Chapter XII

The party encamp amongst the Chopunnish, and receive further
evidences of their hospitality. The Indian mode of boiling
bear-flesh. Of gelding horses. Their mode of decoying the
deer within reach of their arrows. Character of the soil and
climate in the Rocky mountain. Varieties of climate. Character
of the natives. Their dress and ornaments. Mode of burying the
dead. The party administer medical relief to the natives. One
of the natives restored to the use of his limbs by sweating,
and the curious process by which perspiration was excited.
Another proof of Chopunnish hospitality. Success of their
sweating prescription on the Indian chief. Description of the
horned lizzard, and a variety of insects. The attachment of the
friends of a dying Indian to a tomahawk which he had stolen
from the party, and which they desired to bury with the body.
Description of the river Tommanamah. The Indians return an
answer to a proposition made by the party. 286

CHAPTER XIII.

The party mingle in the diversions of the Willetpos Indians,
a tribe hitherto unnoticed. Their joy on the prospect of a
return. Description of the vegetables growing on the Rocky
mountains. Various preparations made to resume their journey.
The party set out, and arrive at Hungry creek. The serious
and desponding difficulties that obstructed their progress.
They are compelled to return and wait for a guide across
the mountains. Their distress for want of provisions. They
resolve to return to the Quamash flats. They are at last so
fortunate as to procure Indian guides, with whom they resume
their journey to the falls of the Missouri. The danger of
the route described. Their scarcity of provisions, and the
danger of their journey. Their course lying along the ridges
of mountains. Description of the warm springs, where the party
encamp. The fondness of the Indians for bathing in them. 309