428 W A L L A \V A L L A. 



It was observed that many of the females were living under a little 

 hut at some distance from the lodges; and it vi^as ascertained that 

 women, during the menstrual period, are not allowed to remain in 

 the lodges, and are obliged to stay in huts at a distance, managing 

 the best way they can during its continuance. This custom also 

 prevailed very strictly after childbirth, and in that case continues for 

 forty days. This latter custom, however, is not so rigidly adhered to 

 by this tribe, at present, as it used to be ; but among the northern 

 tribes it is very strictly observed. 



By the 20th, Mr. Drayton had finished his drawing and sketching, 

 and obtained the necessary data for the map of the river and the 

 country surrounding this post, to which it was one of the most central, 

 and a commanding one for the protection of the country ; and as I 

 deemed that accurate information respecting it would be desirable, I 

 had directed his attention particularly to this business. The manner 

 in which this task was executed was very satisfactory, and merits my 

 warmest acknowledgments. 



In company with Mr. M'Kinley, Mr. Drayton rode to the great 

 forks of the Columbia. On reaching that place, they made their way 

 up the south branch, which is a large stream, and navigable for 

 canoes a short distance above the mouth of the Kooskooskee river. 



A remarkable phenomenon occurs on the junction of the waters 

 of the Columbia and Snake rivers. The Columbia from the north 

 brings a cold current, while the Snake from the south is warm. 

 This difference is perceived even at Wallawalla ; for the water pass- 

 incj alono' the east shore near the fort is too warm to drink, and when 

 they desire to have cool water for drinking it is brought from the 

 middle of the river by a canoe. 



On the day that Mr. Drayton was to leave Wallawalla, four men, 

 who had accompanied Mr. Ogden's brigade as far as Okonagan, 

 returned to Wallawalla on their way back to Vancouver. They 

 brou2:ht no letters from Mr. Oo:den. 



Mr. M'Kinley furnished Mr. Drayton with horses and Indian 

 guides, to return with the horses from the Dalles, and the party was 

 increased by the four voyageurs to the number of eight. By the 

 kindness of Mr. M'Kinley, and by the direction of Mr. Ogden, Mr. 

 Drayton found himself fitted with good horses and every conve- 

 nience requisite for the journey, besides a quantity of provisions. The 

 first night they encamped near the Windmill Rock, having travelled 

 a distance of thirteen miles. 



