They did have severe hailstorms and a few flurries of snow in December but the rain was a continual cause of discomfort.

Of the trading habits of the Clatsops the journal has this to say:-- "Three Indians came in a canoe with mats, roots, and the berries of the sacacommis.

These people proceed with a dexterity and finesse in their bargains which, if they have not learned it from their foreign visitors, may show how nearly allied is the cunning of savages to the little arts of traffic.

They begin by asking double or treble the value of what they have to sell, and lower their demand in proportion to the greater or less degree of ardor or knowledge of the purchaser, who, with all his management, is not able to procure the article for less than its real value, which the Indians perfectly understand.

Our chief medium of trade consists of blue and white beads, files,--with which they sharpen their tools,--fish-hooks, and tobacco; but of all these articles blue beads and tobacco are the most esteemed." But, although their surroundings were not of a sort to make one very jolly, when Christmas came they observed the day as well as they could.
Here is what the journal says of the holiday:-- "We were awaked at daylight by a discharge of firearms, which was followed by a song from the men, as a compliment to us on the return of Christmas, which we have always been accustomed to observe as a day of rejoicing.