[79] This plant is destitute of the exterior calyx of the genus malva, to which, however, it is more closely allied than to sida, into which it would appear to fall by its artificial characters. It appears to be a congener to the two new plants lately brought by Mr. Nuttall from Arkansa, and which have received the name of _Nuttallia_.—JAMES.
[80] Astragalus _carnosus_, N. A. _Missouriensis_, N. A. _Laxmani_, Ph.
Gaura _coccinea_, N. Troximon _marginatum_, Ph. Hymenopappus _tenuifolius_, Ph. Trichodium _laxiflorum_, Mx. Atheropogon _oligostachyum_, N. Viola _palmata_, Ph? in fruit. Hedeoma _hirta_, N. Hordeum _jubatum_, Anemone _tenella_, Ph. and other plants were among our collections of this day.—JAMES.
{ 122} A little before sunset we crossed Grape Creek,[81] a small and rapid stream of clear water, and soon after arrived at the Loup fork, where we encamped. The banks of this river are of a fine white sand, and are elevated no more than about eight feet above the surface of the stream, at a time of low water. It does not however appear that the low plains, contiguous to the Loup fork, are at any season inundated, the channel being sufficiently wide, and the current rapid enough to discharge all the water, which may at any time be brought down from above.
[81] The description of Grape Creek corresponds to the present Looking Glass Creek, in Platte County. The Pawnee called the stream "water that reflects your shadow." With cultivation of the adjoining lands and the advent of herds of wading cattle, the stream has lost its clearness.—ED.
In the evening, and on the following morning, observations were taken to ascertain the magnetic variation, which was found to be 13½° east.
On the morning of the 10th, we crossed Beaver Creek,[82] six miles south-west of our encampment. Here we were compelled to carry across our baggage by hand, the creek being too deep and muddy to admit risking it on the pack-horses.
[82] For Beaver Creek, see ante, note 42.—ED.
In fording this difficult stream, we had the misfortune to lose an important part of the lock of an air-gun, and as there were no means of replacing the lost article, it was determined to send back the gun from the Pawnee villages by one of the traders, who was soon to return to the Missouri.