23-2 SOUTHERN OREGON. 



and so indispensable are they, that any party which sets out without 

 them would in all probability be compelled to return. 



Our gentlemen, when they left Vancouver, proceeded by the way 

 of the Hudson Bay Company's farm on Multunomah or Wapauto 

 Island, which is near the place where Captain Wyeth had erected 

 his fort. They then crossed the river and went towards the Faulitz 

 Plains, passing on their route a large grazing farm belonging to the 

 Company, and those of many settlers. From these they were sup- 

 plied with fresh horses. They found the country beautiful, and the 

 land rich. Their route lay over hills and through prairies. The 

 hills were wooded with large pines and a thick undergrowth of rose- 

 bushes, Rubus, Dogwood, and Hazel. The prairies were covered 

 with variegated flowers, and abounded in Nuttallia, Columbines, 

 Larkspurs, and bulbous-rooted plants, which added to the beauty, as 

 well as to the novelty of the scenery. 



Some sickness had made its appearance among the members of the 

 party. Messrs. Emmons, Peale, Rich, and Agate, all had attacks of 

 ague and fever, and the two last-named gentlemen suffered much 

 from this disease. Dr. Whittle ascribed these attacks to the length 

 of time, nearly five weeks, during which they had been encamped 

 on the Willamette, and particularly to the position of the camp, 

 immediately on the bank of the river, where it was subject to the 

 damp and fogs. 



When the party set out, new difficulties arose from the fact that 

 the horses had for some time been unused to saddles or packs, and 

 from the awkwardness of the riders. Corporal Hughes of the marines, 

 one of the party, was thrown from his horse, which took fright at 

 some wild animals ci-ossing his path. The pack-horses were missing, 

 and caused much difficulty in hunting them up ; one, when found, 

 had waded into a creek with pack and all, and stood there with only 

 his head out of water. At this an old hunter became enraged, and 

 springing into the water, thrust his thumb into the horse's eye ; the 

 pain of which treatment caused the animal to leap up the opposite 

 bank with great agility, leaving part of his load behind. The part 

 thus left proved to be the medicines prepared for the party ; but these 

 were recovered, and being in phials were not materially injured. On 

 reaching the first encampment, Smith the marine and his horse were 

 both missing: to guide him, guns were fired during the night; but he 

 did not make his appearance. In the morning, parties were sent in 



