Clark: April 17, 1805

17th of April Wednesday 1805 a fine morning wind from the S E. Genly to
day handsom high extencive rich Plains on each Side, the mineral
appearances continue with greater appearances of Coal, much greater
appearance of the hills haveing been burnt, more Pumice Stone & Lava
washed down to the bottoms and some Pumice Stone floating in the river, I
walked on the S. S. Saw great numbs. of Buffalow feeding in the Plains at
a distance Capt. Lewis killed 2 Buffalow buls which was near the water at
the time of dineing, they were So pore as to be unfit for use. I Saw
Several Small parties of antelopes large herds of Elk, Some white wolves,
and in a pond (formed on the S. S. by the Missouries Changeing its bead) I
Saw Swan Gees & different kinds of Ducks in great numbers also a
Beaver house. Passed a Small Creek on the S. S. & Several runs of
water on each Side, Saw the remains of Indian camps in every point of
timbered land on the S. S. in the evining a thunder gust passed from the S
W, without rain, about Sunset Saw Some fresh Indians track and four rafts
on the shore S. S. Those I prosume were Ossinniboins who had been on a war
party against the Rockey Mountain IndiansSaw a Curlow, Some verry
large beaver taken this morning. those animals are made use of as food and
preferred by the party to any other at this Season