Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 5.djvu/229

Rh exposed to a season of incessant rains, the wound in his knee still giving him much trouble. From the upper Chehalis he crosses over to the Cowlitz and passes down to the Columbia. Reaches Vancouver November 15 from a very unsatisfactory trip. Poor health and inclemency of weather preclude any thought of botany from November 15 to December 30. On December 18 the Annual Express arrived at Vancouver. As it had left Hudson Bay before ship had arrived from England, he was "heavily disappointed" in not receiving anything from home. On December 24 rain drives him from his bark hut. Dr. McLoughlin invites him into his half-finished house. On Christmas Day his troublesome knee prevents his joining the gentlemen in an after-breakfast airing on horseback.

An extended account of the fauna of the Columbia follows. Douglas evidently turned his investigations in that direction during the remaining winter months.

He feels constrained to devote another season to explorations of the Columbia country, even though this decision meets with the disapproval of the Horticultural Society of London. His plans now are to return home by crossing the continent to Hudson Bay in the spring of 1827. Should circumstances forbid his doing that he will proceed to England by sea.

Proposes to make Walla Walla, Spokane, and Kettle Falls his headquarters during the spring and summer months of 1826 that he may do justice to the upper country. Hopes to send the most of his collections by the vessel leaving Vancouver in November and to carry package of seed across to Hudson Bay in the spring of 1827. On March 20, in company with McLeod and Ermetinger, he starts up the Columbia. They have trying experiences with the Indians in passing Celilo Falls. Reach Priest Rapids April 1. On April 6 they arrive at the establishment on the Okanogan River. Proceeds thence to the junction of the Spokane with the Columbia. Botanizes there until the 19th, then accompanies party to Kurt Colville. near Kettle Falls. On May 9 he starts