158 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST. 



however, crosses a long stretch of desert country, destitute 

 alike of grass and water, save at a few points, the regular 

 halting-places of the caravans ; and as but little pasture is 

 to be found at these places at any time, there was great 

 reason to fear, if the Santa Fe traders had passed this 

 season, that there would not be sufficient grass to support 

 the numerous cavallada, after the herbage had been laid 

 under contribution by the traders' animals. However, a 

 great saving of time would be effected by taking this trail, 

 although it wound a considerable distance out of the way 

 to avoid the impassable chain of the Sierra Nevada the 

 gap in those mountains through which the Americans had 

 come being far to the northward, and at this late season 

 probably obstructed by the snow. 



Urged by threats and bribes, one of the Indians agreed 

 to guide the cavallada to the trail, which he declared was 

 not more than five days distant. As they advanced, the 

 country became wilder and more sterile, the valleys 

 through which several small streams coursed alone being 

 capable of supporting so large a number of animals. No 

 time was lost in hunting for game ; the poorest of the 

 mules and horses were killed for provisions, and the diet 

 was improved by a little venison when a deer casually 

 presented itself near the camping - ground. Of Indians 

 they had seen not one ; but they now approached the 

 country of the Diggers, who infest the district through 

 which the Spanish trail passes, laying contributions on the 

 caravans of traders, and who have been, not inaptly, 

 termed the " Arabs of the American desert." The Califor- 

 nian guide now earnestly entreated permission to retrace 

 his steps, saying that he should lose his life if he attempt- 

 ed to pass the Digger country alone 011 his return. He 

 pointed to a snow-covered peak, at the foot of which the 

 trail passed ; and leave being accorded, he turned his 

 horse's head towards the Mission of San Fernando. 



Although the cavallada travelled, by this time, with 

 much less confusion than at first, still, from the want of a 

 track to follow, great trouble and exertion were required to 

 keep the proper direction. The bell-mare led the van 



