AND VISIT TO GASAS GRANDES. 343 
On arriving at the river, I found, greatly to my 
surprise, a large and rapid stream, much swollen by 
the late rains, and about 100 yards in width. At first 
we hesitated whether to cross the stream at once, or 
wait till the following morning; as the people said the 
water would then be several inches lower, provided 
there was no more rain. We concluded, however, to 
attempt it as it was; which was fortunate for us. 
After some search, a fordable place was found; and 
notwithstanding the strength of the current, we suc- 
ceeded with care in getting every thing over in safety. 
Asa general rule, it is best always to cross a stream 
immediately, so as to encamp on the opposite side; for 
should there be a fall of rain, or an overflow of the 
river from other causes, it might be found impassable 
in the morning, and perhaps continue so for several 
days. Four mules which had been driven along sev- 
eral days with sore backs and otherwise disabled, being 
unfit to go further, were abandoned here. 
August 9th. As asupply of fresh meat and vege- 
tables was wanted, I determined to remain here a few 
hours, and after breakfast walked tothe town, about 
a quarter of a mile distant, to see what could be had ; 
for we were yet 160 miles from Hl Paso, and could 
procure nothing after leaving this place. I had sent 
to the town immediately on our arrival last evening, 
to engage some cattle or sheep, and was told that they 
would be in the corral this morning for selection ; but 
when I called, they were still several miles off. Some 
men were sent after them; and in the mean time, I 
went to examine some large furnaces, where the silver 
is extracted from the ore taken from a mine in the 
vicinity. 
