80 APPENDIX A.—DIARY OF THE EXPEDITION. 
followed the Indian trail, (already mentioned ;) but as it bore too much to the north, we turned 
off it at two miles from camp, and proceeded more to the eastward. We also left the route 
pursued by Captain Taplin for a similar reason, taking a direct course for our destination, 
Preston. For the first three miles our route was sandy and heavy; the country considerably 
broken by ravines and gullies. On advancing, our road was over a hard and firm ground. 
The prairie is directly eastward of the Llano Estacado; it is level and well defined, and covered 
with a short thick grass, which the animals eat with much avidity. The mezquite-tree is most 
abundant. There can be little doubt that during, or immediately after the rainy season, water 
can be obtained in the numerous holes along this road. 
The soil is good clay, mixed (slightly) with gravel, producing a variety of flowers. This, 
with the fresh and green appearance of the landscape, forms a pleasing contrast to the parched 
and arid prairie that we have generally been traversing. Antelopes and rabbits plenty; the 
former are so shy, they are hard to get at. 
The day was warm, but tempered by a pleasant breeze. We encamped at fifteen minutes to 
3 p. m., without water. This was not felt, as our mules had been watered before starting and 
our kegs filled. Mezquite abundant; grass good. 
The mules we turned loose (unhobbled) until sundown; then drove in, hobbled, and turned 
out to graze during the night. Four animals kept picketed in camp, in case of emergency. A 
strong guard over them, as usual. 
No observations taken during the day or at night. General direction, north 55? east; miles, 
1144 
Cates No. 35—Thursday, April 13, 1854.—Left camp at five minutes to 7 a. m. Our route 
for about three miles continued over a level and excellent prairie. We then began to descend 
into a wide and pleasant valley. Our road was diversified by numerous gentle undulations. 
Having proceeded about eight miles, we came to a deep ravine, in which we found water. At 
this place we nooned for nearly two hours; the animals were plentifully watered, and turned 
loose to graze; our kegs were filled. There is excellent grass here, besides a description of 
wild Timothy grass, which the mules ate greedily. The water is neither good nor pure, 
except in one or two holes, tasting strongly of weeds. The mules being hitched up, we pro- 
ceeded upon a nearly level prairie. We now perceived to the north of our course, about 
eighteen miles distant, a high mound and some bluffs, where we suppose the Colorado takes its 
rise. The prairie is slivhtly rolling, and covered over with white and yellow flowers, emitting 
a fragrant perfume. The mezquite is green and grows in the utmost profusion; indeed, one is 
cheated into the belief that he is passing through an orchard. This is the only growing tim- 
ber we have seen since we left the Pinery. The sloping banks are clothed with violets, adding 
to the variety and pleasure of the scene. The soil changes its color, and becomes a deep red; 
it is good firm clay, mixed with sand. Saw plenty of antelope and deer, but did not succeed in 
getting any. The Doctor shot a ‘‘bird of paradise;’’ its plumage is of the most exquisite del- 
icacy and color. 
The day was not so warm as usual, but pleasant for travelling. We had an excellent road 
the whole day, and reached camp at fifteen minutes to4 p.m. No water; mezquite wood in 
abundance; grass good. 
The iind arrangements in respect to the animals continued. 
No observations taken during the day or at night. General direction, north 70? URS 
miles, 15,1, 
Camp No. 36— Friday, April 14, 1854.— Left. last Camp atten minutes after 6 a. m., and 
resumed our course over a rolling prairie. The mules were fresh, and travelled well, our sida 
being firm and good. We nooned for about two hours, at ele. miles from last camp, on the 
banks of an arroyo, where we watered the animals, and filled our kegs. During this day's 
route we passed five arroyos: two of them contained water; the remainder were dry, but had 
every appearance of having lately contained water. These ravines are generally rugged and 
