250 SOUTHERN OREGON. 



the path came within the reach of their arrows. The party now had 

 strong reason for apprehending an attack; Lieutenant Emmons, there- 

 fore, took such precautions as were necessary to clear the path from 

 any dangers, by throwing a detachment on foot in advance of the 

 main party. Here the high perpendicular bank confined the path to 

 very narrow limits, rendering a passing party liable to be seriously 

 molested by an attack from Indians, who might conceal themselves 

 from view among the rocks on the opposite side of the rapid and 

 narrow river. No attack, however, took place, as the Indians per- 

 ceived the disposition that was made to prevent it. After the party 

 had gone by and were beyond rifle-shot, they again made their ap- 

 pearance, and began to utter taunts, which were coolly listened to, 

 except by the females of Mr. Walker's family. The squaws (wives 

 of the hunters) had prepared themselves for an attack, apparently with 

 as much unconcern as their husbands. Michel La Framboise with 

 his party had been twice assaulted at this place. A few miles beyond 

 they left the banks of the Rogues' river, taking a more easterly route, 

 over a rolling prairie which is bounded by low hills, resembling the 

 scenery of the Willamette Valley. The soil, in some few places, was 

 good ; but generally gravelly and barren. On the plain, some Indians 

 were seen at a distance, on horseback, who fled like wild animals the 

 moment they discovered the party. Some of the horses began now to 

 give out, and they were obliged to abandon them. In the afternoon, 

 they encamped on Beaver creek, so named by Lieutenant Emmons, 

 from the number of those animals that were seen engaged in building 

 dams. 



An antelope was killed, which was one of four that the hunters had 

 seen ; it was of a dun and white colour, and its hair was remarkably 

 soft. The Indians take this animal by exciting its curiosity : for this 

 purpose they conceal themselves in a bush near its feeding-grounds, 

 and making a rustling noise, soon attract its attention, when it is led 

 to advance towards the place of concealment, until the arrow pierces 

 it. If there are others in company, they will frequently remain with 

 the wounded until they are all in like manner destroyed. This 

 species of antelope, according to the hunters, only inhabit the prairie, 

 being seldom seen even in the open wooded country. The flavour of 

 the meat was thought to be superior to that of the deer. 



A species of rabbit or hare was seen in great numbers on the high 

 prairie ; their large ears had somewhat the appearance of wings. The 

 Indian mode of capturing them is by constructing a small enclosure 



