R O U N D T H E W O R L D . 2fig
horizontal line from north to fouth along" this range of rugged moun- ns2-
tains, from whofe fummit mount Rainier rofe confpicuoufly, and feemed u
as much elevated above them as they were above the level of the fea;
the whole producing a moft grand, picturefque effefct. The lower mountains
as they defcended to the right and left, became gradually relieved
o f their frigid, garment; and as they approached the fertile woodland
region that binds the fhores of this inlet in every dire&ion, produced a
pleating variety. We now proceeded to the N.w. in which dire&ion the
inlet from hence extended, and afforded us fome reafon to believe that it
communicated with that under the furvey of our other party. This
opinion was further corroborated by a few Indians, who had in a very
civil manner accompanied us fame time, and who gave us to underhand
that in the north wellern direftion this inlet was very wide and
extenlive; this they expreffed before we quitted our dinner ftation, by
opening their arms, and making other figns that we lhould be led a long
way by purfuing that route ; whereas, by bending their arm, or fpread-
ing out their hand, and pointing to the fpace contained in the curve o f
the arm, or between the fore-finger and thumb, that we lhould find our
progrefs foon hopped in the direction which led towards mount Rainier.
The little refpefi which moft Indians bear to truth, and their
readinefs to affert what they think is moft agreeable for the moment, or
to anfwer their own particular wilhes and inclinations, induced me to
place little dependence on this information, although they could have
no motive for deceiving us.
About a dozen of thefe friendly people had attended at our dinner,
one part of which was a venifon pafty. Two of them, expreffing a defire
to pafs the line of feparation drawn between us, were permitted to
do fo. They fat down by us, and ate o f the bread and filh that we gave
them without the leaft hefitation; but on being offered fome o f the venifon,
though they faw us eat it with great relifh, they could not be induced
to tafte it. They received it from us with great difguft, and pre-
fented it round to the reft of the party, by whom it underwent a very
ftrift examination. Their conduft on this oceafion left no doubt in
our minds that they believed it to be human flelh, an impreffion which
it