THE INTERIOR OF OREGON. 493 



the Cascade Range on the west. Both of these are constantly covered 

 with snow, notwithstanding which, the climate is said not to be 

 remarkably severe. Snow, however, lies on the ground from No- 

 vember till April or May, and on an average six feet deep. From 

 the end of May till the beginning of September, fires can be dispensed 

 with ; for the rest of the year, they are necessary. 



There are many spots of fertile land along the rivers, but the early 

 frosts are a great obstacle to agriculture. Potatoes, turnips, wheat, 

 and barley, are, however, raised at Fort Alexandria and Fort George; 

 but at the more northern, as St. James, Babine, and Fraser's, only the 

 two former vegetables can be cultivated. Cattle are now in consi- 

 derable numbers at most of the posts. 



On the 19th, Lieutenant Johnson was prepared to depart, with his 

 party, having recruited his horses and mended his accoutrements. 

 The kindness of Messrs. M'Donald and Maxwell supplied all their 

 wants, and enabled the party to leave Colville in a better state than 

 they had originally departed from Nisqually. 



To these gentlemen my thanks are especially due for their atten- 

 tions to the officers, who all spoke in high terms of the kindness they 

 received. After their departure, they found that the ladies of the 

 establishment had been equally mindful of their comforts, in not only 

 filling their haversacks, but in supplying them with moccasins. 



The latitude was ascertained, by observations at the fort, to be 48° 

 36' 16" N., longitude 118° 04' 00" W. 



After leaving the fort, they pursued a southerly direction, for the 

 missionary station of Chimikaine. This is called after the name of 

 the plain in which it is situated, which is translated " The Plain of 

 Springs," from the fact that, a few miles above the mission station, in 

 the valley, the streams lose themselves in the earth, and after passing 

 under ground for about five miles, burst out again in springs. 



At the time of their visit to the Kettle Falls, the Indians were em- 

 ployed in spearing the salmon, which is almost the only mode used 

 for taking them during the first of the season. In this they are very 

 expert ; and to see an Indian thus engaged, is an interesting sight. 

 He stands on the edge of the foaming pool, with his spear poised and 

 pointed, his body in constant and graceful motion, and his eye intent 

 upon his object. When he discovers a fish within reach, he instantly 

 darts the spear with unerring aim, and secures his prize. 



They arrived at the station at a convenient hour, and found that 

 the two gentlemen of the mission had returned, and now united with 



