SOUTHERN OREGON. 235 



molested by an attack from Indians, who might conceal themselves 

 from view among the rocks on the opposite side of the rapid and 

 narrow river. No attack, however, took place, as the Indians per- 

 ceived the disposition that was made to prevent it. After the party 

 had gone by and were beyond rifle-shot, they again made their ap- 

 pearance, and began to utter taunts, which were coolly listened to, 

 except by the females of Mr. Walker's family. The squaws (wives 

 of the hunters) had prepared themselves for an attack, apparently with 

 as much unconcern as their husbands. Michel La Framboise with 

 his party had been twice assaulted at this place. A few miles beyond 

 they left the banks of the Rogues' river, taking a more easterly route, 

 over a rolling prairie which is bounded by low hills, resembling the 

 scenery of the Willamette Valley. The soil, in some few places, was 

 good ; but generally gravelly and barren. On the plain, some Indians 

 were seen at a distance, on horseback, who fled like wild animals the 

 moment they discovered the party. Some of the horses began now to 

 give out, and they were obliged to abandon them. In the afternoon, 

 they encamped on Beaver creek, so named by Lieutenant Emmons, 

 from the number of those animals that were seen engaged in building 

 dams. 



An antelope was killed, which was one of four that the hunters had 

 seen ; it was of a dun and white colour, and its hair was remarkably 

 soft. The Indians take this animal by exciting its curiosity : for this 

 purpose they conceal themselves in a bush near its feeding-grounds, 

 and making a rustling noise, soon attract its attention, when it is led 

 to advance towards the place of concealment, until the arrow pierces 

 it. If there are others in company, they will frequently remain with 

 the w T ounded until they are all in like manner destroyed. This species 

 of antelope, according to the hunters, only inhabit the prairie, being 

 seldom seen even in the open wooded country. The flavour of the meal 

 was thought to be superior to that of the deer. 



A species of rabbit or hare was seen in great numbers on the high 

 prairie; their large ears had somewhat the appearance of wings. The 

 Indian mode of capturing them is by constructing a small enclosure of 

 brush, open on one side, and having a small hole through the opposite 

 side, into which they are driven. 



It was observed too that many of the pine trees had their bark 

 pierced in many places, with cylindrical holes about an inch and a half 

 deep. In some of these an acorn, with its cup end inwards, was 

 inserted, which was supposed to be the provision stored away by some 

 species of woodpecker. 



On the 28th, they advanced to the foot of the Boundary Range, 



