SANTA CGRUZ. 301 
through a forest of mezquit trees, but had not pro- 
ceeded more than an hour before it began to rain in 
torrents, the wind blowing directly in our faces. Be- 
lieving the shower would soon pass over, I turned my 
wagon round and stopped. Those on horseback drew 
up under trees; but there was little shelter from them, 
so violently did the rain pour down. After an hour's 
delay, we pushed on. The road was now exceedingly 
muddy, the ravines and gullies were filled with water, 
and our progress was very slow. After journeying 
eight miles, making seventeen in all since morning, 
and being much in advance of the train, I deemed it 
prudent to stop. The wagons would not probably get 
in before night, after which, it would be unsafe to tra- 
vel, owing to the washing of the road by the rains; 
for we had in many places to avoid it, and force our 
way through the woods. 
The clouds indicated more rain; so I set to work 
and had a good fire in readiness for my cook when he 
should arrive. ‘Those who were with me followed my 
example, and we soon had several large fires blazing, 
and a good stock of wood in. 
As soon as the train got in, all hands set to work to 
pitch the tents, and take the necessary precautions to 
keep them in their places before the storm should be 
upon us. Guys were fixed to all the tents, which were 
further supported by being attached to the wagons; 
for the ground was so soft that the pins would not 
hold. Trenches were dug around each one, to keep 
it dry as possible; and we were quite ready for it, 
when the rain again began to fall. After a hearty 
supper, we retired torest; but it was only to be routed 
