I had been wondering when and how the many specimens the Voyage of Discovery gathered had been sent back to President Jefferson, including a few live animals. I figured that there wasn't anyone on their route who was headed back East to transport anything.

But finally, in the last hundred pages or so of this book, "The Fate of the Lewis and Clark Booty," provides extensive detail on it all. Only one magpie and a prairie dog made it back alive. And at least half the items burned in P.T. Barnum's famous fire.

I'm finishing the section now, and already I am hoping to visit at least one historical association where I hope to find out if some artifacts can be viewed. ( )

A new area to me. Well written and quite interesting. ( )

Cutright reviews the scientific study of the Corps of Discovery. Each chapter is followed by a list of new discoveries along the stages of the trail. ( )