TRAVELS IN THE CALIFORNI AS. 167 
owners of the mines and plantations to enslave his converts. 
Having no one to assist him in so wide a province, he is al¬ 
most constantly travelling from one mission to another, ex¬ 
horting, encouraging, disciplining, and protecting his spiritual 
children. These duties task severely the tottering strength of 
the good old man. But he labors without intermission or 
discouragement, as he ripens for his reward. Nor does his 
ardent interest in the Californian missions abate. Every few 
months he forwards to Loretto his largesses of provisions and 
animals. But as the expense of supporting shipping for that 
purpose becomes more and more apparent and perplexing, he 
determines once more to attempt an exploration of a land 
route, by which supplies can be sent from the mission on the 
Gila down the coast to Loretto. Accordingly, in 1706, he 
turns his footsteps again towards the Colorado, in company 
with the chief military officers of Senora, and the Franciscan 
monk, Manuel de Ojuela. This last expedition of Padre 
Kino results in confirming his previous discoveries. But be¬ 
ing unable to penetrate to Loretto, he returns to his missions, 
and defends them with the same dauntless courage against the 
avarice and cruelty of the miners, and the civil and military 
powers, till 1710, when he passes from the scenes of his be¬ 
nevolence and trials to his grave. 
There are few good men in the world. Consequently, when 
one of this class dies, there is a jewel lost from the crown of 
earthly virtue. ALL feel the loss of its light, and grope 
nearer to the ground in their way onward to their destiny. 
Padre Kino has given his best energies to the Pimerian and 
Californian missions. The poor Indians on both sides of the 
Gulf have been accustomed to eat his bread and receive his 
blessing. The bells now toll through all Pimeria and Senora, 
at Loretto and San Xavier. The Indians kneel in their rude 
chapels, and pray for his soul, and invoke for him the good 
fellowship of departed saints. Padre Kino is buried among 
the heights of Pimeria, the scene of his trials and hopes. His 
grave is lost among the driving sands of those desolate re¬ 
gions ) but his good deeds will live for ever* 
25 
