Pilcher followed the usual method and divided his party at the forks of the Platte, a small detachment crossing both forks of the river near that point, and going up the south side of the "South River." with instructions to join the main party in the vicinity of the "Southern Pass."

With thirty men he proceeded up the north side of the "North river," leaving the forks of the river on September 25th.

On the 27th he passed the Birdwood, and October 4th found them "opposite the low lying, fantastic bluffs, resembling citadels, castles, towers, and other works of man."

"The Chimney" was passed the following day. and so far as I have been able to find, this is the first time it was called "chimney," by early travelers. Two days after they crossed the meadows, and camped opposite the "first real mountain on the journey." At this time Scotts Bluff had not received its name.

Buffalo herds were drifting southward, and there were thousands of them. They were being chased into the valley by friendly Indians from the north, who were laying in their winter supply of meat. And the southern tribes, hungry and hostile, were meeting them a) tin- river, and chasing them over the hills to the south. On the morning of October Sth, a large herd was espied in the valley to the westward, and the hunters experienced no difficult) in crossing the river, as it was at low water stage. Several fat buffalo were slaughtered in what later became known as Mitchell valley. The robes and choicest cuts of the meat, and the tallow were saved, and the balance left to the wolves.