THE PRESIDIO OF JANOS. 331 
the hills, then discharge his loads, and return and meet 
me at the base of the chalky hill mentioned. I found 
him there on my arrival; and we set to work at once 
to discharge the wagons. This being done, the con- 
tents were put upon the backs of the mules, which 
were sent ahead again to deposit their loads. We then 
took hold of the wagons; and by alternately pushing 
them and chocking the wheels, the mules got them up 
this formidable ascent with comparative ease. While 
this was going on I took a sketch of the pass, which 
will convey a better idea than a written description. 
It will be found in the first volume. 
On the summit of the hill we met a train of wagons 
with forty persons bound for California. They werea 
substantial hardy looking set of people, and had been 
four months on their journey from Arkansas. 
A magnificent view of the country in every direc- 
tion is obtained from this spot. On looking back the 
way we had come, the whole pass with its defiles and 
mountains, its forests of oaks and pines, its deep gorges 
and grassy valleys, lay before us; while in the very 
centre, protruded a huge pile of rocks of a light green 
and whitish color, presenting a pleasing contrast with 
the rich hue of the foliage around. Some of the hills 
were covered with grass, and others were dotted with 
clumps of cedars, although small live and post oaks 
predominated. Beyond the pass could be seen the high 
conical mountain beyond San Bernardino; and in the 
dim distance, an elevated chain near the San Pedro 
River, at the base of which we passed. The perspec- 
tive of these receding mountains, the furthest more than 
a hundred miles distant, was exceedingly beautiful. 
