There was also a war-drum in the lodge, and an Indian called Blackhoof used to beat it, and say: "I walk upon the sky, My war-drum 'tis you hear; When the sun goes out at noon, My war-drum 'tis you hear! "When forked lightnings flash, My war-drum 'tis you hear.
I walk upon the sky, And call the clouds; be still, My war-drum 'tis you hear!" The tribes of the Oregon at this time were numerous but small.

They consisted chiefly of the Chinooks, Vancouvers, the Walla Wallas, the Yacomars, the Spokans, the Cayuses, the Nez-Perces, the Skagits, the Cascades, and many tribes that were scarcely more than families.

They were for the most part friendly with each other, and they found in the Oregon or Columbia a common fishing-ground, and a water-way to all their territories.

They lived easily.

The woods were full of game, and the river of salmon, and berries loaded the plateaus.