In the meantime we had set out after breakfast, and although we proceeded with more ease than we did yesterday, the river was still so rapid and shallow as to oblige us to drag the large canoes during the greater part of the day.  For the first seven miles the river formed a bend to the right so as to make our advance only three miles in a straight line; the stream is crooked, narrow, small, and shallow, with highlands occasionally on the banks, and strewed with islands, four of which are opposite to each other.  Near this place we left the valley, to which we gave the name of Serviceberry valley, from the abundance of that fruit now ripe which is found in it.  In the course of the four following miles we passed several more islands and bayous on each side of the river, and reached a high cliff on the right.  Two and a half miles beyond this the cliffs approach on both sides and form a very considerable rapid near the entrance of a bold running stream on the left.  The water was now excessively cold, and the rapids had been frequent and troublesome.  On ascending an eminence captain Clarke saw the forks of the river and sent the hunters up.  They must have left it only a short time before captain Lewis’s arrival, but fortunately had not seen the note which enabled him to induce the Indians to stay with him.  From the top of this eminence he could discover only three trees through the whole country, nor was there along the sides of the cliffs they had passed in the course of the day, any timber except a few small pines:  the low grounds were supplied with willow, currant bushes, and serviceberries.  After advancing half a mile further we came to the lower point of an island near the middle of the river, and about the centre of the valley:  here we halted for the night, only four miles by land, though ten by water, below the point where captain Lewis lay.  Although we had made only fourteen miles, the labours of the men had fatigued and exhausted them very much:  we therefore collected some small willow brush for a fire, and lay down to sleep.

CHAPTER XV.

Affecting interview between the wife of Chaboneau and the chief of the Shoshonees—­Council held with that nation, and favourable result—­The extreme navigable point of the Missouri mentioned—­General character of the river and of the country through which it passes—­Captain Clarke in exploring the source of the Columbia falls in company with another party of Shoshonees—­The geographical information acquired from one of that party—­Their manner of catching fish—­The party reach Lewis river—­The difficulties which captain Clarke had to encounter in his route—­Friendship and hospitality of the Shoshonees—­The party with captain Lewis employed in making saddles, and preparing for the journey.

Saturday, August 17.  Captain Lewis rose very early and despatched Drewyer and the Indian down the river in quest of the boats.  Shields was sent