184 
CALIFORNIA. 
level, and every where overspread with dead shells of the Planorbis. 
In some places these shells appeared as though they had been collected 
in heaps. From the top of these banks, the Prairie Butes were in 
sight to the northward and westward. 
As they proceeded up the river, the country continued of the same 
character, the level being only interrupted by the line of trees that 
borders the river. These consist of oaks and sycamores. 
They encamped at a late hour, on a spot where the prairie had been 
burnt over, and were much disturbed during the night, by the bears, 
wolves, and owls. Near this camp was a deserted village. 
On the 29th, they for the first time met Indians, who appeared 
quite shy, concealing themselves behind trees. As they increased in 
numbers, however, they became more confident, and invited the party 
to land. Towards noon the character of the country began to change, 
and trees of a larger size than before were seen, growing out from the 
banks. A little after noon, they met with the remains of a fish-weir. 
Some Indians were seen along the banks, armed with bows, arrows, 
and lances: none but males appeared; they, however, made no hostile 
demonstrations. 
Game and fur-bearing animals had become more numerous, and 
among them were the lynx and fox. The latter is the species whose 
fur brings a high price in China, where as much as twenty dollars 
is paid for a skin. This fox is said to have one peculiarity, namely, 
that w r hen chased it will ascend trees. Bears were also in great 
numbers. It is reported that they will sometimes attack and eat the 
Indians. 
Dr. Marsh thinks there is but one species, the grisly bear; but the 
black bear of the United States is found in New Mexico, and highly 
prized for its skin; though Dr. Pickering thinks he saw another spe¬ 
cies, whose summer coat approaches the yellow bear of Oregon. The 
skin of the young is here sometimes made into quivers, and they are 
destitute of the horny claws of the grisly bear. The skin of the latter 
animal is said sometimes to be as large as that of an ox; its food is the 
same as that of the Indians, and varies with the seasons. Its strength 
is said to be prodigiously great, and it has been known when lassoed 
to drag three horses; and when baited in the bull and bear fights prac¬ 
tised in California, will check the charge of a bull by putting out one 
of its paws. 
They will also ascend the oaks for the acorns, and break off 
branches so large as almost to ruin the tree. It has been generally 
supposed that they do not climb; but all the hunters bear testimony that 
they can do it, although slowly and clumsily. They are now less 
