218 SOUTHERN OREGON. 



so indispensable are they, that any party which sets out without them 

 would in all probability be compelled to return. 



Our gentlemen, when they left Vancouver, proceeded by the way of 

 the Hudson Bay Company's farm on Multunomah or VVapautoo Island, 

 which is near the place where Captain Wyeth had erected his fort. 

 They then crossed the river and went towards the Faulitz Plains, 

 passing on their route a large grazing farm belonging to the Company, 

 and those of many settlers. From these they were supplied with fresh 

 horses. They found the country beautiful, and the land rich. Their 

 route lay over hills and through prairies. The hills were wooded 

 with large pines and a thick undergrowth of rose-bushes, Rubus, 

 Dogwood, and Hazel. The prairies were covered with variegated 

 flowers, and abounded in Nuttallia, Columbines, Larkspurs, and bul- 

 bous-rooted plants, which added to the beauty, as well as to the novelty 

 of the scenery. 



Some sickness had made its appearance among the members of the 

 party. Messrs. Emmons, Peale, Rich, and Agate, all had attacks of 

 ague and fever, and the two last-named gentlemen suffered much from 

 this disease. Dr. Whittle ascribed these attacks to the length of time, 

 nearly five weeks, during which they had been encamped on the 

 Willamette, and particularly to the position of the camp, immediately 

 on the bank of the river, where it was subject to the damp and fogs. 



When the party set out, new difficulties arose from the fact that the 

 horses had for some time been unused to saddles or packs, and from 

 the awkwardness of the riders. Corporal Hughes of the marines, one 

 of the party, was thrown from his horse, which took fright at some 

 wild animals crossing his path. The pack-horses were missing, and 

 caused much difficulty in hunting them up ; one, when found, had 

 waded into a creek with pack and all, and stood there with only his 

 head out of water. At this an old hunter became enraged, and spring- 

 ing into the water, thrust his thumb into the horse's eye; the pain of 

 which treatment caused the animal to leap up the opposite bank with 

 great agility, leaving part of his load behind. The part thus left 

 proved to be the medicines prepared for the party ; but these were 

 recovered, and being in phials were not materially injured. On reach- 

 ing the first encampment, Smith the marine and his horse were both 

 missing: to guide him, guns were fired during the night; but he did 

 not make his appearance. In the morning, parties were sent in search 

 of him and the pack-animals. In the afternoon, the marine made his 

 appearance, without any other loss than the ramrod of his musket; he 

 had passed the night in the woods. This same man, a day or two 

 after, reported to Lieutenant Emmons that he had lost his riding- 



