Washington Irving, in his work entitled Astoria, relates a similar incident in the following language: “The squaw of Pierre Dorion (who, with her husband, was attached to a party travelling over the Rocky Mountains in winter-time, the ground being covered with several feet of snow) was suddenly taken in labor, and enriched her husband with another child. As the fortitude and good conduct of the woman had gained for her the good will of the party, her situation caused concern and perplexity. Pierre, however, treated the matter as an occurrence that could soon be arranged, and need cause no delay. He remained by his wife in the camp, with his other children and his horse, and promised soon to rejoin the main body on their march. In the course of the following morning the Dorion family made its appearance. Pierre came trudging in advance, followed by his valued, though skeleton steed, on which was mounted his squaw with the new-born infant in her arms, and her boy of two years old wrapped in a blanket, and slung on her side. The mother looked as unconcerned as if nothing had happened to her; so easy is nature in her operations in the wilderness, when free from the enfeebling refinements of luxury and the tampering appliances of art.” When it has been ascertained that the labor is natural, or that there are no impediments or obstacles, there will be very little more to do than superintend the process. It will be necessary to give instructions to the attendants to make suitable preparation, or have everything required in readiness.