Journal Entry

Lewis: October 16, 1804

October 16, 1804
Meriwether Lewis Missouri River approaching Cannonball River

October 16th This day took a small bird alive of the order of the ____ or
goat suckers. it appeared to be passing into the dormant state. on the
morning of the 18th the murcury was at 30 above 0. the bird could scarcely
move.I run my penknife into it’s body under the wing and completely
distroyed it’s lungs and heartyet it lived upwards of two hours
this fanominon I could not account for unless it proceeded from the want
of circulation of the blood.the recarees call this bird to’-na it’s
note is at-tah-to’-nah’; at-tah’to’-nah’; to-nah, a nocturnal bird, sings
only in the night as does the whipperwill.it’s weights oz 17 Grains
Troy

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