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51 1858 Across the Plains. Oct. 9th Saturday- Country tranversed to-day, principally brushy? and very rough, the grass under the snow has the appearance of not being injured much by the snow. Still traveling by the compass and taking a west course. Buffalo still plenty, but gave them no chase, cold and snowing during the day and night. Traveled about eighteen miles. 18. Oct. 10th Sunday- Country very rough in the morning but more level in the afternoon. No trail yet. Saw plenty of wolves, buffalo, ducks and geese. Killed a fine mess of ducks. Crossed a running stream about noon. Warm and cloudy during the day and night. Traveled about fifteen miles and camped near a tamarack swamp, being the first we have seen. The snow not so deep and fast disappearing. Good feed for animals. 15. Oct. 11th Monday- Country, hills and plains with tamarack groves and swamps. Weather very pleasant and thawing. Traveled almost fifteen miles and camped near a lake. Saw but little game to-day. The comet is gradually disappearing. 15. Oct. 12th Tuesday- This morning we found that we could not effect a crossing of the lake, and we were oblige to go around, which occupied nearly all day, and though we traveled about fifteen miles, yet we did not make more than about three miles in a direct line from last night's camp. Saw but few buffalo to-day, but plenty of swans, geese and ducks. Still traveling by the compass. Country very rough and marshy, wood and water plenty. The snow has entirely disappeared. The weather was very warm to-day. Camped near a beautiful lake, and found splendid feed for our animals. The comet still decreasing. 15.