in number of words, and the absence of grammatical forms, it possesses
much more flexibility and power of expression than might be imagined, and
really serves almost every purpose of ordinary intercourse.

The number of words constituting the Jargon proper has been variously
stated. Many formerly employed have become in great measure obsolete,
while others have been locally introduced. Thus, at the Dalles of the
Columbia, various terms are common which would not be intelligible at
Astoria or on Puget Sound. In making the following selection, I have
included all those which, on reference to a number of vocabularies, I have
found current at any of these places, rejecting, on the other hand, such
as individuals, partially acquainted with the native languages, have
employed for their own convenience. The total number falls a little short
of five hundred words.

An analysis of their derivations gives the following result:

Chinook, including Clatsop 200
Chinook, having analogies with other languages 21
Interjections common to several 8
Nootka, including dialects 24
Chihalis, 32; Nisqually, 7 39
Klikatat and Yakama 2
Cree 2
Chippeway (Ojibwa) 1
Wasco (probably) 4
Kalapuya (probably) 4
By direct onomatopoeia 6
Derivation unknown, or undetermined 18
French, 90; Canadian, 4 94