296 - CASAS GRANDES TO 
springs near the base of a hill a mile to the west of the 
town, which furnish a copious supply of water. Near 
these is a hamlet, and a large hacienda, which in 
former times must.have been very rich. It is now in 
a decayed state, and but a small portion of its fine 
lands are cultivated. This hacienda is seen in the fore- 
ground of the annexed sketch of Tucson. 
Wheat, maize, peas, beans, and lentils are raised 
in perfection; while among the fruits may be named, 
apples, pears, peaches, and grapes. The only vege- 
tables we saw were onions, pumpkins, and beans; but 
in such a fertile valley all kinds will of course do 
well, 
The houses of Tucson are all of adobe, and the 
majority are in.a state of ruin. No attention seems to 
be given to repair; but as soon as a dwelling becomes 
uninhabitable, it is deserted, the miserable tenants | 
creeping into some other hovel where they may eke 
out their existence. We found three hundred soldiers 
in the place, although the average number for some 
years past has not exceeded twenty. 
The bottomdands are here about a mile in width. 
Through them run irrigating canals in évery direction, 
the lines of which are marked by rows of cotton 
woods and willows, presenting an agreeable land- 
seape. 
I ascended a rocky hill above the hacienda met 
tioned, about a quarter of a mile from our camp, 
had a fine view of the valley and surrounding country- 
This hill was covered with cacti of every variety, 
among which the petahaya was most prominent. The 
fouquiera, yucca, and agave, were also luxuriating 
