ACROSS THE KOCKY MOUNTAINS, ETC. 71 



o-razino- in every direction on the short and dry gi'ass. Domes- 

 tic cattle would certainly starve here, and yet the bison exists, 

 and even becomes fat ; a striking instance of the wonderful 

 adaptation of Providence. 



17^^. — We had yesterday a cold rain, the first which has 

 fallen in our track for several weeks. Our vicinity to the high 

 mountains of Wind river will perhaps account for it. To-day at 

 noon, the mercury stood at 92° in the shade, but there being a 

 strong breeze, we did not suffer from heat. 



Our course was still down the Sandy river, and we are now 

 looking forward with no little pleasure to a rest of two or more 

 weeks at the mountain rendezvous on the Colorado. Here we 

 expect to meet all the mountain companies who left the States 

 last spring, and also the trappers who come in from various 

 parts, with the furs collected by them during the previous year. 

 All will be mirth and jollity, no doubt, but the grand deside- 

 ratum with some of us, is to allow our horses to rest their tired 

 limbs and exhausted strength on the rich and verdant plains of 

 the Siskadee. At our camp this evening, our poor horses were 

 compelled to fast as heretofore, there being absolutely nothing for 

 them to eat. Some of the famished animals attempted to allay 

 their insatiable cravings, by cropping the dry and bitter tops of 

 the wormwood with which the plain is strewed. 



We look forward to brighter days for them ere long ; soon 

 shall they sport in the green pastures, and rest and plenty shall 

 compensate for their toils and privations. 



