, part of the freight of
our waggon.

There are but few parts of the American wilderness where the traveller
can depend upon wild game for a subsistence. Even the skilled hunter
when stationary is sometimes put to his wits' end for "daily bread."
Upon the "route" no great opportunity is found of killing game, which
always requires time to approach it with caution. Although we passed
through what appeared to be excellent cover for various species of wild
animals, we reached our first camp without having ruffled either hair or
feathers. In fact, neither bird nor quadruped had been seen, although
almost every one of the party had been on the look out for game during
most of the journey.

This was rather discouraging, and we reasoned that if such was to be our
luck until we got into the buffalo-range we should have a very dull time
of it. We were well provisioned, however, and we regretted the absence
of game only on account of the sport. A large bag of biscuit, and one
of flour, several pieces of "hung bacon," some dry ox-tongues, a stock
of green coffee, sugar, and salt, were the principal and necessary
stores. There were "luxuries," too, which each had provided according
to his fancy, though not much of these, as every one of the party had
had some time or other in his life a little experience in the way of
"roughing it." Most of the loading of the waggon consisted of provender
for our horses and mules.

We made full thirty miles on the first day. Our road was a good one.
We passed over easy undulations, most of them covered with "black-jack."
This is a species of dwarf oak, so called from the very dark colour of
its wrinkled bark. It is almost worthless as a timber, being too small
for most purposes. It is ornamental, however, forming copse-like groves
upon the swells of the prairie, while its dark green foliage contrasts
pleasantly with the lighter green of the grasses beneath its shade. The
young botanist, Besancon, had least cause to complain. His time had
been sufficiently pleasant during the day. New foliage fell under his
observation--new flowers opened their corollas to his delighted gaze.
He was aided in making his collections by the hunter-naturalist, who of
course was tolerably well versed in this kindred science.

We encamped by the edge of a small creek of clear water. Our camp was
laid out in due form, and everything arranged in the order we designed
habitually to follow.

Every man unsa