AQA EXPLORATION IN UPPER CALIFORNIA IN 1860. 
fortified, we could have withstood the assault of quite a large force; but one of 
our party, a young married man, had a wife in a cabin some two miles distant, 
and as he was apprehensive of her safety, he determined to go to her, which he 
succeeded in doing, escaping the vigilance of the Indians. Our cabin was at-* 
tacked several times, but we beat off our assailants and took advantage of the 
cover of night to make good our retreat to the cabin of the married man, where 
I found my companion Guise, who had preceded me. 
May 23.—To-day the three friendly Indians left us, but were forced to 
return, as they were attacked by Ike’s band. A re-enforcement of three white 
men having arrived, we determined to leave the cabin and give the Indians 
battle, which we did, and succeeded in driving them to the mountains, with a 
loss on their part of their chief and several warriors. We captured some cightcen 
horses, two fine rifles, saddles, &c. Our party escaped unharmed, which was 
somewhat remarkable, as the Indians largely outnumbered us, and were good 
marksmen. 
Learning from one of the men who just joined us that nearly all the troops 
at Fort Crook had been ordered to Carson valley, on account of Indian out- 
breaks, I was desirous of reaching home as soon as possible; and as soon as I 
could pack what few specimens the Indians had not destroyed, and make some 
necessary preparation for the road, I started, and arrived at-Fort Crook, Cali- 
fornia, on the 27th instant. My collections were subsequently forwarded to the 
Smithsonian Institution. 
From observation and information received from the Indians, I am convinced 
that a very interesting collection of nests and eggs of water-birds could be made 
from the Rhett and Klamath lakes, May and June being the most favorable 
months for collecting. May, and first week or so of June, for water-fowls; 
latter part of June for land-birds. Having visited the lakes at too early a season 
for obtaining nests and eggs of the mountain, or land-birds, I was able to observe 
very little as to their manner of constructing their nests. On the Klamath river 
I saw immense numbers of long-winged swallows (the name unknown) building 
on the sides of rocky cliffs. Clark’s crow and wild pigeons were also engaged’ 
in building nests; both of them are to be found in large numbers about that part 
of the country; also, plover, snipe, and divers, but no nests could be found; yet 
I am told they will build about the middle of June. 
NOTES UPON SOME ANIMALS OBSERVED DURING THE EXCURSION: 
MAMMALS. 
Little prairie dog. —I saw this little animal for the first time about four miles 
north of Fort Tejon, California, on a small plain, and met with it again in Butte 
Creek valley, on the south side, where they were quite numerous. It has the same 
habits as the prairie dog found on the great western plains. 'The latter lives in 
separate holes; the former associate together, several living in the same hole. 
When approached, they give a signal, which’can hardly be called a bark, but a 
single “ zeck ;” this signal is repeated by all, and then a general scampering for 
holes takes place; arriving at which, and out of harm’s way, they sit on their 
haunches, like a squirrel, and look about to reassure themselves of their perfect 
safety, all the time continuing their “‘zeck.” Should they suspect danger, they 
dart quickly into their holes, and there remain for about ten minutes, until allis 
quiet, when, cautiously venturing out, they resume their gambols, 
Moles.—Of this family I had two kinds, and, in fact, the finest I eyer saw; 
one caught on Bogus creek, with glistening silver-gray fur, the other on Klamath 
river, with black fur and velvet-like appearance. They were of the same size 
as the common mole. Both of them I caught towards evening, when they 
were digging in the ground. These two moles and five prairie dogs I lost in 
the fight with the Indians. 
