New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-08-13
RAMBLE UP THE MISSOURI.

Correspondence Of The n Y. Tribune
FORT PIERRE, April 26, 1855.
About forty miles above Bellevue is a high
bluff on which old Fort Croghan once stood,
the ruins of which are visible at this time and
sre pointed ont to the traveller as landmark
At the time the Fort was occupied the main
channel of the river ran close by the bl,f on
which it was situated. Now il has re-
ceded at least half mile, and the intervening
space is covered with handsome growth of
Cottonwood Here an experiment was made
with the soldiers to support the Fort by Agrlcul
ture but though they raised sufficient quantity
of vegetables for their own consumption the ex-
pertinent failed.
The first prairie of importance we come to on
the Nebraska side is about eighty miles above
Bellevue Some of the machinery OF the boat
being out of repair we stopped here for the after
noon This prairie was exceedingly beautiful.
For an area Of several miles not the slightest I'M
dulation met the eye to break the level only TALL
luxuriant grass, fresh and green, with an album
dance of the wild pea-yine with beautiful purple
blossoms. and occasionally fine grove OF trees IN
which numbers of fallow-deer were quietly rumln-
ating Some of the passengers started out hunt
ING others amused themselves taking sketches
and gathering the wild flowers which were scat
tered prOfusely over the green carpeted PLAIN
About six miles distant the c0nical hills tnat
form the river. bluffs. These presented tempting
appearance 10 me, for | wished to examine their
plants and from the distinctness with which l
could see them thought they could not be more
than mile OF two distant. After travelling quite
rapidly for an hour or two, every moment hoping
10 arrive at their base, came to deep, clear
stream about thirty yards in width, which was
silently vending It's way through the luxurlant
grass which perfectly shroudedit from view. then
found, much to my chagrin, that l must either
turn back disappointed in getting my rare plants,
or swim the river, either of which alternatives
was unpleasant A flock of red-deer stood gaz-
inc at me from the opposite side with great cnrios
ic. as if thev were saving " come on, and though
| shouted al them they seemed perfectly conscious
Of safety and showed no symptoms OF fear. 1t was
late in the evening when | returned 70 the boat
At almost every step the beautiful and feeiiooted
ianow. deer would spring up and HE far away out
of sight | saw many Of their bones ana horns,
which showed that it must have been great pas
foreground for them. 80 pure and clear IS the
atmoSubere in this region that travellers unaccus-
toned TO the country are often deceived as TO
distances.
During the Spring and Autumn the river here
literally swarms with waterfowl. Large numbers
at geese and ducks may be seen at this time, in
pairs with their young. Occasionally is seen
Aock of uecans (PelicGHHS AmerieaHRs standing
on sand.bar, or with their enormous bills scoop
inc for fish. Sometimes, though rarely, we may
see the swan, of pure snowy whiteness and grace
fully swimming in its native waters. We spent
the night of the llth June at the mouth OF Little
sioux This is fine river emptying into the MS
souri, ON the Iowa side, about sixty yards II width
and at this time in a high stage OF water. IL has
its source far ND in the north, near that OF 81
Peters River. among the numerous small lakes
which have been called the " Undine region by
Ncollet, very expressive as well as appropriate
term. All the tributaries Of the Missouri are very
low in Autumn, aud the difference between their
high and low water marks is perhaps greater thah u
any other S! siem of waters in America. Ihe next
morning our boat was detained by tog. ire
quenty az this season OF the year the whole valley