COLUMBIA RIVER. 



155 



ment, and a pastime in which they very frequently indulge; many of 

 these masks are represented with the spoon-lip. As this ornament 





MASKS OF THE NORTHWEST INDIAN'S. 



belongs to the female sex, they also engage in the diversion. Some 

 of the masks are sufficiently hideous, while others are carved with 

 skill : they use the soft pine for this purpose. The wood is variously 

 stained with red, black, and yellow marks. The two of these 

 represented in the engraving will give a good idea of those that 

 are the best executed. The pipes, saucers, &c, are usually carved 

 from clay. 



PIPES OF THE NORTHWEST INDIANS. 



The survey we finished by the morning of the 10th October, when 

 we again reached Baker's Bay, and being determined to lose no time, 

 we made the attempt to pass the bar : though we succeeded in doing 

 so, I am satisfied it was at great risk ; for, as I have been told is fre- 

 quently the case, the wind failed us just at the most critical point, 

 and rendered it doubtful if we should pass. Our situation was 

 dangerous, and a vessel of any other class must have been wrecked. 

 For at least twenty minutes I was in doubt whether we could effect 

 our object ; but by the use of sweeps we accomplished it, principally 

 through the exertions of the extra men, belonging to the surveying 

 boats, whom we had on board. 



The Oregon was the only vessel in sight ; and when I boarded her, 

 I learned that they had not seen the Porpoise for three days. The 



