CAVE.—PICTOGRAPHS.—SCARCITY OF GRASS. 107 
which led westward. As it descended rapidly into chasms, with precipices which the mules 
could not easily pass, we found ourselves compelled to ascend the hill-sides to avoid them. 
After several miles of rugged way, as the Indian trail had been lost, we again entered the 
cañon, below the spring of which we were in search. Now ascending a few hundred yards, we 
found ourselves enclosed by high walls, nearly perpendicular, with the thorny vegetation of 
this region growing in every crevice of the rocks. Springs of water were issuing from beneath 
the ledges, flowing a few feet only, and then sinking into the sand. Here, leaving our mules, 
we climbed a water-worn and polished rock, about thirty feet high, and entered a basin, walled 
in by lofty precipices. At the upper end, a projecting cliff formed a cave. Beneath flowed a 
little rill of water, which first filled a beautiful pool in the hollowed rock, and then trickling 
down into the valley, ran to the cascade below. Above the fountain the cave was covered with 
hieroglyphics, painted red, purple, and white. The figures were somewhat similar to those 
found at Rocky Dell creek, near the Llano Estacado. A streak of red, bordered with white, 
formed an irregular arch over the whole, and may have been intended to represent the patron 
of the place, a serpent. Below were various figures, more or less regular in form. High upon 
a cliff on the opposite side of the gorge, plainly seen but difficult of access, were a variety of 
other inscriptions, apparently ancient. Some of the most interesting among them were 
sketched by the artist. The question of their origin is sufficiently obscure. The secluded nook 
and the fountain of water may have thrown a charm around the place, causing the Indian medi- 
cine men or priests to select it for a retreat sacred to the ceremonies of their craft. Such are 
said to be the habits of Indian soothsayers; and there is a sombre aspect about this spot sug- 
gestive of superstitious rites. Having satisfied our curiosity, we descended the cascade, mounted 
our, mules, and followed the arroyo four miles, to the river. Turning, we ascended the stream 
two miles, and found the train encamped at the mouth of the caüon, having advanced nine 
miles during the day. 
The grass, last night, was said to be plenty, but the mules this morning greedily devoured 
dry sticks and leaves, thereby telling a different story. Hence it is not surprising that the 
strength of several failed on the march, and that they had to be left by the wayside. 
February 16—Camp 123.—We marched several miles down the valley of the river, and 
_ encamped near the last bivouac of the reconnaissance. The surface was somewhat sandy, but 
made a tolerably good road. Ducks were very numerous. A single person killed a dozen, one 
of them believed to be of a new variety. Smaller birds also are abundant. 
February 17—Camp 124.—We continued to travel westward along the valley, having a fine 
stream by our side for several miles. At length the water sank below a bed of sand, and did 
not again make its appearance. Having surveyed seven miles, we found a large patch of coarse 
grass, and were constrained to encamp by it; for the rich grama heretofore so abundant has 
disappeared from the hills, obliging us to depend upon the herbage of the valley. This, unfor- 
tunately, is frequently salt, and contains little nutriment. Hence, for the last few days, not- 
withstanding the shortness of the marches, the mules have been failing in strength. 
The rain, which has been falling since noon, still continues, making the ground muddy and 
camp disagreeable. However, it has filled some hollows in the rocks, furnishing a moderate 
supply of water for use. The air is chilly and raw. The moon, at rising, broke the clouds, 
and seemed to make an effort to dispel the storm, but without success. | 
February 18—Camp 125.—A mild spring-like morning. We made an early start, and at 10 
a. m. had passed four miles along the dry bed of the valley. Here water again appeared, flow- 
ing in a good-sized rivulet; and as grass was found upon the hill-sides, we stopped to refresh 
the anoles. . The aoil Sent fertile again, cotton-wood and willows filling the valley. While 
resting, a party which had been sent ahead to explore returned, with the advice that we should 
spend the night where we were, as little grass was found beyond within, marching istance. 
We have therefore encamped. The view westward is exceedingly pictur 
ridge, with sharply serrated profile, stands before us. Midway is a gorge, thi 
