Sept. 27. 74. Rode ahead of teams with Ashe & followed the river shooting arriving at Wood End Depot about an hour & half after the teams. Shot a few ducks & a Swansons Buzzard. One of ducks a female canvas back. Found Depot in good order & got 7 days rations all round.

Smith who with Tompkins at depÙt has collected quite a quantity of agates, silicified wood &c. Got as much as useful from him. Has a Turtle about 15 inches long found here which though decapitated 16 days ago, still alive & capable of drawing in its feet when touched. Has kept it in shallow water after first two days.

Notwithstanding the greenness of the grass hereabouts the trees quite faded & some nearly bare of leaves. Poplars all bright yellow, elms yellow & brown. Negundo & thorn brown & most of leaves of latter fallen. Seems more change than due to difference of time only since leaving Wood Mt where poplars quite green.

5.45 A.M. Souris bank 11. m. from Wood End
B. 27.94
T. 32" S. cloudless. hoar frost in night.
Noon Wood End. River flat
B. 27.72 S.W. light. cloudless
T. 72"
9 P.M." " "B. 27.80 calm. clear
T. 46"