On the next morning I sent a small canoe (Clary’s) to aid Johnston.  Found him with his canoe broke.  Brought down part of his loading, and dispatched the canoe back again.  By eleven o’clock the canoe returned on her second trip.  Finding the difficulties so great, put six kegs of pork, seven bags of flour, one keg of salt, &c., in depot.  One of the greatest embarrassments in passing among such impoverished tribes is the necessity of taking along extra provisions to meet the various bands and to pay for their contingent services.

PUCKWAEWA VILLAGE.—–­At four o’clock we had got everything down the shallows, mended our canoe, and reached the Pukwaewa—­a noted Indian village, where we encamped.  The distance is about nine miles from the western terminus of the portage, course W.S.W.  We found it completely deserted, according to the custom of the Indians, who after planting their gardens, leave them to go on their summer hunts, eating berries, &c.  We found eight large permanent bark lodges, with fields of corn, potatoes, pumpkins, and beans, in fine condition.  The lodges were carefully closed, and the grounds and paths around cleanly swept, giving the premises a neat air.  The corn fields were partially or lightly fenced.  The corn was in tassel.  The pumpkins partly grown, the beans fit for boiling.  The whole appearance of thrift and industry was pleasing.

I sent two canoes immediately up stream, to bring down the stores put in deposit.  I arranged things for taking a canoe elege on the next day, and proceeding rapidly down the river to its junction with the main St. Croix and Yellow River, in order to meet my engagements, made by a runner from La Pointe.  I took along Dr. Houghton and Mr. Johnston, leaving the heavy baggage in charge of Mr. Woolsey, with directions to accompany Lieut.  Clary across the portage from the Namakagun to Ottowa Lake.  It was half-past five on the morning of the 29th, when, bidding adieu to Lieut.  Clary and Mr. Woolsey, we embarked.

A NEW SPECIES OF NATIVE FRUIT.—­In coming down the Namakagun, we found a species of the currant on its banks—­the albinervum.  It was fully ripe, and of delicious taste.

Incidents on the Namakagun, its Birds, Plants, &c.—­About ten o’clock we entered and passed an expansion, having deserted Indian lodges, and a high wooden cross on the south bank.  Hence we called it the Lake of the Cross.  It is called Pukwaewa by the Indians.  A little below we met the chief Pukquamoo, and his band, returning to the upper village.  Held a conference with him on the water on the subject of my mission and movements.  He appeared, not only by his village, which we had inspected, but by his words, eminently pacific.  On parting he reciprocated my presents by some dried whortleberries.  At this conference with the Red-headed Woodpecker chief, I requested him to go up and aid Mr. Woolsey in bringing down the baggage and provisions, and wrote to Mr. Woolsey accordingly.