of two feet. This is a very remarkable thing in this region; when it rains in the valley in -summer, snow falls in big flakes on the mountains. In descending into the great valley known as Pierre's Hole,' we found the trail very steep and slippery. The horses and mules of the mountains are very skilful in these kinds of dangerous passages; just let theta alone and you are safe; a rider who should persist in guiding them in these circumstances would be at every step in danger of breaking his neck.
In the mountain valleys, the soil is generally nearly black, but sometimes yellow. It is often found mixed with marl and marine substances in a decomposed state. This kind of soil extends to a great depth, as may be seen in the vast cuttings of the ravines and upon the banks of rivers. Thtvegetation in these valleys is very abundant. It is a land where the geologist beholds evidences of the extensive action of volcanic forces, and 'much also that is of interest in the various formations of lava, etc.
One day's travel in the great valley of Pierre's Hole brought us to the camp of the Flatheads and the Pend d'Oreilles. The poles were already up for my lodge, and at my approach men, women and children came all together to meet me and shake hands and bid me welcome; the num ber of them was about i,6oo. The elders wept with joy, while the young men expressed their satisfaction by leaps and shouts of happiness. These good savages led me to the lodge of the old chief, called in his language Big Face. He had a truly patriarchal aspect, and received me in the midst of his whole council with the liveliest cordiality. Then he
7 Pierre's Hole is one of the most beautiful, and in early times was one of the most celebrated, valleys of the Rocky Mountains. The trappers always called the mountain valleys " holes." Pierre's Hole lies just west of the Teton Mountains and is about twenty-five miles long by five to fifteen broad. It was named from an Iroquois trapper who discovered it. It was a favorite resort for the traders, trappers and Indians and several rendezvous were held there. The famous battle of Pierre's Hole, between the Blackfeet Indians on one side and the trappers and Flathead Indians on the other, took place in 1832.