, 1853-07-02

the timber, are Ad. Thcs, boats are so
Ii hit that they are easily carried across the
porlages They use the gum Of the pine
to cover them instead Of pitch.
After having a hearty shake Of tie hard,
Captain Warn y, Mr. Ogden, and myself,
embarked The signal being given, we
hoved off, and the yoyageurs at once struck
up one Of III ,ir boat son g. After padding
up the stream for some distance, we made
graceful sweep to reach the centre, and
passed by the spectators with great animl.
ton. The boat and yoyagcurs seemed
fit object to grace the wide flowing river
On we mcrrily went, while each voyagcur
in succession took up the song, and all joined
in tie chorus. In two hours and half we
reached the mouth Ofthe Cowlitz, distance
Of thirty-fyc miles.
In the Cowlilz we found strong current
to contend against, and by nightiall had
only proceeded twelve miles further. As
we cncamped, the weather changed, and
rain began to fall, which lasted till next
morning.
had much amusement in watching the
voyagcurs, who are as peculiar in their way
as sailors. ] was struck with their studious
politancss and attention TO each other, and
their constant cheerlulncss.
On the second day, our voyagcurs had
dof,d their fnery, and their hats were care
fully covered with oiled skins. They thus
appeared more prepared for hard work.
The current became every mile more rapid,
and the difficulty Of surmountng it greater
The management Of the boats in the rapids
is dcxterous and full Of excitement, as well
to the passengers as 10 the yoyagcurs them
selves The bowman is the most important
man, giving all the directions, and is held
responsible for the safety Of the boat and
his keen eye and quick hand in the use Of
his paddle, delights and inspires a confidence
in him in moments of danger that is given
without stint. We did not make more than
ten miles during the day, and were forced
to encamp three miles below the farm.
On the 10th we reached onr destination.
On our approach, although there were no
spectators, except few Indians, to be cx-
pected, the voyageurs again mounted their
fnery, and gaily chaunted their boat song.
Mr.. Ogden had been one OF the first who
travelled over this part Of the country, and
he informed me that he has seen the whole
country inundated by the rise Of the river.
This, however, can but rarely occur, and
could only be the result Of a sudden melting
Of the SHOWS when accompanied with vio-
Lent rain storms.
Plumondon had gone before, 10 request
Mr.. Forrest TO send the wagon for our bag
gage; and We found it duly waiting at the
landing.
In the after noon, made a visit, with
Mr. Ogden, to the Catholic Mission, and sew
elal Of the settlers houses. That of Plumon-
don we found quite comfortable. The
ncighborhood, though consisting Of few
families, appears very happy and united
| They prefer the Cowltz to the Willamette,
although the land is not so good as in the
valley Of the latter hut they say that many
vegetables succeed here, ihas will not grow
on the Willamette.
1t was with much regret that parted
from Mr.. Ogden and Captain Varney. We
had enjoyed ourselves much, and | shall
long remember their kindness and ovial
company The day they left us proved very
rainy it was impossible for any one to stir
out, and the mud was ankle deep. ! felt
disappointed at this, as ! wished 10 make
some,ol seryations, to test those had already
taken in passing before. Mr. Forrest was
very attentive, and did all in his power ia
amuse me but feeling disposed to sleep,
lay down, and after Ishort time awoke
with the feeling of having oversight myself
jumped to look at my ocket-chronomcter
which, TO be careful of, had placed on the
table. Lying near by il was small silver
watch, which had not before observed, and
my surprise was great 10 find that they both
showed the same hour. ] uttered my sur.
prise aloud just as Mr.. Forrest entered the
room, and told me that he had found my
watch altogether wrong, (it showed Green.
wich time and he had set it for me.
could moi help making an exclamation O
astonishment. We stood looking at eact
other, and he appeared fully surprised as
was, when ] told him that he had changct
my Greenwich time for that of Cowiiz
and had interrupted my series Of observa
tions. He thought it passing strange that
should prefer Greenwich time 10 that o
Cowlilz, and told me that be was sure BIZ
watch was right, for it kept time with tn,
sun exactly! This incident, though snfi
ciently provoking at the time, afforded m,
much amusement after it was over, and wa
lesson to me never to trust chronemete
to such an accident again.
}, 1t having partially cleared up the mex
morning, ] set of, accompanied by Plumon
don, bis wife and child, and another settle
as my guide. We departed at eight O'Clock
and being provided with good horses, mad
rapid progress. By the advice of Mr.. For
rest, up'd to obtain canoe on the Chic
kreles, sending the horses 10 meet us, with
out loads, over the mountain.
We rode up TO the Indian, lodge, nca