Chapter XVII

Captain Clark proceeds with his party down the river.
Description of an Indian lodge. Serjeant Pryor arrives with
the horses left by the party when they embarked in their
canoes; his difficulty in bringing them on. Remarkable rock
discovered by captain Clark, and the beauty of the prospect
from the summit. They continue their route down the river,
of which a particular description is given, as well as the
surrounding country. Yellowstone and Bighorn rivers compared.
Great quantities of game found on the banks of the rivers.
Immense herds of buffaloe. Fierceness of the white bear.
Encamp at the junction of the Yellowstone and Missouri. A
general outline given of Yellowstone river, comprehending the
shoals; its entrance recommended for the formation of a trading
establishment. The sufferings of the party from the musquetoes.
Serjeant Pryor, who, with a detachment of the party, was to
have brought on the horses, arrives and reports that they were
all stolen by the Indians; deprived of these animals, they
form for themselves Indian canoes of the skins of beasts, and
of curious structure, with which they descend the river over
the most difficult shoals and dangerous rapids. Meet with two
white men unexpectedly, from whom they procure intelligence of
the Indians formerly visited by the party. 385