THE INTERIOR OF OREGON. 455 



After leaving the fort, they pursued a southerly direction, for the 

 missionary station of Chimikaine. This is called after the name of the 

 plain in which it is situated, which is translated "The Plain of Springs," 

 from the fact that, a few miles above the mission station, in the valley, 

 the streams lose themselves in the earth, and after passing under ground 

 for about five miles, burst out again in springs. 



At the time of their visit to the Kettle Falls, the Indians were em- 

 ployed in spearing the salmon, which is almost the only mode used 

 for taking them during the first of the season. In this they are very 

 expert; and to see an Indian thus engaged, is an interesting sight. 

 He stands on the edge of the foaming pool, with his spear poised and 

 pointed, his body in constant and graceful motion, and his eye intent 

 upon his object. When he discovers a fish within reach, he instantly 

 darts the spear with unerring aim, and secures his prize. 



They arrived at the station at a convenient hour, and found that the 

 two gentlemen of the mission had returned, and now united with their 

 wives in as warm a reception as the latter had given them on a former 

 occasion. 



The ladies of this mission, with some others, had travelled across 

 the Rocky Mountains from the United States. The missionaries had 

 brought cattle with them, and had been now settled here for two years. 

 I understood that their presence had been not only of much advantage 

 to the Indians, who had profited somewhat by their example, but also 

 in a greater degree to the officers of the Hudson Bay Company, by 

 affording them an opportunity of educating their children, and in- 

 structing them in the art of the dairy. 



According to Mr. Eels, the Indians are glad to have whites settle 

 among them, that they may procure by that means the " fine things" 

 which they so much covet. The conclusion they come to is, the more 

 the whites come the more they must receive. They are particularly 

 partial to the Bostons, and frequently refer back to the time when there 

 was rivalry in the trade. 



The missionaries represent the Indians as being very easily actuated 

 by impulses, and impatient of restraint; but that, though quick-tempered, 

 they are not sullen: a revengeful spirit is always discouraged, — indeed 

 it is esteemed a merit to be patient under an injury. Public opinion 

 has a very powerful influence upon them, and few savages are more 

 susceptible of ridicule, to the utterance of which their language is 

 peculiarly adapted. Although there is but little government in families, 

 still they are well behaved; and it is proverbial that they seldom quarrel 

 among themselves. Generosity and wealth are the two qualifications 

 that give most consequence ; after these, comes noble blood. 



