they, and have even better
means of procuring subsistence.

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 Shoshonees.

Sunday, July 28. Captain Clarke continued very unwell during the night,
but was somewhat relieved this morning. On examining the two streams it
became difficult to decide which was the larger or the real Missouri;
they are each ninety yards wide and so perfectly similar in character
and appearance that they seem to have been formed in the same mould. We
were therefore induced to discontinue the name of Missouri, and gave to
the southwest branch the name of Jefferson in honour of the president of
the United States, and the projector of the enterprise: and called the
middle branch Madison, after James Madison secretary of state. These
two, as well as Gallatin river, run with great velocity and throw out
large bodies of water. Gallatin river is however the most rapid of the
three, and though not quite as deep, yet navigable for a considerable
distance. Madison river though much less rapid than the Gallatin, is
somewhat more rapid than the Jefferson; the beds of all of them are
formed of smooth pebble and gravel, and the waters are perfectly
transparent. The timber in the neighbourhood would be sufficient for
the ordinary uses of an establishment, which, however, it would be
adviseable to build of brick, as the earth appears calculated for that
purpose, and along the shores are some bars of fine pure sand. The
greater part of the men, having yesterday put their deer skins in water,
were this day engaged