Sept 3. Remained at W. Butte all day to get blacksmith work done, pick up the remnant of depot &c

Engaged changing papers of plants, writing up journal &c all day. Wrote home (a) & left letters with U.S. party who move out tomorrow morning to Benton & then proceed down the Missouri in Mackinaw boats to Bismark. Visited U.S. camp & said goodbye to friends there.

Camp 9 A.M. B. 25.70
T. 77" S.E.clear
Noon B. 25.64 S.S.W. strong. clear
T. 77"
8 P.M. B. 25.575
T. 67" W.S.W. partly cloudy
Comparison of aneroid with Gregoryís mercurial
At U.S. camp
Mercurial 26.278
Attached thermometer 74"

Aneroid 25.60
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Fish tells me several mineral springs like that from which sample taken. Every now & then rush of bubbles of SH2 which can be lighted & burn for few seconds with blue flame. Water must be nearly saturated with this gas. The brook here presents curious phenomenon. Nearly dries up every afternoon opposite depot, & though proceeding from several large springs is much diminished in volume for whole course. Largest in morning. Same phenom. observed at crossing of Milk R. Most perceptable on warm bright day but observable even on cold day. No doubt due to evaporation.
Indians mentioned in yesterdayís notes killed about 800 buffalo in 3 days. Generally killed with steel pointed arrows. The arrow sticking in the flesh stops the animal very effectively. Also a great saving of ammunition. Even those possessing good rifles armed also with bow & arrow for buffalo hunting.
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Sept 4. Travelled E. about 17 miles The U.S. parties also broke camp & were travelling along the road at the same time. Day fine but oppressively warm. See many buffalo. Some of U.S. indian scouts drove a large herd down across the track. The U.S. infantry opened fire on them as well as all the teamsters &c of both parties. The band scattered in all directions & a great many killed. I suppose