472 INDIAN TRIBES OF 



tained, in confirmation of this opinion, that they both speak the same 

 language. The hunters report, that the proper country of the Snakes 

 is to the east of the Youta Lake, and north of the Snake or Lewis 

 river; but they are found in many detached places. The largest band 

 is located near Fort Boise, on the Snake river, to the north of the 

 Bonacks. The Snakes have horses and fire-arms, and derive their 

 subsistence both from the chase and from fishing. There are other 

 bands of them, to the north of the Bonacks, who have no horses, and 

 live on acorns and roots, their only arms being bows and arrows. In 

 consequence of the mode of gaining their subsistence, they are called 

 « Diggers," and are looked upon with great contempt. 



The Crows inhabit the country between the Wind River Mountains 

 and the Platte ; and are represented as not so hostile at present to the 

 whites as the Blackfeet. The former are much the most shrewd and 

 intelligent of the Indian tribes, and keep up a continual war with the 

 Blackfeet and Snakes. The battle-ground of these three nations is 

 about the head waters of the Platte, Green, and Snake rivers, or in the 

 vicinity of Fremont's South Pass. Their proper, or Indian name, is 

 " Upsaroka." 



The Bonacks resemble the Snakes in their character and habits. 

 They inhabit the country between Fort Boise and Fort Hall, and are 

 considered as a braver people than the Snakes, with whom they 

 are occasionally at war; but their particular enemy is the tribe of 

 Cayuses. 



The Sampiches are a tribe wandering over the desert south of the 

 Youta Lake. Their language is said to be allied to that of the Snakes, 

 and their habits to those of the " Diggers," or poorer Snakes. 



The Youtas inhabit the country between the Snake and Green 

 rivers. These also resemble the " Diggers" in appearance and mode 

 of life, although their language is by some thought to be peculiar. 



The barren country between the Youta Lake and the Californian 

 range of mountains, is thinly inhabited by Indians, speaking the same 

 language as the Bonacks. Mr. Newell, of the Willamette, has known 

 Indians of these tribes acquainted with individuals of the Bonacks. 



Southwest of the Youta Lake live a tribe who are known by the 

 name of the Monkey Indians ; a term which is not a mark of contempt, 

 but is supposed to be a corruption of their name. They are said to 

 differ remarkably from the other natives of this country ; and the 

 description of them has the air of romance, though it appears to be well 

 substantiated by persons who have travelled in the direction of their 

 country. But few have seen them, except the hunters of Mr. Walker's 

 party who were with Captain Bonneville. They are reported to live 



