124 SAN DIEGO TO 
got through. The space here was but two inches 
wider than the axle-trees of the wagons. There were, 
also, several steep and rocky descents where the wheels 
had to be locked, and the wagons held back with ropes. 
This pass was not less than three miles in length; and 
should two trains meet here, it would prove a serious 
business for both. 
The descent into the valley beyond, continued 
oradual for several miles; but at length our course was 
stopped by a bold rocky hill running directly across it. 
This we ascended, over a very bad road ; but bad as it 
was, it was better than the descent, which was the most 
perfect break-neck place that a wagon ever attempted 
to pass. It was exceedingly steep, filled with large 
loose rocks, with an occasional perpendicular leap of 
three or four feet. I feared that our wagons would 
not hold together, even if they escaped being upset. 
But the only accident that happened, was the breaking 
of our two remaining barometers, a very serious one 
for the meteorological observations. 
At the bottom of this hill, we continued for five or 
six miles through a valley, with no other vegetation 
than the usual desert plants and cacti, accompanied by 
the great agave which seemed to luxuriate in this bar- 
renness. At 11 o'clock, Pp. m., we reached Vadllecita, 
eighteen miles from San Felipe, where we pitched our 
tents among some willows. 
June 3d. Vallecita, as its name indicates, is a little 
valley, surrounded by lofty and barren mountains. 
Pools of sulphurous water are found among the willow 
bushes, but not a tree was to be seen. The grass, too, 
had changed, having here a wiry character. A depot of 
