Viewing page 7 of 78

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

8
Crossing a beautiful mountain stream of about a rod in width and icy cold, where I saw trout swimming about my horses feet; we ascended gradually the side of the ridge covered with trees & thick underbrush - 
Passing through this for about 6 or 7 miles we descended into a small prairie where we found Capt McC. encamped - Noticed on the way quantities of berries of the different species of Rubus Uva Ursi Amelanchier &c  Through the whole day saw no animals except a few Ruffed grouse & wood peckers. The heat was great especially in the "Brulees" where the sun beat on us through the hottest part of the day while the leafless trunks standing thick kept off the wind which blew from the south - 
Encamped with the Capt's party on the "Mah-kas" prairie 4 miles in circumference covered thickly with Spirea (tomentosa or Douglassii", which are almost the same) 
Also a shrub called "Bear berry" in fruit Rosa cinnamonea Crataegus sanguinea &c  
The hills to the north rise steep from the prairie and the lofty trees around it keep off the wind making the air hot and sultry - 18 1/2 m. from Calissis Prairie

[[end page]]
[[start page]]

9
July 25th Capt. McClellan went at 7 A.M. on the forward trail while Mr G. and I returned toward the main party for a supply of provisions to be forwarded 
After going about 7 miles we met them coming on and again turned back reaching the prairie about 4 P.M. Here we stayed to await the arrival of the train which having left the camp 20 miles back that morning could not all reach here till next day. The soil throughout this march consists of coarse gravel. & boulders of granite rock evidently of diluvial formations ^[[insertion]] or perhaps glacier moraines [[/insertion]] 

July 26th Remained all day at the prairie because some pack saddles were broken and the train delayed the repair -  
The day was very hot and the atmosphere smoky from fires in the woods near by - Collected nothing - noticed humming birds abundant about the camp apparently the common ruby throat. They have been scarce near Vancouver since my arrival there where there were more flowers in bloom than now. Thermometer at 3 P.M. 94.5[[degree symbol]] Epilobium angustifolium the "Willow herb" colors the whole country with the hue of its purple flowers. 

Transcription Notes:
Most plant names verified - @roswilkes