Chap. XIII. STAY AT SAN ANTONIO. 425 
to cross the Guadalupe, a small stream flowing, like all 
others of this region, in a deep bed, bordered by cypresses 
and other beautiful trees. The place where it is crossed 
is full of beauty, like many such spots in this country. 
The stream, which is usually as clear as crystal, was some- 
what higher than usual ; and, as on horseback it was more 
difficult to avoid the roots and stems of the cypresses, I 
left my horse behind, and waded through it, up to my 
neck, holding my clothes high in my hand. Continued 
heavy showers raised the water during the following night 
at least 20 feet above its usual level, and thus my return 
to San Antonio was prevented till the stream should 
subside again. Such sudden floods are common to the 
rivers of Texas : they are great impediments to all com- 
munication, and sources of danger to the imprudent. 
Drivers who have encamped in the valley of such a stream 
have been frequently carried away, with their cattle and 
their waggons, by the unexpected flood. The permanent 
water of the rivers in this region is clear spring- water, 
the quantity of which is but little influenced by the atmo- 
spheric changes. These rivers, however, are the drains for 
extensive plains and hilly ground, which in dry weather are 
quite parched, but during heavy rains receive a super- 
abundance of water. Of this but a small portion penetrates 
the hard soil, and consequently all the water which runs 
off a space of many hundred square miles, is collected 
into a deep and narrow river, which it fills with a rapidity 
admitting of no escape, to 20 and 30 feet above its natural 
level. As in the valley of Devil's River, I saw drift- 
wood here on the banks of the Guadalupe, entangled in the 
highest branches of lofty trees. 
As soon as I was able to continue my journey, I took a 
place in the stage-coach which runs between San Antonio 
and Indianola. The coach was to start at midnight, and 
