310 ELDORADO 



cultivated, and is easy of irrigation, At the mission 

 were two bells, the dates upon them were 1761 and 

 1767. There seemed to be a room in the old ruins 

 which was kept in some order, as I could see through 

 the keyhole gilding paintings, and the altar. About a 

 mile below the old ruins there was an Indian's hut. 

 He had a small patch of wheat not ripe, which we com- 

 pelled him to pull and thrash and make into mush 

 which he was well paid for. This gave us half a pint 

 each. We also obtained some little meal from him 

 to help us on our journey to El Rosario, twelve leagues 

 off. Starting on our journey, we crossed a high moun- 

 tain and came to what was apparently the crater of a 

 volcano. Continued on, very tired and foot sore. At 

 last came in sight of the long looked for place. We 

 came to an Indian's hut who was preparing a kind of 

 mush made of something that tasted much like the 

 earth. We devoured it, asking no questions, and felt 

 rested and refreshed. At length, about 4 o'clock, we 

 arrived at Rosario. Those who had preceded us pre- 

 pared dinner and it was ready waiting us and it was 

 the best dinner I ever ate ! it was of beans and corn 

 bread. It was the first meal eaten in twenty days. We 

 camped under fig and apple trees close to the bank of 

 the river. Wednesday, June 6th. Obtained a quantity 

 of beef ; dried some, and barbecued ribs for dinner. 

 The people are friendly and the women good-looking. 

 Had more of their good corn cake. Some of the party 

 have started for San Diego. Horses and provisions 

 have been sent to the sick man and party. It seems the 

 men would never get enough to eat. We are enjoying 

 our rest finely and our feet are getting well. Part of 

 the company have crossed the river and canqied. I 



