"From the marks everywhere perceivable at the falls, it is obvious
that in high floods, which must be in the spring, the water
below the falls rises nearly to a level with that above them.
Of this rise, which is occasioned by some obstructions which we
do not as yet know, the salmon must avail themselves to pass up
the river in such multitudes that this fish is almost the only one
caught in great abundance above the falls; but below that place
we observe the salmon-trout, and the heads of a species of trout
smaller than the salmon-trout, which is in great quantities,
and which they are now burying, to be used as their winter food.
A hole of any size being dug, the sides and bottom are lined
with straw, over which skins are laid; on these the fish, after being
well dried, are laid, covered with other skins, and the hole
is closed with a layer of earth twelve or fifteen inches deep.
. . . . . . . . .
We saw no game except a sea-otter, which was shot in the narrow channel
as we were coming down, but we could not get it. Having, therefore,
scarcely any provisions, we purchased eight small fat dogs:
a food to which we were compelled to have recourse, as the Indians were
very unwilling to sell us any of their good fish, which they reserved
for the market below. Fortunately, however, habit had completely
overcome the repugnance which we felt at first at eating this animal,
and the dog, if not a favorite dish, was always an acceptable one.
The meridian altitude of to-day gave 45'0 42' 57.3" north as the latitude
of our camp.
"On the beach, near the Indian huts, we observed two canoes of a
different shape and size from any which we had hitherto seen.
One of these we got by giving our smallest canoe a hatchet,
and a few trinkets to the owner, who said he had obtained it
from a white man below the falls in exchange for a horse.
These canoes were very beautifully made: wide in the middle,
and tapering towards each end, with curious figures carved on the bow.
They were thin, but, being strengthened by crossbars about
an inch in diameter, tied with strong pieces of bark through
holes in the sides, were able to bear very heavy burdens,
and seemed calculated to live in the roughest water."
At this point the officers of the expedition observed signs of uneasiness
in the two friendly Indian chiefs who had thus far accompanied them.
They also heard rumors that the warlike Indians below them were meditating
an attack as the party went down. The journal says: -
"Being at all times ready for any attempt of that sort, we were not under
greater apprehensions than usual at this intelligence. We therefore only
re-examined our arms, and increased the ammunition to one hundred rounds.
Our chiefs, who had not the same motives of confidence, were by no means
so much at their ease, and when at night they saw the Indians leave us
earlier than usual, their suspicions of an intended attack were confirmed,
and they were very much alarmed.
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