& then drops again towards this river. The hills which begin to develop themselves prominently about 20 miles E. of here have quite a Coteau character. They are not very stony but appear to consist of unmodified drift & enclose many little swamps & some small ponds. These lie in basin like depressions without outlet. Coulees drain away Northward & Southward but both systems probably eventually reach the Milk R.

The surface covered by fair but short growth of grass & some hollows with hay. The hills & uplands are nearly yellow but not so much dried up as further E. Appearances are that we are getting into a much more rainy region.

Buffalo have been killed about here last season but few if any buffalo can have passed through the country from W. Butte to this point, this summer. No fresh droppings or trail.

Glorious view of the rocky Mts from various parts of the route. Chief Mountain standing out like truncated pillar.

Camp 20º m. W. of W. Butte. Astron Stn.
7.20 A.M. B. 26.16 Light cloudless
T. 64"
13. m. W. of Camp. Noon B. 25.53 N.W.clear
T. 73"
Summit of highlands between Buttes & second crossing of Milk R. 151/2 m. W. of morning Camp. 3 P.M. B 25.31
25.31

---