obable that it could have
reached them in that way, and the existence of such a disorder among the
Rocky mountains seems rather a proof of its being aboriginal.

CHAPTER XVII.

The party, after procuring horses from the Shoshonees, proceed on
their journey through the mountains--The difficulties and dangers
of the route--A council held with another band of the Shoshonees,
of whom some account is given--They are reduced to the necessity of
killing their horses for food--Captain Clarke with a small party
precedes the main body in quest of food, and is hospitably received
by the Pierced-nose Indians--Arrival of the main body amongst this
tribe, with whom a council is held--They resolve to perform the
remainder of their journey in canoes--Sickness of the party--They
descend the Kooskooskee to its junction with Lewis river, after
passing several dangerous rapids--Short description of the manners
and dress of the Pierced-nose Indians.

August 27. We were now occupied in determining our route and procuring
horses from the Indians. The old guide who had been sent on by captain
Clarke, now confirmed, by means of our interpreter, what he had already
asserted, of a road up Berry creek which would lead to Indian
establishments on another branch of the Columbia: his reports however
were contradicted by all the Shoshonees. This representation we ascribed
to a wish on their part to keep us with them during the winter, as well
for the protection we might afford against their enemies, as for the
purpose of consuming our merchandise amongst them; and as the old man
promised to conduct us himself, that route seemed to be the most
eligible. We were able to procure some horses, though not enough for all
our purposes. This traffic, and our inquiries and councils with the
Indians, consumed the remainder of the day.

August 28. The purchase of horses was resumed, and our stock raised to
twenty-two. Having now crossed more than once the country which
separates the head waters of the Missouri from those of the Columbia, we
can designate the easiest and most expeditious route for a portage; it
is as follows:

From the forks of the river north 60 degrees west, five miles to the
point of a hill on the right: then south 80 degrees west, ten miles to a
spot where the creek is ten miles wide, and the highlands approach
within two hundred yards; sout