34 THE GEYSERS OF PLUTON RIVER, 
end, is in universal use among them, for gathering the 
roots and seeds which form their chief subsistence. 
This is carried on their backs, supported by a band 
across the forehead. Their arms of defence are bows 
and arrows. Some tribes, however, make use of the 
spear or lance. In one respect the California Indians 
differ from all others. I allude to their beards, which 
are generally permitted to grow. It is true they are 
not as thick and bushy as in the white race, but short, 
thin, and stiff. I have never seen them extend beyond 
the upper lip and the chin. The hair of all the Cali- 
fornia Indians I have seen is cut short. 
After partaking of an excellent dinner, we took 
leave of our host. or several miles our journey ex- 
tended over a plain hemmed in on all sides, on which 
large herds of cattle were grazing; then came ranges 
of low hills, all covered with wild oats or clover. The 
cattle truly luxuriated here. <A ride of twelve miles, 
alternately over low hills and valleys, and winding 
through clusters of trees and shrubbery, brought us to 
the establishment of MacDonald, the last settler in this 
part of the country, towards Oregon. We received a 
cordial welcome from Mr. MacDonald and his wife,— 
a young woman of twenty, who must have some cou- 
rage to settle down in this lonely spot. On making 
known my intention to visit the volcanic region, Mr. 
MacDonald consented to be our guide, although busily 
engaged in putting in his crops. 
Having an hour or two to spare before dark, I 
took a sketch of the valley and adjoining mountains, 
all of which presented a most picturesque appearance. 
The valley is here very limited, being confined to 
