188 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



it is capable of doing without it but it is undis 

 turbed, save in a few stinted spots of less size than 

 our ordinary kitchen gardens. All else is left to 

 spontaneous production. They have herds of cattle ; 

 these, with game, flesh, fish, and fowl, easily pro 

 cured, must have been their principal sustenance. But 

 it is with them as with the rest of the world, w^ants 

 increase with the facilities for gratifying them. They 

 are rapidly changing their habits since they have an 

 opportunity to earn money and luxuries, that they 

 have been strangers to, are brought within their 

 means and their reach. 



During the dry season, which lasts from December 

 till June, the road from Gorgona to Panama is gene 

 rally preferred ; at other times, the canoes proceed 

 up the river about eight miles, to the town of Cruces, 

 and take the road leading from that place to Panama. 

 Each of these routes shall receive our consideration, 

 and their respective advantages and disadvantages be 

 set forth. It is advisable, that travellers should rest 

 as short a time as possible at Gorgona, as accommoda 

 tions are of very poor character. Mules and a small 

 species of mustang are easily obtained, but the mule 

 is far preferable. Some travellers find it a great 

 relief to walk a part of the distance, and, with that 

 intention, parties hire mules or horses in the propor 

 tion of two to every three travellers. The baggage 

 will have to be placed under the charge of the native 

 muleteers, but, from their observed habits of filching 

 wherever they get a chance, it is advisable not to 

 trust them out of sight. There are several places 

 upon the route where refreshments can be procured ; 

 but most of the travellers start at daylight from Gor 

 gona, and push directly through to Panama, in one 



