THE LAST WILD TRIBE OF CALIFORNIA 



241 



creasing degree of settlement. The next stream to the south is known 

 as Deer Creek. The gorge through which this stream passes is rugged 

 and wild in the extreme. It is in fact one of the most picturesque 

 canons in California. The wildest part of the caiion of Deer Creek 

 was their last home. 



Below the mouth of a side branch known as Sulphur Creek, the 

 cliffs which hem in the main stream open out into a fairly wide valley. 

 Between the base of the cliffs on the south side and the stream itself, 

 is a long slope composed of lava detritus. This slope consists of rocks 

 j)iled up in tremendous confusion, traversed with deep gullies, and 

 overgrown with a perfect mat of scrub oak. The brush is so thick that 

 it is practically impenetrable. Even sheep and cattle avoid the place. 

 I doubt if such animals could make their way through it. Two or 

 three miles through this thicket is a good day's work for a man. Here 

 the Yahi tribe, or its remnant, found a final refuge. Ip one edge of 

 this jungle, on a shoulder overlooking the stream, under some pepper- 

 woods or laurel, they built some tiny lodges. To this locality and little 

 village they gave the name of Bear's Hiding Place. The mountains 

 and plateaus hereabout are- useless for cultivation. The lava cliffs con- 

 tain no metals. The country is quite unfrequented except for cattle- 

 men and cowboys, who come at certain times of the year and "round 

 up " their stock. Since the live stock never penetrated the jungle where 

 the Indians lived, the stockmen also avoided it. Here for over twenty 

 years the Indians lurked in peace. 



They do not seem to have lived here exclusively. As far as we can 



Making a Salmok-spear. Two foreshafts, which are to carry toggles, are being fas- 

 tened in place with cord. 



VOL. LXXXVI. — 17. 



