Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 11.djvu/424

 394 Peter Skene Ogden Journal. 1828-1829 numerous in this quarter, but from the number of fires seen on the mountains are fully aware of our presence, and we must look out for our horses. 75 traps produced 37 beaver. This is tolerable ; for we usually receive only a third. In no part have I found beaver so abundant. The total number of American trappers in this region 1 at this time exceeds 80. I have only 28 trappers, 15 in 2 parties, and shall be well pleased if one of the 2 parties escapes. The trappers now average 125 beaver a man and are greatly pleased with their success. Tuesday 17th May. large tracks of pelicans seen indicate a lake. If it prove salt ; beaver will be at an end. Two Indians seen at a distance. Thursday 21st May. Remained in camp to dry our beaver. One of the trappers in the rear visiting his traps had his horses stolen before he could come out of the bushes the Indian was nearly out of sight. Another trapper who had been to the lower part of the river to set traps was on his return when 4 Indians seized his gun and would have taken his life had he not escaped, 3 arrows being sent after him. This is a strong tribe of natives probably the same branch as in Pitts River very daring. 1 I have ordered; the trappers to go out only in twos and to be strictly on their guard. Friday 27th May. Encamped within a mile of a large lake. 2 The river is not half the size it was, no doubt spreading in the swamp we have passed. It is 2J/2 ft. deep and only 10 yds. wide. We may now think of retracing our steps. It is too far on in the season to proceed on discovery. Course S. W. Saturday 28th May. 3 of the trappers came in with word of more traps stolen. He pursued the thieves and punished them but could not re- cover the traps. A man who had gone to explore the lake at 1 Modoc Indians. 2Marked Unknown Lake on Ogden's map, and the place where 280 Indians attacked him and he turned back.