of this occasion to renounce the remains of their ancient juggling and superstition. The cross was elevated on the border of a lake, and the station received the beautiful name of the Assumption. Under the auspices of Mary, that
Mother, in whose honor they have for many years sung canticles, we hope that religion will take deep root and flourish amidst this tribe, where union, innocence and simplicity reign in full vigor. They ardently desire to be taught agriculture, the advantages of which I have explained, and promised to procure the necessary seed and implements of husbandry.
Flatbows and Kootenais now form one tribe, divided into two branches. They are known throughout the country by the appellation of the Skald, Advancing toward the territory of the Kootenais we were enchanted by the beautiful and diversified scenery. We sometimes traversed undulatory woods of pine and cedar, from which the light of day is partially excluded. We next entered sombre forests, where, axe in hand, we were forced to cut our way and wind about to avoid hosts of trees that had been leveled by the autumnal blasts and storms. Some of these forests are so dense that at the distance of twelve feet,? T could not distinguish my guide. The most certain way of extricating one's self from these labyrinths is to trust to the horse's sagacity, which, if left unguided, will follow the track of other animals. This expedient has saved me a hundred times.
I cannot refrain from communicating to your lordship the gloomy and harrowing thoughts which imagination conjures, up in these dismal regions. The most fearful apprehensions dismay the bravest heart and cause an involuntary
6 Letter dated upper Ford of the Flatbow [Kootenai] river, September 2, t845.
7 Fr. tine douzaine de verges.