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CHAPTER IX. 
SAN FRANCISCO FOREST TO MOQUIS. 
PARTRIDGE VALLEY.—RIDGES IN CEDAR FORE3T —SCENERY ALONG 35TH PARALLEL —BIti, WILLIAMS’S MOUNTAIN.— SAN FRANCISCO 
FORBST.—SAN FRANCISCO MOUNTAIN. —LEnovx’s spRING.— DESCENT TO FLAX RIVER.—FLAX RIVER VALLEY.— EXAMINATION OF TRAIN 
AND SUPPLIES —DIVISION OF PARTY.—CROSSING OF RIVER —BUCHANAN’S BOAT.—TRIP NORTHWARD.—PAINTED DESERT —REeETURN 
TO FLAX RIVER.—SALT SPRINGS.—TRAIL TO MOQUIS.—ANOTHER BELT OF DESERT.—BLUe PEAKS —POTTERY HBILL.—Limestone 
SPRING.—MoQUIS CITIES AND VALLEY.—APPROACH TO FIRST PUERLO.—ENCOUNTER WITH MOQUIS INDIANS.— DESCRIPTION OF TOWN 
AND ADJACENT LOCALITIES.—Moguis DWELLING.—LOCATION OF SEVEN PUEBLOS —INCURSIONS OF NAVAJORS,—VISIt OF CHIR TO 
CAMP.— ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TRIP NORTHWARD. 
Camp 80, Bill Williams’s Mountain, April 25.—Partridge ravine widened as it was descended, 
till it became a beautiful valley, covered with grassy slopes and clumps of cedars. It contained 
neither springs nor a running stream, but among the rocks along the base of the bluffs many 
pools were discovered: The pasturage was excellent. The place is a great resort at this — 
season for grizzly bear, antelope, deer, and wild tarkemy large numbers of whose tracks were 
seen leading to and from the water holes. 
For ten or fifteen miles we followed the course of the valley, and then, allowing the mules 
a day to rest and graze, struck off directly to the east. The surface of the ground was 
sprinkled with lava rocks. Before advancing far a steep bluff obstructed the de The 
growth of cedars was so dense that we could scarcely get the riding ani 
much less see to select a good place to ascend. Dismounting and going directly at the aoe. of 
the precipice we clambered blindly up, driving the mules ahead. The sharp stones made the 
footing additionally insecure. Breathless and exhausted, at last we attained the summit, and 
found that it was only the first of a series of similar ridges that were also to be crossed. 
Descending to the ravine we were soon engaged in another upward srambis, and the process 
had to be repeated till animals and men were scarcely able to stand. , 
The eastern crest overlooked a beautiful rolling country, in the midst of which towered the 
volcanic mountains that have long formed so conspicuous a feature in the scenery. A pool of 
water surrounded by grass afforded a good camp. 
This morning we re-entered the region of pines, and have travelled all day in the midst of 
picturesque and charming scenery. The valleys are covered with a bright green sward, and 
open groves are disposed gracefully upon the lowlands and ridges. Heavy masses of snow are 
still piled upon the San Francisco summit, and this close proximity of winter heightens and 
ives a zest to the enjoyment of spring. 
Our camp is in the midst of an extensive meadow at the northern base of Bill Williams’s 
mountain. This peak, though the second in importance of the cluster, is far less lofty than its 
collossal neighbor, and the snows that whitened its crest a few weeks since have nearly 
disappeared. A sparkling brook now dashes down the ravine and meanders through the centre 
of the meadow, which contains perhaps five hundred acres, gnd is covered with a luxuriant _ 
growth of grama grass. Stately pines and spruce are scattered upon the surrounding slopes, 
and afford a delightful shade. We found in possession of the spot a herd of antelope that _ 
scoured over the mountain like the wind when they saw the train approaching, g. 
To eyes that have been resting upon the deserted and ghastly region northward this : 
: birgees seg like a — We see it to the — — ‘The ee — 
