of the Sapetans or Nez Perces. On the high plain between this river and the Spokan we found abundance of sage brush, as well as bunch-grass, excellent for horses. Twice we camped on the borders of beautiful little lakes, covered with wild-fowl. On the ad of November we reached the
Spokan river, coming from the southeast. I have made
a map of the headwaters of this interesting river. I have called the two streams, hitherto unknown on the maps, which form the great Cceur d'Alene lake, whence the Spokan river derives its waters, by the names of St. Ig natius and St. Joseph. They in turn are formed by a great number of branches, the four principal of which are known to-day by the names of the four Evangelists; and the various mountain streams which form these last bear the names of all the Catholic hierarchy of the United States. I have moreover counted forty-eight little lakes, lying at the base of the mountains, which are named after the Venerables of the Company of Jesus. The Mission of the Sacred Heart12 lies nearly in the center of this system. The head of this river therefore forms a fine Catholic group - may the inhabitants of that region be worthy of the fair names which environ them.
We were fortunate enough to find a ford whereby to cross the Spokan river; for all the savages were already away to their various winter quarters. Then climbing to a lofty plateau, a few miles' gallop brought us to a rich and beautiful valley, in which is a Presbyterian mission," established a few years ago. My two good guides, the Iroquois and the Canadian, left me at the foot of the great Mountain of the Kalispels, to proceed on their way toward Colville. On the 5th I crossed the mountain, which is
12 For founding of this mission, see note, p. 377.
18 That on the Chemakane branch of Spokan river, established in 1839, by Reverends Elkinah Walker and Cushing C. Eells and their wives. After the downfall of the Presbyterian missions, both settled in the Willamette valley, and were among the founders of the Pacific University.