distances ascertained 
by the odometer. Unfortunately the specimens were not forwarded down the Missouri, as di- 
rected by Mr. Doty, and on my return to Fort Benton all the botanical specimens were moulded | 
and useless. 
Mr. Doty now remained at Fort Benton till the 8th of July, when, with Mr. Burr, who had 
brought him my instructions, transmitted through Lieutenant Mullan, to remain in the country 
чш further orders, and with two men, he started on a trip to the Bitter Root valley. Follow- 
ing the trail pursued by me in 1853, till 
course to Lewis and Clark’ 
, till he came upon my trail again, some 121 miles west of Cadotte's 
8 trail to Fort Owen, except that seven miles before reaching the 
lower сайоп of the Big Blackfoot he turned to the left, and in six miles crossed that river, and 
