100 
HORSE-HEAD CROSSING 
a spot near the river which afforded tolerable grazing 
for the animals, where we stopped, pitched our tents, 
and formed our corral. The banks of the river being 
high and precipitous, it was with difficulty that 
we watered our animals. One of the horses, in his 
eagerness to reach the stream, fell over the bank, and 
was extricated only by the great exertions of the 
party, A mule, which had exhibited symptoms of 
illness for several days, gave out to-day and was aban- 
doned. It was a serious loss to us, for we had already 
lost four ; and although the weight of our provisions 
was daily growing less, the weakness of the animals 
increased still faster, from their long journeys and 
insufficiency of food. The mercury stood at noon to-day 
at 82° Fahrenheit. 
November 1st Determined to make an early start 
this morning, for which purpose the camp was called 
at 4 o’clock. Got breakfast and were off at daylight. 
A little rain fell during the night. The wind was north ; 
but the weather was warm, and our fears of a “ norther,” 
so much dreaded by all prairie travellers, subsided with 
the appearance of a bright sun. 
Our march to-day has been through a region as 
barren and desolate as that of yesterday. Continued 
near the river, avoiding its windings. Noticed large 
spots covered with a saline efflorescence ; in fact, on 
examination, the whole earth seemed impregnated with 
it. The water of the Pecos, which here is quite brack- 
ish, doubtless derives this flavor from the soil through 
which it passes. Patches of dry grass and stunted 
mezquit constitute the chief vegetation. Yuccas 
and cacti are thinly scattered over the plain : the 
