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82 Across the Plains 1858 Nov 29 Monday. - Traveled about eight miles, followed Elk River and crossed it near its junction with the Koottonais River. Crossed Koottonais River just below the mouth of Elk. The Koottonais at the point of crossing is I should judge 200 feet wide, very clear and rapid, and very deep in places. After ascending to the table land, which is at a considerable elevation from the bed of the river, we found a fresh horse track, which was a good omen. Camped about two miles from the crossing - had to carry water from the river - feed for animals, fair. Weather, during the day clear and fine - night, had a light snow. We are traveling slow in order to recruit our horses. 8. And we are living now on very meagre rations. Nov 30 Tuesday. - Crossed the Koottonais about three miles below last night's camp. River not so wide but deeper. As Jim Smith was sounding the depth of the river, before crossing, on horseback, the horse stopped where the water was at midside - finding that coaxing had no effect, he had recourse to the cudgel, which he laid on pretty heavy, by some means, the horse and him parted, unclear him, however got ashore in a very indignant mood. The banks on the river are very steep. Character of the country on the table lands, chiefly, yellow pine openings with very poor soil, there are few clear shots of prairie here and there. The valley here, from Mountains to Mountains, is of considerable width, but does not hold forth any agricultural inducements, - it is very picturesque, but almost destitute of water. Passed two small lakes. I do not agree with the Rev. Father De Smet's account of this country as published some years ago in the Missouri Republican. Where he extolls the soil, and stating that the propostions of prairie and timber