was an old Indian fort directly back of the house ; it had a 

 circular wall and several outworks. We examined them all 

 carefully, and in the evening the Judge regaled us with 

 stories about old times, and his encounter with the Indians. 

 (We have since learned of the death of our good old friend, 

 with regret.) 



JULY 10, TUESDAY. 



Four miles from Florissant we crossed the north branch of 

 the South Fork of the Platte River. From here for seven 

 miles our road lay through a beautiful district leading to 

 South Park high granite walls and immense boulders lying 

 on either side of the way. Coming to Wilkinson's ranche 

 we were refused water for our horses and had to ride on. 

 After passing over a small divide we saw the broad expanse 

 of South Park some hundreds of feet below, stretched out 

 like a large map, dotted here and there with a ranche, and 

 the long Platte River shining like a silver line throughout 

 its entire length. While crossing this open piece of prairie 

 to what appeared to be the nearest ranche, we saw a most 

 wonderful display of clouds. The heavy cumulus masses rose 

 up higher and higher till they rolled over one bank after 

 another in great confusion and presented a most imposing 

 sight. Reaching the ranche, we approached the house, hop- 

 ing to get some water, but the door was slammed in our faces 

 by a wrathful female, who screamed out that she " didn't have 

 no water for stoppers." Our feelings at such a reception can 

 be imagined better than expressed. We next went over to 

 Hartsell's, where we at last found what we wanted, after 

 having come for it nineteen miles over a very hot road. But 

 here was another difficulty ; a " round-up" was in progress, 

 and all available quarters were occupied, so we had to urge 

 our way on again. A round-up is the technical term out 

 here tor a gathering of all the cattle on the park, for the pur- 

 pose of branding the calves and counting the herds. This is 

 held -every year. Large numbers of cattle were already 

 there, and many more were to come. This was the favorite 

 spot for this purpose, as water and grass are very plenty. 

 Finally we reached Clark's, well tired out and rejoiced at the 

 prospect of a rest. We put our horses up, and went off to 

 take a look at the neighborhood, which we found very pleasant. 

 5 



