GOOD-BYE TO ARIZONA 133 



when Shorty might take it into his fickle head 

 to rear or buck. However, the passage was 

 made in safety. 



Here we found several tents and an extensive 

 placer mining plant in course of erection. The 

 sands at this point and for a hundred miles 

 above are rich with gold, but in such fine par- 

 ticles that heretofore it has not been found pos- 

 sible to wash it. The company establishing 

 the present plant, however, claim to have se- 

 cured machinery that will do the work profit- 

 ably. 



The ferry, a small scow, is attached to a cable 

 stretched across the river, and is operated by 

 hand. It was in so dilapidated a condition, 

 and so dangerous at this time, that no charge 

 was made for taking passengers or outfits across, 

 and travelers accepting the passage did so at 

 their own risk. The approach was in very poor 

 condition and horses could be loaded only at 

 danger of broken legs. There was nothing to 

 do but attempt it, however, and two miners vol- 

 unteered to assist us. The horses were unsad- 

 dled and unpacked, our outfit loaded, and the 

 animals finally taken aboard without accident. 



It will be remembered that this was a novel 

 experience for range horses, but all of them be- 

 haved exceedingly well save Shorty. While 



