baker.] REPORT BY PARKE, 1859. 71 
On reaching the valleys of the Similkameen and Okinakane we were 
met by our additional escort, under the command of Captain Archer, 
United States army. I take great pleasure in acknowledging my 
obligations for the timely and valuable assistance rendered us by him- 
self and officers of his command. 
Preparations arc now making at this place to winter the several 
parties on their return from the field. A great abundance of material 
for building quarters is found directly at hand. A supply of pro- 
visions has been procured. 
The winters of this region are reported to be very severe on ani- 
mals, the snow falling to a great depth. We have laid in a good 
stock of hay, and, by erecting temporary shelter, we have little fears 
of losing an} r of our mules. 
Our work during the next season will extend from the Columbia 
river to the Rocky mountains. From careful inquiry, the entire dis- 
tance is represented as mountainous and timbered, excepting perhaps 
a short stretch in the valley of the Kootenay, near the base of the 
Rocky mountains. In this valley the Hudson's Bay Company have a 
trading post near to the parallel. This post is supplied from Fort 
Colville, and the company's trail to that point will no doubt be of 
great service to us in sending parties to the line, particularly to those 
stations close to the Rocky mountains. 
In reference to the mode or order of proceeding with the astronom- 
ical stations during the next season, I would respectfully suggest that 
we be allowed to proceed directly to the extreme eastern stations, so 
that on the melting of the snows, we will be able to complete those, 
and retire in good season, leaving these nearer this depot for the last. 
By following this plan we will have less difficulty in falling back on 
this place, in the event of any great detention or delay from rugged- 
ness of country and swollen streams, or even should the winter set in 
before the completion of the work. It is confidently expected, how- 
ever, that we will be able to complete all of the astronomical stations 
during the next season. Mr. Gibbs is at present making a reconnois- 
sance of the trail in the direction of the Kootenay. This will enable 
us to commence in the early spring with a working party on this 
route. It is believed that we will have to build bridges and make flat- 
boats for ferrying Clarke's Fork (Pend d'Oreille) and one of its tribu- 
taries, besides much cutting and corduroying. 
Before closing this report I take great pleasure in again commend- 
ing to you the great zeal and devotion to duty evinced by the assistant 
astronomer and surveyor, and the several assistants engaged upon the 
work; and I am happy to say that the amount of work accomplished 
during the season has quite equalled the highest estimates. 
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
John G. Parke, 
Lieut. Corp* Toj>. Eng**, Chief Astrortr and Surtfr. 
