gaze, as upon a vast sheet, the lovely valley of the Willa mette. On every hand were piled huge masses of rocks, without vegetation sufficient to feed a bird. For miles they could see nothing but apparent rocks, and before them Mt. Hood towering proudly some thousand feet above them. This was too appalling to encounter, and in a most disheartened mood, they turned to retrace their steps to the Willamette valley; so much labor lost. They hastened back to the gap, and turning to the left, the doctor determined to follow the base of the mountain, watching every indication, that they might make a new trial. They had gone but a short distance, when they fell in with a lodge of Molallah Indians, among whom they found an old elk hunter. After a long, patient interview, Doctor White found that there was no possibility of crossing this stupendous range, short of fifteen days' farther travel to the southward, where, the hunter said, he was informed by the Clamet Indians, that there was a path over the summits of the mountains, generally covered with snow. Discouraging as this was, the inquirer decided to investigate for himself, and they accordingly continued as before, along the base of the mountains as far as practicable, through, what it is but just to say, seemed one of nature's gardens. In various places, where had probably been Indian encampments, they found wheat growing in little patches, from four to five feet high, and admirably filled. On the route also were different clover and grasses, in great luxuriance. Near their road, upon an elevation of at least a hundred feet above the level of the sea, and quite away from any water, they found an ash stump, solidly petrified, and digging into the earth several feet, the roots were in the same condition. This I will leave for those more curious and scientific than myself to account for. They found many places, advantageous for settling, combining water, prairie, timber and excellence of soil. Farther south, the plains were more extensive, but apparently, not less fertile and inviting, and all conceded that here might be kept large herds, without fear of exhausting the resources for feeding. Being now at considerable distance from the settlements, elk and deer abounded on the adjoining hills, often passing them in droves of from five to ten, and sometimes a dozen. Here they enjoyed some sport in chasing a wildcat, which sprang out from the high grass, to a thicket, when they mounted their horses, surrounded, and succeeded in killing it. Finding the assertion of their Indian friend true, and that the crossing of the Cascade mountains in the manner they wished, impracticable, the doctor determined not to return. to the Willamette without accomplishing something valuable. He therefore decided to find their way across the upper branches of the river and valley, and seeking the mountains bordering on the Pacific, if possible, to discover an eligible opening through to the ocean, as there had long been a desire on the part of the inhabitants, to find another way to the coast than by the falls of the Willamette and the Columbia river. After passing the main branches without difficulty, through a country well grassed and wooded, combining about an equal proportion of timber and prairie, they emerged into a large plain, interspersed here and there with an oak orchard grove, and gazed upon scenery altogether novel and peculiar. On every hand were scattered mounds, something resembling haystacks, from one to five hundred feet in height. This was probably occasioned by convulsions of the earth, as the country elsewhere showed evidence of previous volcanic action. This was demonstrated no longer ago than 1843, in the rupture of Mt. St. Hellens, as will be read in the agent's first report. One of these mounds shot up, far above its fellows, not less than seventeen hundred or eighteen hundred feet in height. At a glance, they discovered that from the summit might be gained a superb view of the surrounding country, and the doctor and his interpreter, Du Guerre, resolved, if possible, to reach it. They set out on horseback, and taking a winding course through the oak openings, succeeded with little difficulty, for a thousand feet, when their path became more steep and rugged, and they found themselves under the necessity of tying their horses, and finishing the attempt on foot. On ascending three hundred feet higher, the doctor found his professed half-caste companion more of an Indian than a white man, judging from his dexterity, for he seemed to climb the steeps with the greatest ease and skill, while with himself it was a hard labor and struggle. However, both were soon obliged to scramble, like four-footed animals, catching at every twig and branch, to aid their passage to the top, which they reached in about half an hour. Here they found a few tiny strawberry vines, just beginning to blossom, and among the rocks evergreen shrubbery of corresponding growth. On this rocky point, Du Guerre scared up a mountain black tailed deer, with a beautiful little fawn, and recreant, as most of his race, to his companion's no small vexation, Du Guerre levelled his rifle, and broke one of its legs above the knee. The poor creature, with the broken limb dangling, went scampering off down the broken steeps, followed by its little, bleating dependance. They now took a delightful survey of the general features of the landscape before them. On one hand was the vast chain of the Cascade mountains, Mt. Hood looming in solitary grandeur far above its fellows; on the other was the Umpqua mountains, and a little farther on, the coast ridge, Between these lay the whole magnificent panorama of the Willamette valley, with its ribbon streams, and carpet-like verdure. The day was fine, and such was the clearness of the atmosphere that the scene was very distinct, grand and imposing. In enthusiastic admiration of the noble site, the doctor named the elevation Mt. Spencer, in compliment to John C. Spencer, the then secretary of war, and plucked some choice evergreens, intending to present them to the daughters of this gentleman; but the Pawnees despoiled him of the treasure. They now began the descent, certainly on his part with more dread than he commenced the ascent, upon which the half-breed looked at him with a significant smile upon his tawny features. But in a few hours they joined their companions in safety, when the interpreter departed from his usual taciturnity, and displayed considerable eloquence in describing the stupendous view they had had from Mt. SpenOne of the party remarked, that the name was a very just one, for the mount towered above its compeers, as nobly as did Mr. Spencer among his cotemporaries. cer. CHAPTER XXIV. Indian encampment-Prairies and band of Indians-Stream-Separation-Spur of the mountains-Horses left-Indian village-Singular destitution-Embarking on the river-Startling accident-Swift travelling-Sterile tract-Tide water-Encamp-Indian village— Craw fish-Singular piece of meat-Indian explanation-The ocean -Strip of land-Boy-Brown's claim-Railroad advantages—Indian toil-Good fire-In sight of friends-Breakfast-A start-A present-Wolves-Beautiful country-Arrival at the colony-Petition— Start again for the states-Party separate-Meeting at the Dalles— Indian encampment-Wedding here to-day-Bride and bridegroom -Dresses-Whimsical story--Disappointment in obtaining the bride's beautiful dress-Murderous affair-Interesting account-Deserter— Another threatened-John Day river-Saucy Indians-Wallawallas -A halt-Visitors and presents-Agriculture and its effects-Hot Spring-Alarm-Keyuses and Nez Perces-Alarming report-Guard -Emigration-Letters-St. Joseph's company-Mr. Fisher's eagerness for news-A meal—Odd reason for lagging behind Chance for carrying a letter-Roguish girls-Fort Hall-Runaway horse. THEY now struck a trail which led to a considerable Indian encampment, whose inhabitants, judging from their utter ignorance of our language, had never before seen a white person. The doctor enquired of them as well he was able, and had his hopes increased of this being a feasible route to the Pacific. They had not progressed more than sixteen or eighteen miles, when they came upon a beautiful prairie, and a large band of Indians. There also they found a large stream, flowing directly to the ocean, and abounding in quantities of the choicest fish. Dr. White obtained a pilot, |