Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 6.djvu/221

215 JOURNAL AND LETTERS OF DAVID DOUGLAS. 215 and Drummondii (Hook. Fl. Bor. Am. v. 1, t. 57), Phlox Hoodii, Thermopsis rhombifolia (Hook. FL Bor. Am. v. 1, t. 47), Hedysarum Mackenzii, Astragalus succulentus (Bot. Reg. t. 1324), A. Caryocarpus (Bot. Reg. t. 176), and seven species of Salix. On one of these hunting excursions, Mr. F. McDonald was dreadfully injured by a wounded Buffalo Bull, which shockingly lacerated his left thigh, broke his ribs, dislocated his left wrist, and otherwise severely bruised him. These animals have a propensity not to destroy life at once, but to delight in torturing their vic- tim. On first striking the object of their vengeance, if he be stunned or feign death, there is a chance of escape, the creature meanwhile lying down beside him, and watching with a steadfast eye for the slightest motion, in which case he instantly rises and gives another blow. Poor McDon- ald was thus situated for two hours and a half, bleeding and at the point of death, and that too under cloud of night, which afforded us scarcely any opportunity of res- cuing him, for the animal lay watching within a few yards, and we were afraid to fire, lest a shot should strike our friend. By the activity of Mr. Heriot and my assistance, he was, however, saved. I bound up his wounds, and gave him all the aid that a small medicine chest and my slender knowledge of surgery would suggest. Hence we passed hastily onwards in hope of meeting Dr. Richard- son, but on our arrival found that he had gone to Cum- berland House. At Carlton House I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Drummond 1 of Capt. Franklin's party, who had spent the greater part of his time in exploring the Rocky Mountains contiguous to the sources of the rivers Athabasca and Columbia, where he had made a princely collection. I had intended to cross the plains from this place to Swan and Red Rivers, but the hostile JMr. Drummond's Journal of that expedition is given at page 178 of the first volume of our "Botanical Miscellany."