THE MONGOLIAN RACE. 



37 



with canoes, by the aid of which we crossed the Shoshonee, or great 

 southern branch of the Columbia. A similar building to the last was 

 seen a few miles below on the opposite bank; but our path soon 

 diverged from the vicinity of the river. 



On the third day, we reached the waters of the Wallawalla River, 

 at a place where we found, I think, one or more native habitations : 

 and in the evening we arrived at the Fort, which is situated a few 

 miles below the junction of the two branches of the Columbia. Various 

 games, were, as usual, going on outside; some requiring skill and 

 agility, but all apparently having gambling for their foundation; and 

 this seems to be the ' business of life' with the natives, when they are 

 encamped around the forts. 



We saw here a wagon, the first that had been driven all the way 

 from Missouri; and during our three days' stay, a White man, in the 

 service of the Company, arrived from the ' Snake Country.' We 

 also received a visit from Mr. Gray and Dr. Whitman, from the Am. 

 Mission Station, which was several miles distant. 



The multiplicity of languages in Oregon, is even greater than in 

 the Eastern part of North America, and is clearly independent of 

 peaceful relations. In this respect a striking contrast is presented 

 with Polynesia; where, in spite of the geographical isolation, a simi- 

 larity of language prevails over a wider space than in any other part 

 of the globe. 



The diversity of languages in America is a serious obstacle to 

 missionary operations ; and I have sometimes thought, it may have 

 had a very important bearing on the destiny of our aboriginal tribes. 

 When, too, it is considered that the professed interpreters seldom 

 acquire a correct knowledge of these languages, it may be questioned, 

 whether the people themselves have hitherto been fairly reached ? 



On the 4th of July, we proceeded on our journey, and crossing the 

 main Columbia, we again entered the valley of the Yakima. On the 

 following day, we crossed this river, with tlie aid of a canoe, at the 

 residence of a single family. A small canopy, hardly sufficient to 

 shelter a sheep, was found to contain four generations of human 

 beings, seated in the posture which takes up the least possible roonv? 

 They had just returned from procuring their day's subsistence, which 

 consisted of the berries of the Cornus; and the insight into aboriginal 

 life, was by no means prepossessing. Nevertheless, the attentions be- 

 stowed on the eldest of the party, showed an interesting trait in the 



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