35 8 Reminiscences of 



be presented, especially in contrast with the fertile 

 and promising State of Kansas, which the road had 

 passed through. 



The Territory of New Mexico is bordered on the 

 south by the republic of Mexico, and on the north by 

 Colorado, and on the west by the Territory of Ari- 

 zona, and is larger than all the New England States 

 with New York State combined. I had little idea on 

 my first visit I should have so much to do with it, 

 which occasioned many other visits. 



The Territory presents the most barren aspect of 

 any region in the republic, since the Great Ameri- 

 can Desert, depicted upon the maps of our childhood 

 as extending over the immense area from the Mis- 

 souri River to California, has been chased down in 

 limits to New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada; and 

 the mighty plains of the supposed desert between the 

 river and the Rocky Mountains produced last year, 

 of corn alone, more than sufficient, if packed in a 

 continuous train of cars, to reach twice around the 

 world. 



Excepting about the Rio Grande which spreads 

 out extensively in its passage through the centre of 

 the Territory, and along other streams tributaries of 

 the Rio Grande but few limited cultivable tracts 

 exist without irrigation. A large portion of the 

 territory consists of dreary plains and mountain 

 ranges. The population was, and still is, largely 

 Mexican, with perhaps one-tenth Pueblo Indians, 

 living in villages of their own, and perhaps as many 

 Apaches, Navajos and Mescallaros. The Territory is 

 less pronounced in mineral values than any of the 

 western mountainous States, but has a most healthful 



