214 Expedition to the 



bed of gravel of at least fifty yards in breadth. Crossing 

 this inhospitable tract, which appears to be occasionally delu- 

 ged with water, with the intention of passing down the op- 

 posite bank of the river, we were agreeably surprised to 

 discover a fine limpid stream of cool water, meandering 

 through a dense growth of trees and bushes, which had be- 

 fore concealed it from view. Here w emarked the Honey 

 locust [Gleditsia triacanthus'] and Button wood,] Platanus 

 occidentalism thpugh the principal growth is Cotton -wood, 

 Elm, and Ash. 



This stream of water, we believe, is known to a few hun- 

 ters, who have had an opportunity ^ visit it, by the name 

 of Little Arkansa. 



The distance of the day's journey was twenty-three miles, 

 during which but a single prairie-dog village was seen, and 

 proved to be the last one that occurred on the expedition. 

 Partridges and prairie fowls were numerous. 



15th. Much lightning occurred during the night, perva- 

 ding the eastern heavens, nearly from north to south. At the 

 distance of a mile from last night's encampment we crossed 

 a wooded ravine, and, further on, a small creek, when upon 

 looking back on our right, we saw the appearance of an In- 

 dian village, situate near the confluence of the Little Ar- 

 kansa with the river. Inspired with hope we turned to- 

 wards the spot, but on arriving there, it proved to be a large 

 hunting camp, which had probably been occupied during the 

 preceding season. It exhibited a more permanent aspect 

 than three others that occurred on our route of the three past 

 days; much bark covered the boweries, and a few pumpkins, 

 watermelons, and some maize, the seeds of which had fal- 

 len from unknown hands, were fortuitously growing as well 

 within as without the rude but frail tenements. Of the maize 

 we collected enough to furnish out a very slight but extreme- 

 ly grateful repast, and the watermelons were eaten in their 

 unripe state. 



