Across the Mexican Mountains 115 



animals. Down we went, and in half an hour 

 after began the new ascent. We were compelled 

 to leave a mule here, and to divide his pack between 

 two or three other animals. 



Soon after, we made the last ascent, most abrupt 

 and trying of all, but from the summit had a 

 magnificent view of a broad plain such as I have 

 never seen surpassed. On either hand mountain 

 after mountain covered with oak and pine, and 

 contrasts of sun and shade were before us, and the 

 velvety distance ended in a rainbow. After a 

 heavy descent we encamped on the brink of a little 

 creek, overhung by tall pines. 



Here we saw two elks, and Jack Black, mounted 

 on a tired mule thought he could get near enough 

 to have a shot, but after going about two miles, 

 changed his mind. 



July jd. This morning we started early, and 

 our road along this little stream was beautiful and 

 so quiet that I lagged behind to enjoy it as much 

 as possible, but in a short time we began a stony 

 ascent of two miles, after which came an uncom- 

 fortable descent into another beautiful valley, but 

 with poor grass; here we took a short rest, and 

 then continued, reaching, at noon, Tomochic, on a 

 little river of the same name. The old Mission 

 had only the original tower; the rest of the build- 

 ing is now adobe. 



The river here makes a sudden turn from south- 



