LIFEINTHEFARWEST. 41 



very extensive valleys, forming a series of table-lands in the very 

 center of the main chain of the Rocky Mountains, known to the 

 trappers by the name of the " Parks." The numerous streams by 

 which they are watered abound in the valuable fur-bearing beaver, 

 while every species of game common to the west is found here in 

 great abundance. The Bayou Salade especially, owing to the 

 salitrose nature of the soil and springs, is the favorite resort of all 

 the larger animals common to the mountains ; and, in the sheltered 

 prairies of the Bayou, the buffalo, forsaking the barren and inclem- 

 ent regions of the exposed plains, frequent these upland valleys, 

 in the winter months ; and feeding upon the rich and nutritious 

 buffalo grass which, on the bare prairies, at that season, is either 

 dry and rotten, or entirely exhausted, not only sustain life, but re- 

 tain a great portion of the " condition" that the abundant fall and 

 gummer pasture of the lowlands has laid upon their bones. There- 

 fore is this valley sought by the Indians as a wintering ground. Its 

 occupancy has been disputed by most of the mountain tribes, and 

 long and bloody wars have been waged to make good the claims 

 set forth by Yuta, Pwapaho, Sioux, and Shians. However, to the 

 first of these it may be said now to belong, since their " big vil- 

 lage" has wintered there for many successive years; while the 

 Rapahos seldom visit it, unless on war expeditions against the 

 Yutas. 



Judging, from the direction the Rapahos were taking, that the 

 friendly tribe of Yutas were there already, the trappers had re- 

 solved to join them as soon as possible ; and, therefore, without 

 resting, pushed on through the uplands, and, toward the middle 

 of the day, had the satisfaction of descrying the conical lodges of 

 the village, situated on a large level plateau, through which ran 

 a mountain stream. A numerous band of mules and horses were 

 scattered over the pasture, and round them several mounted In- 

 dians kept guard. As tKe trappers descended the bluffs into the 

 plain, some straggling Indians caught sight of them ; and in- 



