CAVE.—PICTOGRAPHS.—SCARCITY OF GRASS. 
107 
which led westward. As it descended rapidly into chasms, with precipices which the mules 
could not easily pass, we found ourselves compelled to ascend the hill-sides to avoid them. 
After several miles of rugged way, as the Indian trail had been lost, we again entered the 
canon, below the spring of which Ave Avere in search. Now ascending a few hundred yards, Ave 
found ourselves enclosed by high Avails, nearly perpendicular, with the thorny vegetation of 
this region growing in every crevice of the rocks. Springs of water were issuing from beneath 
the ledges, floAving a few feet only, and then sinking into the sand. Here, leaving our mules, 
Ave climbed a water-Avorn and polished rock, about thirty feet high, and entered a basin, Availed 
in by lofty precipices. At the upper end, a projecting cliff formed a cave. Beneath flowed a 
little rill of water, which first filled a beautiful pool in the hollowed rock, and then trickling 
down into the valley, ran to the cascade below. Above the fountain the cave Avas covered Avith 
hieroglyphics, painted red, purple, and Avhite. The figures were someAvhat similar to those 
found at Rocky Dell creek, near the Llano Estacado. A streak of red, bordered with white, 
formed an irregular arch over the whole, and may have been intended to represent the patron 
of the place, a serpent. Below were various figures, more or less regular in form. High upon 
a cliff on the opposite side of the gorge, plainly seen but difficult of access, were a variety of 
other inscriptions, apparently ancient. Some of the most interesting among them were 
sketched by the artist. The question of their origin is sufficiently obscure. The secluded nook 
and the fountain of water may have thrown a charm around the place, causing the Indian medi¬ 
cine men or priests to select it for a retreat sacred to the ceremonies of their craft. Such are 
said to be the habits of Indian soothsayers ; and there is a sombre aspect about this spot sug¬ 
gestive of superstitious rites. Having satisfied our curiosity, we descended the cascade, mounted 
our mules, and followed the arroyo four miles, to the river. Turning, we ascended the stream 
tAvo miles, and found the train encamped at the mouth of the canon, having advanced nine 
miles during the day. 
The grass, last night, was said to be plenty, but the mules this morning greedily devoured 
dry sticks and leaves, thereby telling a different story. Hence it is not surprising that the 
strength of several failed on the march, and that they had to be left by the Avayside. 
February 16 —Camp 123. —We marched several miles down the valley of the river, and 
encamped near the last bivouac of the reconnaissance. The surface Avas somewhat sandy, but 
made a tolerably good road. Ducks were A r ery numerous. A single person killed a dozen, one 
of them believed to be of a new variety. Smaller birds also are abundant. 
February 17 —Camp 124.—We continued to travel westward along the valley, having a fine 
stream by our side for several miles. At length the water sank below a bed of sand, and did 
not again make its appearance. Having surveyed seven miles, Ave found a large patch of coarse 
grass, and were constrained to encamp by it; for the rich grama heretofore so abundant has 
disappeared from the hills, obliging us to depend upon the herbage of the valley. This, unfor¬ 
tunately, is frequently salt, and contains little nutriment. Hence, for the last few days, not- 
Avithstanding the shortness of the marches, the mules have been failing in strength. 
The rain, which has been falling since noon, still continues, making the ground muddy and 
camp disagreeable. HoAvever, it has filled some holloAvs in the rocks, furnishing a moderate 
supply of wmter for use. The air is chilly and raw. The moon, at rising, broke the clouds, 
and seemed to make an effort to dispel the storm, but Avithout success. 
February 18 — Camp 125.—A mild spring-like morning. We made an early start, and at 10 
a. m. had passed four miles along the dry bed of the valley. Here Avater again appeared, floAv- 
ing in a good-sized rivulet; and as grass Avas found upon the hill-sides, Ave stopped to refresh 
the mules. The soil seemed fertile again, cotton-Avood and willoAvs filling the valley. While 
resting, a party Avhich had been sent ahead to explore returned, with the advice that Ave should 
spend the night Avhere Ave were, as little grass Avas found beyond within marching distance. 
We have therefore encamped. The vieAV Avestward is exceedingly picturesque. A volcanic 
ridge, with sharply serrated profile, stands before us. Midway is a gorge, through which the 
