312 NISQUALLY AND COLUMBIA RIVER. 



usual bed of the stream is about one hundred yards wide, with a rapid 

 current: its course in this place was north-northwest, and its average 

 depth at the ford about three feet. We again ascended a similar bank 

 on the opposite side to the plain. Our route then continued through 

 most beautiful park scenery, with the prairie now and then opening to 

 view, in which many magnificent pines grew detached. The prairie 

 was covered with a profusion of flowers. 



After crossing Shute's river, in all respects similar to the Nisqually, 

 we encamped, just before night, having travelled about twenty-two 

 miles. Our tents were pitched, and fires made; but on examining our 

 alforcas,* we were reminded that we were but novices in such travel- 

 ling, for we found that all our small stores had been destroyed in fording 

 the streams, the sugar being turned into syrup, &c. This was a mishap 

 over which we had a hearty laugh; it rendered the part that was saved 

 doubly precious, and made us enjoy our evening meal. After our tents 

 were pitched, one of our servants discovered a snake in the tent, which 

 caused him much alarm ; but such a circumstance is considered so 

 common, that it excites but little or no surprise in those who have 

 travelled in Oregon. The abundance of such reptiles may be con- 

 sidered one of the characteristics of the country, and if one is not bitten 

 before the end of a journey, he may think himself fortunate. In the 

 lower country, however, there are few snakes that are venomous, and 

 the rattlesnake is rarely seen, in consequence of the wetness of the soil 

 and dampness of the climate : but in the middle section, where it is dry, 

 they are to be found in great numbers. 



Being somewhat fatigued, we all slept soundly. The guide and 

 Indians, according to the custom of the country, after rolling themselves 

 in their blankets, lay down near the fire (which continued to burn 

 brightly all night) without any shelter. In the morning we found by 

 the tracks that elk and deer had been near us, probably attracted by 

 the fire. Our horses having been hobbled, were easily procured: they 

 had not strayed, as the grass around the tents was of the most nutritious 

 kind. 



In the morning, when we resumed our journey, the park scenery 

 increased in beauty, and it was almost impossible to realize that we 

 were in a savage and wild country, and that nature, not art, had per- 

 fected the landscape. Beautiful lakes, with greensward growing to the 

 water edge, with deer feeding fearlessly on their margin, and every 

 tint of flower, many of which were not new to our gardens at home, 

 strewn in profusion around ; we could hardly, in galloping along, but 



* A kind of saddle-bag. 



