310 CASAS GRANDES TO 
both saw and followed us. They keep to the hills near 
by, where they can overlook the road, and are sure to 
pounce upon any small and unprotected party of tra- 
vellers; for not a week passes without depredations 
and murders. 
July 23d. The valley to-day was more contracted, 
owing to the proximity of the hills, which in many 
cases reached the stream, compelling us to cross them. 
The country grew more picturesque and diversified, 
exhibiting alternate valleys and gentle hills. In the 
former were groups of large walnut-trees, whose deep 
ereen foliage presented a striking contrast with the 
lighter and yellowish hue of the cotton-woods, and the 
brighter green of the willows. The intermediate 
spaces between the hills and the stream exhibited a 
luxuriant growth of grass. But it must be remem- 
bered that the enchanting aspect which every thing 
now wore in this valley does not continue. It was 
the rainy season, when vegetation presents its most 
attractive garb. In a few weeks the daily showers 
would cease, and the parching sun would dry up every 
thing but the cacti, which do not seem to be bene- 
fited by rain, and the large trees of the valley, which 
find moisture enough in the earth to sustain them until 
the rainy season again comes round. The grass then 
withers and dies, and the stream furnishes barely 
water enough to supply the immediate wants of the 
_ people. 
Passed a party of emigrants with nine wagons, 
each drawn by ten oxen. The men were hardy and 
good-looking, being just such as are wanted in Califor- 
nia. This train, as well as the others we had met, 
