~~ se Ts = 
253 [174 ] 
: “ 
a number of dry and timbered arroyos, we travelled until late through open 
oak groves, and encamped among a collection of streams. ese were 
running among rushes and willows; and, as usual; flocks of blackbirds 
announced our approach to water. We have here approached considerably 
nearer to the eastern Sierra, which shows very plainly, still covered with 
masses of snow, which yesterday and to-day has also appeared abundant 
on the Coast Raftge. cel ce he 
‘April 10.—To-day we made another long journey of about fort miles, 
ds sandy 
evening the» face of the country became hilly; and, turning a few 
up towards the mountains, we found a good encampment on a pretty stream 
hidden among the hills, and handsomely timbered, principally with large ~ 
cottonwoods, (populus, differing from any in Michaux’s Sylva.) The 
seed vessels of this tree were now just about bursting. 
Several Indians came down the river to see usin the evening: we gave 
them supper, and cautioned them against stealing our horses ; which they 
promised not to attempt. : 
April 11.—A broad trail along the river here takes out among the hills. 
“‘ Buen camino,” (good road, ) said one of the Indians, of whom we had 
“inquired about the pass; and, following it accordingly, it conductedwus beau- 
tifully through a very broken country, by an excellent way, which, other- 
wise, we should have found extremely bad. Taken separately, the hills 
“present smooth and graceful outlines, but, together, ike bad travelling . 
ground. Instead of grass, the whole face of the country is closely covered 
with erodium cicutarium, here only two or three inches high. Its height 
and beauty varied ina remarkable manner with the locality, being, in many 
low places which we passed during the day, around streams and springs, 
two and three feet in height. The country had now assumed a character 
of aridity ; and the luxuriant green of these little streams, wooded with — 
willow, oak, or sycamore, looked very refreshing among the sandy hills. 
n the evening we encamped on a large creek, with abundant water. I 
noticed here in bloom, for the first time since leaving the Arkansas waters, 
i tli. o 2 i : 4 + at 
the mt ; 
“April 12.—Along our road to-day the country was altogether sandy, and 
vegetation meager. dra ocei lisywhich we had first seen in the. 
_ -several miles, we made a late encampment on a little bottom, with scanty 
os In greater part, the vegetation along our road consisted now of 
Ww ia 
a m 
