134 HISTORY OP CALIFORNIA. 



" It is quite impossible to form any estimate of the 

 number of these mountain Indians. Some suppose 

 there are as many as three hundred thousand in the 

 territory, but I should not be inclined to believe that 

 there can be one-third of that number. It is quite 

 evident that they are hostile, and that they ought to 

 be chastised for the murders already committed. 



"The small bands with whom I met, scattered 

 through the lower portions of the foot-hills of the 

 Sierra, and in the valleys between them and the coast, 

 seemed to be almost the lowest grade of human beings. 

 They live chiefly on acorns, roots, insects, and the 

 kernel of the pine burr; occasionally, they catch fish 

 and game. They use the bow and arrow, but are said 

 to be too lazy and effeminate to make successful hun- 

 ters. They do not appear to have the slightest incli- 

 nation to cultivate the soil, nor do they even attempt 

 it — as far as I could obtain information — except when 

 they are induced to enter the service of the white 

 inhabitants. They have never pretended to hold any 

 interest in the soil, nor have they been treated by the 

 Spanish or American immigrants as possessing any. 



" The Mexican government never treated with them 

 for the purchase of land, or the relinquishment of any 

 claim to it whatever. They are lazy, idle to the last 

 degree, and, although they are said to be willing to 

 give their services to any one who will provide them 

 with blankets, beef, and bread, it is with much diffi- 

 culty they can be made to perform labor enough to 

 reward their employers for these very limited means 

 of comfort. 



" Formerly, at the missions, those who were brought 

 up and instructed by the priests made very good ser- 

 vants. Many of these now attached to families seem 



