CAHUILLAS.—INDIAN POPULATION. 19 
principally upon roots, they are probably distinct from the Diggers of California. We passed 
through one little valley of theirs, at Paiute creek, where wheat and melons had been culti- 
vated. Afterward we had another proof of their desire for substantial food. Though shy at 
our approach, they hovered abont us at Soda lake, and finally committed the only act of hos- 
tility experienced by our party on the route. A herder having lagged behind the train with 
two tired mules, they killed him, and took the animals for food. We were unable to overtake 
and punish them as they deserved. They will scarcely be civil again to small parties of emi- 
grants until our troops shall have taught them a salutary lesson. 
From the Mormon road to the base of Sierra Nevada are scattered the wilder portion of the 
Cahuillas, who frequently make depredations upon the frontier ranchos of California. They 
do not appear to be numerous, and probably do not exceed 500 innumber. Formerly all of this 
tribe belonged to the California missions. Since the decadence of those institutions, they have 
been peons upon the ranchos, where many yet remain. It is not surprising that some prefer 
to return to their primitive mode of life among the mountains, rather than submit to unmiti- 
gated degradation amidst a civilized race. 
General summary of the Indian population in the region contiguous to the route. 
Semi-civilized, bordering the Canadian river 62,000 
Rude " T " 2,100 
Barbarous es i ES 30,000 
Pueblo Indians of New Mexico 15,300 
Navajos........ 10,000 
Moquinos 6,720 
Pinal Leñas and Coyoteros 3,000 
ONDA AA Kermt, Less ortas ko tea So ER aat hp rea Ari sisi 6,000 
Mojaves, Chemehuevis, and Cuchans 8,500 
Pai-utes, near Soda lake 300 
Cahuillas of the mountains 500 
Total 144,420 
