The Sac-a commis is the groth of high dry Situations, and invariably in

a piney Country, or on its borders; it is Generally found in the open

piney woodlands as on the Western Side of the Rocky mountains but in

this neighbourhood we find it in the praries or on the borders in the

more open woodland's; a very rich Soil is not absolutely necessary, as

a meager one frequently produces it abundantly. the nativs on the West

side of the Rocky mountains who can precure this berry invariably use

it; to me it is a very tasteless and insipid frute. This Shrub is an

evergreen, the leaves retain their virdue most perfectly throughout the

winter even in the most rigid climate as on Lake Winnipic. the root of

this shrub puts foth a great number of Stems, which seperate near the

surface of the ground; each Stem from the size of a Small quill, to

that of a mans finger. These are much branched forming an accute angle

with the Stem, and all more properly procumbent than crossing, for

altho it sometimes puts foth radicles from the Stems and branches which

Strike obliquely into the ground, those radicles are by no means

general, equable in their distances from each other nor do they appear

to be calculated to furnish nutriment to the plant but rather to hold

the Stem or branch in its place. the bark is formed of several thin

layers of a Smothe thin brittle substance of a redish brown colour

easily seperated from the woody Stem in flakes. the leaves with respect

to their possition are scatter'd yet closely arranged near the

extremities of the twigs particularly. the leaves are about 3/4 of an

inch in length and about half that in width, is oval but obtusely

pointed, absolutely entire, thick, Smoth, firm, a deep green and

slightly grooved. the leaf is Supported by a Small footstalk of

preportionable length. the berry is attached in an irregular and

Scattered manner to the Small boughs among the leaves, tho frequently

Closely arranged, but always Supported by a Seperate Short and Small

peduncles, the incersion of which produces a Small concavity in the

berry while its opposit side is Slightly convex; the form of the berry

is a Spheroid, the Shorter diameter being in a line with the peduncle

or Stem-. this berry is a pericarp the outer Coat of which is a thin

firm tough pellicle, the inner part consists of dry mealy powder of a

yellowish white colour invelloping from four to six propotionably large

hard light brown seeds each in the form of section of a spheroid which

figure they form when united, and are distitute of any membranous

covering.--the colour of this fruit is a fine scarlet. the nativs

usually eat them without any preparation. the fruit ripens in September

and remains on the bushes all winter. the frost appears to take no

effects on it. these berries are Sometimes gathered and hung in their

houses in bags where they dry without further trouble, for in their

succulent State they appear to be almost as dry as flour.

[Lewis, January 31, 1806]

Saturday January 31st 1806.

Sent a party of eight men up the river this morning to renew their

surch for the Elk and also to hunt; they proceded but a few miles

before they found the river so obstructed with ice that they were

obliged to return. Joseph Fields arrived this evening, informed us that

he had been hunting in company with Gibson and Willard for the last

five days in order to obtain some meat for himself and the other Salt

makers, and that he had been unsuccessfull untill yesday evening when

he had fortunately killed two Elk, about six miles distant from this

place and about 8 from the salt works; he left Gibson and Willard to

dry the meat of these Elk and had come for the assistance of some men

to carry the meat to the salt camp; for this purpose we ordered four

men to accompany him early in the morning. discovered that McNeal had

the pox, gave him medecine. Charbono found a bird dead lying near the

fort this morning and brought it to me I immediately recognized it to

be of the same kind of that which I had seen in the Rocky mountains on

the morning of the 20th of September last. this bird is about the size

as near as may be of the robbin. it's contour also is precisely the

same with that bird. it measures one foot 31/4 Inches from tip to tip

of the wings when extended. 91/4 inches from the extremity of the beak

to that of the tail. the tail is 33/4 inches in length, and composed of

eleven feathers of the same length. The beak is smoth, black, convex

and cultrated; one and 1/8 inches from the point to the opening of the

chaps and 3/4 only uncovered with feathers; the upper chap exceeds the

other a little in length. a few small black hairs garnish the sides of

the base of the upper chap. the eye is of a uniform deep sea green or

black, moderately large. it's legs feet and tallons are white; the legs

are an inch and a 1/4 in length and smoth; four toes on each foot, of

which that in front is the same length with the leg including the

length of the tallon, which is 4 lines; the three remaining toes are

3/4 of an inch, each armed with proportionably long tallons. the toes

are slightly imbricated. the tallons are curved and sharply pointed.

The crown of the head from the beak back to the neck, the back of the

neck imbracing reather more than half the circumpherence of the neck,

the back and tale, are of bluish dark brown; the two outer feathers of

the tale have a little dash of white near their tips not percemtible

when the tail is foalded. a fine black forms the ground of the wings;

two stripes of the same colour pass on either side of the head from the

base of the beak along the side of the head to it's junction with the

neck, and imbraces the eye to it's upper edge; a third stripe of the

same colour 3/4 of an inch in width passes from the sides of the neck

just above the butts of the wings across the croop in the form of a

gorget. the throat or under part of the neck brest and belly is of a

fine yellowish brick red. a narrow stripe of this colour also commences

just above the center of each eye, and extends backwards to the neck as

far as the black stripe reaches before discribed, to which, it appears

to answer as a border. the feathers which form the 1st and second

ranges of the coverts of the two joints of the wing next the body, are

beautifully tiped with this brick red; as is also each large feather of

the wing on the short side of it's plumage for 1/2 an inch in length

commening at the extremity of the feathers which form the first or main

covert of the wing. this is a beatifull little bird. I have never heard

it's note it appears to be silent. it feeds on berries, and I beleive

is a rare bird even in this country, or at least this is the second

time only that I have seen it.--between the legs of this bird the

feathers are white, and those which form the tuft underneath the tail

are a mixture of white and a brick red.

[Clark, January 31, 1806]

Friday January 31st 1806

Sent a party of Eight men with the hunters to renew their Serch for the

Elk, and also to hunt; they proceeded but a fiew miles before they

found the river So obstructed with ice that they were obliged to

return. Jo. Field arrives this evening, informs us That he had been

hunting in Company with gibson and willard for the last four days in

order to obtain some meat for himself and the other Salt-makers, and

that he had been unsucksessfull untill yesterday evening when he had

fortunately killed two Elk, about six miles distant from this place and

about 8 from the Salt works; he left gibson and willard to dry the meat

of those Elk, and had come for assistance to carry the meat to the Salt

Camp; for this purpose we ordered four men to accompany him early in

the morning. discovered that McNeal had the pox, gave him medicine.

Chabono found a bird dead lying near the Fort this morning and brought

it in, I reconized it to be the Same kind of that which I had Seen in

the Rocky Mountains at severl different times. this berd is about the

Size as near as may be of the robin. it's contour is also presisely the

Same with that bird. it measured one foot 3/4 inches from tip to tip of

the wings when extended. 91/4 inches from the extremity of the beak to

that of the tail. the tail is 33/4 inches in length, and Composed of 11

feathers of the Same length. The beak is Smoth, black, convex and

cultrated; 1 1/8 inchs from the point to the opening of the Chaps and

3/4 only uncovered with feathers, the upper Chap exceeds the other a

little in length. a fiew Small black hairs garnish the Side of the

upper chap. The Eye is of a uniform deep Sea green or black, moderately

large. it's legs feet and tallants are white; the legs are of 11/4 in

length and Smoth; four toes on each foot, of which that in front is the

Same length of the leg including the tallants, which is 4 lines; the 3

remaining toes are 3/4 of an inch, each armed with proportianably large

tallons. the toes are Slightly imbricated. the tallons are curved and

Sharply pointed. The Crown of the head from the beak back to the neck

imbracing rather more than half the circumphrence of the neck, the Back

and tail is of a bluish dark brown; the two outer feathers of the tail

have a little dash of white near the tips, not proceivable when the

tail is foalded. a fine black forms the ground of the wings; two

Stripes of the same colour passes on either side of the Head from the

base of the Back along the Side of the head to it's junction with the

neck, and embraces the eye to its upper edge; a third Stripe of the

Same Colour 3/4 of an inch in width passes from the Side of the neck

just above the buts of the wings across the troop in the form of a

gorget. the throat or under part of the neck brest and belly is of a

fine Yellowish brick red. a narrow Stripe of this Colour also Commences

just above the center of each eye, and extends backwards to the Neck as

far as the black Spots reaches before discribed, to which it appears to

answer as a border. the feathers which form the 1st and Second range of

the coverts of the two joints of the wings next the body are butifully

aped with this Brick red; as is also each large feather of the wing on

the Short Side of its plumage for 1/2 an inch in length Comencing at

the extremity of the feather which form the first or main Covert of the

wing. This is a butifull little bird. I have never herd its notes it

appears to be Silent. it feeds on berries, and I believe is a rare bird

even in this country-. between the legs of this bird the feathers are

white, and those which form the tuft underneath the tail are a mixture

of white and Brick red.

[Lewis, February 1, 1806]

Saturday February 1st 1806.

This morning a party of four men set out with Joseph Fields; Sergt.

Gass with a party of five men again set out up the Netul river in surch

of the Elk which had been killed some days since, and which could not

be found in consequence of the snow. The Canoes of the natives

inhabiting the lower portion of the Columbia River make their canoes

remarkably neat light and well addapted for riding high waves. I have

seen the natives near the coast riding waves in these canoes with

safety and apparently without concern where I should have thought it

impossible for any vessel of the same size to lived a minute. they are

built of whitecedar or Arborvita generally, but sometimes of the firr.

they are cut out of a solid stick of timber, the gunwals at the upper

edge foald over outwards and are about 5/8 of an inch thick and 4 or

five broad, and stand horrizontally forming a kind of rim to the canoe

to prevent the water beating into it. they are all furnished with more

or less crossbars in proportion to the size of the canoe. these bars

are round sticks about half the size of a man's arm, which are incerted

through holes (just) made in either side of the canoe just below the

rim of the gunwall and are further secured with strings of waytape;

these crossbars serve to lift and manage the canoe on land. when the

natives land they invariably take their canoes on shore, unless they

are heavily laden, and then even, if they remain all night, they

discharge their loads and take the canoes on shore. some of the large

canoes are upwards of 50 feet long and will carry from 8 to 10 thousand

lbs. or from 20 to thirty persons and some of them particularly on the

sea coast are waxed painted and ornimented with curious images at bough

and Stern; those images sometimes rise to the hight of five feet; the

pedestals on which these immages are fixed are sometimes cut out of the

solid stick with the canoe, and the imagary is formed of seperate small

peices of timber firmly united with tenants and motices without the

assistance of a single spike of any kind. when the natives are engaged

in navigating their canoes one sets in the stern and steers with a

paddle the others set by pears and paddle over the gunwall next them,

they all kneel in the bottom of the canoe and set on their feet. their

paddles are of a uniform shape of which this is an imitation these

paddles are made very thin and the middle of the blade is thick and

hollowed out siddonly and made thin at the sides while the center forms

a kind of rib. the blade occupys about one third of the length of the

paddle which is usually from 41/2 to 5 feet. I have observed four forms

of canoe only in uce among the nations below the grand chatarac of this

river they are as follow. this is the smallest size about 15 feet long

and calculated for one or two persons, and are most common among the

Cathlahmahs and Wack ki a cums among the marshey Islands. A the bow; B,

the stern; these are from twenty to thirty five feet and from two 1/2

to 3 feet in the beam and about 2 feet in the hole; this canoe is

common to all the nations below the grand rappids. it is here made

deeper and shorter in proportion than they really are.--the bowsprit

from C, to D is brought to a sharp edge tapering gradually from the

sides.

This is the most common forms of the canoe in uce among the Indians

from; the Chil-luck-kit-te-quaw inclusive to the Ocean and is usually

about 30 or 35 feet long, and will carry from ten to twelve persons. 4

men are competent to carry them a considerable distance say a mile

without resting. A is the end which they use as the bow, but which on

first sight I took to be the stern C. D. is a comb cut of the sollid

stick with the canoe and projects from the center of the end of the

canoe being about 1 inch thirck it's sides parallel and edge at C D.

sharp. it is from 9 to 11 Inches in length and extends from the

underpart of the bowsprit at A to the bottom of the canoe at D.--the

stern B. is mearly rounding and graduly ascending. 1 2 3 represents the

rim of the gunwalls about 4 Inches wide, reather ascending as they

recede from the canoe. 4 5 6 7 8 are the round holes through which the

cross bars are inserted.

This form of canoe we did not meet with untill we reached tidewater or

below the grand rappids. from thence down it is common to all the

nations but more particularly the Killamucks and others of the coast.

these are the largest canoes. B. is the bow and comb. C. the stern and

comb. their immages are representations of a great variety of grotesque

figures, any of which might be safely worshiped without committing a

breach of the commandments.

They have but few axes among them, and the only too usually imployed in

felling the trees or forming the canoe, carving &c is a chissel formed

of an old file about an Inch or an Inch and a half broad. this chissel

has sometimes a large block of wood for a handle; they grasp the

chissel just below the block with the right hand holding the edge down

while with the left they take hold of the top of the block and strike

backhanded against the wood with the edge of the chissel. a person

would suppose that the forming of a large canoe with an instrument like

this was the work of several years; but these people make them in a few

weeks. they prize their canoes very highly; we have been anxious to

obtain some of them, for our journey up the river but have not been

able to obtain one as yet from the natives in this neighbourhood.-

today we opened and examined all our ammunition, which had been secured

in leaden canesters. we found twenty seven of the best rifle powder, 4

of common rifle, three of glaized and one of the musqut powder in good

order, perfectly as dry as when first put in the canesters, altho the

whole of it from various accedents has been for hours under the water.

these cannesters contain four lbs. of powder each and 8 of lead. had it

not have been for that happy expedient which I devised of securing the

powder by means of the lead, we should not have had a single charge of

powder at this time. three of the canesters which had been accedentally

bruized and cracked, one which was carelessly stoped, and a fifth that

had been penetrated with a nail, were a little dammaged; these we gave

to the men to make dry; however exclusive of those five we have an

abundant stock to last us back; and we always take care to put a

proportion of it in each canoe, to the end that should one canoe or

more be lost we should still not be entirely bereft of ammunition,

which is now our only hope for subsistence and defence in a rout of

4000 miles through a country exclusively inhabited by savages.

[Clark, February 1, 1806]

Saturday February 1st 1806

This morning a party of four men Set out with Jo. Field; and Sergt.

Gass with a party of five men again Set out up the Netul river in Serch

of the Elk which had been killed Some days since, and which Could not

be found in Consequence of the Snow.

The Canoes of the nativs inhabitting the lower part of the Columbia

River from the Long narrows down make their canoes remarkably neat

light and well addapted for rideing high waves. I have Seen the nativs

near the Coast rideing waves in these Canoes in Safty and appearantly

without Concern when I Should it impossible for any vessel of the Same

Size to have lived or kept above water a minute. they are built of

Arborvitia or white Cedar generally, but Sometimes of fir. they are cut

out of a solid Stick of timber, the gunnals at the upper edge fold over

outwards and are about 5/8 of an inch thick and 4 or 5 broad, and Stand

out nearly Horizontially forming a kind of rim to the Canoe to prevent

the water beating into it. they are all furnished with more or less

Cross bars agreeably to thier sizes of the Canoe, those bars are round

Sticks about 1 inch and 1/2 diameter which are atached to the iner Side

of the canoes a little below the rim on either Side with throngs of

Cedar bark which is incerted through holes and made fast to the ends of

the Stick, which is made Smaller than the other part of the Stick to

prevent the cord Slipping off these cross bears Serve to Strengthen the

canoe, and by which they lift and manage her on land. when the nativs

land they invariably take their Canoes on Shore unless they are heavily

ladined, and then even, if they remain all night, they discharge their

loads and take the Canoe on Shore.

Some of the large Canoes are upwards of 50 feet long and will Carry

from 8 to 12 thousand lbs. or from 20 to 30 persons, and Some of them

particularly on the Sea Coast are waxed painted and ornimented with

curious images on bow and Stern; those images sometimes rise to the

hight of five feet; the pedestile on which these images are fixed, are

Sometimes cut out of the Solid Stick with the Canoe, and the image is

formed of Seperate pieces of timber firmly united with tenants and

mortices without the appearance of a Single Spike or nail of any kind.

when the nativs are engaged in navigateing their Canoes, one Sets in

the Stern and Stears with a paddle the others Set by pars and paddle

over their gunnals next them, they all kneel in the bottom of the Canoe

and Set on their feet. their paddles are of an uniform shape which this

is an imitation those paddles are made verry thin and the middle of the

blade is thick and hollowed out Suddenly, and made thin on the Sides,

the center forming a kind of ridge. the handle occupies about 1/8 of

the length of the paddle which is usually 4 to 41/2 feet in length. I

have observed five forms of Canoes only in use among the nativs below

the Grand Cataract of this river. they areas follows. this is the

Smallest Size about 15 feet long, 12 and Calculated for one two men

mearly to cross creeks, take over Short portages to navagate the ponds

and Still water, and is mostly in use amongst the Clatsops and

Chinnooks. this is the next Smallest and from 16 to 20 feet long and

calculated for two or 3 persons and are most common among the

Wau-ki-a-cums and Cath-lah-mahs among the marshey Islands, near their

villages. A the bow; B the Stern; those are from 20 to 40 feet in

length and from 21/2 to 31/2 feet in the beam and about 2 feet deep;

this Canoe is common to all the nations below the grand Rapids it here

made deeper and Shorter in pertotion than the Canoe realy is, the bow

sprit from C. to D. is brought to a Sharp edge tapering gradually from

the Sides. This is the most common form of the Canoes in use among the

indians from the Chil-luck-kit-te quaw inclusive to the ocian and is

commonly from about 30 to 35 feet long, and will carry from 10 to 12

persons. 4 men are competent to carry them a considerable distance Say

a mile without resting. A is the end the nativs use as the bow, but

which on first Sight I took to be the Stern c. d. is a comb cut of the

solid wood with the Canoe, and projects from the Center of the end of

the Canoe being about 1 inch thick, it's Sides parallel and edge at c,

d, Sharp it is from 9 to 11 inches in debth and extends from the under

part of the bow sprit at A to the bottom at, d,. the Stern B is nearly

rounding and gradually assending. 1, 2, 3, represents the rim of the

gunnals about 4 inches wide, reather ascending as they recede from the

Canoe. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, are the holes through which the String pass to

fasten the round pieces which pass Crosswise the Canoe to Strengthen &

lift her. This form of a canoe we did not meet with untill we reached

tide water or below the Great Rapids. from thence down it is common to

all the nations but more particularly the Kil a mox and others of the

Coast. these are the largest Canoes, I measured one at the Kilamox

villag S S W of us which was ____ feet long ____ feet wide and ____

feet deep, and they are most Commonly about that Size. B is the how,

and Comb. C, the stern and Comb. Their images are representations of a

great variety of grotesque figures, any of which might be Safely

worshiped without commiting a breach of the Commandments.

They have but fiew axes among them, and the only tool usially employd

in forming the Canoe, carveing &c is a chissel formed of an old file

about an inch or 11/2 inchs broad, this chissel has Sometimes a large

block of wood for a handle; they grasp the chissel just below the block

with the right hand holding the top of the block, and Strikes backwards

against the wood with the edge of the Chissel. a person would Suppose

that forming a large Canoe with an enstriment like this was the work of

Several years; but those people make them in a fiew weeks. They prize

their Canoes very highly; we have been anxious to obtain Some of them,

for our journy up the river but have not been able to obtain one as yet

from the nativs in this neighbourhood.

To day we opened and examined all our Ammunition, which has been

Secured in leaden Canistirs. we found twenty Sevin of the best Rifle

powder, 4 of Common rifle, 3 of Glaize and one of Musquet powder in

good order, perfectly as dry as when first put in the Canisters, altho

the whole of it from various accidince have been for hours under the

water. these Cannisters Contain 4 pounds of powder each and 8 of Lead.

had it not been for that happy expedient which Capt Lewis devised of

Securing the powder by means of the Lead, we Should have found great

dificuelty in keeping dry powder untill this time-; those Cannisters

which had been accidently brused and cracked, one which was carelessly

Stoped, and a fifth which had been penetrated with a nail; were wet and

damaged; those we gave to the men to Dry; however exclusive of those 5

we have an abundant Stock to last us back; and we always take Care to

put a purpotion of it in each canoe, to the end that Should one Canoe

or more be lost we Should Still not be entirely bereft of ammunition,

which is now our only hope for Subsistance and defences in the rout of

4,000 miles through a Country exclusively inhabited by Indians-many

bands of which are Savage in every Sense of the word-.

[Lewis, February 2, 1806]

Sunday February 2cd 1806.

Not any occurrence today worthy of notice; but all are pleased, that

one month of the time which binds us to Fort Clatsop and which

seperates us from our friends has now elapsed. one of the games of

amusement and wrisk of the Indians of this neighbourhood like that of

the Sosones consists in hiding in the hand some small article about the

size of a bean; this they throw from one hand to the other with great

dexterity accompanying their opperations with a particular song which

seems to have been addapted to the game; when the individul who holds

the peice has amused himself sufficiently by exchanging it from one

hand to the other, he hold out his hands for his compettitors to guess

which hand contains the peice; if they hit on the hand which contains

the peice they win the wager otherwise loose. the individual who holds

the peice is a kind of banker and plays for the time being against all

the others in the room; when he has lost all the property which he has

to venture, or thinks proper at any time, he transfers the peice to

some other who then also becoms banker. The Sosone and Minnetares &c

have a game of a singular kind but those divide themselves in two

parties and play for a common wager to which each individual

contributes to form the stock of his party. one of them holdes the

peice and some one of the opposite party gesses which hand contains if

he hits on the hand which contains it the peice is transferred to the

opposite party and the victor counts one, if he misses the party still

retain the peice and score one but the individual tranfers the peice to

some other of his own party; the game is set to any number they think

proper, and like the natives of this quarter they always accompany

their opperations with a particular song. the natives here have also

another game which consists in bowling some small round peices about

the size of Bacgammon men, between two small upright sticks placed a

few inches asunder, but the principals of the game I have not learn not

understanding their language sufficiently to obtain an explanation.

their boys amuse themselves with their bows and arrows as those do of

every Indian nation with which I am acquainted. these people are

excessively fond of their games of risk and bet freely every species of

property of which they are possessed. They have a smal dog which they

make usefull only in hunting the Elk.

[Clark, February 2, 1806]

Sunday February 2nd 1806

Not any accurrence to day worthy of notice; but all are pleased, that

one month of the time which binds us to fort Clatsop, and which

Seperates us from our friends, has now alapsed.

The games of amusements of the natives of this neighbourhood are

Several, one of which is verry similar to one which the Sosone's &

Minatare's are verry fond of and frequently play. they devide

themselves into two parties and play for a common wager to which each

individual Contributes to form the Stock of his party, one of them

holdes the piece which is usually about the Size of a Bean, and Some

one of the oposit party gesses which hand Contains, if he hits on the

hand which Contains it, the piece is transfired to the opposit party

and the victor Counts one, if he misses the party Still retains the

piece and scores one, but the individual transfirs the piece to Some

one of his own party; the game is Set to any number they think proper.

they always accompany their opperations with a particular Song. The

amusements of the boys of all nations which I am acquainted with are

generally the Bows and arrows.

All nations of Indians with which I am acquainted are excessive fond of

their games of risk, and bet away Species of property of which they are

possessed.

The nativs of this neighbourhood have a Small Dog which they make

usefull only in hunting the Elk.

[Lewis, February 3, 1806]

Monday February 3rd 1806.

About three o'clock Drewyer and La Page, returned; Drewyer had killed

seven Elk in the point below us, several miles distant but can be

approached with in 3/4 of a mile with canoes by means of a small creek

which discharges itself into the bay on this side of the Clatsop

village direct Sergt. pryor to go in quest of the meat, the wind was so

high that they were unable to set out untill a little before sunset,

when they departed; at 10 P.M. they return excessively could and

informed us that they could not make land on this side of the bay nor

get into the creek in consequence of the tide being out and much lower

than usual. we are apprehensive that the Clatsops who know where the

meat is will rob us of a part if not the whole of it. at half after 4

P.M. Sergt Gass returned with his party, they brought with them the

flesh of four other Elk which the hunters had found, being a part of

the ten which were killed up the Netul river the other day. he left R.

Fields, Shannon and Labuish to continue the hunt and made an

appointment to return to them on Friday. late in the evening the four

men who had been sent to assist the saltmakers in transporting meat

which they had killed to their camp, also returned, and brought with

them all the salt which had been made, consisting of about one busshel

only. with the means we have of boiling the salt water we find it a

very tedious opperation, that of making salt, notwithstanding we keep

the kettles boiling day and night. we calculate on three bushels

lasting us from hence to our deposits of that article on the Missouri.

[Clark, February 3, 1806]

Monday February 3rd 1806

About 3 oClock Drewyer & Lapage returned, Drewyer had killed Seven Elk

in the point below us, Several miles distant, but Can be approached

within 3/4 of a mile with Canoes by means of a Small Creak which

discharges itself into the Bay, on this Sid of the Clatsop Village.

Directed Serjt. Pryor to go in quest of the meat, the winds was So high

that they were unable to Set out until) a little before Sunset, when

they departed; at 10 P.M. they returned excessively Cold and informed

us that they could not make land on this Side of the bay or get into

the Creek in consequence of the tides being out and much lower than

usial. we are apprehensive that the Clatsops knowing where the meat is,

will rob us of a part if not the whole of it. at half after 4 P. M

Sergt. Gass returned with his party they brought with them the flesh of

4 other Elk which the hunters had found, being part of the 10 which

were killed up the Netul river the other day. He left Ro. Field,

Shannon & Labiesh to Continue the hunt, and made an appointment to

return to them on friday. late in the evening the four men who had been

Sent to assist the Saltmakers in transporting meat which they had

killed to their Camp also returned, and brought with them all the Salt

which had been made, consisting of about one Sushel only. with the

means we have of boiling the Salt water we find it a very tegious

opperation that of makeing Salt, notwithstanding the Kitties are kept

boiling day and night. we Calculate on three bushels lasting us from

hiere to our deposit of that article on the Missouri.

[Lewis, February 4, 1806]

Tuesday February 4th 1806.

Sergt. Pryor with a party of five men set out again in quest of the Elk

which Drewyer had killed. Drewyer and La Page also returned to continue

the chase in the same quarter. the Elk are in much better order in the

point near the praries than they are in the woody country arround us or

up the Netul. in the praries they feed on grass and rushes,

considerable quantities of which are yet green and succulet. in the

woody country their food is huckle berry bushes, fern, and an evergreen

shrub which resembles the lore) in some measure; the last constitutes

the greater part of their food and grows abundantly through all the

timbered country, particularly the hillsides and more broken parts of

it. There are sveral species of fir in this neighbourhood which I shall

discribe as well as my slender botanicall skit will enable me and for

the convenience of comparison with each other shal number them. (No 1.)

a species which grows to immence size; very commonly 27 feet in the

girth six feet above the surface of the earth, and in several instances

we have found them as much as 36 feet in the girth or 12 feet diameter

perfectly solid and entire. they frequently rise to the hight of 230

feet, and one hundred and twenty or 30 of that hight without a limb.

this timber is white and soft throughout and rives better than any

other species which we have tryed. the bark skales off in irregula

rounded flakes and is of a redish brown colour particularly of the

younger growth. the stem of this tree is simple branching, ascending,

not very defuse, and proliferous. the leaf of this tree is acerose,

1/10th of an Inch in width, and 3/4 of an Inch in length; is firm, stif

and accuminate; they are triangular, a little declining, thickly

scattered on all sides of the bough, but rispect the three uppersides

only and are also sessile growing from little triangular pedestals of

soft spungy elastic bark. at the junction of the boughs, the bud-scales

continue to incircle their rispective twigs for several yeas; at least

three years is common and I have counted as many as the growth of four

years beyond these scales. this tree affords but little rosin. it's

cone I have not yet had an opportunity to discover altho I have sought

it frequently; the trees of this kind which we have felled have had no

cones on them.

[Clark, February 4, 1806]

Tuesday February 4th 1806

Serjt. Pryor with a party of 5 men Set out again in quest of the Elk

which Drewyer had Killed. Drewyer also returned to continue the Chase

in the Same quarter. the Elk are in much better order in the point near

the praries than they are in the woodey Country around us or up the

Netul. in the praries they feed on grass and rushes, which are yet

green. in the woddey Countrey their food is huckleberry bushes, fern,

and the Shal-lon an evergreen Shrub, which resembles the Lorel in Some

measure; the last constitutes the greater part of their food and grows

abundant through all the timbered Country, particularly the hill Sides

and more broken parts of it. There are Several Species of Fir in this

neighbourhood which I shall discribe as well as my botanicale Skill

will enable me, and for the Convenience of Comparrison with each other

Shall number them. (No. i,) a Species which grows to an emence size;

verry commonly 27 feet in Surcumferonce at 6 feet above the surface of

the earth, and in Several instances we have found them as much as 36

feet in the Girth, or 12 feet Diameter perfectly Solid & entire. they

frequently rise to the hight of 230 feet, and 120 or 30 of that hight

without a limb. this timber is white and Soft throughout and rives

better than any other Species we have tried the bark Shales off in

arregular rounded flakes and is of a redish brown Colour, particularly

of the younger growth, the Stem of this tree is simple branching,

assending, not very defuse, and proliferous, the leaf of this tree is

accerose 1/2 a line in width, and 3/4 of an inch in length; is firm

Stiff and accuminate; they are triangular, little declineing, thickly

scattered on all Sides of the Bough, but respect the three upper Sides

only Growing from little triangular pedistals of Soft Spungy Elastic

bark. at the junction of these bough's, the bud-scales continue to

incircle the respective twigs for several years; at least 3 years is

common and I have counted as maney as the groth of 4 years beyond these

Scales. this tree affords but little rozin. it's cone I have not yet

had an oppertunity to discover altho I have Sought it frequently; the

trees of this kind which we have fell'd have had no cones on them.

[Lewis, February 5, 1806]

Wednesday February 5th 1806.

Late this evening one of the hunters fired his gun over the swamp of

the Netul opposite to the fort and hooped. I sent sergt. Gass and a

party of men over; the tide being in, they took advantage of a little

creek which makes up in that direction nearly to the highlands, and in

their way fortunately recovered our Indian Canoe, so long lost and much

lamented. The Hunter proved to be Reubin Fields, who reported that he

had killed six Elk on the East side of the Netul a little above us; and

that yesterday he had heard Shannon and Labuishe fire six or seven

shots after he had seperated from them and supposed that they had also

killed several other Elk. Filds brought with him a phesant which

differed but little from those common to the Atlantic states; it's

brown is reather brighter and more of a redish tint. it has eighteen

feathers in the tale of about six inches in length. this bird is also

booted as low as the toes. the two tufts of long black feathers on each

side of the neck most conspicuous in the male of those of the Atlantic

states is also observable in every particular with this.--Fir No. 2 is

next in dignity in point of size. it is much the most common species,

it may be sad to constitute at least one half of the timber in this

neighbourhood. it appears to be of the spruse kind. it rises to the

hight of 160 to 180 feet very commonly and is from 4 to 6 feet in

diameter, very streight round and regularly tapering. the bark is thin

of a dark colour, and much divided with small longitudinal

intersticies; that of the boughs and young trees is somewhat smoth but

not so much so as the balsom fir nor that of the white pine of our

country. the wood is white throughout and reather soft but very tough,

and difficult to rive. The trunk of this tree is a simple branching

diffused stem and not proliferous as the pines & firs usially are but

like most other trees it puts forth buds from the sides of the small

boughs as well as their extremities. the stem usually terminates in a

very slender pointed top like the cedar. The leaves are petiolate, the

footstalk small short and oppressed; acerose reather more than half a

line in width and very unequal in length, the greatest length being

little more than half an inch, while others intermixed on every part of

the bough are not more than a 1/4 in length. flat with a small

longitudinal channel in the upper disk which is of a deep green and

glossey, while the uder disk is of a whiteish green only; two ranked,

obtusely pointed, soft and flexable. this tree affords but little

rosin. the cone is remarkably small not larger than the end of a man's

thumb soft, flexable and of an ovate form, produced at the ends of the

small twigs.

[Clark, February 5, 1806]

Wednesday February 5th 1806

Late this evening one of the hunters fired off his gun over the marsh

of the Netul opposit to the fort & hhoped. we Sent Sergt. Gass and a

party of men over; the tide being in they took advantage of a little

Creek which makes up in that direction nearly to the high lands, and in

their way fortunately recovered our Indian Canoe So long lost and much

lamented. The hunter provd. to be Reubin Field, who reported that he

had killed Six Elk on the East Side of the Netul a little above us; and

that he had parted with Shannon and Labiesh yesterday after he had herd

them fire Six or Seven Shot after he had Seperated from them, and

Supposed that they had also killed Several other Elk. Fields brought

with him a Pheasant which differs but little from those Common to the

United States--Fur No. 2 is next in dignity in point of Size. it is

much the most common Species, it may be Said to Constitute one half of

the timber of this neigh-bourhood. it appears to be of the Spruce kind.

it rises to the higth of 160 or 180 feet very Commonly and is from 4 to

6 feet in diameter, very Streight round and regularly tapering. the

bark is thin of a dark colour, and much divided with Small longitudinal

interstices; that of the boughs and young trees are Somewhat Smoth but

not So much so as the balsom fir, nor that of the white pine of our

Countrey. the wood is white throughout and rather Soft but rather tough

and dificuelt to rive. The trunk of this tree is Simple branching,

deffused Stem and not proliferous as the pine and fir usially are, but

like most other trees it puts foth buds from the Sides of the Small

boughes as well as from their extremities. the Stem usially termonate

in a very slender pointed top like the Cedar. The leaves are petiolate,

the footstalk Small Short and oppressed; acerose reather more than 1/2

a line in wedth and very uneaqual in length, the greatest length being

a little more than half an inch, while others intermixed on every part

of the bough are not more than a 1/4 of an inch in length. flat with a

Small longitudinal channel in the upper disk which is of a Deep green

and glossy, while the under disk is of a whitish green only; two

ranked, obtusely pointed, Soft and flexable. this tree affords but

little rosin. the Cone is remarkably Small, not larger than the end of

a mans thumb Soft, flexable and of an oval form, produced at the end of

a Small twig.

[Lewis, February 6, 1806]

Thursday February 6th 1806.

Sent Sergts. Gass and Ordway this morning with R. Fields and a party of

men to bring in the Elk which Field had killed. Late in the evening

Sergt. Pryor returned with the flesh of about 2 Elk and 4 skins the

Indians having purloined the ballance of seven Elk which Drewyer killed

the other day. I find that there are 2 vilages of Indians living on the

N. side of the Columbia near the Marshy Islands who call themselves

Wackki-a-cum. these I have hertofore Considered as Cath-lah-mahs. they

speak the same language and are the same in every other rispect.

No. 3 A species of fir which one of my men informs me is precisely the

same with that called the balsam fir of Canada. it grows here to

considerable size, being from 21/2 to 4 feet in diameter and rises to

the hight of eighty or an hundred feet. it's stem is simple branching,

ascending and proliferous. it's leaves are sessile, acerose, one 1/8 of

an inch in 1/16th of an inch in width, thickly scattered on all sides

of the twigs as far as the growth of four preceeding years and rispect

the three undersides only the uper side being neglected and the under

side but thinly furnished; gibbous, a little declining, obtusely

pointed, soft flexible, and the upper disk longitudinally marked with a

slight channel; this disk is of a glossy deep green, the under one

green tho paler and not glossy. this tree affords considerable

quantities of a fine clear arromatic balsam in appearance and taste

like the Canadian balsam. smal pustules filled with this balsam rise

with a blister like appearance on the body of the tree and it's

branches; the bark which covers these pustules is soft thin smoth and

easily punctured. the bark of the tree generally is thin of a dark

brown colour and reather smooth tho not as much so as the white pine of

our county. the wood is white and soft.--(No. 4) is a species of fir

which in point of size is much that of No. 2. the stem simple branching

ascending and proliferous; the bark of a redish dark brown and thicker

than that of No. 3. it is divided with small longitudinal interstices,

but these are not so much ramifyed as in species No. 2. the leaves with

rispect to their position in regard to each other is the same with the

balsam fir, as is the leaf in every other rispect except that it not

more than 2/3ds the width and little more than half the length of the

other, nor is it's upper disk of so deep a green nor so glossey. it

affords no balsam and but little rosin. the wood also white soft and

reather porus tho tough.--No 5. is a species of fir which arrives to

the size of Nos. 2 and 4, the stem simple branching, diffuse and

proliferous. the bark thin, dark brown, much divided with small

longitudinal interstices and sometimes scaleing off in thin rolling

flakes. it affords but little rosin and the wood is redish white 2/3ds

of the diameter in the center, the ballance white, somewhat porus and

tough. the twigs are much longer and more slender than in either of the

other species. the leaves are acerose, 1/20th of an inch in width, and

an inch in length, sessile, inserted on all sides of the bough,

streight, their extremities pointing obliquely toward the extremities

of the bough and more thickly placed than in either of the other

species; gibbous and flexeable but more stif than any except No. 1 and

more blontly pointed than either of the other species; the upper disk

has a small longitudinal channel and is of a deep green tho not so

glossy as the balsam fir, the under disk is of a pale green.--No. 65

the white pine; or what is usually so called in Virginia. I see no

difference between this and that of the mountains in Virginia; unless

it be the uncommon length of cone of this found here, which are

sometimes 16 or 18 inches in length and about 4 inches in

circumpherence. I do not recollect those of virginia perfectly but it

strikes me that they are not so long. this species is not common I have

only seen it but in one instance since I have been in this

neighbourhood which was on the border of Haley's bay on the N. side of

the Columbia near the Ocean.

[Clark, February 6, 1806]

Thursday February 6th 1806

Sent Serjt. Gass and party this morning with Ru Field to bring in the

Elk which Field had killed. late in the evening Serjt. Pryor returned

with the fish of about 2 Elk and four skins the Indians haveing taken

the ballance of Seven Elk which Drewyer killed the other day. I find

that those people will all Steal.

No. 3 a Species of fir, which one of my men inform me is presisely the

Same with that called the balsam fir of Canada. it grows here to

considerable Size, being from 21/2 to 4 feet in diameeter and rises to

the hight of 100 or 120 feet. it's Stem is Simple branching assending

and proliferous-. it's leaves are cessile, acerose, 1/8 of an inch in

length and 1/16 of an inch in width, thickly scattered on all Sides of

the twigs as far as the groth of four proceeding years, and respects

the three undersides only, the upper Side being neglected and the under

Side but thinly furnished; gibbous a little declineing, obtusely

pointed, Soft flexable, and the upper disk longitudinally marked with a

Slight Channel; this disk is of a glossy deep green, the under one

green tho paler and not glossy. This tree affords a considerable

quantity of a fine Clear arromatic Balsom in appearance and taste like

the Canadian balsom. Small pustuls filled with the balsom rise with a

blister like appearance on the body of the tree and it's branches; the

bark which covers these pustules is Soft thin Smothe and easily

punctured. the bark of the tree is generally thin of a dark brown

colour and reather Smooth tho not as much so as the white pine of the

U. States the wood is white and Soft.

No. 4 a Species of fir which in point of Size is much that of No 2,-.

the Stem Simple branching assending and proliferous; the bark of a

redish dark brown and thicker than that of No. 3. it is devided with

Small longitudinal interstices, but these are not So much ramefied as

in the Specis No. 2. the leaves with respect to their possition in

reguard to each other is the Same with the balsam fir, as is the leaf

in every other respect than that, it is not more than 2/3ds the width

and little more than half the length of the other, nor is it's upper

disk of so deep a green nor glossy. it affords no balsam, and but

little rosin. the wood also white Soft and reather porus tho tough-.-

No. 5 is a species of fir which arives to the Size of No. 2, and No. 4.

the Stem Simple branching, diffuse and proliferous. the bark thin dark

brown, much divided with Small longitudinal interstices scaleing off in

thin rolling flakes. it affords but little rosin and the wood is redish

white 2/3ds of the diamieter in the Center the ballance white Somewhat

porus and tough. the twigs are much longer and more slender than in

either of the other speceies. the leaves are acerose 1/20 of an inch in

width, and an inch in length, sessile, inserted on all Sides of the

bough, Streight, their extremities pointing obliquely towards the

extremities of the bough and more thickly placed than in either of the

other Species; gibbous and flexable but more stiff than any except No.

1 and more blontly pointed than either of the other Species; the upper

disk has a Small longitudinal Channel and is of a deep green tho not so

Glossy as the balsam fir, the under disk is of a pail green. No. 6 the

White pine; or what is usially So Called in Virginia. I see no

difference between this and that of the mountains in Virginia; unless

it be the uncommon length of the cone of this found here, which are

Sometimes 16 or 18 inches in length and about 4 inches in Surcumfrance.

I do not recollect those of Virginia, but it Strikes me that they are

not So long. this Species is not common I have Seen it only in three

instances since I have been in this neighbourhood, I saw a few on

Haleys bay on the North Side of the Columbia River, a fiew scattering

on the Sea coast to the North on one of which I engraved my name-and

Some on the S S E Side of E co la Creek near the Kil a mox nation, at

which place I Saw the white & red Cedar

[Lewis, February 7, 1806]

Friday February 7th 1806.

This evening Sergt. Ordway and Wiser returned with a part of the meat

which R. Fields had killed; the ballance of the party with Sergt. Gass

remained in order to bring the ballance of the meat to the river at a

point agreed on where the canoe is to meet them again tomorrow morning.

This evening we had what I call an excellent supper it consisted of a

marrowbone a piece and a brisket of boiled Elk that had the appearance

of a little fat on it. this for Fort Clatsop is living in high stile.

In this neighbourhood I observe the honeysuckle common in our country I

first met with it on the waters of the Kooskooske near the Chopunnish

nation, and again below the grand rappids In the Columbian Valley on

tidewater. The Elder also common to our country grows in great

abundance in the rich woodlands on this side of the rocky Mountains;

tho it differs Here in the colour of it's berry, this being of a pale

sky blue while that of the U States is a deep perple. The seven bark or

nine-bark as it is called in the U States is also common in this

quarter. There is a species of huckleberry common to the piny lands

from the commencement of the Columbian valley to the seacoast; it rises

to the hight of 6 or 8 feet. is a simple branching some what defuse

stem; the main body or trunk is cilindric and of a dark brown, while

the colateral branches are green smooth, squar, and put forth a number

of alternate branches of the same colour and form from the two

horizontal sides only. the fruit is a small deep perple berry which the

natives inform us is very good. the leaf is thin of a pale green and

small being 3/4 of an inch in length and 3/8 in width; oval

terminateing more accutely at the apex than near the insertion of the

footstalk which is at the base; veined, nearly entire, serrate but so

slightly so that it is scarcely perceptible; footstalk short and there

position with rispect to each other is alternate and two ranked,

proceeding from the horizontal sides of the bough only. The small pox

has distroyed a great number of the natives in this quarter. it

prevailed about 4 years since among the Clatsops and distroy several

hundred of them, four of their chiefs fell victyms to it's ravages.

those Clatsops are deposited in their canoes on the bay a few miles

below us. I think the late ravages of the small pox may well account

for the number of remains of vilages which we find deserted on the

river and Sea coast in this quarter.

[Clark, February 7, 1806]

Friday February 7th 1806

This evening Serjt Ordway and wiser returned with a part of the meat

which R. Field had killed; the balance of the Party with Serjt. Gass

remained in order to bring the ballance of the meat to the river at a

point agreeed on, where the Canoe is to meet them again tomorrow

morning. This evening we had what I call an excellent supper it

consisted of a marrowbone, a piece of brisket of boiled Elk that had

the appearance of a little fat on it. this for Fort Clatsop is liveing

in high Stile, and in fact fiesting-.

In this neighbourhood I observe the honeysuckle common in the U States,

I first met with it on the waters of the Kooskooske near the Chopunnish

Nation, and again below the grand rapids in the Columbian Vally on tide

water. The Elder also common to our Countrey grows in great abundance

in the rich wood land on this Side of the rocky mountains, tho it

differs here in the Colour of its berry, this being of a pale Sky blue

while that of the U, States is a deep purple. The Seven or nine bark as

it is called in the U, States is also Common in this quarter. There is

a Species of huckkleberry Common to the piney lands from the

Commencement of the Columbian Vally to the Sea coast; it rises to the

hight of 6 or 8 feet, is a Simple branching, Somewhat defused Stem; the

main body or trunk is cilindric branches are green Smothe squar, and

put foth a number of alternet branches of the Same Colour and form from

the two horizontal Sides only. the frute is a small deep purple berry

which the nativs inform us is very good, the leaf is thin of a pale

green and Small being 3/4 of an inch in length and 3/8 in width; oval

terminateing more accoutely at the apax, than near the insersion of the

footstalk which is at the base vened nearly entire; footstalks Short

and their position in respect to each other is alternate and too

ranked, proceeding from the horizontal Side of the bough only.

The Small Pox had distroyed a great number of the nativs in this

quarter. it provailed about 4 or 5 yrs Sinc among the Clatsops, and

distroy'd Several hundreds of them, four of their Chiefs fell a victym

to it's ravages. these Clatsops are Deposited in their Canoes on the

bay a fiew miles below us. I think the late ravages of the Small Pox,

may well account for the number of remains of villages which I Saw on

my rout to the Kil a mox in Several places-.

[Lewis, February 8, 1806]

Saturday February 8th 1806.

Sent Sergt. Ordway and two men this morning to join the party with

Sergt. Gass and bring the ballance of R. Fields's Elk. in the evening

they returned with the balance of the flesh of five Elk, that of one of

them having become tainted and unfit for uce. late in the evening

Sergt. Pryor returned with Shannon Labuish and his party down the

Netul. they brought with them the flesh of 4 Elk which those two

hunters had killed. we have both dined and suped on Elk's tongues and

marrow bones.

I have discovered that the shrub and fruit discribed on the 26th of

January is not that which the Indians call the Shal-lon, but that is

such as is there discribed, and the berry is estemed and used by the

natives as there mentioned except that it is not like the shallon,

baked in large loaves, but is simply dryed in the sun for winter uce,

when they either eat them in thir dryed state or boil them in water.

The Shallon is the production of a shrub which I have heretofore taken

to be a speceis of loral and mentioned as abounding in this

neighbourhood and that the Elk fed much on it's leaves. it generally

rises to the hight of 3 feet but not unusually attains to that of 5

feet. it grows very thick and is from the size of a goos quill to that

of a man's thumb, celindric, the bark of the older or larger part of

the stock is of a redish brown colour while that of the younger

branches and succulent shoots are red where most exposed to the sun and

green elsewhere. the stem is simple branching reclining, and partially

fluxouse, or at least the smaler stocks or such parts of them and the

boughs as produce the leaves, take a different direction at the

insertion of every petiole. the leaf is oval four & 3/4 inches in

length and 21/2 in width. petiolate, the petiole short only 3/8th of an

inch in length, celindric with a slight channel on it's upper side

where it is generally red; undivided or entire, slightly serrate, the

apex termineating in an accute point; the upper disk of a glossey deep

green, the under disk of a pale green; veined. the leaves are also

alternate and two ranked. the root is horizontal puting forth

perpendicular radicles. this shrub is an evergreen. the fruit is a deep

perple berry about the size of a buck short or common black cherry, of

an ovate form tho reather more bluntly pointed, than at the insertion

of the peduncle; at the extremity, the thin coloured membranous

pellicle, which forms the surface of the pericarp, is divided into five

accute angular points, which meet in the center, and contains a soft

pulp of the same colour invelloping a great number of small brown

kidney formed seeds. each berry is supported by a seperate celindric

peduncle of half an inch in length; these to the number of ten or

twelve issue from a common peduncle or footstalk which is fuxouse and

forms the termination of the twig of the present years growth; each

peduncle supporting a berry is furnished with one oblong bracte placed

at it's insertion on the common footstalk which when the fruit is ripe

withers with the peduncle.

[Clark, February 8, 1806]

Saturday February 8th 1806

Sent Serjt. Ordway and two men this morning to joint the party with

Serjt. Gass, and bring the ballance of R. Field's Elk. in the evening

they returned with the ballance of the flesh of five Elk, that of one

of them having become tainted and unfit for use. late in the evening

Serjt. Pryor returned with Shannon Labieshe and his party down the

Netul. they brought with them the flesh of 4 Elk which those two

hunters had killed.

we have both Dined and Suped on Elks tongues and marrowbones. a great

Luxury for Fort Clatsop.

The Shat lon is a production of Shrub which I have taken heretofore to

be a Species of Loral and mentioned as abounding in this neighbourhood,

and that the Elk feed much on its leaves. it generally rises to the

hight of 3 feet, and not unusially attain to that of 5 feet. it grows

very thick and is from the size of that of a goose quil to that of a

mans thumb, Celendric. the bark of the older or larger part of the

Stalk is of a redish brown Colour, whilst that of the younger branches

& succulent Shoots are red where most exposed to the Sun and green

elsewhere. the Stem is Simple branching, reclineing and partially

fuxouse, or at least the Smaller Stalks or Such parts of them and their

boughs which produce the leaves, take a different direction at the

insertion of every petiole. A, A, the leaves as they grow from the

Stalk B. B. B the Stalk between each leaf.

The leaf is oval 4 and 3/4 inches in length, and 2 and a half in width.

petiolate, the potiale Short only 3/8 of an inch in length cilindric

with a Slight Channel on its upper Side where it is generally red;

undevided, or entire, Slightly serrate, the apex termonateing in an

accute point; the upper disk of a glossy deep Green, the under disk of

a pail Green, veined. the leaves are also alternate and two ranked. the

root is horozontal, putting foth pirpendicular radicles. This Shrub is

an evergreen. the frute is a deep purple berry about the Size of a buck

Shot or common black cherry, of an ovale form, tho reather more bluntly

pointed than at the insertion of the peduncle, at the extremity, the

thin coloured membranus pellicle, which forms the Surfice of the

paricarp, is divided into 4 anguar points, which meet at the Center,

and Contains a Soft pulp of the Same Colour invelloping a great number

of Small brown kidney formed Seedeach berry is Supported by a Seperate

celindric peduncle of half an inch in length, these to the number of 10

or 12 issue from a common peduncle of footstalk which forms the

termination of the twig of the present years groth; each peduncle

Supporting a berry is furnished with one oblong bracte placed at it's

insertion on the common footstalk, which when the frute is ripe withers

with the peduncle-.

[Lewis, February 9, 1806]

Sunday February 9th 1806

This morning Collins and Wiser set out on a hunting excurtion; they

took our Indian canoe and passed the Netul a little above us. in the

evening Drewyer returned; had killed nothing but one beaver. he saw one

black bear, which is the only one which has been seen in this

neighbourhood since our arrival; the Indians inform us that they are

abundant but are now in their holes.

in the marshy ground frequently overflown by the tides there grows a

species of fir which I take to be the same of No. 5 which it resembles

in every particular except that it is more defusely branched and not so

large, being seldom more than 30 feet high and 18 inches or 2 feet in

diameter; it's being more defusely branched may proceed from it's open

situation seldom growing very close. the cone is 21/2 inches in length

and 33/4 in it's greatest circumpherence, which is near it's base, and

from which it tapers regularly to a point. it is formed of imbricated

scales of a bluntly rounded form, thin not very firm and smoth. a thin

leaf is inserted into the pith of the cone, which overlays the center

of and extends 1/2 an inch beyond the point of each scale. the form of

this leaf is somewhat thus overlaying one of the imbricated scales.

The stem of the black alder of this country before mentioned as

arriving to great size, is simply branching and defuse. the bark is

smooth of a light colour with white coloured spreading spots or

blotches, resembling much that of the beech; the leaf fructification &c

is precisely that of the common alder of our country. these trees grow

seperately from different roots and not in clusters or clumps as those

of the Atlantic states. fearing that our meat would spoil we set six

men to jurking it.

[Clark, February 9, 1806]

Sunday February 9th 1806

This morning Collins & Wiser Set out on a hunting excurtion; in the

evening Drewyer returned; had Killed nothing but one Beaver. he Saw one

black Bear, which is the only one which has been seen in the

neighbourhood Since our arrival. the Indians inform us that they are

abundant but are now in their holes.

In the marshey grounds frequently overflown by the tides there grows a

Species of fir which I took to be the Same of No. 5. from examonation I

find it a distinct species of fir. it is more perfusely branched. This

tree Seldom rises to a greater hight than 35 or 40 feet and is from 2

to 4 feet in Diamieter; the Bark the Same with that of No. 1. only

reather more rugid. the leaf is acerose, 2/10 of an inch in width and

3/4 in length, they are firm Stiff and Somewhat accuminated, ending in

a Short pointed hard tendril, gibbous thickly scattered on all Sides of

the bough as respects the 3 upper Sides only; those which have their

insertion on the underside incline side--wise with their points upwards

giveing the leaf the Shape of a Sythe. the others are perpindicular or

pointing upwards, growing as in No. 1 from Small triangular pedestals

of a Soft Spungy elastic bark. the under disk of these leaves or that

which grows nearest to the Base of the bough is of a dark glossy green,

while the upper or opposit side is of a whiteish pale green; in this

respect differing from almost all leaves. The boughs retain their

leaves as far back as almost to the Sixth year's groth. the peculiarity

of the budscales observed in No. 1 is obsd. in this Species. The Cone

is 31/2 Inches in length, and 3 in circumfranse, of an ovale figure

being thickest in the middle and tapering and terminateing in two

obtuce points. it composes several flexable, thin, obtusely jointed

Smoth and redish brown imbricated scales. each scale Covering two small

winged Seed and being itself Covered in the center by a small thin

inferior scale accutely pointed. The Cone is Some what of this figure.

they proceed from the sides as well as the extremities of the bough,

but in the former case allways at or near the Commencement of Some one

years groth which in Some instances are as far back as the third year

The Stem of the Black Alder of this countrey before mentioned as

ariveing at great Size, is Simple branching and defuse. the bark is

Smoth of a light Colour with white Coloured Spredding Spots or

blotches, resembling much that of beech. the leaf is procisely that of

the Common alder of the United States or Virginia. those trees grow

Seperately from different roots and not in Clusters or Clumps, as those

of the atlantic States, casts its folage about the 1st of December.

Fearing that our meat would Spoil we Set Six men to jurking it to day,

which they are obliged to perform in a house under shelter from the

repeated rains.

[Lewis, February 10, 1806]

Monday February 10th 1806.

Drewyer visited his traps today but caught no beaver. Collins and Wiser

returned had killed no Elk. Willard arrived late in the evening from

the Saltworks, had cut his knee very badly with his tommahawk. he had

killed four Elk not far from the Salt works the day before yesterday,

which he had butched and took a part of the meat to camp, but having

cut his knee was unable to be longer ucefull at the works and had

returned. he informed us that Bratton was very unwell, and that Gibson

was so sick that he could not set up or walk alone and had desired him

to ask us to have him brought to the Fort. Coalter also returned this

evening. continue the operation of drying our meat.

There is a tree common to the Columbia river below the entrance of

cataract river which in it's appearance when divested of it's foliage,

much resembles the white ash; the appearance of the wood and bark is

also that of the ash. it's stem is simple branching and diffuse. the

leaf is petiolate, plane, scattered, palmate lobate, divided by four

deep sinuses; the lobes are repand, or terminate in from 3 to 5 accute

angular points, while their margins are indented with irregular and

somewhat circular incissures. the petiole is celendric smooth and 7

inches long. the leaf 8 inches in length and 12 in bredth. this tree is

frequently 3 feet in diameter and rises to 40 or 50 feet high. the

fruit is a winged seed somewhate like the maple. in the same part of

the country there is also another growth which resembles the white

maple in it's appearance, only that it is by no means so large; seldom

being more than from 6 to 9 inches in diamater, and from 15 to 20 feet

high; they frequently grow in clusters as if from the same bed of roots

spreading and leaning outwards. the twigs are long and slender. the

stems simple branching. the bark smooth and in colour resembling that

of the white maple. the leaf is petiolate, plane, scattered nearly

circular, with it's margin cut with accute angular incissures of an

inch in length and from six to 8 in number the accute angular points

formed by which incissures are crenate, or cut with small accute

angular incissures. or in this form. it is 3 inches in length, and 4 in

width. the petiole celindric smooth and one and a 1/4 inches long. the

fruit or flower not known.

[Clark, February 10, 1806]

Monday February 10th 1806

Collins and Wiser returned without killing any Elk. Willard arrived

late this evening from the Salt Camp, he had cut his knee very badly

with his tomahawk. he had killed four Elk not far from the Salt Camp,

the day before yesterday, which he had butchered and took a part of the

meat to the Camp, but haveing Cut his Knee was unable to be longer

Servisable at the works & had returned. he informed us that Bratten was

very unwell, and that Gibson was So Sick that he could not Set up or

walk alone, and had desired him to ask us to have him brought to the

Fort. Colter also returnd. this evening. continue the opperation of

dryin our meat.

There is a tree common to the Columbia river below the enterance of

Cataract River which in its appearance when divested of its folage,

much resembles the white ash; the appearance of the wood and bark is

also that of the ash. it's Stem is Simple branching and diffuse. the

lief is petiolate, plane, scattered palmate lobate, divided by four

deep Sinusus; the lobes are repand or terminate in from 3 to 5 accute

angular points, while their margins are indented with irregular and

Somewhat Circular incissures. the peteole is Celindric Smoth and 7

inches long. the leaf 8 inches in length and 12 in bredth. this tree is

frequently 2 & 3 feet in diamieter, and rises to 50 or 60 feet high-the

froot is a winged Seed Somewhat like the maple. In the Same part of the

countrey there is also another groth, which resembles the white maple

in its appearance, only that it is by no means so large, seldom being

more than from 6 to 9 inches in diamieter, and from 20 to 30 feet high;

they frequently grow in clusters as if from the same bed or root,

Spreading and leaning outwards. the twigs are long and Slender. the

Stems simple branching. the bark Smoth and in Colour resembles that of

the white maple. the leaf is patiolate, plain, scattered nearly

circular, with it's margin cut with accute anglar incissures of an inch

in length and from 6 to 8 in number, the accute angular points formed,

by which incissures, are crenate, or cut with small angular incissures.

or in this form. it is 3 inches in length, and 4 in width. the petiole

is cilendric smoth and 11/4 inches long. the froot or flour I have not

as yet found out &c.

[Lewis, February 11, 1806]

Tuesday February 11th 1806.

This morning Sergt. Gass Reubin Fields and Thompson passed the Netul

opposite to us on a hunting expedition. sent Sergt Pryor with a party

of four men to bring Gibson to the fort. also sent Colter and Wiser to

the Salt works to carry on the business with Joseph Fields; as Bratton

had been sick we desired him to return to the Fort also if he thought

proper; however in the event of his not coming Wiser was directed to

return.

There is a shrub which grows commonly in this neighbourhood which is

precisely the same with that in Virginia some times called the

quillwood. also another which grows near the water in somewhat moist

grounds & rises to the hight of 5 or 6 feet with a large, peteolate

spreading plane, crenate and somewhat woolly leaf like the rose

raspberry. it is much branched the bark of a redish brown colour and is

covered with a number of short hooked thorns which renders it extreemly

disagreeable to pass among; it dose not cast it's foliage untill about

the 1st of December. this is also the case with the black alder. There

is also found in this neighbourhood an evergreen shrub which I take to

be another variety of the Shallun and that discribed under that name in

mistake on the 26th of January. this shrub rises to the hight of from

four to five feet, the stem simple branching, defuse and much branched.

the bark is of a redish dark brown, that of the mane stein is somewhat

rough while that of the boughs is smooth. the leaves are petiolate the

petiole 1/40 of an inch long; oblong, obtuse at the apex and accute

angular at the insertion of the petiole; 3/4 of an inch in length and

Ysths in width; convex, somewhat revolute, serrate, smoth and of a

paler green than the evergreens usually are; they are also opposite and

ascending. the fruit is a small deep perple berry like the common

huckleberry of a pleasent flavor. they are seperately scattered &

attatched to the small boughs by short peduncles.-. the natives eat

this berry when ripe but seldom collect it in such quantities as to dry

it for winter uce.

[Clark, February 11, 1806]

Tuesday February 11th 1806.

This Morning Serjt. Gass R. Field and J. Thompson passed the Netul

opposit to us on a hunting expedition. Sent Serjeant Natl. Pryor with 4

men in a Canoe to bring gibson to the Fort. also Sent Colter & P. Weser

to the Salt works to carry on the business with Jos. Field; as bratten

is also Sick we derected that he Should return to the fort if he

continued unwell; There is Shrub which grows Commonly in this

neighbourhood which grows on the Steep Sides of the hills and also in

low moist grounds, and rise to the hight of 5 or 6 feet with a large

peteolate, Spreading plain crenate and Somewhat woolly leaf like the

rose raspberry. it is much branched the bark of a redish brown colour

and is covered with a number of Short hooked thorns which renders it

extreamly disagreeable to pass among, it does not cast its foliage

untill about the 1st of December.

There is a Species of bryor which is common in this neighbourhood of a

green colour which grows most abundant in the rich dry lands near the

water courses, but is also found in Small quantities in the piney lands

at a distance from the water Courses in the former Situations the Stem

is frequently the Size of a mans finger and rise perpendicularly to the

hight of 4 or 5 feet when it decends in an arch and becoms procumbent

or rests on Some neighbouring plant or Srubs; it is Simple unbranched

and celindric; in the latter Situation it is much Smaller, and usially

procumbent. the Stem is armed with Sharp and hooked bryors. the leaf is

peteolate, ternate and resembles in Shape and appearance that of the

purple Raspberry common to the atlantic States. The frute is a berry

resembling the Blackberry in every respect and is eaten when ripe and

much esteemed by the nativs but is not dryed for winters Consumption.

in the Countrey about the enterance of the quick Sand rivers I first

discovered this bryor, it grows So abundantly in the furtile Vally of

Columbia and on the Islands in that part of the river, that the

Countrey near the river is almost impenitrable in maney places. This

green Bryor retains its leaf or foliage and virdue untill late in

December. The Briory bush with a wide leaf is also one of its

ascociates.

[Lewis, February 12, 1806]

Wednesday February 12th 1806.

This morning we were visited by a Clatsop man who brought with him

three dogs as a remuneration for the Elk which him self and nation had

stolen from us some little time since, how ever the dogs took the alarm

and ran off; we suffered him to remain in the fort all night.

There are two species of ever green shrubs which I first met with at

the grand rappids of the Columbia and which I have since found in this

neighbourhood also; they grow in rich dry ground not far usually from

some watercourse. the roots of both species are creeping and celindric.

the stem of the 1st is from a foot to 18 inches high and as large as a

goosqull; it is simple unbranced and erect. it's leaves are cauline,

compound and spreading. the leafets are jointed and oppositely pinnate,

3 pare & terminating in one, sessile, widest at the base and tapering

to an accuminated point, an inch and a quarter the greatest width, and

3 inches & a 1/4 in length. each point of their crenate margins armed

with a subulate thorn or spine and are from 13 to 17 in number. they

are also veined, glossy, carinated and wrinkled; their points obliquely

pointing towards the extremity of the common footstalk.--The stem of

the 2nd is procumbent abot the size of the former, jointed and

unbranched. it's leaves are cauline, compound and oppositely pinnate;

the rib from 14 to 16 inches long celindric and smooth. the leafets

21/2 inches long and 1 inch wide. greatest width 1/2 inch from their

base, to which they are regularly rounded, and from the same point

tapering to an accute apex, wich is mostly, but not invariably

tirminated with a small subulate thorn. they are jointed and oppositely

pinnate, consisting of 6 pare and terminating in one, sessile serrate,

or like the teeth of a whipsaw, each point terminating in a small

subulate spine, being from 25 to 27 in number; veined, smooth, plane

and of a deep green, their points tending obliquely towards the

extremity of the rib or common footstalk. I do not know the fruit or

flower of either. the 1st resembles the plant common to many parts of

the U States called the mountain holley.

[Clark, February 12, 1806]

Wednesday February 12th 1806.

This morning we were visited by a Clatsop man who brought with him

three dogs as a remuneration for the Elk which himself and Nation had

Stolen from us Some little time Sence, however the dogs took the alarm

and ran off; we suffered him to remain in the fort all night.

There are two Species of evergreen Shrubs. this is the leaf of one

which I first met with at the grand rapids of the Columbia River, and

which I have sence found in this neighbourhood also; they usially grow

in rich dry ground not far from Some water course. the roots of both

Species are creeping and celindric. the Stem of the first (as above) is

from a foot to 18 inches high and as large as a Goose quil; it is

Simple and erect. its leaves are cauline, and Spredding. the leafits

are jointed & oppositly poinnate 3 par and termonateing in one, cessile

widest at the base and tapering to an accuminated point, an inch and

1/4 the greatest width; & 31/4 inches in length. each point of their

crenate margins armed with a thorn or Spine, and are from 13 to 17 in

number. they are also veined, glossy, corinated and wrinkled; their

points obliquely pointing towards the extremity of the Common footstalk.

The Stem of the 2nd is procumbent about the Size of the former, jointed

and umbracated. it's leaves are Cauline, compound and oppositly

pointed; the rib from 14 to 16 inches long Celendric and Smooth the

leafits 21/2 inches long and 1 inch wide. the greatest width 1/2 inch

from their base which they are regularly rounded, and from the Same

point tapering to an accute apex, which is mostly but not entirely

termonated with a Small Subulate thorn. they are jointed & oppositly

pointed consisting of 6 par and termonateing in one (in this form)

sessile, Serrate, or like the teeth of a whipsaw, each point

terminateing in a small subulate spine, being from 25 to 27 in numbr;

veined, Smoth, plane and of a deep green, their points tending

obliquely towards the extremity of the rib or common footstalk. I do

not know the fruit or flower of either. the 1st resembles a plant

Common to maney parts of the United States Called the Mountain Holly

[Lewis, February 13, 1806]

Thursday February 13th 1806.

The Clatsop left us this morning at 11 A.M. not any thing transpired

during the day worthy of notice. yesterday we completed the operation

of drying the meat, and think we have a sufficient stock to last us

this month. the Indians inform us that we shall have great abundance of

a small fish in March which from their discription must be the herring.

these people have also informed us that one More who sometimes touches

at this place and trades with the natives of this coast, had on board

of his vessel three Cows, and that when he left them he continued his

course along the N. W. coast. I think this strong circumstancial proof

that there is a stettlement of white persons at Nootka sound or some

point to the N. W. of us on the coast.

There is a species of bryer which is common in this neighbourhood of a

green colour which grows most abundant in the rich dry lands near the

watercourses, but is also found in small quantities in the piny lands

at a distance from the watercourses in the former situation the stem is

frequently the size of a man's finger and rises perpendicularly to the

hight of 4 or 5 feet when it decends in an arch and becomes procumbent

or rests on some neighbouring plants or shrubs; it is simple unbranched

and celindric; in the latter situation it is much smaller and usually

procumbent. the stem is armed with sharp and hooked bryers. the leaf is

peteolate ternate and resembles in shape and appearance that of the

perple raspberry common to the Atlantic states. the fruit is a berry

resembling the black berry in every rispect and is eaten when ripe and

much esteemed by the natives but is not dryed for winter consumption.

in the country about the entrance of the quicksand river I first

discovered this bryer. it groows so abundantly in the fertile valley of

Columbia and the Islands in that part of the river that the country

near the river is almost impenitrable in many places. the briary bush

with a wide leaf is also one of it's ascociates. the green bryer

retains it's foliage and verdure untill late in December.--There are

also two species of firn which are common to this country beside that

formerly discribed of which the natives eat the roots. these from their

disparity in point of size I shall designate the large and small firn.

both species continue green all winter.--The large farn, rises to the

height of 3 or four feet the stem is a common footstalk or rib which

proceedes immediately from the radix wich is somewhat flat on two sides

about the size of a man's arm and covered with innumerable black coarce

capillary radicles which issue from every pat of it's surface; one of

those roots or a collected bed of them will send fourth from twenty to

forty of those common footstalks all of which decline or bend outwards

from the common center. these ribs are cylindric and marked

longitudinally their whole length with a groove or channel on their

upper side. on either side of this grove a little below it's edge, the

leafets are inserted, being shortly petiolate for about 2/3 ds of the

length of the middle rib commencing at the bottom and from thence to

the extremity sessile. the rib is terminated by a single undivided

lanceolate gagged leafet. the leafets are lanceolate, from 2 to 4

inches in length gagged and have a small accute angular projection on

the upper edge near the base where it is spuar on the side which has

the projection and obliquely cut at the base on the other side of the

rib of the leafet. or which will give a better idea in this form. the

upper surface is Smooth and of a deep green the under disk of a pale

green and covered with a brown bubersence of a woolly appearance

particularly near the cental fiber or rib. these leafets are

alternately pinnate. they are in number from 110 to 140; shortest at

the two extremities of the common footstalk and longest in the center,

graduly lengthening and deminishing as they succeed each other.-

The small firn also rises with a common footstalk from the radix and

are from four to eight in number. about 8 inches long; the central rib

marked with a slight longitudinal groove throughout it's whole length.

the leafets are oppositely pinnate about 1/3 rd of the length of the

common footstalk from the bottom and thence alternately pinnate; the

footstalk terminating in a simple undivided nearly entire lanceolate

leafet. the leafets are oblong, obtuse, convex absolutely entire,

marked on the upper disk with a slight longitudinal groove in place of

the central rib, smooth and of a deep green. near the upper extremity

these leafets are decursively pinnate as are also those of the large f

rn. The grasses of this neighbourhood are generally coase harsh and

sedge-like, and grow in large tufts. there is none except in the open

grounds. near the coast on the tops of some of the untimbered hills

there is a finer and softer species which resembles much the green

swoard. the salt marshes also produce a coarse grass, Bull rushes and

the Cattail flagg. the two last the natives make great use in preparing

their mats bags &c.

[Clark, February 13, 1806]

Tuesday February 13th 1806.

The Clatsop left us this morning at 11 A.M. not anything transpired

dureing the day worthy of notice. yesterday we completed the opperation

of drying the meat, and think we have a Sufficient Stock to last us

this month. the Indians inform us that we shall have great abundance of

Small fish in March. which from the discription must be the Herring.

Those people have also informed us that one Moore who sometimes touches

at this place and traded with the nativs of this Coast, had on board

his Ship 3 Cows, and that when he left them he continued his course

along the N W. Coast. I think this (if those Cows were not Coats)

Strong circumstantial proof that their is a Settlement of white persons

at Nootka Sound or Some place to the N W. of us on the coast.

There are also two Species of firn which are common to this Countrey

besides that before mentioned of which the nativs eate the roots. these

two from their disparity in point of Size I shall distinguish the large

and Small firn. both species continue green all winter

The large fern, rise to the hight of 3 or 4 feet, the Stem is a Common

footstalk or rib which proceeds imediately from the radix which is

Somewhat flat on two Sides about the Size of a man's arm and covered

with innumerable black coarse capillary radicles which issue from every

part of its surface; one of those roots or a collected bead of them

will Send forth from 20 to 40 of those Common footstalks all of which

decline or bend outwards from the Common center. those ribs are

cylindric and marked longitudinally their whole length with a groove or

channel on their upper Side. on either Side of this groove a little

below it's edge, the leafets are inserted, being partly petiolate for

about 2/3ds of the length of the middle rib, commenceing at the bottom

and from thence to the extremity Sessile. the rib is termonated by a

Single undevided lanceolate gagged leafet. the leafets are lanceolate,

from 2 to 4 inches in length gagged and have a Small accute angular

projection and obliquely cut at the base on either Side of the rib of

the leafet. upper Surface is Smooth and of a deep Green, the under disk

of a pale Green and covered with a brown Substance of a woolly

appearance particalarly near the center fiber or rib these leafets are

alternately pointed they are in number from 110 to 140; shortest at the

two extremities of the common footstalk and longest in the center,

gradually lengthing and diminishing as they Suckceed each other

The Small firn also rises with a Common footstalk from the radix and

are from 4 to 8 in number, about 8 inches long; the Central rib marked

with a Slight longitudinal Groove through out it's whole length. the

leafets are oppositly pinnate about A of the length of the Common

footstalk from the bottom and thence alternately pinnate; the footstalk

termonating in a Simple undevided nearly entire lanceolate leafet. the

leafets are oblong, obtuse, convex absolutely entire, marked on the

upper disk with a Slight longitudinal grove in place of the central

rib, smooth and of a deep green; near the upper extremity those lefets

are decurscivily pinnate as are also those of the larg firn.

The Grass's of this neighbourhood are generally coarse harsh and Sedge

like, and grow in large tufts. there is none except in the open

grounds. near the Coast on the top of Some of the untimbered hills

there is a finer and Softer Species which resembles much the

Greensword. the Salt marshes also produce a Corse grass, Bullrushes and

the Cattail flaggs. of the two last the nativs make great use in

prepareing their mats bags &c. in those bags they Carry their fish

Berries roots &c.

[Lewis, February 14, 1806]

Friday February 14th 1806.

We are very uneasy with rispect to our sick men at the salt works.

Sergt. Pryor and party have not yet returned nor can we conceive what

causes their delay. Drewyer visited his traps today and caught a very

fine fat beaver on which we feasted this evening. on the 11th inst.

Capt Clark completed a map of the country through which we have been

passing from Fort Mandan to this place. in this map the Missouri

Jefferson's river the S. E. branch of the Columbia, Kooskooske and

Columbia from the entrance of the S. E. fork to the pacific Ocean as

well as a part of Flathead river and our tract across the Rocky

Mountains are laid down by celestial observation and survey. the rivers

are also connected at their sources with other rivers agreeably to the

information of the natives and the most probable conjecture arrising

from their capacities and the relative positions of their rispective

entrances which last have with but few exceptions been established by

celestial observation. we now discover that we have found the most

practicable and navigable passage across the Continent of North

America; it is that which we traveled with the exception of that part

of our rout from the neighbourhood of the entrance of Dearborn's River

untill we arrived on Clarks river at the entrance of Traveler's rest

creek; the distance between those two points would be traveled more

advantageously by land as the navigation of the Missouri above the

river Dearborn is laborious and 420 miles distant by which no advantage

is gained as the rout which we are compelled to travel by land from the

source of Jefferson's river to the entrance of Travelers rest Creek is

220 miles being further by 500 miles than that from the entrance of

Dearborn's river to the last mentioned point and a much worse rout if

Indian information is to be relyed on; from the same information the

Flathead river like that of the S. E. fork of the Columbia which heads

with Jefferson's and Maddison's Rivers can not be navigated through the

Rocky Mountains in consequence of falls & rappids and as a confermation

of this fact, we discovered that there were no salmon in the Flathead

river, which is the case in the S. E. branch of the Columbia although

it is not navigable. added to this, the Indians further inform us, that

the Flathead river runs in the direction of the Rocky Mountains for a

great distance to the North before it discharges itself into the

Columbia river, which last from the same information from the entrance

of the S. E. fork to that of Flathead river is obstructed with a great

number of difficult and dangerous rappids. considering therefore the

danger and difficulties attending the navigation of the Columbia in

this part, as well as the circuitous and distant rout formed by itself

and the Flathead river we conceive that even admitting the Flathead

river contrary to information to be as navigable as the Columbia river

below it's entrance, that the tract by land over the Rocky Mountains

usually traveled by the natives from the Entrance of Traveller's-rest

Creek to the forks of the Kooskooske is preferable; the same being a

distance of 184 Miles. The inferrence therefore deduced from those

premices are that the best and most Practicable rout across the

Continent is by way of the Missouri to the entrance of Dearborn's river

or near that place; from thence to flathead river at the entrance of

Traveller's rest Creek, from thence up Traveller's rest creek to the

forks, from whence you pursue a range of mounttains which divides the

waters of the two forks of this creek, and which still continuing it's

West wardly course divides the waters of the two forks of the

Kooskooske river to their junction; from thence to decend this river by

water to the S. E. branch of the Columbia, thence down that river to

the Columbia and with the latter to the Pacific Ocean.

============

[Clark, February 14, 1806]

Friday February 14th 1806

We are very uneasy with respect to our Sick men at the Salt works.

Serjt. Pryor and party haveing not yet returneded, nor can we conceive

what can be the Cause of their delay. Drewyer visited his traps & to

day and Cought a fine fat beaver on which we feasted this evening and

thought it a great delecessey.-.

I compleated a map of the Countrey through which we have been passing

from the Mississippi at the Mouth of Missouri to this place. In the Map

the Missouri Jefferson's river the S. E. branch of the Columbia or

Lewis's river, Koos-koos-ke and Columbia from the enterance of the S. E

fork to the pacific Ocian, as well as a part of Clark's river and our

track across the Rocky Mountains are laid down by celestial

observations and Survey. the rivers are also conected at their Sources

with other rivers agreeably to the information of the nativs and the

most probable conjecture arrising from their capacities and the

relative positions of their respective enterances which last have with

but fiew exceptions been established by celestial observations. We now

discover that we have found the most practicable and navigable passage

across the Continent of North America; it is that which we have

traveled with the exception of that part of our rout from the foot of

the Falls of the Missouri, or in neighbourhood of the enterance of the

Rocky Mountains untill we arive on Clarks river at the enterence of

Travelers-rest Creek; the distance between those two points would be

traveled more advantagiously by land as the navigation of the Missouri

above the Falls is crooked laborious and 521 miles distant by which no

advantage is gained as the rout which we are compelled to travel by

land from the Source of Jeffersons River to the enterance of Travellers

rest Creek is 220 miles being further by At. 600 miles than that from

the Falls of the Missourie to the last mentioned point (Travellers rest

Creek) and a much worse rout if indian information is to be relied on

which is from the So so nee or Snake Indians, and the Flatheads of the

Columbia west of the rocky mountains. from the Same information Clarks

river like that of the S. E. branch of the Columbia which heads with

Jefferson's and Maddisons river's can not be navagated thro the rocky

mountains in consequence of falls and rapids, and as a confirmation of

the fact we discovered that there were no Salmon in Clark's river,

which is not the Case in the S. E. branch of the Columbia altho it is

not navagable. added to this, the Indians of different quartes further

inform us, that Clark's river runs in the direction of the Rocky

Mountains for a great distance to the north before it discharges itself

into the Columbia river---from the Same information the Columbia from

the enterance of the S. E. branch to the enterance of Clark's river is

obstructed with a great number of dificuelt and dangerous rapids (and

the place Clark's river comes out of the Rocky mountains is a

tremendious falls &c which there is no possibillity of passing the

mountains either by land or water.) Considering therefore the dangers

and deficuelties attending the navigation of the Columbia in this part,

as well as the circuitous and distant rout formed by itself and that of

Clark's River we Conceive that even admitting that Clarks river

contrary to information to be as navagable as the Columbia below it's

enterance, that the tract by land over the Rocky Mountains usially

traveled by the nativs from the enterance of Travellers rest Creek to

the Forks of the Kooskooske is preferable; the Same being a distance of

184 miles. The inferrence therefore deduced from these premises are,

that the best and most practicable rout across the Continent is by way

of the Missouri to the Great Falls; thence to Clarks river at the

enterance of Travellers rest Creek, from thence up travillers rest

Creek to the forks, from whence you prosue a range of mountains which

divides the waters of the two forks of this Creek, and which still

Continues it's westwardly Course on the mountains which divides the

waters of the two forks of the Kooskooske river to their junction; from

thence to decend this river to the S. E. branch of the Columbia, thence

down that river to the Columbia, and down the Latter to the Pacific

Ocian-. There is a large river which falls into the Columbia on its

South Side at what point we could not lern; which passes thro those

extencive Columbian Plains from the South East, and as the Indians

inform us head in the mountains South of the head of Jeffersons River

and at no great distance from the Spanish Settlements, and that that

fork which heads with the River Rajhone and waters of the Missouri

passes through those extensive plains in which there is no wood, and

the river Crowded with rapids & falls many of which are impassable. the

other or westerly fork passes near a range of mountains and is the fork

which great numbers of Indian Bands of the So sone or Snake Indians,

this fork most probably heads with North River or the waters of

Callifornia. This River may afford a practicable land Communication

with New Mexico by means of its western fork. This river cannot be

navagable as an unpracticable rapid is within one mile of its enterance

into the Columbia, and we are fully purswaded that a rout by this river

if practicable at all, would lengthen the distance greatly and

incounter the Same dificuelties in passing the Rocky Mountains with the

rout by way of Travellers rest Creek & Clarks river.

[Lewis, February 15, 1806]

Saturday February 15th 1806.

Drewyer and Whitehouse set out this morning on a hunting excurtion

towards the praries of Point Adams. we have heard our hunters over the

Netul fire several shot today, but have had no account from them as

yet. about 3 P.M. Bratton arrived from the salt works and informed us

that Sergt. Pryor and party were on their way with Gibson who is so

much reduced that he cannot stand alone and that they are obliged to

carry him in a litter. Bratton himself appears much reduced with his

late indisposition but is now recovering fast. Bratton informed that

the cause of Sergt. Pryor's delay was attributeable to the winds which

had been so violent for several days as to render it impossible to get

a canoe up the creek to the point where it was necessary to pass with

Gibson. the S. W. winds are frequently very violent on the coast when

we are but little sensible of them at Fort Clatsop. in consequence of

the lofty and thickly timbered fir country which surrounds us on that

quarter from the South to the North East.

after dark Sergt. Pryor arrived with Gibson. we are much pleased in

finding him by no means as ill as we had expected. we do no conceive

him in danger by any means, tho he has yet a fever and is much reduced.

we beleive his disorder to have orriginated in a violent cold which he

contracted in hunting and pursuing Elk and other game through the swams

and marshes about the salt works. he is nearly free from pain tho a

gooddeel reduced and very languid. we gave him broken dozes of diluted

nitre and made him drink plentifully of sage tea, had his feet bathed

in warm water and at 9 P.M. gave him 35 drops of laudanum.

The quadrupeds of this country from the Rocky Mountains to the pacific

Ocean are 1st the domestic animals, consisting of the horse and the dog

only; 2cdly the native wild animals, consisting of the Brown white or

grizly bear, (which I beleive to be the same family with a mearly

accedental difference in point of colour) the black bear, the common

red deer, the black tailed fallow deer, the Mule deer, Elk, the large

brown wolf, the small woolf of the plains, the large wolf of the

plains, the tiger cat, the common red fox, black fox or fisher, silver

fox, large red fox of the plains, small fox of the plains or kit fox,

Antelope, sheep, beaver, common otter, sea Otter, mink, spuck, seal,

racoon, large grey squirrel, small brown squirrel, small grey squirrel,

ground squirrel, sewelel, Braro, rat, mouse, mole, Panther, hare,

rabbit, and polecat or skunk. all of which shall be severally noticed

in the order in which they occur as well as shuch others as I learn do

exist and which not been here recapitulated. The horse is confined

principally to the nations inhabiting the great plains of Columbia

extending from Latitude 40° to 50° N. and occuping the tract of country

lying between the rocky mountains and a range of Mountains which pass

the columbia river about the great falls or from Longitude 116 to 121

West. in this extesive tract of principally untimbered country so far

as we have leant the following nations reside (viz) the Sosone or snake

Indians, the Chopunnish, sokulks, Cutssahnims, Chymnapums, Ehelutes,

Eneshuh & Chilluckkittequaws. all of whom enjoy the bennefit of that

docile, generous and valuable anamal the horse, and all of them except

the three last have immence numbers of them. Their horses appear to be

of an excellent race; they are lofty eligantly formed active and

durable; in short many of them look like the fine English coarsers and

would make a figure in any country. some of those horses are pided with

large spots of white irregularly scattered and intermixed with the

black brown bey or some other dark colour, but much the larger portion

are of an uniform colour with stars snips and white feet, or in this

rispect marked much like our best blooded horses in virginia, which

they resemble as well in fleetness and bottom as in form and colours.

the natives suffer them to run at large in the plains, the grass of

which furnishes them with their only subsistence their masters taking

no trouble to lay in a winters store for them, but they even keep fat

if not much used on the dry grass of the plains during the winter. no

rain scarcely ever falls in these plains and the grass is short and but

thin. The natives appear to take no pains in scelecting their male

horses from which they breed, in short those of that discription which

I have noticed appeared much the most indifferent. whether the horse

was orrigeonally a native of this country or not it is out of my power

to determine as we can not understand the language of the natives

sufficiently to ask the question. at all events the country and climate

appears well adapted to this anamal. horses are said to be found wild

in many parts of this extensive plain country. the several tribes of

Sosones who reside towards Mexico on the waters of Clark's river or

particularly one of them called Sh&-bo-bo-ah have also a great number

of mules, which among the Indians I find are much more highly prized

than horses. an eligant horse may be purchased of the natives in this

country for a lew peads or other paltry trinkets which in the U States

would not cost more than one or two dollars. This abundance and

cheapness of horses will be extremely advantageous to those who may

hereafter attemt the fir trade to the East Indies by way of the

Columbia river and the Pacific Ocean.--the mules in the possession of

the Indians are principally stolen from the Spaniards of Mexeco; they

appear to be large and fine such as we have seen. Among the Sosones of

the upper part of the S. E. fork of the Columbia we saw several horses

with spanish brands on them which we supposed had been stolen from the

inhabitants of Mexeco.

[Clark, February 15, 1806]

Saturday February 15th 1806

Drewyer and Whitehouse Set out on a hunting excurtion towards the

mountains Southwest of us. we have heard our hunters over the Netul

fire Several Shot today, but have had no account of them as yet. 3 P.M.

Bratten arived from the Saltworks, and informed us that Serjt. Pryor

and party were on their way with gibson in a litter. he is verry bad

and much reduced with his present indisposition. Wm. Bratten appears

much reduced, and is yet verry unwell. he informs that the Cause of

Sergt. Pryor's delay was attributiable to the winds which had been so

violent for Several days as to render it impossible to get a Canoe up

the Creek to the point where it was necessary to pass with Gibson. the

S. W. winds are frequently very violent on the coast when we are but

little Sensible of them at Fort Clatsop. in Consequence of the lofty

and thickly timbered fir country which Surrounds us from that quarter,

from the South to the N. East.-. After Dark Sergt. Pryor arrived with

Gibson. we are much pleased in findeing him by no means as ill as we

had expected. we do not conceive him in danger by any means, tho he has

yet a fever and is much reduced. we believe his disorder to have

originated in a violent Cold which he contracted in hunting and

prosueing Elk and other game through the Swamps and marshes about the

salt works. he is nearly free from pain tho a good deel reduced and

very languid. we gave him double doses of diluted niter and made him

drink plentifully of Sage tea, had his feat bathed in worm water and at

9 P.M. gave him 35 drops of laudanum.

The quadrupeds of this countrey from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific

Ocian are first the Domestic Animals, consisting of the Horses and Dogs

only; 2ndly the Native Wild Animals, consisting of the White, brown, or

Grizly bear (which I believe to be the same family with a mearly

accidentail difference in point of Colour) The Black Bear, the Elk, the

Common red Deer, the Mule deer, the black tailed fallow Deer, the large

brown wolf, the Small wolf of the Plains, the large wolf of the Plains,

Panther, the tiger cat, the common red fox, the black fox or fisher,

the Silver fox, large red fox of the plains, Small fox of the plains or

kit fox, Antelope, Sheep, beaver, Common Otter, Sea Otter, minks, Seals

racoons, large Grey Squerrel, Small brown Squirrel, Small grey

Squirrel, Ground Squirrel, Sewelel, Braro, rat, mouse, mole, hare,

rabbet, and pole Cat or Skunk. all of which Shall be Severally noticed

in the order in which they occur as well as Such others as I learn do

exist, and which not been here recapitulated.

The Horse is principally Confined to the Nations inhabiting the great

Plains of Columbia extending from Latitude 40° to 50° N. and occupying the

tract of Countrey lying between the Rocky Mountains and a rang of

mountains which pass the Columbia River about the Great Falls or from

Longitude 116° to 121° West in this extensive tract of Principally

untimbered countrey So far as we have lernt the following nations

reside (viz) The Sosone, or Snake Indians inhabiting the South fork or

____ River, the Chopunnish, Sokulk's, Cutssahnims, Chym na pum,

Ehelutes, Eneshuh & Chilluckkittequaws. all of whome enjoy the benifit

of that docile generous and valueable Animal the Horse, and all of them

except the three last have emence numbers of them. their horses appear

to be of an excellent race; they are lofty eligantly formed active and

durable; in Short maney of them look like the fine English coursers and

would make a figure in any country. Some of those horses in pided with

large spots of white irrigularly scattered and intermixed with black,

brown, Bey or Some other dark colour, but much the larger portion are

of a uniform Colour with Stars, snips, and white feet, or in this

respect marked much like our best blooded horses in the U, States,

which they resemble as well in fleetness and bottom as in form and

Colour. the nativs Suffer them to run at large in the plains, the Grass

of which furnish them with their only Subsistance, their owners takeing

no trouble to lay in a winters Store for them, but they keep fat if not

much used on the dry grass of the plains dureing the winter. rain

scercely ever falls in those plains and the Grass is Short and but

thin. the nativs appear to take no pains in Selecting their male horses

from which they bread, in Short those of that discription which I have

noticed appear much the most indifferent. whether the horses was

originally a native of this Country or not, it is out of my power to

determine as we cannot understand the language of the nativs

Sufficiently to ask the question. at all events the Country and Climate

appears well adapted to this Animal. Horses are Said to be found wild

in maney parts of this extensive plain Country-. The Several tribes of

Sosones who reside near Mexico on the waters of Clark's river, or

particularly one of them called Shd-bo-bo-ah have also a great number

of Mules, which among the Inds. I find are much more highly prized than

horses. an eligant horse may be purchased of the nativs in this Country

for a fiew beeds or other paltry trinkits which in the United States

would not cost more than one or two dollars. This abundance and

Cheepness of horses will be extremely advantagious to those who may

hereafter attempt the fir trade to the East Indies by way of the

Columbia and the Pacific Ocian.-. The mules in the possession of the

Inds. are principally Stolen from the Spaniards of New Mexico; Such as

we have Seen appear to be large with Spanish brands. among the Sosones

of the upper part of Lewis's river we Saw Several horses with Spanish

brands on them which the nativs informed us Came from the South most

probably from the Settlement in New Mexico, on the heads of the North

river or waters of the Bay of California.

[Lewis, February 16, 1806]

Sunday February 16th 1806.

By several trials made today in order to adjust my Octant and ascertain

her error in the direct observation, I found that it was 2° 1' 45" + or

additive beyond the fracture; this error was ascertained by a

comparison with my sextant the error of which had been previously

ascertained. the error of Octant in the direct observation on the

broken limb next to 0 or below 55° 20 inclusive is 2° additive only.--Sent

Shannon Labuish and Frazier this morning on a hunting excurtion up the

Kil-haw'-a-nak-kle river which discharges itself into the head of the

bay. no tidings yet of Sergt. Gass and party. Bratton is still very

weak and complains of a pain in the lower part of the back when he

moves which I suppose procedes from dability. I gave him barks.

Gibson's fever still continues obstenate tho not very high; I gave him

a doze of Dr. Rush's which in many instances I have found extreemly

efficatious in fevers which are in any measure caused by the presence

of boil. the nitre has produced a profuse perspiration this evening and

the pills operated late at night his fever after which abated almost

entirely and he had a good night's rest.

The Indian dog is usually small or much more so than the common cur.

they are party coloured; black white brown and brindle are the most

usual colours. the head is long and nose pointed eyes small, ears erect

and pointed like those of the wolf, hair short and smooth except on the

tail where it is as long as that of the curdog and streight. the

natives do not eat them nor appear to make any other use of them but in

hunting the Elk as has been before observed.--The brown white or grizly

bear are found in the rocky mountains in the timbered parts of it or

Westerly side but rarely; they are more common below the rocky Mountain

on the borders of the plains where there are copses of brush and

underwood near the watercouses. they are by no means as plenty on this

side of the rocky mountains as on the other, nor do I beleive that they

are found atall in the woody country, which borders this coast as far

in the interior as the range of mountains which, pass the Columbia

between the Great Falls and rapids of that river. the black bear

differs not any from those common to the United states and are found

under the rocky Mountains in the woody country on the borders of the

great plains of columbia and also in this tract of woody country which

lie between these plains and the Pacific Ocean. their oconimy and

habits are also the same with those of the United States.