376 CORRELITOS 
with those left with the wagons, enabled them all to 
get through a few hours later. We did not go on to 
the spring talked of, which was two miles further, but — 
stopped at some holes of rain water immediately at the 
foot of the hills. 
The Médanos, or Sand-hills, are a peculiar feature 
in this country, stretching in a line from north-west to 
south-east for some twenty miles, as far as I could 
judge. Nearly destitute of vegetation, their light yel- 
low or whitish appearance presents a strong contrast 
to the deep brown of the adjacent mountains, which 
form the background of the landscape. This sand is 
very light and fine, and forms deep ridges resembling 
the large waves of the ocean. When the wind blows, 
this sand is set in motion, filling up the former valleys, 
and forming new drifts or hills. The road is then 
entirely obliterated; not a foot-print or wagon rut 
being left to show its direction. The whitened bones 
of mules and cattle project here and there from the 
sand, with an occasional carcass which has dried up 
before the wolves discovered it. Although these hills 
lie on the direct road from El Paso to the city of Chi- 
huahua, which is shorter than any other by sixty miles, 
itis invariably avoided by trains or loaded wagons. 
These take the river route, which passes entirely 
beyond their furthest southern extremity. Persons on 
horseback, pack-mules, and light pleasure wagons, 
alone attempt to cross the hills. : : 
The place is also attended with danger on account 
of the Apaches, who well know the helpless condition 
of animals passing, and take the opportunity to attack 
parties. From Correlitos, there is no other to El] Paso 
