388 



WALLAWALLA. 



the country, it is very hot when there is no wind. Mr. Drayton had 

 no thermometer, and therefore was unable to ascertain the exact degree 

 of heat, but any metallic substance exposed to the sun for a short time 

 could not be grasped in the hand without pain, and the men were 

 almost exhausted with the heat. 



There are a number of villages in this neighbourhood, and among 

 them Wisham, mentioned in Irving's Astoria. This is situated on 

 the left bank of the river, and its proper name is Niculuita ; Wisham 

 being the name of the old chief, long since dead. There are now in 

 this village about forty good lodges, built of split boards, with a roof 

 of cedar bark, as before described. The Indians that live here seem 

 much superior to those of the other villages; they number four 

 hundred regular inhabitants, who live, like the rest, upon salmon; 

 but they appeared to have more comforts about them than any we 

 had yet seen. 



At Niculuita Mr. Drayton obtained a drawing of a child's head that 

 had just been released from its bandages, in order to secure its flattened 

 head. Both the parents showed great delight at the success they had 

 met with in effecting this distortion. The wood-cuts give a correct 

 idea of the child's appearance. 



FRONT VIEW. 



There were from fifty to one hundred Indians constantly follow- 

 ing the brigade, and aiding the men. The price for half an hour's 

 service was generally two leaves of tobacco, which was sought after 

 with great eagerness. These Indians paint their faces with red and 

 vellow clay. Their women seemed to be of more consequence than 

 is usual among savages, and some of them even took command over 

 the men. 



At John Day's river great quantities of salmon are taken, and there 

 are, in consequence, many temporary lodges here. Notwithstanding 



