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 from hence, and approaches within four miles of the Arkansas or the Post of Osark, affording a much nearer communication than the present course of the river.

Towards evening, two keel boats came in sight, one of which was deeply loaded with whiskey and flour; the other, a small boat fitted out by a general Calamees and his brother, two elderly men out on a land speculation, who intended to ascend the river as far as the Cadron,[74] which is 300 miles from hence by water, or to the Fort,[75] which is 350 miles further. I perceived that they noted down every particular which {70} came to their knowledge, but appeared to be illiterate men, and of course, I found them incapable of appreciating the value of science. On application, they merely condescended to offer me a passage, provided I would find my own provision, and work as a boat-man. Such was the encouragement, which I at length wrung from these generous speculators; not, I dare say, exploring the Missouri territory with the same philanthropic views as the generous Birkbeck.

21 st.] About 12 o'clock, the thermometer was again at 67°. In the course of the forenoon, I took a solitary ramble down the bank of the river, and found along its shelving border, where the sun obtained free access, abundance of the Mimosa glandulosa of Michaux; also Polypremum procumbens, Diodia virginica, Verbena nodiflora, . Eclipta erecta, Poa stricta, Panicum capilaceum, Poa reptans as usual in vast profusion, and Capraria multifida. The trees and shrubs are chiefly the Pecan, (Carya olivœformis) C. aquatica; the black walnut, (Juglans nigra), but very rare; Fraxinus quadrangulata, Liquidamber and Platanus, but rarely large or full