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50 1858 Across the Plains Oct. 6th Wednesday.-About a mile from camp we struck a trail and followed it for about twelve miles, when we again lost it, we had now to use our compass-course due west. Country still rough with lakes and groves. Geese and ducks plenty-weather, very cold and freezing both day and night. 12. Oct. 7th Thursday.-Thawing some today, carting very heavy, snow clogging the wheels. Country still rough. Saw four heads of buffalo, first we have seen since leaving the plains of Minnesota. Spent most of the day in the excitement of the chase, being novices in this kind of sport we were a long time before we could capture one, we were a long time before we could capture one, we now, we now replenished our larder with the choicest portions. Ducks and geese still plenty in the lakes. As yet we have found no trail, now, that we are in a country where buffalo is plenty, our dropping spirits have revived to their wanted cheerfulness. Weather during the day, warm and pleasant, night freezing. We are still sleeping with nothing but our carts to shelter us. We manage to sleep very comfortably, as we have plenty of buffalo robes and blankets. The comet presented a magnificent appearance to night. We traveled only five miles. 5. Oct. 8 Friday-No change in the features of the country, saw plenty of buffalo, and had hard work to resist the temptation of giving them a chase. Still traveling by our compass. Ernehiser, had the good fortune to kill a fine elk, and brought it into camp late in the evening, he was separated from us most of the afternoon. Weather very cold and freezing both day and night. Built a roaring fire and enjoyed ourselves with a feast of elk. All in good spirits, but still wishing we were on the trail. The country here is perfectly alive with game, traveled about seventeen miles. 17.