Journal Entry

Clark: March 30, 1805

March 30, 1805
Fort Mandan, preparing for departure

30th of March. The Ice is passing in great quantites, river ran a little,
The Plains are on fire on both Sides of the river it is common for the
indians to Set those Plains on fire near their village for the advantage
of early Grass for the hors & as an inducement to the Buffalow to
visit them

30th of March Sunday 1805 The obstickle broke away above & the ice
came dow in great quantites the river rose 13 inches the last 24 hours I
observed extrodanary dexterity of the Indians in jumping from one Cake of
ice to another, for the purpose of Catching the buffalow as they float
down maney of the Cakes of ice which they pass over are not two feet
Square. The Plains are on fire in view of the fort on both Sides of the
River, it is Said to be common for the Indians to burn the Plains near
their villages every Spring for the benifit of ther horse, and to induce
the Buffalow to come near to them.

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