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 when 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 



