64 



LOWER RIO BRAVO. 



the place, I found that tlie mercury of the artificial horizon was very tremulous, notwithstanding 

 the calmness of the night. Not being able to overcome the difficulty, or ascertain its cause, I 



noma, Texas. 



put up my instruments and returned to my quarters. On the way I encountered a long train 

 of mules, heavily laden, directed towards the Mexican side of the river. The motion of the 

 animals caused the disturbance of the mercury^ and their rich burden of contraband goods, 

 intended for the Mexican market^ explained the commercial prosperity of the town. As mi 



o 



amount almost 



hibition, smuggling ceases to be a crime^ but is identified with the best part of the population 



and connects itself with the romance and legends of the frontier. 



m 



Mexican 



American 



moment, recall to mind 



ed in asricultural pursuits. S 



is rather too elevated for that plant to be grown with profit. Indian corn is the staple product, 

 and when extradition laws are enacted and enforced^ and the Indians who periodically plunder 

 the country are exterminated, the rearing of cattle will be followed with advantage. 



After studying the character and habits of that class of Indians called wild Indians, and 



mind the mild and humane government 



them 



me 



must 



must consent to halt when in view of the Indian camp 

 ated, ^N'othincr could exceed the ludcmient- nerseverancf 



humanity 



th 



which the various orders of the Catholic Church have pursued, for three hundred years^ the work 

 of redemption among these savages ; but at the very moment when Christianity appeared most 

 likely to triumph^ the savages turned upon their benefactors and swept them from the face of the 



