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on the whole there was little to interest one in the pueblo. The 

 two mission bells were dated 1738 and 1800 respectively. The 

 old Spaniard in charge of the mission ruins showed us some 

 old Latin books. Some of the books we brought home with us 

 were dated away back in the fourteenth century! 



A camp beside the sandy creek was preferable to the flea- 

 infested houses. A dime brought us a foaming pail of milk 

 fresh from the cows — and a more pleased Indian boy could 

 scarce be found beside! 



The Oppopanax (Acacia Farnesiana) was found growing 

 near, as I have since found it near every mission that I have 

 visited. In endeavoring to cut down a tree we learned very 

 effectually the strong, persistent quality of its perfume, which 

 was fairly overwhelming. 



Our dog found interesting sport at times chasing the festive 

 coyote — and sometimes the dog was fairly ahead! He never 

 had a chance to taste Master Coyote, however. A few quail and 

 rabbits, aside from rattlesnakes and tarantulas, comprised all 

 the game observed. 



May day found us picking the fruits of the Mamillaria cactus, 

 which in flavor strongly reminded me of the wild wood straw- 

 berries which I formerly sought in the Green mountain state. 



But the water holes on the return trip were fast drying up. 

 Feed was scarce at best, and our ponies were beginning to feel 

 the effects of scant rations. So back we put to Uncle Samuel's 

 ranch, over some four hundred miles of as rough wagon road as 

 I ever hope to travel. 



Up the Rosario valley we found the Giant Cactus (Cereus 

 Pringlei) and one of the quaintest of curious plants that fan- 

 tastic pen could describe. The cirio (Fouquiera gigantea) has 

 been not inaptly compared to a huge inverted carrot, some thirty 

 or forty feet high! 



The wild bees gather sweetness amid its branches. The 

 deer browse upon its leafless branches — leafless except in the 

 rainy season. The twisting, smoke-like boughs waved us a 

 weird farewell as we turned our faces reluctantly yet eagerly 

 homeward. 



