ith a canoe to
cross. We invited Twisted-hair to settle near our camp, for he has
several young sons, one of whom we hope to engage as a guide, and he
promised to do so. Having now settled all their affairs, the Indians
divided themselves into two parties, and began to play the game of
hiding a bone, already described as common to all the natives of this
country, which they continued playing for beads and other ornaments."

As there was so dismal a prospect for crossing the snow-covered
mountains at this season of the year, the captains of the expedition
resolved to establish a camp and remain until the season should be
further advanced. Accordingly, a spot on the north side of the river,
recommended to them by the Indians, was selected, and a move across
the stream was made. A single canoe was borrowed for the transit of the
baggage, and the horses were driven in to swim across, and the passage
was accomplished without loss. The camp was built on the site of an old
Indian house, in a circle about thirty yards in diameter, near the river
and in an advantageous position. As soon as the party were encamped, the
two Chopunnish chiefs came down to the opposite bank, and, with twelve
of their nation, began to sing. This was the custom of these people,
being a token of their friendship on such occasions. The captains sent
a canoe over for the chiefs, and, after smoking for some time,
Hohastillpilp presented Captain with a fine gray horse which he had
brought over for that purpose, and he was perfectly satisfied to receive
in return a handkerchief, two hundred balls, and four pounds of powder.

Here is some curious information concerning the bears which they found
in this region. It must be borne in mind that they were still west of
the Bitter Root Mountains:--

"The hunters killed some pheasants, two squirrels, and a male and a
female bear, the first of which was large, fat, and of a bay color; the
second meagre, grizzly, and of smaller size. They were of the species
(Ursus horribilis) common to the upper part of the Missouri, and might
well be termed the variegated bear, for they are found occasionally of
a black, grizzly, brown, or red color. There is every reason to believe
them to be of precisely the same species. Those of different colors are
killed together, as in the case of these two, and as we found the white
and bay associated together on the Missouri; and some nearly white were
seen in this neighborhood by the hu