SOUTHERN OREGON. 
235 
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 of 
brush, open on one side, and having a small hole through the opposite 
side, into which they are driven. 
It was observed too that many of the pine trees had their bark 
pierced in many places, with cylindrical holes about an inch and a half 
deep. In some of these an acorn, with its cup end inwards, was 
inserted, which was supposed to be the provision stored aw r ay by some 
species of woodpecker. 
On the 28th, they advanced to the foot of the Boundary Range, 
