THE GEYSERS OF PLUTON RIVER, ETC. 27 
CHAPTER XXIII. 
THE GEYSERS OF PLUTON RIVER, AND RETURN TO SAN 
FRANCISCO. 
Mount Helena—Russian inscription—Digger Indians—Dwellings—Mode 
of fishing—Dress—Pass the mountains—Meet bear hunters—Mode of 
cooking without utensils—-Pluton River—The Geysers—Description of 
these phenomena—Effect of the water on wood—Extent of volcanic 
action—Return to Camp—Abundance of grizzly bears—Recross the 
mountains—Return. through Napa Valley—Visit to the Obsidian hills 
—Extensive use of this material by the Indians—Return to San Fran- 
cisco, 
March 21st. Resumed our journey after breakfast ; 
and at Mr. Fowler’s, three or four miles distant, met a 
man who manifested much curiosity in our researches, 
when he found us inquiring about mines and the vol- 
canic region. He showed Dr. Webb a specimen of 
ore, which, he said, was from that vicinity. The doc- 
tor at once pronounced it zine, and expressed a doubt 
about its being found in the state in which it was 
exhibited to him. But the man insisted that, his 
account of its origin was correct, and furthermore 
offered to conduct us to the spot; whereupon we set 
off together under his guidance. Crossing the valley 
to the opposite side, he led us up a deep ravine, where 
he ae tate from his horse and pointed out the rock from 
