452 INTRODUCTION. 



inclined to write to me, do so by return of mail, if pos- 

 sible, and I may get your letter before I leave this for the 

 Yellowstone. 



" The markets here abound with all the good things of 

 the land, and of nature's creation. To give you an idea 

 of this, read the following items : Grouse, two for a York 

 shilling; three chickens for the same; Turkeys, wild or 

 tame, 25 cents ; flour $2.00 a barrel ; butter, sixpence for 

 the best — fresh, and really good. Beef, 3 to 4 cents ; 

 veal, the same; pork, 2 cents; venison hams, large and 

 dried, 15 cents each; potatoes, 10 cents a bushel; Ducks, 

 three for a shilling ; Wild Geese, 10 cents each; Canvas- 

 back Ducks, a shilling a pair; vegetables for the asking, 

 as it were ; and only think, in the midst of this abundance 

 and cheapness, we are paying at the rate of $9.00 per 

 week at our hotel, the Glasgow, and at the Planters we 

 were asked $10.00. 



" I have been extremely kindly received and treated by 

 Mr. Chouteau and partners. Mr. Sire, the gentleman who 

 will command the steamer we go in, is one of the finest- 

 looking men I have seen for many a day, and the accounts 

 I hear of him correspond with his noble face and general 

 appearance." 



