EI.DORADO 37 



more enlightened and civilized brothers, would steal 

 horses and commit other crimes. Against such we 

 had constantly to be on our guard. 



A peculiar characteristic of Indian life was their im- 

 providence. They were often driven to such an ex- 

 tremity for food that they ate every kind of insect and 

 every creeping thing however repulsive. Snails, liz- 

 ards, ants and even lice I have often seen eaten with 

 apparent relish. Worms, grasshoppers and young 

 wasps taken "fresh" from the comb were considered a 

 great luxury. This was especially true of the Digger 

 Indians, and can be witnessed even in California at the 

 present time. Since the passing of the bufifalo and 

 other game, which, previous to the large emigration to 

 Oregon and California, were so abundant, their con- 

 dition has been pitiable in the extreme. In certain lo- 

 calities where only acorns and pine nuts can be ob- 

 tained these, for a portion of the year, form their only 

 food. At other seasons they live on seeds and roots. 



While on the Platte an invitation was given and ac- 

 cepted to dine with a friendly Indian who had recov- 

 ered some stolen property. A feast of honor, a dog 

 feast, was being prepared upon our arrival. The dog 

 was in a large pot over the fire in the middle of the 

 lodge, and after we were seated upon bufifalo robes it 

 was immediately served up in large wooden bowls, one 

 of which was handed to each. The flesh had some- 

 thing the flavor of mutton. One of the party feeling 

 something move behind him, looked around and found 

 he had take his scat among a litter of fat young pup- 

 pies. Not wishing to be nice in such matters and let 

 his prejudices interfere with the hospitality extended 

 by the host, he silently continued his meal. 



