38 
PICTOGRAPHS AND INSCRIPTIONS. 
sketch resembling a ship, with sails ; then conies a horse, with gay trappings, a man with a 
long speaking-trumpet being mounted upon him, while a little hare-legged Indian stands in 
wonder behind. Below this group are several singular looking figures: men, with the horns 
of an ox, with arms, hands, and fingers extended as if in astonishment, and with clawed feet. 
Following the curved line, we come to the circle, enclosing a Spanish caballero, who extends his 
hands in amity to the naked Indian standing without. Next appears a group with an officer 
and a priest bearing the emblem of Christianity. 
Plate 29. 
Pietograplis at Rock}’ Dell creek. 
The carvings are of horses and 
various hieroglyphic figures. A 
like tallies, are also numerous 
Plate 30. 
n 
& A 
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Inscriptions at Rockr Del! creek. 
men, with combinations of right lines and curves, producing 
favorite symbol is the track of a moccasin. Systems of lines, 
Seven is the number most frequently noted, reminding one of 
Chisholm’s remarks. The men discovered among the sand 
several arrows and feathered ornaments, placed there as 
offerings, probably, to the deity of the place. We were here 
visited by Pueblo Indians from New Mexico, and copies of the 
inscriptions were shown to them. They recognised them, 
and said that this place was once a favorite buffalo range, and 
here their fathers hunted, feasted, and danced, and then, 
sitting by the water-side, recorded their thoughts and deeds 
upon the rocks. Figures 1 and 2 they decided to be represen¬ 
tations of Montezuma, placed there to sanctify the spot, and 
secure a perpetual supply of water. They confirmed what 
the others had said in regard to the power of Montezuma, and 
his expected advent from the east. An explanation was asked 
regarding the singular animal represented at the top of plate 
29. They said it was the great water-snake, created by Mon¬ 
tezuma to give rain, and preserve the lives of those who 
should pray to him. They described it as being as large 
round as a man’s body, and of exceeding great length, slowly 
gliding upon the water, with long wavy folds, reminding one 
of the accounts of the Nahant sea-serpent. 
