from hence, and approaches within four miles of the Arkansas or the Post of Osark, affording a much nearer communication than the present course of the river.
Towards evening, two keel boats came in sight, one of which was deeply loaded with whiskey and flour; the other, a small boat fitted out by a general Calamees and his brother, two elderly men out on a land speculation, who intended to ascend the river as far as the Cadron,[74] which is 300 miles from hence by water, or to the Fort,[75] which is 350 miles further. I perceived that they noted down every particular which {70} came to their knowledge, but appeared to be illiterate men, and of course, I found them incapable of appreciating the value of science. On application, they merely condescended to offer me a passage, provided I would find my own provision, and work as a boat-man. Such was the encouragement, which I at length wrung from these generous speculators; not, I dare say, exploring the Missouri territory with the same philanthropic views as the generous Birkbeck.
21 st.] About 12 o'clock, the thermometer was again at 67°. In the course of the forenoon, I took a solitary ramble down the bank of the river, and found along its shelving border, where the sun obtained free access, abundance of the Mimosa glandulosa of Michaux; also Polypremum procumbens, Diodia virginica, Verbena nodiflora, Lin. Eclipta erecta, Mich. Poa stricta, Panicum capilaceum, Poa reptans as usual in vast profusion, and Capraria multifida. The trees and shrubs are chiefly the Pecan, (Carya olivœformis) C. aquatica; the black walnut, (Juglans nigra), but very rare; Fraxinus quadrangulata, Liquidamber and Platanus, but rarely large or full
