These animals, indeed, are so numerous that they are almost a calamity to the Indians of this country.

When they have once obtained the mastery of any house it is impossible to expel them, and the Indians have frequently different houses, to which they resort occasionally when the fleas have rendered their permanent residence intolerable; yet, in spite of these precautions, every Indian is constantly attended by multitudes of them, and no one comes into our house without leaving behind him swarms of these tormenting insects." Although the condition of the exploring party was low, the men did not require very much to put them in good spirits.

The important and happy event of finishing their fort and the noting of good weather are thus set forth in the journal under date of December 30:-- "Toward evening the hunters brought in four elk (which Drewyer had killed), and after a long course of abstinence and miserable diet, we had a most sumptuous supper of elk's tongues and marrow.

Besides this agreeable repast, the state of the weather was quite exhilarating.

It had rained during the night, but in the morning, though the high wind continued, we enjoyed the fairest and most pleasant weather since our arrival; the sun having shone at intervals, and there being only three showers in the course of the day.