The quantity of game, therefore, brought in by the hunters was extremely scanty, and it was frequently necessary to put all hands on very moderate allowance.

Towards spring, however, the fishing season commenced--the season of plenty on the Columbia.

About the beginning of February, a small kind of fish, about six inches long, called by the natives the uthlecan, and resembling the smelt, made its appearance at the mouth of the river.

It is said to be of delicious flavor, and so fat as to burn like a candle, for which it is often used by the natives.

It enters the river in immense shoals, like solid columns, often extending to the depth of five or more feet, and is scooped up by the natives with small nets at the end of poles.