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 
