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Across the Plains 1858 Chief's lodge, and for the present we made it our quarters. Dec 24th Friday. - Occupied the day in building a temporary lodge about a mile from the Indian encampment, at the foot of the mountains. We made our lodge in the usual Conical shape, and covered it with pine boughs. Having returned to the Indian Camp, we found them making preparations to celebrate Christmas. A little Curious how they should know it to be Christmas, we by signs, enquired how they kept the knowledge of the months, and days. From signs, we learned, that a missionary priest always pays them a visit during the summer or fall, and when he comes, he gives them a piece of paper, marked with the days of the week as well as the month. the Indian in then told what day it is, and to perforate a hole upon each day. Christmas, was marked upon the paper in the shape of a cross. and New years with a peculiar mark. They showed us the paper, and pointed out the day we first came, with a perforation for each man in the company and also noted the day we returned with five perforations opposite. Receiving an invitation to participate in their festivities, we nodded our head with gratified assent. The festivities commenced by a circus rushing frantically in a semi-nudity state from the lodge into the open air, and commenced unclear in good earnest. His auditors evidently not appreciating his gestures or oratory, were huddled together around the fire, in their respective lodges. The chill air seemed to have a wonderful effect on him at times, for he would abruptly cease while in the zenith of his