IV 
PEEFACE. 
was to follow me, without lists and descriptions, scien- 
tific or otherwise, of every plant, quadruped, bird, and 
reptile that came in my way. 
As an itinerary giving an accurate description of 
the country from the shores of the Atlantic to the 
Pacific — of every day’s journey — of every stream, lake, 
pond, or spring — of all the mountain chains and their 
defiles — of every plain and desert — ^of the towns, vil- 
lages, houses, ranchos, and farms w^here the traveller 
may obtain supplies — of spots where he may find grass 
for his animals, and where he can find none- — of districts 
destitute of wood and water — I have endeavored to 
make it particular and accurate, in order that my book 
may become a useful guide to emigrants and other 
travellers. A vast deal of suffering may be saved by 
placing in the hands of emigrating parties a guide 
across the country to the golden regions of California, 
whither so many are now annually wending. The 
time is not far distant, either, when crowds as large as 
those now pressing on to California and Australia will 
be “prospecting” among the mountains of Texas, 
New Mexico, Chihuahua, and Sonora, attracted by 
similarly rich mineral deposits, and probably with the 
like splendid success. This will not be the result of 
an accidental discovery, as was the gold in the mill- 
race near the Sacramento ; for the existence of such 
treasures is already knowm, as well as the localities 
where they are to be found. My journeys through 
