E : a 
| ae 18 
making seventeen miles, we found ourselves encompassed by hills 
uch diminished in height, but not in abruptness. e » ex- 
- and impetuous, produces on us, who have so long been accustomed 
to a tranquil atmosphere, quite the impress of a tempest. We have 
ben so long without rain as to cease to expect or make provision 
against it; and the consequence is the greatest difficulty in getting 
the men to provide coverings for the destructible portion of our 
rations 
Three Indians hailed us just before making camp, and after much — 
parley were brought in. They feasted heartily, and promised to © 
bring in mules. At first they denied having any; but after their ap- 
petites were satisfied, their hearts opened, and they sent the young- 
est of their party to their town, which was at the head of the 
dry creek of our camp, of the night before last. The fellow went 
on his way, as directed, till he met the howitzers, which so filled 
and followed the es to camp in mute wonder. These people 
are of the Pifion Lano (pifion wood) tribe, and we had been told 
by the Pinoleros (pinole eaters) that the chief of, this band had 
i ] ame « 
ules. ” 
Flights of geese and myriads of the blue quail, and a flock of 
 turkies, from which we got o 
ne. 
_ The river bed, at the junction of the San Pedro, was seamed with 
tracks of deer and turkey; some signs of beaver and one trail of 
| 1 see flat- boats descending the river from this 
oint to its mouth, freighted with its precious ores. 
him with surprise and consternation that he forgot his mission, ~ 
