MOUNT SHASTA. 251 







This vast mountain is a constant landmark to 

 the trappers, for it can be seen from an in- 

 credible distance, and stands completely isolated 

 in the midst of the Shasta plains. I camped close 

 to the very snow at its base, in a little dell called 

 ' Strawberry Valley.' The next day reached the 

 Shasta plains, and camped early in the day. 



May 15th. As I was to bid goodby to civilisa- 

 tion, and abandon all hopes of seeing aught but 

 savages, after leaving this camp, and being by no 

 means sure of the road, I made up my mind to 

 ride into Yreka and obtain information about the 

 Indians, and the state of the trails, and also (what 

 was of equal importance) obtain a relay of provi- 

 sions ; the distance from my camp to the city was 

 about thirty miles. 



Yreka city is a small mining-station, situated 

 on one side of the great Shasta plains ; it stands 

 quite away from law, society, and civilisation, 

 gold being the magnet that attracts first the 

 miner, and then the various satellites (jackals 

 would be the more appropriate name) that follow 

 his steps. I left the mules in charge of my 

 packmaster, and started at sun-up. The ride was 

 a most desolate affair, over an interminable sandy 

 plain, without even a shrub or flower, much more 

 a tree, to break the monotony. I reached Yreka 



