170 AUDUBON 



inches. Found a new species of large bean in the Wild 

 Turkey. Mosquitoes rather troublesome. The sun shining 

 by eight o'clock, and we hope for a good dry day. Whip- 

 poor-wills heard last night, and Night-hawks seen flying. 

 Saw a Long-tailed Squirrel that ran on the shore at the 

 cry of our Badger. Michaux had the boat landed to bring 

 on a superb set of Elk-horns that he secured last week. 

 Abundance of Geese and Ducks. Weather clouding over 

 again, and at two we were struck by a heavy gale of wind, 

 and were obliged to land on the weather shore ; the wind 

 continued heavy, and the motion of the boat was too much 

 for me, so I slipped on shore and with Michaux made a 

 good camp, where we rolled ourselves in our blankets and 

 slept soundly. 



Sunday, October 1. The wind changed, and lulled before 

 morning, so we left at a quarter past six. The skies looked 

 rather better, nevertheless we had several showers. Passed 

 the [Big] Sioux River at twenty minutes past eleven. 

 Heard a Pileated Woodpecker, and saw Fish Crows. Geese 

 very abundant. Landed below the Sioux River to shoot 

 Turkeys, having seen a large male on the bluffs. Bell 

 killed a hen, and Harris two young birds; these will keep 

 us going some days. Stopped again by the wind opposite 

 Floyd's grave ; started again and ran about four miles, 

 when we were obliged to land in a rascally place at twelve 

 o'clock. Had hail and rain at intervals. Camped at the 

 mouth of the Omaha River, six miles from the village. 

 The wild Geese are innumerable. The wind has ceased 

 and stars are shining. 



Monday, 2d. Beautiful but cold. The water has risen 

 nine inches, and we travel well. Started early. Stopped 

 at eight by the wind at a vile place, but plenty of Jerusalem 

 artichokes, which we tried and found very good. Started 

 again at three, and made a good run till sundown, when 

 we found a fair camping-place and made our supper from 

 excellent young Geese. 



