322 SANTA CRUZ TO 
again become a grazing country. Not a head was now 
to be seen; nor is there another settlement, a single 
habitation, or a spot of cultivated ground between 
Santa Cruz and Janos in the direction we were travel- 
ling. At two o'clock the rain began to fall in torrents ; 
and soon after, seeing a small basin of water near a 
erove of large walnut trees, we stopped and encamped, 
having travelled fifteen miles. 
This was the first day, since leaving the valleys of 
California, that we had met with oak groves and broad 
pastures. The whole country here assumed a new 
aspect, resembling the hills and valleys of Vermont or 
New Hampshire, rather than Mexico.  Involuntarily 
we looked at the turn of every hill, as we wound 
through the valleys, to meet with farm houses, culti- 
vated fields, herds of cattle, and an agricultural popu- 
lation; but all was silent as the grave. An occasional 
wolf sneaked across our path, or a herd of antelope 
bounded over the plain, reminding us that we were far 
from all human habitations. 
July 29th. The road or path we travelled yester- 
day was very faint, and could no longer be traced. 
Our only course, therefore, was to follow the valley, 
which we knew must lead to the San Pedro. After 
keeping along it for three or four miles, Leroux set off 
over the hills, to see if he could find any trail. He at 
length found one, which he recommended us to take ; 
as following the valley might lead us to some cafion, 
and thus involve us in difficulties. We therefore alter- 
ed our course from east to south, which we kept for 
four miles, and then entered the old road. Near this, 
we met two suspicious looking characters with guns, 
