Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-12-05
nlisffIlaI1eons Artlflfs.
An Incident of mountain Life.
FROM rnExoST's EXPLORING TOUR.

precipices. and, after a fatiguing march
of only a few miles, we encamped on a
bench where were springs and abun-
dance of the freshest grass. In the
meantime Mr.. Preuss continued on down
the river, and, unaware that we had en-
camped so early in the day, was lost
When night arrived, and he did not come
in, we began to understand what had
happened to him; but it was to late too
make any search.
We followed Mr.. Preuss's trail for
considerable distance along the river, I'M
til we reached place where he had de-
scended to the stream below and encamp-
ed. Here we shouted and fred guns, but
received no answer; and we concluded
that be had pushed on down the stream.
determined to keep ont from the river,
along which it was nearly impracticable
to travel with animals, until it should
form a valley.
We repeated our shouts for Mr..
Preuss, and this time we were gratified
with an answer. The voice grew rap
idly nearer, ascending from the river !;
but when we expected to see him emerge,
it ceased entirely. We had called up
some struggling Indians, the first we
had met, although for two days back
we had seen tracks-who installing US
for his fellows, had been only undeceived
on getting close up, ignorant of the char
acter of the people, we had now an addi-
tional cause of uneasiness in regard to
Mr.. Preuss he had no arms with him,
and we began to think his chance doubt
full.
The mountains now were getting SEN
sibiy lower but still there is no valley
on the river, which presents steep and
rocky banks but here, several miles
from the river, the country is smooth anG
grassy; the forest has no underground
and in the open valleys or rivulets, o.
around spring heads, the low groves o
live oak give the appearance of orchard
in an old cultivated country. At on
of these orchard grounds, we encampe
about noon to make an effort for MI
Preuss. One man took his way alon
spur leading into the river, in hope t
cross his trail; and another took on
own back. Both were volunteers an
to the successful man was promised
pair of pistols-not as a reward, but as
token of gratitude for a service whic
would free us from much anxiety.
We had among our few animals
horse which was so much reduced, TIL
with travelling, even the good gra
could not save him; and, having notl
ing TO eat, he was killed this Afternoon
He was a good animal, and had mad
the journey round from Fort Hall.
The absence of Mr.. Preuss gave n
great concern; and, for large rewar
Derosier volunteered to go back on IL
trail. directed him to search along II
river, travelling upward for the space
day and q half, at which time | e
pected he would meet Mr.. Fitzpatric
whom l requested to aid in the scar
at all events he was to go no further,
return to this camp, where a cache
provisions was made for him.
Continuing the next day down the r
er, we discovered three squaws in lit
bottom, and surrounding them beft
they could make their escape. TIL
had large conical baskets which til
were engaged in filling with small lie,
plant, (erOdium cicutarium) just n
beginning to bloom, and covering
-. ground like a sward of grass. They
not make any lamentations, but appeal
very much impressed with our appe
ance, speaking to US only in whisr
and offering us smaller baskets of
plant, which they signifed to US '
good to eat, making signs also that it ,
to be cooked by the fire. We drew
little cold horse meat, and the squa
- made signs to US that the men had o.
out after deer, and that we could Ii;
: some by waiting till they came in.
observed that the horses ate with avid
NM the herb which they had been gatheril
49,, and here also for the first time, we $
Indians eat the common grass-one of
squaws pulling several turfs, and eat
of 1t with apparent relish. Seeing our $
ally prise, she pointed to the horses but
couldnot Northumberland what she me,
except, perhaps, that what was good
oa the one was good for the other.
III Towards evening we heard a W
shout among the hills behind. and
.uo5 the pleasure to see Mr.. Preuss desce
- ing towards the camp. Like oursel