140 COLUMBIA RIVER. 



The Indians in this portion of the country are not numerous. 

 The region at the head of Puget Sound is inhabited by a tribe 

 called the Toandos, whose number Mr. Eld was unable to learn. 

 The Sachals are about forty in number : they reside about the lake 

 of the same name, and along the river Chickeeles : they appear 

 to be a kind and inoffensive tribe. The Sachap tribe numbers 

 about sixty : they are not as well off for clothing as the former, 

 and few of them were supplied with fire-arms ; they reside on the 

 borders of the Sachap river. The Chickeeles tribe number from 

 one hundred and fifty to two hundred, and inhabit the country 

 around Gray's Harbour : their principal place of abode is on the 

 north point of Gray's Harbour, which is generally occupied by those 

 passing to and fro, and where they await fine weather. Mr. Eld 

 found this tribe supplied with good muskets, blankets, and knives : 

 they paint their faces, and have altogether a warlike appearance. 

 At one time during the stay of the party they were disposed to 

 be troublesome, but the party being constantly on the watch, to 

 protect themselves, remained unmolested, though occasionally an- 

 noyed at the disposition evinced to take advantage of any over- 

 sight. The chief of this tribe is spoken of by the party in very 

 high terms, for his kindness to them. He seemed mortified at the 

 events which occurred, and took much pains to keep his people in 

 order. In this, notwithstanding he possessed little authority among 

 his tribe, he succeeded, although with difficulty. As a proof of his 

 good intentions, he invariably returned all the signals the others had 

 stolen. 



This tribe lives principally on salmon, which they take during the 

 season in vast quantities, and the fish are said to be as fine as those 

 taken in the Columbia. On the Chickeeles, and in its branches, are 

 many of the weirs and stakes that have been already described. 

 Sturgeon are also taken in great numbers, and of a superior 

 quality. 



It may be inferred from their seldom receiving any supplies of 

 venison through the Indians, or meeting with any themselves, that 

 there is but little game in this part of the country. 



They shot a few grouse, some wild geese were seen, and the mud- 

 flats were covered with white gulls in immense numbers, among 

 which were a few pelicans. 



The amusements of the Indians, and the manner of lounging 



