Our creative Naturalist and Lewis & Clark buff, David Stephens, relays a day on an expedition, in the spirit of the journals of Lewis & Clark
This morning we breakfasted well on Hen’s eggs and bread, then we determined to explore Drewyer’s [the Pelouse] River. Divided into two equal parties to observe the River by water and by land. Captain Dennis and his party proceeded north on the Larboard side. ascended several hills and observed a waivy country above the confines of the river. The land appears fertile but with no timber. Five or six miles from the river’s mouth the party discovered a large falls, which Capt. D. estimated at 180 ft. the river is very low but falls over tremendious cliffs and we estimated that it must have flo’d in much greater volume in previous times. Game continues scarce tho one of the party observed a prarie wolf [coyote].
I ascended the wider reaches of the river with others in canoes large and small. The banks are lined by cattails similar to the kind of the U’ States. We also observed the Rush from which the Natives fashion their lodges. I observed many coots in the lower portions of this stream. these fowl have the habits of a duck, and are seen to subsist “principally on moss and other vegitable productions of the water.” I saw today a species of grebe. “this bird is not more than half the size of the speckled loon, it’s neck is long, slender and white in front. The Color of the body and back of the neck and head are of a dun or ash colour, the breast and belley are white. The beak is like that of the speckled loon and like them… it dives for security when pursued.” Also observed “the beautiful eagle or calumet bird”[golden eagle] and the bald-headed sea-eagle. We ascertained that Beavers inhabit these waters, as we observed their workings and highways, but they must in former times have been much hunted by the natives of this region as they are very shy. However we found his cousin the porcupine, but we did not kill him as we had not brought our guns.
In the later part of the day we reentered Louises [the Snake] River. Sergt. McAllister harranged the party as we proceeded on.(Wording in quotations from Lewis’ journal)
This morning we breakfasted well on Hen’s eggs and bread, then we determined to explore Drewyer’s [the Pelouse] River. Divided into two equal parties to observe the River by water and by land. Captain Dennis and his party proceeded north on the Larboard side. ascended several hills and observed a waivy country above the confines of the river. The land appears fertile but with no timber. Five or six miles from the river’s mouth the party discovered a large falls, which Capt. D. estimated at 180 ft. the river is very low but falls over tremendious cliffs and we estimated that it must have flo’d in much greater volume in previous times. Game continues scarce tho one of the party observed a prarie wolf [coyote].
I ascended the wider reaches of the river with others in canoes large and small. The banks are lined by cattails similar to the kind of the U’ States. We also observed the Rush from which the Natives fashion their lodges. I observed many coots in the lower portions of this stream. these fowl have the habits of a duck, and are seen to subsist “principally on moss and other vegitable productions of the water.” I saw today a species of grebe. “this bird is not more than half the size of the speckled loon, it’s neck is long, slender and white in front. The Color of the body and back of the neck and head are of a dun or ash colour, the breast and belley are white. The beak is like that of the speckled loon and like them… it dives for security when pursued.” Also observed “the beautiful eagle or calumet bird”[golden eagle] and the bald-headed sea-eagle. We ascertained that Beavers inhabit these waters, as we observed their workings and highways, but they must in former times have been much hunted by the natives of this region as they are very shy. However we found his cousin the porcupine, but we did not kill him as we had not brought our guns.
In the later part of the day we reentered Louises [the Snake] River. Sergt. McAllister harranged the party as we proceeded on.(Wording in quotations from Lewis’ journal)
