INDIAN ORNAMENTS.—WHEAT-FIELDS AND DWELLINGS. 
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beautiful eagles’ feathers, called “sormeh,” sometimes white, sometimes of a crimson tint, tied 
to a lock of hair, and floating from the top of the head; and, finally, strings of wampum, made 
of circular pieces of shell with holes in the centre, by which they are strung, often several 
yards in length, and worn in coils about the neck. These shell beads, which they call <£ pook,” 
are their substitute for money_, and the wealth of an individual is estimated by the amount he 
possesses. Among the Cuchans, in 1852, a foot in length was worth the value of a horse. 
Divisions to that amount are made by the insertion of blue stones, such as by Coronado and 
Alargon were called turkoises, and are now found among the ancient Indian ruins. Frequently 
blue beads are substituted for the more valuable stones. Turkoises and bone ornaments are 
also worn by chiefs, suspended from the nose. All the men of the Mojaves, Cuchans, and 
Maricopas have the cartilage of the nose bored, but none except men of note wear the pendant. 
They have also two holes bored in the rim of the ear, from which hang strings of small beads. 
Infants especially are decorated in this last fashion, having absolutely nothing besides upon 
their persons. Among the articles seen, which may be ranked as curiosities, were a bronzed 
medal, a clay image, and a net for catching rabbits. The former being of Spanish origin, was 
probably taken from the mission of San Pablo, which was founded by Father Pedro Fort at the 
junction of Kio Gila with the Colorado in 1180, and destroyed by the Indians the same year. 
It represents a cardinal, with an image of the sun and a motto. The clay image is about six 
inches in length, and reminds one of South American idols, such as are represented by Prescott, 
Ewbank, and others. The formation of the eyes, nose, and mouth indicates some imitative 
skill. Its body terminates without legs or feet. 
Notwithstanding the great numbers of Indians in camp, no village is seen near us. But we 
are upon a lagoon some distance from the river, and the valley is so wide that huts upon either 
bank would be invisible from our present position. Those who were in camp yesterday were of 
Captain Manuel’s band. The present party is that of the chief Francisco, and we are told 
that there are three other chiefs, of equal importance, that will meet us as we advance. Towards 
evening the greater part of the Indians left for their homes. Francisco and a few of his friends 
remained, and being hungry, asked for a sheep, which was given them. 
February 26 —Camp 133.—With the chief Francisco for guide, and Jos6 for interpreter, 
preceded and followed by great crowds of Indians, we continued our survey up the magnificent 
valley of the Mojaves. The soil, for miles from the river, seemed of exceeding fertility, and 
was sprinkled with patches of young wheat and fields of corn stubble. There were no acequias 
Irrigation had not been resorted to ; although, without doubt, the crops would have been bene¬ 
fited thereby. We frequently passed rancherias surrounded by granaries filled with corn, 
mezquite beans, and tornillas. The houses are constructed for durability and warmth. They 
are built upon sandy soil, thirty or forty feet square; the sides, about two feet thick, of wicker¬ 
work and straw; the roofs thatched, covered with earth, and supported by a dozen cotton-wood 
posts. Along the interior walls are ranged large earthen pots filled with stores of corn, beans, 
and flour for daily use. In front is a wide shed, a sort of piazza, nearly as large as the house 
itself. Here they find shelter from rain and sun. Within, surrounding a small fire in the 
centre, they sleep, protected from cold. But their favorite resort seems to be upon the top, 
where we usually could count from twenty to thirty persons, all apparently at home. Near the 
houses were a great number of cylindrical structures, with conical roofs, quite skilfully made 
of osier twigs. They were the granaries referred to above, for their surplus stores of corn and 
the mezquite fruit. The latter is highly saccharine, and, when ground to flour, is a favorite 
article of food with the Indians of the Gila and Colorado rivers. Its flavor is similar to that of 
pinole,* and this name, taken from the Spanish, is sometimes applied to it. Among the most 
curious articles of household furniture noticed were the pestle and mortar for grinding flour. 
* Pinole is much used by the people of Mexico, especially by soldiers on a campaign. It is made by mixing sugar and spices 
with the flour of parched corn. By the addition of water only, it is prepared to be eaten or drunk as the individual may prefer, 
and is exceedingly refreshing and nutritious. It would be a capital addition to our own army ration. 
