[Clark, February 16, 1806]

Sunday February 16th 1806

Sent Shannon Labiesh and frazier on a hunting excurtion up the

Kilhaw-a-nak-kle river which discharges itself into the head of

Meriwethers Bay. no word yet of Sergt. Gass and party. Bratten is verry

weak and complains of a pain in the lower part of the back when he

moves which I suppose proceeds from debility. I gave him barks and Salt

peter. Gibsons fever Still Continues obstinate tho not verry high; we

gave him a dose of Dr. Rushes pills which in maney instancis I have

found extreamly efficasious in fevers which are in any measure Caused

by the presence of boil. the niter has produced a perfuse perspiration

this evening and the pils opperated late at night his feaver after

which abated almost intirely and he had a good nights rest.

The Indian Dogs are usually small or much more so than the common cur.

they are party coloured; black white brown and brindle are the more

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 Cur dog and streight. the

nativs do not eate them, or make any further use of them than in

hunting the Elk as has been before observed. Shannon an Labiesh brought

in to us to day a Buzzard or Vulture of the Columbia which they had

wounded and taken alive. I believe this to be the largest Bird of North

America. it was not in good order and yet it wayed 25 lbs had it have

been so it might very well have weighed 10 lbs. more or 35 lbs. between

the extremities of the wings it measured 9 feet 2 Inches; from the

extremity of the beak to that of the toe 3 feet 9 inches and a half.

from hip to toe 2 feet, girth of the head 9 inches 3/4. Girth of the

neck 71/2 inches; Girth of the body exclusive of the wings 2 feet 3

inches; girth of the leg 3 inches. the diameter of the eye 41/2 10ths

of an inch, the iris of a pale scarlet red, the puple of a deep Sea

green or black and occupies about one third of the diameter of the eye

the head and part of the neck as low as the figures 12 is uncovered

with feathers except that portion of it represented by dots foward and

under the eye. (See likeness on the other Side of this leaf) the tail

is Composed of twelve feathers of equal length, each 14 inches. the

legs are 43/4 inches in length and of a whitefish colour uncovered with

feathers, they are not entirely Smooth but not imbricated; the toes are

four in number three of which are foward and that in the center much

the longest; the fourth is Short and is inserted near the inner of the

three other toes and reather projecting foward. the thye is covered

with feathers as low as the Knee. the top or upper part of the toes are

imbricated with broad scales lying transversly; the nails are black and

in proportion to the Size of the bird comparitively with those of the

Hawk or Eagle, Short and bluntly pointed---the under Side of the wing

is Covered with white down and feathers. a white Stripe of about 2

inches in width, also marks the outer part of the wing, imbraceing the

lower points of the feathers, which cover the joints of the wing

through their whole length or width of that part of the wing. all the

other feathers of whatever part are of a Glossy Shineing black except

the down, which is not glossy, but equally black. the Skin of the beak

and head to the joining of the neck is of a pale orrange Yellow, the

other part uncovered with feathers is of a light flesh Colour. the Skin

is thin and wrinkled except on the beak where it is Smooth. This bird

fly's very clumsily. nor do I know whether it ever Seizes it's prey

alive, but am induced to believe it does not. we have Seen it feeding

on the remains of the whale and other fish which have been thrown up by

the waves on the Sea Coast. these I believe constitute their principal

food, but I have no doubt but that they also feed on flesh. we did not

meet with this bird untille we had decended the Columbia below the

great falls; and have found them more abundant below tide water than

above. this is the Same Species of Bird which R. Field killed on the

18th of Novr. last and which is noticed on that day tho not fully

discribed then I thought this of the Buzzard Specis. I now believe that

this bird is reather of the Vulture genus than any other, tho it wants

Some of their characteristics particularly the hair on the neck, and

the feathers on the legs. this is a handsom bird at a little distance.

it's neck is proportionably longer than those of the Hawks or Eagle.

Shannon also brought a Grey Eagle which appeared to be of the Same kind

common to the U, States. it weighed 15 pds. and measured 7 feet 7

inches between the extremities of the wings

Shannon and Labiesh informed us that when he approached this Vulture

after wounding it, that it made a loud noise very much like the barking

of a Dog. the tongue is long firm and broad, filling the under Chap and

partakeing of its transvirs curvature, or its Sides forming a

longitudinal Groove; obtuse at the point, the margin armed with firm

cartelagenous prickkles pointed and bending inwards.

[Lewis, February 17, 1806]

Monday February 17th 1806.

Collins and Windsor were permited to hunt today towards the praries in

Point Adams with a view to obtain some fresh meat for the sick. a

little before noon Shannon LaBuishe & Frazier returned with the flesh

and hide of an Elk which had been wouded by Sergt. Gass's party and

took the water where they pursued it and caught it. they did not see

Sergt. Gass or any of his party nor learn what further success they had

had. continue the barks with Bratton, and commenced them with Gibson

his fever being sufficiently low this morning to permit the uce of

them. I think therefore that there is no further danger of his

recovery.--at 2 P.M. Joseph Fields arrived from the Salt works and

informed us that they had about 2 Kegs of salt on hand which with what

we have at this place we suppose will be sufficient to last us to our

deposits of that article on the Missouri. we there directed a party of

six men to go with Fields in the morning in order to bring the salt and

kettles to the fort. Shannon brought me one of the large carrion Crow

or Buzzads of the Columbia which they had wounded and taken alive. I

bleive this to be the largest bird of North America. it was not in good

order and yet it weighed 25 lbs. had it have been so it might very well

have weighed 10 lbs mor or 35 lbs. between the extremities of the wings

it measured 9 feet 2 inches; from the extremity of the beak to that of

the toe 3 F. 91/2 In. from hip to toe 2 feet, girth of head 93/4 In.

girth of the neck 71/2 Inches; do. of body exclusive of the wings 2

feet 3 Inches; do of leg 3 inches. diameter of the eye 41/2/toths of an

inch. the iris of a pale scarlet red, the puple of deep sea green or

black and occupyed about one third of the diameter of the eye. the head

and a part of the neck as low as the figures 12 is uncovered with

feathers except that portion of it represented by dots (see likeness).

the tail is composed of 12 feathers of equal length, each 14 inches.

the legs are 43/4 inches in length and of a white colour un covered

with feathers, they are not entirely smooth but not imbricated; the

toes are four in number three of which are forward and that in the

center much the longes; the fourth is short and is inserted near the

inner of the three other toes and reather projecting forward. the thye

is covered with feathers as low as the knee. the top or upper part of

the toes are imbricated with broad scales lying transversly; the nails

are blak and in proportion to the size of the bird comparitively with

those of the halk or Eagle, short and bluntly pointed. the under side

of the wing is covered with white down and feathers. a white stripe of

about two inches in width, also marks the outer part of the wing,

imbracing the lower points of the feathers, which cover the joints of

the wing through their whole length or width of that part of the wing.

all the other feathers of whatever part are glossey shining black

except the down which is not glossey but equally black. the skin of the

beak and head to the joining of the neck is of a pale orrange yellow

the other part uncovered with feathers is of a light flesh colour. the

skin is thin and wrinkled except on the beak where it is smooth. this

bird flys very clumsily nor do I know whether it ever seizes it's prey

alive, but am induced to beleive that it dose not. we have seen it

feeding on the remains of the whale & other fish which have been thrown

up by the waves on the sea coast. these I beleive constitute their

prinsipal food, but I have no doubt but they also feed on flesh; we did

not met with this bird untill we had decended the Columbia below the

great falls, and have found them more abundant below tide-water than

above. I beleive that this bird is reather of the Vulture genus than

any other, tho it wants some of their charactaristics particularly the

hair on the neck and feathers on the legs.--this is a handsome bird at

a little distance. it's neck is proportionably longer than those of the

hawks or Eagle. Shannon also brought me a grey Eagle which appeared to

be of the same kind common to the U States; it weighed 15 lb. and

measured 7 Feet 7 Inches between the extremities of the wings.--At 4

P.M. Sergt. Gass and party arrived; they had killed eight Elk. Drewyer

and Whitehouse also returned late in the evening, had killed one Elk.-

Labuishe informed me that when he approached this vulture, after

wounding it, that it made a loud noise very much like the barking of a

dog & the tongue is large firm and broad, filling the under chap and

partaking of it's transverse curvature, or it's sides colapsing upwards

forming a longitudinal groove; obtuse at the point, the margin armed

with firm cartelaginous prickkles pointed and bending inwards.

[Clark, February 17, 1806]

Monday February 17th 1806

Collins and Windser were permited to hunt to day towards the praries in

point Adams with a view to obtain Some fresh meat for the Sick. a

little before noon Shannon and Labiesh & frazier Came with the flesh

and hide of an Elk which had been wounded by Serjt. Gasses party and

took the water where they pursued it and cought it. they did not See

Sergt. Gass or any of his party or learn what further Sucksess they

have had. Continu the barks with Bratten, and Commenced them with

gibson his feaver being Sufficiently low this morning to permit the use

of them. I think therefore that there is no further danger of his

recovery.---at 2 P.M. Joseph Field arrived from the Salt works and

informd us that they had about 2 Kegs of Salt on hand (say 3 bushels)

which with what we have at this place we suppose will be Sufficient to

last us to our deposit of that article on the Missouri. we directed a

party of Six men to go in the morning in order to bring the salt and

Kittles to the Fort. at 4 P.M. Serjt. Gass and party arrive; they had

killed 8 Elk. Drewyer and Whitehouse also return late in the evening,

they had killed one Elk, part of the meat of which they brought in with

them.

The Brown, White, or Grizly Bear are found in the rocky mountains in

the timbered part of it or Westerly Side but rarely; they are more

Common below or on the East Side of the Rocky Mountains on the borders

of the plains where there are Copses of bushes and underwood near the

water cources. they are by no means as plenty on this Side of the Rocky

Mountains as on the other, nor do I believe they are found at all in

the woody country which borders this coast as far in the interior as

the range of mountains which pass the Columbia between the enterance of

Clarks and the Quick sand Rivers or below the Great falls of Columbia.

The Black Bear differs not any from those Common to the U. States, and

are found under the Rocky Mountains in the woody country on the borders

of the Great Plain's of Columbia and also in this tract of woody

country which lie between these plains and the Pacific Ocian. their

econimy and habits are also the Same with those of the United States.-.

[Lewis, February 18, 1806]

Tuesday February 18th 1806.

This morning we dispatched a party to the Saltworks with Sergt. Ordway

and a second with Sergt. Gass after the Elk killed over the Netul. in

the evening Sergt. Ordway returned and reported that the waves ran so

high in the bay that he could not pass to the entrance of the creek

which we had directed him to assend with the canoe. Collins and Winsor

returned this evening with one deer which they had killed. the deer are

poor and their flesh by no means as good as that of the Elk which is

also poor but appears to be geting better than some weeks past.--in the

forenoon we were visited by eight Clasops and Chinnooks from whom we

purchased a Sea Otter's skin and two hats made of waytape and white

ceder bark. they remained untill late in the evening and departed for

their village. these people are not readily obstructed by waves in

their canoes.--Sergt. Ordway brought me a specemine of a species of

pine peculiar to the swamps and marshes frequently overflown by the

tide as this is a distinct species I shall call it No. 7. this tree

seldom rises to a greater hight than 35 feet and is from 21/2 to 4 feet

in diameter; the stem is simple branching diffuse and proliferous. the

bark the same with that of No. 1 only reather more rugged. the leaf is

acerose, 2/10ths of an inch in width and 3/4 in length. they are firm

stif and somewhat accuminated, ending in a short pointed hard tendril,

gibbous, thickly scattered on all sides of the bough but rispect the

three upper sides only. those which have there insersion on the

underside incline sidewise with their points upwards giving the leaf

the figure of a sythe. the others are perpendicular or pointing

upwards. is sessile 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 towards the base of the bough is a deep glossey

green while the upper or opposite side is of a mealy whiteish pale

green; in this rispect differing from almost all leaves. the boughs

retain their leaves as far back as to the sixth years growth. the

peculiarity of the bud scales observed in No 1 is observed in this

species. The cone is 31/2 inches in length and 3 in circumpherence, of

an ovate figure being thickest in the middle and tapering and

terminating in two obtuse points. it is composes of small, flexible,

thin, obtusely pointed smooth and redish brown imbricated scales. each

scale covering two small winged seeds and being itself covered in the

center by a small thin inferior scale accutely pointed. the cone is

somewhat of this figure. they proceede from the side as well as the

extremities of the bough but in the former case always at or near the

commencement of some one years growth which is some instances are as

far back as the third year.

[Clark, February 18, 1806]

Tuesday February 18th 1806

This morning we dispatched a party to the Salt works with Sergt.

Ordway. and a Second party with Sergt. Gass after the Eight Elk killed

over the Netul. in the evening Sergt. Ordway returned and reported that

the waves ran So high in the Bay that he could not pass to the

enterance of a Creek which we had directed him to assend with the

Canoe. Collins & Windsir returned this evening with one Deer which they

had Killed. the deer are pore and their flesh by no means as good as

that of the Elk which is also poore but appears to be getting better

than Some weeks past. in the forenoon we were visited by a Clatsop &

Seven Chinnooks from whome I purchased a Sea otter's Skin and two hats

made of way tape and Silk grass and white cedar bark. they remained

untill late in the evening and departed for their village. those people

are not readily obstructed by waves in their Canoes. Since their

departure we have discovered that they have Stole an ax.--Whitehouse

brought me a roab which he purchased of the Indians formed of three

Skins of the Tiger Cat, this Cat differs from any which I have ever

Seen. it is found on the borders of the plains and the woody Country

lying along the Pacific Ocian. this animale is about the Size or

reather larger than the wild Cat of our Countrey and is much the Same

in form, agility and ferosity. the colour of the back, neck and Sides,

is a redish brown irrigular varigated with Small Spots of dark brown

the tail is about two inches long nearly white except the extremity

which is black; it termonates abruptly as if it had been cut off. the

belly is white with Small black spots. butifully varigated. the legs

are of the Same Colour with the Sides and back marked with transvers

stripes of black the ears are black on the outer Side Covered with fine

black hair, Short except at the upper point which is furnished with a

pencil of verry fine Streight black hair, 3/4 of an inch in length, the

fur of this animale is long and fine. much more So than the wild Cat of

the U States but less so than the Louserva of the N West. the nativs of

this Country make great use of the skins of this Cat, to form the robes

which they wear; three whole Skins is the complement usually employed,

and Sometimes four in each roab. Those Cats are not marked alike maney

of them have but fiew Spots of a darker Colour, particularly on the

Back.

[Lewis, February 19, 1806]

Wednesday February 19th 1806.

Sergt. Ordway set out again this morning with a party for the salt

works by land. in the evening Sergt. Gass returned with the flesh of

eight Elk, and seven skins; having left one skin with Shannon and

Labuishe who remained over the netul to continue the chase. we had the

Elk skins divided among the messes in order that they might be prepared

for covering our baggage when we set out in the spring. our sick are

recovering but they appear to strengthen but slowly. The common red

deer we found under the rocky mts. in the neighbourhood of the

Chopunnish, and about the great falls of the Columbia river and as low

down the same as the commencement of tide water. these do not appear to

differ essentially from those of our country being about the same size

shape and appearance in every rispect except their great length of tail

which is more than half as long again as our deer I measured one of

them which was 17 inches long. The Black tailed fallow deer are

peculiar to this coast and are a distinct species of deer partaking

equally of peculiarities of the mule deer and the common deer. their

ears are reather larger and their winter coat darker than the common

deer; the recepticle of the eye or drane is mor conspicuous; their legs

shorter and body thicker and larger than the common deer; their tail is

about the length of our deer or from 8 to 10 inches the hair on the

underside of which is white, and that of it's sides and top quite black

the horns resemble in form and colour those of the mule deer which it

also resembles in it's gate; that is bounding with all four feet off

the ground at the same time when runing at full speed and not loping as

the common deer or antelope do. they are sometimes found in the

woodlands but most frequently in the praries and open grounds. they may

be said generally to be a size larger than the common deer and that

less than the mule deer. they are very seldom found in good order, or

fat, even in the season which the common deer are so, and their flesh

is inferior to any species of deer which I have ever seen.-

[Clark, February 19, 1806]

Wednesday February 19th 1806.

Sergt. Ordway Set out again with a party to the Salt works by land. in

the evening Sergt. Gass returned with the flesh of Eight Elk, and Seven

Skins haveing left one Skin with Shannon and Labiche who remained over

the Netul to Continue the chase. we devided the Skins between the

messes in order that they might be prepared for Covering the baggage

when we Set out in the Spring. our Sick appear to Strengthen but Slowly

I gave Bratten 6 of Scotts pills which did not work him. he is very

weak and Complains of his back.

The black Fox or as they are more frequently Called by the N West

Trader Fisher is found in the woody country on this Coast. how this

Animal obtained the name of fisher I know not, but certain it is, that

the name is not appropriate, as it does not prey on or Seek it as a

prey-. they are extreeinly active Strong and made for climbing which

they do with great agility, and bound from tree to tree in pursute of

the squirel or Rackoon, their natural and most usual food. their Colour

is a jut Black except a Small Spot of white on the breast. the body is

long, legs Short and formed Something like the turnspit Dog, with a

remarkable long tail. it does not differ here from those of the United

States.

The Silver Fox this animale is very rare even in the Countrey where it

exists, I have never Seen more than the Skins of this Animal and those

were in the possession of the nativs of the woody Country below the

Great falls of the Columbia, from which I think it is most probably

they are the inhabitants of the woody country exclusively. from the

Skins, it appeard to be about the Size of the large red Fox of the

plains and much of its form with a large tail. the legs I think

somewhat longer it has a fine long deep fur poil. the poil is of a dark

lead colour and the long hairs intermixed with it, are either white or

black at the lower part, and white at top, the whole mixture forming a

butifull Silver Grey. I think this the handsomest of all the Fox

Species, except a Species of which I Saw one running, and Capt Lewis

had a good view of another of the Same Species on the Missouri near the

natural walls. The large red fox of the plains, and the Kit fox are the

Same which we met with on the Missouri and are the inhabitants almost

exclusively of the open plains, or of the copse of bushes within the

plain country. the Common red or grey fox of the United States is also

found in the woody country on this coast, nor does it appear to be

altered in respect to it's fur colour or any other particular. we have

Seen none of the large red fox.

[Lewis, February 20, 1806]

Thursday February 20th 1806.

Permited Collins to hunt this morning he returned in the evening

unsuccessfull as to the chase but brought with him some cranberries for

the sick. Gibson is on the recovery fast; Bratton has an obstenate

cough and pain in his back and still appears to be geting weaker.

McNeal from his inattention to his disorder has become worse.

This forenoon we were visited by Tdh-cum a principal Chief of the

Chinnooks and 25 men of his nation. we had never seen this cheif before

he is a good looking man of about 50 years of age reather larger in

statue than most of his nation; as he came on a friendly visit we gave

himself and party some thing to eat and plyed them plentifully with

smoke. we gave this cheif a small medal with which he seemed much

grati-fyed. in the evening at sunset we desired them to depart as is

our custom and closed our gates. we never suffer parties of such number

to remain within the fort all night; for notwithstanding their apparent

friendly disposition, their great averice and hope of plunder might

induce them to be treacherous. at all events we determined allways to

be on our guard as much as the nature of our situation will permit us,

and never place our selves at the mercy of any savages. we well know,

that the treachery of the aborigenes of America and the too great

confidence of our countrymen in their sincerity and friendship, has

caused the distruction of many hundreds of us. so long have our men

been accustomed to a friendly intercourse with the natives, that we

find it difficult to impress on their minds the necessity of always

being on their guard with rispect to them. this confidence on our part,

we know to be the effect of a series of uninterupted friendly

intercouse, but the well known treachery of the natives by no means

entitle them to such confidence, and we must check it's growth in our

own minds, as well as those of our men, by recollecting ourselves, and

repeating to our men, that our preservation depends on never loosing

sight of this trait in their character, and being always prepared to

meet it in whatever shape it may present itself.-

The Mule deer are the same with those of the plains of the Missouri so

frequently mentioned. we met with them under the Rocky mountains in the

Neighbourhood of the Chopunnish nation on the Kooskooske river, but

have not seen them since nor do we know whether they exist in the

interior of the great plains of Columbia or on their lower border near

the mountains which pass the river about the great falls. The Elk is

the same with that found in much the greatest portion of North America,

they are common to every part of this country, as well the timbered

lands as the plains, but are much more abundant in the former than the

latter The large brown woolf is like that of the Atlantic States and

are found only in the woody country on the Pacific Ocean imbracing the

mountains which pass the Columbia between the great falls and rapids of

the same. the large and small woolves of the plains are the inhabitants

principally of the open country and the woodlands on their borders and

resemble in their habits and appearance those of the plains of the

Missouri precisely. they are not abundant in the plains of Columbia

because there is but little game on which for them to subsist.

[Clark, February 20, 1806]

Thursday February 20th 1806.

Permited Collins to hunt this morning he returned in the evening

unsucksessfull as to the chase, but brought with him Some Cramberries

for the Sick. Gibson is on the recovery fast; Bratten has an obstinate

Cough and pain in his back and Still appears to be getting weaker. H.

McNeal from his inattention to his disorder has become worse. Willard

has a high fever and complains of the pain in his head and want of

appetite.

The forenoon we were visited by Tfih-cum a principal chief of the

Chinnooks and 25 men of his nation. we had never Seen this Chief before

he is a good looking man of about 50 years of age reather larger in

Statue than most of his nation; as he came on a friendly visit we gave

himself and party something to eate and plyed them plenty fully with

Smoke. we gave this chief a small Medal with which he Seamed much

pleased. in the evening at Sunset we desired them to depart as is our

custom and Close our gates. we never Suffer parties of Such numbers to

remain within the Fort all night; for not withstanding their apparent

friendly disposition, their great averis and hope of plunder might

induce them to be treacherous. at all events we are determined always

to be on our guard, as much as the nature of our Situation will permit

us, and never place our selves at the mercy of any Savages. we well

know, that the treachery of the Aborigenes of America and the too great

confidence of our country men in their friendship and fadility has

caused the distruction of maney hundreds of us. so long has our men

been accustomed to a friendly intercourse with the nativs, that we find

it dificult to impress on their minds the necessity of always being on

their Guard with respect to them. this confidence on our part we know

to be the effect of a serious of a friendly and unintorupted

intercourse. but the well Known treachery of the natives by no means

entitle them to Such confidence, and we must check it's groth in our

own minds as well as those of our men, by recollecting our selves, and

repeating to our men, that our preservation depends on our never

loseing Sight of this trate in their character, and being always

prepared to meet it in whatever Shape it may present itself

The Mule Deer are the Same with those of the Plains of the Missouri So

frequently mentioned. we met with them under the rocky mountains in the

neighbourhood of the Chopunnish Nation on the Koskooske river, but have

not Seen them Since nor do we know whether they exist in the interiors

of the great Plains of Columbia, or on the lower border near the

mountains which pass the river about the great falls. The Elk is the

Same with that found in much the greater portion of North America, they

are common to every part of this Country, as well the timbered lands as

the plains. but are much more abundant in the former than the latter

[Lewis, February 21, 1806]

Friday February 21st 1806.

Visited this morning by 3 Clatsop who remained with us all day; they

are great begers; I gave one of them a few nedles with which he

appeared much gratifyed. in the evening late they departed. Drewyer and

Collins went in pursuit of some Elk, the tracks of which Collins had

discovered yesterday; but it rained so hard that they could not pursue

them by their tracks and returned unsuccessfull. Drewyer saw a fisher

black fox but it escaped from him among the fallen timber. Sergt.

Ordway returned with the party from the salt camp which we have now

evacuated. they brought with them the salt and eutensils. our stock of

salt is now about 20 Gallons; 12 gallons of which we secured in 2 small

iron bound kegs and laid by for our voyage. gave Willard and bratton

each a doze of Scotts pills; on the former they operated and on the

latter they (lid not. Gibson still continues the barks three times a

day and is on the recovery fast.-

The tyger Cat is found on the borders of the plains and in the woody

country lying along the Pacific Ocean. this animal is about the size or

reather larger than the wild cat of our country and is much the same in

form, agility and ferosity. the colour of the back neck and sides is a

redish brown irregularly variegated with small spots of dark brown the

tail is about two inches long nearly white except the extremity which

is black; it terminates abruptly as if it had been cut off. the belly

is white with small black spots, beautifully variagated. the legs are

of the same colour with the sides and back marked with transverse

stripes of black the ears are black on the outer side covered with fine

short hair except at the upper point which furnished with a pensil of

fine, streight, black hair, = 3/4 of an inch in length. the fur of this

anamal is long and fine, much more so than the wild cat of the United

States but less so than that of Louservea of the N. West. the natives

in this quarter make great use of the skins of this Cat to form the

robes which they wear; four skins is the compliment usuly employed in

each robe. the Black fox, or as they most frequently called in the

neighbourhood of Detroit, Fisher is found in the woody country on this

coast. how this animal obtained the name of fisher I know not, but

certain it is, that the name is not appropriate, as it dose not prey on

fish or seek it as a prey. they are extreemly active strong and

prepared for climbing, which they do with great agility, and bound from

tree to tree in pursuit of the squirrel or Rackoon their natural and

most usual food. their colour is a jut black except a small spot of

white on the breast. the body is long, legs short and formed something

like the ternspit dog with a remarkable long tail. it dose not differ

here from those of the United States. The Silver fox this animal is

very rare even in the country where it exists; I have never seen more

than the Skins of this anamal and those were in the possession of the

natives of the woody Country below the great falls of the Columbia from

which I think that it is most probably the inhabtant of the woody

country exclusively. from the skin it appeared to be about the size of

the large red fox of the plains and much of it's form with a large

tail. the legs I think somewhat longer. it has a fine long deep fur

poll. the poil is of a dark lead colour and the long hairs intermixed

with it are either white or black at the lower part and white at the

top, the whole mixture forming a beatifull silver grey. I think this

the most beautifull of all the Foxes except species of which I saw one

only on the Missouri near the natural walls. the large red fox of the

plains and the Kit fox are the same which we met with on the Missouri

and are the inhabitants almost exclusively of the open plains, or of

the cops of brush within the pain country. The common red fox of the

United States is also found in the woody country on this coast nor dose

it appear to be altered in rispect to it's fur colour or any other

particular

[Clark, February 21, 1806]

Friday February 21st 1806

Visited this morning by three Clatsops, who remained with us all day;

they are great begers; Capt Lewis gave one of them a fiew nedles with

which he appeared much gratified, in the evening late they departed.

Drewyer and Collins went in pursute of Some Elk the tracks of which

Collins had discovered yesterday; but it rained So hard they Could not

pursue them by the tracks, and returned unsucksessfull. Drewyer Saw a

fisher but it escaped from him among the fallen timber. Sergt. Ordway

returned with the party from the Salt Camp which we have now avacuated.

they brought with them the Salt and utensels. our Stock of Salt is now

about 20 Gallons; 12 Gallons we had Secured in 2 Small iron bound Kegs

and laid by for our voyage. Gave Willard a dose of Scots pills; they

opperated very well. Gibson Still Continus the bark 3 times a day and

is on the recovery fast.

The large brown Wolf is like that of the atlantic States, and are found

only in the woody Country on the Pacific Ocean embraceing the mountains

which pass the Columbia between the Great Falls an Rapids of the same.

The large and Small Wolves of the inhabitents principally of the open

Country and the wood land on their borders, and resemble in their

habits those of the plains of Missouri presisely they are not abundant

in the Plains of Columbia because there is but little game on which for

them to subsist-

[Lewis, February 22, 1806]

Saturday February 22cd 1806.

We were visited today by two Clatsop women and two boys who brought a

parsel of excellent hats made of Cedar bark and ornamented with

beargrass. two of these hats had been made by measures which Capt Clark

and myself had given one of the women some time since with a request to

make each of us a hat; they fit us very well, and are in the form we

desired them. we purchased all their hats and distributed them among

the party. the woodwork and sculpture of these people as well as these

hats and their waterproof baskets evince an ingenuity by no means

common among the Aborigenes of America. in the evening they returned to

their village and Drewyer accompanied them in their canoe in order to

get the dogs which the Clatsops have agreed to give us in payment for

the Elk they stole from us some weeks since. these women informed us

that the small fish began to run which we suppose to be herring from

their discription. they also informed us that their Chief, Coma or

Comowooll, had gone up the Columbia to the valley in order to purchase

wappetoe, a part of which he in tended trading with us on his return.

one of our canoes brake the cord by which it was attatched and was

going off with the tide this evening; we sent Sergt. Pryor and a party

after her who recovered and brought her back. our sick consisting of

Gibson, Bratton, Sergt. Ordway, Willard and McNeal are all on the

recovery. we have not had as may sick at any one time since we left

Wood River. the general complaint seams to be bad colds and fevers,

something I beleive of the influenza.

The Antelope is found in the great plains of Columbia and are the same

of those on the Missouri found in every part of that untimbered

country. they are by no means as plenty on this side of the Rocky

Mountains as on the other. the natives here make robes of their skins

dressed with the hair on them. when the salmon begin to decline in the

latter end of the sunme and Autumn the natves leave the river, at least

a majority and remove to the plains at some distance for the purpose of

hunting the Antelope. they pursue them on horse back and shoot them

with their arrows. The sheep is found in various parts of the Rocky

mountains, but most commonly in those parts which are timbered and

steep. they are also found in greater abundance on the Chain of

mountains with form the commencement of the woody country on this coast

and which pass the Columbia between the great falls and rapids we have

never met with this anamal ourselves but have seen many of their skins

in possession of the natives dressed with the wooll on them and aso

seen the blankets which they manufacture of the wooll of this sheep.

from the skin the animal appears to be about the size of the common

sheep; of a white colour. the wooll is fine on most parts of the body

but not so long as that of our domestic sheep. the wooll is also curled

and thick. on the back and more particularly on the top of the neck the

wooll is intermixed with a considerable proportion of long streight

hairs. there is no wooll on a small part of the body behind the

sholders on each side of the brisquit which is covered with a short

fine hairs as in the domestic sheep. form the signs which the Indians

make in discribing this animal they have herect pointed horns, tho one

of our Engages La Page, assures us that he saw them in the black hills

where the little Missouri passes them, and that they were in every

rispect like the domestic sheep, and like them the males had lunated

horns bent backwards and twisted. I should be much pleased at meeting

with this animal, but have had too many proofs to admit a doubt of it's

existing and in considerable numbers in the mountains near this coast.

the Beaver and common Otter have before been mentioned in treating of

the occupations of the natives in hunting fishing &c. these do not

differ from those of other parts of the Continent.

[Clark, February 22, 1806]

Saturday February 22nd 1806

We were visited to day by two Clatsops women and two boys who brought a

parcel of excellent hats made of Cedar bark, and ornemented with bear

grass. two of those hats had been made by measure which Capt Lewis and

my Self had given a woman Some time Since, with a request to make each

of us a hat; they fit us very well, and are in the form we desired

them. we purchased the hats and distribeted them among the party. the

woodwork and sculpture of these people as well as those hats and the

water proof baskits evince an ingenuity by no means common among the

Aborigenes of America. in the evining they returned to their village

and Drewyer accompanied them in order to get Some dogs &c. These women

informed us that the Small fish began to run which we suppose to be

herring from their discription. they also informed us that their Chief

Conia Comawool, had gorn up the Columbia to the Vally in order to

purchase Wappatoe, a part of which he entended tradeing with us on his

return. our sick consisting of Gibson, Bratten, Willard McNeal and

Baptiest LaPage is Something better Serjt. Ordway is complaining of a

Coald & head ake. we have not had as many Sick at one time Since we

left the Settlements of the Illinois. the general Complaint appears to

be bad colds and fevers, with a violent pain in the head, and back,

something I believe of the influenza.

The Antelope is found in the great plains of Columbia and are the Same

with those of the Missouri found in every part of that untimbered

Country. they are by no means as plenty on this Side of the Rocky

Mountains as on the other. the nativs here make robes of their Skins

dressed withe the hair on them. when the Salmon begin to decline in the

latter end of Summer and autumn, the nativs leave the river, at least a

majority and move out into the plains at Some distance for the purpose

of hunting the Antelope. they pursue them on hors back and Shute them

with their arrows.

The Sheep is found in various parts of the Rocky Mountains, but most

Commonly on those parts which are timbered and Steep. they are also

found in greater abundance on the chain of mountains which forms the

Commencement of the woody country on this Coast and which pass the

Columbia between the great falls and rapids. we have never met with

this animal ourselves but have Seen maney of their Skins in the

possession of the nativs dressed with the wool on them and also Seen

and have the blankets which they manufacture of the wool of this Sheep.

from the Skin the animal appears to be about the Size of the common

Sheep; of a white colour. the wool is fine on most parts of the body,

but not so long as that of the domestic Sheep; the wool is also Curled

and thick. on the back and more particularly on the top of the neck the

wool is intermixed with a Considerable proportion of long Streight

hair. there is no wool on a Small part of the body behind the Sholders

on each Side of the brisquit which is covered with a Short fine hairs

as in the domestic Sheep. from the Signs which the Indians make in

discribing this animale they have herect pointed horns, tho one of our

Engages Lapage, assures us that he Saw them in the Black hills where

the Little Missouri river passes them, and that they were in every

respect like our domestic Sheep, and like them the mail had lunated

horns bent backwards and twisted. I should be much pleased at meeting

with this animal. but have had too maney proofs to admit a doubt of

it's existing and in considerable numbers in the mountains on this

Coast. The Beaver and Common Otter have before been mentioned in

treating of the Occupation of the nativs in hunting, fishing, &c. these

do not differ from those of other parts of the Continent-.-.

[Lewis, February 23, 1806]

Sunday February 23rd 1806.

not anything transpired during this day worthy of particular notice.

our sick are all on the recovery, except Sergt. Ordway who is but

little wose and not very ill tho more so than any of the others. the

men have provided themselves very amply with mockersons and leather

cloathing, much more so indeed than they ever have since they have been

on this voige.

The Sea Otter is found on the sea coast and in the salt water. this

anamal when fully grown is as large as a common mastive dog. the ears

and eyes are remarkaby small, particularly the former which is not an

inch in length thick fleshey and pointed covered with short hair. the

tail is about 10 inches in length thick where it joins the body and

tapering to a very sharp point; in common with the body it is covered

with a deep fir particularly on the upper side, on the under part the

fur is not so long. the legs are remarkably short and the feet, which

have five toes each are broad large and webbed. the legs are covered

with fur and the feet with short hair. the body of this animal is long

and nearly of the same thickness throughout. from the extremity of the

tail to that of the nose they will measure 5 feet or upwards. the

colour is a uniform dark brown and when in good order and season

perfectly black and glossey. it is the riches and I think the most

delicious fur in the world at least I cannot form an idea of any more

so. it is deep thick silkey in the extreem and strong. the inner part

of the fur when opened is lighter than the surface in it's natural

position. there are some fine black and shining hairs intermixed with

the fur which are reather longer and add much to it's beauty. the nose,

about the eyes ears and forehead in some of these otter is of a lighter

colour, sometimes a light brown. those parts in the young sucking Otter

of this species is sometimes of a cream coloured white, but always much

lighter than the other parts. the fur of the infant Otter is much

inferior in point of colour and texture to that of the full grown

otter, or even after it has been weaned. there is so great a difference

that I have for some time supposed it a different animal; the Indians

called the infant Otter Spuck, and the full grow or such as had

obtained a coat of good fur, E-luck'-ke. this still further confirmed

the opinion of their being distinct species; but I have since learned

that the Spuck is the young Otter. the colour of the neck, body, legs

and tail is a dark lead brown. The mink is found in the woody country

on this coast, and dose not differ in any particu from those of the

Atlantic coast. the seal are found here in great numbers, and as far up

the Columbia river as the great falls above which there are none. I

have reason to beleive from the information of the men that there are

several species of the seal on this coast and in the river but what the

difference is I am unable to state not having seen them myself

sufficiently near for minute inspection nor obtained the different

kinds to make a comparison. the skins of such as I have seen are

covered with a short coarse stiff and glossey hair of a redish hey

brown colour. tho the anamal while in the water or as we saw them

frequently in the river appear to be black and spoted with white

sometimes. when we first saw those animals at the great falls and

untill our arrival at this place we conseived they were the Sea Otter.

but the indians here have undeceived us.--I am not much acquainted with

the Seal but suppose that they are the same common also to the Atlantic

Ocean in the same parallel of latitude. the skins I have seen are

precisely such as our trunks are frequently covered with.

[Clark, February 23, 1806]

Sunday February 23rd 1806.

Not any thing transpired desering particular notice. our Sick are all

on the recovery. the men have provided themselves verry amply with

mockersons & leather clothing, much more So indeed than they have ever

been Since they have been on the voyage.

The Sea Otter is found only on the Sea Coast and in the Salt water.

Those animals which I took to be the Sea Otter from the Great Falls of

the Columbia to the mouth, proves to be the Phosia or Seal which at a

little distance has every appearance of the Sea Otters. The Sea otter

when fully grown is as large as the common mastif dog, the eail and

Eyes are remarkably Small, particularly the former which is not an inch

in length thick fleshey and pointed, Covered with short hair. the tail

is about 10 inches in length thick where it joins the body and tapering

to a very Sharp point; in common with the body it is covered with a

deep fur particularly on the upper Side, on the under part the fur is

not So long. the legs are remarkably Short and the feat which have five

toes each are broad large and webbed. the legs are covered with fur and

the feet with Short hair. the body of this Animal is long and nearly of

the Same thickness throughout. from the extremity of the tail to that

of the nose they will measure 5 feet or upwards. the colour is of a

uniform dark brown, and when in good order and Season perfectly Black

and Glossey. it is the richest and I think the most delightfull fur in

the world at least I cannot form an idea of any more so. it is deep

thick silky in the extream and Strong. the inner part of the fur when

open is lighter than the surface in its natural position. there are

Some fine black Shineing hairs intermixed with the fur which are

reather longer and add much to its beauty. the nose, about the eyes,

ears and forehead in Some of those otter is of a light Colour,

Sometimes a light brown. those parts in the young Suckling otters of

this Species is Sometimes of a creem colour'd white, but always much

lighter than the other parts. the fur of the infant otter is much

inferior in point of colour, and texture, to that of the full grown

otter, or even after it has been weened-. there is so great a

difference that I have for Some time Supposed it a different animal;

the Indians Call the infant otter Spuck, and the full grown or such as

had obtained a Coat of good fur, E luck'ko. this Still further

confirmed the opinion of their being distinct Species; but I have Since

lerned that the Spuck is the young otter. the Colour of the neck, body,

legs and tail is a dark lead brown. The Mink is found in the woody

Country on this Coast and does not differ in any particular from those

of the Atlantic Coasts.

The Seal or Phoca are found here in great numbers, and as far up the

Columbia as the great Falls, above which there are none. I have reasons

to believe from the information of the men that there are Several

Species of the Phoca on this Coast and in the river, but what the

difference is I am unable to State not haveing Seen them myself

Sufficiently near for manute inspection nor obtain the different kinds

to make a comparison. the Skins of Such as I have Seen are covered with

a Short thick Coarse Glossy hair of a redish bey brown Colour. tho the

animal while in the water, or as we saw them frequently in the river

appear to be black and Spoted with white sometimes. I am not much

acquainted with the Seal, but Suppose that they are the Same common

also to the atlantic Ocian in the Same parrelal of Latitude. the Skins,

or those which I have Seen are presisely Such as trunks are frequently

Covered with. the flesh of this animal is highly prised by the nativs

who Swinge the hair off and then roste the flesh on Sticks before the

fire.

[Lewis, February 24, 1806]

Monday February 24th 1806.

Our sick are still on the recovery. Shannon & Labuishe returned in the

forenoon; they had killed no Elk and reported that they beleived the

Elk have retired from their former haunts and gone further back in the

country to a considerable distance from this place. this is very

unwelcome information for poor and inferior as the flesh of this animal

is it is our principal dependance for subsistence.

This evening we were visited by Comowooll the Clatsop Chief and 12 men

women & children of his nation. Drewyer came a passenger in their

canoe, and brought with him two dogs. The chief and his party had

brought for sail a Sea Otter skin some hats, stergeon and a species of

small fish which now begin to run, and are taken in great quantities in

the Columbia R. about 40 miles above us by means of skiming or scooping

nets. on this page I have drawn the likeness of them as large as life;

it as perfect as I can make it with my pen and will serve to give a

general idea of the fish. the rays of the fins are boney but not sharp

tho somewhat pointed. the small fin on the back next to the tail has no

rays of bone being a thin membranous pellicle. the fins next to the

gills have eleven rays each. those of the abdomen have eight each,

those of the pinna-ani are 20 and 2 half formed in front. that of the

back has eleven rays. all the fins are of a white colour. the back is

of a bluish duskey colour and that of the lower part of the sides and

belley is of a silvery white. no spots on any part. the first bone of

the gills next behid the eye is of a bluis cast, and the second of a

light goald colour nearly white. the puple of the eye is black and the

iris of a silver white. the underjaw exceeds the uper; and the mouth

opens to great extent, folding like that of the herring. it has no

teeth. the abdomen is obtuse and smooth; in this differing from the

herring, shad anchovey &c of the Malacopterygious Order & Class Clupea,

to which however I think it more nearly allyed than to any other altho

it has not their accute and serrate abdomen and the under jaw exceeding

the upper. the scales of this little fish are so small and thin that

without minute inspection you would suppose they had none. they are

filled with roes of a pure white colour and have scarcely any

perceptable alimentary duct. I find them best when cooked in Indian

stile, which is by roasting a number of them together on a wooden spit

without any previous preperation whatever. they are so fat they require

no additional sauce, and I think them superior to any fish I ever

tasted, even more delicate and lussious than the white fish of the

lakes which have heretofore formed my standart of excellence among the

fishes. I have heard the fresh anchovey much extolled but I hope I

shall be pardoned for beleiving this quite as good. the bones are so

soft and fine that they form no obstruction in eating this fish. we

purchased all the articles which these people brought us; we suffered

these people to remain all night as it rained, the wind blew most

violently and they had their women and children with them; the latter

being a sure pledge of their pacific dispositions. the Sturgeon which

they brought us was also good of it's kind. we determine to send a

party up the river to procure some of those fish, and another in some

direction to hunt Elk as soon as the weather will permit.

[Clark, February 24, 1806]

Monday February 24th 1806

Our Sick are Still on the recovery. Shannon and Labiche returned in the

forenoon, they had killed no Elk, and reported that they believe the

Elk have returned from their former haunts and gorn further back in the

mountains to a considerable distance from this place. this is very

unwelcom information, for poore and inferior as the flesh of this

animale is, it is our principal dependance for Subsistance.

The Rackoon is found in the woody Country on the Coast in considerable

quantities. the nativs take a fiew of them in Snars, and deadfalls; tho

appear not to value their Skins much, and but Seldom prepare them for

robes. The large Grey Squirel appear to be a native of a narrow tract

of Country on the upper Side of the mountains below the Great falls of

Columbia which is pritty well covered in maney parts with a Species of

white oak. this animal is much larger than the Gray Squirel of our

Country, it resembles it much in form and colour. it is as large as the

Fox Squirel of the South Atlantic States. the tail is reather larger

than the whole of the body and head, the hair of which is long and tho

inserted on all Sides reispect the horozontal one. the eyes are black,

whiskers black and long. the back, Sides, head, tale and outer parts of

the legs are of a blue lead colour grey. the breast, belly, and inner

parts of the legs are of a pure white. the hair is Short as that of the

Fox Squirel but is much finer and intermixed with a propotion of fur.

the nativs make great use of those Skins in forming their robes. this

Squirel Subsists principally on the acorn and filburts, which last also

grow abundantly in the Oak Country-. The Small brown Squirel is a

butifull little animal about the size of the red Squirel of the E.

States or Something larger than the ground Squirel of the U States. the

tail is as long as the body and neck formed Somewhat Hat. the eyes

black, whiskers long and black but not abundant. the back, Sides, head,

neck and outer parts of the legs are of a redish dark brown. the

throat, breast, belly and inner parts of the legs are of a pale brick

red. the tail is a mixture of black and fox coloured red in which the

black prodomonates in the middle, and the other on the edges and

extremity. the hair of the body is about 1/2 inch long and So fine and

soft that it has the appearance of fur. the hair of the tail is coarser

and double as long. this animal Subsists principally on the Seeds of

various Species of pine and are always found in the piney Country. they

are common to the tract of woody country on this coast. they lodge in

Clefts of rocks, holes in the Ground, old Stumps of trees and the

hollow trunks of falling timber; in this respect resemble the rat

always haveing their habitation in or near the earth. The Small Grey

Squirel Common to every part of the Rocky Mountains which is timbered,

differ from the dark brown squirel just discribed only in its colour.

it's back, neck, Sides, head, tail and outer Sides of the legs are of

brown lead coloured Grey; the tail has a Slight touch of the fox colour

near the extremity of some of the hairs. the throat, belly, breast, and

inner part of the legs are of the Colour of tanners ooze and have a

narrow Stripe of black commencing behing each Sholder and extending

longitudinally for about 3 inches between the Colours of the Side &

belly. their habits are also the Same with the dark brown Squirel of

this neighbourhood, and like them are extreamly nimble and active. The

Ground Squirel is found in various parts of the Countrey as well the

Praries as wood lands, and is one of the fiew animals which we have

Seen in every part of our voy-age. it differs not at all from those of

the U, States.

The Barking Squirel and handsom Ground Squirel of the Plains on the

East Side of the Rocky Mountains are not found in the plains of the

Columbia.

This evening we were visited by Comowooll the Clatsop Chief and 14 men

women and Children of his nation. Drewyer came a pasinger in their

Canoe, and brought with him two dogs. the Chief and his party had

brought for Sale a Sea otter Skin, Some hats, Sturgeon and a Species of

fish which now begins to run and are taken in Great quantities in the

Columbia River about 40 miles above us by means of Skiming or scooping

nets. See likeness on the other Side of this leaf or page. Capt Lewis

gave an old Coat and Vest for a Sea otter Skin, we purchased Several

hads of the Indian manufactry and distributed them among the party. we

also purchased a fiew of the Small fish which we found deliciously fine.

[Lewis, February 25, 1806]

Tuesday February 25th 1806.

It continued to rain and blow so violently that there was no movement

of the party today. the Indians left us in the morning on their return

to their village. Willard somewhat worse the other Invalledes on the

ricovery. I am mortifyed at not having it in my power to make more

celestial observations since we have been at Fort Clatsop, but such has

been the state of the weather that I have found it utterly

impracticable.-

The Rackoon is found in the woody country on this coast in considerable

quantities. the natives take a few of them in snars and deadfalls; tho

appear not to vallue their skins much, and but seldom prepare them for

robes. The large grey squirrel appears to be a native of a narrow tract

of country on the upper side of the mountains just below the grand

falls of Columbia which is pretty well covered in many parts with a

species of white oak. in short I beleive this squirrel to be

coextensive with timber only, as we have not seen them in any part of

the country where pine forms the majority of the timber, or in which

the oak dose not appear. this animal is much larger than the grey

squirrel of our country it resembles it much in form and colours. it is

as large as the fox squirrel of the Southern Atlantic states. the tail

is reather longer than the whole length of the body and head. the hair

of which is long and tho inserted on all sides reispect the horizontal

ones only. the eyes are black. whiskers black and long. the back,

sides, head, tail and outer part of the legs are of a blue lead

coloured grey. the breast belley and inner part of the legs are of a

pure white. the hair is short as that of the fox-squirrel but is much

finer and intermixed with a proportion of fur. the natives make great

use of these skins in forming their robes. this squirrel subsists

principally on the acorn and filbird which last also grows abundantly

in the oak country.--The small brown squirrel is a beautifull little

animal about the size and form of the red squirrel of the Eastern

Atlantic states and western lakes. the tail is as long as the body and

neck, formed like that of the red squirrel or somewhat flat. the eyes

black. whiskers long and black but not abundant. the back, sides, head,

neck and outer part of the legs are of a redish dark brown. the throat,

breast, belley and inner part of the legs are of a pale brick red. the

tail is a mixture of black and fox coloured red in which the black

predominates in the midle and the other on the edges and extremity. the

hair of the body is about 1/2 an inch long and so fine and soft that it

has the appearance of fur. the hair of the tail is coarser and doubly

as long. this animal subsists principally on the seeds of various

species of pine, and are always found in the piny country they are

common to the tract of wooddy country on this coast. they lodge in

clifts of rocks, holes in the ground old stumps of trees and the hollow

trunks of fallen timber; in this rispect resembling the rat, always

having their habitatin in or near the earth. the small grey squirrel

common to every part of the rocky mountain which is timbered, difirs

from the dark brown squirrel just discribed only in it's colour. it's

back, sides, neck, head tail and outer side of the legs are of a brown

lead coloured grey; the tail has a slight touch of the fox colour near

the extremity of some of the hairs. the throat, breast, belley, and

inner parts of the legs are of the colour of tanner's ooze and have a

narrow stripe of black, commencing just behide each sholder and

extending longitudinaly for about 3 inches betwen the colours of the

sides and belley. their habids are also the same of the dark brown

squirrel of this neighbourhood and like them are extreemly nimble and

active. the ground squirrel is found in every part of the country, as

well the praries as woodlands, and is one of the few animals which we

have seen in every part of our voyage. it differs not at all from those

of the U States. the barking squirrel and handsome ground squirrel of

the plains on the East side of the rocky mountains are not found in the

plains of Columbia.

[Clark, February 25, 1806]

Tuesday February 25th 1806

It continued to rain and blow So violently that there was no movement

of the party to day. the Indians left us in the morning on their return

to their village. Willard Somewhat worse the others are on the

recovery. we are mortified at not haveing it in our power to make more

Celestial observations since we have been at Fort Clatsop, but Such has

been the State of the weather that we have found it utterly

impractiable-. I purchased of the Clatsops this morning about half a

bushel of Small fish which they had cought about 40 miles up the

Columbia in their scooping nets. as this is an uncommon fish to me and

one which no one of the party has ever Seen. on the next page I have

drawn the likeness of them as large as life; it's as perfect as I can

make it with my pen and will Serve to give a general idea of the fish.

the rays of the fins are boney but not Sharp tho Somewhat pointed. the

Small fin on the back next to the tail has no rays of bone being a thin

membranous pellicle. the fins next to the gills have eleven rays each.

those of the abdomen have Eight each, those of the pinna ani are 20 and

2 half formed in front. that of the back has eleven rays. all the fins

are of a white colour. the back is of a blueish duskey colour and that

of the lower part of the Sides and belly is of a Silvery White. no

Spots on any part. the first of the gills next behind the eye is of a

blueish cast, and the second of a light gold colour nearly white. the

puple of the eye is black and the iris of a silver white. the under jaw

exceeds the upper; and the mouth opens to great extent, folding like

that of the Herring. it has no teeth. the abdomen is obtuse and Smooth;

in this differing from the herring, Shad, anchovey &c. of the

Malacapterygious Order and Class Clupea, to which however I think it

more nearly allyed than to any other altho it has not their accute and

Serrate abdomen and the under jaw exceeding the upper. the scales of

this little fish are So small and thin that without manute inspection

you would Suppose they had none. they are filled with roes of a pure

white Colour and have Scercely any perceptable alimentary duct. I found

them best when cooked in Indian Stile, which is by rosting a number of

them together on a wooden spit without any previous preperation

whatever. they are so fat that they require no aditional sauce, and I

think them Superior to any fish I ever tasted, even more dilicate and

lussious than the white fish of the Lakes which have heretofore formed

my Standard of excellence among the fishes. I have herd the fresh

anchovey much extoll'd but I hope I shall be pardened for believeing

this quit as good. the bones are So Soft and fine that they form no

obstruction in eating this fish.

[Lewis, February 26, 1806]

Wednesday February 26th 1806.

This morning we dispatched Drewyer and two men in our Indian canoe up

the Columbia River to take sturgeon and Anchovey. or if they were

unsuccessfull in fishing we directed them to purchase fish from the

natives for which purpose we had furnished them with a few articles

such as the natives are pleased with. we also Sent Shields, Joseph

Fields and Shannon up the Netul to hunt Elk. and directed Reubin Fields

and some others to hunt in the point towards the praries of Point

Adams. thus we hope shortly to replenish our stock of provision which

is now reduced to a mere minnamum. we have three days provision only in

store and that of the most inferior dryed Elk a little tainted. a

comfortable prospect for good living. Sewelel is the Chinnook and

Clatsop name for a small animal found in the timbered country on this

coast. it is more abundant in the neighbourhood of the great falls and

rapids of the Columbia than immediately on the coast. the natives make

great use of the skins of this animal in forming their robes, which

they dress with the fur on them and attatch together with sinews of the

Elk or deer. I have never seen the animal and can therefore discribe it

only from the skin and a slight view which some of our hunters have

obtained of the living animal. the skin when dressed is from 14 to 18

inches in length and from 7 to 9 in width; the tail is always severed

from the skin in forming their robes I cannot therefore say what form

or length it is. one of the men informed me that he thought it reather

short and flat. that he saw one of them run up a tree like a squirrel

and that it returned and ran into a hole in the ground. the ears are

short thin pointed and covered with short fine hair. they are of a

uniform colour, a redish brown; tho the base of the long hairs, which

exceed the fur but little in length, as well as the fur itself is of a

dark colour for at least two thirds of it's length next to the skin.

the fur and hair are very fine, short, thickly set and silky. the ends

of the fur and tips of the hair being of the redish brown that colour

predominates in the ordinary appearance of the animal. I take this

animal to be about the size of the barking squirrel of the Missouri.

and beleive most probably that it is of the Mustela genus, or perhaps

the brown mungo itself. I have indeavoured in many instances to make

the indians sensible how anxious I was to obtain one of these animals

entire, without being skined, and offered them considerable rewards to

furnish me with one, but have not been able to make them comprehend me.

I have purchased several of the robes made of these skins to line a

coat which I have had made of the skins of the tiger cat. they make a

very pleasant light lining. the Braro so called by the French engages

is an animal of the civit genus and much resembles the common badger.

this is an inhabitant of the open plains of the Columbia as they are of

those of the Missouri but are sometimes also found in the woody

country. they burrow in the hard grounds of the plains with surprising

ease and dexterity an will cover themselves in the ground in a very few

minutes. they have five long fixed nails on each foot; those of the

forefeet are much the longest; and one of those on each hind foot is

double like those of the beaver. they weigh from 14 to 18 lbs. the body

is reather long in proportion to it's thickness. the forelegs

remarkably large and muscular and are formed like the ternspit dog.

they are short as are also the hind legs. they are broad across the

sholders and brest. the neck short. the head is formed much like the

common fist dog only that the skull is more convex. the mouth is wide

and furnished with sharp streight teeth both above and below, with four

sharp streight pointed tusks, two in the upper and two in the lower

jaw. the eyes are black and small. whiskers are plased in four points

on each side near the nose and on the jaws near the opening of the

mouth. the ears are very short wide and appressed as if they had ben

cut off. the apperture through them to the head is remarkably small.

the tail is about 4 inches long; the hair longest on it at it's

junction with the body and becoming shorter towards it's extremity

where it ends in an accute point. the hairs of the body are much longer

on the side and rump than any other part, which gives the body and

apparent flatness, particularly when the animal rests on it's belley.

this hair is upwards of 3 inches in length particularly on the rump

where it extends so far towards the point of the tail that it almost

conceals the shape of that part and gives to the whole of the hinder

part of the body the figure of an accute angled triangle of which the

point of the tail forms the accute angle. the small quantity of coarse

fur which is intermixed with the hair is of a redish pale yellow. the

hair of the back, sides, upper part of the neck and tail, are of a

redish light or pale yellow for about 2/3rds of their length from the

skin, next black, and then tiped with white; forming a curious mixture

of grey and fox coloured red with a yellowish hue. the belley flanks

and breast are of the foxcoloured redish yellow. the legs black. the

nails white the head on which the hair is short, is varia gated with

black and white. a narrow strip of white commences on the top of the

nose about 1/2 an inch from it's extremity and extends back along the

center of the forehead and neck nearly to the sholders--two stripes of

black succeed the white on either side imbracing the sides of the nose,

the eyes, and extends back as far as the ears. two other spots of black

of a ramboidal figure are placed on the side of the head near the ears

and between them and the opening of the mouth. two black spots also

immediately behind the ears. the other parts of the head white. this

animal feeds on flesh, roots, bugs, and wild fruits.--it is very clumsy

and runs very slow. I have in two instances out run this animal and

caught it. in this rispect they are not much more fleet than the

porcupine.

[Clark, February 26, 1806]

Wednesday February 26th 1806

This morning we dispatched Drewyer and two men in our indian canoe up

the Columbia River to take Sturgion and Anchovey. or if they were

unsucksessfull in fishing we directed them to purchase fish from the

nativs, for which purpose we had furnished them with a fiew articles

Such as the nativs are pleased with. we also Sent Shields Jo. Field and

Shannon up the Netul to hunt Elk. and directed Reubin Field and Some

other man to hunt in the point towards the Praries & point Adams. thus

we hope Shortly to replenish our Stock of provisions which is now

reduced to a mear minnamum. we have three days provisions only in Store

and that of the most inferior dried Elk a little tainted. what a

prospect for good liveing at Fort Clatsop at present.

Se we lel is the Clatsop and Chinnook name for a Small animal found in

the timbered Country on this Coast. it is more abundant in the

neighbourhood of the great falls and rapids of the Columbia than

imediately on the Coast. the nativs make great use of the Skins of this

animal in forming their robes, which they dress with the fur on them

and attached together with the sinears of the Elk or Deer. I have never

Seen the ammale and can therefore only discribe it from the Skin and a

Slight view which Some of our party have obtained of the liveing

animal. the Skin when dressed is from 14 to 18 inches in length, and

from 7 to 9 in width; the tail is always Severed from the body in

forming their robes, I cannot therefore Say in what form or length it

is. one of the men informed me that he thought it reather Short and

flat. that he saw one of them run up a tree like a squirel, and that it

returned and ran into a hole in the ground. the ears are Short, thin,

pointed and Covered with Short fine hair. they are of uniform Colour, a

redish brown; tho the base of the long hairs, exceed the fur but little

in length, as well as the fur itself is of a Dark colour for at least

2/3ds of it's length next to the Skin. the fur and hair are very fine,

Short, thickly Set, and Silky. the ends of the fur and tips of the hair

is of a redish brown, that colour prodominates in the ordinary

appearance of the Animate. I took this animal to be about the Size of

the barking Squirel of the Missouri. and believe most probably that it

is of the Mustela genus, or perhaps the brown mungo itself I have in

maney instances endeavured to make the nativs Sensiable how anxious I

was to obtain one of those animals entire, without being Skined, and

offered them rewards to furnish me with one, but have not been able to

make them Comprehend me. we have purchased Several of the roabs made of

those Skins to loin a westcoat of the Sea otter, which I have made and

Capt Lewis a Tiger Cat Skin Coat loined with them also, they make a

very pleasant light lighting.

The Rat in the rocky mountains on its west side are like those on the

upper part of the Missouri in and near those Mountains and have the

distingushing trait of possessing a tail covered with hair like other

parts of the body; one of these we caught at the white bear Islands in

the beginning of July last and then partially discribed.

There is rats in this neighbourhood but I have not seen them it is most

probable that they are like those of the Atlantic States, or at least

the native rat of our country which have no hair on their tail. this

Specis we found on the Missouri as far up it as the woody country

extended. it is as large as the Common European house rat or reather

larger is of a lighter Colour bordering more on the lead or drab

colour, the hair longer; and the female has only four tits which are

placed far back near the hinder legs. this rat I have Seen in the

Southern parts of the State of Kentucky & west of the Miami.

The Mouse and mole of this neighbourhood are the Same as those native

animals with us.

The Panther is found indifferently either in the great Plains of

Columbia the Western Side of the Rocky Mountains or on this coast in

the timbered country. it is precisily the Same animal common to the

Atlantic States, and most commonly met with on our frontiers or

unsettled parts of the Country. this animal is Scerce in the Country

where they exist and are So remarkable Shye and watchfull that it is

extreamly dificuelt to kill them.

The Polecat is found in every part of the Country. they are very

abundant on Some parts of the Columbia, particularly in the

neighbourhood of the Great falls & Narrows of that river, where they

live in the Clifts along the river & feed on the offal of the Indian

fishing Shores. they are the Same as those of other parts of North

America.

[Lewis, February 27, 1806]

Thursday February 27th 1806.

Reubin Fields returned this evening and had not killed anything. he

reports that there are no Elk towards point Adams. Collins who had

hunted up the Netul on this side returned in the evening having killed

a buck Elk. Willard still continues very unwell the other sick men have

nearly recovered. Gutridge and McNeal who have the pox are recovering

fast, the former nearly well.

The rat in the Rocky mountain on it's West side are like those on the

upper part of the Missouri in and near those mountains and have the

distinguishing trait of possessing a tail covered with hair like other

parts of the body; one of those we caught at the White bear Islands in

the beginning of July last and was then discribed. I have seen the

nests of those in this neighbourhood but not the animal. I think it

most probable that they are like those of the Atlantic states or at

least the native rat of our country which have no hair on the tail.

this species we found on the Missouri as far up it as the woody country

extended. it is as large as the common European house rat or reather

larger, is of a lighter colour bordering more on the lead or drab

colour, the hair longer; and the female has only four tits which are

placed far back near the hinder legs. this rat I have observed in the

Western parts of the State of Georgia and also in Madison's cave in the

state of Virginia the mouse and mole of this neighbourhood are the same

as those native animals with us. The Panther is found indifferently

either in the Great Plains of Columbia, the Western side of the rocky

mountains or on this coast in the timbered country. it is precisely the

same animal common to the Atlantic coast, and most commonly met with on

our frontiers or unsettled parts of the country. this animal is scarce

in the country where they exist and are so remarkable shye and

watchfull that it is extreemly difficult to kill them.

[Clark, February 27, 1806]

Thursday February 27th 1806

Reubin Field returned this evening and had not killed anything, he

reported that there were no Elk towards point Adams. Collins who had

hunted up the Netul on this Side returned in the evening haveing killed

a buck Elk. Willard Still Continue very unwell the other Sick men have

nearly recovered. Goodrich & McNeal who have the Pox are recovering

fast, the former nearly well. La Page complaining.

The Braro so called by the French engages is an animal of the Civit

genus and much resembles the common badger. this is an enhabitent of

the open plains of the Columbia as they are of those of the Missouri,

but are Sometimes also found in the woody country. they burrow in the

hard Grounds in the Plains with Surprising ease and dexterity and will

cover themselves in the Ground in a very fiew minits. they have five

long fixed nails on each foot; those of the fore feet are much the

longest; and one of those on each hind foot is double like those of the

beaver. they weigh from 14 to 20 lbs. the body is reather long in

perportion to its thickness. the fore legs remarkably large and

muscular and are formed like the turnspit dog. they are Short as also

the hind legs. they are broad across the Sholders and breast. the neck

Short, the head is formed much like the Common fist dog only that the

Skull is more Convex, the mouth is wide and furnishid with long Sharp

teeth, both above and below, and with four Sharp Streight Pointed

tushes, two in the upper and two in the lower jaw. the eyes are black

and Small. Whiskers are placed in four points on each Side near the

nose and on the jaws near the opening of the mouth. the ears are very

Short wide and appressed as if they had been cut off. the appertue

through them to the head is remarkably Small; the tail is about 4

inches long; the hair longest on it at it's junction, with the body and

becomeing Shorter towards it's extremity where it ends in an accute

point. the hairs of the body are much longer on the Sides and rump than

any other part, which givs the body an appearent flatness, particularly

when the animal rests on it's belly. this hair is upwards of 3 inches

in length, particularly on the rump where it extends so far towards the

point of the tail, that it almost conceals the Shape of that part and

givs to all the hinder part of the body an accute angled triangle, of

which the point of the tail forms the accute angle. the Small quantity

of fur which is intermixed with the hair is of a redish pale yellow.

the hair of the back, Sides upper part of the neck and tail, are of

redish light or pale yellow fox about two thirds of their length from

the Skin, next black, and then tiped with white; forming a curious

mixture of grey and fox colourd. red with a yellowish hue. the belly

flanks and breast are of the fox coloured redish yellow. the legs

black, the nails white. the head on which the hair is short is

varigated with black and white. a narrow Strip of white Commences on

the top of the nose about half an inch from its extremity and extends

back along the Center of the forehead and neck nearly to the Sholders-

two Stripes of black Suckceed the white on either Side, imbraceing the

Side of the nose, the eyes, and extends back as far as the ears. two

other Spots of black of a romboidal figure are placed on the Side of

the head near the ears and between them and the opening of the mouth.

two black Spots also imediately behind the ears. the other part of the

head white. this animal feeds on flesh, roots, bugs and wild fruits.-

it is very clumsy and runs very Slow, depending more on burring to

Secure it Self than running. I have in Several instances out run and

caught this animal. in this respect they are not much more fleet than

the porcupine.

[Lewis, February 28, 1806]

Friday February 28th 1806.

Reubin Fields and Collins set out this morning early on a hunting

excurtion. Kuskelar a Clatsop man and his wife visited us today. they

brought some Anchovies, Sturgeon, a beaver robe, and some roots for

sail tho they asked so high a price for every article that we purchased

nothing but a part of a Sturgeon for which we gave a few fishing hooks.

we suffered them to remain all night. Shields Jos. Fields and Shannon

returned late this evening having killed five Elk tho two of them ar on

a mountain at a considerable distance. we ordered these hunters to

return early in the morning and continue their hunt, and Sergt. Gass to

take a party and go in quest of the Elk which they had killed. the

hunters inform us that the Elk are tolerable plenty near the mountains

about 9 or ten miles distant. Kuskelar brought a dog which Cruzatte had

purchased.

The hare on this side of the Rocky mountains is exclusively the

inhabitant of the great Plains of Columbia, as they are of those of the

Missouri East of these mountains. they weigh from 7 to eleven pounds.

the measure of one which weighed ten lbs. was as follows. from the

extremity of the hinder, to that of the fore feet when extended 3 F.

length from nose to the extremity of the tail 2 F. 2 I. hight when

standing erect 1 F. 3 I. girth of the body 1 F. 4 I. length of tail

61/2 I. length of ear 51/2 I. width of do 3 1/8 I. from the hip to the

extremity of toe of the hind foot 1 F. 41/4 I.--the eye is large and

prominent. the pupil is circular, of a deep sea green and occupys one

third of the diameter of the eye, the iris is of a bright yellowish

silver colour. the ears are placed far back on the head and very near

each other, they are flexable and the animal moves them with great ease

and quickness, and can dilate and throw them forward, or contract and

fold them on his back at pleasure. the fold of the front of the ear is

of a redish brown colour, the inner folds or those which lie together

when the ears are thrown back, and which occupy 2/3ds of the width of

the ears are of a pure white except the tips of the ears for about an

inch. the hinder folds or those which lie on the back are of a light

grey. the head neck, back, sholders, sides, & outer part of the legs

and thyes are of a lead coloured grey; the sides as they approach the

belley become gradually more white. the belley, brest, and inner part

of the legs and thyes are white, with a slight shade of the lead

colour. the tail is round and blontly pointed, covered with fine soft

white fur not quite as long as on the other parts of the body. the body

is covered with a deep fine soft close fur. the colours here discribed

are those which the animal assumes from the middle of April to the

middle of November, the ballance of the year they are of a pure white,

except the black and redish brown of the ears which never changes. a

few redish brown spots are sometimes seen intermixed with the white, at

this season, on their heads and upper part of the neck and sholders.

the body of this animal is smaller and longer in proportion to it's

hight than the rabbit. when it runs it carrys it's tail streight behind

in the direction of it's body. they appear to run with more ease and

bound with greater agility than any animal I ever saw. they are

extreemly fleet and never burrow or take sheter in the ground when

pursued. it's teeth are like those of the rabbit as is also it's upper

lip which is divided as high as the nose. it's food is grass, herbs,

and in winter feeds much on the bark of several aromatic shrubs which

grow in the plains and the young willow along the rivers and other

wartercourses.--I have measured the leaps of this animal and find them

commonly from 18 to 21 feet. they are generally found seperate, and

never seen to asscociate in any number or more than two or three.--the

rabbit are the same of our country and are found indifferently either

in the praries or woodlands. they are not very abundant in this

country. The Pole-cat is also found in every part of the country. they

are very abundant on some parts of the columbia, particularly in the

neighbourhood of the great falls and narrows of that river, where they

live in the clifts along the river and feed on the offal of the Indian

fishing shores. these are the same as those of other parts of North

America.

[Clark, February 28, 1806]

Friday February 28th 1806

Reuben Field and Collins Set out this morning early on a hunting

excurtion up the Netul. Kus ke-lar a Clatsop man, his wife and a Small

boy (a Slave, who he informed me was his Cook, and offerd to Sell him

to me for beeds & a gun) visited us to day they brought Some anchovies,

Sturgeon, a beaver robe, and Some roots for Sale tho they asked Such

high prices for every article that we purchased nothing but a part of a

Sturgeon for which we gave a fiew fishing hooks. we Suffered them to

Stay all night. Shields Jos. Field and Shannon returned late this

evening haveing killed five Elk tho two of them are of a mountain at a

considerable distance. we ordered these hunters to return early in the

morning and continue the hunt, and Sergt. Gass to take a party and go

in quest of the Elk which they had killed. the hunters informed us that

the Elk is tolerable plenty near the mountains about nine or ten miles

distant. Kuskalaw brought a dog which Peter Crusat had purchased with

his Capo which this fellow had on.

The Hare on this Side of the Rocky Mountains is exclusively the

inhabitents of the Great Plains of Columbia, as they are of those of

the Missouri East of the mountains. they weigh from 7 to 12 pounds. the

measure of one which weighed 10 pounds, was as follows. from the

extremity of the hinder, to that of the fore feet when extended 3 Feet.

length from nose to the extremity of the tail 2 feet, 2 inches. Hight

when Standing erect 1 foot, 3 inches-. Girth of the body 1 foot, 4

inches-. length of tail 61/2 inches-. length of ear 51/2 inches-. width

of ear 3 inches and 1/8-. from the hip to the extremity of toe of the

hind foot 1 foot 41/4 inches-. The eye is large and prominent. the

pupil is circular, of a deep Sea Green and Occupies one third of the

diamiter of the eye, the iris is of a bright yellowish silver colour.

The ears are placed far back on the head and very near each other, they

are flexable and the animal moves them with great ease and quickness

and can dilate and throw them foward, or contract and fold them on his

back at pleasure. the fold of the front of the ear is of a redish brown

colour, the inner folds are those which lie together when the ears are

thrown back, and which occupies 2/3ds of the width of the ears of a

pure white except the tips of the ears for about an inch. the hinder

folds or those which lie on the back are of a light grey; the Sides as

they approach the belly become gradually more white, the belly brest,

and inner part of the legs and thyes are white, with a Slight Shade of

a lead Colour. The Head, neck, back Sholders, Sides, outer part of the

legs and thyes are of a Lead Coloured Grey. the tail is bluntly pointed

and round, covered with fine Soft white fur not quite as long as on the

other parts of the body. the body is covered with a deep fine Soft

close fur. the colours here discribed are those which the Animale

assumes from the middle of April to the middle of November, the

ballance of the year they are of a pure white, except the black and

redish brown of the ears which never changes. a fiew redish brown spots

are Sometimes Seen intermixed with the white, at this Season on the

heads and upper parts of the neck an Sholders. The body of this animal

is Smaller and longer in purpotion to it's hight than the Rabbit. when

it runs it carrys its tail Streight behind in the direction of it's

body. they appear to run with more ease and bound with greater agility

than any animal I ever saw. they are extreemly fleet and never burrow

or take Shelter in the grounds when pursued. it's teeth are like those

of the rabit, as is also its upper lip which is divided as high as the

nose. it's food is Grass, herbs, and in winter feeds much on the bark

of Several arematic Shrubs which grow in the plains and the young

willows along the rivers and other water courses.--I have measured the

leaps of this animal and find them commonly from 18 to 22 feet. they

are Generally found Seperate, and never Seen to associate in any number

or more than two or three.

[Lewis, March 1, 1806]

Saturday March 1st 1806.

This morning Sergt. Gass and a party set out in quest of the Elk which

had been killed by the hunters the day before yesterday. they returned

with the flesh of three of them late in the evening. Thompson was left

with the hunters in order to jurk and take care of the flesh of the

remaining two. Kuskelar and wife left us about noon. he had a good

looking boy of about 10 years of age with him who he informed us was

his slave. this boy had been taken prisoner by the Killamucks from some

nation on the Coast to the S. East of them at a great distance. like

other Indian nations they adopt their slaves in their families and

treat them very much as their own children. Reubin Fields and Collins

who have been absent since yesterday morning returned without having

killed any game. The birds of the Western side of the Rocky Mountain to

the Pacific Ocean, for convenience I shall divide into two classes,

which I shal designate from the habits of the birds, Terrestrial and

Aquatic.

The Grouse or Prarie hen is peculiarly the inhabitant of the Grait

Plains of Columbia they do not differ from those of the upper portion

of the Missouri, the tail of which is pointed or the feathers in it's

center much longer than those on the sides. this Species differs

essentially in the construction of this part of their plumage from

those of the Illinois which have their tails composed of fathers of

equal length. in the winter season this bird is booted even to the

first joint of it's toes. the toes are also curiously bordered on their

lower edges with narrow hard scales which are placed very close to each

other and extend horizontally about 1/8 of an inch on each side of the

toes thus adding to the width of the tread which nature seems

bountifully to have furnished them at this season for passing over the

snow with more ease. in the summer season those scales fall off. They

have four toes on each foot. Their colour is a mixture of dark brown

redish and yellowish brown and white confusedly mixed in which the

redish brown prevails most on the upper parts of the body wings and

tail and the white underneath the belley and lower parts of the breast

and tail. they associate in large flocks in autumn & winter and are

frequently found in flocks of from five to six even in summer. They

feed on grass, insects, the leaves of various shrubs in the plains and

on the seeds of several species of spelts and wild rye which grow in

the richer parts of the plains. in winter their food is the buds of the

willow & Cottonwood also the most of the native berries furnish them

with food.The Indians of this neighbourhood eat the root of the Cattail

or Cooper's flag. it is pleasantly taisted and appears to be very

nutricious. the inner part of the root which is eaten without any

previous preperation is composed of a number of capillary white

flexable strong fibers among which is a mealy or starch like substance

which readily desolves in the mouth and separate from the fibers which

are then rejected. it appears to me that this substance would make

excellent starch; nothing can be of a purer white than it is.-

[Clark, March 1, 1806]

Saturday March the 1st 1806

This morning we despatched Sergt. Gass with 12 men in two Canoes in

quest of the Elk which had been killed by the hunters the day before

yesterday. they returned with the flesh of three of them late in the

evening. Thompson was left with the hunters in order to jurk and take

care of the flesh of the remaining two. Kuskalar &c. left us about

noon. The boy which this Indian offered to Sell to me is about 10 years

of age. this boy had been taken prisoner by the Kit a mox from Some

Nation on the Coast to the S. East of them at a great distance. like

other Indian nations they adopt their Slaves in their famelies and

treat them very much like their own Children. Reuben Field and Collins

who had been absent Since yesterday morning returned without killing

any thing.

The birds on the western Side of the Rocky Mountain's to the Pacific

Ocian for Convenience I Shall devide into from the habit of the birds,

Terrestrial and Aquatic. i e Fowls of the air, and fowls of the water.

The Prarie Hen sometimes called the Grouse is peculiarly the inhabitent

of the Great Plains of Columbia. they do not differ from those of the

upper portion of the Missouri, the tails of which is pointed or the

feathers in its center much longer than those on the Sides. this

Species differ assentially in the construction of this part of their

plumage from those of the Illinois which have their tail composed of

feathers of equal length. in the winter Season this berd is booted even

to the first joint of it's toes. the toes are also curiously bordered

on their lower edges with narrow hard scales which are placed very

close to each other and extend horizontally about 1/8 of an inch on

each Side of the toe, thus adding to the width of the tread which

nature Seams bountifully to have furnished them with at this Season for

passing over the Snow with more ease. in the Summer Season those Scales

fall off. they have four toes on each foot. their colour is a mixture

of dark brown redish and yellowish brown and white confusedly mixed in

which the redish brown prevails most on the upper parts of the body

wings and tail. and the white underneath the belley and lower parts of

the breast and tail. they associate in large flocks in autumn & winter

and are frequently found in flocks of from five to Six even in Summer.

They feed on grass, insects, the leaves of various Shrubs in the

Praries, and on the Seeds of Several Species of Spelts and wild rye

which grow in the richer parts of the Plains. in the winter their food

is the buds of the willow and Cottonwood also the most of the native

berries furnish them with food. they cohabit in flock & the Cocks fight

verry much at those Seasons.

[Lewis, March 2, 1806]

Sunday March 2cd

The diet of the sick is so inferior that they recover their strength

but slowly. none of them are now sick but all in a state of

convalessence with keen appetites and nothing to eat except lean Elk

meat. late this evening Drewyer arrived with a most acceptable supply

of fat Sturgeon, fresh Anchovies and a bag containing about a bushel of

Wappetoe. we feasted on Anchovies and Wappetoe.

The Cock of the Plains is found in the plains of Columbia and are in

Great abundance from the entrance of the S. E. fork of the Columbia to

that of Clark's river. this bird is about 2/3rds the size of a turkey.

the beak is large short curved and convex. the upper exceeding the

lower chap. the nostrils are large and the beak black. the colour is an

uniform mixture of dark brown reather bordeing on a dove colour, redish

and yellowish brown with some small black specks. in this mixture the

dark brown prevails and has a slight cast of the dove colour at a

little distance. the wider side of the large feathers of the wings are

of a dark brown only. the tail is composed of 19 feathers of which that

in the center is the longest, and the remaining 9 on each side deminish

by pairs as they receede from the center; that is any one feather is

equal in length to one equa distant from the center of the tail on the

oposite side. the tail when foalded comes to a very sharp point and

appears long in proportion to the body. in the act of flying the tail

resembles that of a wild pigeon. tho the motion of the wings is much

that of the pheasant and Grouse. they have four toes on each foot of

which the hinder one is short. the leg is covered with feathers about

half the distance between the knee and foot. when the wing is expanded

there are wide opening between it's feathers the plumeage being so

narrow that it dose not extend from one quill to the other. the wings

are also proportionably short, reather more so than those of the

pheasant or grouse. the habits of this bird are much the same as those

of the grouse. only that the food of this fowl is almost entirely that

of the leaf and buds of the pulpy leafed thorn; nor do I ever recollect

seeing this bird but in the neighbourhood of that shrub. they sometimes

feed on the prickley pear. the gizzard of it is large and much less

compressed and muscular than in most fowls; in short it resembles a maw

quite as much as a gizzard. when they fly they make a cackling noise

something like the dunghill fowl. the following is a likeness of the

head and beak. the flesh of the cock of the Plains is dark, and only

tolerable in point of flavor. I do not think it as good as either the

Pheasant or Grouse.--it is invariably found in the plains.The feathers

about it's head are pointed and stif some hairs about the base of the

beak. feathers short fine and stif about the ears.

[Clark, March 2, 1806]

Sunday March 2nd 1806

The diet of the Sick is So inferior that they recover their Strength

but Slowly. none of them are now Sick but all in a State of

Covelessence with keen appetites and nothing to eate except lean Elk

meat.

The nativs of this neighbourhood eate the root of the Cattail or

Cooper's flag. it is pleasantly tasted and appears to be very

nutrecious. the inner part of the root which is eaten without any

previous preperation is Composed of a number of capellary white

flexable Strong fibers among which is a mealy or Starch like Substance

which readily disolves in the mouth and Seperates from the fibers which

are then rejected. it appears to me that this Substance would make

excellent Starch; nothing Can be of a pureer white than it is

This evening late Drewyer, Crusat & Wiser returned with a most

acceptable Supply of fat Sturgen, fresh anchoves and a bag Containing

about a bushel of Wappato. we feasted on the Anchovies and wappatoe.-.

The Heath Cock or cock of the Plains is found in the Plains of Columbia

and are in great abundance from the enterance of Lewis's river to the

mountains which pass the Columbia between the Great falls and Rapids of

that river. this fowl is about 3/4ths the Size of a turkey. the beak is

large Short Curved and convex. the upper exceeding the lower chap. the

nostrils are large and the back black. the Colour is a uniform mixture

of dark brown reather bordering on a dove colour, redish and yellowish

brown with Some Small black Specks. in this mixture the dark brown

provails and has a Slight cast of the dove colour at a little distance.

the wider side of the larger feathers of the wings are of a dark brown

only. the tail is composed of 19 feathers of which that in the center

is the longest, and the remaining 9 on each Side deminish by pairs as

they receede from the Center; that is any one feather is equal in

length to one of an equal distance from the Center of the tail on the

opposit Side. the tail when folded Comes to a very Sharp point and

appears long in perpotion to the body in the act of flying the tail

resembles that of a wild pigeon. tho the motion of the wings is much

that of the Pheasant and Grouse. they have four toes on each foot of

which the hinder one is Short. the leg is covered with feathers about

half the distance between the knee and foot. when the wings is expanded

there are wide opening between it's feathers, the plumage being So

narrow that it does not extend from one quill to another. the wings are

also propotionably Short, reather more So than those of the Pheasant or

Grouse. the habits of this bird is much the Same as those of the Prarie

hen or Grouse. only that the food of this fowl is almost entirely that

of the leaf and buds of the pulpy leafed thorn, nor do I ever recollect

Seeing this bird but in the neighbourhood of that Shrub. The gizzard of

it is large and much less compressed and muscular than in most fowls,

in Short it resembles a maw quite as much as a gizzard. When they fly

they make a cackling noise Something like the dunghill fowl. the flesh

of this fowl is dark and only tolerable in point of flavour. I do not

think it as good as wth the Pheasant or Prarie hen, or Grouse. the

feathers above it's head are pointed and Stiff Some hairs about the

base of the beak. feathers Short fine and Stiff about the ears, and

eye. This is a faint likeness of the Cock of the plains or Heath Cock

the first of those fowls which we met with was on the Missouri below

and in the neighbourhood of the Rocky Mountains and from to the

mountain which passes the Columbia between the Great falls and Rapids

they go in large gangues or Singularly and hide remarkably close when

pursued, make Short flights, &c.

The large Black & White Pheasant is peculiar to that portion of the

Rocky Mountains watered by the Columbia River. at least we did not See

them untill we reached the waters of that river, nor Since we have left

those mountains. they are about the Size of a well grown hen. the

contour of the bird is much that of the redish brown Pheasant common to

our country. the tail is proportionably as long and is composed of 18

feathers of equal length, of a uniform dark brown tiped with black. the

feathers of the body are of a dark brown black and white. the black is

that which most prodomonates, and white feathers are irregularly

intermixed with those of the black and dark brown on every part but in

greater perpotion about the neck breast and belly. this mixture gives

it very much the appearance of that kind of dunghill fowl, which the

henwives of our Countrey Call dommanicker. in the brest of Some of

those birds the white prodominates most. they are not furnished with

tufts of long feathers on the neck as other Pheasants are, but have a

Space on each Side of the neck about 21/2 inches long and one inch in

width on which no feathers grow, tho it is consealed by the feathers

which are inserted on the hinder and front part of the neck, this Space

Seams to Serve them to dilate or contract the feathers of the neck with

more ease. the eye is dark, the beak black, uncovered Somewhat pointed

and the upper exceeds the under chap. they have a narrow Strip of

vermillion colour above each eye which consists of a fleshey Substance

not protuberant but uneaven, with a number of minute rounded dots. it

has four toes on each foot of which three are in front, it is booted to

the toes. it feeds on wild fruits, particularly the berry of the

Sac-a-com-mis, and much also on the Seed of the pine & fir. this fowl

is usially found in Small numbers two and three & 4 together on the

ground. when Supprised flies up & lights on a tree and is easily Shot

their flesh is Superior to most of the Pheasant Species which we have

met with. they have a gizzard as other Pheasants &c. feed also on the

buds of the Small Huckleberry bushes

[Lewis, March 3, 1806]

Monday March 3rd 1806.

Two of our perogues have been lately injured very much in consequence

of the tide leaving them partially on shore. they split by this means

with their own weight. we had them drawn out on shore. our

convalessents are slowly on the recovery. Lapage is taken sick, gave

him a doze of Scots pills which did not operate. no movement of the

party today worthy of notice. every thing moves on in the old way and

we are counting the days which seperate us from the 1st of April and

which bind us to fort Clatsop.--The large black and white pheasant is

peculiar to that portion of the Rocky Mountain watered by the Columbia

river. at least we did not see them in these mountains until I we

reached the waters of that river nor since we have left those

mountains. they are about the size of a well grown hen. the contour of

the bird is much that of the redish brown pheasant common to our

country. the tail is proportionably as long and is composed of eighteen

feathers of equal length, of an uniform dark brown tiped with black.

the feathers of the body are of a dark brown black and white. the black

is that which most predominates, and white feathers are irregularly

intermixed with those of the black and dark brown on every part, but in

greater proportion about the neck breast and belley. this mixture gives

it very much the appearance of that kind of dunghill fowl which the

hen-wives of our country call dom-manicker. in the brest of some of

these birds the white predominates most. they are not furnished with

tufts of long feathers on the neck as our pheasants are, but have a

space on each side of the neck about 21/2 inches long and 1 In. in

width on which no feathers grow, tho tis concealed by the feathers

which are inserted on the hinder and front part of the neck; this space

seems to surve them to dilate or contract the feathers of the neck with

more ease. the eye is dark, the beak black, curved somewhat pointed and

the upper exceeds the under chap. they have a narrow stripe of

vermillion colour above each eye which consists of a fleshey substance

not protuberant but uneven with a number of minute rounded dots. it has

four toes on each foot of which three are in front. it is booted to the

toes. it feeds on wild fruits, particularly the berry of the

sac-a-commis, and much also on the seed of the pine and fir.

The small speckled pheasant found in the same country with that above

discribed, differs from it only in point of size and somewhat in

colour. it is scarcely half the size of the other; ascociates in much

larger flocks and is very gentle. the black is more predominant and the

dark bron feathers less frequent in this than the larger species. the

mixture of white is also more general on every part of this bird. it is

considerably smaller than our pheasant and the body reather more round.

in other particulars they differ not at all from the large black and

white pheasant. this by way of distinction I have called the speckled

pheasant. the flesh of both these species of party coloured phesants is

of a dark colour and with the means we had of cooking them not very

well flavored.

The small brown pheasant is an inhabitant of the same country and is of

the size and shape of the specled pheasant which it also resembles in

it's economy and habits. the stripe above the eye in this species is

scarcely perceptable, and is when closely examined of a yellow or

orrange colour instead of the vermillion of the outhers. it's colour is

an uniform mixture of dark and yellowish brown with a slight mixture of

brownish white on the breast belley and the feathers underneath the

tail. the whol compound is not unlike that of the common quail only

darker. this is also booted to the toes. the flesh of this is

preferable to either of the others and that of the breast is as white

as the pheasant of the Atlantic coast.the redish brown pheasant has

been previously discribed.--The Crow raven and Large Blackbird are the

same as those of our country only that the crow is here much smaller

yet it's note is the same. I observe no difference either between the

hawks of this coast and those of the Atlantic. I have observed the

large brown hawk, the small or sparrow hawk, and the hawk of an

intermediate size with a long tail and blewish coloured wings

remarkably swift in flight and very firce. sometimes called in the U

States the hen hawk. these birds seem to be common to every part of

this country, and the hawks crows & ravens build their nests in great

numbers along the high and inaccessable clifts of the Columbia river

and it's S. E. branch where we passed along them.--we also met with the

large hooting Owl under the Rocky mountain on the Kooskoskee river. it

did not appear to differ materially from those of our country. I think

it's colours reather deeper and brighter than with us, particularly the

redish brown. it is the same size and form.

[Clark, March 3, 1806]

Monday March 3rd 1806

Two of our Canoes have been lately injured very much in consequence of

the tide leaveing them partially on Shore. they Split by this means

with their own weight. we had them drawn out on Shore. our

convalessents are Slowly on the recovery. La page is taken Sick. gave

him Some of Scotts Pills which did not opperate. no movement of the

party to day worthey of notice. every thing moves on in the old way and

we are Counting the days which Seperate us from the 1st of April, &

which bind us to Fort Clatsop.-.-.

The Small Speckled Pheasant found in the Rocky Mountains, and differ

from the large black and white pheasant only in point of Size, and

Somewhat in colour. it is scercely half the Size of the other;

assosiates in much larger flocks and is also very gentle. the black is

more predominate and the dark brown feathers less frequent in this than

the larger Species. the mixture of white is also more general on every

part of this bird. it is considerably Smaller than our Pheasant and the

body reather more round. in other particulars they differ not at all,

from the large black and white Pheasant. this by way of distinction I

have called the Speckled Pheasant. the flesh of both these Species of

party coloured Pheasant is of a dark colour, and with the means we had

of cooking them were only tolerably flavoured tho these birds would be

fine well cooked.

The small Brown Pheasant is an inhabitant of the Same Country and is of

the Size and Shape of the Speckled Pheasant, which it also resembles in

it's economy and habits, the Stripe above the eye in this Species is

scercely preceptable and is when closely examined of a yellow or

orrange colour in Sted of the vermillion of the others. it's colour is

of a uniform mixture of dark and yellowish brown with a Slight mixture

of brownish white on the breast belley and the feathers under the tail.

the whole Compound is not unlike that of the Common quaile only darker.

this is also booted to the toes. the flesh is tolerable and that of the

breast is as white as the Pheasant of the atlantic coast. the redish

brown Pheasant has been previously discribed.-.