proceeded from these bluffs.  The men had been ordered, before we reached the bluffs, to agitate the water, so as to disperse the scum, and take the water, not at the surface, but at some depth.  The consequence was, that these disorders ceased:  the biles too which had afflicted the men, were not observed beyond the Sioux river.  In order to supply the place of sergeant Floyd, we permitted the men to name three persons, and Patrick Gass having the greatest number of votes was made a sergeant.

August 23.  We set out early, and at four miles came to a small run between cliffs of yellow and blue earth:  the wind, however, soon changed, and blew so hard from the west, that we proceeded very slowly; the fine sand from the bar being driven in such clouds, that we could scarcely see.  Three and a quarter miles beyond this run, we came to a willow island, and a sand island opposite, and encamped on the south side, at ten and a quarter miles.  On the north side is an extensive and delightful prairie, which we called Buffaloe prairie, from our having here killed the first buffaloe.  Two elk swam the river to-day and were fired at, but escaped:  a deer was killed from the boat; one beaver was killed; and several prairie wolves were seen.

August 24.  It began to rain last night, and continued this morning:  we proceeded, however, two and a quarter miles, to the commencement of a bluff of blue clay, about one hundred and eighty, or one hundred and ninety feet on the south side:  it seems to have been lately on fire; and even now the ground is so warm that we cannot keep our hands in it at any depth:  there are strong appearances of coal, and also great quantities of cobalt, or a crystalized substance resembling it.  There is a fruit now ripe which looks like a currant, except that it is double the size, and grows on a bush like a privy, the size of a damson, and of a delicious flavour; its Indian name means rabbit-berries.  We then passed, at the distance of about seven miles, the mouth of a creek on the north side, called by an Indian name, meaning Whitestone river.  The beautiful prairie of yesterday, has changed into one of greater height, and very smooth and extensive.  We encamped on the south side, at ten and a quarter miles, and found ourselves much annoyed by the musquitoes.

Chap.  III.

Whimsical instance of superstition of the Sioux Indians—­Council held with the Sioux—­Character of that tribe, their manners, &c.—­A ridiculous instance of their heroism—­Ancient fortifications—­Quieurre river described—­Vast herds of Buffaloe—­Account of the Petit Chien or Little Dog—­Narrow escape of George Shannon—­Description of Whiteriver—­Surprising fleetness of the Antelope—­Pass the river of the Sioux—­Description of the Grand Le Tour, or Great Bend—­Encamp on the Teton river.

August 25.  Captains Lewis and Clarke, with ten men, went to see an object deemed very extraordinary among all the neighbouring Indians.  They dropped