CHAPTER XII. 



LIFE AT THE TRAPPERS* RENDEZVOUS ADVENTU- 

 ROUS ENGAGEMENT WITH AN ENGLISH GEN- 

 TLEMAN. * 



" BROWN'S HOLE," is an inclosed valley, on Green river, 

 one of the affluents of the Colorado. It is surrounded with 

 lofty mountains, which cause it to look much smaller that 

 it is in reality. It is well-wooded, and abounds in every 

 variety of game. This valley is a favorite wintering-ground 

 of the mountaineers. Here they bring the results of their 

 toil and endurance. A trading station and a considerable 

 number of shanties, or lodges, make up a little village, 

 which, however, disappears with the snow. 



We arrived at " Brown's Hole" in good time, and in 

 excellent condition. A trader was already there, with 

 an extensive store of powder, lead, tobacco, and ardent 

 spirits, and various other articles in demand among the 



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