The Journals of Lewis & Clark: Lewis, October 16, 1804

Updated May 14, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

Lewis, October 16, 1804

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 heart- yet 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