TO HORSE-HEAD CROSSING. 85 
either side, the stream flowed between banks about 
fifteen feet high, and was very muddy and shallow. 
A variety of trees with thick brush grew upon its 
immediate banks. There was no valley or bottom 
land, and the country for miles adjacent was quite 
barren, though it is said that catfish abound here; but 
our attempts to capture some were unsuccessful. 
Left camp at sunrise and forded the river a few 
miles above. Crossed a branch at the south, and 
another on the north side of the stream, both quite 
small. Passed some deep arroyos, or dry beds of 
streams. Sent scouts ahead to look for the last water, 
where I intended to encamp and give my animals rest 
before attempting the desert that lay beyond. The 
stream continued to grow less as we advanced, finally 
losing itself in marshes or settling into mere pools. It 
also became so salt as to be undrinkable. The scouts on 
their return reported that the water grew salter ahead, 
and that the banks of the pools were covered with in- 
crustations of salt. With such a prospect before us, I 
thought the more prudent course would be to retrace 
our steps a mile, to a pool where the water, though far 
from being good, was palatable, and where there was 
excellent grass. At half-past two got into camp. 
During the whole day we had seen great quantities 
of wild ducks, of which twenty-five were shot, also two 
large brandt. The whole party feasted on game 
to-day, which we relished much, having tasted no fresh 
meat since leaving Fredericksburg. I procured a 
supply there, which I hoped would last four or five 
days; but the great heat had rendered it unfit for use 
iifter the first day. ie ee 
