TO EL PASO. 131 
mals up to the springs; and others, that would not 
make the ascent, were watered from the kegs which 
our friends had deposited at the base. Found a note 
from Mr. Thurber here, stating that his party had pre- 
ceded us two days. 
Turned our animals out to graze, as the grass was 
very good, and took breakfast. The Hueco, or Waco 
Mountains, our next landmark, lay before us here at 
twenty-five miles distance, and for them we now set 
out; but so clear was the atmosphere that they did not 
appear more than eight or nine miles off. The road, 
which led over a rolling prairie, was excellent. Nota 
tree was seen, and scarcely a bush the entire distance. 
The grass was poor and thin. At 2 o'clock reached 
the mountain, and at once entered the pass. Just be- 
fore reaching it, the road divides, one branch leading 
to the right, the other to the left of the mountain. I 
was advised to take the latter, which was five miles 
shorter than the other, as my carriage could be easily 
lifted over a very steep place in the defile, which was 
impracticable for loaded wagons. The latter invaria- 
bly take the longer route. The descent was gradual 
and easy, and led through a narrow defile along the 
base of the mountain, which lay close on our right. 
The road was very tortuous, with small hills and deep 
Tavines to cross, though unattended with difficulties, 
until, after a long descent, we were obliged to follow an 
arroyo, or stony bed of a water-course. Here the way 
_ Was exceedingly rough, so that I feared every moment 
to see the carriage upset or broken in pieces. We 
were finally brought to a stand, where the road or path, 
if entitled to either appellation, led precipitately over 
