gage at the falls.
The party employed in the construction of a boat of
skins. The embarrassments they had to encounter for
the want of proper materials. During the work the
party much troubled by white bears. Violent
hail-storm, and providential escape of captain
Clarke and his party. Description of a remarkable
fountain. Singular explosion heard from the Black
mountains. The boat found to be insufficient, and
the serious disappointment of the party. Captain
Clarke undertakes to repair the damage by building
canoes, and accomplishes the task. 275

CHAPTER XII.

The party embark on board the canoes. Description of
Smith's river. Character of the country, &c.
Dearborne's river described. Captain Clarke precedes
the party for the purpose of discovering the Indians
of the Rocky mountains. Magnificent rocky
appearances on the borders of the river denominated
the Gates of the Rocky mountains. Captain Clarke
arrives at the three forks of the Missouri without
overtaking the Indians. The party arrive at the
three forks, of which a peculiar and interesting
description is given. 301

CHAPTER XIII.

The name of the Missouri changed, as the river now
divides itself into three forks, one of which is
called after Jefferson, the other Madison, and the
other after Gallatin. Their general character. The
party ascend the Jefferson branch. Description of
the river Philosophy which enters into the
Jefferson. Captain Lewis and a small party go in
advance in search of the Shoshonees. Description of
the country, &c. bordering on the river. Captain
Lewis still preceding the main party in quest of the
Shoshonees. A singular accident which prevented
captain Clarke from following captain Lewis's
advice, and ascending the middle fork of the river.
Description of Philanthropy river, another stream
running into the Jefferson. Captain Lewis and a
small party having been unsuccessful in their first
attempt, set off a second time in quest of the