218 
SOUTHERN OREGON. 
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 Wapautoo 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 supplied 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 bul¬ 
bous-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 fength 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 crossing 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 spring¬ 
ing 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 reach¬ 
ing 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 search 
of him and the pack-animals. In the afternoon, the marine made his 
appearance, without any other loss than the ramrod of his musket; he 
had passed the night in the woods. This same man, a day or two 
after, reported to Lieutenant Emmons that he had lost his riding- 
