122 SAN DIEGO TO 
of oaks, which so closely lined the road, that it was 
with some difficulty that we found our way through 
them. It was a beautiful spot for an encampment, and 
we felt quite disposed to stop; but we knew of no 
water near. The grass, too, was quite sparse. We there- 
fore pushed on to the Indian village of San Felipe, neat » 
which we encamped at 2 o'clock in the morning. I 
immediately threw myself down and enjoyed a delight- 
ful sleep, such as none can appreciate but those who 
have tried a camp life. Distance travelled, twenty- 
eight miles. 
June 2d. Found ourselves in a valley without 
woods, in the lower part of which was a marshy spot 
with pools of water. Early in the morning our tents 
were thronged with Indians, who appeared to belong 
to the Diegeno tribe. They were a filthy looking set 
half clad and apparently half starved. During the day, 
we saw many men and women wading about the marsh 
gathering roots and seeds; of which two articles and 
acorns, their principal food consists. The women 
seemed to be the chief laborers, the men lounging 
about the camp most of the day. The improvidence 
of this people seems almost incomprehensible. A very 
little exertion would have repaid them with all the 
wheat, maize, and vegetables, required for their sub- 
sistence. To these they might add a few cattle, 
which, in this country, may be obtained for a mere 
trifle from the ranchos, whose increase in this fine val- 
ley would give them a plentiful supply of meat. AS it 
is, they have neither corn nor meat, and spend ten times 
as much labor in collecting the roots, seeds, and other 
wretched food they live on, as would be necessary by 
