and a half miles to the upper point of a small island on the north; five miles to another island on the south side and opposite to a bluff.  In the next two miles we passed an island on the south, a second beyond it on the north, and reached near a high bluff on the north a third on which we encamped.  In the plains near the river are the chokecherry, yellow and red currant-bushes, as well as the wild rose and prickly pear, both of which are now in bloom.  From the tops of the river hills, which are lower than usual, we enjoyed a delightful view of the rich fertile plains on both sides, in many places extending from the river cliffs to a great distance back.  In these plains we meet occasionally large banks of pure sand, which were driven apparently by the southwest winds, and there deposited.  The plains are more fertile some distance from the river than near its banks, where the surface of the earth is very generally strewed with small pebbles, which appear to be smoothed and worn by the agitation of the waters with which they were no doubt once covered.  A mountain or part of the North mountain approaches the river within eight or ten miles, bearing north from our encampment of last evening; and this morning a range of high mountains bearing S.W. from us and apparently running to the westward, are seen at a great distance covered with snow.  In the evening we had a little more rain.

Sunday 2.  The wind blew violently last night, and a slight shower of rain fell, but this morning was fair.  We set out at an early hour, and although the wind was ahead by means of the cord went on much better than for the last two days, as the banks were well calculated for towing.  The current of the river is strong but regular, its timber increases in quantity, the low grounds become more level and extensive, and the bluffs on the river are lower than usual.  In the course of the day we had a small shower of rain, which lasted a few minutes only.  As the game is very abundant we think it necessary to begin a collection of hides for the purpose of making a leathern boat, which we intend constructing shortly.  The hunters who were out the greater part of the day brought in six elk, two buffaloe, two mule-deer and a bear.  This last animal had nearly cost us the lives of two of our hunters who were together when he attacked them:  one of them narrowly escaped being caught, and the other after running a considerable distance, concealed himself in some thick bushes, and while the bear was in quick pursuit of his hiding place, his companion came up and fortunately shot the animal through the head.

At six and at half miles we reached an island on the northern side; one mile and a quarter thence is a timbered low ground on the south:  and in the next two and three quarter miles we passed three small islands, and came to a dark bluff on the south:  within the following mile are two small islands on the same side.  At three and a quarter miles we reached the lower part of a much larger island near