,transcriber's ,note3 ,minor typographical errors have been corrected without note4 ,dialect spellings1 contractions and discrepancies have been retained4 ,illustration3 ,,fort ,,smith1 ,,arkansas4 ,,the ,,prairie ,,traveler4 ,a ,,hand-,,book ,,for ,,overland ,,expeditions4 ,,with ,,maps1 ,,illustrations1 ,,and ,,itineraries ,,of ,,the ,,principal ,,routes ,,between ,,the ,,mississippi ,,and ,,the ,,pacific4 ,by ,,randolph ,b4 ,,marcy1 ,,captain ,u4 ,s4 ,,army4 ,,published ,,by ,,authority ,,of ,,the ,,war ,,department4 ,,new ,,york3 ,,harper ,,brothers1 ,,publishers1 ,,franklin ,,square4 #ahei4 ,entered1 according to ,act of ,congress1 in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine1 by ,,harper ,,brothers1 ,in the ,clerk's ,office of the ,district ,court of the ,southern ,district of ,new ,york4 ,,contents4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,the different ,routes to ,california and ,oregon4 ,their respective ,advantages4 ,organization of ,companies4 ,elections of ,captains4 ,wagons and ,teams4 ,relative ,merits of ,mules and ,oxen4 ,stores and ,provisions4 ,how packed4 ,desiccated and canned ,vegetables4 ,pemmican4 ,antiscorbutics4 ,cold ,flour4 ,substitutes in case of ,necessity4 ,amount of ,supplies4 ,clothing4 ,camp ,equipage4 ,arms4 #ae ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,marching4 ,treatment of ,animals4 ,water4 ,different methods of finding and purifying it4 ,journadas4 ,methods of crossing them4 ,advance and ,rear ,guards4 ,selection of ,camp4 ,sanitary ,considerations4 ,dr4 ,jackson's ,report4 ,picket ,guards4 ,stampedes4 ,how to prevent them4 ,corraling ,wagons4 #dd ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,repairing broken ,wagons4 ,fording ,rivers4 ,quicksand4 ,wagon ,boats4 ,bull ,boats4 ,crossing ,packs4 ,swimming ,animals4 ,marching with loose ,horses4 ,herding ,mules4 ,best ,methods of ,marching4 ,herding and guarding ,animals4 ,descending ,mountains4 ,storms4 ,northers4 #ga ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,packing4 ,saddles4 ,mexican ,method4 ,madrina1 or ,bell-mare4 ,attachment of the ,mule illustrated4 ,best ,method of ,packing4 ,hoppling ,animals4 ,selecting ,horses and ,mules4 ,grama and bunch ,grass4 ,european ,saddles4 ,california ,saddle4 ,saddle ,wounds4 ,alkali4 ,flies4 ,colic4 ,rattlesnake ,bites4 ,cures for the ,bite4 #ih ,,chapter ,v4 ,bivouacs4 ,tente d',abri4 ,gutta-percha ,knapsack ,tent4 ,comanche ,lodge4 ,sibley ,tent4 ,camp ,furniture4 ,litters4 ,rapid ,traveling4 ,fuel4 ,making ,fires4 ,fires on the ,prairies4 ,jerking ,meat4 ,making ,lariats4 ,making ,caches4 ,disposition of ,fire-arms4 ,colt's ,revolvers4 ,gun ,accidents4 ,trailing4 ,indian ,sagacity4 #acb ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,guides and ,hunters4 ,delawares and ,shawnees4 ,khebirs4 ,black ,beaver4 ,anecdotes4 ,domestic ,troubles4 ,lodges4 ,similarity of ,prairie ,tribes to the ,arabs4 ,method of making ,war4 ,tracking and pursuing ,indians4 ,method of attacking them4 ,telegraphing by ,smokes4 #ahc ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,hunting4 ,its ,benefits to the ,soldier4 ,buffalo4 ,deer4 ,antelope4 ,bear4 ,big-horn1 or ,mountain ,sheep4 ,their ,habits1 and ,hints upon the best ,methods of hunting them4 #bcj ,,itineraries4 #bec ,,appendix4 #cce ,,list ,,of ,,illustrations4 ,page ,map of ,overland routes at end of volume4 ,fort ,smith1 ,arkansas ,frontispiece4 ,swimming a ,horse #gh ,diagram for ,measurements #ha ,crossing a ,stream #hg ,grimsley's ,pack-saddle #ii ,california ,saddle #aai ,half-faced ,camp #acd ,conical ,bivouac #ace ,tent ,knapsack #acg ,comanche ,lodge #adj ,sibley ,tent #adc ,camp ,chairs #ade ,camp ,table--,field ,cot #adf ,field ,cot--,camp ,bureau #adh ,mess-chest #adi ,horse-litter #aea ,hand-litter #aed ,the ,grizzly #afg ,horse-tracks #agh ,keep away6 #bji ,calling up ,antelopes #bde ,the ,needles #bed ,chimney ,rock #bfi ,devil's ,gate #bga ,well in the ,desert #bib ,map of the ,pike's ,peak ,gold ,region #bif ,sangre de ,cristo ,pass #cjj ,san ,francisco ,mountain #cji ,canon on ,bill ,williams's ,fork #cab ,artillery ,peak #cac ,,preface4 ,a quarter of a century's experience in frontier life1 a great portion of which has been occupied in exploring the interior of our continent1 and in long marches where ,i have been thrown exclusively upon my own resources1 far beyond the bounds of the populated districts1 and where the traveler must vary his expedients to surmount the numerous obstacles which the nature of the country continually reproduces1 has shown me under what great disadvantages the voyageur labors for want of a timely initiation into those minor details of prairie-craft1 which1 however apparently unimportant in the abstract1 are sure1 upon the plains1 to turn the balance of success for or against an enterprise4 ,this information is so varied1 and is derived from so many different sources1 that ,i still find every new expedition adds substantially to my practical knowledge1 and am satisfied that a good ,prairie ,manual will be for the young traveler an addition to his equipment of inappreciable value4 ,with such a book in his hand1 he will be able1 in difficult circumstances1 to avail himself of the matured experience of veteran travelers1 and thereby avoid many otherwise unforeseen disasters2 while1 during the ordinary routine of marching1 he will greatly augment the sum of his comforts1 avoid many serious losses1 and enjoy a comparative exemption from doubts and anxieties4 ,he will feel himself a master spirit in the wilderness he traverses1 and not the victim of every new combination of circumstances which nature affords or fate allots1 as if to try his skill and prowess4 ,i have waited for several years1 with the confident expectation that some one more competent than myself would assume the task1 and give the public the desired information2 but it seems that no one has taken sufficient interest in the subject to disseminate the benefits of his experience in this way4 ,our frontier-men1 although brave in council and action1 and possessing an intelligence that quickens in the face of danger1 are apt to feel shy of the pen4 ,they shun the atmosphere of the student's closet2 their sphere is in the free and open wilderness4 ,it is not to be wondered at1 therefore1 that to our veteran borderer the field of literature should remain a terra incognita4 ,it is our army that unites the chasm between the culture of civilization in the aspect of science1 art1 and social refinement1 and the powerful simplicity of nature4 ,on leaving the ,military ,academy1 a majority of our officers are attached to the line of the army1 and forthwith assigned to duty upon our remote and extended frontier1 where the restless and warlike habits of the nomadic tribes render the soldier's life almost as unsettled as that of the savages themselves4 ,a regiment is stationed to-day on the borders of tropical ,mexico2 to-morrow1 the war-whoop1 borne on a gale from the northwest1 compels its presence in the frozen latitudes of ,puget's ,sound4 ,the very limited numerical strength of our army1 scattered as it is over a vast area of territory1 necessitates constant changes of stations1 long and toilsome marches1 a promptitude of action1 and a tireless energy and self-reliance1 that can only be acquired through an intimate acquaintance with the sphere in which we act and move4 ,the education of our officers at the ,military ,academy is doubtless well adapted to the art of civilized warfare1 but can not familiarize them with the diversified details of border service2 and they often1 at the outset of their military career1 find themselves compelled to improvise new expedients to meet novel emergences4 ,the life of the wilderness is an art as well as that of the city or court1 and every art subjects its votaries to discipline in preparing them for a successful career in its pursuit4 ,the ,military ,art1 as enlarged to meet all the requirements of border service1 the savage in his wiles or the elements in their caprices1 embraces many other special arts which have hitherto been almost ignored1 and results which experience and calculation should have guaranteed have been improvidently staked upon favorable chances4 ,the main object at which ,i have aimed in the following pages has been to explain and illustrate1 as clearly and succinctly as possible1 the best methods of performing the duties devolving upon the prairie traveler1 so as to meet their contingencies under all circumstances1 and thereby to endeavor to establish a more uniform system of marching and campaigning in the ,indian country4 ,i have also furnished itineraries of most of the principal routes that have been traveled across the plains1 taken from the best and most reliable authorities2 and ,i have given some information concerning the habits of the ,indians and wild animals that frequent the prairies1 with the secrets of the hunter's and warrior's strategy1 which ,i have endeavored to impress more forcibly upon the reader by introducing illustrative anecdote4 ,i take great pleasure in acknowledging my indebtedness to several officers of the ,topographical ,engineers and of other corps of the army for the valuable information ,i have obtained from their official reports regarding the different routes embraced in the itineraries1 and to these gentlemen ,i beg leave very respectfully to dedicate my book4 ,,the ,,prairie ,,traveler4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,the different ,routes to ,california and ,oregon4 ,their respective ,advantages4 ,organization of ,companies4 ,elections of ,captains4 ,wagons and ,teams4 ,relative ,merits of ,mules and ,oxen4 ,stores and ,provisions4 ,how packed4 ,desiccated and canned ,vegetables4 ,pemmican4 ,antiscorbutics4 ,cold ,flour4 ,substitutes in case of ,necessity4 ,amount of ,supplies4 ,clothing4 ,camp ,equipage4 ,arms4 ,,routes ,,to ,,california ,,and ,,oregon4 ,emigrants or others desiring to make the overland journey to the ,pacific should bear in mind that there are several different routes which may be traveled with wagons1 each having its advocates in persons directly or indirectly interested in attracting the tide of emigration and travel over them4 ,information concerning these routes coming from strangers living or owning property near them1 from agents of steam-boats or railways1 or from other persons connected with transportation companies1 should be received with great caution1 and never without corroborating evidence from disinterested sources4 ,there is no doubt that each one of these roads has its advantages and disadvantages1 but a judicious selection must depend chiefly upon the following considerations1 namely1 the locality from whence the individual is to take his departure1 the season of the year when he desires to commence his journey1 the character of his means of transportation1 and the point upon the ,pacific coast that he wishes to reach4 ,persons living in the ,northeastern ,states can1 with about equal facility and dispatch1 reach the eastern terminus of any one of the routes they may select by means of public transport4 ,and1 as animals are much cheaper upon the frontier than in the ,eastern ,states1 they should purchase their teams at or near the point where the overland journey is to commence4 ,those living in the ,northwestern ,states1 having their own teams1 and wishing to go to any point north of ,san ,francisco1 will of course make choice of the route which takes its departure from the ,missouri ,river4 ,those who live in the middle ,western ,states1 having their own means of transportation1 and going to any point upon the ,pacific coast1 should take one of the middle routes4 ,others1 who reside in the extreme ,southwest1 and whose destination is south of ,san ,francisco1 should travel the southern road running through ,texas1 which is the only one practicable for comfortable winter travel4 ,the grass upon a great portion of this route is green during the entire winter1 and snow seldom covers it4 ,this road leaves the ,gulf coast at ,powder-horn1 on ,matagorda ,bay1 which point is difficult of access by land from the north1 but may be reached by steamers from ,new ,orleans five times a week4 ,there are stores at ,powder-horn and ,indianola where the traveler can obtain most of the articles necessary for his journey1 but ,i would recommend him to supply himself before leaving ,new ,orleans with every thing he requires with the exception of animals1 which he will find cheaper in ,texas4 ,this road has received a large amount of travel since #ahdi1 is well tracked and defined1 and1 excepting about twenty miles of hog wallow prairie near ,powder-horn1 it is an excellent road for carriages and wagons4 ,it passes through a settled country for #bej miles1 and within this section supplies can be had at reasonable rates4 ,at ,victoria and ,san ,antonio many fine stores will be found1 well supplied with large stocks of goods1 embracing all the articles the traveler will require4 ,the next route to the north is that over which the semi-weekly mail to ,california passes1 and which1 for a great portion of the way to ,new ,mexico1 ,i traveled and recommended in #ahdi4 ,this road leaves the ,arkansas ,river at ,fort ,smith1 to which point steamers run during the seasons of high water in the winter and spring4 ,supplies of all descriptions necessary for the overland journey may be procured at ,fort ,smith1 or at ,van ,buren on the opposite side of the ,arkansas4 ,horses and cattle are cheap here4 ,the road1 on leaving ,fort ,smith1 passes through the ,choctaw and ,chickasaw country for #ahj miles1 then crosses ,red ,river by ferry-boat at ,preston1 and runs through the border settlements of northern ,texas for #aej miles1 within which distances supplies may be procured at moderate prices4 ,this road is accessible to persons desiring to make the entire journey with their own transportation from ,tennessee or ,mississippi1 by crossing the ,mississippi ,river at ,memphis or ,helena1 passing ,little ,rock1 and thence through ,washington ,county1 intersecting the road at ,preston4 ,it may also be reached by taking steamers up ,red ,river to ,shreveport or ,jefferson1 from either of which places there are roads running through a populated country1 and intersecting the ,fort ,smith road near ,preston4 ,this road also unites with the ,san ,antonio road at ,el ,paso1 and from that point they pass together over the mountains to ,fort ,yuma and to ,san ,francisco in ,california4 ,another road leaves ,fort ,smith and runs up the south side of the ,canadian ,river to ,santa ,fe and ,albuquerque in ,new ,mexico4 ,this route is set down upon most of the maps of the present day as having been discovered and explored by various persons1 but my own name seems to have been carefully excluded from the list4 ,whether this omission has been intentional or not1 ,i leave for the authors to determine4 ,i shall merely remark that ,i had the command and entire direction of an expedition which in #ahdi discovered1 explored1 located1 and marked out this identical wagon road from ,fort ,smith1 ,arkansas1 to ,santa ,fe1 ,new ,mexico1 and that this road1 for the greater portion of the distance1 is the same that has been since recommended for a ,pacific railway4 ,this road1 near ,albuquerque1 unites with ,captain ,whipple's and ,lieutenant ,beall's roads to ,california4 ,another road1 which takes its departure from ,fort ,smith and passes through the ,cherokee country1 is called the ,cherokee ,trail4 ,it crosses ,grand ,river at ,fort ,gibson1 and runs a little north of west to the ,verdigris ,river1 thence up the valley of this stream on the north side for #hj miles1 when it crosses the river1 and1 taking a northwest course1 strikes the ,arkansas ,river near old ,fort ,mann1 on the ,santa ,fe trace2 thence it passes near the base of ,pike's ,peak1 and follows down ,cherry ,creek from its source to its confluence with the ,south ,platte1 and from thence over the mountains into ,utah1 and on to ,california via ,fort ,bridger and ,salt ,lake ,city4 ,for persons who desire to go from the ,southern ,states to the gold diggings in the vicinity of ,cherry ,creek1 this route is shorter by some #cjj miles than that from ,fort ,smith via ,fort ,leavenworth4 ,it is said to be an excellent road1 and well supplied with the requisites for encamping4 ,it has been traveled by large parties of ,california emigrants for several years1 and is well tracked and defined4 ,the grass upon all the roads leaving ,fort ,smith is sufficiently advanced to afford sustenance to animals by the first of ,april1 and from this time until winter sets in it is abundant4 ,the next route on the north leaves the ,missouri ,river at ,westport1 ,leavenworth ,city1 ,atcheson1 or from other towns above1 between either of which points and ,st4 ,louis steamers ply during the entire summer season4 ,the necessary outfit of supplies can always be procured at any of the starting-points on the ,missouri ,river at moderate rates4 ,this is the great emigrant route from ,missouri to ,california and ,oregon1 over which so many thousands have traveled within the past few years4 ,the track is broad1 well worn1 and can not be mistaken4 ,it has received the major part of the ,mormon emigration1 and was traversed by the army in its march to ,utah in #aheg4 ,at the point where this road crosses the ,south ,platte ,river1 ,lieutenant ,bryan's road branches off to the left1 leading through ,bridger's ,pass1 and thence to ,fort ,bridger4 ,the ,fort ,kearney route to the gold region near ,pike's ,peak also leaves the emigrant road at this place and runs up the ,south ,platte4 ,from ,fort ,bridger there are two roads that may be traveled with wagons in the direction of ,california2 one passing ,salt ,lake ,city1 and the other running down ,bear ,river to ,soda ,springs1 intersecting the ,salt ,lake ,city road at the ,city of ,rocks4 ,near ,soda ,springs the ,oregon road turns to the right1 passing ,fort ,hall1 and thence down ,snake ,river to ,fort ,wallah-,wallah4 ,unless travelers have business in ,salt ,lake ,valley1 ,i would advise them to take the ,bear ,river route1 as it is much shorter1 and better in every respect4 ,the road1 on leaving the ,missouri ,river1 passes for #aej miles through a settled country where grain can be purchased cheap1 and there are several stores in this section where most of the articles required by travelers can be obtained4 ,many persons who have had much experience in prairie traveling prefer leaving the ,missouri ,river in ,march or ,april1 and feeding grain to their animals until the new grass appears4 ,the roads become muddy and heavy after the spring rains set in1 and by starting out early the worst part of the road will be passed over before the ground becomes wet and soft4 ,this plan1 however1 should never be attempted unless the animals are well supplied with grain1 and kept in good condition4 ,they will eat the old grass in the spring1 but it does not1 in this climate1 as in ,utah and ,new ,mexico1 afford them sufficient sustenance4 ,the grass1 after the #ast of ,may1 is good and abundant upon this road as far as the ,south ,pass1 from whence there is a section of about #ej miles where it is scarce2 there is also a scarcity upon the desert beyond the sink of the ,humboldt4 ,as large numbers of cattle pass over the road annually1 they soon consume all the grass in these barren localities1 and such as pass late in the season are likely to suffer greatly1 and oftentimes perish from starvation4 ,when ,i came over the road in ,august1 #aheh1 ,i seldom found myself out of sight of dead cattle for #ejj miles along the road1 and this was an unusually favorable year for grass1 and before the main body of animals had passed for that season4 ,upon the head of the ,sweetwater ,river1 and west of the ,south ,pass1 alkaline springs are met with1 which are exceedingly poisonous to cattle and horses4 ,they can readily be detected by the yellowish-red color of the grass growing around them4 ,animals should never be allowed to graze near them or to drink the water4 ,,organization ,,of ,,companies4 ,after a particular route has been selected to make the journey across the plains1 and the requisite number have arrived at the eastern terminus1 their first business should be to organize themselves into a company and elect a commander4 ,the company should be of sufficient magnitude to herd and guard animals1 and for protection against ,indians4 ,from #ej to #gj men1 properly armed and equipped1 will be enough for these purposes1 and any greater number only makes the movements of the party more cumbersome and tardy4 ,in the selection of a captain1 good judgment1 integrity of purpose1 and practical experience are the essential requisites1 and these are indispensable to the harmony and consolidation of the association4 ,his duty should be to direct the order of march1 the time of starting and halting1 to select the camps1 detail and give orders to guards1 and1 indeed1 to control and superintend all the movements of the company4 ,an obligation should then be drawn up and signed by all the members of the association1 wherein each one should bind himself to abide in all cases by the orders and decisions of the captain1 and to aid him by every means in his power in the execution of his duties2 and they should also obligate themselves to aid each other1 so as to make the individual interest of each member the common concern of the whole company4 ,to insure this1 a fund should be raised for the purchase of extra animals to supply the places of those which may give out or die on the road2 and if the wagon or team of a particular member should fail and have to be abandoned1 the company should obligate themselves to transport his luggage1 and the captain should see that he has his share of transportation equal with any other member4 ,thus it will be made the interest of every member of the company to watch over and protect the property of others as well as his own4 ,in case of failure on the part of any one to comply with the obligations imposed by the articles of agreement after they have been duly executed1 the company should of course have the power to punish the delinquent member1 and1 if necessary1 to exclude him from all the benefits of the association4 ,on such a journey as this1 there is much to interest and amuse one who is fond of picturesque scenery1 and of wild life in its most primitive aspect1 yet no one should attempt it without anticipating many rough knocks and much hard labor2 every man must expect to do his share of duty faithfully and without a murmur4 ,on long and arduous expeditions men are apt to become irritable and ill-natured1 and oftentimes fancy they have more labor imposed upon them than their comrades1 and that the person who directs the march is partial toward his favorites1 etc4 ,that man who exercises the greatest forbearance under such circumstances1 who is cheerful1 slow to take up quarrels1 and endeavors to reconcile difficulties among his companions1 is deserving of all praise1 and will1 without doubt1 contribute largely to the success and comfort of an expedition4 ,the advantages of an association such as ,i have mentioned are manifestly numerous4 ,the animals can be herded together and guarded by the different members of the company in rotation1 thereby securing to all the opportunities of sleep and rest4 ,besides1 this is the only way to resist depredations of the ,indians1 and to prevent their stampeding and driving off animals2 and much more efficiency is secured in every respect1 especially in crossing streams1 repairing roads1 etc41 etc4 ,unless a systematic organization be adopted1 it is impossible for a party of any magnitude to travel in company for any great length of time1 and for all the members to agree upon the same arrangements in marching1 camping1 etc4 ,i have several times observed1 where this has been attempted1 that discords and dissensions sooner or later arose which invariably resulted in breaking up and separating the company4 ,when a captain has once been chosen1 he should be sustained in all his decisions unless he commit some manifest outrage1 when a majority of the company can always remove him1 and put a more competent man in his place4 ,sometimes men may be selected who1 upon trial1 do not come up to the anticipations of those who have placed them in power1 and other men will exhibit1 during the course of the march1 more capacity4 ,under these circumstances it will not be unwise to make a change1 the first election having been distinctly provisional4 ,,wagons ,,and ,,teams4 ,a company having been organized1 its first interest is to procure a proper outfit of transportation and supplies for the contemplated journey4 ,wagons should be of the simplest possible construction--strong1 light1 and made of well-seasoned timber1 especially the wheels1 as the atmosphere1 in the elevated and arid region over which they have to pass1 is so exceedingly dry during the summer months that1 unless the wood-work is thoroughly seasoned1 they will require constant repairs to prevent them from falling to pieces4 ,wheels made of the bois-d'arc1 or ,osage orange-wood1 are the best for the plains1 as they shrink but little1 and seldom want repairing4 ,as1 however1 this wood is not easily procured in the ,northern ,states1 white oak answers a very good purpose if well seasoned4 ,spring wagons made in ,concord1 ,new ,hampshire1 are used to transport passengers and the mails upon some of the routes across the plains1 and they are said1 by those who have used them1 to be much superior to any others4 ,they are made of the close-grained oak that grows in a high northern latitude1 and well seasoned4 ,the pole of the wagon should have a joint where it enters the hounds1 to prevent the weight from coming upon it and breaking the hounds in passing short and abrupt holes in the road4 ,the perch or coupling-pole should be shifting or movable1 as1 in the event of the loss of a wheel1 an axle1 or other accident rendering it necessary to abandon the wagon1 a temporary cart may be constructed out of the remaining portion4 ,the tires should be examined just before commencing the journey1 and1 if not perfectly snug1 reset4 ,one of the chief causes of accidents to carriages upon the plains arises from the nuts coming off from the numerous bolts that secure the running gearing4 ,to prevent this1 the ends of all the bolts should be riveted2 it is seldom necessary to take them off1 and when this is required the ends of the bolts may easily be filed away4 ,wagons with six mules should never1 on a long journey over the prairies1 be loaded with over #bjjj pounds1 unless grain is transported1 when an additional thousand pounds may be taken1 provided it is fed out daily to the team4 ,when grass constitutes the only forage1 #bjjj pounds is deemed a sufficient load4 ,i regard our government wagons as unnecessarily heavy for six mules4 ,there is sufficient material in them to sustain a burden of #djjj pounds1 but they are seldom loaded with more than half that weight4 ,every wagon should be furnished with substantial bows and double osnaburg covers1 to protect its contents from the sun and weather4 ,there has been much discussion regarding the relative merits of mules and oxen for prairie traveling1 and the question is yet far from being settled4 ,upon good firm roads1 in a populated country1 where grain can be procured1 ,i should unquestionably give the preference to mules1 as they travel faster1 and endure the heat of summer much better than oxen2 and if the journey be not over #ajjj miles1 and the grass abundant1 even without grain1 ,i think mules would be preferable4 ,but when the march is to extend #aejj or #bjjj miles1 or over a rough sandy or muddy road1 ,i believe young oxen will endure better than mules2 they will1 if properly managed1 keep in better condition1 and perform the journey in an equally brief space of time4 ,besides1 they are much more economical1 a team of six mules costing six hundred dollars1 while an eight-ox team only costs upon the frontier about two hundred dollars4 ,oxen are much less liable to be stampeded and driven off by ,indians1 and can be pursued and overtaken by horsemen2 and1 finally1 they can1 if necessary1 be used for beef4 ,in ,africa oxen are used as saddle animals1 and it is said that they perform good service in this way4 ,this will probably be regarded by our people as a very undignified and singular method of locomotion1 but1 in the absence of any other means of transportation upon a long journey1 a saddle-ox might be found serviceable4 ,andersson1 in his work on ,southwestern ,africa1 says3 ,a short strong stick1 of peculiar shape1 is forced through the cartilage of the nose of the ox1 and to either end of this stick is attached 7in bridle fashion7 a tough leathern thong4 ,from the extreme tenderness of the nose he is now more easily managed4 ,hans presented me with an ox called ',spring1' which ,i afterward rode upward of two thousand miles4 ,on the day of our departure he mounted us all on oxen1 and a curious sight it was to see some of the men take their seats who had never before ridden on ox-back4 ,it is impossible to guide an ox as one would guide a horse1 for in the attempt to do so you would instantly jerk the stick out of his nose1 which at once deprives you of every control over the beast2 but by pulling both sides of the bridle at the same time1 and toward the side you wish him to take1 he is easily managed4#a ,your seat is not less awkward and difficult2 for the skin of the ox1 unlike that of the horse1 is loose1 and1 notwithstanding your saddle may be tightly girthed1 you keep rocking to and fro like a child in a cradle4 ,a few days1 however1 enables a person to acquire a certain steadiness1 and long habit will do the rest4 #a ,a ring instead of the stick put through the cartilage of the nose would obviate this difficulty4--,,author4 ,ox traveling1 when once a man becomes accustomed to it1 is not so disagreeable as might be expected1 particularly if one succeeds in obtaining a tractable animal4 ,on emergencies1 an ox can be made to proceed at a tolerable quick pace2 for1 though his walk is only about three miles an hour at an average1 he may be made to perform double that distance in the same time4 ,mr4 ,galton once accomplished #bd miles in four hours1 and that1 too1 through heavy sand6 ,cows will be found very useful upon long journeys when the rate of travel is slow1 as they furnish milk1 and in emergencies they may be worked in wagons4 ,i once saw a small cow yoked beside a large ox1 and driven about six hundred miles attached to a loaded wagon1 and she performed her part equally well with the ox4 ,it has been by no means an unusual thing for emigrant travelers to work cows in their teams4 ,the inhabitants of ,pembina1 on ,red ,river1 work a single ox harnessed in shafts like a horse1 and they transport a thousand pounds in a rude cart made entirely of wood1 without a particle of iron4 ,one man drives and takes the entire charge of eight or ten of these teams upon long journeys4 ,this is certainly a very economical method of transportation4 ,,stores ,,and ,,provisions4 ,supplies for a march should be put up in the most secure1 compact1 and portable shape4 ,bacon should be packed in strong sacks of a hundred pounds to each2 or1 in very hot climates1 put in boxes and surrounded with bran1 which in a great measure prevents the fat from melting away4 ,if pork be used1 in order to avoid transporting about forty per cent4 of useless weight1 it should be taken out of the barrels and packed like the bacon2 then so placed in the bottom of the wagons as to keep it cool4 ,the pork1 if well cured1 will keep several months in this way1 but bacon is preferable4 ,flour should be packed in stout double canvas sacks well sewed1 a hundred pounds in each sack4 ,butter may be preserved by boiling it thoroughly1 and skimming off the scum as it rises to the top until it is quite clear like oil4 ,it is then placed in tin canisters and soldered up4 ,this mode of preserving butter has been adopted in the hot climate of southern ,texas1 and it is found to keep sweet for a great length of time1 and its flavor is but little impaired by the process4 ,sugar may be well secured in ,india-rubber or gutta-percha sacks1 or so placed in the wagon as not to risk getting wet4 ,desiccated or dried vegetables are almost equal to the fresh1 and are put up in such a compact and portable form as easily to be transported over the plains4 ,they have been extensively used in the ,crimean war1 and by our own army in ,utah1 and have been very generally approved4 ,they are prepared by cutting the fresh vegetables into thin slices and subjecting them to a very powerful press1 which removes the juice and leaves a solid cake1 which1 after having been thoroughly dried in an oven1 becomes almost as hard as a rock4 ,a small piece of this1 about half the size of a man's hand1 when boiled1 swells up so as to fill a vegetable dish1 and is sufficient for four men4 ,it is believed that the antiscorbutic properties of vegetables are not impaired by desiccation1 and they will keep for years if not exposed to dampness4 ,canned vegetables are very good for campaigning1 but are not so portable as when put up in the other form4 ,the desiccated vegetables used in our army have been prepared by ,chollet and ,co41 #df ,rue ,richer1 ,paris4 ,there is an agency for them in ,new ,york4 ,i regard these compressed vegetables as the best preparation for prairie traveling that has yet been discovered4 ,a single ration weighs1 before being boiled1 only an ounce1 and a cubic yard contains #af1jjj rations4 ,in making up their outfit for the plains1 men are very prone to overload their teams with a great variety of useless articles4 ,it is a good rule to carry nothing more than is absolutely necessary for use upon the journey4 ,one can not expect1 with the limited allowance of transportation that emigrants usually have1 to indulge in luxuries upon such expeditions1 and articles for use in ,california can be purchased there at less cost than that of overland transport4 ,the allowance of provisions for men in marching should be much greater than when they take no exercise4 ,the army ration ,i have always found insufficient for soldiers who perform hard service1 yet it is ample for them when in quarters4 ,the following table shows the amount of subsistence consumed per day by each man of ,dr4 ,rae's party1 in his spring journey to the ,arctic regions of ,north ,america in #ahed3 ,pemmican #a4be lbs4 ,biscuit #j4be ,edward's preserved potatoes #j4aj ,flour #j4cc ,tea #j4jc ,sugar #j4ad ,grease or alcohol1 for cooking #j4be ---- #b4ce lbs4 ,this allowance of a little over two pounds of the most nutritious food was found barely sufficient to subsist the men in that cold climate4 ,the pemmican1 which constitutes almost the entire diet of the ,fur ,company's men in the ,northwest1 is prepared as follows3 ,the buffalo meat is cut into thin flakes1 and hung up to dry in the sun or before a slow fire2 it is then pounded between two stones and reduced to a powder2 this powder is placed in a bag of the animal's hide1 with the hair on the outside2 melted grease is then poured into it1 and the bag sewn up4 ,it can be eaten raw1 and many prefer it so4 ,mixed with a little flour and boiled1 it is a very wholesome and exceedingly nutritious food1 and will keep fresh for a long time4 ,i would advise all persons who travel for any considerable time through a country where they can procure no vegetables to carry with them some antiscorbutics1 and if they can not transport desiccated or canned vegetables1 citric acid answers a good purpose1 and is very portable4 ,when mixed with sugar and water1 with a few drops of the essence of lemon1 it is difficult to distinguish it from lemonade4 ,wild onions are excellent as antiscorbutics2 also wild grapes and greens4 ,an infusion of hemlock leaves is also said to be an antidote to scurvy4 ,the most portable and simple preparation of subsistence that ,i know of1 and which is used extensively by the ,mexicans and ,indians1 is called cold flour4 ,it is made by parching corn1 and pounding it in a mortar to the consistency of coarse meal2 a little sugar and cinnamon added makes it quite palatable4 ,when the traveler becomes hungry or thirsty1 a little of the flour is mixed with water and drunk4 ,it is an excellent article for a traveler who desires to go the greatest length of time upon the smallest amount of transportation4 ,it is said that half a bushel is sufficient to subsist a man thirty days4 ,persons undergoing severe labor1 and driven to great extremities for food1 will derive sustenance from various sources that would never occur to them under ordinary circumstances4 ,in passing over the ,rocky ,mountains during the winter of #aheg-h1 our supplies of provisions were entirely consumed eighteen days before reaching the first settlements in ,new ,mexico1 and we were obliged to resort to a variety of expedients to supply the deficiency4 ,our poor mules were fast failing and dropping down from exhaustion in the deep snows1 and our only dependence for the means of sustaining life was upon these starved animals as they became unserviceable and could go no farther4 ,we had no salt1 sugar1 coffee1 or tobacco1 which1 at a time when men are performing the severest labor that the human system is capable of enduring1 was a great privation4 ,in this destitute condition we found a substitute for tobacco in the bark of the red willow1 which grows upon many of the mountain streams in that vicinity4 ,the outer bark is first removed with a knife1 after which the inner bark is scraped up into ridges around the sticks1 and held in the fire until it is thoroughly roasted1 when it is taken off the stick1 pulverized in the hand1 and is ready for smoking4 ,it has the narcotic properties of the tobacco1 and is quite agreeable to the taste and smell4 ,the sumach leaf is also used by the ,indians in the same way1 and has a similar taste to the willow bark4 ,a decoction of the dried wild or horse mint1 which we found abundant under the snow1 was quite palatable1 and answered instead of coffee4 ,it dries up in that climate1 but does not lose its flavor4 ,we suffered greatly for the want of salt2 but1 by burning the outside of our mule steaks1 and sprinkling a little gunpowder upon them1 it did not require a very extensive stretch of the imagination to fancy the presence of both salt and pepper4 ,we tried the meat of horse1 colt1 and mules1 all of which were in a starved condition1 and of course not very tender1 juicy1 or nutritious4 ,we consumed the enormous amount of from five to six pounds of this meat per man daily1 but continued to grow weak and thin1 until1 at the expiration of twelve days1 we were able to perform but little labor1 and were continually craving for fat meat4 ,the allowance of provisions for each grown person1 to make the journey from the ,missouri ,river to ,california1 should suffice for #aaj days4 ,the following is deemed requisite1 viz43 #aej lbs4 of flour1 or its equivalent in hard bread2 #be lbs4 of bacon or pork1 and enough fresh beef to be driven on the hoof to make up the meat component of the ration2 #ae lbs4 of coffee1 and #be lbs4 of sugar2 also a quantity of saleratus or yeast powders for making bread1 and salt and pepper4 ,these are the chief articles of subsistence necessary for the trip1 and they should be used with economy1 reserving a good portion for the western half of the journey4 ,heretofore many of the ,california emigrants have improvidently exhausted their stocks of provisions before reaching their journey's end1 and have1 in many cases1 been obliged to pay the most exorbitant prices in making up the deficiency4 ,it is true that if persons choose to pass through ,salt ,lake ,city1 and the ,mormons happen to be in an amiable mood1 supplies may sometimes be procured from them2 but those who have visited them well know how little reliance is to be placed upon their hospitality or spirit of accommodation4 ,i once traveled with a party of ,new ,yorkers en route for ,california4 ,they were perfectly ignorant of every thing relating to this kind of campaigning1 and had overloaded their wagons with almost every thing except the very articles most important and necessary2 the consequence was1 that they exhausted their teams1 and were obliged to throw away the greater part of their loading4 ,they soon learned that ,champagne1 ,east ,india sweetmeats1 olives1 etc41 etc41 were not the most useful articles for a prairie tour4 ,,clothing4 ,a suitable dress for prairie traveling is of great import to health and comfort4 ,cotton or linen fabrics do not sufficiently protect the body against the direct rays of the sun at midday1 nor against rains or sudden changes of temperature4 ,wool1 being a non-conductor1 is the best material for this mode of locomotion1 and should always be adopted for the plains4 ,the coat should be short and stout1 the shirt of red or blue flannel1 such as can be found in almost all the shops on the frontier3 this1 in warm weather1 answers for an outside garment4 ,the pants should be of thick and soft woolen material1 and it is well to have them re-enforced on the inside1 where they come in contact with the saddle1 with soft buckskin1 which makes them more durable and comfortable4 ,woolen socks and stout boots1 coming up well at the knees1 and made large1 so as to admit the pants1 will be found the best for horsemen1 and they guard against rattlesnake bites4 ,in traveling through deep snow during very cold weather in winter1 moccasins are preferable to boots or shoes1 as being more pliable1 and allowing a freer circulation of the blood4 ,in crossing the ,rocky ,mountains in the winter1 the weather being intensely cold1 ,i wore two pairs of woolen socks1 and a square piece of thick blanket sufficient to cover the feet and ankles1 over which were drawn a pair of thick buckskin moccasins1 and the whole enveloped in a pair of buffalo-skin boots with the hair inside1 made open in the front and tied with buckskin strings4 ,at the same time ,i wore a pair of elkskin pants1 which most effectually prevented the air from penetrating to the skin1 and made an excellent defense against brush and thorns4 ,my men1 who were dressed in the regulation clothing1 wore out their pants and shoes before we reached the summit of the mountains1 and many of them had their feet badly frozen in consequence4 ,they mended their shoes with pieces of leather cut from the saddle-skirts as long as they lasted1 and1 when this material was gone1 they covered the entire shoe with green beeve or mule hide1 drawn together and sewed upon the top1 with the hair inside1 which protected the upper as well as the sole leather4 ,the sewing was done with an awl and buckskin strings4 ,these simple expedients contributed greatly to the comfort of the party2 and1 indeed1 ,i am by no means sure that they did not1 in our straitened condition1 without the transportation necessary for carrying disabled men1 save the lives of some of them4 ,without the awl and buckskins we should have been unable to have repaired the shoes4 ,they should never be forgotten in making up the outfit for a prairie expedition4 ,we also experienced great inconvenience and pain by the reflection of the sun's rays from the snow upon our eyes1 and some of the party became nearly snow-blind4 ,green or blue glasses1 inclosed in a wire net-work1 are an effectual protection to the eyes2 but1 in the absence of these1 the skin around the eyes and upon the nose should be blackened with wet powder or charcoal1 which will afford great relief4 ,in the summer season shoes are much better for footmen than boots1 as they are lighter1 and do not cramp the ankles2 the soles should be broad1 so as to allow a square1 firm tread1 without distorting or pinching the feet4 ,the following list of articles is deemed a sufficient outfit for one man upon a three months' expedition1 viz43 #b blue or red flannel overshirts1 open in front1 with buttons4 #b woolen undershirts4 #b pairs thick cotton drawers4 #d pairs woolen socks4 #b pairs cotton socks4 #d colored silk handkerchiefs4 #b pairs stout shoes1 for footmen4 #a pair boots1 for horsemen4 #a pair shoes1 for horsemen4 #c towels4 #a gutta percha poncho4 #a broad-brimmed hat of soft felt4 #a comb and brush4 #b tooth-brushes4 #a pound ,castile soap4 #c pounds bar soap for washing clothes4 #a belt-knife and small whetstone4 ,stout linen thread1 large needles1 a bit of beeswax1 a few buttons1 paper of pins1 and a thimble1 all contained in a small buckskin or stout cloth bag4 ,the foregoing articles1 with the coat and overcoat1 complete the wardrobe4 ,,camp ,,equipage4 ,the bedding for each person should consist of two blankets1 a comforter1 and a pillow1 and a gutta percha or painted canvas cloth to spread beneath the bed upon the ground1 and to contain it when rolled up for transportation4 ,every mess of six or eight persons will require a wrought-iron camp kettle1 large enough for boiling meat and making soup2 a coffee-pot and cups of heavy tin1 with the handles riveted on2 tin plates1 frying and bake pans of wrought iron1 the latter for baking bread and roasting coffee4 ,also a mess pan of heavy tin or wrought iron for mixing bread and other culinary purposes2 knives1 forks1 and spoons2 an extra camp kettle2 tin or gutta percha bucket for water--wood1 being liable to shrink and fall to pieces1 is not deemed suitable2 an axe1 hatchet1 and spade will also be needed1 with a mallet for driving picket-pins4 ,matches should be carried in bottles and corked tight1 so as to exclude the moisture4 ,a little blue mass1 quinine1 opium1 and some cathartic medicine1 put up in doses for adults1 will suffice for the medicine-chest4 ,each ox wagon should be provided with a covered tar-bucket1 filled with a mixture of tar or resin and grease1 two bows extra1 six ,s's1 and six open links for repairing chains4 ,every set of six wagons should have a tongue1 coupling pole1 king-bolt1 and pair of hounds extra4 ,every set of six mule wagons should be furnished with five pairs of hames1 two double trees1 four whipple-trees1 and two pairs of lead bars extra4 ,two lariats will be needed for every horse and mule1 as one generally wears out before reaching the end of a long journey4 ,they will be found useful in crossing deep streams1 and in letting wagons down steep hills and mountains2 also in repairing broken wagons4 ,lariats made of hemp are the best4 ,one of the most indispensable articles to the outfit of the prairie traveler is buckskin4 ,for repairing harness1 saddles1 bridles1 and numerous other purposes of daily necessity1 the awl and buckskin will be found in constant requisition4 ,,arms4 ,every man who goes into the ,indian country should be armed with a rifle and revolver1 and he should never1 either in camp or out of it1 lose sight of them4 ,when not on the march1 they should be placed in such a position that they can be seized at an instant's warning2 and when moving about outside the camp1 the revolver should invariably be worn in the belt1 as the person does not know at what moment he may have use for it4 ,a great diversity of opinion obtains regarding the kind of rifle that is the most efficient and best adapted to ,indian warfare1 and the question is perhaps as yet very far from being settled to the satisfaction of all4 ,a large majority of men prefer the breech-loading arm1 but there are those who still adhere tenaciously to the old-fashioned muzzle-loading rifle as preferable to any of the modern inventions4 ,among these may be mentioned the border hunters and mountaineers1 who can not be persuaded to use any other than the ,hawkins rifle1 for the reason that they know nothing about the merits of any others4 ,my own experience has forced me to the conclusion that the breech-loading arm possesses great advantages over the muzzle-loading1 for the reason that it can be charged and fired with much greater rapidity4 ,colt's revolving pistol is very generally admitted1 both in ,europe and ,america1 to be the most efficient arm of its kind known at the present day4 ,as the same principles are involved in the fabrication of his breech-loading rifle as are found in the pistol1 the conviction to me is irresistible that1 if one arm is worthy of consideration1 the other is equally so4 ,for my own part1 ,i look upon ,colt's new patent rifle as a most excellent arm for border service4 ,it gives six shots in more rapid succession than any other rifle ,i know of1 and these1 if properly expended1 are oftentimes sufficient to decide a contest2 moreover1 it is the most reliable and certain weapon to fire that ,i have ever used1 and ,i can not resist the force of my conviction that1 if ,i were alone upon the prairies1 and expected an attack from a body of ,indians1 ,i am not acquainted with any arm ,i would as soon have in my hands as this4 ,the army and navy revolvers have both been used in our army1 but the officers are not united in opinion in regard to their relative merits4 ,i prefer the large army size1 for reasons which will be given hereafter4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,marching4 ,treatment of ,animals4 ,water4 ,different methods of finding and purifying it4 ,journadas4 ,methods of crossing them4 ,advance and ,rear ,guards4 ,selection of ,camp4 ,sanitary ,considerations4 ,dr4 ,jackson's ,report4 ,picket ,guards4 ,stampedes4 ,how to prevent them4 ,corraling ,wagons4 ,,marching4 ,the success of a long expedition through an unpopulated country depends mainly on the care taken of the animals1 and the manner in which they are driven1 herded1 and guarded4 ,if they are broken down or lost1 every thing must be sacrificed1 and the party becomes perfectly helpless4 ,the great error into which inexperienced travelers are liable to fall1 and which probably occasions more suffering and disaster than almost any thing else1 lies in overworking their cattle at the commencement of the journey4 ,to obviate this1 short and easy drives should be made until the teams become habituated to their work1 and gradually inured to this particular method of traveling4 ,if animals are overloaded and overworked when they first start out into the prairies1 especially if they have recently been taken from grain1 they soon fall away1 and give out before reaching the end of the journey4 ,grass and water are abundant and good upon the eastern portions of all the different overland routes2 animals should not1 therefore1 with proper care1 fall away in the least before reaching the mountains1 as west of them are long stretches where grass and water are scarce1 and it requires the full amount of strength and vigor of animals in good condition to endure the fatigues and hard labor attendant upon the passage of these deserts4 ,drivers should be closely watched1 and never1 unless absolutely necessary1 permitted to beat their animals1 or to force them out of a walk1 as this will soon break down the best teams4 ,those teamsters who make the least use of the whip invariably keep their animals in the best condition4 ,unless the drivers are checked at the outset1 they are very apt to fall into the habit of flogging their teams4 ,it is not only wholly unnecessary but cruel1 and should never be tolerated4 ,in traveling with ox teams in the summer season1 great benefit will be derived from making early marches2 starting with the dawn1 and making a nooning during the heat of the day1 as oxen suffer much from the heat of the sun in midsummer4 ,these noon halts should1 if possible1 be so arranged as to be near grass and water1 where the animals can improve their time in grazing4 ,when it gets cool they may be hitched to the wagons again1 and the journey continued in the afternoon4 ,sixteen or eighteen miles a day may thus be made without injury to the beasts1 and longer drives can never be expedient1 unless in order to reach grass or water4 ,when the requisites for encamping can not be found at the desired intervals1 it is better for the animals to make a very long drive than to encamp without water or grass4 ,the noon halt in such cases may be made without water1 and the evening drive lengthened4 ,,water4 ,the scarcity of water upon some of the routes across the plains occasionally exposes the traveler to intense suffering1 and renders it a matter of much importance for him to learn the best methods of guarding against the disasters liable to occur to men and animals in the absence of this most necessary element4 ,in mountainous districts water can generally be found either in springs1 the dry beds of streams1 or in holes in the rocks1 where they are sheltered from rapid evaporation4 ,for example1 in the ,hueco tanks1 thirty miles east of ,el ,paso1 ,new ,mexico1 upon the ,fort ,smith road1 where there is an immense reservoir in a cave1 water can always be found4 ,this reservoir receives the drainage of a mountain4 ,during a season of the year when there are occasional showers1 water will generally be found in low places where there is a substratum of clay1 but after the dry season has set in these pools evaporate1 and it is necessary to dig wells4 ,the lowest spots should be selected for this purpose when the grass is green and the surface earth moist4 ,in searching for water along the dry sandy beds of streams1 it is well to try the earth with a stick or ramrod1 and if this indicates moisture water will generally be obtained by excavation4 ,streams often sink in light and porous sand1 and sometimes make their appearance again lower down1 where the bed is more tenacious2 but it is a rule with prairie travelers1 in searching for water in a sandy country1 to ascend the streams1 and the nearer their sources are approached the more water will be found in a dry season4 ,where it becomes necessary to sink a well in a stream the bed of which is quicksand1 a flour-barrel1 perforated with small holes1 should be used as a curb1 to prevent the sand from caving in4 ,the barrel must be forced down as the sand is removed2 and when1 as is often the case1 there is an undercurrent through the sand1 the well will be continually filled with water4 ,there are many indications of water known to old campaigners1 although none of them are absolutely infallible4 ,the most certain of them are deep green cottonwood or willow trees growing in depressed localities2 also flags1 water-rushes1 tall green grass1 etc4 ,the fresh tracks and trails of animals converging toward a common centre1 and the flight of birds and water-fowl toward the same points1 will also lead to water4 ,in a section frequented by deer or mustangs1 it may be certain that water is not far distant1 as these animals drink daily1 and they will not remain long in a locality after the water has dried up4 ,deer generally go to water during the middle of the day1 but birds toward evening4 ,a supply of drinking water may be obtained during a shower from the drippings of a tent1 or by suspending a cloth or blanket by the four corners and hanging a small weight to the centre1 so as to allow all the rain to run toward one point1 from whence it drops into a vessel beneath4 ,india-rubber1 gutta-percha1 or painted canvas cloths answer a very good purpose for catching water during a rain1 but they should be previously well washed1 to prevent them from imparting a bad taste4 ,when there are heavy dews water may be collected by spreading out a blanket with a stick attached to one end1 tying a rope to it1 dragging it over the grass1 and wringing out the water as it accumulates4 ,in some parts of ,australia this method is practiced4 ,in traversing the country upon the head waters of ,red ,river during the summer of #aheb1 we suffered most severely from thirst1 having nothing but the acrid and bitter waters from the river1 which1 issuing from a gypsum formation1 was highly charged with salts1 and1 when taken into the stomach1 did not quench thirst in the slightest degree1 but1 on the contrary1 produced a most painful and burning sensation1 accompanied with diarrhoea4 ,during the four days that we were compelled to drink this water the thermometer rose to #ajd deg4 in the shade1 and the only relief we found was from bathing in the river4 ,the use of water is a matter of habit1 very much within our control1 as by practice we may discipline ourselves so as to require but a small amount4 ,some persons1 for example1 who place no restraint upon their appetites1 will1 if they can get it1 drink water twenty times a day1 while others will not perhaps drink more than once or twice during the same time4 ,i have found a very effectual preventive to thirst by drinking a large quantity of water before breakfast1 and1 on feeling thirsty on the march1 chewing a small green twig or leaf4 ,water taken from stagnant pools1 charged with putrid vegetable matter and animalculae1 would be very likely to generate fevers and dysenteries if taken into the stomach without purification4 ,it should therefore be thoroughly boiled1 and all the scum removed from the surface as it rises2 this clarifies it1 and by mixing powdered charcoal with it the disinfecting process is perfected4 ,water may also be purified by placing a piece of alum in the end of a stick that has been split1 and stirring it around in a bucket of water4 ,charcoal and the leaves of the prickly pear are also used for the same purpose4 ,i have recently seen a compact and portable filter1 made of charcoal1 which clarifies the water very effectually1 and draws it off on the siphon principle4 ,it can be obtained at #he ,west ,street1 ,new ,york1 for one dollar and a half4 ,water may be partially filtered in a muddy pond by taking a barrel and boring the lower half full of holes1 then filling it up with grass or moss above the upper holes1 after which it is placed in the pond with the top above the surface4 ,the water filters through the grass or moss1 and rises in the barrel to a level with the pond4 ,travelers frequently drink muddy water by placing a cloth or handkerchief over the mouth of a cup to catch the larger particles of dirt and animalculae4 ,water may be cooled so as to be quite palatable by wrapping cloths around the vessels containing it1 wetting them1 and hanging them in the air1 where a rapid evaporation will be produced4 ,some of the frontier-men use a leathern sack for carrying water3 this is porous1 and allows the necessary evaporation without wetting4 ,the ,arabs also use a leathern bottle1 which they call zemsemiyah4 ,when they are en route they hang it on the shady side of a camel1 where the evaporation keeps the water continually cool4 ,no expedition should ever set out into the plains without being supplied with the means for carrying water1 especially in an unknown region4 ,if wooden kegs are used they must frequently be looked after1 and soaked1 in order that they may not shrink and fall to pieces4 ,men1 in marching in a hot climate1 throw off a great amount of perspiration from the skin1 and require a corresponding quantity of water to supply the deficiency1 and unless they get this they suffer greatly4 ,when a party makes an expedition into a desert section1 where there is a probability of finding no water1 and intend to return over the same track1 it is well to carry water as far as convenient1 and bury it in the ground for use on the return trip4 ,captain ,sturt1 when he explored ,australia1 took a tank in his cart1 which burst1 and1 besides that1 he carried casks of water4 ,by these he was enabled to face a desert country with a success which no traveler had ever attained to4 ,for instance1 when returning homeward1 the water was found to be drying up from the country on all sides of him4 ,he was at a pool1 and the next stage was #aah miles1 at the end of which it was doubtful if there remained any water4 ,it was necessary to send to reconnoitre1 and to furnish the messenger with means of returning should the pool be found dry4 ,he killed a bullock1 skinned it1 and1 filling the skin with water 7which held #aej gallons71 sent it by an ox dray #cj miles1 with orders to bury it and to return4 ,shortly after he dispatched a light one-horse cart1 carrying #cf gallons of water2 the horse and man were to drink at the hide and go on4 ,thus they had #cf gallons to supply them for a journey of #agf miles1 or six days at #cj miles a day1 at the close of which they would return to the ox hide--sleeping1 in fact1 five nights on #cf gallons of water4 ,this a hardy1 well-driven horse could do1 even in the hottest climate4#b #b ,f4 ,galton's ,art of ,travel1 p4 #ag and #ah4 ,,journadas4 ,in some localities #ej or #fj miles1 and even greater distances1 are frequently traversed without water2 these long stretches are called by the ,mexicans journadas1 or day's journeys4 ,there is one in ,new ,mexico called ,journada del ,muerto1 which is #gh-a_/b miles in length1 where1 in a dry season1 there is not a drop of water2 yet1 with proper care1 this drive can be made with ox or mule teams1 and without loss or injury to the animals4 ,on arriving at the last camping-ground before entering upon the journada1 all the animals should be as well rested and refreshed as possible4 ,to insure this1 they must be turned out upon the best grass that can be found1 and allowed to eat and drink as much as they desire during the entire halt4 ,should the weather be very warm1 and the teams composed of oxen1 the march should not be resumed until it begins to cool in the afternoon4 ,they should be carefully watered just previous to being hitched up and started out upon the journada1 the water-kegs having been previously filled4 ,the drive is then commenced1 and continued during the entire night1 with #aj or #ae minutes rest every two hours4 ,about daylight a halt should be made1 and the animals immediately turned out to graze for two hours1 during which time1 especially if there is dew upon the grass1 they will have become considerably refreshed1 and may be put to the wagons again and driven until the heat becomes oppressive toward noon1 when they are again turned out upon a spot where the grass is good1 and1 if possible1 where there are shade trees4 ,about four o'clock ,p4,m4 they are again started1 and the march continued into the night1 and as long as they can be driven without suffering4 ,if1 however1 there should be dew1 which is seldom the case on the plains1 it would be well to turn out the animals several times during the second night1 and by morning1 if they are in good condition1 the journada of #gj or #hj miles will have been passed without any great amount of suffering4 ,i am supposing1 in this case1 that the road is firm and free from sand4 ,many persons have been under the impression that animals1 in traversing the plains1 would perform better and keep in better condition by allowing them to graze in the morning before commencing the day's march1 which involves the necessity of making late starts1 and driving during the heat of the day4 ,the same persons have been of the opinion that animals will graze only at particular hours2 that the remainder of the day must be allowed them for rest and sleep1 and that1 unless these rules be observed1 they would not thrive4 ,this opinion is1 however1 erroneous1 as animals will in a few days adapt themselves to any circumstances1 so far as regards their hours of labor1 rest1 and refreshment4 ,if they have been accustomed to work at particular periods of the day1 and the order of things is suddenly reversed1 the working hours changed into hours of rest1 and vice versa1 they may not do as well for a short time1 but they will soon accustom themselves to the change1 and eat and rest as well as before4 ,by making early drives during the summer months the heat of the day is avoided1 whereas1 ,i repeat1 if allowed to graze before starting1 the march can not commence until it grows warm1 when animals1 especially oxen1 will suffer greatly from the heat of the sun1 and will not do as well as when the other plan is pursued4 ,oxen upon a long journey will sometimes wear down their hoofs and become lame4 ,when this occurs1 a thick piece of raw hide wrapped around the foot and tied firmly to the leg will obviate the difficulty1 provided the weather is not wet2 for if so1 the shoe soon wears out4 ,mexican and ,indian horses and mules will make long journeys without being shod1 as their hoofs are tough and elastic1 and wear away very gradually2 they will1 however1 in time become very smooth1 making it difficult for them to travel upon grass4 ,a train of wagons should always be kept closed upon a march2 and if1 as often happens1 a particular wagon gets out of order and is obliged to halt1 it should be turned out of the road1 to let the others pass while the injury is being repaired4 ,as soon as the broken wagon is in order1 it should fall into the line wherever it happens to be4 ,in the event of a wagon breaking down so as to require important repairs1 men should be immediately dispatched with the necessary tools and materials1 which should be placed in the train where they can readily be got at1 and a guard should be left to escort the wagon to camp after having been repaired4 ,if1 however1 the damage be so serious as to require any great length of time to repair it1 the load should be transferred to other wagons1 so that the team which is left behind will be able to travel rapidly and overtake the train4 ,if the broken wagon is a poor one1 and there be abundance of better ones1 the accident being such as to involve much delay for its repair1 it may be wise to abandon it1 taking from it such parts as may possibly be wanted in repairing other wagons4 ,,advance ,,and ,,rear ,,guards4 ,a few men1 well mounted1 should constitute the advance and rear guards for each train of wagons passing through the ,indian country4 ,their duty will be to keep a vigilant look-out in all directions1 and to reconnoitre places where ,indians would be likely to lie in ambush4 ,should hostile ,indians be discovered1 the fact should be at once reported to the commander1 who 7if he anticipates an attack7 will rapidly form his wagons into a circle or corral1 with the animals toward the centre1 and the men on the inside1 with their arms in readiness to repel an attack from without4 ,if these arrangements be properly attended to1 few parties of ,indians will venture to make an attack1 as they are well aware that some of their warriors might pay with their lives the forfeit of such indiscretion4 ,i know an instance where one resolute man1 pursued for several days by a large party of ,comanches on the ,santa ,fe trace1 defended himself by dismounting and pointing his rifle at the foremost whenever they came near him1 which always had the effect of turning them back4 ,this was repeated so often that the ,indians finally abandoned the pursuit1 and left the traveler to pursue his journey without farther molestation4 ,during all this time he did not discharge his rifle2 had he done so he would doubtless have been killed4 ,,selection ,,of ,,camps4 ,the security of animals1 and1 indeed1 the general safety of a party1 in traveling through a country occupied by hostile ,indians1 depends greatly upon the judicious selection of camps4 ,one of the most important considerations that should influence the choice of a locality is its capability for defense4 ,if the camp be pitched beside a stream1 a concave bend1 where the water is deep1 with a soft alluvial bed inclosed by high and abrupt banks1 will be the most defensible1 and all the more should the concavity form a peninsula4 ,the advantages of such a position are obvious to a soldier's eye1 as that part of the encampment inclosed by the stream is naturally secure1 and leaves only one side to be defended4 ,the concavity of the bend will enable the defending party to cross its fire in case of attack from the exposed side4 ,the bend of the stream will also form an excellent corral in which to secure animals from a stampede1 and thereby diminish the number of sentinels needful around the camp4 ,in herding animals at night within the bend of a stream1 a spot should be selected where no clumps of brush grow on the side where the animals are posted4 ,if thickets of brush can not be avoided1 sentinels should be placed near them1 to guard against ,indians1 who might take advantage of this cover to steal animals1 or shoot them down with arrows1 before their presence were known4 ,in camping away from streams1 it is advisable to select a position in which one or more sides of the encampment shall rest upon the crest of an abrupt hill or bluff4 ,the prairie ,indians make their camps upon the summits of the hills1 whence they can see in all directions1 and thus avoid a surprise4 ,the line of tents should be pitched on that side of the camp most exposed to attack1 and sentinels so posted that they may give alarm in time for the main body to rally and prepare for defense4 ,,sanitary ,,considerations4 ,when camping near rivers and lakes surrounded by large bodies of timber and a luxuriant vegetation1 which produces a great amount of decomposition and consequent exhalations of malaria1 it is important to ascertain what localities will be the least likely to generate disease1 and to affect the sanitary condition of men occupying them4 ,this subject has been thoroughly examined by ,dr4 ,robert ,johnson1 ,inspector ,general of ,hospitals in the ,english army in #ahde2 and1 as his conclusions are deduced from enlarged experience and extended research1 they should have great weight4 ,i shall therefore make no apology for introducing here a few extracts from his interesting report touching upon this subject3 ,it is consonant with the experience of military people1 in all ages and in all countries1 that camp diseases most abound near the muddy banks of large rivers1 near swamps and ponds1 and on grounds which have been recently stripped of their woods4 ,the fact is precise1 but it has been set aside to make way for an opinion4 ,it was assumed1 about half a century since1 by a celebrated army physician1 that camp diseases originated from causes of putrefaction1 and that putrefaction is connected radically with a stagnant condition of the air4 ,as streams of air usually proceed along rivers with more certainty and force than in other places1 and as there is evidently a more certain movement of air1 that is1 more wind on open grounds than among woods and thickets1 this sole consideration1 without any regard to experience1 influenced opinion1 gave currency to the destructive maxim that the banks of rivers1 open grounds1 and exposed heights are the most eligible situations for the encampment of troops4 ,they are the best ventilated2 they must1 if the theory be true1 be the most healthy4 ,the fact is the reverse2 but1 demonstrative as the fact may be1 fashion has more influence than multiplied examples of fact experimentally proved4 ,encampments are still formed in the vicinity of swamps1 or on grounds which are newly cleared of their woods1 in obedience to theory1 and contrary to fact4 ,it is prudent1 as now said1 in selecting ground for encampment1 to avoid the immediate vicinity of swamps and rivers4 ,the air is there noxious2 but1 as its influence thence originating does not extend beyond a certain limit1 it is a matter of some importance to ascertain to what distance it does extend2 because1 if circumstances do not permit that the encampment be removed out of its reach1 prudence directs that remedies be applied to weaken the force of its pernicious impressions4 ,the remedies consist in the interposition of rising grounds1 woods1 or such other impediments as serve to break the current in its progress from the noxious source4 ,it is an obvious fact1 that the noxious cause1 or the exhalation in which it is enveloped1 ascends as it traverses the adjacent plain1 and that its impression is augmented by the adventitious force with which it strikes upon the subject of its action4 ,it is thus that a position of three hundred paces from the margin of a swamp1 on a level with the swamp itself1 or but moderately elevated1 is less unhealthy than one at six hundred on the same line of direction on an exposed height4 ,the cause here strikes fully in its ascent2 and as the atmosphere has a more varied temperature1 and the succussions of the air are more irregular on the height than on the plain1 the impression is more forcible1 and the noxious effect more strongly marked4 ,in accord with this principle1 it is almost uniformly true1 coeteris paribus1 that diseases are more common1 at least more violent1 in broken1 irregular1 and hilly countries1 where the temperature is liable to sudden changes1 and where blasts descend with fury from the mountains1 than in large and extensive inclined plains under the action of equal and gentle breezes only4 ,from this fact it becomes an object of the first consideration1 in selecting ground for encampment1 to guard against the impression of strong winds on their own account1 independently of their proceeding from swamps1 rivers1 and noxious soils4 ,it is proved by experience1 in armies as in civil life1 that injury does not often result from simple wetting with rain when the person is fairly exposed in the open air1 and habitually inured to the contingencies of weather4 ,irregular troops1 which act in the advanced line of armies1 and which have no other shelter from weather than a hedge or tree1 rarely experience sickness--never1 at least1 the sickness which proceeds from contagion2 hence it is inferred that the shelter of tents is not necessary for the preservation of health4 ,irregular troops1 with contingent shelter only1 are comparatively healthy1 while sickness often rages with violence in the same scene1 among those who have all the protection against the inclemencies of weather which can be furnished by canvas4 ,the fact is verified by experience1 and the cause of it is not of difficult explanation4 ,when the earth is damp1 the action of heat on its surface occasions the interior moisture to ascend4 ,the heat of the bodies of a given number of men1 confined within a tent of a given dimension1 raises the temperature within the tent beyond the temperature of the common air outside the tent4 ,the ascent of moisture is thus encouraged1 generally by a change of temperature in the tent1 and more particularly by the immediate or near contact of the heated bodies of the men with the surface of the earth4 ,moisture1 as exhaled from the earth1 is considered by observers of fact to be a cause which acts injuriously on health4 ,produced artificially by the accumulation of individuals in close tents1 it may reasonably be supposed to produce its usual effects on armies4 ,a cause of contagious influence1 of fatal effect1 is thus generated by accumulating soldiers in close and crowded tents1 under the pretext of defending them from the inclemencies of the weather2 and hence it is that the means which are provided for the preservation of health are actually the causes of destruction of life4 ,there are two causes which more evidently act upon the health of troops in the field than any other1 namely1 moisture exhaled direct from the surface of the earth in undue quantity1 and emanations of a peculiar character arising from diseased action in the animal system in a mass of men crowded together4 ,these are principal1 and they are important4 ,the noxious effects may be obviated1 or rather the noxious cause will not be generated1 under the following arrangement1 namely1 a carpet of painted canvas for the floor of the tent2 a tent with a light roof1 as defense against perpendicular rain or the rays of a vertical sun2 and with side walls of moderate height1 to be employed only against driving rains4 ,to the first there can be no objection3 it is useful1 as preventing the exhalations of moisture from the surface of the earth2 it is convenient1 as always ready2 and it is economical1 as less expensive than straw4 ,it requires to be fresh painted only once a year4 ,the effect of crowding men together in close quarters1 illy ventilated1 was shown in the prisons of ,hindostan1 where at one time1 when the ,english held sway1 they had1 on an average1 #dj1jjj natives in confinement2 and this unfortunate population was every year liberated by death in proportions varying from #djjj to #aj1jjj4 ,the annual average mortality by crowded and unventilated barracks in the ,english army has sometimes been enormous1 as at ,barrackpore1 where it seldom fell far short of one tenth2 that is to say1 its garrisons were every year decimated by fever or cholera1 while the officers and other inhabitants1 who lived in well-ventilated houses1 did not find the place particularly unhealthy4 ,the same fact of general exemption among the officers1 and complete exemption among their wives1 was observed in the marching regiments1 which lost by cholera from one tenth to one sixth of the enlisted men1 who were packed together at night ten and twelve in a tent1 with the thermometer at #if deg44 ,the dimensions of the celebrated ,black ,hole of ,calcutta--where in #agef1 #abc prisoners out of #adj died by carbonic acid in one night--was but eighteen feet square1 and with but two small windows4 ,most of the twenty-three who survived until morning were seized with putrid fever and died very soon afterward4 ,on the #ast of ,december1 #ahdh1 #aej deck passengers of the steamer ,londonderry were ordered below by the captain and the hatches closed upon them3 seventy were found dead the next morning4 ,the streams which intersect our great prairies have but a very sparse growth of wood or vegetation upon their banks1 so that one of the fundamental causes for the generation of noxious malaria does not1 to any great extent1 exist here1 and ,i believe that persons may encamp with impunity directly upon their banks4 ,,picket ,,guards4 ,when a party is sufficiently strong1 a picket guard should be stationed during the night some two or three hundred yards in advance of the point which is most open to assault1 and on low ground1 so that an enemy approaching over the surrounding higher country can be seen against the sky1 while the sentinel himself is screened from observation4 ,these sentinels should not be allowed to keep fires1 unless they are so placed that they can not be seen from a distance4 ,during the day the pickets should be posted on the summits of the highest eminences in the vicinity of camp1 with instructions to keep a vigilant lookout in all directions2 and1 if not within hailing distance1 they should be instructed to give some well-understood telegraphic signals to inform those in camp when there is danger4 ,for example1 should ,indians be discovered approaching at a great distance1 they may raise their caps upon the muzzles of their pieces1 and at the same time walk around in a circle2 while1 if the ,indians are near and moving rapidly1 the sentinel may swing his cap and run around rapidly in a circle4 ,to indicate the direction from which the ,indians are approaching1 he may direct his piece toward them1 and walk in the same line of direction4 ,should the pickets suddenly discover a party of ,indians very near1 and with the apparent intention of making an attack1 they should fire their pieces to give the alarm to the camp4 ,these telegraphic signals1 when well understood and enforced1 will tend greatly to facilitate the communication of intelligence throughout the camp1 and conduce much to its security4 ,the picket guards should receive minute and strict orders regarding their duties under all circumstances1 and these orders should be distinctly understood by every one in the camp1 so that no false alarms will be created4 ,all persons1 with the exception of the guards and herders1 should after dark be confined to the limits of the chain of sentinels1 so that1 if any one is seen approaching from without these limits1 it will be known that they are strangers4 ,as there will not often be occasion for any one to pass the chain of pickets during the night1 it is a good rule 7especially if the party is small71 when a picket sentinel discovers any one lurking about his post from without1 if he has not himself been seen1 to quietly withdraw and report the fact to the commander1 who can wake his men and make his arrangements to repel an attack and protect his animals4 ,if1 however1 the man upon the picket has been seen1 he should distinctly challenge the approaching party1 and if he receives no answer1 fire1 and retreat to camp to report the fact4 ,it is of the utmost importance that picket guards should be wide awake1 and allow nothing to escape their observation1 as the safety of the whole camp is involved4 ,during a dark night a man can see better himself1 and is less exposed to the view of others1 when in a sitting posture than when standing up or moving about4 ,i would therefore recommend this practice for night pickets4 ,horses and mules 7especially the latter71 whose senses of hearing and smelling are probably more acute than those of almost any other animals1 will discover any thing strange or unusual about camp much sooner than a man4 ,they indicate this by turning in the direction from whence the object is approaching1 holding their heads erect1 projecting their ears forward1 and standing in a fixed and attentive attitude4 ,they exhibit the same signs of alarm when a wolf or other wild animal approaches the camp2 but it is always wise1 when they show fear in this manner1 to be on the alert till the cause is ascertained4 ,mules are very keenly sensitive to danger1 and1 in passing along over the prairies1 they will often detect the proximity of strangers long before they are discovered by their riders4 ,nothing seems to escape their observation2 and ,i have heard of several instances where they have given timely notice of the approach of hostile ,indians1 and thus prevented stampedes4 ,dogs are sometimes good sentinels1 but they often sleep sound1 and are not easily awakened on the approach of an enemy4 ,in marching with large force1 unless there is a guide who knows the country1 a small party should always be sent in advance to search for good camping-places1 and these parties should be dispatched early enough to return and meet the main command in the event of not finding a camping-place within the limits of the day's march4 ,a regiment should average upon the prairies1 where the roads are good1 about eighteen miles a day1 but1 if necessary1 it can make #be or even #cj miles4 ,the advance party should therefore go as far as the command can march1 provided the requisites for camping are not found within that distance4 ,the article of first importance in campaigning is grass1 the next water1 and the last fuel4 ,it is the practice of most persons traveling with large ox trains to select their camps upon the summit of a hill1 where the surrounding country in all directions can be seen4 ,their cattle are then continually within view from the camp1 and can be guarded easily4 ,when a halt is made the wagons are corraled1 as it is called1 by bringing the two front ones near and parallel to each other4 ,the two next are then driven up on the outside of these1 with the front wheels of the former touching the rear wheels of the latter1 the rear of the wagons turned out upon the circumference of the circle that is being formed1 and so on until one half the circle is made1 when the rear of the wagons are turned in to complete the circle4 ,an opening of about twenty yards should be left between the last two wagons for animals to pass in and out of the corral1 and this may be closed with two ropes stretched between the wagons4 ,such a corral forms an excellent and secure barricade against ,indian attacks1 and a good inclosure for cattle while they are being yoked2 indeed1 it is indispensable4 ,,stampedes4 ,inclosures are made in the same manner for horses and mules1 and1 in case of an attempt to stampede them1 they should be driven with all possible dispatch into the corral1 where they will be perfectly secure4 ,a stampede is more to be dreaded upon the plains than almost any disaster that can happen4 ,it not unfrequently occurs that very many animals are irretrievably lost in this way1 and the objects of an expedition thus defeated4 ,the ,indians are perfectly familiar with the habits and disposition of horses and mules1 and with the most effectual methods of terrifying them4 ,previous to attempting a stampede1 they provide themselves with rattles and other means for making frightful noises2 thus prepared1 they approach as near the herds as possible without being seen1 and suddenly1 with their horses at full speed1 rush in among them1 making the most hideous and unearthly screams and noises to terrify them1 and drive them off before their astonished owners are able to rally and secure them4 ,as soon as the animals are started the ,indians divide their party1 leaving a portion to hurry them off rapidly1 while the rest linger some distance in the rear1 to resist those who may pursue them4 ,horses and mules will sometimes1 especially in the night1 become frightened and stampeded from very slight causes4 ,a wolf or a deer passing through a herd will often alarm them1 and cause them to break away in the most frantic manner4 ,upon one occasion in the ,choctaw country1 my entire herd of about two hundred horses and mules all stampeded in the night1 and scattered over the country for many miles1 and it was several days before ,i succeeded in collecting them together4 ,the alarm occurred while the herders were walking among the animals1 and without any perceptible cause4 ,the foregoing facts go to show how important it is at all times to keep a vigilant guard over animals4 ,in the vicinity of hostile ,indians1 where an attack may be anticipated1 several good horses should be secured in such positions that they will continually be in readiness for an emergency of this kind4 ,the herdsmen should have their horses in hand1 saddled and bridled1 and ready at an instant's notice to spring upon their backs and drive the herds into camp4 ,as soon as it is discovered that the animals have taken fright1 the herdsmen should use their utmost endeavors to turn them in the direction of the camp1 and this can generally be accomplished by riding the bell mare in front of the herd1 and gradually turning her toward it1 and slackening her speed as the familiar objects about the camp come in sight4 ,this usually tends to quiet their alarm4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,repairing broken ,wagons4 ,fording ,rivers4 ,quicksand4 ,wagon ,boats4 ,bull ,boats4 ,crossing ,packs4 ,swimming ,animals4 ,marching with loose ,horses4 ,herding ,mules4 ,best ,methods of ,marching4 ,herding and guarding ,animals4 ,descending ,mountains4 ,storms4 ,northers4 ,,repairs ,,of ,,accidents4 ,the accidents most liable to happen to wagons on the plains arise from the great dryness of the atmosphere1 and the consequent shrinkage and contraction of the wood-work in the wheels1 the tires working loose1 and the wheels1 in passing over sidling ground1 oftentimes falling down and breaking all the spokes where they enter the hub4 ,it therefore becomes a matter of absolute necessity for the prairie traveler to devise some means of repairing such damages1 or of guarding against them by the use of timely expedients4 ,the wheels should be frequently and closely examined1 and whenever a tire becomes at all loose it should at once be tightened with pieces of hoop-iron or wooden wedges driven by twos simultaneously from opposite sides4 ,another remedy for the same thing is to take off the wheels after encamping1 sink them in water1 and allow them to remain over night4 ,this swells the wood1 but is only temporary1 requiring frequent repetition2 and1 after a time1 if the wheels have not been made of thoroughly seasoned timber1 it becomes necessary to reset the tires in order to guard against their destruction by falling to pieces and breaking the spokes4 ,if the tires run off near a blacksmith's shop1 or if there be a traveling forge with the train1 they may be tied on with raw hide or ropes1 and thus driven to the shop or camp4 ,when a rear wheel breaks down upon a march1 the best method ,i know of for taking the vehicle to a place where it can be repaired is to take off the damaged wheel1 and place a stout pole of three or four inches in diameter under the end of the axle1 outside the wagon-bed1 and extending forward above the front wheel1 where it is firmly lashed with ropes1 while the other end of the pole runs six or eight feet to the rear1 and drags upon the ground4 ,the pole must be of such length and inclination that the axle shall be raised and retained in its proper horizontal position1 when it can be driven to any distance that may be desired4 ,the wagon should be relieved as much as practicable of its loading1 as the pole dragging upon the ground will cause it to run heavily4 ,when a front wheel breaks down1 the expedient just mentioned can not be applied to the front axle1 but the two rear wheels may be taken off and placed upon this axle 7they will always fit71 while the sound front wheel can be substituted upon one side of the rear axle1 after which the pole may be applied as before described4 ,this plan ,i have adopted upon several different occasions1 and ,i can vouch for its efficacy4 ,the foregoing facts may appear very simple and unimportant in themselves1 but blacksmiths and wheelwrights are not met with at every turn of the roads upon the prairies2 and in the wilderness1 where the traveler is dependent solely upon his own resources1 this kind of information will be found highly useful4 ,when the spokes in a wheel shrink more than the felloes1 they work loose in the hub1 and can not be tightened by wedging4 ,the only remedy in such cases is to cut the felloe with a saw on opposite sides1 taking out two pieces of such dimensions that the reduced circumference will draw back the spokes into their proper places and make them snug4 ,a thin wagon-bow1 or barrel-hoops1 may then be wrapped around the outside of the felloe1 and secured with small nails or tacks4 ,this increases the diameter of the wheel1 so that when the tire has been heated1 put on1 and cooled1 it forces back the spokes into their true places1 and makes the wheel as sound and strong as it ever was4 ,this simple process can be executed in about half an hour if there be fuel for heating1 and obviates the necessity of cutting and welding the tire4 ,i would recommend that the tires should be secured with bolts and nuts1 which will prevent them from running off when they work loose1 and1 if they have been cut and reset1 they should be well tried with a hammer where they are welded to make sure that the junction is sound4 ,,fording ,,rivers4 ,many streams that intersect the different routes across our continent are broad and shallow1 and flow over beds of quicksand1 which1 in seasons of high water1 become boggy and unstable1 and are then exceedingly difficult of crossing4 ,when these streams are on the rise1 and1 indeed1 before any swelling is perceptible1 their beds become surcharged with the sand loosened by the action of the under-current from the approaching flood1 and from this time until the water subsides fording is difficult1 requiring great precautions4 ,on arriving upon the bank of a river of this character which has not recently been crossed1 the condition of the quicksand may be ascertained by sending an intelligent man over the fording-place1 and1 should the sand not yield under his feet1 it may be regarded as safe for animals or wagons4 ,should it1 however1 prove soft and yielding1 it must be thoroughly examined1 and the best track selected4 ,this can be done by a man on foot1 who will take a number of sharp sticks long enough1 when driven into the bottom of the river1 to stand above the surface of the water4 ,he starts from the shore1 and with one of the sticks and his feet tries the bottom in the direction of the opposite bank until he finds the firmest ground1 where he plants one of the sticks to mark the track4 ,a man incurs no danger in walking over quicksand provided he step rapidly1 and he will soon detect the safest ground4 ,he then proceeds1 planting his sticks as often as may be necessary to mark the way1 until he reaches the opposite bank4 ,the ford is thus ascertained1 and1 if there are footmen in the party1 they should cross before the animals and wagons1 as they pack the sand1 and make the track more firm and secure4 ,if the sand is soft1 horses should be led across1 and not allowed to stop in the stream2 and the better to insure this1 they should be watered before entering upon the ford2 otherwise1 as soon as they stand still1 their feet sink in the sand1 and soon it becomes difficult to extricate them4 ,the same rule holds in the passage of wagons3 they must be driven steadily across1 and the animals never allowed to stop while in the river1 as the wheels sink rapidly in quicksand4 ,mules will often stop from fear1 and1 when once embarrassed in the sand1 they lie down1 and will not use the slightest exertion to regain their footing4 ,the only alternative1 then1 is to drag them out with ropes4 ,i have even known some mules refuse to put forth the least exertion to get up after being pulled out upon firm ground1 and it was necessary to set them upon their feet before they were restored to a consciousness of their own powers4 ,in crossing rivers where the water is so high as to come into the wagon-beds1 but is not above a fording stage1 the contents of the wagons may be kept dry by raising the beds between the uprights1 and retaining them in that position with blocks of wood placed at each corner between the rockers and the bottom of the wagon-beds4 ,the blocks must be squared at each end1 and their length1 of course1 should vary with the depth of water1 which can be determined before cutting them4 ,this is a very common and simple method of passing streams among emigrant travelers4 ,when streams are deep1 with a very rapid current1 it is difficult for the drivers to direct their teams to the proper coming-out places1 as the current has a tendency to carry them too far down4 ,this difficulty may be obviated by attaching a lariat rope to the leading animals1 and having a mounted man ride in front with the rope in his hand1 to assist the team in stemming the current1 and direct it toward the point of egress4 ,it is also a wise precaution1 if the ford be at all hazardous1 to place a mounted man on the lower side of the team with a whip1 to urge forward any animal that may not work properly4 ,illustration3 ,,swimming ,a ,,horse4 ,where rivers are wide1 with a swift current1 they should always1 if possible1 be forded obliquely down stream1 as the action of the water against the wagons assists very materially in carrying them across4 ,in crossing the ,north ,platte upon the ,cherokee trail at a season when the water was high and very rapid1 we were obliged to take the only practicable ford1 which ran diagonally up the stream4 ,the consequence was1 that the heavy current1 coming down with great force against the wagons1 offered such powerful resistance to the efforts of the mules that it was with difficulty they could retain their footing1 and several were drowned4 ,had the ford crossed obliquely down the river1 there would have been no difficulty4 ,when it becomes necessary1 with loaded wagons1 to cross a stream of this character against the current1 ,i would recommend that the teams be doubled1 the leading animals led1 a horseman placed on each side with whips to assist the driver1 and that1 before the first wagon enters the water1 a man should be sent in advance to ascertain the best ford4 ,during seasons of high water1 men1 in traversing the plains1 often encounter rivers which rise above a fording stage1 and remain in that condition for many days1 and to await the falling of the water might involve a great loss of time4 ,if the traveler be alone1 his only way is to swim his horse2 but if he retains the seat on his saddle1 his weight presses the animal down into the water1 and cramps his movements very sensibly4 ,it is a much better plan to attach a cord to the bridle-bit1 and drive him into the stream2 then1 seizing his tail1 allow him to tow you across4 ,if he turns out of the course1 or attempts to turn back1 he can be checked with the cord1 or by splashing water at his head4 ,if the rider remains in the saddle1 he should allow the horse to have a loose rein1 and never pull upon it except when necessary to guide4 ,if he wishes to steady himself1 he can lay hold upon the mane4 ,in traveling with large parties1 the following expedients for crossing rivers have been successfully resorted to within my own experience1 and they are attended with no risk to life or property4 ,a rapid and deep stream1 with high1 abrupt1 and soft banks1 probably presents the most formidable array of unfavorable circumstances that can be found4 ,streams of this character are occasionally met with1 and it is important to know how to cross them with the greatest promptitude and safety4 ,a train of wagons having arrived upon the bank of such a stream1 first select the best point for the passage1 where the banks upon both sides require the least excavation for a place of ingress and egress to and from the river4 ,as ,i have before remarked1 the place of entering the river should be above the coming-out place on the opposite bank1 as the current will then assist in carrying wagons and animals across4 ,a spot should be sought where the bed of the stream is firm at the place where the animals are to get out on the opposite bank4 ,if1 however1 no such place can be found1 brush and earth should be thrown in to make a foundation sufficient to support the animals1 and to prevent them from bogging4 ,after the place for crossing has been selected1 it will be important to determine the breadth of the river between the points of ingress and egress1 in order to show the length of rope necessary to reach across4 ,a very simple practical method of doing this without instruments is found in the ,french ,manuel du ,genie4 ,it is as follows3 ,illustration3 ,the line ,,ab 7the distance to be measured7 is extended upon the bank to ,d1 from which point1 after having marked it1 lay off equal distances1 ,,dc and ,cd2 produce ,,bc to b1 making ,,cb,cb2 then extend the line db until it intersects the prolongation of the line through ,,ca at a4 ,the distance between ab is equal to ,,ab1 or the width of the crossing4 ,a man who is an expert swimmer then takes the end of a fishing-line or a small cord in his mouth1 and carries it across1 leaving the other end fixed upon the opposite bank1 after which a lariat is attached to the cord1 and one end of it pulled across and made fast to a tree2 but if there is nothing convenient to which the lariat can be attached1 an extra axle or coupling-pole can be pulled over by the man who has crossed1 firmly planted in the ground1 and the rope tied to it4 ,the rope must be long enough to extend twice across the stream1 so that one end may always be left on each shore4 ,a very good substitute for a ferry-boat may be made with a wagon-bed by filling it with empty water-casks1 stopped tight and secured in the wagon with ropes1 with a cask lashed opposite the centre of each outside4 ,it is then placed in the water bottom upward1 and the rope that has been stretched across the stream attached to one end of it1 while another rope is made fast to the other end1 after which it is loaded1 the shore-end loosened1 and the men on the opposite bank pull it across to the landing1 where it is discharged and returned for another load1 and so on until all the baggage and men are passed over4 ,the wagons can be taken across by fastening them down to the axles1 attaching a rope to the end of the tongue1 and another to the rear of each to steady it and hold it from drifting below the landing4 ,it is then pushed into the stream1 and the men on the opposite bank pull it over4 ,i have passed a large train of wagons in this way across a rapid stream fifteen feet deep without any difficulty4 ,i took1 at the same time1 a six-pounder cannon1 which was separated from its carriage1 and ferried over upon the wagon-boat2 after which the carriage was pulled over in the same way as described for the wagons4 ,there are not always a sufficient number of airtight water-casks to fill a wagon-bed1 but a tentfly1 paulin1 or wagon-cover can generally be had4 ,in this event1 the wagon-bed may be placed in the centre of one of these1 the cloth brought up around the ends and sides1 and secured firmly with ropes tied around transversely1 and another rope fastened lengthwise around under the rim4 ,this holds the cloth in its place1 and the wagon may then be placed in the water right side upward1 and managed in the same manner as in the other case4 ,if the cloth be made of cotton1 it will soon swell so as to leak but very little1 and answers a very good purpose4 ,another method of ferrying streams is by means of what is called by the mountaineers a bull-boat1 the frame-work of which is made of willows bent into the shape of a short and wide skiff1 with a flat bottom4 ,willows grow upon the banks of almost all the streams on the prairies1 and can be bent into any shape desired4 ,to make a boat with but one hide1 a number of straight willows are cut about an inch in diameter1 the ends sharpened and driven into the ground1 forming a frame-work in the shape of a half egg-shell cut through the longitudinal axis4 ,where these rods cross they are firmly secured with strings4 ,a stout rod is then heated and bent around the frame in such a position that the edges of the hide1 when laid over it and drawn tight1 will just reach it4 ,this rod forms the gunwale1 which is secured by strings to the ribs4 ,small rods are then wattled in so as to make it symmetrical and strong4 ,after which the green or soaked hide is thrown over the edges1 sewed to the gunwales1 and left to dry4 ,the rods are then cut off even with the gunwale1 and the boat is ready for use4 ,to build a boat with two or more hides3 ,a stout pole of the desired length is placed upon the ground for a keel1 the ends turned up and secured by a lariat2 willow rods of the required dimensions are then cut1 heated1 and bent into the proper shape for knees1 after which their centres are placed at equal distances upon the keel1 and firmly tied with cords4 ,the knees are retained in their proper curvature by cords around the ends4 ,after a sufficient number of them have been placed upon the keel1 two poles of suitable dimensions are heated1 bent around the ends for a gunwale1 and firmly lashed to each knee4 ,smaller willows are then interwoven1 so as to model the frame4 ,green or soaked hides are cut into the proper shape to fit the frame1 and sewed together with buckskin strings2 then the frame of the boat is placed in the middle1 the hide drawn up snug around the sides1 and secured with raw-hide thongs to the gunwale4 ,the boat is then turned bottom upward and left to dry1 after which the seams where they have been sewed are covered with a mixture of melted tallow and pitch3 the craft is now ready for launching4 ,a boat of this kind is very light and serviceable1 but after a while becomes water-soaked1 and should always be turned bottom upward to dry whenever it is not in the water4 ,two men can easily build a bull-boat of three hides in two days which will carry ten men with perfect safety4 ,a small party traveling with a pack train and arriving upon the banks of a deep stream will not always have the time to stop or the means to make any of the boats that have been described4 ,should their luggage be such as to become seriously injured by a wetting1 and there be an ,india-rubber or gutta-percha cloth disposable1 or if even a green beef or buffalo hide can be procured1 it may be spread out upon the ground1 and the articles of baggage placed in the centre1 in a square or rectangular form2 the ends and sides are then brought up so as entirely to envelop the package1 and the whole secured with ropes or raw hide4 ,it is then placed in the water with a rope attached to one end1 and towed across by men in the same manner as the boats before described4 ,if hides be used they will require greasing occasionally1 to prevent their becoming water-soaked4 ,illustration3 ,,crossing ,a ,,stream4 ,when a mounted party with pack animals arrive upon the borders of a rapid stream1 too deep to ford1 and where the banks are high and abrupt1 with perhaps but one place where the beasts can get out upon the opposite shore1 it would not be safe to drive or ride them in1 calculating that all will make the desired landing4 ,some of them will probably be carried by the swift current too far down the stream1 and thereby endanger not only their own lives1 but the lives of their riders4 ,i have seen the experiment tried repeatedly1 and have known several animals to be carried by the current below the point of egress1 and thus drowned4 ,here is a simple1 safe1 and expeditious method of taking animals over such a stream4 ,suppose1 for example1 a party of mounted men arrive upon the bank of the stream4 ,there will always be some good swimmers in the party1 and probably others who can not swim at all4 ,three or four of the most expert of these are selected1 and sent across with one end of a rope made of lariats tied together1 while the other end is retained upon the first bank1 and made fast to the neck of a gentle and good swimming horse2 after which another gentle horse is brought up and made fast by a lariat around his neck to the tail of the first1 and so on until all the horses are thus tied together4 ,the men who can not swim are then mounted upon the best swimming horses and tied on1 otherwise they are liable to become frightened1 lose their balance1 and be carried away in a rapid current2 or a horse may stumble and throw his rider4 ,after the horses have been strung out in a single line by their riders1 and every thing is in readiness1 the first horse is led carefully into the water1 while the men on the opposite bank1 pulling upon the rope1 thus direct him across1 and1 if necessary1 aid him in stemming the current4 ,as soon as this horse strikes bottom he pulls upon those behind him1 and thereby assists them in making the landing1 and in this manner all are passed over in perfect safety4 ,,driving ,,loose ,,horses4 ,in traveling with loose horses across the plains1 some persons are in the habit of attaching them in pairs by their halters to a long1 stout rope stretched between two wagons drawn by mules1 each wagon being about half loaded4 ,the principal object of the rear wagon being to hold back and keep the rope stretched1 not more than two stout mules are required1 as the horses aid a good deal with their heads in pulling this wagon4 ,from thirty to forty horses may be driven very well in this manner1 and1 if they are wild1 it is perhaps the safest method1 except that of leading them with halters held by men riding beside them4 ,the rope to which the horses are attached should be about an inch and a quarter in diameter1 with loops or rings inserted at intervals sufficient to admit the horses without allowing them to kick each other1 and the halter straps tied to these loops4 ,the horses1 on first starting1 should have men by their sides1 to accustom them to this manner of being led4 ,the wagons should be so driven as to keep the rope continually stretched4 ,good drivers must be assigned to these wagons1 who will constantly watch the movements of the horses attached1 as well as their own teams4 ,i have had #aej loose horses driven by ten mounted herdsmen4 ,this requires great care for some considerable time1 until the horses become gentle and accustomed to their herders4 ,it is important to ascertain1 as soon as possible after starting1 which horses are wild1 and may be likely to stampede and lead off the herd2 such should be led1 and never suffered to run loose1 either on the march or in camp4 ,animals of this character will soon indicate their propensities1 and can be secured during the first days of the march4 ,it is desirable that all animals that will not stampede when not working should run loose on a march1 as they pick up a good deal of grass along the road when traveling1 and the success of an expedition1 when animals get no other forage but grass1 depends in a great degree upon the time given them for grazing4 ,they will thrive much better when allowed a free range than when picketed1 as they then are at liberty to select such grass as suits them4 ,it may therefore be set down as an infallible rule never to be departed from1 that all animals1 excepting such as will be likely to stampede1 should be turned loose for grazing immediately after arriving at the camping-place2 but it is equally important that they should be carefully herded as near the camp as good grass will admit2 and those that it is necessary to picket should be placed upon the best grass1 and their places changed often4 ,the ropes to which they are attached should be about forty feet long2 the picket-pins1 of iron1 fifteen inches long1 with ring and swivel at top1 so that the rope shall not twist as the animal feeds around it2 and the pins must be firmly driven into tenacious earth4 ,animals should be herded during the day at such distances as to leave sufficient grass undisturbed around and near the camp for grazing through the night4 ,,method ,,of ,,marching4 ,among men of limited experience in frontier life will be found a great diversity of opinion regarding the best methods of marching1 and of treating animals in expeditions upon the prairies4 ,some will make late starts and travel during the heat of the day without nooning1 while others will start early and make two marches1 laying by during the middle of the day2 some will picket their animals continually in camp1 while others will herd them day and night1 etc41 etc4 ,for mounted troops1 or1 indeed1 for any body of men traveling with horses and mules1 a few general rules may be specified which have the sanction of mature experience1 and a deviation from them will inevitably result in consequences highly detrimental to the best interests of an expedition4 ,in ordinary marches through a country where grass and water are abundant and good1 animals receiving proper attention should not fall away1 even if they receive no grain2 and1 as ,i said before1 they should not be made to travel faster than a walk unless absolutely necessary2 neither should they be taken off the road for the purpose of hunting or chasing buffalo1 as one buffalo-chase injures them more than a week of moderate riding4 ,in the vicinity of hostile ,indians1 the animals must be carefully herded and guarded within protection of the camp1 while those picketed should be changed as often as the grass is eaten off within the circle described by the tether-rope4 ,at night they should be brought within the chain of sentinels and picketed as compactly as is consistent with the space needed for grazing1 and under no circumstances1 unless the ,indians are known to be near and an attack is to be expected1 should they be tied up to a picket line where they can get no grass4 ,unless allowed to graze at night they will fall away rapidly1 and soon become unserviceable4 ,it is much better to march after nightfall1 turn some distance off the road1 and to encamp without fires in a depressed locality where the ,indians can not track the party1 and the animals may be picketed without danger4 ,in descending abrupt hills and mountains one wheel of a loaded wagon should always be locked1 as this relieves the wheel animals and makes every thing more secure4 ,when the declivity is great both rear wheels should be locked1 and if very abrupt1 requiring great effort on the wheel animals to hold the wagon1 the wheels should be rough-locked by lengthening the lock-chains so that the part which goes around the wheels will come directly upon the ground1 and thus create more friction4 ,occasionally1 however1 hills are met with so nearly perpendicular that it becomes necessary to attach ropes to the rear axle1 and to station men to hold back upon them and steady the vehicle down the descent4 ,rough-locking is a very safe method of passing heavy artillery down abrupt declivities4 ,there are several mountains between the ,missouri ,river and ,california where it is necessary to resort to one of the two last-mentioned methods in order to descend with security4 ,if there are no lock-chains upon wagons1 the front and rear wheels on the same side may be tied together with ropes so as to lock them very firmly4 ,it is an old and well-established custom among men experienced in frontier life always to cross a stream upon which it is intended to encamp for the night1 and this rule should never be departed from where a stream is to be forded1 as a rise during the night might detain the traveler for several days in awaiting the fall of the waters4 ,,storms4 ,in ,western ,texas1 during the autumn and winter months1 storms arise very suddenly1 and1 when accompanied by a north wind1 are very severe upon men and animals2 indeed1 they are sometimes so terrific as to make it necessary for travelers to hasten to the nearest sheltered place to save the lives of their animals4 ,when these storms come from the north1 they are called northers2 and as1 during the winter season1 the temperature often undergoes a sudden change of many degrees at the time the storm sets in1 the perspiration is checked1 and the system receives an instantaneous shock1 against which it requires great vital energy to bear up4 ,men and animals are not1 in this mild climate1 prepared for these capricious meteoric revolutions1 and they not unfrequently perish under their effects4 ,while passing near the head waters of the ,colorado in ,october1 #ahdi1 ,i left one of my camps at an early hour in the morning under a mild and soft atmosphere1 with a gentle breeze from the south1 but had marched only a short distance when the wind suddenly whipped around into the north1 bringing with it a furious chilling rain1 and in a short time the road became so soft and heavy as to make the labor of pulling the wagons over it very exhausting upon the mules1 and they came into camp in a profuse sweat1 with the rain pouring down in torrents upon them4 ,they were turned out of harness into the most sheltered place that could be found2 but1 instead of eating1 as was their custom1 they turned their heads from the wind1 and remained in that position1 chilled and trembling1 without making the least effort to move4 ,the rain continued with unabated fury during the entire day and night1 and on the following morning thirty-five out of one hundred and ten mules had perished1 while those remaining could hardly be said to have had a spark of vitality left4 ,they were drawn up with the cold1 and could with difficulty walk4 ,tents and wagon-covers were cut up to protect them1 and they were then driven about for some time1 until a little vital energy was restored1 after which they commenced eating grass1 but it was three or four days before they recovered sufficiently to resume the march4 ,the mistake ,i made was in driving the mules after the norther commenced4 ,had ,i gone immediately into camp1 before they became heated and wearied1 they would probably have eaten the grass1 and this1 ,i have no doubt1 would have saved them2 but as it was1 their blood became heated from overwork1 and the sudden chill brought on a reaction which proved fatal4 ,if an animal will eat his forage plentifully1 there is but little danger of his perishing with cold4 ,this ,i assert with much confidence1 as ,i once1 when traveling with about #aejj horses and mules1 encountered the most terrific snow-storm that has been known within the memory of the oldest mountaineers4 ,it commenced on the last day of ,april1 and continued without cessation for sixty consecutive hours4 ,the day had been mild and pleasant2 the green grass was about six inches high2 the trees had put out their new leaves1 and all nature conspired to show that the sombre garb of winter had been permanently superseded by the smiling attire of spring4 ,about dark1 however1 the wind turned into the north2 it commenced to snow violently1 and increased until it became a frightful tempest1 filling the atmosphere with a dense cloud of driving snow1 against which it was impossible to ride or walk4 ,soon after the storm set in1 one herd of three hundred horses and mules broke away from the herdsmen who were around them1 and1 in spite of all their efforts1 ran at full speed1 directly with the wind and snow1 for fifty miles before they stopped4 ,three of the herdsmen followed them as far as they were able1 but soon became exhausted and lost on the prairie4 ,one of them found his way back to camp in a state of great prostration and suffering4 ,one of the others was found dead1 and the third crawling about upon his hands and knees1 after the storm ceased4 ,it happened1 fortunately1 that ,i had reserved a quantity of corn to be used in the event of finding a scarcity of grass1 and as soon as the ground became covered with snow1 so that the animals could not get at the grass1 ,i fed out the corn1 which ,i am induced to believe saved their lives4 ,indeed1 they did not seem to be at all affected by this prolonged and unseasonable tempest4 ,this occurred upon the summit of the elevated ridge dividing the waters of the ,arkansas and ,south ,platte ,rivers1 where storms are said to be of frequent occurrence4 ,the greater part of the animals that stampeded were recovered after the storm1 and1 although they had traveled a hundred miles at a very rapid pace1 they did not seem to be much affected by it4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,packing4 ,saddles4 ,mexican ,method4 ,madrina1 or ,bell-mare4 ,attachment of the ,mule illustrated4 ,best ,method of ,packing4 ,hoppling ,animals4 ,selecting ,horses and ,mules4 ,grama and bunch ,grass4 ,european ,saddles4 ,california ,saddle4 ,saddle ,wounds4 ,alkali4 ,flies4 ,colic4 ,rattlesnake ,bites4 ,cures for the ,bite4 ,,packing ,,and ,,driving4 ,with a train of pack animals properly organized and equipped1 a party may travel with much comfort and celerity4 ,it is enabled to take short cuts1 and move over the country in almost any direction without regard to roads4 ,mountains and broken ground may easily be traversed1 and exemption is gained from many of the troubles and detentions attendant upon the transit of cumbersome wagon-trains4 ,one of the most essential requisites to the outfit of a pack train is a good pack-saddle4 ,various patterns are in use1 many of which are mere instruments of torture upon the backs of the poor brutes1 lacerating them cruelly1 and causing continued pain4 ,the ,mexicans use a leathern pack-saddle without a tree4 ,it is stuffed with hay1 and is very large1 covering almost the entire back1 and extending far down the sides4 ,it is secured with a broad hair girth1 and the load is kept in position by a lash-rope drawn by two men so tight as to give the unfortunate beast intense suffering4 ,illustration3 ,,grimsley',s ,,pack-,,saddle4 ,a pack-saddle is made by ,t4 ,grimsley1 ,no4 #da ,main ,street1 ,st4 ,louis1 ,mo4 ,it is open at the top1 with a light1 compact1 and strong tree1 which fits the animal's back well1 and is covered with raw hide1 put on green1 and drawn tight by the contraction in drying4 ,it has a leathern breast-strap1 breeching1 and lash-strap1 with a broad hair girth fastened in the ,mexican fashion4 ,of sixty-five of these saddles that ,i used in crossing the ,rocky ,mountains1 over an exceedingly rough and broken section1 not one of them wounded a mule's back1 and ,i regard them as the best saddles ,i have ever seen4 ,no people1 probably1 are more familiar with the art of packing than the ,mexicans4 ,they understand the habits1 disposition1 and powers of the mule perfectly1 and will get more work out of him than any other men ,i have ever seen4 ,the mule and the donkey are to them as the camel to the ,arab--their porters over deserts and mountains where no other means of transportation can be used to advantage4 ,the ,spanish ,mexicans are1 however1 cruel masters1 having no mercy upon their beasts1 and it is no uncommon thing for them to load their mules with the enormous burden of three or four hundred pounds4 ,these muleteers believe that1 when the pack is firmly lashed1 the animal supports his burden better and travels with greater ease1 which seems quite probable1 as the tension forms1 as it were1 an external sheath supporting and bracing the muscles4 ,it also has a tendency to prevent the saddle from slipping and chafing the mule's back4 ,with such huge cargas as the ,mexicans load upon their mules1 it is impossible1 by any precautions1 to prevent their backs and withers from becoming horribly mangled1 and it is common to see them working their animals day after day in this miserable plight4 ,this heavy packing causes the scars that so often mark ,mexican mules4 ,the animal1 in starting out from camp in the morning1 groaning under the weight of his heavy burden1 seems hardly able to move2 but the pack soon settles1 and so loosens the lashing that after a short time he moves along with more ease4 ,constant care and vigilance on the part of the muleteers are necessary to prevent the packs from working loose and falling off4 ,the adjustment of a carga upon a mule does not1 however1 detain the caravan1 as the others move on while it is being righted4 ,if the mules are suffered to halt1 they are apt to lie down1 and it is very difficult for them1 with their loads1 to rise2 besides1 they are likely to strain themselves in their efforts to do so4 ,the ,mexicans1 in traveling with large caravans1 usually make the day's march without nooning1 as too much time would be consumed in unloading and packing up again4 ,packs1 when taken off in camp1 should be piled in a row upon the ground1 and1 if there be a prospect of rain1 the saddles should be placed over them1 and the whole covered with the saddle-blankets or canvas4 ,the muleteers and herders should be mounted upon well-trained horses1 and be careful to keep the animals of the caravan from wandering or scattering along the road4 ,this can easily be done by having some of the men riding upon each side1 and others in rear of the caravan4 ,in herding mules it is customary among prairie travelers to have a bell-mare1 to which the mules soon become so attached that they will follow her wherever she goes4 ,by keeping her in charge of one of the herdsmen1 the herds are easily controlled2 and during a stampede1 if the herdsman mounts her1 and rushes ahead toward camp1 they will generally follow4 ,in crossing rivers the bell-mare should pass first1 after which the mules are easily induced to take to the water and pass over1 even if they have to swim4 ,mules are good swimmers unless they happen1 by plunging off a high bank1 to get water in their ears1 when they are often drowned4 ,whenever a mule in the water drops his ears1 it is a sure indication that he has water in them1 and he should be taken out as soon as possible4 ,to prevent accidents of this nature1 where the water is deep and the banks abrupt1 the mule herds should be allowed to enter slowly1 and without crowding1 as otherwise they are not only likely to get their heads under water1 but to throw each other over and get injured4 ,the madrina1 or bell-mare1 acts a most important part in a herd of mules1 and is regarded by experienced campaigners as indispensable to their security4 ,she is selected for her quiet and regular habits4 ,she will not wander far from the camp4 ,if she happen to have a colt by her side1 this is no objection1 as the mules soon form the most devoted attachment to it4 ,i have often seen them leave their grazing when very hungry1 and flock around a small colt1 manifesting their delight by rubbing it with their noses1 licking it with their tongues1 kicking up their heels1 and making a variety of other grotesque demonstrations of affection1 while the poor little colt1 perfectly unconscious of the cause of these ungainly caresses1 stood trembling with fear1 but unable to make his escape from the compact circle of his mulish admirers4 ,horses and asses are also used as bell animals1 and the mules soon become accustomed to following them4 ,if a man leads or rides a bell animal in advance1 the mules follow1 like so many dogs1 in the most orderly procession4 ,after traveling about fourteen miles1 says ,bayard ,taylor1 we were joined by three miners1 and our mules1 taking a sudden liking for their horses1 jogged on at a more brisk pace4 ,the instincts of the mulish heart form an interesting study to the traveler in the mountains4 ,i would 7were the comparison not too ungallant7 liken it to a woman's1 for it is quite as uncertain in its sympathies1 bestowing its affections when least expected1 and1 when bestowed1 quite as constant1 so long as the object is not taken away4 ,sometimes a horse1 sometimes an ass1 captivates the fancy of a whole drove of mules1 but often an animal nowise akin4 ,lieutenant ,beale told me that his whole train of mules once galloped off suddenly1 on the plains of the ,cimarone1 and ran half a mile1 when they halted in apparent satisfaction4 ,the cause of their freak was found to be a buffalo calf which had strayed from the herd4 ,they were frisking around it in the greatest delight1 rubbing their noses against it1 throwing up their heels1 and making themselves ridiculous by abortive attempts to neigh and bray1 while the calf1 unconscious of its attractive qualities1 stood trembling in their midst4 ,if several large troops1 says ,charles ,darwin1 are turned into one field to graze in the morning1 the muleteer has only to lead the madrinas a little apart and tinkle their bells1 and1 although there may be #bjj or #cjj mules together1 each immediately knows its own bell1 and separates itself from the rest4 ,the affection of these animals for their madrina saves infinite trouble4 ,it is nearly impossible to lose an old mule1 for1 if detained several hours by force1 she will1 by the power of smell1 like a dog1 track out her companions1 or rather the madrina2 for1 according to the muleteer1 she is the chief object of affection4 ,the feeling1 however1 is not of an individual nature1 for ,i believe ,i am right in saying that any animal with a bell will serve as a madrina4 ,of the attachment that a mule will form for a horse1 ,i will cite an instance from my own observation1 which struck me at the time as being one of the most remarkable and touching evidences of devotion that ,i have ever known among the brute creation4 ,on leaving ,fort ,leavenworth with the army for ,utah in #aheg1 one of the officers rode a small mule1 whose kind and gentle disposition soon caused him to become a favorite among the soldiers1 and they named him ,billy4 ,as this officer and myself were often thrown together upon the march1 the mule1 in the course of a few days1 evinced a growing attachment for a mare that ,i rode4 ,the sentiment was not1 however1 reciprocated on her part1 and she intimated as much by the reversed position of her ears1 and the free exercise of her feet and teeth whenever ,billy came within her reach2 but these signal marks of displeasure1 instead of discouraging1 rather seemed to increase his devotion1 and whenever at liberty he invariably sought to get near her1 and appeared much distressed when not permitted to follow her4 ,on leaving ,camp ,scott for ,new ,mexico ,billy was among the number of mules selected for the expedition4 ,during the march ,i was in the habit1 when starting out from camp in the morning1 of leading off the party1 and directing the packmen to hold the mule until ,i should get so far in advance with the mare that he could not see us2 but the moment he was released he would1 in spite of all the efforts of the packers1 start off at a most furious pace1 and never stop or cease braying until he reached the mare's side4 ,we soon found it impossible to keep him with the other mules1 and he was finally permitted to have his own way4 ,in the course of time we encountered the deep snows in the ,rocky ,mountains1 where the animals could get no forage1 and ,billy1 in common with the others1 at length became so weak and jaded that he was unable any longer to leave his place in the caravan and break a track through the snow around to the front4 ,he made frequent attempts to turn out and force his way ahead1 but after numerous unsuccessful efforts he would fall down exhausted1 and set up a most mournful braying4 ,the other mules soon began to fail1 and to be left1 worn out and famished1 to die by the wayside2 it was not1 however1 for some time that ,billy showed symptoms of becoming one of the victims1 until one evening after our arrival at camp ,i was informed that he had dropped down and been left upon the road during the day4 ,the men all deplored his loss exceedingly1 as his devotion to the mare had touched their kind hearts1 and many expressions of sympathy were uttered around their bivouac fires on that evening4 ,much to our surprise1 however1 about ten o'clock1 just as we were about going to sleep1 we heard a mule braying about half a mile to the rear upon our trail4 ,sure enough1 it proved to be ,billy1 who1 after having rested1 had followed upon our track and overtaken us4 ,as soon as he reached the side of the mare he lay down and seemed perfectly contented4 ,the next day ,i relieved him from his pack1 and allowed him to run loose2 but during the march he gave out1 and was again abandoned to his fate1 and this time we certainly never expected to see him more4 ,to our great astonishment1 however1 about twelve o'clock that night the sonorous but not very musical notes of ,billy in the distance aroused us from our slumbers1 and again announced his approach4 ,in an instant the men were upon their feet1 gave three hearty cheers1 and rushed out in a body to meet and escort him into camp4 ,but this well-meant ovation elicited no response from him4 ,he came reeling and floundering along through the deep snow1 perfectly regardless of these honors1 pushing aside all those who occupied the trail or interrupted his progress in the least1 wandered about until he found the mare1 dropped down by her side1 and remained until morning4 ,when we resumed our march on the following day he made another desperate effort to proceed1 but soon fell down exhausted1 when we reluctantly abandoned him1 and saw him no more4 ,alas6 poor ,billy6 your constancy deserved a better fate2 you may1 indeed1 be said to have been a victim to unrequited affection4 ,the articles to be transported should be made up into two packages of precisely equal weight1 and as nearly equal in bulk as practicable1 otherwise they will sway the saddle over to one side1 and cause it to chafe the animal's back4 ,the packages made1 two ropes about six feet long are fastened around the ends by a slip-knot1 and if the packages contain corn or other articles that will shift about1 small sticks should be placed between the sacks and the ropes1 which equalizes the pressure and keeps the packages snug4 ,the ropes are then looped at the ends1 and made precisely of the same length1 so that the packs will balance and come up well toward the top of the saddle4 ,two men then1 each taking a pack1 go upon opposite sides of the mule1 that has been previously saddled1 and1 raising the packs simultaneously1 place the loops over the pommel and cantel1 settling them well down into their places4 ,the lashing-strap is then thrown over the top1 brought through the rings upon each side1 and drawn as tight at every turn as the two men on the sides can pull it1 and1 after having been carried back and forth diagonally across the packs as often as its length admits 7generally three or four times71 it is made fast to one of the rings1 and securely tied in a slip-knot4 ,the breast-strap and breeching must not be buckled so close as to chafe the skin2 the girth should be broad and soft where it comes opposite the fore legs1 to prevent cutting them4 ,leather girths should be wrapped with cloth or bound with soft material4 ,the hair girth1 being soft and elastic1 is much better than leather4 ,the crupper should never be dispensed with in a mountainous country1 but it must be soft1 round1 and about an inch in diameter where it comes in contact with the tail1 otherwise it will wound the animal in making long and abrupt descents4 ,in ,norway they use a short round stick1 about ten inches long1 which passes under the tail1 and from each end of this a cord connects with the saddle4 ,camp-kettles1 tin vessels1 and other articles that will rattle and be likely to frighten animals1 should be firmly lashed to the packs4 ,when the packs work loose1 the lash-strap should be untied1 and a man upon each side draw it up again and make it fast4 ,when ropes are used for lashing1 they may be tightened by twisting them with a short stick and making the stick fast4 ,one hundred and twenty-five pounds is a sufficient load for a mule upon a long journey4 ,in traveling over a rocky country1 and upon all long journeys1 horses and mules should be shod1 to prevent their hoofs wearing out or breaking4 ,the mountaineers contend that beasts travel better without shoeing1 but ,i have several times had occasion to regret the omission of this very necessary precaution4 ,a few extra shoes and nails1 with a small hammer1 will enable travelers to keep their animals shod4 ,in turning out pack animals to graze1 it is well either to keep the lariat ropes upon them with the ends trailing upon the ground1 or to hopple them1 as no corral can be made into which they may be driven in order to catch them4 ,a very good way to catch an animal without driving him into an inclosure is for two men to take a long rope and stretch it out at the height of the animal's neck2 some men then drive him slowly up against it1 when one of the men with the rope runs around behind the animal and back to the front again1 thus taking a turn with the rope around his neck and holding him secure4 ,to prevent an animal from kicking1 take a forked stick and make the forked part fast to the bridle-bit1 bringing the two ends above the head and securing them there1 leaving the part of the stick below the fork of sufficient length to reach near the ground when the animal's head is in its natural position4 ,he can not kick up unless he lowers his head1 and the stick effectually prevents that4 ,tether-ropes should be so attached to the neck of the animal as not to slip and choke him1 and the picket-pins never be left on the ropes except when in the ground1 as1 in the event of a stampede1 they are very likely to swing around and injure the animals4 ,many experienced travelers were formerly in the habit of securing their animals with a strap or iron ring fastened around the fetlock of one fore foot1 and this attached to the tether-rope4 ,this method holds the animal very securely to the picket-pin1 but when the rope is first put on1 and before he becomes accustomed to it1 he is liable to throw himself down and get hurt2 so that ,i think the plan of tethering by the neck or halter is the safest1 and1 so far as ,i have observed1 is now universally practiced4 ,the mountaineers and ,indians seldom tether their animals1 but prefer the plan of hoppling1 as this gives them more latitude for ranging and selecting the choicest grass4 ,two methods of hoppling are practiced among the ,indians and hunters of the ,west3 one with a strap about two feet long buckling around the fore legs above the fetlock joints2 the other is what they term the side hopple which is made by buckling a strap around a front and rear leg upon the same side4 ,in both cases care should be taken not to buckle the strap so tight as to chafe the legs4 ,the latter plan is the best1 because the animal1 side-hoppled1 is able to go but little faster than a walk1 while the front hopple permits him1 after a little practice1 to gallop off at considerable speed4 ,if the hopples are made of iron connected with chains1 like handcuffs1 with locks and keys1 it will be impossible for the ,indians1 without files1 to cut them2 but the parts that come in contact with the legs should be covered with soft leather4 ,a horse1 says ,mr4 ,galton1 may be hoppled with a stirrup-leather by placing the middle around one leg1 then twisting it several times and buckling it round the other leg4 ,when you wish to picket horses in the middle of a sandy plain1 dig a hole two or three feet deep1 and1 tying your rope to a fagot of sticks or brushwood1 or even to a bag filled with sand1 bury this in it4 ,for prairie service1 horses which have been raised exclusively upon grass1 and never been fed on grain1 or range horses1 as they are called in the ,west1 are decidedly the best1 and will perform more hard labor than those that have been stabled and groomed4 ,the large1 stout ponies found among some of our frontier settlements are well adapted to this service1 and endure admirably4 ,the same remarks hold good in the choice of mules2 and it will be found that the square-built1 big-bellied1 and short-legged ,mexican mule will endure far more hard service1 on short allowance of forage1 than the larger ,american mule which has been accustomed to grain4 ,in our trip across the ,rocky ,mountains we had both the ,american and ,mexican mules1 and improved a good opportunity of giving their relative powers of endurance a thorough service-trial4 ,for many days they were reduced to a meagre allowance of dry grass1 and at length got nothing but pine leaves1 while their work in the deep snow was exceedingly severe4 ,this soon told upon the ,american mules1 and all of them1 with the exception of two1 died1 while most of the ,mexican mules went through4 ,the result was perfectly conclusive4 ,we found that1 where the snow was not more than two feet deep1 the animals soon learned to paw it away and get at the grass4 ,of course they do not get sufficient in this way1 but they do much better than one would suppose4 ,in ,utah and ,new ,mexico the autumn is so dry that the grass does not lose its nutritious properties by being washed with rains4 ,it gradually dries and cures like hay1 so that animals eat it freely1 and will fatten upon it even in mid-winter4 ,it is seldom that any grain is fed to stock in either of these territories4 ,several of the varieties of grass growing upon the slopes of the ,rocky ,mountains are of excellent quality2 among these may be mentioned the ,gramma and bunch grasses4 ,horses and mules turned out to graze always prefer the grass upon the mountain sides to grass of the valleys4 ,we left ,new ,mexico about the first of ,march1 six weeks before the new grass appeared1 with #aejj animals1 many of them low in flesh1 yet they improved upon the journey1 and on their arrival in ,utah were all1 with very few exceptions1 in fine working condition4 ,had this march been made at the same season in the country bordering upon the ,missouri ,river1 where there are heavy autumnal rains1 the animals would probably have become very poor4 ,in this journey the herds were allowed to range over the best grass that could be found1 but were guarded both night and day with great care1 whereas1 if they had been corraled or picketed at night1 ,i dare say they would have lost flesh4#c #c ,some curious and interesting experiments are said to have been recently made at the veterinary school at ,alfort1 near ,paris1 by order of the minister of war1 to ascertain the powers of endurance of horses4 ,it appears that a horse will live on water alone five-and-twenty days2 seventeen days without eating or drinking2 only five days if fed and unwatered2 ten days if fed and insufficiently watered4 ,a horse kept without water for three days drank one hundred and four pounds of water in three minutes4 ,it was found that a horse taken immediately after feed1 and kept in the active exercise of the squadron school1 completely digested its feed in three hours2 in the same time in the conscript's school its food was two thirds digested2 and if kept perfectly quiet in the stable1 its digestion was scarcely commenced in three hours4 ,,saddles4 ,great diversity of opinion exists regarding the best equipment for horses1 and the long-mooted question is as yet very far from being definitely settled4 ,i do not regard the opinions of ,europeans as having a more direct bearing upon this question1 or as tending to establish any more definite and positive conclusions regarding it than have been developed by the experience of our own border citizens1 the major part of whose lives has been spent in the saddle2 yet ,i am confident that the following brief description of the horse equipments used in different parts of ,europe1 the substance of which ,i have extracted from ,captain ,m',clellan's interesting report1 will be read with interest and instruction4 ,the saddle used by the ,african chasseurs consists of a plain wooden tree1 with a pad upon the top1 but without skirts1 and is somewhat similar to our own military saddle1 but lower in the pommel and cantle4 ,the girth and surcingle are of leather1 with an ordinary woolen saddle-blanket4 ,their bridle has a single head-stall1 with the ,spanish bit buckled to it4 ,a new saddle has recently been introduced into the ,french service by ,captain ,cogent1 the tree of which is cut out of a single piece of wood1 the cantle only being glued on1 and a piece of walnut let into the pommel1 with a thin strip veneered upon the front ends of the bars4 ,the pommel and cantle are lower than in the old model2 the whole is covered with wet raw hide1 glued on and sewed at the edges4 ,the great advantage this saddle possesses is in being so arranged that it may be used for horses of all sizes and conditions4 ,the saddle-blanket is made of thick felt cloth1 and is attached to the pommel by a small strap passing through holes in the blanket1 which is thus prevented from slipping1 and at the same time it raises the saddle so as to admit a free circulation of air over the horse's spine4 ,the ,hungarian saddle is made of hard wood entirely uncovered1 with a raised pommel and cantle4 ,the seat is formed with a leather strap four inches wide nailed to the forks on the front and rear1 and secured to the side-boards by leather thongs1 thus giving an elastic and easy saddle-seat4 ,this is also the form of the saddle-tree used by the ,russian and ,austrian cavalry4 ,the ,russians have a leather girth fastened by three small buckles3 it passes over the tree1 and is tied to the side-boards4 ,the saddle-blanket is of stout felt cloth in four thicknesses1 and a layer of black leather over it1 and the whole held together by leather thongs passing through and through4 ,when the horse falls off in flesh1 more thicknesses are added1 and vice versa4 ,this saddle-blanket is regarded by the ,russian officers as the best possible arrangement4 ,the ,russians use the curb and snaffle-bits made of steel4 ,the ,cossack saddle has a thick padding under the side-boards and on the seat1 which raises the rider very high on his horse1 so that his feet are above the bottom of the belly4 ,their bridle has but a simple snaffle-bit1 and no martingale4 ,the ,prussian cuirassiers have a heavy saddle with a low pommel and cantle1 covered with leather1 but it is not thought by ,captain ,m',clellan to present any thing worthy of imitation4 ,the other ,prussian cavalry ride the ,hungarian saddle1 of a heavier model than the one in the ,austrian service4 ,the surcingle is of leather1 and fastens in the ,mexican style2 the girth is also of leather1 three and a half inches wide1 with a large buckle4 ,it is in two parts1 attached to the bars by raw-hide thongs4 ,the curb and snaffle steel bits are used1 and attached to a single head-stall4 ,the ,english cavalry use a saddle which has a lower cantle and pommel than our ,grimsley saddle1 covered with leather4 ,the snaffle-bit is attached to the halter head-stall by a chain and ,t2 the curb has a separate head-stall1 which on a march is occasionally taken off and hung on the carbine stock4 ,the ,sardinian saddle has a bare wooden tree very similar to the ,hungarian4 ,a common blanket1 folded in twelve thicknesses1 is placed under it4 ,the girth and surcingle are of leather4 ,without expressing any opinion as to the comparative merits of these different saddles1 ,i may be permitted to give a few general principles1 which ,i regard as infallible in the choice of a saddle4 ,the side-boards should be large1 and made to conform to the shape of the horse's back1 thereby distributing the burden over a large surface4 ,it should stand up well above the spine1 so as to admit a free circulation of air under it4 ,for long journeys1 the crupper1 where it comes in contact with the tail1 should be made of soft leather4 ,it should be drawn back only far enough to hold the saddle from the withers4 ,some horses require much more tension upon the crupper than others4 ,the girth should be made broad1 of a soft and elastic material4 ,those made of hair1 in use among the ,mexicans1 fulfill the precited conditions4 ,a light and easy bit1 which will not fret or chafe the horse1 is recommended4 ,the saddle-blanket must be folded even and smooth1 and placed on so as to cover every part of the back that comes in contact with the saddle1 and in warm weather it is well to place a gunny bag under the blanket1 as it is cooler than the wool4 ,it will have been observed that1 in the ,french service1 the folded saddle-blanket is tied to the pommel to prevent it slipping back4 ,this is well if the blanket be taken off and thoroughly dried whenever the horse is unsaddled4 ,a saddle-blanket made of moss is used in some of the ,southwestern ,states1 which is regarded by many as the perfection of this article of horse equipment4 ,it is a mat woven into the proper shape and size from the beaten fibres of moss that hangs from the trees in our ,southern ,states4 ,it is cheap1 durable1 is not in any way affected by sweat1 and does not chafe or heat the horse's spine like the woolen blanket4 ,its open texture allows a rapid evaporation1 which tends to keep the back cool1 and obviates the danger of stripping and sudden exposure of the heated parts to the sun and air4 ,the experience of some of our officers who have used this mat for years in ,mexico and ,texas corroborates all ,i have said in its favor2 and they are unanimous in the opinion that a horse will never get a sore back when it is placed under a good saddle4 ,a saddle made by the ,mexicans in ,california is called the ,california saddle4 ,this is extensively used upon the ,pacific slope of the mountains1 and is believed to possess1 at least1 as many advantages for rough frontier service as any other pattern that has been invented4 ,those hardy and experienced veterans1 the mountaineers1 could not be persuaded to ride any other saddle1 and their ripened knowledge of such matters certainly gives weight to their conclusions4 ,illustration3 ,,california ,,saddle4 ,the merits of the ,california saddle consist in its being light1 strong1 and compact1 and conforming well to the shape of the horse4 ,when strapped on1 it rests so firmly in position that the strongest pull of a horse upon a lariat attached to the pommel can not displace it4 ,its shape is such that the rider is compelled to sit nearly erect1 with his legs on the continuation of the line of the body1 which makes his seat more secure1 and1 at the same time1 gives him a better control over his arms and horse4 ,this position is attained by setting the stirrup-leathers farther back than on the old-fashioned saddle4 ,the pommel is high1 like the ,mexican saddle1 and prevents the rider from being thrown forward4 ,the tree is covered with raw hide1 put on green1 and sewed2 when this dries and contracts it gives it great strength4 ,it has no iron in its composition1 but is kept together by buckskin strings1 and can easily be taken to pieces for mending or cleaning4 ,it has a hair girth about five inches wide4 ,the whole saddle is covered with a large and thick sheet of sole-leather1 having a hole to lay over the pommel2 it extends back over the horse's hips1 and protects them from rain1 and when taken off in camp it furnishes a good security against dampness when placed under the traveler's bed4 ,the ,california saddle-tree is regarded by many as the best of all others for the horse's back1 and as having an easier seat than the ,mexican4 ,general ,comte de la ,roche-,aymon1 in his treatise upon ,light ,troops1 published in ,paris in #ahef1 says3 ,in nearly all the ,european armies the equipment of the horse is not in harmony with the new tactics--with those tactics in which1 during nearly all of a campaign1 the cavalry remains in bivouac4 ,have we reflected upon the kind of saddle which1 under these circumstances1 would cover the horse best without incommoding him during the short periods that he is permitted to repose8 ,have we reflected upon the kind of saddle which1 offering the least fragility1 exposes the horse to the least danger of sore back8 ,all the cuirassiers and the dragoons of ,europe have saddles which they call ,french saddle1 the weight of which is a load for the horse4 ,the interior mechanism of these saddles is complicated and filled with weak bands of iron1 which become deranged1 bend1 and sometimes break2 the rider does not perceive these accidents1 or he does not wish to perceive them1 for fear of being left behind or of having to go on foot2 he continues on1 and at the end of a day's march his horse has a sore back1 and in a few days is absolutely unserviceable4 ,we may satisfy ourselves of the truth of these observations by comparing the lists of horses sent to the rear during the course of a campaign by the cuirassiers and dragoons who use the ,french saddle1 and by the hussars with the ,hungarian saddle4 ,the number sent to the rear by the latter is infinitely less1 although employed in a service much more active and severe2 and it might be still less by making some slight improvements in the manner of fixing their saddle upon the horse4 ,it is a long time since ,marshal ,saxe said there was but one kind of saddle fit for cavalry1 which was the hussar saddle3 this combined all advantages1 lightness1 solidity1 and economy4 ,it is astonishing that the system of actual war had not led to the employment of the kind of saddle in use among the ,tartars1 the ,cossacks1 the ,hungarians1 and1 indeed1 among all horsemen and nomads4 ,this saddle has the incontestable advantage of permitting the horse to lie down and rest himself without inconvenience4 ,if1 notwithstanding the folded blanket which they place under the ,hungarian saddle1 this saddle will still wound the animal's back sometimes1 this only proceeds from the friction occasioned by the motion of the horse and the movement of the rider upon the saddle2 a friction which it will be nearly impossible to avoid1 inasmuch as the saddle-bow is held in its place only by a surcingle1 the ends of which are united by a leathern band3 these bands always relax more or less1 and the saddle becomes loose4 ,to remedy this1 ,i propose to attach to the saddle-bow itself a double girth1 one end of which shall be made fast to the arch in front1 and the other end to the rear of the arch upon the right side1 to unite in a single girth1 which would buckle to a strap attached upon the left side in the usual manner4 ,this buckle will hold the saddle firmly in its place4 ,notwithstanding all these precautions1 however1 there were still some inconveniences resulting from the nature of the blanket placed under the saddle1 which ,i sought to remedy1 and ,i easily accomplished it4 ,the woolen nap of the cavalry saddle-blankets1 not being carefully attended to1 soon wears off1 and leaves only the rough1 coarse threads of the fabric2 this absorbs the sweat from the horse1 and1 after it has dried and become hard1 it acts like a rasp upon the withers1 first taking off the hair1 next the skin1 and then the flesh1 and1 finally1 the beast is rendered unserviceable4 ,i sought1 during the campaign of #ahjg1 a means to remedy this evil1 and ,i soon succeeded by a process as simple as it was cheap4 ,i distributed among a great number of cavalry soldiers pieces of linen cloth folded double1 two feet square1 and previously dipped in melted tallow4 ,this cloth was laid next to the horse's back1 under the saddle-blanket1 and it prevented all the bad effects of the woolen blanket4 ,no horses1 after this appliance1 were afflicted with sore backs4 ,such are the slight changes which ,i believe should be made in the use of the ,hungarian saddle4 ,the remainder of the equipment should remain 7as it always has been7 composed of a breast-strap1 crupper1 and martingale1 etc4 ,the improvements of the present age do not appear to have developed any thing advantageous to the saddle2 on the contrary1 after experimenting upon numerous modifications and inventions1 public sentiment has at length given the preference to the saddle-tree of the natives in ,asia and ,america1 which is very similar to that of the ,hungarians4 ,,sores ,,and ,,diseases4 ,if a horse be sweating at the time he is unsaddled1 it is well to strap the folded saddle-blanket upon his back with the surcingle1 where it is allowed to remain until he is perfectly dry4 ,this causes the back to cool gradually1 and prevents scalding or swelling4 ,some persons are in the habit of washing their horses' backs while heated and sweating with cold water1 but this is pernicious1 and often produces sores4 ,it is well enough to wash the back after it cools1 but not before4 ,after horses' backs or shoulders once become chafed and sore1 it is very difficult to heal them1 particularly when they are continued at work4 ,it is better1 if practicable1 to stop using them for a while1 and wash the bruised parts often with castile soap and water4 ,should it be necessary1 however1 to continue the animal in use1 ,i have known very severe sores entirely healed by the free application of grease to the parts immediately after halting1 and while the animal is warm and sweating4 ,this seems to harden the skin and heal the wound even when working with the collar in contact with it4 ,a piece of bacon rind tied upon the collar over the wound is also an excellent remedy4 ,in ,texas1 when the horse-flies are numerous1 they attack animals without mercy1 and where a contusion is found in the skin they deposit eggs1 which speedily produce worms in great numbers4 ,i have tried the effect of spirits of turpentine and several other remedies1 but nothing seemed to have the desired effect but calomel blown into the wound1 which destroyed the worms and soon effected a cure4 ,in the vicinity of the ,south ,pass1 upon the ,humboldt ,river1 and in some sections upon other routes to ,california1 alkaline water is found1 which is very poisonous to animals that drink it1 and generates a disease known in ,california as alkali4 ,this disease first makes its appearance by swellings upon the abdomen and between the fore legs1 and is attended with a cough1 which ultimately destroys the lungs and kills the animal4 ,if taken at an early stage1 this disease is curable1 and the following treatment is generally considered as the most efficacious4 ,the animal is first raked1 after which a large dose of grease is poured down its throat2 acids are said to have the same effect1 and give immediate relief4 ,when neither of these remedies can be procured1 many of the emigrants have been in the habit of mixing starch or flour in a bucket of water1 and allowing the animal to drink it4 ,it is supposed that this forms a coating over the mucous membrane1 and thus defeats the action of the poison4 ,animals should never be allowed to graze in the vicinity of alkaline water1 as the deposits upon the grass after floods are equally deleterious with the water itself4 ,in seasons when the water is low in the ,humboldt ,river1 there is much less danger of the alkali1 as the running water in the river then comes from pure mountain springs1 and is confined to the channel2 whereas1 during high water1 when the banks are overflowed1 the salts are dissolved1 making the water more impure4 ,for colic1 a good remedy is a mixture of two table-spoonfuls of brandy and two tea-spoonfuls of laudanum dissolved in a bottle of water and poured down the animal's throat4 ,another remedy1 which has been recommended to me by an experienced officer as producing speedy relief1 is a table-spoonful of chloride of lime dissolved in a bottle of water1 and administered as in the other case4 ,,rattlesnake ,,bites4 ,upon the southern routes to ,california rattlesnakes are often met with1 but it is seldom that any person is bitten by them2 yet this is a possible contingency1 and it can never be amiss to have an antidote at hand4 ,hartshorn applied externally to the wound1 and drunk in small quantities diluted with water whenever the patient becomes faint or exhausted from the effects of the poison1 is one of the most common remedies4 ,in the absence of all medicines1 a string or ligature should at once be bound firmly above the puncture1 then scarify deeply with a knife1 suck out the poison1 and spit out the saliva4 ,andersson1 in his book on ,southwestern ,africa1 says3 ,in the ,cape ,colony the ,dutch farmers resort to a cruel but apparently effective plan to counteract the bad effects of a serpent's bite4 ,an incision having been made in the breast of a living fowl1 the bitten part is applied to the wound4 ,if the poison be very deadly1 the bird soon evinces symptoms of distress1 becomes drowsy1 droops its head1 and dies4 ,it is replaced by a second1 a third1 and more if requisite4 ,when1 however1 the bird no longer exhibits any of the signs just mentioned1 the patient is considered out of danger4 ,a frog similarly applied is supposed to be equally efficacious4 ,haunberg1 in his ,travels in ,south ,africa1 mentions an antidote against the bite of serpents4 ,he says3 ,the blood of the turtle was much cried up1 which1 on account of this extraordinary virtue1 the inhabitants dry in the form of small scales or membranes1 and carry about them when they travel in this country1 which swarms with this most noxious vermin4 ,whenever any one is wounded by a serpent1 he takes a couple of pinches of the dried blood internally1 and applies a little of it to the wound4 ,i was present upon one occasion when an ,indian child was struck in the fore finger by a large rattlesnake4 ,his mother1 who was near at the time1 seized him in her arms1 and1 placing the wounded finger in her mouth1 sucked the poison from the puncture for some minutes1 repeatedly spitting out the saliva2 after which she chewed and mashed some plantain leaves and applied to the wound4 ,over this she sprinkled some finely-powdered tobacco1 and wrapped the finger up in a rag4 ,i did not observe that the child suffered afterward the least pain or inconvenience4 ,the immediate application of the remedies probably saved his life4 ,irritation from the bite of gnats and musquitoes1 etc41 may be relieved by chewing the plantain1 and rubbing the spittle on the bite4 ,i knew of another instance near ,fort ,towson1 in ,northern ,texas1 where a small child was left upon the earthen floor of a cabin while its mother was washing at a spring near by4 ,she heard a cry of distress1 and1 on going to the cabin1 what was her horror on seeing a rattlesnake coiled around the child's arm1 and striking it repeatedly with its fangs4 ,after killing the snake1 she hurried to her nearest neighbor1 procured a bottle of brandy1 and returned as soon as possible2 but the poison had already so operated upon the arm that it was as black as a negro's4 ,she poured down the child's throat a huge draught of the liquor1 which soon took effect1 making it very drunk1 and stopped the action of the poison4 ,although the child was relieved1 it remained sick for a long time1 but ultimately recovered4 ,a man was struck in the leg by a very large rattlesnake near ,fort ,belknap1 ,texas1 in #ahec4 ,no other remedy being at hand1 a small piece of indigo was pulverized1 made into a poultice with water1 and applied to the puncture4 ,it seemed to draw out the poison1 turning the indigo white1 after which it was removed and another poultice applied4 ,these applications were repeated until the indigo ceased to change its color4 ,the man was then carried to the hospital at ,fort ,belknap1 and soon recovered1 and the surgeon of the post pronounced it a very satisfactory cure4 ,a ,chickasaw woman1 who was bitten upon the foot near ,fort ,washita by a ground rattlesnake 7a very venomous species71 drank a bottle of whisky and applied the indigo poultice1 and when ,i saw her1 three days afterward1 she was recovering1 but the flesh around the wound sloughed away4 ,a ,delaware remedy1 which is said to be efficacious1 is to burn powder upon the wound1 but ,i have never known it to be tried excepting upon a horse4 ,in this case it was successful1 or1 at all events1 the animal recovered4 ,of all the remedies known to me1 ,i should decidedly prefer ardent spirits4 ,it is considered a sovereign antidote among our ,western frontier settlers1 and ,i would make use of it with great confidence4 ,it must be taken until the patient becomes very much intoxicated1 and this requires a large quantity1 as the action of the poison seems to counteract its effects4 ,should the fangs of the snake penetrate deep enough to reach an artery1 it is probable the person would die in a short time4 ,i imagine1 however1 that this does not often occur4 ,the following remedial measures for the treatment of the bites of poisonous reptiles are recommended by ,dr4 ,philip ,weston in the ,london ,lancet for ,july1 #ahei3 #a4 ,the application of a ligature round the limb close to the wound1 between it and the heart1 to arrest the return of venous blood4 #b4 ,excision of the bitten parts1 or free incision through the wounds made by the poison-teeth1 subsequently encouraging the bleeding by warm solutions to favor the escape of the poison from the circulation4 #c4 ,cauterization widely round the limb of the bite with a strong solution of nitrate of silver1 one drachm to the ounce1 to prevent the introduction of the poison into the system by the lymphatics4 #d4 ,as soon as indications of the absorption of the poison into the circulation begin to manifest themselves1 the internal administration of ammonia in aerated or soda-water every quarter of an hour1 to support the nervous energy and allay the distressing thirst4 ,but1 he continues1 there is yet wanting some remedy that shall rapidly counteract the poison introduced into the blood1 and assist in expelling it from the system4 ,the well-authenticated accounts of the success attending the internal use of arsenic in injuries arising from the bites of venomous reptiles in the ,east and ,west ,indies1 and also in ,africa1 and the well-known properties of this medicine as a powerful tonic and alterative in conditions of impaired vitality of the blood arising from the absorption of certain blood-poisons1 would lead me to include this agent in the treatment already mentioned4 ,it should be administered in combination with ammonia1 in full doses1 frequently repeated1 so as to neutralize quickly the poison circulating in the blood before it can be eliminated from the system4 ,this could readily be accomplished by adding ten to fifteen minims of ,fowler's solution to the compound spirit of ammonia1 to be given every quarter of an hour in aerated or soda-water1 until the vomiting and the more urgent symptoms of collapse have subsided1 subsequently repeating the dose at longer intervals until reaction had become fully established1 and the patient relieved by copious bilious dejections4 ,cedron1 which is a nut that grows on the ,isthmus of ,panama1 and which is sold by the druggists in ,new ,york1 is said to be an infallible antidote to serpent-bites4 ,in the ,bullet4 de l',acad4 de ,med4 for ,february1 #aheh1 it is stated that a man was bitten at ,panama by a coral snake1 the most poisonous species on the ,isthmus4 ,during the few seconds that it took him to take the cedron from his bag1 he was seized with violent pains at the heart and throat2 but he had scarcely chewed and swallowed a piece of the nut about the size of a small bean1 when the pains ceased as by magic4 ,he chewed a little more1 and applied it externally to the wound1 when the pains disappeared1 and were followed by a copious evacuation of a substance like curdled milk4 ,many other cases are mentioned where the cedron proved an antidote4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,bivouacs4 ,tente d',abri4 ,gutta-percha ,knapsack ,tent4 ,comanche ,lodge4 ,sibley ,tent4 ,camp ,furniture4 ,litters4 ,rapid ,traveling4 ,fuel4 ,making ,fires4 ,fires on the ,prairies4 ,jerking ,meat4 ,making ,lariats4 ,making ,caches4 ,disposition of ,fire-arms4 ,colt's ,revolvers4 ,gun ,accidents4 ,trailing4 ,indian ,sagacity4 ,,bivouacs ,,and ,,tents4 ,in traveling with pack animals it is not always convenient or practicable to transport tents1 and the traveler's ingenuity is often taxed in devising the most available means for making himself comfortable and secure against winds and storms4 ,i have often been astonished to see how soon an experienced voyager1 without any resources save those provided by nature1 will erect a comfortable shelter in a place where a person having no knowledge of woodcraft would never think of such a thing4 ,almost all people in different parts of the world have their own peculiar methods of bivouacking4 ,in the severe climate of ,thibet1 ,dr4 ,hooker informs us that they encamp near large rocks1 which absorb the heat during the day1 and give it out slowly during the night4 ,they form1 as it were1 reservoirs of caloric1 the influence of which is exceedingly grateful during a cold night4 ,in the polar regions the ,esquimaux live and make themselves comfortable in huts of ice or snow1 and with no other combustible but oil4 ,the natives of ,australia bury their bodies in the sand1 keeping their heads only above the surface1 and thus sleep warm during the chilly nights of that climate4 ,fortunately for the health and comfort of travelers upon the ,plains1 the atmosphere is pure and dry during the greater part of the year1 and it is seldom that any rain or dew is seen2 neither are there marshes or ponds of stagnant water to generate putrid exhalations and poisonous malaria4 ,the night air of the summer months is soft1 exhilarating1 and delightful4 ,persons may therefore sleep in it and inhale it with perfect impunity1 and1 indeed1 many prefer this to breathing the confined atmosphere of a house or tent4 ,during the rainy season only is it necessary to seek shelter4 ,in traveling with covered wagons one always has protection from storms1 but with pack trains it becomes necessary to improvise the best substitutes for tents4 ,a very secure protection against storms may be constructed by planting firmly in the ground two upright poles1 with forks at their tops1 and crossing them with a light pole laid in the forks4 ,a gutta-percha cloth1 or sheet of canvas1 or1 in the absence of either of these two1 blankets1 may be attached by one side to the horizontal pole1 the opposite edge being stretched out to the windward at an angle of about forty-five degrees to the ground1 and there fastened with wooden pins1 or with buckskin strings tied to the lower border of the cloth and to pegs driven firmly into the earth4 ,this forms a shelter for three or four men1 and is a good defense against winds and rains4 ,if a fire be then made in front1 the smoke will be carried away1 so as not to incommode the occupants of the bivouac4 ,this is called a half-faced camp4 ,illustration3 ,,half-,,faced ,,camp4 ,another method practiced a great deal among mountain men and ,indians consists in placing several rough poles equidistant around in a half circle1 and bringing the small ends together at the top1 where they are bound with a thong4 ,this forms the conical frame-work of the bivouac1 which1 when covered with a cloth stretched around it1 makes a very good shelter1 and is preferable to the half-faced camp1 because the sides are covered4 ,illustration3 ,,conical ,,bivouac4 ,when no cloths1 blankets1 or hides are at hand to be placed over the poles of the lodge1 it may be covered with green boughs laid on compactly1 so as to shed a good deal of rain1 and keep out the wind in cold weather4 ,we adopted this description of shelter in crossing the ,rocky ,mountains during the winter of #aheg-h1 and thus formed a very effectual protection against the bleak winds which sweep with great violence over those lofty and inhospitable sierras4 ,we always selected a dense thicket for our encampment1 and covered the lodges with a heavy coating of pine boughs1 wattling them together as compactly as possible1 and piling snow upon the outside in such a manner as to make them quite impervious to the wind4 ,the fires were then kindled at the mouths of the lodges1 and our heads and bodies were completely sheltered1 while our feet were kept warm by the fires4 ,the ,french troops1 while serving in the ,crimea1 used what they call the tente d'abri1 or shelter tent1 which seems to have been received with great favor in ,europe4 ,it is composed of two1 four1 or six square pieces of cloth1 with buttons and buttonholes adjusted upon the edges1 and is pitched by planting two upright stakes in the ground at a distance corresponding with the length of the canvas when buttoned together4 ,the two sticks are connected by a cord passed around the top of each1 drawn tight1 and the ends made fast to pins driven firmly into the ground4 ,the canvas is then laid over the rope between the sticks1 spread out at an angle of about forty-five degrees1 and the lower edges secured to the earth with wooden pins4 ,this makes some defense against the weather1 and was the only shelter enjoyed by the mass of the ,french army in the ,crimea up to ,october1 #ahee4 ,for a permanent camp it is usual to excavate a shallow basement under the tent1 and to bank up the earth on the outside in cold weather4 ,it is designed that upon marches the tente d'abri shall be taken to pieces and carried by the soldiers4 ,a tent has recently been prepared by ,mr4 ,john ,rider1 #afe ,broadway1 ,new ,york1 which is called the tent knapsack4 ,it has been examined by a board of army officers1 and recommended for adoption in our military service4 ,illustration3 ,,tent ,,knapsack4 ,this tent is somewhat similar to the tente d'abri1 and is pitched in the same manner1 but it has this advantage1 that each separate piece may be converted into a water-proof knapsack4 ,the following extracts from the ,report of the ,board go to show that this tent knapsack will be useful to parties traveling on the prairies with pack trains3 ,it is a piece of gutta-percha #e feet #c inches long1 and #c feet #h inches wide1 with double edges on one side1 and brass studs and button-holes along two edges1 and straps and buckles on the fourth edge2 the whole weighing three pounds2 two sticks1 #c feet #h inches long by #a-a_/d inches in diameter1 and a small cord4 ,when used as a knapsack1 the clothing is packed in a cotton bag1 and the gutta-percha sheet is folded round it1 lapping at the ends4 ,the clothing is thus protected by two or three thicknesses of gutta-percha1 and in this respect there is a superiority over the knapsack now used by our troops4 ,other advantages are1 that the tent knapsack has no seams1 the parts at which those in use wear out soonest2 it adapts itself to the size of the contents1 so that a compact and portable bundle can be made1 whether the kit be entire or not2 and1 with the cotton bag1 it forms a convenient1 commodious1 and durable receptacle for all a soldier's clothing and necessaries4 ,on a scout a soldier usually carries only a blanket1 overcoat1 and at most a single shirt1 pair of drawers1 and a pair of socks1 all of which can be packed in the tent knapsack in a small bundle1 perfectly protected from rain1 and capable of being suspended from the shoulders and carried with comfort and ease during a march4 #b;d4 ,as a shelter4 ,the studs and eyelets along two edges of the tent knapsack are for the purpose of fastening a number of them together1 and thus making a sheet of larger dimensions4 ,a sheet formed by fastening together four knapsacks was exhibited to the ,board1 stretched upon a frame of wood4 ,when used in service the sheet is to be stretched on a rope supported by two poles1 or by two rifles1 muskets1 or carbines1 and pinned down at the sides with six pins1 three on each side4 ,the sheet of four knapsacks is #aj feet #f inches long1 and #g feet #d inches wide1 and when pitched on a rope #d feet #d inches above the ground1 covers a horizontal space #f feet #f inches wide1 and #g feet #d inches long1 which will accommodate five men1 and may be made to shelter seven4 ,the sheet can also be used on the ground1 and is a great protection from dampness1 and as a shawl or talma2 indeed1 a variety of advantageous uses to which the gutta-percha sheet may be put will suggest themselves to persons using it4 ,the ,board is satisfied with its merits in all the uses to which it is proposed to be put1 and is of opinion that the gutta-percha tent knapsack may be adopted in the military service with advantage4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the usual tenement of the prairie tribes1 and of the traders1 trappers1 and hunters who live among them1 is the ,comanche lodge1 which is made of eight straight peeled poles about twenty feet long1 covered with hides or cloth4 ,the lodge is pitched by connecting the smaller extremities of three of the poles with one end of a long line4 ,the three poles are then raised perpendicularly1 and the larger extremities spread out in a tripod to the circumference of the circle that is to form the base of the lodge4 ,the other poles are then raised1 laid into the forks of the three first1 and spread out equidistant upon the circle1 thus forming the conical framework of the structure4 ,nine or ten poles are generally used in one lodge4 ,illustration3 ,,comanche ,,lodge4 ,the long line attached to the tripod is then wound several times around the top1 where the poles intersect1 and the lower end made fast at the base of the lodge1 thus securing the frame firmly in its position4 ,the covering1 made of buffalo hides1 dressed without the hair1 and cut and sewed together to fit the conical frame1 is raised with a pole1 spread out around the structure1 and united at the edges with sharpened wooden pegs1 leaving sufficient space open at the bottom for a doorway1 which may be closed with a blanket spread out with two small sticks1 and suspended over the opening4 ,the lower edge of the lodge is made fast to the ground with wooden pins4 ,the apex is left open1 with a triangular wing or flap on each side1 and the windward flap constantly stretched out by means of a pole inserted into a pocket in the end of it1 which causes it to draw like a sail1 and thus occasions a draught from the fire built upon the ground in the centre of the lodge1 and makes it warm and comfortable in the coldest winter weather4 ,canvas makes a very good substitute for the buffalo-skin covering4 ,,sibley ,,tent4 ,a tent has been invented by ,major ,h4 ,h4 ,sibley1 of the army1 which is known as the ,sibley tent4 ,it is somewhat similar to the ,comanche lodge1 but in place of the conical frame-work of poles it has but one upright standard1 resting upon an iron tripod in the centre4 ,the tripod can be used to suspend cooking utensils over the fire1 and1 when folded up1 admits the wooden standard between the legs1 thereby reducing the length one half1 and making it more convenient for packing and traveling4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,sibley ,,tent4 ,this tent constituted the entire shelter of the army in ,utah during the winter of #aheg-h1 and1 notwithstanding the severity of the climate in the elevated locality of ,camp ,scott1 the troops were quite comfortable1 and pleased with the tent4 ,in permanent camps the ,sibley tent may be so pitched as to give more room by erecting a tripod upon the outside with three poles high and stout enough to admit of the tent's being suspended by ropes attached to the apex4 ,this method dispenses with the necessity of the central upright standard4 ,when the weather is very cold1 the tent may be made warmer by excavating a basement about three feet deep1 which also gives a wall to the tent1 making it more roomy4 ,the tent used in the army will shelter comfortably twelve men4 ,captain ,g4 ,rhodes1 of the ,english army1 in his recent work upon tents and tent-life1 has given a description of most of the tents used in the different armies in ,europe1 but1 in my judgment1 none of them1 in point of convenience1 comfort1 and economy1 will compare with the ,sibley tent for campaigning in cold weather4 ,one of its most important features1 that of admitting of a fire within it and of causing a draught by the disposition of the wings1 is not1 that ,i am aware1 possessed by any other tent4 ,moreover1 it is exempt from the objections that are urged against some other tents on account of insalubrity from want of top ventilation to carry off the impure air during the night4 ,,camp ,,furniture4 ,the accompanying illustrations present some convenient articles of portable camp furniture4 ,illustration3 ,,camp ,,chair4 ,,no4 #a4 ,,camp ,,chair ,,no4 #a is of oak or other hard wood4 ,fig4 #a represents it opened for use2 in ,fig4 #b it is closed for transportation4 ,a is a stout canvas1 forming the back and seat2 b1 b1 b are iron butt-hinges2 c1 c are leather straps1 one inch and a quarter wide1 forming the arms2 d is an iron rod1 with nut and screw at one end4 ,illustration3 ,,camp ,,chairs4 ,,nos4 #b ,,and #c4 ,,camp ,,chair ,,no4 #b is made of sticks tied together with thongs of buckskin or raw hide4 ,,camp ,,chair ,,no4 #c is a very comfortable seat1 made of a barrel1 the part forming the seat being filled with grass4 ,illustration3 ,,camp ,,table4 ,,camp ,,table4 ,fig4 #a represents the table folded for transportation2 in ,fig4 #b it is spread out for use4 ,a is the top of the table2 a1 a are side boards1 and c1 c are end boards1 turning on butt-hinges1 b1 b1 b4 ,illustration3 ,,field ,,cot4 ,,no4 #a4 ,illustration3 ,,field ,,cot4 ,,no4 #b4 ,,field ,,cots4 ,in ,no4 #a1 ,a represents the cot put up for use2 ,b1 the cot folded for transportation4 ,the legs turn upon iron bolts running through the head and foot boards2 they are then placed upon the canvas1 and the whole is rolled up around the side pieces4 ,in ,no4 #b the upper figure represents the cot put up for use2 the lower shows it folded for transportation4 ,a is a stout canvas2 b1 b are iron butt-hinges2 c1 c1 the legs2 d1 d1 leather straps1 with buckles1 which hold the legs firm2 f1 f1 ends1 which fold upon hinges2 g1 g1 cross-bars from leg to leg4 ,this cot is strong1 light1 and portable4 ,illustration3 ,,camp ,,bureau4 ,,camp ,,bureau4 ,this cut represents two chests1 ,a1 ,a1 with their handles1 a1 a2 the covers taken off1 they are placed one upon the other1 and secured by the clamps ,b1 ,b2 d shows the division between the two chests4 ,when it is to be transported1 the knobs1 c1 are unscrewed from the drawers1 the looking-glass1 f1 is removed1 the drawers are filled with clothing1 etc41 and the lids are screwed on4 ,illustration3 ,,mess-,,chest4 ,,mess-,,chest4 ,a represents the chest open for table2 ,b is the same closed2 ,c is the upper tray of tin1 with compartments1 b1 b2 ,e is the lower wooden tray1 divided into compartments1 a1 a1 for various purposes1 and made fast to the bottom of the chest2 d1 d are lids opening with hinges2 f 7in figure ,b7 is a wooden leg1 turning upon a hinge1 and fitting snugly between two pieces of wood screwed upon the cover4 ,,litters4 ,should a party traveling with pack animals1 and without ambulances or wagons1 have one of its members wounded or taken so sick as to be unable to walk or ride on horseback1 a litter may be constructed by taking two poles about twenty feet in length1 uniting them by two sticks three feet long lashed across the centre at six feet apart1 and stretching a piece of stout canvas1 a blanket1 or hide between them to form the bed4 ,two steady horses or mules are then selected1 placed between the poles in the front and rear of the litter1 and the ends of the poles made fast to the sides of the animals1 either by attachment to the stirrups or to the ends of straps secured over their backs4 ,illustration3 ,,horse-,,litter4 ,the patient may then be placed upon the litter1 and is ready for the march4 ,the elasticity of the long poles gives an easy motion to the conveyance1 and makes this method of locomotion much more comfortable than might be supposed4 ,the prairie ,indians have a way of transporting their sick and children upon a litter very similar in construction to the one just described1 excepting that one animal is used instead of two4 ,one end of the litter is made fast to the sides of the animal1 while the other end is left to trail upon the ground4 ,a projection is raised for the feet to rest against and prevent the patient from sliding down4 ,instead of canvas1 the ,indians sometimes lash a large willow basket across the poles1 in which they place the person to be transported4 ,the animals harnessed to the litter must be carefully conducted upon the march1 and caution used in passing over rough and broken ground4 ,illustration3 ,,hand-,,litter4 ,a very convenient and comfortable method of packing a sick or wounded man when there are no animals disposable1 and which is sometimes resorted to by the ,indians1 is to take two small poles about ten feet long1 and lash three cross-pieces to them1 one in the centre1 and the other two about eighteen inches from the ends4 ,a blanket or hide is then secured firmly to this frame1 and the patient placed upon it under the centre cross-piece1 which prevents him from falling out4 ,two men act as carriers1 walking between the ends of the long poles4 ,the patient may be protected against the rain or sun by bending small willows over the frame1 and covering them with a cloth4 ,,rapid ,,traveling4 ,small parties with good animals1 light vehicles1 and little lading1 may traverse the ,plains rapidly and comfortably1 if the following injunctions be observed4 ,the day's drive should commence as soon as it is light1 and1 where the road is good1 the animals kept upon a slow trot for about three hours1 then immediately turned out upon the best grass that can be found for two hours1 thus giving time for grazing and breakfast4 ,after which another drive of about three hours may be made1 making the noon halt about three hours1 when the animals are again harnessed1 and the journey continued until night4 ,in passing through a country infested by hostile ,indians1 the evening drive should be prolonged until an hour or two after dark1 turning off at a point where the ground is hard1 going about half a mile from the road1 and encamping without fires1 in low ground1 where the ,indians will find it difficult to track or see the party4 ,these frequent halts serve to rest and recruit the animals so that they will1 without injury1 make from thirty to forty miles a day for a long time4 ,this1 however1 can only be done with very light loads and vehicles1 such1 for example1 as an ambulance with four mules1 only three or four persons1 and a small amount of luggage4 ,,fuel ,,and ,,fire4 ,there are long distances upon some of the routes to ,california where no other fuel is found but the dried dung of the buffalo1 called by the mountaineers chips1 and by the ,french bois de vache1 the argul of the ,tartary deserts4 ,it burns well when perfectly dry1 answers a good purpose for cooking1 and some men even prefer it to wood4 ,as it will not burn when wet1 it is well1 in a country where no other fuel can be had1 when it threatens to rain1 for the traveler to collect a supply before the rain sets in1 and carry it in wagons to the camp4 ,when dry1 the chips are easily lighted4 ,a great saving in fuel may be made by digging a trench about two feet long by eight inches in width and depth2 the fires are made in the bottom of the trench1 and the cooking utensils placed upon the top1 where they receive all the heat4 ,this plan is especially recommended for windy weather1 and it is convenient at all times4 ,the wood should be cut short1 and split into small pieces4 ,it is highly important that travelers should know the different methods that may be resorted to for kindling fires upon a march4 ,the most simple and most expeditious of these is by using the lucifer matches2 but1 unless they are kept in well-corked bottles1 they are liable to become wet1 and will then fail to ignite4 ,the most of those found in the shops easily imbibe dampness1 and are of but little use in the prairies4 ,those marked ,van ,duser1 ,new ,york1 and put up in flat rectangular boxes1 are the best ,i have met with1 and were the only ones ,i saw which were not affected by the humid climate of ,mexico4 ,wax lucifers are better than wooden1 as they are impervious to moisture4 ,i have seen an ,indian start a fire with flint and steel after others had failed to do it with matches4 ,this was during a heavy rain1 when almost all available fuel had become wet4 ,on such occasions dry fuel may generally be obtained under logs1 rocks1 or leaning trees4 ,the inner bark of some dry trees1 cedar for instance1 is excellent to kindle a fire4 ,the bark is rubbed in the hand until the fibres are made fine and loose1 when it takes fire easily2 dry grass or leaves are also good4 ,after a sufficient quantity of small kindling fuel has been collected1 a moistened rag is rubbed with powder1 and a spark struck into it with a flint and steel1 which will ignite it2 this is then placed in the centre of the loose nest of inflammable material1 and whirled around in the air until it bursts out into a flame4 ,when it is raining1 the blaze should be laid upon the dryest spot that can be found1 a blanket held over it to keep off the water1 and it is fed with very small bits of dry wood and shavings until it has gained sufficient strength to burn the larger damp wood4 ,when no dry place can be found1 the fire may be started in a kettle or frying-pan1 and afterward transferred to the ground4 ,should there be no other means of starting a fire1 it can always be made with a gun or pistol1 by placing upon the ground a rag saturated with damp powder1 and a little dry powder sprinkled over it4 ,the gun or pistol is then 7uncharged7 placed with the cone directly over and near the rag1 and a cap exploded1 which will invariably ignite it4 ,another method is by placing about one fourth of a charge of powder into a gun1 pushing a rag down loosely upon it1 and firing it out with the muzzle down near the ground1 which ignites the rag4 ,the most difficult of all methods of making a fire1 but one that is practiced by some of the ,western ,indians1 is by friction between two pieces of wood4 ,i had often heard of this process1 but never gave credit to its practicability until ,i saw the experiment successfully tried4 ,it was done in the following manner3 ,two dried stalks of the ,mexican soap-plant1 about three fourths of an inch in diameter1 were selected1 and one of them made flat on one side2 near the edge of this flat surface a very small indentation was made to receive the end of the other stick1 and a groove cut from this down the side4 ,the other stick is cut with a rounded end1 and placed upright upon the first4 ,one man then holds the horizontal piece upon the ground1 while another takes the vertical stick between the palms of his hands1 and turns it back and forth as rapidly as possible1 at the same time pressing forcibly down upon it4 ,the point of the upright stick wears away the indentation into a fine powder1 which runs off to the ground in the groove that has been cut2 after a time it begins to smoke1 and by continued friction it will at length take fire4 ,this is an operation that is difficult1 and requires practice2 but if a drill-stick is used with a cord placed around the centre of the upright stick1 it can be turned much more rapidly than with the hands1 and the fire produced more readily4 ,the upright stick may be of any hard1 dry wood1 but the lower horizontal stick must be of a soft1 inflammable nature1 such as pine1 cottonwood1 or black walnut1 and it must be perfectly dry4 ,the ,indians work the sticks with the palms of the hands1 holding the lower piece between the feet2 but it is better to have a man to hold the lower piece while another man works the drill-bow4 ,inexperienced travelers are very liable1 in kindling fires at their camp1 to ignite the grass around them4 ,great caution should be taken to guard against the occurrence of such accidents1 as they might prove exceedingly disastrous4 ,we were very near having our entire train of wagons and supplies destroyed1 upon one occasion1 by the carelessness of one of our party in setting fire to the grass1 and it was only by the most strenuous and well-timed efforts of two hundred men in setting counter fires1 and burning around the train1 that it was saved4 ,when the grass is dry it will take fire like powder1 and if thick and tall1 with a brisk wind1 the flames run like a race-horse1 sweeping every thing before them4 ,a lighted match1 or the ashes from a segar or pipe1 thrown carelessly into the dry grass1 sometimes sets it on fire2 but the greatest danger lies in kindling camp-fires4 ,to prevent accidents of this kind1 before kindling the fire a space should be cleared away sufficient to embrace the limits of the flame1 and all combustibles removed therefrom1 and while the fire is being made men should be stationed around with blankets ready to put it out if it takes the grass4 ,when a fire is approaching1 and escape from its track is impossible1 it may be repelled in the following manner3 ,the train and animals are parked compactly together2 then several men1 provided with blankets1 set fire to the grass on the lee side1 burning it away gradually from the train1 and extinguishing it on the side next the train4 ,this can easily be done1 and the fire controlled with the blankets1 or with dry sand thrown upon it1 until an area large enough to give room for the train has been burned clear4 ,now the train moves on to this ground of safety1 and the fire passes by harmless4 ,,jerking ,,meat4 ,so pure is the atmosphere in the interior of our continent that fresh meat may be cured1 or jerked1 as it is termed in the language of the prairies1 by cutting it into strips about an inch thick1 and hanging it in the sun1 where in a few days it will dry so well that it may be packed in sacks1 and transported over long journeys without putrefying4 ,when there is not time to jerk the meat by the slow process described1 it may be done in a few hours by building an open frame-work of small sticks about two feet above the ground1 placing the strips of meat upon the top of it1 and keeping up a slow fire beneath1 which dries the meat rapidly4 ,the jerking process may be done upon the march without any loss of time by stretching lines from front to rear upon the outside of loaded wagons1 and suspending the meat upon them1 where it is allowed to remain until sufficiently cured to be packed away4 ,salt is never used in this process1 and is not required1 as the meat1 if kept dry1 rarely putrefies4 ,if travelers have ample transportation1 it will be a wise precaution1 in passing through the buffalo range1 to lay in a supply of jerked meat for future exigences4 ,,lariats4 ,it frequently happens upon long journeys that the lariat ropes wear out or are lost1 and if there were no means of replacing them great inconvenience might result therefrom4 ,a very good substitute may be made by taking the green hide of a buffalo1 horse1 mule1 or ox1 stretching it upon the ground1 and pinning it down by the edges4 ,after it has been well stretched1 a circle is described with a piece of charcoal1 embracing as much of the skin as practicable1 and a strip about an inch wide cut from the outer edge of sufficient length to form the lariat4 ,the strip is then wrapped around between two trees or stakes1 drawn tight1 and left to dry1 after which it is subjected to a process of friction until it becomes pliable1 when it is ready for use2 this lariat answers well so long as it is kept dry1 but after it has been wet and dried again it becomes very hard and unyielding4 ,this1 however1 may be obviated by boiling it in oil or grease until thoroughly saturated1 after which it remains pliable4 ,the ,indians make very good lariat ropes of dressed buffalo or buck skins cut into narrow strips and braided2 these1 when oiled1 slip much more freely than the hemp or cotton ropes1 and are better for lassoing animals1 but they are not as suitable for picketing as those made of other material1 because the wolves will eat them1 and thus set free the animals to which they are attached4 ,,caches4 ,it not unfrequently happens that travelers are compelled1 for want of transportation1 to abandon a portion of their luggage1 and if it is exposed to the keen scrutiny of the thieving savages who often follow the trail of a party1 and hunt over old camps for such things as may be left1 it will be likely to be appropriated by them4 ,such contingencies have given rise to a method of secreting articles called by the old ,french ,canadian voyagers caching4 ,the proper places for making caches are in loose sandy soils1 where the earth is dry and easily excavated4 ,near the bank of a river is the most convenient for this purpose1 as the earth taken out can be thrown into the water1 leaving no trace behind4 ,when the spot has been chosen1 the turf is carefully cut and laid aside1 after which a hole is dug in the shape of an egg1 and of sufficient dimensions to contain the articles to be secreted1 and the earth1 as it is taken out1 thrown upon a cloth or blanket1 and carried to a stream or ravine1 where it can be disposed of1 being careful not to scatter any upon the ground near the cache4 ,the hole is then lined with bushes or dry grass1 the articles placed within1 covered with grass1 the hole filled up with earth1 and the sods carefully placed back in their original position1 and every thing that would be likely to attract an ,indian's attention removed from the locality4 ,if an ,india-rubber or gutta-percha cloth is disposable1 it should be used to envelop the articles in the cache4 ,another plan of making a cache is to dig the hole inside a tent1 and occupy the tent for some days after the goods are deposited4 ,this effaces the marks of excavation4 ,the mountain traders were formerly in the habit of building fires over their caches1 but the ,indians have become so familiar with this practice that ,i should think it no longer safe4 ,another method of caching which is sometimes resorted to is to place the articles in the top of an evergreen tree1 such as the pine1 hemlock1 or spruce4 ,the thick boughs are so arranged around the packages that they can not be seen from beneath1 and they are tied to a limb to prevent them from being blown out by the wind4 ,this will only answer for such articles as will not become injured by the weather4 ,caves or holes in the rocks that are protected from the rains are also secure deposits for caching goods1 but in every case care must be taken to obliterate all tracks or other indications of men having been near them4 ,these caches will be more secure when made at some distance from roads or trails1 and in places where ,indians would not be likely to pass4 ,to find a cache again1 the bearing and distance from the centre of it to some prominent object1 such as a mound1 rock1 or tree1 should be carefully determined and recorded1 so that any one1 on returning to the spot1 would have no difficulty in ascertaining its position4 ,,disposition ,,of ,,fire-,,arms4 ,the mountaineers and trappers exercise a very wise precaution1 on laying down for the night1 by placing their arms and ammunition by their sides1 where they can be seized at a moment's notice4 ,this rule is never departed from1 and they are therefore seldom liable to be surprised4 ,in ,parkyns's ,abyssinia1 ,i find the following remarks upon this subject3 ,when getting sleepy1 you return your rifle between your legs1 roll over1 and go to sleep4 ,some people may think this is a queer place for a rifle2 but1 on the contrary1 it is the position of all others where utility and comfort are most combined4 ,the butt rests on the arm1 and serves as a pillow for the head2 the muzzle points between the knees1 and the arms encircle the lock and breech1 so that you have a smooth pillow1 and are always prepared to start up armed at a moment's notice4 ,i have never made the experiment of sleeping in this way1 but ,i should imagine that a gun-stock would make rather a hard pillow4 ,many of our experienced frontier officers prefer carrying their pistols in a belt at their sides to placing them in holsters attached to the saddle1 as in the former case they are always at hand when they are dismounted2 whereas1 by the other plan1 they become useless when a man is unhorsed1 unless he has time to remove them from the saddle1 which1 during the excitement of an action1 would seldom be the case4 ,notwithstanding ,colt's army and navy sized revolvers have been in use for a long time in our army1 officers are by no means of one mind as to their relative merits for frontier service4 ,the navy pistol1 being more light and portable1 is more convenient for the belt1 but it is very questionable in my mind whether these qualities counterbalance the advantages derived from the greater weight of powder and lead that can be fired from the larger pistol1 and the consequent increased projectile force4 ,this point is illustrated by an incident which fell under my own observation4 ,in passing near the ,medicine-,bow ,butte during the spring of #aheh1 ,i most unexpectedly encountered and fired at a full-grown grizzly bear2 but1 as my horse had become somewhat blown by a previous gallop1 his breathing so much disturbed my aim that ,i missed the animal at the short distance of about fifty yards1 and he ran off4 ,fearful1 if ,i stopped to reload my rifle1 the bear would make his escape1 ,i resolved to drive him back to the advanced guard of our escort1 which ,i could see approaching in the distance2 this ,i succeeded in doing1 when several mounted men1 armed with the navy revolvers1 set off in pursuit4 ,they approached within a few paces1 and discharged ten or twelve shots1 the most of which entered the animal1 but he still kept on1 and his progress did not seem materially impeded by the wounds4 ,after these men had exhausted their charges1 another man rode up armed with the army revolver1 and fired two shots1 which brought the stalwart beast to the ground4 ,upon skinning him and making an examination of the wounds1 it was discovered that none of the balls from the small pistols had1 after passing through his thick and tough hide1 penetrated deeper than about an inch into the flesh1 but that the two balls from the large pistol had gone into the vitals and killed him4 ,this test was to my mind a decisive one as to the relative efficiency of the two arms for frontier service1 and ,i resolved thenceforth to carry the larger size4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,grizzly4 ,several different methods are practiced in slinging and carrying fire-arms upon horseback4 ,the shoulder-strap1 with a swivel to hook into a ring behind the guard1 with the muzzle resting downward in a leather cup attached by a strap to the same staple as the stirrup-leather1 is a very handy method for cavalry soldiers to sling their carbines2 but1 the gun being reversed1 the jolting caused by the motion of the horse tends to move the charge and shake the powder out of the cone1 which renders it liable to burst the gun and to miss fire4 ,an invention of the ,namaquas1 in ,africa1 described by ,galton in his ,art of ,travel1 is as follows3 ,sew a bag of canvas1 leather1 or hide1 of such bigness as to admit the butt of the gun pretty freely4 ,the straps that support it buckle through a ring in the pommel1 and the thongs by which its slope is adjusted fasten round the girth below4 ,the exact adjustments may not be hit upon by an unpracticed person for some little time1 but1 when they are once ascertained1 the straps need never be shifted4 ,the gun is perfectly safe1 and never comes below the arm-pit1 even in taking a drop leap2 it is pulled out in an instant by bringing the elbow in front of the gun and close to the side1 so as to throw the gun to the outside of the arm2 then1 lowering the hand1 the gun is caught up4 ,it is a bungling way to take out the gun while its barrel lies between the arm and the body4 ,any sized gun can be carried in this fashion4 ,it offers no obstacle to mounting or dismounting4 ,this may be a convenient way of carrying the gun2 ,i have never tried it4 ,of all methods ,i have used1 ,i prefer1 for hunting1 a piece of leather about twelve inches by four1 with a hole cut in each end2 one of the ends is placed over the pommel of the saddle1 and with a buckskin string made fast to it1 where it remains a permanent fixture4 ,when the rider is mounted1 he places his gun across the strap upon the saddle1 and carries the loose end forward over the pommel1 the gun resting horizontally across his legs4 ,it will now only be necessary occasionally to steady the gun with the hand4 ,after a little practice the rider will be able to control it with his knees1 and it will be found a very easy and convenient method of carrying it4 ,when required for use1 it is taken out in an instant by simply raising it with the hand1 when the loose end of the strap comes off the pommel4 ,the chief causes of accidents from the use of fire-arms arise from carelessness1 and ,i have always observed that those persons who are most familiar with their use are invariably the most careful4 ,many accidents have happened from carrying guns with the cock down upon the cap4 ,when in this position1 a blow upon the cock1 and sometimes the concussion produced by the falling of the gun1 will explode the cap2 and1 occasionally1 when the cock catches a twig1 or in the clothes1 and lifts it from the cap1 it will explode4 ,with a gun at half-cock there is but little danger of such accidents2 for1 when the cock is drawn back1 it either comes to the full-cock1 and remains1 or it returns to the half-cock1 but does not go down upon the cone4 ,another source of very many sad and fatal accidents resulting from the most stupid and culpable carelessness is in persons standing before the muzzles of guns and attempting to pull them out of wagons1 or to draw them through a fence or brush in the same position4 ,if the cock encounters an obstacle in its passage1 it will1 of course1 be drawn back and fall upon the cap4 ,these accidents are of frequent occurrence1 and the cause is well understood by all1 yet men continue to disregard it1 and their lives pay the penalty of their indiscretion4 ,it is a wise maxim1 which applies with especial force in campaigning on the prairies1 ,always look to your gun1 but never let your gun look at you4 ,an equally important maxim might be added to this3 ,never to point your gun at another1 whether charged or uncharged1 and never allow another to point his gun at you4 ,young men1 before they become accustomed to the use of arms1 are very apt to be careless1 and a large percentage of gun accidents may be traced to this cause4 ,that finished sportsman and wonderful shot1 my friend ,captain ,martin ,scott1 than whom a more gallant soldier never fought a battle1 was the most careful man with fire-arms ,i ever knew1 and up to the time he received his death-wound upon the bloody field of ,molino del ,rey he never ceased his cautionary advice to young officers upon this subject4 ,his extended experience and intimate acquaintance with the use of arms had fully impressed him with its importance1 and no man ever lived whose opinions upon this subject should carry greater weight4 ,as incomprehensible as it may appear to persons accustomed to the use of fire-arms1 recruits are very prone1 before they have been drilled at target practice with ball cartridges1 to place the ball below the powder in the piece4 ,officers conducting detachments through the ,indian country should therefore give their special attention to this1 and require the recruits to tear the cartridge and pour all the powder into the piece before the ball is inserted4 ,as accidents often occur in camp from the accidental discharge of fire-arms that have been capped1 ,i would recommend that the arms be continually kept loaded in campaigning1 but the caps not placed upon the cones until they are required for firing4 ,this will cause but little delay in an action1 and will conduce much to security from accidents4 ,when loaded fire-arms have been exposed for any considerable time to a moist atmosphere1 they should be discharged1 or the cartridges drawn1 and the arms thoroughly cleaned1 dried1 and oiled4 ,too much attention can not be given in keeping arms in perfect firing order4 ,,trailing4 ,i know of nothing in the woodman's education of so much importance1 or so difficult to acquire1 as the art of trailing or tracking men and animals4 ,to become an adept in this art requires the constant practice of years1 and with some men a lifetime does not suffice to learn it4 ,almost all the ,indians whom ,i have met with are proficient in this species of knowledge1 the faculty for acquiring which appears to be innate with them4 ,exigencies of woodland and prairie-life stimulate the savage from childhood to develop faculties so important in the arts of war and of the chase4 ,i have seen very few white men who were good trailers1 and practice did not seem very materially to improve their faculties in this regard2 they have not the same acute perceptions for these things as the ,indian or the ,mexican4 ,it is not apprehended that this difficult branch of woodcraft can be taught from books1 as it pertains almost exclusively to the school of practice1 yet ,i will give some facts relating to the habits of the ,indians that will facilitate its acquirement4 ,a party of ,indians1 for example1 starting out upon a war excursion1 leave their families behind1 and never transport their lodges2 whereas1 when they move with their families1 they carry their lodges and other effects4 ,if1 therefore1 an ,indian trail is discovered with the marks of the lodge-poles upon it1 it has certainly not been made by a war-party2 but if the track do not show the trace of lodge-poles1 it will be equally certain that a war or hunting party has passed that way1 and if it is not desired to come in conflict with them1 their direction may be avoided4 ,mustangs or wild horses1 when moving from place to place1 leave a trail which is sometimes difficult to distinguish from that made by a mounted party of ,indians1 especially if the mustangs do not stop to graze4 ,this may be determined by following upon the trail until some dung is found1 and if this should lie in a single pile1 it is a sure indication that a herd of mustangs has passed1 as they always stop to relieve themselves1 while a party of ,indians would keep their horses in motion1 and the ordure would be scattered along the road4 ,if the trail pass through woodland1 the mustangs will occasionally go under the limbs of trees too low to admit the passage of a man on horseback4 ,an ,indian1 on coming to a trail1 will generally tell at a glance its age1 by what particular tribe it was made1 the number of the party1 and many other things connected with it astounding to the uninitiated4 ,i remember1 upon one occasion1 as ,i was riding with a ,delaware upon the prairies1 we crossed the trail of a large party of ,indians traveling with lodges4 ,the tracks appeared to me quite fresh1 and ,i remarked to the ,indian that we must be near the party4 ,oh no1 said he1 the trail was made two days before1 in the morning1 at the same time pointing with his finger to where the sun would be at about #h o'clock4 ,then1 seeing that my curiosity was excited to know by what means he arrived at this conclusion1 he called my attention to the fact that there had been no dew for the last two nights1 but that on the previous morning it had been heavy4 ,he then pointed out to me some spears of grass that had been pressed down into the earth by the horses' hoofs1 upon which the sand still adhered1 having dried on1 thus clearly showing that the grass was wet when the tracks were made4 ,at another time1 as ,i was traveling with the same ,indian1 ,i discovered upon the ground what ,i took to be a bear-track1 with a distinctly-marked impression of the heel and all the toes4 ,i immediately called the ,indian's attention to it1 at the same time flattering myself that ,i had made quite an important discovery1 which had escaped his observation4 ,the fellow remarked with a smile1 ,oh no1 captain1 may be so he not bear-track4 ,he then pointed with his gun-rod to some spears of grass that grew near the impression1 but ,i did not comprehend the mystery until he dismounted and explained to me that1 when the wind was blowing1 the spears of grass would be bent over toward the ground1 and the oscillating motion thereby produced would scoop out the loose sand into the shape ,i have described4 ,the truth of this explanation was apparent1 yet it occurred to me that its solution would have baffled the wits of most white men4 ,fresh tracks generally show moisture where the earth has been turned up1 but after a short exposure to the sun they become dry4 ,if the tracks be very recent1 the sand may sometimes1 where it is very loose and dry1 be seen running back into the tracks1 and by following them to a place where they cross water1 the earth will be wet for some distance after they leave it4 ,the droppings of the dung from animals are also good indications of the age of a trail4 ,it is well to remember whether there have been any rains within a few days1 as the age of a trail may sometimes be conjectured in this way4 ,it is very easy to tell whether tracks have been made before or after a rain1 as the water washes off all the sharp edges4 ,it is not a difficult matter to distinguish the tracks of ,american horses from those of ,indian horses1 as the latter are never shod2 moreover1 they are much smaller4 ,in trailing horses1 there will be no trouble while the ground is soft1 as the impressions they leave will then be deep and distinct2 but when they pass over hard or rocky ground1 it is sometimes a very slow and troublesome process to follow them4 ,where there is grass1 the trace can be seen for a considerable time1 as the grass will be trodden down and bent in the direction the party has moved2 should the grass have returned to its upright position1 the trail can often be distinguished by standing upon it and looking ahead for some distance in the direction it has been pursuing2 the grass that has been turned over will show a different shade of green from that around it1 and this often marks a trail for a long time4 ,should all traces of the track be obliterated in certain localities1 it is customary with the ,indians to follow on in the direction it has been pursuing for a time1 and it is quite probable that in some place where the ground is more favorable it will show itself again4 ,should the trail not be recovered in this way1 they search for a place where the earth is soft1 and make a careful examination1 embracing the entire area where it is likely to run4 ,indians who find themselves pursued and wish to escape1 scatter as much as possible1 with an understanding that they are to meet again at some point in advance1 so that1 if the pursuing party follows any one of the tracks1 it will invariably lead to the place of rendezvous4 ,if1 for example1 the trail points in the direction of a mountain pass1 or toward any other place which affords the only passage through a particular section of country1 it would not be worth while to spend much time in hunting it1 as it would probably be regained at the pass4 ,illustration3 ,,horse-,,tracks ,,at ,,ordinary ,,speed4 ,as it is important in trailing ,indians to know at what gaits they are traveling1 and as the appearance of the tracks of horses are not familiar to all1 ,i have in the following cut represented the prints made by the hoofs at the ordinary speed of the walk1 trot1 and gallop1 so that persons1 in following the trail of ,indians1 may form an idea as to the probability of overtaking them1 and regulate their movements accordingly4 ,in traversing a district of unknown country where there are no prominent landmarks1 and with the view of returning to the point of departure1 a pocket compass should always be carried1 and attached by a string to a button-hole of the coat1 to prevent its being lost or mislaid2 and on starting out1 as well as frequently during the trip1 to take the bearing1 and examine the appearance of the country when facing toward the starting-point1 as a landscape presents a very different aspect when viewing it from opposite directions4 ,there are few white men who can retrace their steps for any great distance unless they take the above precautions in passing over an unknown country for the first time2 but with the ,indians it is different2 the sense of locality seems to be innate with them1 and they do not require the aid of the magnetic needle to guide them4 ,upon a certain occasion1 when ,i had made a long march over an unexplored section1 and was returning upon an entirely different route without either road or trail1 a ,delaware1 by the name of ,black ,beaver1 who was in my party1 on arriving at a particular point1 suddenly halted1 and1 turning to me1 asked if ,i recognized the country before us4 ,seeing no familiar objects1 ,i replied in the negative4 ,he put the same question to the other white men of the party1 all of whom gave the same answers1 whereupon he smiled1 and in his quaint vernacular said1 ,injun he don't know nothing4 ,injun big fool4 ,white man mighty smart2 he know heap4 ,at the same time he pointed to a tree about two hundred yards from where we were then standing1 and informed us that our outward trail ran directly by the side of it1 which proved to be true4 ,another time1 as ,i was returning from the ,comanche country over a route many miles distant from the one ,i had traveled in going out1 one of my ,delaware hunters1 who had never visited the section before1 on arriving upon the crest of an eminence in the prairie1 pointed out to me a clump of trees in the distance1 remarking that our outward track would be found there4 ,i was not1 however1 disposed to credit his statement until we reached the locality and found the road passing the identical spot he had indicated4 ,this same ,indian would start from any place to which he had gone by a sinuous route1 through an unknown country1 and keep a direct bearing back to the place of departure2 and he assured me that he has never1 even during the most cloudy or foggy weather1 or in the darkest nights1 lost the points of compass4 ,there are very few white men who are endowed with these wonderful faculties1 and those few are only rendered proficient by matured experience4 ,i have known several men1 after they had become lost in the prairies1 to wander about for days without exercising the least judgment1 and finally exhibiting a state of mental aberration almost upon the verge of lunacy4 ,instead of reasoning upon their situation1 they exhaust themselves running a-head at their utmost speed without any regard to direction4 ,when a person is satisfied that he has lost his way1 he should stop and reflect upon the course he has been traveling1 the time that has elapsed since he left his camp1 and the probable distance that he is from it2 and if he is unable to retrace his steps1 he should keep as nearly in the direction of them as possible2 and if he has a compass1 this will be an easy matter2 but1 above all1 he should guard against following his own track around in a circle with the idea that he is in a beaten trace4 ,when he is traveling with a train of wagons which leaves a plain trail1 he can make the distance he has traveled from camp the radius of a circle in which to ride around1 and before the circle is described he will strike the trail4 ,if the person has no compass1 it is always well to make an observation1 and to remember the direction of the wind at the time of departure from camp2 and as this would not generally change during the day1 it would afford a means of keeping the points of the compass4 ,in the night ,ursa ,major 7the ,great ,bear7 is not only useful to find the north star1 but its position1 when the pointers will be vertical in the heavens1 may be estimated with sufficient accuracy to determine the north even when the north star can not be seen4 ,in tropical latitudes1 the zodiacal stars1 such as ,orion and ,antares1 give the east and west bearing1 and the ,southern ,cross the north and south when ,polaris and the ,great ,bear can not be seen4 ,it is said that the moss upon the firs and other trees in ,europe gives a certain indication of the points of compass in a forest country1 the greatest amount accumulating upon the north side of the trees4 ,but ,i have often observed the trees in our own forests1 and have not been able to form any positive conclusions in this way4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,guides and ,hunters4 ,delawares and ,shawnees4 ,khebirs4 ,black ,beaver4 ,anecdotes4 ,domestic ,troubles4 ,lodges4 ,similarity of ,prairie ,tribes to the ,arabs4 ,method of making ,war4 ,tracking and pursuing ,indians4 ,method of attacking them4 ,telegraphing by ,smokes4 ,,delawares ,,and ,,shawnees4 ,it is highly important that parties making expeditions through an unexplored country should secure the services of the best guides and hunters1 and ,i know of none who are superior to the ,delawares and ,shawnee ,indians4 ,they have been with me upon several different occasions1 and ,i have invariably found them intelligent1 brave1 reliable1 and in every respect well qualified to fill their positions4 ,they are endowed with those keen and wonderful powers in woodcraft which can only be acquired by instinct1 practice1 and necessity1 and which are possessed by no other people that ,i have heard of1 unless it be the khebirs or guides who escort the caravans across the great desert of ,sahara4 ,general ,e4 ,dumas1 in his treatise upon the ,great ,desert1 published in ,paris1 #ahef1 in speaking of these guides1 says3 ,the khebir is always a man of intelligence1 of tried probity1 bravery1 and skill4 ,he knows how to determine his position from the appearance of the stars2 by the experience of other journeys he has learned all about the roads1 wells1 and pastures2 the dangers of certain passes1 and the means of avoiding them2 all the chiefs whose territories it is necessary to pass through2 the salubrity of the different localities2 the remedies against diseases2 the treatment of fractures1 and the antidotes to the venom of snakes and scorpions4 ,in these vast solitudes1 where nothing seems to indicate the route1 where the wind covers up all traces of the track with sand1 the khebir has a thousand ways of directing himself in the right course4 ,in the night1 when there are no stars in sight1 by the simple inspection of a handful of grass1 which he examines with his fingers1 which he smells and tastes1 he informs himself of his locale without ever being lost or wandering4 ,i saw with astonishment that our conductor1 although he had but one eye1 and that defective1 recognized perfectly the route2 and ,leon1 the ,african1 states that the conductor of his caravan became blind upon the journey from ophthalmia1 yet by feeling the grass and sand he could tell when we were approaching an inhabited place4 ,our guide had all the qualities which make a good khebir4 ,he was young1 large1 and strong2 he was a master of arms2 his eye commanded respect1 and his speech won the heart4 ,but if in the tent he was affable and winning1 once en route he spoke only when it was necessary1 and never smiled4 ,the ,delawares are but a minute remnant of the great ,algonquin family1 whose early traditions declare them to be the parent stock from which the other numerous branches of the ,algonquin tribes originated4 ,and they are the same people whom the first white settlers found so numerous upon the banks of the ,delaware4 ,when ,william ,penn held his council with the ,delawares upon the ground where the city of ,philadelphia now stands1 they were as peaceful and unwarlike in their habits as the ,quakers themselves4 ,they had been subjugated by the ,five ,nations1 forced to take the appellation of squaws1 and forego the use of arms2 but after they moved west1 beyond the influence of their former masters1 their naturally independent spirit revived1 they soon regained their lofty position as braves and warriors1 and the male squaws of the ,iroquois soon became formidable men and heroes1 and so have continued to the present day4 ,their war-path has reached the shores of the ,pacific ,ocean on the west1 ,hudson's ,bay on the north1 and into the very heart of ,mexico on the south4 ,they are not clannish in their dispositions like most other ,indians1 nor by their habits confined to any given locality1 but are found as traders1 trappers1 or hunters among most of the ,indian tribes inhabiting our continent4 ,i even saw them living with the ,mormons in ,utah4 ,they are among the ,indians as the ,jews among the whites1 essentially wanderers4 ,the ,shawnees have been associated with the ,delawares #ahe years4 ,they intermarry and live as one people4 ,their present places of abode are upon the ,missouri ,river1 near ,fort ,leavenworth1 and in the ,choctaw ,territory1 upon the ,canadian ,river1 near ,fort ,arbuckle4 ,they are familiar with many of the habits and customs of their pale-faced neighbors1 and some of them speak the ,english language1 yet many of their native characteristics tenaciously cling to them4 ,upon one occasion ,i endeavored to teach a ,delaware the use of the compass4 ,he seemed much interested in its mechanism1 and very attentively observed the oscillations of the needle4 ,he would move away a short distance1 then return1 keeping his eyes continually fixed upon the needle and the uniform position into which it settled4 ,he did not1 however1 seem to comprehend it in the least1 but regarded the entire proceeding as a species of necromantic performance got up for his especial benefit1 and ,i was about putting away the instrument when he motioned me to stop1 and came walking toward it with a very serious but incredulous countenance1 remarking1 as he pointed his finger toward it1 ,maybe so he tell lie sometime4 ,the ignorance evinced by this ,indian regarding the uses of the compass is less remarkable than that of some white men who are occasionally met upon the frontier4 ,while surveying ,indian lands in the wilds of ,western ,texas during the summer of #ahed1 ,i encountered a deputy surveyor traveling on foot1 with his compass and chain upon his back4 ,i saluted him very politely1 remarking that ,i presumed he was a surveyor1 to which he replied1 ,i reckon1 stranger1 ,i ar that thar individoal4 ,i had taken the magnetic variation several times1 always with nearly the same results 7about #aj deg4 #bj'72 but1 in order to verify my observations1 ,i was curious to learn how they accorded with his own working1 and accordingly inquired of him what he made the variation of the compass in that particular locality4 ,he seemed struck with astonishment1 took his compass from his back and laid it upon a log near by1 then facing me1 and pointing with his hand toward it1 said1 ,straanger1 do yer see that thar instru-ment8 to which ,i replied in the affirmative4 ,he continued1 ,i've owned her well-nigh goin on twenty year4 ,i've put her through the perarries and through the timber1 and now look yeer1 straanger1 you can just bet your life on't she never var-ried arry time1 and if you'll just follow her sign you'll knock the centre outer the north star4 ,she never lies1 she don't4 ,he seemed to consider my interrogatory as a direct insinuation that his compass was an imperfect one1 and hence his indignation4 ,thinking that ,i should not get any very important intelligence concerning the variation of the needle from this surveyor1 ,i begged his pardon for questioning the accuracy of his instru-ment1 bid him good-morning1 and continued on my journey4 ,,black ,,beaver4 ,in #ahdi ,i met with a very interesting specimen of the ,delaware tribe whose name was ,black ,beaver4 ,he had for ten years been in the employ of the ,american ,fur ,company1 and during this time had visited nearly every point of interest within the limits of our unsettled territory4 ,he had set his traps and spread his blanket upon the head waters of the ,missouri and ,columbia2 and his wanderings had led him south to the ,colorado and ,gila1 and thence to the shores of the ,pacific in ,southern ,california4 ,his life had been that of a veritable cosmopolite1 filled with scenes of intense and startling interest1 bold and reckless adventure4 ,he was with me two seasons in the capacity of guide1 and ,i always found him perfectly reliable1 brave1 and competent4 ,his reputation as a resolute1 determined1 and fearless warrior did not admit of question1 yet ,i have never seen a man who wore his laurels with less vanity4 ,when ,i first made his acquaintance ,i was puzzled to know what to think of him4 ,he would often1 in speaking of the ,prairie ,indians1 say to me1 ,captain1 if you have a fight1 you mustn't count much on me1 for ,i'ze a big coward4 ,when the fight begins ,i 'spect you'll see me run under the cannon2 ,injun mighty 'fraid of big gun4 ,i expressed my surprise that he should1 if what he told me was true1 have gained such a reputation as a warrior2 whereupon he informed me that many years previous1 when he was a young man1 and before he had ever been in battle1 he1 with about twenty white men and four ,delawares1 were at one of the ,fur ,company's trading-posts upon the ,upper ,missouri1 engaged in trapping beaver4 ,while there1 the stockade fort was attacked by a numerous band of ,blackfeet ,indians1 who fought bravely1 and seemed determined to annihilate the little band that defended it4 ,after the investment had been completed1 and there appeared no probability of the attacking party's abandoning their purpose1 ,one d----d fool ,delaware 7as ,black ,beaver expressed it7 proposed to his countrymen to make a sortie1 and thereby endeavor to effect an impression upon the ,blackfeet4 ,this1 ,beaver said1 was the last thing he would ever have thought of suggesting1 and it startled him prodigiously1 causing him to tremble so much that it was with difficulty he could stand4 ,he had1 however1 started from home with the fixed purpose of becoming a distinguished brave1 and made a great effort to stifle his emotion4 ,he assumed an air of determination1 saying that was the very idea he was just about to propose2 and1 slapping his comrades upon the back1 started toward the gate1 telling them to follow4 ,as soon as the gate was passed1 he says1 he took particular care to keep in the rear of the others1 so that1 in the event of a retreat1 he would be able to reach the stockade first4 ,they had not proceeded far before a perfect shower of arrows came falling around them on all sides1 but1 fortunately1 without doing them harm4 ,not fancying this hot reception1 those in front proposed an immediate retreat1 to which he most gladly acceded1 and at once set off at his utmost speed1 expecting to reach the fort first4 ,but he soon discovered that his comrades were more fleet1 and were rapidly passing and leaving him behind4 ,suddenly he stopped and called out to them1 ,come back here1 you cowards1 you squaws2 what for you run away and leave brave man to fight alone8 ,this taunting appeal to their courage turned them back1 and1 with their united efforts1 they succeeded in beating off the enemy immediately around them1 securing their entrance into the fort4 ,beaver says when the gate was closed the captain in charge of the establishment grasped him warmly by the hand1 saying1 ,black ,beaver1 you are a brave man2 you have done this day what no other man in the fort would have the courage to do1 and ,i thank you from the bottom of my heart4 ,in relating the circumstance to me he laughed most heartily1 thinking it a very good joke1 and said after that he was regarded as a brave warrior4 ,the truth is1 my friend ,beaver was one of those few heroes who never sounded his own trumpet2 yet no one that knows him ever presumed to question his courage4 ,at another time1 while ,black ,beaver remained upon the head waters of the ,missouri1 he was left in charge of a cache consisting of a quantity of goods buried to prevent their being stolen by the ,indians4 ,during the time he was engaged upon this duty he amused himself by hunting in the vicinity1 only visiting his charge once a day4 ,as he was making one of these periodical visits1 and had arrived upon the summit of a hill overlooking the locality1 he suddenly discovered a large number of hostile ,blackfeet occupying it1 and he supposed they had appropriated all the goods4 ,as soon as they espied him1 they beckoned for him to come down and have a friendly chat with them4 ,knowing that their purpose was to beguile him into their power1 he replied that he did not feel in a talking humor just at that time1 and started off in another direction1 whereupon they hallooed after him1 making use of the most insulting language and gestures1 and asking him if he considered himself a man thus to run away from his friends1 and intimating that1 in their opinion1 he was an old woman1 who had better go home and take care of the children4 ,beaver says this roused his indignation to such a pitch that he stopped1 turned around1 and replied1 ,maybe so2 s'pose three or four of you ,injuns come up here alone1 ,i'll show you if ,i'ze old womans4 ,they did not1 however1 accept the challenge1 and ,beaver rode off4 ,although the ,delawares generally seem quite happy in their social relations1 yet they are not altogether exempt from some of those minor discords which occasionally creep in and mar the domestic harmony of their more civilized pale-faced brethren4 ,i remember1 upon one occasion1 ,i had bivouacked for the night with ,black ,beaver1 and he had been endeavoring to while away the long hours of the evening by relating to me some of the most thrilling incidents of his highly-adventurous and erratic life1 when at length a hiatus in the conversation gave me an opportunity of asking him if he was a married man4 ,he hesitated for some time2 then looking up and giving his forefinger a twirl1 to imitate the throwing of a lasso1 replied1 ,one time me catch 'um wife4 ,i pay that woman1 his modder1 one hoss--one saddle--one bridle--two plug tobacco1 and plenty goods4 ,i take him home to my house--got plenty meat--plenty corn--plenty every thing4 ,one time me go take walk1 maybe so three1 maybe so two hours4 ,when ,i come home1 that woman he say1 ',black ,beaver1 what for you go way long time8' ,i say1 ',i not go nowhere2 ,i just take one littel walk4' ,then that woman he get heap mad1 and say1 ',no1 ,black ,beaver1 you not take no littel walk4 ,i know what for you go way2 you go see nodder one woman4' ,i say1 ',maybe not4' ,then that woman she cry long time1 and all e'time now she mad4 ,you never seen ',merican woman that a-way8 ,i sympathized most deeply with my friend in his distress1 and told him for his consolation that1 in my opinion1 the women of his nation were not peculiar in this respect2 that they were pretty much alike all over the world1 and ,i was under the impression that there were well-authenticated instances even among white women where they had subjected themselves to the same causes of complaint so feelingly depicted by him4 ,whereupon he very earnestly asked1 ,what you do for cure him8 ,whip him8 ,i replied1 ,no2 that1 so far as my observation extended1 ,i was under the impression that this was generally regarded by those who had suffered from its effects as one of those chronic and vexatious complaints which would not be benefited by the treatment he suggested1 even when administered in homoeopathic doses1 and ,i believed it was now admitted by all sensible men that it was better in all such cases to let nature take its course1 trusting to a merciful ,providence4 ,at this reply his countenance assumed a dejected expression1 but at length he brightened up again and triumphantly remarked1 ,i tell you1 my friend1 what ,i do2 ,i ketch 'um nodder one wife when ,i go home4 ,black ,beaver had visited ,st4 ,louis and the small towns upon the ,missouri frontier1 and he prided himself not a little upon his acquaintance with the customs of the whites1 and never seemed more happy than when an opportunity offered to display this knowledge in presence of his ,indian companions4 ,it so happened1 upon one occasion1 that ,i had a ,comanche guide who bivouacked at the same fire with ,beaver4 ,on visiting them one evening according to my usual practice1 ,i found them engaged in a very earnest and apparently not very amicable conversation4 ,on inquiring the cause of this1 ,beaver answered1 ,i've been telling this ,comanche what ,i seen 'mong the white folks4 ,i said1 ,well1 ,beaver1 what did you tell him8 ,i tell him 'bout the steam-boats1 and the railroads1 and the heap o' houses ,i seen in ,st4 ,louis4 ,well1 sir1 what does he think of that8 ,he say ,i'ze d----d fool4 ,what else did you tell him about8 ,i tell him the world is round1 but he keep all e'time say1 ,hush1 you fool6 do you spose ,i'ze child8 ,haven't ,i got eyes8 ,can't ,i see the prairie8 ,you call him round8 ,he say1 too1 maybe so ,i tell you something you not know before4 ,one time my grandfather he make long journey that way 7pointing to the west74 ,when he get on big mountain1 he seen heap water on t'other side1 jest so flat he can be1 and he seen the sun go right straight down on t'other side4 ,i then tell him all these rivers he seen1 all e'time the water he run2 s'pose the world flat the water he stand still4 ,maybe so he not b'lieve me8 ,i told him it certainly looked very much like it4 ,i then asked him to explain to the ,comanche the magnetic telegraph4 ,he looked at me earnestly1 and said1 ,what you call that magnetic telegraph8 ,i said1 you have heard of ,new ,york and ,new ,orleans8 ,oh yes1 he replied4 ,very well2 we have a wire connecting these two cities1 which are about a thousand miles apart1 and it would take a man thirty days to ride it upon a good horse4 ,now a man stands at one end of this wire in ,new ,york1 and by touching it a few times he inquires of his friend in ,new ,orleans what he had for breakfast4 ,his friend in ,new ,orleans touches the other end of the wire1 and in ten minutes the answer comes back--ham and eggs4 ,tell him that1 ,beaver4 ,his countenance assumed a most comical expression1 but he made no remark until ,i again requested him to repeat what ,i had said to the ,comanche1 when he observed1 ,no1 captain1 ,i not tell him that1 for ,i don't b'lieve that myself4 ,upon my assuring him that such was the fact1 and that ,i had seen it myself1 he said1 ,injun not very smart2 sometimes he's big fool1 but he holler pretty loud2 you hear him maybe half a mile2 you say ',merican man he talk thousand miles4 ,i 'spect you try to fool me now1 captain2 maybe so you lie4 ,the ,indians living between the outer white settlements and the nomadic tribes of the ,plains form intermediate social links in the chain of civilization4 ,the first of these occupy permanent habitations1 but the others1 although they cultivate the soil1 are only resident while their crops are growing1 going out into the prairies after harvest to spend the winter in hunting4 ,among the former may be mentioned the ,cherokees1 ,creeks1 ,choctaws1 and ,chickasaws1 and of the latter are the ,delawares1 ,shawnees1 ,kickapoos1 etc41 who are perfectly familiar with the use of the rifle1 and1 in my judgment1 would make as formidable partisan warriors as can be found in the universe4 ,,the ,,wild ,,tribes ,,of ,,the ,,west4 ,these are very different in their habits from the natives that formerly occupied the country bordering upon the ,atlantic coast4 ,the latter lived permanently in villages1 where they cultivated the soil1 and never wandered very far from them4 ,they did not use horses1 but always made their war expeditions on foot1 and never came into action unless they could screen themselves behind the cover of trees4 ,they inflicted the most inhuman tortures upon their prisoners1 but did not1 that ,i am aware1 violate the chastity of women4 ,the prairie tribes have no permanent abiding places2 they never plant a seed1 but roam for hundreds of miles in every direction over the ,plains4 ,they are perfect horsemen1 and seldom go to war on foot4 ,their attacks are made in the open prairies1 and when unhorsed they are powerless4 ,they do not1 like the eastern ,indians1 inflict upon their prisoners prolonged tortures1 but invariably subject all females that have the misfortune to fall into their merciless clutches to an ordeal worse than death4 ,it is highly important to every man passing through a country frequented by ,indians to know some of their habits1 customs1 and propensities1 as this will facilitate his intercourse with friendly tribes1 and enable him1 when he wishes to avoid a conflict1 to take precautions against coming in collision with those who are hostile4 ,almost every tribe has its own way of constructing its lodges1 encamping1 making fires1 its own style of dress1 by some of which peculiarities the experienced frontiersman can generally distinguish them4 ,the ,osages1 for example1 make their lodges in the shape of a wagon-top1 of bent rods or willows covered with skins1 blankets1 or the bark of trees4 ,the ,kickapoo lodges are made in an oval form1 something like a rounded hay-stack1 of poles set in the ground1 bent over1 and united at top2 this is covered with cloths or bark4 ,the ,witchetaws1 ,wacos1 ,towackanies1 and ,tonkowas erect their hunting lodges of sticks put up in the form of the frustum of a cone and covered with brush4 ,all these tribes leave the frame-work of their lodges standing when they move from camp to camp1 and this1 of course1 indicates the particular tribe that erected them4 ,the ,delawares and ,shawnees plant two upright forked poles1 place a stick across them1 and stretch a canvas covering over it1 in the same manner as with the tente d'abri4 ,the ,sioux1 ,arapahoes1 ,cheyennes1 ,utes1 ,snakes1 ,blackfeet1 and ,kioways make use of the ,comanche lodge1 covered with dressed buffalo hides4 ,all the ,prairie ,indians ,i have met with are the most inveterate beggars4 ,they will flock around strangers1 and1 in the most importunate manner1 ask for every thing they see1 especially tobacco and sugar2 and1 if allowed1 they will handle1 examine1 and occasionally pilfer such things as happen to take their fancy4 ,the proper way to treat them is to give them at once such articles as are to be disposed of1 and then1 in a firm and decided manner1 let them understand that they are to receive nothing else4 ,a party of ,keechis once visited my camp with their principal chief1 who said he had some important business to discuss1 and demanded a council with the capitan4 ,after consent had been given1 he assembled his principal men1 and1 going through the usual preliminary of taking a big smoke1 he arose1 and with a great deal of ceremony commenced his pompous and flowery speech1 which1 like all others of a similar character1 amounted to nothing1 until he touched upon the real object of his visit4 ,he said he had traveled a long distance over the prairies to see and have a talk with his white brothers2 that his people were very hungry and naked4 ,he then approached me with six small sticks1 and1 after shaking hands1 laid one of the sticks in my hand1 which he said represented sugar1 another signified tobacco1 and the other four1 pork1 flour1 whisky1 and blankets1 all of which he assured me his people were in great need of1 and must have4 ,his talk was then concluded1 and he sat down1 apparently much gratified with the graceful and impressive manner with which he had executed his part of the performance4 ,it then devolved upon me to respond to the brilliant effort of the prairie orator1 which ,i did in something like the following manner4 ,after imitating his style for a short time1 ,i closed my remarks by telling him that we were poor infantry soldiers1 who were always obliged to go on foot2 that we had become very tired of walking1 and would like very much to ride4 ,furthermore1 ,i had observed that they had among them many fine horses and mules4 ,i then took two small sticks1 and imitating as nearly as possible the manner of the chief1 placed one in his hand1 which ,i told him was nothing more or less than a first-rate horse1 and then the other1 which signified a good large mule4 ,i closed by saying that ,i was ready to exchange presents whenever it suited his convenience4 ,they looked at each other for some time without speaking1 but finally got up and walked away1 and ,i was not troubled with them again4 ,,indian ,,fighting4 ,the military system1 as taught and practiced in our army up to the time of the ,mexican war1 was1 without doubt1 efficient and well adapted to the art of war among civilized nations4 ,this system was designed for the operations of armies acting in populated districts1 furnishing ample resources1 and against an enemy who was tangible1 and made use of a similar system4 ,the vast expanse of desert territory that has been annexed to our domain within the last few years is peopled by numerous tribes of marauding and erratic savages1 who are mounted upon fleet and hardy horses1 making war the business and pastime of their lives1 and acknowledging none of the ameliorating conventionalities of civilized warfare4 ,their tactics are such as to render the old system almost wholly impotent4 ,to act against an enemy who is here to-day and there to-morrow2 who at one time stampedes a herd of mules upon the head waters of the ,arkansas1 and when next heard from is in the very heart of the populated districts of ,mexico1 laying waste haciendas1 and carrying devastation1 rapine1 and murder in his steps2 who is every where without being any where2 who assembles at the moment of combat1 and vanishes whenever fortune turns against him2 who leaves his women and children far distant from the theatre of hostilities1 and has neither towns or magazines to defend1 nor lines of retreat to cover2 who derives his commissariat from the country he operates in1 and is not encumbered with baggage-wagons or pack-trains2 who comes into action only when it suits his purposes1 and never without the advantage of numbers or position--with such an enemy the strategic science of civilized nations loses much of its importance1 and finds but rarely1 and only in peculiar localities1 an opportunity to be put in practice4 ,our little army1 scattered as it has been over the vast area of our possessions1 in small garrisons of one or two companies each1 has seldom been in a situation to act successfully on the offensive against large numbers of these marauders1 and has often been condemned to hold itself almost exclusively upon the defensive4 ,the morale of the troops must thereby necessarily be seriously impaired1 and the confidence of the savages correspondingly augmented4 ,the system of small garrisons has a tendency to disorganize the troops in proportion as they are scattered1 and renders them correspondingly inefficient4 ,the same results have been observed by the ,french army in ,algeria1 where1 in #ahde1 their troops were1 like ours1 disseminated over a vast space1 and broken up into small detachments stationed in numerous intrenched posts4 ,upon the sudden appearance of ,abd el ,kader in the plain of ,mitidja1 they were defeated with serious losses1 and were from day to day obliged to abandon these useless stations1 with all the supplies they contained4 ,a ,french writer1 in discussing this subject1 says3 ,we have now abandoned the fatal idea of defending ,algeria by small intrenched posts4 ,in studying the character of the war1 the nature of the men who are to oppose us1 and of the country in which we are to operate1 we must be convinced of the danger of admitting any other system of fortification than that which is to receive our grand depots1 our magazines1 and to serve as places to recruit and rest our troops when exhausted by long expeditionary movements4 ,these fortifications should be established in the midst of the centres of action1 so as to command the principal routes1 and serve as pivots to expeditionary columns4 ,we owe our success to a system of war which has its proofs in twice changing our relations with the ,arabs4 ,this system consists altogether in the great mobility we have given to our troops4 ,instead of disseminating our soldiers with the vain hope of protecting our frontiers with a line of small posts1 we have concentrated them1 to have them at all times ready for emergencies1 and since then the fortune of the ,arabs has waned1 and we have marched from victory to victory4 ,this system1 which has thus far succeeded1 ought to succeed always1 and to conduct us1 ,god willing1 to the peaceful possession of the country4 99 99 99 99 99 ,in reading a treatise upon war as it is practiced by the ,french in ,algeria1 by ,colonel ,a4 ,laure1 of the #b;d ,algerine ,tirailleurs1 published in ,paris in #aheh1 ,i was struck with the remarkable similarity between the habits of the ,arabs and those of the wandering tribes that inhabit our ,western prairies4 ,their manner of making war is almost precisely the same1 and a successful system of strategic operations for one will1 in my opinion1 apply to the other4 ,as the ,turks have been more successful than the ,french in their military operations against the ,arab tribes1 it may not be altogether uninteresting to inquire by what means these inferior soldiers have accomplished the best results4 ,the author above mentioned1 in speaking upon this subject1 says3 ,in these latter days the world is occupied with the organization of mounted infantry1 according to the example of the ,turks1 where1 in the most successful experiments that have been made1 the mule carries the foot-soldier4 ,the ,turkish soldier mounts his mule1 puts his provisions upon one side and his accoutrements upon the other1 and1 thus equipped1 sets out upon long marches1 traveling day and night1 and only reposing occasionally in bivouac4 ,arrived near the place of operations 7as near the break of day as possible71 the ,turks dismount in the most profound silence1 and pass in succession the bridle of one mule through that of another in such a manner that a single man is sufficient to hold forty or fifty of them by retaining the last bridle1 which secures all the others2 they then examine their arms1 and are ready to commence their work4 ,the chief gives his last orders1 posts his guides1 and they make the attack1 surprise the enemy1 generally asleep1 and carry the position without resistance4 ,the operation terminated1 they hasten to beat a retreat1 to prevent the neighboring tribes from assembling1 and thus avoid a combat4 ,the ,turks had only three thousand mounted men and ten thousand infantry in ,algeria1 yet these thirteen thousand men sufficed to conquer the same obstacles which have arrested us for twenty-six years1 notwithstanding the advantage we had of an army which was successively re-enforced until it amounted to a hundred thousand4 ,why not imitate the ,turks1 then1 mount our infantry upon mules1 and reduce the strength of our army8 ,the response is very simple3 ,the ,turks are ,turks--that is to say1 ,mussulmans--and indigenous to the country2 the ,turks speak the ,arabic language2 the ,deys of ,algiers had less country to guard than we1 and they care very little about retaining possession of it4 ,they are satisfied to receive a part of its revenues4 ,they were not permanent2 their dominion was held by a thread4 ,the ,arab dwells in tents2 his magazines are in caves4 ,when he starts upon a war expedition1 he folds his tent1 drives far away his beasts of burden1 which transport his effects1 and only carries with him his horse and arms4 ,thus equipped1 he goes every where2 nothing arrests him2 and often1 when we believe him twenty leagues distant1 he is in ambush at precisely rifle range from the flanks of his enemy4 ,it may be thought the union of contingents might retard their movements1 but this is not so4 ,the ,arabs1 whether they number ten or a hundred thousand1 move with equal facility4 ,they go where they wish and as they wish upon a campaign2 the place of rendezvous merely is indicated1 and they arrive there4 ,what calculations can be made against such an organization as this8 ,strategy evidently loses its advantages against such enemies2 a general can only make conjectures2 he marches to find the ,arabs1 and finds them not2 then1 again1 when he least expects it1 he suddenly encounters them4 ,when the ,arab despairs of success in battle1 he places his sole reliance upon the speed of his horse to escape destruction2 and as he is always in a country where he can make his camp beside a little water1 he travels until he has placed a safe distance between himself and his enemy4 99 99 99 99 99 ,no people probably on the face of the earth are more ambitious of martial fame1 or entertain a higher appreciation for the deeds of a daring and successful warrior1 than the ,north ,american savages4 ,the attainment of such reputation is the paramount and absorbing object of their lives2 all their aspirations for distinction invariably take this channel of expression4 ,a young man is never considered worthy to occupy a seat in council until he has encountered an enemy in battle2 and he who can count the greatest number of scalps is the most highly honored by his tribe4 ,this idea is inculcated from their earliest infancy4 ,it is not surprising1 therefore1 that1 with such weighty inducements before him1 the young man who1 as yet1 has gained no renown as a brave or warrior1 should be less discriminate in his attacks than older men who have already acquired a name4 ,the young braves should1 therefore1 be closely watched when encountered on the ,plains4 ,the prairie tribes are seldom at peace with all their neighbors1 and some of the young braves of a tribe are almost always absent upon a war excursion4 ,these forays sometimes extend into the heart of the northern states of ,mexico1 where the ,indians have carried on successful invasions for many years4 ,they have devastated and depopulated a great portion of ,sonora and ,chihuahua4 ,the objects of these forays are to steal horses and mules1 and to take prisoners2 and if it so happens that a war-party has been unsuccessful in the accomplishment of these ends1 or has had the misfortune to lose some of its number in battle1 they become reckless1 and will often attack a small party with whom they are not at war1 provided they hope to escape detection4 ,the disgrace attendant upon a return to their friends without some trophies as an offset to the loss of their comrades is a powerful incentive to action1 and they extend but little mercy to defenseless travelers who have the misfortune to encounter them at such a conjuncture4 ,while en route from ,new ,mexico to ,arkansas in #ahdi ,i was encamped near the head of the ,colorado ,river1 and wishing to know the character of the country for a few miles in advance of our position1 ,i desired an officer to go out and make the reconnoissance4 ,i was lying sick in my bed at the time1 or ,i should have performed the duty myself4 ,i expected the officer would have taken an escort with him1 but he omitted to do so1 and started off alone4 ,after proceeding a short distance he discovered four mounted ,indians coming at full speed directly toward him1 when1 instead of turning his own horse toward camp1 and endeavoring to make his escape 7he was well mounted71 or of halting and assuming a defensive attitude1 he deliberately rode up to them2 after which the tracks indicated that they proceeded about three miles together1 when the ,indians most brutally killed and scalped my most unfortunate but too credulous friend1 who might probably have saved his life had he not1 in the kindness of his excellent heart1 imagined that the savages would reciprocate his friendly advances4 ,he was most woefully mistaken1 and his life paid the forfeit of his generous and noble disposition4 ,i have never been able to get any positive information as to the persons who committed this murder1 yet circumstances render it highly probable that they were a party of young ,indians who were returning from an unsuccessful foray1 and they were unable to resist the temptation of taking the scalp and horse of the lieutenant4 ,a small number of white men1 in traveling upon the ,plains1 should not allow a party of strange ,indians to approach them unless able to resist an attack under the most unfavorable circumstances4 ,it is a safe rule1 when a man finds himself alone in the prairies1 and sees a party of ,indians approaching1 not to allow them to come near him1 and if they persist in so doing1 to signal them to keep away4 ,if they do not obey1 and he be mounted upon a fleet horse1 he should make for the nearest timber4 ,if the ,indians follow and press him too closely1 he should halt1 turn around1 and point his gun at the foremost1 which will often have the effect of turning them back1 but he should never draw trigger unless he finds that his life depends upon the shot2 for1 as soon as his shot is delivered1 his sole dependence1 unless he have time to reload1 must be upon the speed of his horse4 ,the ,indians of the ,plains1 notwithstanding the encomiums that have been heaped upon their brethren who formerly occupied the ,eastern ,states for their gratitude1 have not1 so far as ,i have observed1 the most distant conception of that sentiment4 ,you may confer numberless benefits upon them for years1 and the more that is done for them the more they will expect4 ,they do not seem to comprehend the motive which dictates an act of benevolence or charity1 and they invariably attribute it to fear or the expectation of reward4 ,when they make a present1 it is with a view of getting more than its equivalent in return4 ,i have never yet been able to discover that the ,western wild tribes possessed any of those attributes which among civilized nations are regarded as virtues adorning the human character4 ,they have yet to be taught the first rudiments of civilization1 and they are at this time as far from any knowledge of ,christianity1 and as worthy subjects for missionary enterprise1 as the most untutored natives of the ,south ,sea ,islands4 ,illustration3 ,,keep ,,away6 ,the only way to make these merciless freebooters fear or respect the authority of our government is1 when they misbehave1 first of all to chastise them well by striking such a blow as will be felt for a long time1 and thus show them that we are superior to them in war4 ,they will then respect us much more than when their good-will is purchased with presents4 ,the opinion of a friend of mine1 who has passed the last twenty-five years of his life among the ,indians of the ,rocky ,mountains1 corroborates the opinions ,i have advanced upon this head1 and although ,i do not endorse all of his sentiments1 yet many of them are deduced from long and matured experience and critical observation4 ,he says3 ,they are the most onsartainest varmints in all creation1 and ,i reckon tha'r not mor'n half human2 for you never seed a human1 arter you'd fed and treated him to the best fixins in your lodge1 jist turn round and steal all your horses1 or ary other thing he could lay his hands on4 ,no1 not adzackly4 ,he would feel kinder grateful1 and ask you to spread a blanket in his lodge ef you ever passed that a-way4 ,but the ,injun he don't care shucks for you1 and is ready to do you a heap of mischief as soon as he quits your feed4 ,no1 ,cap41 he continued1 it's not the right way to give um presents to buy peace2 but ef ,i war governor of these yeer ,united ,states1 ,i'll tell you what ,i'd do4 ,i'd invite um all to a big feast1 and make b'lieve ,i wanted to have a big talk2 and as soon as ,i got um all together1 ,i'd pitch in and sculp about half of um1 and then t'other half would be mighty glad to make a peace that would stick4 ,that's the way ,i'd make a treaty with the dog'ond1 red-bellied varmints2 and as sure as you're born1 ,cap41 that's the only way4 ,i suggested to him the idea that there would be a lack of good faith and honor in such a proceeding1 and that it would be much more in accordance with my notions of fair dealing to meet them openly in the field1 and there endeavor to punish them if they deserve it4 ,to this he replied1 ,tain't no use to talk about honor with them1 ,cap42 they hain't got no such thing in um2 and they won't show fair fight1 any way you can fix it4 ,don't they kill and sculp a white man when-ar they get the better on him8 ,the mean varmints1 they'll never behave themselves until you give um a clean out and out licking4 ,they can't onderstand white folks' ways1 and they won't learn um2 and ef you treat um decently1 they think you ar afeard4 ,you may depend on't1 ,cap41 the only way to treat ,injuns is to thrash them well at first1 then the balance will sorter take to you and behave themselves4 ,the wealth of the ,prairie ,indians consists almost exclusively in their horses1 of which they possess large numbers2 and they are in the saddle from infancy to old age4 ,horsemanship is with them1 as with the ,arab of the ,sahara1 a necessary part of their education4 ,the country they occupy is unsuited to cultivation1 and their only avocations are war1 rapine1 and the chase4 ,they have no fixed habitations1 but move from place to place with the seasons and the game4 ,all their worldly effects are transported in their migrations1 and wherever their lodges are pitched there is their home4 ,they are strangers to all cares1 creating for themselves no artificial wants1 and are perfectly happy and contented so long as the buffalo is found within the limits of their wanderings4 ,every man is a soldier1 and they generally exhibit great confidence in their own military prowess4 ,,meeting ,,indians4 ,on approaching strangers these people put their horses at full speed1 and persons not familiar with their peculiarities and habits might interpret this as an act of hostility2 but it is their custom with friends as well as enemies1 and should not occasion groundless alarm4 ,when a party is discovered approaching thus1 and are near enough to distinguish signals1 all that is necessary in order to ascertain their disposition is to raise the right hand with the palm in front1 and gradually push it forward and back several times4 ,they all understand this to be a command to halt1 and if they are not hostile it will at once be obeyed4 ,after they have stopped the right hand is raised again as before1 and slowly moved to the right and left1 which signifies ,i do not know you4 ,who are you8 ,as all the wild tribes have their peculiar pantomimic signals by which they are known1 they will then answer the inquiry by giving their signal4 ,if this should not be understood1 they may be asked if they are friends by raising both hands grasped in the manner of shaking hands1 or by locking the two fore-fingers firmly while the hands are held up4 ,if friendly1 they will respond with the same signal2 but if enemies1 they will probably disregard the command to halt1 or give the signal of anger by closing the hand1 placing it against the forehead1 and turning it back and forth while in that position4 ,the pantomimic vocabulary is understood by all the ,prairie ,indians1 and when oral communication is impracticable it constitutes the court or general council language of the ,plains4 ,the signs are exceedingly graceful and significant2 and1 what was a fact of much astonishment to me1 ,i discovered they were very nearly the same as those practiced by the mutes in our deaf and dumb schools1 and were comprehended by them with perfect facility4 ,the ,comanche is represented by making with the hand a waving motion in imitation of the crawling of a snake4 ,the ,cheyenne1 or ,cut-arm1 by drawing the hand across the arm1 to imitate cutting it with a knife4 ,the ,arapahoes1 or ,smellers1 by seizing the nose with the thumb and fore-finger4 ,the ,sioux1 or ,cut-throats1 by drawing the hand across the throat4 ,the ,pawnees1 or ,wolves1 by placing a hand on each side of the forehead1 with two fingers pointing to the front1 to represent the narrow1 sharp ears of the wolf4 ,the ,crows1 by imitating the flapping of the bird's wings with the palms of the hands4 ,when ,indians meet a party of strangers1 and are disposed to be friendly1 the chiefs1 after the usual salutations have been exchanged1 generally ride out and accompany the commander of the party some distance1 holding a friendly talk1 and1 at the same time1 indulging their curiosity by learning the news1 etc4 ,phlegmatic and indifferent as they appear to be1 they are very inquisitive and observing1 and1 at the same time1 exceedingly circumspect and cautious about disclosing their own purposes4 ,they are always desirous of procuring1 from whomsoever they meet1 testimonials of their good behavior1 which they preserve with great care1 and exhibit upon all occasions to strangers as a guarantee of future good conduct4 ,on meeting with a chief of the ,southern ,comanches in #ahdi1 after going through the usual ceremony of embracing1 and assuring me that he was the best friend the ,americans ever had among the ,indians1 he exhibited numerous certificates from the different white men he had met with1 testifying to his friendly disposition4 ,among these was one that he desired me to read with special attention1 as he said he was of the opinion that perhaps it might not be so complimentary in its character as some of the others4 ,it was in these words3 ,the bearer of this says he is a ,comanche chief1 named ,senaco2 that he is the biggest ,indian and best friend the whites ever had2 in fact1 that he is a first-rate fellow2 but ,i believe he is a d----d rascal1 so look out for him4 ,i smiled on reading the paper1 and1 looking up1 found the chief's eyes intently fixed upon mine with an expression of the most earnest inquiry4 ,i told him the paper was not as good as it might be1 whereupon he destroyed it4 ,five years after this interview ,i met ,senaco again near the same place4 ,he recognized me at once1 and1 much to my surprise1 pronounced my name quite distinctly4 ,a circumstance which happened in my interview with this ,indian shows their character for diplomatic policy4 ,i was about locating and surveying a reservation of land upon which the government designed to establish the ,comanches1 and was desirous of ascertaining whether they were disposed voluntarily to come into the measure4 ,in this connection1 ,i stated to him that their ,great ,father1 the ,president1 being anxious to improve their condition1 was willing to give them a permanent location1 where they could cultivate the soil1 and1 if they wished it1 he would send white men to teach them the rudiments of agriculture1 supply them with farming utensils1 and all other requisites for living comfortably in their new homes4 ,i then desired him to consult with his people1 and let me know what their views were upon the subject4 ,after talking a considerable time with his head men1 he rose to reply1 and said1 ,he was very happy to learn that the ,president remembered his poor red children in the ,plains1 and he was glad to see me again1 and hear from me that their ,great ,father was their friend2 that he was also very much gratified to meet his agent who was present1 and that he should remember with much satisfaction the agreeable interview we had had upon that occasion4 ,after delivering himself of numerous other non-committal expressions of similar import1 he closed his speech and took his seat without making the slightest allusion to the subject in question4 ,on reminding him of this omission1 and again demanding from him a distinct and categorical answer1 he1 after a brief consultation with his people1 replied that his talk was made and concluded1 and he did not comprehend why it was that ,i wanted to open the subject anew4 ,but1 as ,i continued to press him for an answer1 he at length said1 ,you come into our country and select a small patch of ground1 around which you run a line1 and tell us the ,president will make us a present of this to live upon1 when every body knows that the whole of this entire country1 from the ,red ,river to the ,colorado1 is now1 and always has been1 ours from time immemorial4 ,i suppose1 however1 if the ,president tells us to confine ourselves to these narrow limits1 we shall be forced to do so1 whether we desire it or not4 ,he was evidently averse to the proposed change in their mode of life1 and has been at war ever since the establishment of the settlement4 ,the mode of life of the nomadic tribes1 owing to their unsettled and warlike habits1 is such as to render their condition one of constant danger and apprehension4 ,the security of their numerous animals from the encroachments of their enemies and habitual liability to attacks compels them to be at all times upon the alert4 ,even during profound peace they guard their herds both night and day1 while scouts are often patrolling upon the surrounding heights to give notice of the approach of strangers1 and enable them to secure their animals and take a defensive attitude4 ,when one of these people conceives himself injured his thirst for revenge is insatiable4 ,grave and dignified in his outward bearing1 and priding himself upon never exhibiting curiosity1 joy1 or anger1 yet when once roused he evinces the implacable dispositions of his race2 the affront is laid up and cherished in his breast1 and nothing can efface it from his mind until ample reparation is made4 ,the insult must be atoned for by presents1 or be washed out with blood4 ,,war ,,expeditions4 ,when a chief desires to organize a war-party1 he provides himself with a long pole1 attaches a red flag to the end of it1 and trims the top with eagle feathers4 ,he then mounts his horse in his war-costume1 and rides around through the camp singing the war-song4 ,those who are disposed to join the expedition mount their horses and fall into the procession2 after parading about for a time1 all dismount1 and the war-dance is performed4 ,this ceremony is continued from day to day until a sufficient number of volunteers are found to accomplish the objects desired1 when they set out for the theatre of their intended exploits4 ,as they proceed upon their expedition1 it sometimes happens that the chief with whom it originated1 and who invariably assumes the command1 becomes discouraged at not finding an opportunity of displaying his warlike abilities1 and abandons the enterprise2 in which event1 if others of the party desire to proceed farther1 they select another leader and push on1 and thus so long as any one of the party holds out4 ,a war-party is sometimes absent for a great length of time1 and for days1 weeks1 and months their friends at home anxiously await their return1 until1 suddenly1 from afar1 the shrill war-cry of an avant courier is heard proclaiming the approach of the victorious warriors4 ,the camp is in an instant alive with excitement and commotion4 ,men1 women1 and children swarm out to meet the advancing party4 ,their white horses are painted and decked out in the most fantastic style1 and led in advance of the triumphal procession2 and1 as they pass around through the village1 the old women set up a most unearthly howl of exultation1 after which the scalp-dance is performed with all the pomp and display their limited resources admit of1 the warriors having their faces painted black4 ,when1 on the other hand1 the expedition terminates disastrously by the loss of some of the party in battle1 the relatives of the deceased cut off their own hair1 and the tails and manes of their horses1 as symbols of mourning1 and howl and cry for a long time4 ,in #ahed ,i saw the widow of a former chief of the ,southern ,comanches1 whose husband had been dead about three years1 yet she continued her mourning tribute to his memory by crying daily for him and refusing all offers to marry again4 ,the prairie warrior is occasionally seen with the rifle in his hand1 but his favorite arm is the bow1 the use of which is taught him at an early age4 ,by constant practice he acquires a skill in archery that renders him no less formidable in war than successful in the chase4 ,their bows are usually made of the tough and elastic wood of the bois d'are1 strengthened and re-enforced with sinews of the deer wrapped firmly around1 and strung with a cord of the same material4 ,they are from three to four feet long4 ,the arrows1 which are carried in a quiver upon the back1 are about twenty inches long1 of flexible wood1 with a triangular iron point at one end1 and at the other two feathers intersecting at right angles4 ,at short distances 7about fifty yards71 the bow1 in the hands of the ,indian1 is effective1 and in close proximity with the buffalo throws the arrow entirely through his huge carcass4 ,in using this weapon the warrior protects himself from the missiles of his enemy with a shield made of two thicknesses of undressed buffalo hide filled in with hair4 ,the ,comanches1 ,sioux1 and other prairie tribes make their attacks upon the open prairies4 ,trusting to their wonderful skill in equitation and horsemanship1 they ride around their enemies with their bodies thrown upon the opposite side of the horse1 and discharge their arrows in rapid succession while at full speed2 they will not1 however1 often venture near an enemy who occupies a defensive position4 ,if1 therefore1 a small party be in danger of an attack from a large force of ,indians1 they should seek the cover of timber or a park of wagons1 or1 in the absence of these1 rocks or holes in the prairie which afford good cover4 ,attempts to stampede animals are often made when parties first arrive in camp1 and when every one's attention is preoccupied in the arrangements therewith connected4 ,in a country infested by hostile ,indians1 the ground in the vicinity of which it is proposed to encamp should be cautiously examined for tracks and other ,indian signs by making a circuit around the locality previous to unharnessing the animals4 ,after ,indians have succeeded in stampeding a herd of horses or mules1 and desire to drive them away1 they are in the habit of pushing them forward as rapidly as possible for the first few days1 in order to place a wide interval between themselves and any party that may be in pursuit4 ,in running off stolen animals1 the ,indians are generally divided into two parties1 one for driving and the other to act as a rear guard4 ,before they reach a place where they propose making a halt1 they leave a vidette upon some prominent point to watch for pursuers and give the main party timely warning1 enabling them to rally their animals and push forward again4 ,,tracking ,,indians4 ,when an ,indian sentinel intends to watch for an enemy approaching from the rear1 he selects the highest position available1 and places himself near the summit in such an attitude that his entire body shall be concealed from the observation of any one in the rear1 his head only being exposed above the top of the eminence4 ,here he awaits with great patience so long as he thinks there is any possibility of danger1 and it will be difficult for an enemy to surprise him or to elude his keen and scrutinizing vigilance4 ,meanwhile his horse is secured under the screen of the hill1 all ready when required4 ,hence it will be evident that1 in following ,indian depredators1 the utmost vigilance and caution must be exercised to conceal from them the movements of their pursuers4 ,they are the best scouts in the world1 proficient in all the artifices and stratagems available in border warfare1 and when hotly pursued by a superior force1 after exhausting all other means of evasion1 they scatter in different directions2 and if1 in a broken or mountainous country1 they can do no better1 abandon their horses and baggage1 and take refuge in the rocks1 gorges1 or other hiding-places4 ,this plan has several times been resorted to by ,indians in ,texas when surprised1 and1 notwithstanding their pursuers were directly upon them1 the majority made their escape1 leaving behind all their animals and other property4 ,for overtaking a marauding party of ,indians who have advanced eight or ten hours before the pursuing party are in readiness to take the trail1 it is not best to push forward rapidly at first1 as this will weary and break down horses4 ,the ,indians must be supposed to have at least fifty or sixty miles the start2 it will1 therefore1 be useless to think of overtaking them without providing for a long chase4 ,scouts should continually be kept out in front upon the trail to reconnoitre and give preconcerted signals to the main party when the ,indians are espied4 ,in approaching all eminences or undulations in the prairies1 the commander should be careful not to allow any considerable number of his men to pass upon the summits until the country around has been carefully reconnoitred by the scouts1 who will cautiously raise their eyes above the crests of the most elevated points1 making a scrutinizing examination in all directions2 and1 while doing this1 should an ,indian be encountered who has been left behind as a sentinel1 he must1 if possible1 be secured or shot1 to prevent his giving the alarm to his comrades4 ,these precautions can not be too rigidly enforced when the trail becomes warm2 and if there be a moon1 it will be better to lie by in the daytime and follow the trail at night1 as the great object is to come upon the ,indians when they are not anticipating an attack4 ,such surprises1 if discreetly conducted2 generally prove successful4 ,as soon as the ,indians are discovered in their bivouac1 the pursuing party should dismount1 leave their horses under charge of a guard in some sequestered place1 and1 before advancing to the attack1 the men should be instructed in signals for their different movements1 such as all will easily comprehend and remember4 ,as1 for example1 a pull upon the right arm may signify to face to the right1 and a pull upon the left arm to face to the left2 a pull upon the skirt of the coat1 to halt2 a gentle push on the back1 to advance in ordinary time2 a slap on the back1 to advance in double quick time1 etc41 etc4 ,these signals1 having been previously well understood and practiced1 may be given by the commander to the man next to him1 and from him communicated in rapid succession throughout the command4 ,i will suppose the party formed in one rank1 with the commander on the right4 ,he gives the signal1 and the men move off cautiously in the direction indicated4 ,the importance of not losing sight of his comrades on his right and left1 and of not allowing them to get out of his reach1 so as to break the chain of communication1 will be apparent to all1 and great care should be taken that the men do not mistake their brothers in arms for the enemy4 ,this may be prevented by having two pass-words1 and when there be any doubt as to the identity of two men who meet during the night operations1 one of these words may be repeated by each4 ,above all1 the men must be fully impressed with the importance of not firing a shot until the order is given by the commanding officer1 and also that a rigorous personal accountability will be enforced in all cases of a violation of this rule4 ,if the commander gives the signal for commencing the attack by firing a pistol or gun1 there will probably be no mistake1 unless it happens through carelessness by the accidental discharge of firearms4 ,i can conceive of nothing more appalling1 or that tends more to throw men off their guard and produce confusion1 than a sudden and unexpected night-attack4 ,even the ,indians1 who pride themselves upon their coolness and self-possession1 are far from being exempt from its effects2 and it is not surprising that men who go to sleep with a sense of perfect security around them1 and are suddenly aroused from a sound slumber by the terrific sounds of an onslaught from an enemy1 should lose their presence of mind4 ,,telegraphing ,,by ,,smokes4 ,the transparency of the atmosphere upon the ,plains is such that objects can be seen at great distances2 a mountain1 for example1 presents a distinct and bold outline at fifty or sixty miles1 and may occasionally be seen as far as a hundred miles4 ,the ,indians1 availing themselves of this fact1 have been in the habit of practicing a system of telegraphing by means of smokes during the day and fires by night1 and1 ,i dare say1 there are but few travelers who have crossed the mountains to ,california that have not seen these signals made and responded to from peak to peak in rapid succession4 ,the ,indians thus make known to their friends many items of information highly important to them4 ,if enemies or strangers make their appearance in the country1 the fact is telegraphed at once1 giving them time to secure their animals and to prepare for attack1 defense1 or flight4 ,war or hunting parties1 after having been absent a long time from their erratic friends at home1 and not knowing where to find them1 make use of the same preconcerted signals to indicate their presence4 ,very dense smokes may be raised by kindling a large fire with dry wood1 and piling upon it the green boughs of pine1 balsam1 or hemlock4 ,this throws off a heavy cloud of black smoke which can be seen very far4 ,this simple method of telegraphing1 so useful to the savages both in war and in peace1 may1 in my judgment1 be used to advantage in the movements of troops co-operating in separate columns in the ,indian country4 ,i shall not attempt at this time to present a matured system of signals1 but will merely give a few suggestions tending to illustrate the advantages to be derived from the use of them4 ,for example1 when two columns are marching through a country at such distances apart that smokes may be seen from one to the other1 their respective positions may be made known to each other at any time by two smokes raised simultaneously or at certain preconcerted intervals4 ,should the commander of one column desire to communicate with the other1 he raises three smokes simultaneously1 which1 if seen by the other party1 should be responded to in the same manner4 ,they would then hold themselves in readiness for any other communications4 ,if an enemy is discovered in small numbers1 a smoke raised twice at fifteen minutes' interval would indicate it2 and if in large force1 three times with the same intervals might be the signal4 ,should the commander of one party desire the other to join him1 this might be telegraphed by four smokes at ten minutes' interval4 ,should it become necessary to change the direction of the line of march1 the commander may transmit the order by means of two simultaneous smokes raised a certain number of times to indicate the particular direction2 for instance1 twice for north1 three times for south1 four times for east1 and five times for west2 three smokes raised twice for northeast1 three times for northwest1 etc41 etc4 ,by multiplying the combinations of signals a great variety of messages might be transmitted in this manner2 but1 to avoid mistakes1 the signals should be written down and copies furnished the commander of each separate party1 and they need not necessarily be made known to other persons4 ,during the day an intelligent man should be detailed to keep a vigilant look-out in all directions for smokes1 and he should be furnished with a watch1 pencil1 and paper1 to make a record of the signals1 with their number1 and the time of the intervals between them4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,hunting4 ,its ,benefits to the ,soldier4 ,buffalo4 ,deer4 ,antelope4 ,bear4 ,big-horn1 or ,mountain ,sheep4 ,their ,habits1 and ,hints upon the best ,methods of hunting them4 ,,hunting4 ,i know of no better school of practice for perfecting men in target-firing1 and the use of firearms generally1 than that in which the frontier hunter receives his education4 ,one of the first and most important lessons that he is taught impresses him with the conviction that1 unless his gun is in good order and steadily directed upon the game1 he must go without his supper2 and if ambition does not stimulate his efforts1 his appetite will1 and ultimately lead to success and confidence in his own powers4 ,the man who is afraid to place the butt of his piece firmly against his shoulder1 or who turns away his head at the instant of pulling trigger 7as soldiers often do before they have been drilled at target-practice71 will not be likely to bag much game or to contribute materially toward the result of a battle4 ,the successful hunter1 as a general rule1 is a good shot1 will always charge his gun properly1 and may be relied upon in action4 ,i would1 therefore1 when in garrison or at permanent camps1 encourage officers and soldiers in field-sports4 ,if permitted1 men very readily cultivate a fondness for these innocent and healthy exercises1 and occupy their leisure time in their pursuit2 whereas1 if confined to the narrow limits of a frontier camp or garrison1 having no amusements within their reach1 they are prone to indulge in practices which are highly detrimental to their physical and moral condition4 ,by making short excursions about the country they acquire a knowledge of it1 become inured to fatigue1 learn the art of bivouacking1 trailing1 etc41 etc41 all of which will be found serviceable in border warfare2 and1 even if they should perchance now and then miss some of the minor routine duties of the garrison1 the benefits they would derive from hunting would1 in my opinion1 more than counterbalance its effects4 ,under the old regime it was thought that drills1 dress-parades1 and guard-mountings comprehended the sum total of the soldier's education1 but the experience of the last ten years has taught us that these are only the rudiments1 and that to combat successfully with ,indians we must receive instruction from them1 study their tactics1 and1 where they suit our purposes1 copy from them4 ,the union of discipline with the individuality1 self-reliance1 and rapidity of locomotion of the savage is what we should aim at4 ,this will be the tendency of the course indicated1 and it is conceived by the writer that an army composed of well-disciplined hunters will be the most efficient of all others against the only enemy we have to encounter within the limits of our vast possessions4 ,i find some pertinent remarks upon this subject in a very sensible essay by a late captain of infantry 7,u4,s474 ,he says3 ,it is conceived that scattered bands of mounted hunters1 with the speed of a horse and the watchfulness of a wolf or antelope1 whose faculties are sharpened by their necessities2 who1 when they get short of provisions1 separate and look for something to eat1 and find it in the water1 in the ground1 or on the surface2 whose bill of fare ranges from grass-seed1 nuts1 roots1 grasshoppers1 lizards1 and rattlesnakes up to the antelope1 deer1 elk1 bear1 and buffalo1 and who have a continent to roam over1 will be neither surprised1 caught1 conquered1 overawed1 or reduced to famine by a rumbling1 bugle-blowing1 drum-beating town passing through their country on wheels at the speed of a loaded wagon4 ,if the ,indians are in the path and do not wish to be seen1 they cross a ridge1 and the town moves on1 ignorant whether there are fifty ,indians within a mile or no ,indian within fifty miles4 ,if the ,indians wish to see1 they return to the crest of the ridge1 crawl up to the edge1 pull up a bunch of grass by the roots1 and look through or under it at the procession4 ,although ,i would always encourage men in hunting when permanently located1 yet1 unless they are good woodsmen1 it is not safe to permit them to go out alone in marching through the ,indian country1 as1 aside from the danger of encountering ,indians1 they would be liable to become bewildered and perhaps lost1 and this might detain the entire party in searching for them4 ,the better plan upon a march is for three or four to go out together1 accompanied by a good woodsman1 who will be able with certainty to lead them back to camp4 ,the little group could ascertain if ,indians are about1 and would be strong enough to act on the defensive against small parties of them2 and1 while they are amusing themselves1 they may perform an important part as scouts and flankers4 ,an expedition may have been perfectly organized1 and every thing provided that the wisest forethought could suggest1 yet circumstances beyond the control of the most experienced traveler may sometimes arise to defeat the best concerted plans4 ,it is not1 for example1 an impossible contingency that the traveler may1 by unforeseen delays1 consume his provisions1 lose them in crossing streams1 or have them stolen by hostile ,indians1 and be reduced to the necessity of depending upon game for subsistence4 ,under these circumstances1 a few observations upon the habits of the different animals that frequent the ,plains and on the best methods of hunting them may not be altogether devoid of interest or utility in this connection4 ,,the ,,buffalo4 ,the largest and most useful animal that roams over the prairies is the buffalo4 ,it provides food1 clothing1 and shelter to thousands of natives whose means of livelihood depend almost exclusively upon this gigantic monarch of the prairies4 ,not many years since they thronged in countless multitudes over all that vast area lying between ,mexico and the ,british possessions1 but now their range is confined within very narrow limits1 and a few more years will probably witness the extinction of the species4 ,the traveler1 in passing from ,texas or ,arkansas through southern ,new ,mexico to ,california1 does not1 at the present day1 encounter the buffalo2 but upon all the routes north of latitude #cf deg4 the animal is still found between the #iith and #ajb;d meridians of longitude4 ,although generally regarded as migratory in their habits1 yet the buffalo often winter in the snows of a high northern latitude4 ,early in the spring of #aheh ,i found them in the ,rocky ,mountains1 at the head of the ,arkansas and ,south ,platte ,rivers1 and there was every indication that this was a permanent abiding-place for them4 ,there are two methods generally practiced in hunting the buffalo1 viz43 running them on horseback1 and stalking1 or still-hunting4 ,the first method requires a sure-footed and tolerably fleet horse that is not easily frightened4 ,the buffalo cow1 which makes much better beef than the bull1 when pursued by the hunter runs rapidly1 and1 unless the horse be fleet1 it requires a long and exhausting chase to overtake her4 ,when the buffalo are discovered1 and the hunter intends to give chase1 he should first dismount1 arrange his saddle-blanket and saddle1 buckle the girth tight1 and make every thing about his horse furniture snug and secure4 ,he should then put his arms in good firing order1 and1 taking the lee side of the herd1 so that they may not get the wind of him1 he should approach in a walk as close as possible1 taking advantage of any cover that may offer4 ,his horse then1 being cool and fresh1 will be able to dash into the herd1 and probably carry his rider very near the animal he has selected before he becomes alarmed4 ,if the hunter be right-handed1 and uses a pistol1 he should approach upon the left side1 and when nearly opposite and close upon the buffalo1 deliver his shot1 taking aim a little below the centre of the body1 and about eight inches back of the shoulder4 ,this will strike the vitals1 and generally render another shot unnecessary4 ,when a rifle or shot-gun is used the hunter rides up on the right side1 keeping his horse well in hand1 so as to be able to turn off if the beast charges upon him2 this1 however1 never happens except with a buffalo that is wounded1 when it is advisable to keep out of his reach4 ,the buffalo has immense powers of endurance1 and will run for many miles without any apparent effort or diminution in speed4 ,the first buffalo ,i ever saw ,i followed about ten miles1 and when ,i left him he seemed to run faster than when the chase commenced4 ,as a long buffalo-chase is very severe labor upon a horse1 ,i would recommend to all travelers1 unless they have a good deal of surplus horse-flesh1 never to expend it in running buffalo4 ,still-hunting1 which requires no consumption of horse-flesh1 and is equally successful with the other method1 is recommended4 ,in stalking on horseback1 the most broken and hilly localities should be selected1 as these will furnish cover to the hunter1 who passes from the crest of one hill to another1 examining the country carefully in all directions4 ,when the game is discovered1 if it happen to be on the lee side1 the hunter should endeavor1 by making a wide detour1 to get upon the opposite side1 as he will find it impossible to approach within rifle range with the wind4 ,when the animal is upon a hill1 or in any other position where he can not be approached without danger of disturbing him1 the hunter should wait until he moves off to more favorable ground1 and this will not generally require much time1 as they wander about a great deal when not grazing2 he then pickets his horse1 and approaches cautiously1 seeking to screen himself as much as possible by the undulations in the surface1 or behind such other objects as may present themselves2 but if the surface should offer no cover1 he must crawl upon his hands and knees when near the game1 and in this way he can generally get within rifle range4 ,should there be several animals together1 and his first shot take effect1 the hunter can often get several other shots before they become frightened4 ,a ,delaware ,indian and myself once killed five buffaloes out of a small herd before the remainder were so much disturbed as to move away2 although we were within the short distance of twenty yards1 yet the reports of our rifles did not frighten them in the least1 and they continued grazing during all the time we were loading and firing4 ,the sense of smelling is exceedingly acute with the buffalo1 and they will take the wind from the hunter at as great a distance as a mile4 ,when the animal is wounded1 and stops1 it is better not to go near him until he lies down1 as he will often run a great distance if disturbed2 but if left to himself1 will in many cases die in a short time4 ,the tongues1 humps1 and marrow-bones are regarded as the choice parts of the animal4 ,the tongue is taken out by ripping open the skin between the prongs of the lower jaw-bone and pulling it out through the orifice4 ,the hump may be taken off by skinning down on each side of the shoulders and cutting away the meat1 after which the hump-ribs can be unjointed where they unite with the spine4 ,the marrow1 when roasted in the bones1 is delicious4 ,,the ,,deer4 ,of all game quadrupeds indigenous to this continent1 the common red deer is probably more widely dispersed from north to south and from east to west over our vast possessions than any other4 ,they are found in all latitudes from ,hudson's ,bay to ,mexico1 and they clamber over the most elevated peaks of the western sierras with the same ease that they range the eastern forests or the everglades of ,florida4 ,in summer they crop the grass upon the summits of the ,rocky ,mountains1 and in winter1 when the snow falls deep1 they descend into sheltered valleys1 where they fall an easy prey to the ,indians4 ,besides the common red deer of the ,eastern ,states1 two other varieties are found in the ,rocky ,mountains1 viz41 the black-tailed deer1 which takes its name from the fact of its having a small tuft of black hair upon the end of its tail1 and the long-tailed species4 ,the former of these is considerably larger than the eastern deer1 and is much darker1 being of a very deep-yellowish iron-gray1 with a yellowish red upon the belly4 ,it frequents the mountains1 and is never seen far away from them4 ,its habits are similar to those of the red deer1 and it is hunted in the same way4 ,the only difference ,i have been able to discern between the long-tailed variety and the common deer is in the length of the tail and body4 ,i have seen this animal only in the neighborhood of the ,rocky ,mountains1 but it may resort to other localities4 ,although the deer are still abundant in many of our forest districts in the east1 and do not appear to decrease very rapidly1 yet there has within a few years been a very evident diminution in the numbers of those frequenting our ,western prairies4 ,in passing through ,southern ,texas in #ahdf1 thousands of deer were met with daily1 and1 astonishing as it may appear1 it was no uncommon spectacle to see from one to two hundred in a single herd2 the prairies seemed literally alive with them2 but in #ahee it was seldom that a herd often was seen in the same localities4 ,it seemed to me that the vast herds first met with could not have been killed off by the hunters in that sparsely-populated section1 and ,i was puzzled to know what had become of them4 ,it is possible they may have moved off into ,mexico2 they certainly are not in our territory at the present time4 ,twenty years' experience in deer-hunting has taught me several facts relative to the habits of the animal which1 when well understood1 will be found of much service to the inexperienced hunter1 and greatly contribute to his success4 ,the best target-shots are not necessarily the most skillful deer-stalkers4 ,one of the great secrets of this art is in knowing how to approach the game without giving alarm1 and this can not easily be done unless the hunter sees it before he is himself discovered4 ,there are so many objects in the woods resembling the deer in color that none but a practiced eye can often detect the difference4 ,when the deer is reposing he generally turns his head from the wind1 in which position he can see an enemy approaching from that direction1 and his nose will apprise him of the presence of danger from the opposite side4 ,the best method of hunting deer1 therefore1 is across the wind4 ,while the deer are feeding1 early in the morning and a short time before dark in the evening are the best times to stalk them1 as they are then busily occupied and less on the alert4 ,when a deer is espied with his head down1 cropping the grass1 the hunter advances cautiously1 keeping his eyes constantly directed upon him1 and screening himself behind intervening objects1 or1 in the absence of other cover1 crawls along upon his hands and knees in the grass1 until the deer hears his steps and raises his head1 when he must instantly stop and remain in an attitude fixed and motionless as a statue1 for the animal's vision is his keenest sense4 ,when alarmed he will detect the slightest movement of a small object1 and1 unless the hunter stands or lies perfectly still1 his presence will be detected4 ,if the hunter does not move1 the deer will1 after a short time1 recover from his alarm and resume his grazing1 when he may be again approached4 ,the deer always exhibits his alarm by a sudden jerking of the tail just before he raises his head4 ,i once saw a ,delaware ,indian walk directly up within rifle range of a deer that was feeding upon the open prairie and shoot him down2 he was1 however1 a long time in approaching1 and made frequent halts whenever the animal flirted his tail and raised his head4 ,although he often turned toward the hunter1 yet he did not appear to notice him1 probably taking him for a stump or tree4 ,when the deer are lying down in the smooth prairie1 unless the grass is tall1 it is difficult to get near them1 as they are generally looking around1 and become alarmed at the least noise4 ,the ,indians are in the habit of using a small instrument which imitates the bleat of the young fawn1 with which they lure the doe within range of their rifles4 ,the young fawn gives out no scent upon its track until it is sufficiently grown to make good running1 and instinct teaches the mother that this wise provision of nature to preserve the helpless little quadruped from the ravages of wolves1 panthers1 and other carnivorous beasts1 will be defeated if she remains with it1 as her tracks can not be concealed4 ,she therefore hides her fawn in the grass1 where it is almost impossible to see it1 even when very near it1 goes off to some neighboring thicket within call1 and makes her bed alone4 ,the ,indian pot-hunter1 who is but little scrupulous as to the means he employs in accomplishing his ends1 sounds the bleat along near the places where he thinks the game is lying1 and the unsuspicious doe1 who imagines that her offspring is in distress1 rushes with headlong impetuosity toward the sound1 and often goes within a few yards of the hunter to receive her death-wound4 ,this is cruel sport1 and can only be justified when meat is scarce1 which is very frequently the case in the ,indian's larder4 ,it does not always comport with a man's feelings of security1 especially if he happens to be a little nervous1 to sound the deer-bleat in a wild region of country4 ,i once undertook to experiment with the instrument myself1 and made my first essay in attempting to call up an antelope which ,i discovered in the distance4 ,i succeeded admirably in luring the wary victim within shooting range1 had raised upon my knees1 and was just in the act of pulling trigger1 when a rustling in the grass on my left drew my attention in that direction1 where1 much to my surprise1 ,i beheld a huge panther within about twenty yards1 bounding with gigantic strides directly toward me4 ,i turned my rifle1 and in an instant1 much to my relief and gratification1 its contents were lodged in the heart of the beast4 ,many men1 when they suddenly encounter a deer1 are seized with nervous excitement1 called in sporting parlance the buck fever1 which causes them to fire at random4 ,notwithstanding ,i have had much experience in hunting1 ,i must confess that ,i am never entirely free from some of the symptoms of this malady when firing at large game1 and ,i believe that in four out of five cases where ,i have missed the game my balls have passed too high4 ,i have endeavored to obviate this by sighting my rifle low1 and it has been attended with more successful results4 ,the same remarks apply to most other men ,i have met with4 ,they fire too high when excited4 ,,the ,,antelope4 ,this animal frequents the most elevated bleak and naked prairies in all latitudes from ,mexico to ,oregon1 and constitutes an important item of subsistence with many of the ,prairie ,indians4 ,it is the most wary1 timid1 and fleet animal that inhabits the ,plains4 ,it is about the size of a small deer1 with a heavy coating of coarse1 wiry hair1 and its flesh is more tender and juicy than that of the deer4 ,it seldom enters a timbered country1 but seems to delight in cropping the grass from the elevated swells of the prairies4 ,when disturbed by the traveler1 it will circle around him with the speed of the wind1 but does not stop until it reaches some prominent position whence it can survey the country on all sides1 and nothing seems to escape its keen vision4 ,they will sometimes stand for a long time and look at a man1 provided he does not move or go out of sight2 but if he goes behind a hill with the intention of passing around and getting nearer to them1 he will never find them again in the same place4 ,i have often tried the experiment1 and invariably found that1 as soon as ,i went where the antelope could not see me1 he moved off4 ,their sense of hearing1 as well as vision1 is very acute1 which renders it difficult to stalk them4 ,by taking advantage of the cover afforded in broken ground1 the hunter may1 by moving slowly and cautiously over the crests of the irregularities in the surface1 sometimes approach within rifle range4 ,the antelope possesses a greater degree of curiosity than any other animal ,i know of1 and will often approach very near a strange object4 ,the experienced hunter1 taking advantage of this peculiarity1 lies down and secretes himself in the grass1 after which he raises his handkerchief1 hand1 or foot1 so as to attract the attention of the animal1 and thus often succeeds in beguiling him within shooting distance4 ,in some valleys near the ,rocky ,mountains1 where the pasturage is good during the winter season1 they collect in immense herds4 ,the ,indians are in the habit of surrounding them in such localities and running them with their horses until they tire them out1 when they slay large numbers4 ,illustration3 ,,calling ,,up ,,antelopes4 ,the antelope makes a track much shorter than the deer1 very broad and round at the heel1 and quite sharp at the toe2 a little experience renders it easy to distinguish them4 ,,the ,,bear4 ,besides the common black bear of the ,eastern ,states1 several others are found in the mountains of ,california1 ,oregon1 ,utah1 and ,new ,mexico1 viz41 the grizzly1 brown1 and cinnamon varieties2 all have nearly the same habits1 and are hunted in the same manner4 ,from all ,i had heard of the grizzly bear1 ,i was induced to believe him one of the most formidable and savage animals in the universe1 and that the man who would deliberately encounter and kill one of these beasts had performed a signal feat of courage which entitled him to a lofty position among the votaries of ,nimrod4 ,so firmly had ,i become impressed with this conviction1 that ,i should have been very reluctant to fire upon one had ,i met him when alone and on foot4 ,the grizzly bear is assuredly the monarch of the ,american forests1 and1 so far as physical strength is concerned1 he is perhaps without a rival in the world2 but1 after some experience in hunting1 my opinions regarding his courage and his willingness to attack men have very materially changed4 ,in passing over the elevated table-lands lying between the two forks of the ,platte ,river in #aheh1 ,i encountered a full-grown female grizzly bear1 with two cubs1 very quietly reposing upon the open prairie1 several miles distant from any timber4 ,this being the first opportunity that had ever occurred to me for an encounter with the ursine monster1 and being imbued with the most exalted notions of the beast's proclivities for offensive warfare1 especially when in the presence of her offspring1 it may very justly be imagined that ,i was rather more excited than usual4 ,i1 however1 determined to make the assault4 ,i felt the utmost confidence in my horse1 as she was afraid of nothing2 and1 after arranging every thing about my saddle and arms in good order1 ,i advanced to within about eighty yards before ,i was discovered by the bear1 when she raised upon her haunches and gave me a scrutinizing examination4 ,i seized this opportune moment to fire1 but missed my aim1 and she started off1 followed by her cubs at their utmost speed4 ,after reloading my rifle1 ,i pursued1 and1 on coming again within range1 delivered another shot1 which struck the large bear in the fleshy part of the thigh1 whereupon she set up a most distressing howl and accelerated her pace1 leaving her cubs behind4 ,after loading again ,i gave the spurs to my horse and resumed the chase1 soon passing the cubs1 who were making the most plaintive cries of distress4 ,they were heard by the dam1 but she gave no other heed to them than occasionally to halt for an instant1 turn around1 sit up on her posteriors1 and give a hasty look back2 but1 as soon as she saw me following her1 she invariably turned again and redoubled her speed4 ,i pursued about four miles and fired four balls into her before ,i succeeded in bringing her to the ground1 and from the time ,i first saw her until her death-wound1 notwithstanding ,i was often very close upon her heels1 she never came to bay or made the slightest demonstration of resistance4 ,her sole purpose seemed to be to make her escape1 leaving her cubs in the most cowardly manner4 ,upon three other different occasions ,i met the mountain bears1 and once the cinnamon species1 which is called the most formidable of all1 and in none of these instances did they exhibit the slightest indication of anger or resistance1 but invariably ran from me4 ,such is my experience with this formidable monarch of the mountains4 ,it is possible that if a man came suddenly upon the beast in a thicket1 where it could have no previous warning1 he might be attacked2 but it is my opinion that if the bear gets the wind or sight of a man at any considerable distance1 it will endeavor to get away as soon as possible4 ,i am so fully impressed with this idea that ,i shall hereafter hunt bear with a feeling of as much security as ,i would have in hunting the buffalo4 ,the grizzly1 like the black bear1 hybernates in winter1 and makes his appearance in the spring with his claws grown out long and very soft and tender2 he is then poor1 and unfit for food4 ,i have heard a very curious fact stated by several old mountaineers regarding the mountain bears1 which1 of course1 ,i can not vouch for1 but it is given by them with great apparent sincerity and candor4 ,they assert that no instance has ever been known of a female bear having been killed in a state of pregnancy4 ,this singular fact in the history of the animal seems most inexplicable to me1 unless she remain concealed in her brumal slumber until after she has been delivered of her cubs4 ,i was told by an old ,delaware ,indian that when the bear has been traveling against the wind and wishes to lie down1 he always turns in an opposite direction1 and goes some distance away from his first track before making his bed4 ,if an enemy then comes upon his trail1 his keen sense of smell will apprise him of the danger4 ,the same ,indian mentioned that when a bear had been pursued and sought shelter in a cave1 he had often endeavored to eject him with smoke1 but that the bear would advance to the mouth of the cave1 where the fire was burning1 and put it out with his paws1 then retreat into the cave again4 ,this would indicate that ,bruin is endowed with some glimpses of reason beyond the ordinary instincts of the brute creation in general1 and1 indeed1 is capable of discerning the connection between cause and effect4 ,notwithstanding the extraordinary intelligence which this quadruped exhibits upon some occasions1 upon others he shows himself to be one of the most stupid brutes imaginable4 ,for example1 when he has taken possession of a cavern1 and the courageous hunter enters with a torch and rifle1 it is said he will1 instead of forcibly ejecting the intruder1 raise himself upon his haunches and cover his eyes with his paws1 so as to exclude the light1 apparently thinking that in this situation he can not be seen4 ,the hunter can then approach as close as he pleases and shoot him down4 ,,the ,,big-,,horn4 ,the big-horn or mountain sheep1 which has a body like the deer1 with the head of a sheep1 surmounted by an enormous pair of short1 heavy horns1 is found throughout the ,rocky ,mountains1 and resorts to the most inaccessible peaks and to the wildest and least-frequented glens4 ,it clambers over almost perpendicular cliffs with the greatest ease and celerity1 and skips from rock to rock1 cropping the tender herbage that grows upon them4 ,it has been supposed by some that this animal leaps down from crag to crag1 lighting upon his horns1 as an evidence of which it has been advanced that the front part of the horns is often much battered4 ,this ,i believe to be erroneous1 as it is very common to see horns that have no bruises upon them4 ,the old mountaineers say they have often seen the bucks engaged in desperate encounters with their huge horns1 which1 in striking together1 made loud reports4 ,this will account for the marks sometimes seen upon them4 ,the flesh of the big-horn1 when fat1 is more tender1 juicy1 and delicious than that of any other animal ,i know of1 but it is a bon bouche which will not grace the tables of our city epicures until a railroad to the ,rocky ,mountains affords the means of transporting it to a market a thousand miles distant from its haunts4 ,in its habits the mountain sheep greatly resembles the chamois of ,switzerland1 and it is hunted in the same manner4 ,the hunter traverses the most inaccessible and broken localities1 moving along with great caution1 as the least unusual noise causes them to flit away like a phantom1 and they will be seen no more4 ,the animal is gregarious1 but it is seldom that more than eight or ten are found in a flock4 ,when not grazing they seek the sheltered sides of the mountains1 and repose among the rocks4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,needles4 ,between ,cayetano ,mountains and the ,san ,juan ,river--,sierra de la ,plata1 or ,silver ,mountains1 in the distance4 ,,itineraries4 ,,list ,,of ,,itineraries3 ,,showing ,,the ,,distances ,,between ,,camping-,,places1 ,,the ,,character ,,of ,,the ,,roads1 ,,and ,,the ,,facilities ,,for ,,obtaining ,,wood1 ,,water1 ,,and ,,grass ,,on ,,the ,,principal ,,routes ,,between ,,the ,,mississippi ,,river ,,and ,,the ,,pacific ,,ocean4 ,no4 ,page ,i4 ,from ,fort ,smith1 ,arkansas1 to ,santa ,fe and ,albuquerque1 ,new ,mexico4 ,by ,captain ,r4 ,b4 ,marcy1 ,u4,s4,a4 #beg ,,ii4 ,from ,fort ,leavenworth to ,santa ,fe1 by the way of the upper ferry of the ,kansas ,river and the ,cimarron #bfj ,,iii4 ,camping-places upon a road discovered and marked out from ,fort ,smith1 ,arkansas1 to ,dona ,ana and ,el ,paso1 ,new ,mexico1 in #ahdi4 ,by ,captain ,r4 ,b4 ,marcy1 ,u4,s4,a4 #bfc ,,iv4 ,from ,leavenworth ,city to ,great ,salt ,lake ,city #bff ,v4 ,from ,salt ,lake ,city to ,sacramento and ,benicia1 ,california #bgc ,,vi4 ,from ,great ,salt ,lake ,city to ,los ,angeles and ,san ,francisco1 ,california #bgg ,,vii4 ,from ,fort ,bridger to the ,city of ,rocks4 ,from ,captain ,handcock's ,journal #bgi ,,viii4 ,from ,soda ,springs to the ,city of ,rocks1 known as ,hudspeth's ,cut-off #bhb ,,ix4 ,sublet's ,cut-off1 from the junction of the ,salt ,lake and ,fort ,hall ,roads #bhb ,x4 ,from ,lawson's ,meadows1 on the ,humboldt ,river1 to ,fort ,reading1 via ,rogue ,river ,valley1 ,fort ,lane1 ,oregon ,territory1 ,yreka1 and ,fort ,jones #bhc ,,xi4 ,from ,soda ,springs to ,fort ,wallah ,wallah and ,oregon ,city1 ,oregon1 via ,fort ,hall #bhe ,,xii4 ,route for pack trains from ,john ,day's ,river to ,oregon ,city #bhh ,,xiii4 ,from ,indianola and ,powder-horn to ,san ,antonio1 ,texas #bhh ,,xiv4 ,wagon-road from ,san ,antonio1 ,texas1 to ,el ,paso1 ,n4,m41 and ,fort ,yuma1 ,california #bhi ,,xv4 ,from ,fort ,yuma to ,san ,diego1 ,california #bib ,,xvi4 ,from ,el ,paso1 ,new ,mexico1 to ,fort ,yuma1 ,california1 via ,santa ,cruz #bid ,,xvii4 ,from ,westport1 ,missouri1 to the gold diggings at ,pike's ,peak and ,cherry ,creek1 ,n4,t41 via the ,arkansas ,river #bie ,,xviii4 ,from ,st4 ,paul's1 ,min41 to ,fort ,wallah ,wallah1 ,oregon #cjb ,,xix4 ,lieutenant ,e4 ,f4 ,beale's route from ,albuquerque to the ,colorado ,river #cjg ,,xx4 ,captain ,whipple's route from ,albuquerque1 ,new ,mexico1 to ,san ,pedro1 ,california #cjh ,,xxi4 ,from ,fort ,yuma to ,benicia1 ,california4 ,from ,lieutenant ,r4 ,s4 ,williamson's ,report #cae ,,xxii4 ,a new route from ,fort ,bridger to ,camp ,floyd1 opened by ,captain ,j4 ,h4 ,simpson1 ,u4,s4,a41 in #aheh #cag ,,xxiii4 ,from ,fort ,thorne1 ,new ,mexico1 to ,fort ,yuma1 ,california #cah ,,xxiv4 ,lieutenant ,bryan's ,route from the ,laramie ,crossing of the ,south ,platte to ,fort ,bridger1 via ,bridger's ,pass #cbj ,,xxv4 ,wagon-route from ,denver ,city1 at the ,mouth of ,cherry ,creek1 to ,fort ,bridger1 ,utah #cbc ,,xxvi4 ,from ,nebraska ,city1 on the ,missouri1 to ,fort ,kearney #cbf ,,xxvii4 ,from ,camp ,floyd1 ,utah1 to ,fort ,union1 ,new ,mexico4 ,by ,colonel ,w4 ,w4 ,loring1 ,u4,s4,a4 #cbg ,,xxviii4 ,wagon-route from ,guaymas1 ,mexico1 to ,tubac1 ,arizona4 ,from ,captain ,stone's ,journal #ccc ,i4--,from ,fort ,smith1 ,arkansas1 to ,santa ,fe and ,albuquerque1 ,new ,mexico4 ,by ,captain ,r4 ,b4 ,,marcy1 ,u4,s4,a4 ,miles4 ,fort ,smith to #ae4 ,strickland's ,farm4--,the road crosses the ,poteau ,river at ,fort ,smith1 where there is a ferry2 it then follows the ,poteau bottom for ten miles4 ,this part of the road is very muddy after heavy rains4 ,at #ad miles it passes the ,choctaw ,agency1 where there are several stores4 ,there is the greatest abundance of wood1 water1 and grass at all camps for the first #bjj miles4 ,where any of these are wanting it will be specially mentioned4 ,the road passes through the ,choctaw settlements for about #aej miles1 and corn and supplies can be purchased from these ,indians at reasonable rates4 #aa4 ,camp ,creek4--,road crosses a prairie of three miles in length1 then enters a heavy forest4 ,the camp is on a small branch1 with grass plenty in a small prairie about #djj yards to the left of the road4 #ab4 ,coon ,creek4--,road passes through the timber1 and is muddy in a rainy season4 #ab4 ,sans ,bois ,creek4--,prairie near2 some ,choctaw houses at the crossing4 #ad4 ,bend of ,sans ,bois ,creek4--,indian farm4 #ae4 ,south ,fork of ,canadian1 or ,gain's ,creek4--,road traverses a very rough and hilly region4 ,there is a ford and a ferry upon the creek4 ,indian farm on the west bank4 #ab4 ,first ford of ,coal ,creek4--,road crosses over a rolling prairie1 and at four miles the ,fort ,washita road turns to the left4 ,second ford of ,coal ,creek4--,indian farm4 #d4 ,little ,cedar ,mountain4--,very rough1 mountainous road4 #f4 ,stony ,point4--,very rough1 mountainous road4 #e4 ,shawnee ,village4--,several ,indian houses4 #ad4 ,shawnee ,town4--,road passes several small prairies4 ,indian settlement2 store on opposite bank of ,canadian ,river1 near the camp4 #ba4 ,delaware ,mountain4--,road passes over a very beautiful country1 with small streams of good water frequent1 and good camps4 ,it crosses small prairies and groves of timber4 #e4 ,boggy ,river4--,road passes a country similar to that mentioned above4 #c4 ,clear ,creek4--,road turns to the right near a prominent round mound4 ,beautiful country1 diversified with prairies and timbered lands4 #g4 ,branch of ,topofki ,creek4--,beautiful country and fine roads4 #i-a_/b4 ,cane ,creek4--,excellent camp4 #e4 ,small ,branch4--,road passes about two miles from the old ,camp ,arbuckle1 built by ,captain ,marcy in #ahec1 since occupied by ,black ,beaver and several ,delaware families4 #aa-a_/b4 ,mustang ,creek4--,road runs on the dividing ridge between the waters of the ,washita and ,canadian1 on a high prairie4 #ag-a_/b4 ,choteau's ,creek4--,road passes on the high prairie opposite ,choteau's old trading-house1 and leaves the outer limits of the ,indian settlements4 ,excellent road1 and good camps at short distances4 #aa-c_/d4 ,choteau's ,creek4--,road runs up the creek2 is smooth and good4 #ab-c_/d4 ,head of ,choteau's ,creek4--,road runs up the creek1 and is good4 #ag-a_/d4 ,branch of ,washita ,river4--,road runs over an elevated prairie country1 and passes a small branch at six miles from last camp4 #e-c_/d4 ,branch of ,spring ,creek4--,good camp4 #af4 ,head of ,spring ,creek4--,road traverses a high prairie country1 is smooth and firm4 #ac4 ,red ,mounds4--,road runs over a high rolling prairie country1 and is excellent4 #e4 ,branch of ,washita ,river4--,good road4 #ae-c_/d4 ,branch of ,canadian4--,road continues on the ridge dividing the ,washita and ,canadian rivers2 is smooth and firm4 #ag-c_/d4 ,branch of ,washita ,river4--,road continues on the divide4 #ah4 ,branch of ,canadian4--,road continues on the divide from one to four miles from the ,canadian4 #ai4 ,on ,canadian ,river4--,good road4 #af4 ,little ,washita ,river4--,good road2 timber becoming scarce4 #ac4 ,branch of ,canadian4--,good road4 #ag-a_/b4 ,antelope ,buttes4--,road runs along the ,canadian bottom1 and in places is sandy4 #ad4 ,rush ,lake4--,small pond on the prairie4 ,no wood within half a mile2 some buffalo chips2 poor water4 #af4 ,branch of ,washita ,river4--,good road on the divide4 #aj-a_/d4 ,dry ,river4--,road descends a very long hill1 and crosses the dry river near the ,canadian4 ,water can be found by digging about a foot in the sand of the creek4 ,good grass on the west bank4 #ag4 ,branch of ,canadian4--,road winds up a very long and abrupt hill1 but is smooth and firm4 #bb-a_/b4 ,timbered ,creek4--,road passes over a very elevated prairie country1 and descends by a long hill into the beautiful valley of ,timbered ,creek4 #aa-a_/b4 ,spring ,branch4--,good camp4 #ad4 ,spring ,branch4--,good camp4 #ag-c_/d4 ,branch of ,canadian4--,road passes a small branch #c-a_/b miles from the last camp4 #ah-c_/h4 ,branch of ,canadian4--,road passes a small branch of the ,canadian at #h miles from the last camp4 #ag-g_/h4 ,spring ,branch4--,good road4 #i-a_/b4 ,branch of ,canadian4--,good road and camp4 #ah-a_/b4 ,branch of the ,canadian4--,good road and camp4 #aj-a_/d4 ,pools of ,water4--,good camp4 #aj4 ,large ,pond4--,good camp4 #be4 ,pools of ,water4--,no wood2 water brackish4 ,the road passes over a very elevated and dry country1 without wood or water4 #ah-a_/b4 ,head of ,branch4--,at #ac-a_/b miles the road crosses a branch of the ,canadian4 #ai-c_/d4 ,laguna ,colorado4--,road here falls into an old ,mexican cart-road4 ,good springs on the left up the creek1 with wood and grass abundant4 #g4 ,pools of ,water4--,road runs through cedars4 #aj-c_/h4 ,pajarito ,creek4--,grass begins to be rather short in places1 but is abundant on the creek4 #ac-a_/b4 ,gallenas ,creek4--,good camp4 #ae4 #b;d ,gallenas ,creek4--,good road4 #af-a_/b4 ,pecos ,river at ,anton ,chico4--,this is the first settlement after leaving ,camp ,arbuckle4 ,corn and vegetables can be purchased here4 ,grass is generally short here4 #ae4 ,pecos ,river opposite ,questa4--,road runs through the cedar1 and is firm and good4 ,camp is in sight of the town of ,questa1 upon a very elevated bluff4 #ba-c_/d4 ,laguna ,colorado4--,road passes through a wooded country for a portion of the distance1 but leaves it before reaching camp1 where there is no wood1 but water generally sufficient for trains4 ,in very dry seasons it has been known to fail4 ,the road forks here1 the right leading to ,santa ,fe via ,galistio 7#de-a_/b miles71 and the left to ,albuquerque4 #bb-a_/b4 ,san ,antonio4--,good road4 #ah-c_/d4 ,albuquerque4--,good road4 ,total distance from ,fort ,smith to ,albuquerque1 #had-c_/d miles4 ,total distance from ,fort ,smith to ,santa ,fe1 #hai miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,ii4--,from ,fort ,leavenworth to ,santa ,fe1 by the way of the upper ferry of the ,kansas ,river and the ,cimarron4 ,in this table the distances1 taken by an odometer1 are given in miles and hundredths of a mile4 ,the measured distances between the crossing of the ,arkansas and ,santa ,fe are from ,major ,kendrick's published table4 ,wood1 water1 and grass are found at all points where the absence of them is not stated4 ,miles4 ,from ,fort ,leavenworth to #b4hh4 ,salt ,creek4 #i4ei4 ,stranger's ,creek4 #ac4ed4 ,stranger's ,creek4 #i4fj4 ,grasshopper ,creek4 #f4ej4 ,grasshopper ,creek4 #b4hf4 ,grasshopper ,creek4 #b4fj4 ,grasshopper ,creek4 #d4ed4 ,soldier's ,creek4 #b4de4 ,upper ,ferry1 ,kansas ,river4 #g4da4 ,pottawatomie ,settlement4 #e4ge4 ,pottawatomie ,creek4 #c4hi4 ,white ,wakarussi ,creek4 #g4gh4 ,white ,wakarussi ,creek4 #f4bg4 ,white ,wakarussi ,creek4 #j4gc4 ,road from ,independence4--,no place to encamp4 #e4gb4 ,white ,wakarussi ,creek4 #b4ea4 ,white ,wakarussi ,creek4 #b4hb4 #adb-mile ,creek4 #g4hj4 ,bluff ,creek4 #e4gg4 ,rock ,creek4 #e4jh4 ,big ,john ,spring4 #b4bi4 ,council ,grove4 #g4ig4 ,elm ,creek4--,water generally4 #h4jf4 ,diamond ,spring4 #a4db4 ,diamond ,creek4 #ae4df4 ,lost ,spring4--,no wood4 #i4be4 ,mud ,creek4--,water uncertain2 no wood4 #g4gf4 ,cottonwood ,creek4 #f4af4 ,water ,holes4--,water generally2 no wood4 #ab4dd4 ,big ,turkey ,creek4--,no water4 #g4hc4 ,little ,turkey ,creek4--,water uncertain2 no wood4 #ah4ai4 ,little ,arkansas ,river4 #aj4fj4 ,owl ,creek4--,water generally in holes above and below crossing4 #f4ci4 ,little ,cow ,creek4--,water only occasionally4 #b4ic4 ,big ,cow ,creek4--,water holes1 #aj miles 7estimated74 ,water uncertain2 no wood4 #ah4bd4 ,bend of the ,arkansas4 #f4ff4 ,walnut ,creek4 #af4ce4 ,pawnee ,rock4--,teams sometimes camp near here1 and drive stock to the ,arkansas to water4 ,no wood4 #e4bh4 ,ash ,creek4--,water above and below crossing1 uncertain4 #f4fe4 ,pawnee ,fork4--,best grass some distance above crossing4 ,from ,pawnee ,fork to the lower crossing of the ,arkansas1 a distance of #ih-a_/b miles1 convenient camping-places can be found along the ,arkansas2 the most prominent localities are therefore only mentioned4 ,a supply of fuel should be laid in at ,pawnee ,fork to last till you pass ,fort ,mann1 though it may be obtained1 but inconveniently1 from the opposite side of the ,arkansas4 ,dry ,route branches off at #c-a_/b miles 7estimated74 ,this route joins the main one again #aj miles this side of ,fort ,mann4 ,it is said to be a good one1 but deficient in water and without wood4 #aa4dc4 ,coon ,creek4 #df4eh4 ,jackson's ,island4 #e4ja4 ,dry ,route comes in4 #aj4je4 ,fort ,mann4 #be4cd4 ,lower ,crossing of the ,arkansas4--,the ,bent's ,fort ,route branches off at this point4 ,for the distances upon this route1 see next table4 ,a supply of wood should be got from this vicinity to last till you reach ,cedar ,creek4 #ae4fh4 ,water-hole4--,water uncertain2 no wood4 #cj4jb4 ,two ,water-holes4--,water uncertain2 no wood4 #ad4ad4 ,lower ,cimarron ,springs4--,no wood4 #bj4jj4 ,pools of ,water4--,water uncertain2 no wood4 #ai4jb4 ,middle ,springs of the ,cimarron4--,no wood4 #ab4ic4 ,little ,crossing of the ,cimarron4--,no wood4 #ad4aj4 ,upper ,cimarron ,springs4--,no wood4 ,pools of water1 #g miles 7estimated74 ,no wood4 #ai4je4 ,cold ,spring4--,a tree here and there in the vicinity4 ,pools of water1 #aa miles 7estimated74 ,water uncertain2 no wood4 #af4ac4 ,cedar ,creek4--,m',nees' ,creek1 #aj miles 7estimated74 ,water indifferent and uncertain2 scant pasture2 no wood4 ,arroyo del la ,sena1 #b-a_/b miles 7estimated74 ,no water4 #ba4ii4 ,cottonwood ,creek4--,no water4 ,arroyo del ,burro1 #e miles 7estimated74 #ae4ag4 ,rabbit-ear ,creek4--#aj miles 7estimated71 springs4 ,round ,mound1 #h miles 7estimated74 ,no water2 no wood2 no camping-place4 ,rock ,creek1 #aj miles 7estimated74 ,grazing scant2 no wood4 #bf4dj4 ,whetstone ,creek4--,spring2 no wood4 ,arroyo ,don ,carlos1 #aj-a_/b miles 7estimated74 ,water1 etc41 to the left of the road4 #ad4ac4 ,point of ,rocks4--,water and grass up the canon1 just after crossing the point2 scattering shrub cedars on the neighboring heights4 #af4fb4 ,sandy ,arroyo4--,water uncertain2 no wood4 ,crossing of ,canadian ,river1 #d-c_/d miles 7estimated74 ,grazing above the crossing2 willows4 #aj4je4 ,rio ,ocate4--,wood #a_/c of a mile to right of road2 grass in the canon4 ,pond of water1 #ac-a_/b miles 7estimated74 ,no wood4 #ai4fe4 ,wagon ,mound4--,santa ,clara ,springs4 ,wood brought from the ,rio ,ocate4 ,rio del ,perro 7,rock ,creek71 #ag-a_/b miles 7estimated74 #ba4fb4 ,canon del ,lobo4--,rio ,moro1 #c-a_/b miles 7estimated74 ,rio ,sapillo1 #a mile 7estimated74 ,the ,bent's ,fort ,route comes in here4 #ah4jj4 ,las ,vegas4--,forage purchasable4 #ac4je4 ,tacolote4--,forage purchasable4 ,ojo ,vernal1 #e miles 7estimated74 ,no grass to speak of4 #ad4jj4 ,san ,miguel4--,forage purchasable2 no grass4 #ba4ha4 ,ruins of ,pecos4--,grazing very scant4 ,cottonwood ,creek1 #d-a_/b miles 7estimated74 ,water uncertain2 no grass4 #ac4da4 ,stone ,corral4--,no grass4 #aj4hj4 ,santa ,fe4--,forage purchasable2 no grazing4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,iii4--,camping-places upon a road discovered and marked out from ,fort ,smith1 ,arkansas1 to ,dona ,ana and ,el ,paso1 ,new ,mexico1 in #ahdi4 ,by ,captain ,r4 ,b4 ,,marcy1 ,u4,s4,a4 ,miles4 ,fort ,smith to #fe4 ,south ,fork of the ,canadian4--,the road from ,fort ,smith to the ,south ,fork of the ,canadian follows the same track as the road to ,albuquerque and ,santa ,fe1 and by reference to the tables of distances for that road the intermediate camps will be found4 #ae4 ,prior's ,store4--,grass1 wood1 and water near4 #ag-a_/b4 ,little ,boggy4--,good camp4 ,wherever there are not the requisites of wood1 water1 and grass for encamping1 it will be specially noted2 when they are not mentioned they will always be found4 #ac4 ,little ,boggy4--,good camp4 #ae-a_/b4 ,boggy ,depot4--,store and blacksmith's shop4 #ab-c_/e4 ,blue ,river4--,the road passes over a flat section1 which is muddy after rains4 #h-a_/b4 ,fort ,washita4--,good camp half a mile before reaching the fort4 ,the road forks at the ,indian village on the ,boggy1 the left being the most direct4 ,there are settlers along the road1 who will give all necessary information to strangers4 ,corn plenty4 #bb4 ,preston ,texas1 on ,red ,river4--,the road from ,fort ,washita runs through the ,indian settlements1 passing many places where good camps may be found1 and crosses the ,red ,river at ,preston4 ,there is a ferry here2 also stores and a blacksmith's shop4 #bj4 ,m',carty's4--,road runs through a heavy-timbered country1 crossing several streams where there are good camps4 #ad-b_/e4 ,elm ,fork of the ,trinity1 at ,gainesville4--,road passes over a section diversified by prairies and groves of timber4 #ab4 ,elm ,fork of ,trinity4--,good camp4 #aa4 ,elm ,fork of ,trinity4--,excellent camps4 ,road passes over a beautiful country rapidly settling up with farmers1 who cultivate and sell grain at low rates4 #i4 ,turkey ,creek4--,tributary of ,red ,river4 ,road emerges from the upper ,cross ,timbers two miles from camp4 #bf-c_/d4 ,buffalo ,springs4--,springs of good water1 but of limited amount1 in a ravine4 #ab4 ,on a ,ravine4--,pools of good water and a small running stream1 not reliable4 #ac-a_/b4 ,on a ,ravine4--,pools of water4 #ag-a_/d4 ,on a ,ravine4--,pools of water4 #ag-a_/d4 ,running branch of ,cottonwood ,spring4--,branch about two feet wide1 good water2 wood about half a mile distant4 #ad4 ,fort ,belknap4--,good road through post-oak timber4 ,county seat and town at ,fort ,belknap4 ,good camp on the west side of the ,brazos1 which is always fordable except in very high water4 #ad4 ,small ,branch4--,water in holes4 #ah4 ,water-holes4--,pools of water4 ,road passes over prairie and timbered lands1 is very smooth and level4 #g-a_/b4 ,stem's ,farm1 on ,clear ,fork of the ,brazos ,river4--,good road2 excellent camp1 with abundance of wood1 water1 and grass4 ,indian reservation here4 #ac4 ,elm ,creek1 or ,qua-qua-ho-no4--,good road over rolling prairie and mesquite lands4 #ag4 ,ravine4--,pools of standing water4 ,good road4 #ah4 ,ravine4--,pools of standing water4 ,good road4 #bg4 ,small ,creek4--,tributary of the ,brazos4 ,good road4 #f4 ,pools of ,water4--,good camp4 #h-a_/b4 ,small ,branch4--,good water4 #bj-a_/b4 ,tributary of the ,colorado4--,brackish water4 #c-a_/d4 ,rio ,colorado4--,brackish water4 ,road very excellent4 #ab-a_/aj4 ,spring on the ,road4--,good water4 #bb-i_/aj4 ,big spring to the left of the road1 affording a great amount of water1 which runs off in a small stream4 #bc4 ,laguna ,colorado4--,water somewhat sulphurous2 fuel mesquite roots2 grass abundant4 #ce4 ,mustang ,pond4--,this pond is north of the road about two miles1 and was found in #ahdi1 but emigrants and others have not been able to find it since4 ,for this reason ,i would advise travelers to fill their water-kegs at the ,laguna ,colorado1 as in a very dry season they might not be able to get any water until they reach the ,sand ,hills4 ,the road is excellent over the ,llano ,estacado1 or ,staked ,plain4 #cd-a_/b4 ,sand ,hills4--,water in holes4 ,the water is good here1 and can always be relied on as permanent4 ,the road through the ,sand ,hills is very heavy1 and ,i would advise travelers with loaded wagons to make half loads4 #ca-a_/b4 ,laguna near the ,pecos ,river4--,road passes through the hills1 and descends the high prairie to the valley of the ,pecos4 ,laguna on the left4 #ae-e_/h4 ,crossing of ,pecos4--,water deep and not fordable2 river #db yards wide4 ,a road leads up the eastern bank of the ,pecos to a ford with rock bottom4 ,good camps can be had at almost any point on the ,pecos4 ,the water is brackish1 but can be used without harm4 #ed-a_/b4 ,pecos ,river4--,point of the river where the road turns off toward ,delaware ,creek4 #i-a_/h4 ,delaware ,creek4--,good road after leaving the ,pecos ,river4 ,the road on the ,pecos is good in the bottom in very dry weather1 but after heavy rains it is submerged and very muddy4 ,travelers should then turn off to the bluffs4 ,the water in ,delaware ,creek is brackish4 #aa-g_/h4 ,ojo de ,san ,martin4--,fine spring of fresh water1 also mineral spring4 ,good road up ,delaware ,creek4 #ae-c_/aj4 ,independence ,spring4--,large spring of excellent water4 ,look out for ,indians4 #e-a_/aj4 ,ojo del ,camins4--,good spring in the pine timber at the base of the mountain4 #d-a_/b4 ,peak of the ,guadalupe4--,spring at the foot of the mountain4 ,road descends the mountain1 and is very steep4 #bc-g_/h4 ,ojo del ,cuerbo4--,road descends through a very rough and sinuous ravine1 and crosses a long prairie to camp at a pond of standing water4 ,no wood4 #bf4 ,cornudas 7,wells74--,well in the rocks2 plenty of water for small parties4 ,road good4 #h-c_/d4 ,sierra del ,alamo4--,road good2 water limited in quantity4 ,there is a small spring upon the side of the mountain4 ,no wood except a few mesquite roots4 #bb-a_/d4 ,waco ,tanks4--,good water in a large reservoir in the rocks4 ,the road here branches1 the left leading to ,el ,paso and the right to ,dona ,ana4 #bh4 ,el ,paso1 on the ,rio del ,norte4--,road good1 with some sand2 no water upon it4 ,the distance from the ,waco ,tanks to ,dona ,ana is #fc miles1 but #dj miles of the road is over heavy sand1 and no water until reaching the mountain1 #be miles from ,dona ,ana4 ,i would recommend travelers to take the ,el ,paso road in preference4 ,total distance from ,fort ,smith to ,el ,paso1 #hfj miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,iv4--,from ,leavenworth ,city to ,great ,salt ,lake ,city4 ,miles4 ,leavenworth ,city to #c4 ,salt ,creek4--,good camp2 wood1 water1 and grass4 #ab4 ,cold ,spring4--,to the right of the road1 in a deep ravine1 plenty of wood1 water1 and grass4 #ab4 ,small ,branch4--,to the north of the road1 in an arroya1 good wood1 water1 and grass4 ,here enters the road from ,atcheson1 #f miles distant4 #af-b_/c4 ,grasshopper ,creek4--,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #i-a_/b4 ,walnut ,creek4--,road passes a town called ,whitehead1 #d miles from last camp4 ,water in pools1 but #c_/d of a mile below is a fine spring2 plenty of wood1 water1 and grass4 #ag4 ,grasshopper ,creek4--,good camp1 with wood1 water1 and grass4 #ab-a_/b4 ,big ,nemehaw1 two miles above ,richland4--,good wood1 water1 and grass near the creek4 #aa4 ,water-holes4--,on the ridge1 at the head of a ravine1 are wood1 water1 and grass1 but in a dry time there would be but little water4 #aj-c_/d4 ,vermilion ,creek4--,water in the creek not good1 but there is a good well of cold water near the road4 ,wood and grass good4 #ba-a_/b4 ,big ,blue ,river4--,upper crossing1 good ford2 plenty of wood1 water1 and grass4 ,fine clear stream1 #fj yards wide4 #ag-a_/b4 ,branch of the ,big ,blue4--,camp half a mile north of the road2 good wood1 water1 and grass4 #ae4 ,turkey1 or ,rock ,creek4--,good spring #djj yards to the north of the road4 ,store at the crossing4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #ai4 ,big ,sandy4--,wood1 water1 and grass good4 #ai4 ,little ,blue ,river4--,road runs across the hills without water until reaching camp4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #ah-c_/d4 ,little ,blue ,river4--,camp is at the point where the road turns off from the creek4 ,good camps may be found any where on the ,little ,blue1 with excellent wood1 water1 and grass4 ,fine running stream4 #ae4 ,little ,blue ,river4--,road strikes the creek again1 and keeps it to the camp4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #ai4 ,elm ,creek4--,road leaves the ,little ,blue1 and runs along a divide to the head of ,elm ,creek1 where we found water in holes1 with some few trees2 grass good4 #bj4 ,platte ,river4--,road crosses one small branch1 where there is water except in a dry season4 ,good camp on the ,platte1 with wood1 water1 and grass4 #ae4 ,fort ,kearney4--,good camp about two miles from the fort1 upon the ,platte1 either above or below2 grass1 wood1 and water abundant4 #ag4 ,platte ,river--,road runs along the river1 where there is plenty of grass1 and occasionally a few cottonwood-trees4 ,here the buffalo generally begin to be seen1 and the traveler can always get a plenty of buffalo-chips along in this section4 #af-c_/d4 ,on ,plum ,creek4--,road runs along the ,platte to ,plum ,creek1 where there is a little wood1 with good grass and water4 ,mail station at the crossing of ,plum ,creek4 #bb-a_/c4 ,on ,platte ,river4--,road runs along the ,platte bottom after crossing ,plum ,creek1 and is good except in wet weather4 ,the road occasionally comes near the ,platte1 and1 although the timber becomes thin1 yet places are found where fuel can be obtained4 ,grass is plenty at all points4 #bc4 ,on ,platte ,river4--,road continues along the river valley over a flat country where the water stands in ponds1 and is boggy in wet weather4 ,camps occasionally on the river1 but little fuel4 ,grass and water good4 #ad4 ,on ,platte ,river4--,road continues along the valley1 with the same character as before1 but more timber4 ,camp opposite ,brady's ,island4 ,plenty of wood1 water1 and grass4 #ag-a_/d4 ,slough4--,on the ,prairie4 ,road runs from one to three miles from the river4 ,no wood all day2 plenty of grass1 and buffalo-chips for cooking4 #ae-a_/d4 ,platte ,river4--,road crosses ,o',fallon's ,bluffs1 where there is a good camping-place on the right of the road4 ,plenty of wood1 water1 and grass on a small stream1 which is part of the ,platte4 ,mail station here4 #af-a_/b4 ,south ,platte ,river4--,road runs along the ,platte1 with no timber4 ,good grass and water at any point1 with buffalo-chips for fuel4 #ag4 ,south ,platte ,river4--,no timber all day4 ,good water and grass at all points1 with buffalo-chips4 #h4 ,south ,platte ,crossing4--,no wood all day4 ,good water and grass1 with buffalo-chips4 ,the river is about #fjj yards wide1 rapid1 with quicksand bottom1 but can be forded when not above a medium stage4 ,it is best to send a footman ahead to ascertain the depth of water before crossing the wagons and animals4 #ai4 ,ash ,hollow1 at ,north ,platte ,river4--,road leaves the ,south ,fork of the ,platte1 and strikes over the high prairie for #af miles1 when it descends the high bluffs bordering the valley of the ,north ,platte1 and enters ,ash ,hollow1 where there is a plenty of wood and a small spring of water4 ,half a mile beyond this the road reaches the river4 ,mail station and a small grocery here4 #af-c_/d4 ,north ,platte4--,very sandy road2 no wood2 grass and water plenty at all points2 buffalo-chips sufficient for cooking4 #ag4 ,north ,platte4--,road sandy in places2 no wood2 good grass and water2 some buffalo-chips4 #af-a_/b4 ,north ,platte4--,road good2 no wood2 good grass and water2 cattle-chips in places4 #ah-c_/d4 ,north ,platte4--,no wood4 ,camp opposite ,chimney ,rock1 which is a very peculiar formation on the south of the road1 and resembles a chimney4 ,grass good4 ,road muddy after rains4 ,illustration3 ,,chimney ,,rock4 #ag-a_/b4 ,north ,platte4--,no wood2 grass and water good4 #af4 ,horse ,creek1 branch of the ,north ,platte4--,in seven miles the road passes through ,scott's ,bluffs1 where there is generally water in the first ravine about #bjj yards below the road4 ,the road then descends the mountain1 at the foot of which is the ,platte and a mail station4 ,a little wood can be obtained at ,scott's ,bluffs2 there is none on ,horse ,creek4 #ad-a_/d4 ,north ,platte4--,road follows the river bottom all day4 ,wood1 water1 and grass on the river4 #ab4 ,fort ,laramie4--,road rough and rocky in places4 ,there are wood and water plenty1 and before many trains have passed the grass is good above the fort4 ,mail station and post-office here1 with a sutler's store well stocked with such articles as the traveler wants4 #aj4 ,north ,platte4--,road good1 but hilly in places4 ,camp is in the river bottom1 with plenty of wood1 water1 and grass4 ,hot spring two miles above here4 #ad4 ,bitter ,creek4--,there are two roads1 both of which lead to ,salt ,lake4 ,the upper or south road is best in the spring or in wet weather4 ,i traveled the lower road4 ,wood1 water1 and grass are good4 #ag-c_/d4 ,horse-shoe ,creek4--,fine camp1 with excellent wood1 water1 and grass4 ,the road here forks1 one passing to the left over the hills1 and the other running nearer the ,platte4 #bj-a_/b4 ,north ,platte ,river4--,good road along near the river4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 ,road crosses the river at #ab-a_/b miles4 #bj-a_/d4 ,north ,platte ,river4--,road crosses the river again1 and the camp is two miles above the mouth of ,la ,prell ,creek4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #ai4 ,north ,platte ,river4--,road runs along the river1 and is smooth and good4 ,the camp is two miles above the crossing of ,deer ,creek1 where there is a blacksmith's shop and store4 ,good grass1 wood1 and water4 #af4 ,north ,platte ,river4--,good road1 with wood1 water1 and grass at camp4 #ac4 ,north ,platte ,river4--,good road passing the bridge1 where there is a blacksmith's shop and store1 also a military station and a mail station4 ,at two miles from camp the road crosses the river on a good ford with rocky bottom4 ,the wood1 water1 and grass are abundant4 #bc4 ,red ,buttes1 on the ,north ,platte4--,road is very hilly1 and in some places sandy2 passes ,willow ,spring1 where there is grass and a little wood4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass at camp4 ,mail station here4 #aa4 ,sweet ,water ,creek4--,road leaves the river at the ,red ,buttes1 and strikes over the high rolling prairie4 ,good grass and water1 but little wood at camp4 #ae4 ,on ,sweet ,water ,creek4--,road passes a blacksmith's shop and store at the bridge six miles from camp1 and at #b-a_/b miles from the camp it passes the ,devil's ,gate and a mail station4 ,the ,sweet ,water here runs between two perpendicular cliffs1 presenting a most singular and striking appearance4 ,take wood at the ,gate for camp4 ,good grass and water at all places on ,sweet ,water ,creek4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,devil',s ,,gate4 #bj4 ,sweet ,water ,creek4--,road muddy after rains1 and some bad ravines to cross4 ,wood1 water1 and grass of the best quality at camp4 #ab4 ,sweet ,water ,creek4--,road runs along the valley of the ,sweet ,water1 where there is plenty of wood and grass in places1 but little wood at the camp noted4 #h4 ,on ,sweet ,water4--,road good2 no wood2 grass abundant4 #bj4 ,on ,sweet ,water4--,road good2 no wood4 #ag4 ,strawberry ,creek4--,little wood2 grass and water abundant4 ,road leaves ,sweet ,water1 and ascends a very long hill which is very rocky4 #bj-a_/d4 ,south ,pass4--,road crosses the dividing ridge1 and strikes the ,pacific ,spring1 where there is excellent water and good grass if many cattle have not passed1 in which event the traveler had better continue on down the creek which issues from the spring4 ,sage for fuel2 no wood4 #ae-c_/d4 ,dry ,sandy ,creek4--,grass scarce2 no wood2 some sage and greasewood2 water brackish1 but drinkable2 road good4 ,here the traveler should send ahead and have the best spots of grass found1 as it is very scarce throughout this section4 ,sublett's ,cut-off turns off here for ,soda ,springs and ,fort ,hall4 ,take the left for ,fort ,bridger and ,salt ,lake ,city4 #ae4 ,little ,sandy ,creek4--,grass in spots along the creek bottom1 and some fuel4 #ah4 ,big ,sandy ,creek4--,grass in detached spots on the creek1 and little fuel4 #ba-a_/b4 ,green ,river1 ,upper ,ford4--,grass and fuel on the river4 #g4 ,green ,river1 at the ,lower ,ford4--,good grass and fuel below the ford4 ,ferry in time of high water4 ,mail station and grocery4 #af4 ,black's ,fork4--,good grass and fuel4 #g4 ,ham's ,fork4--,united ,states bridge1 no toll4 ,good grass and fuel4 #ab4 ,black's ,fork4--,road forks at the crossing of ,black's ,fork1 both roads leading to ,fort ,bridger4 ,this itinerary is upon the left-hand road1 which crosses ,black's ,fork two miles from ,ham's ,fork4 #ac4 ,smith's ,fork4--,good camps along ,black's ,fork at any place1 but the road leaves the stream for several miles4 ,wood1 water1 and grass at the confluence of ,black's and ,smith's ,forks4 #ah-a_/d4 ,fort ,bridger4--,good camps above and below the fort4 ,military post1 mail station1 and store4 ,muddy ,creek4--,good grass1 wood1 and water4 ,grass short after many trains have passed4 ,it is then necessary to go up the creek to find good grass4 ,road passes a fine spring #c miles back4 #ai4 ,bear ,river4--,good camps1 with wood1 water1 and grass4 ,good ford1 except in very high water4 ,sulphur ,creek two miles back4 #ai4 ,red ,fork4--,in ,echo ,canon1 two miles below ,cashe ,cave1 good grass and fuel2 water plenty4 #ai-a_/d4 ,weber ,river4--,good grass1 wood1 and water4 ,mail station4 ,united ,states bridge for high water2 no toll4 #e-a_/d4 ,spring ,branch4--,good camp4 ,road leaves the river1 and takes the left into a valley4 #i4 ,bauchmin's ,creek4--,road crosses over a mountain1 and descends to the creek1 where there is a good camp4 #ad4 ,big ,canon ,creek4--,road crosses ,bauchmin's ,creek #ac times in #h miles1 then ascends the mountain along a small creek1 which is well wooded and good grass4 #f4 ,emigration ,creek4--,road leaves ,canon ,creek1 and crosses the two mountains1 which are very steep and long4 ,grass and wood before crossing the ,little ,mountain4 #aj-a_/d4 ,great ,salt ,lake ,city4--,forage can be purchased here1 as well as most of the articles the traveler may require1 at high prices4 ,there is no camping-place within two miles of the city4 ,it is best for those who encamp with animals to cross the ,jordan ,river1 or to stop near the mouth of the canon before entering the city4 ,total distance from ,fort ,leavenworth to ,salt ,lake ,city1 #aafh miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,v4--,from ,salt ,lake ,city to ,sacramento and ,benicia1 ,california4 ,miles4 ,from ,salt ,lake ,city to #ah4 ,hait's ,ranch4--,good road1 and grass abundant until ,bear ,river is crossed4 #ag-a_/d4 ,ford on ,weber ,river4--,good road1 and grass abundant4 #ae4 ,point of ,mountain4--,spring water warm but pure4 #ab-c_/d4 ,box ,elder ,creek4--,excellent water2 grass and fuel abundant in the canons4 #bc4 ,ferry on ,bear ,river4--,four miles above the usual crossing4 ,excellent grass4 #c_/d4 ,west ,bank4--,grass not good on the west bank4 #f4 ,small ,spring4--,cross ,bear ,river below the mouth of the ,mallade4 #ag-a_/b4 ,blue ,springs4--,water and grass scarce1 and of poor quality4 #ba-a_/d4 ,deep ,creek4--,heavy sage1 but good grass on the right of the road1 near sink4 #bj-a_/b4 ,cedar ,springs4--,good grass on the hills1 with fine water and wood2 rolling country4 #aj4 ,rock ,creek4--,plenty of grass to the left of the road2 good camping-place4 #ad-a_/b4 ,raft ,river4--,good camp4 #bb-a_/b4 ,goose ,creek ,mountains4--,grass1 wood1 and water abundant2 rough and mountainous country4 ,road from ,fort ,bridger comes in here via ,soda ,springs4 #ag-c_/d4 ,on ,goose ,creek4--,rough1 broken country1 with a good road1 which runs along the creek for several miles4 #bh-a_/b4 ,head of #ajjj ,spring ,valley4--,road runs over a rolling1 barren section1 with but little water except on the river far to the right4 #be-c_/d4 #ajjj ,spring ,valley4--,meadow grass2 good fuel scarce4 ,camps can be found at short intervals along the road4 #ad4 ,head of ,humboldt ,river4--,fine camping-places1 and road generally good1 running over a rolling country4 #bc4 ,slough of the ,humboldt4--,extensive bottoms of good grass4 #bj4 ,humboldt ,river4--,along the entire course of the ,humboldt good grass is found in the bottoms4 ,the road1 which follows the bottom1 is hard and smooth1 but can not be traveled in seasons of very high water1 as the bottom overflows4 ,it is then necessary to take the road on the bluffs1 where the grass is scarce4 ,the river1 when not above a fording stage1 can be forded at almost any point1 and good camps can be found at short intervals4 ,there are spots along the river bottom where alkaline ponds are frequent4 ,these are poisonous to cattle1 and should be avoided by travelers4 ,it is well along this river not to allow animals to drink any water except from the river where it is running4 #bj4 ,humboldt ,river4--,the foregoing remarks apply for every camp on the ,humboldt ,river4 #bb4 ,humboldt ,river4--,good camps along the ,humboldt ,valley4 #bc4 ,humboldt ,river4 #ac-a_/b4 ,humboldt ,river4 #af-a_/b4 ,humboldt ,river4 #be4 ,humboldt ,river4 #ac-c_/d4 ,humboldt ,river4 #bd4 ,humboldt ,river4 #bd-a_/b4 ,humboldt ,river4 #bj-a_/d4 ,humboldt ,river4 #ah-c_/d4 ,humboldt ,river4 #ac-a_/b4 ,humboldt ,river4 #ah-a_/d4 ,lawson's ,meadows4--,the road here forks1 the left going by the ,carson ,valley and ,sacramento route1 and the right via ,goose1 ,clear1 and ,rhett lakes1 ,applegate's ,pass of the ,cascade ,mountains1 into ,rogue ,river ,valley1 ,fort ,law1 ,oregon ,territory1 ,yreka1 ,fort ,jones1 ,fort ,reading1 and ,sacramento ,river4 #cc-a_/b4 ,on ,humboldt ,river4--,grass and water poor all the distance to the ,sink of the ,humboldt4 #ai-a_/b4 ,sink of ,humboldt ,river4--,the water at the ,sink is strongly impregnated with alkali2 the road generally is good4 ,travelers should not allow their stock to drink too freely of this water4 #bf4 ,head ,sink of ,humboldt4--,road good4 #de4 ,carson ,river4--,road crosses the desert1 where there is no water for stock1 but there is a well where travelers can purchase water for drinking4 ,this part of the road should be traveled in the cool of the day and at night4 ,grass good1 also the water4 #b4 ,carson ,river4--,good bunch-grass near the road4 #cj4 ,carson ,river4--#bf miles of desert2 poor grass4 #ad4 ,eagle ,ranch4--,good grass and water4 #ac4 ,reese's ,ranch4--,good grass and water4 #ab4 ,williams' ,ranch4--,very good water and grass4 #ae4 ,hope ,valley4--,road rough and rocky4 #c4 ,near ,sierra4--,good camp1 with water and grass4 #g4 ,first ,summit4--,road rough and rocky2 good water2 grass scarce4 #b4 ,second ,summit4--,road mountainous and very steep2 snow nearly all the year4 #aj4 ,lakes4--,good camp4 #ab4 ,leek ,springs4--,good grass near the road4 #aj4 ,trader's ,creek4--,grass and fuel scarce4 #ab4 ,sly ,park4--,grass and fuel near the road4 ,forty ,mile ,house4--,water plenty2 grass scarce4 ,sacramento ,valley4--,water plenty2 purchase forage4 ,sacramento ,city4--,water plenty2 purchase forage4 ,total distance from ,salt ,lake ,city to ,benicia1 #igc miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,at the ,big ,meadows1 #bc miles from the ,sink of the ,humboldt1 travelers should make a halt of a day or two to rest and recruit their animals and to cut grass for crossing the desert1 as this is the last good camping-place until reaching ,carson ,river4 ,the ground near this place is boggy1 and animals should be watered with buckets4 ,the camping-ground here is on the right bank of the river1 and about half a mile to the left of the main road4 ,the water is in a slough1 near its head1 where will be found some springs which run off a short distance1 but soon sink4 ,the road across the desert is very sandy1 especially toward the western extremity4 ,twenty miles from the ,sink of the ,humboldt there are four wells4 ,about half a mile east of the mail station the road leading to the wells turns to the right1 where water can be purchased for from one to two shillings for each man and beast4 ,at #i-a_/b miles beyond the mail station1 on the desert1 a road turns off from the main trace toward a very high sandy ridge1 and directly upon the top of this ridge is the crater of an extinct volcano1 at the bottom of which is a salt lake4 ,upon the extreme north end of this lake will be found a large spring of fresh water1 sufficient for #ajjj animals4 ,from thence to ,ragtown1 on ,carson ,river1 is three miles4 ,i would advise travelers1 when their animals become exhausted before reaching this water1 to take them out of harness and drive them to this place to recruit4 ,there is some grass around the lake4 ,this desert has always been the most difficult part of the journey to ,california1 and more animals have probably been lost here than at any other place4 ,the parts of wagons that are continually met with here shows this most incontestably4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,vi4--,from ,great ,salt ,lake ,city to ,los ,angeles and ,san ,francisco1 ,california4 ,miles4 ,salt ,lake ,city to #bj-e_/h4 ,willow ,creek4--,good grass4 #ad4 ,american ,creek4--,good grass4 #aa-a_/b4 ,provo ,city4--,town4 #g-a_/d4 ,hobble ,creek4--,good camp4 #f4 ,spanish ,fork4--,good camp4 #e4 ,peteetneet4--,good camp4 #be4 ,salt ,creek4--,several small streams between4 ,good camp4 #ah-e_/h4 ,toola ,creek4--,ford4 ,no wood2 grass good4 #f-a_/d4 ,sevier ,river4--,road is sandy1 passing over a high ridge4 ,good camp4 #be-a_/b4 ,cedar ,creek4--,road rather mountainous and sandy4 ,good grass and wood4 #ag-a_/b4 ,creek4--,this is the fourth stream south of ,sevier ,river4 ,road crosses two streams4 ,good camp4 #c-e_/h4 ,willow ,flats4--,the water sinks a little east of the road4 #be4 ,spring4--,good grass and water4 #bb-a_/d4 ,sage ,creek4--,grass poor2 wood and water4 #e-a_/h4 ,beaver ,creek4--,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #bg-a_/d4 ,north ,canon ,creek4--,in ,little ,salt ,lake ,valley4 ,good grass2 no wood4 ,the road is rough and steep for six miles4 #e-c_/h4 ,creek4--,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #f-c_/d4 ,creek4--,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #ab-g_/h4 ,cottonwood ,creek4--,good grass and water4 #i4 ,cedar ,springs4--,good camp4 #bc4 ,pynte ,creek4--,good grass one mile up the canon4 #i4 ,road ,springs4--,road is rough2 good camp4 #af4 ,santa ,clara4--,road descending and rough2 poor grass4 ,from this point to ,cahoon ,pass look out for ,indians4 #ag-a_/h4 ,camp ,springs4--,two miles before reaching the springs the road leaves the ,santa ,clara4 ,good grass4 #bb-g_/h4 ,rio ,virgin4--,road crosses over the summit of a mountain4 ,good road2 grass poor4 #ci-e_/h4 ,rio ,virgin4--,road runs down the ,rio ,virgin1 crossing it ten times4 ,grass good down the river4 #ai-e_/h4 ,muddy ,creek4--,road for half a mile is very steep and sandy4 ,good camp4 #eb-e_/h4 ,las ,vegas4--,water is sometimes found #b-a_/b miles west of the road in holes #bc miles from the ,muddy1 and some grass about a mile from the road4 ,good camp4 #e4 ,on ,vegas4--,road runs up the river4 ,good grass4 #ag4 ,cottonwood ,spring4--,poor grass4 #bi-c_/d4 ,cottonwood ,grove4--,no grass4 ,water and grass can be found four miles west by following the old ,spanish trail to a ravine1 and thence to the left in the ravine one mile4 #ba-c_/d4 ,resting ,springs4--,good grass and water4 ,animals should be rested here before entering the desert4 #g4 ,spring4--,the spring is on the left of the road1 and flows into ,saleratus ,creek4 ,animals must not be allowed to drink the ,saleratus water4 #ad-a_/h4 ,salt ,springs4--,poor grass and no fresh water4 #ch-c_/d4 ,bitter ,springs4--,good road2 poor grass4 #cj-c_/d4 ,mohave ,river4--,good road and good grass4 #ea-a_/b4 ,on the ,mohave4--,last ford4 ,good grass all the way up the ,mohave4 #ag4 ,cahoon ,pass4--,at the summit4 #aj4 ,camp4--,road bad down the canon4 #aa-a_/b4 ,coco ,mongo ,ranch4 #aj4 ,del ,chino ,ranch4--,williams4 #ai-c_/h4 ,san ,gabriel ,river4 #f4 ,san ,gabriel ,mission4 #h-a_/d4 ,pueblo de los ,angeles4 #fe-c_/d4 ,santa ,clara ,river4--,on the ,coast ,route4 ,good camps to ,san ,jose4 #g-a_/b4 ,buena ,ventura ,mission and ,river4--,road here strikes the ,pacific shore4 #bf4 ,santa ,barbara4--,town4 #de-c_/d4 ,san ,yenness ,river4--,at the ,mission4 #gh-g_/h4 ,santa ,margareta4--,old ,mission4 #bh-c_/h4 ,san ,miguel4--,old ,mission4 #bd-c_/d4 ,san ,antonio ,river4 #bf-c_/d4 ,rio del ,monterey4 #ae-e_/h4 ,solida ,mission4--,at the ford of ,rio del ,monterey4 #cg-a_/b4 ,san ,juan ,mission4 #cc4 ,san ,jose ,pueblo4 #ge4 ,san ,francisco4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,vii4--,from ,fort ,bridger to the ,city of ,rocks4 ,from ,captain ,handcock's ,journal4 ,miles4 ,fort ,bridger to #i4 ,little ,muddy ,creek4--,water brackish in pools along the creek2 tall bunch-grass2 sage for fuel4 ,road runs over a barren section1 is rough1 and passes one steep hill4 #ab-a_/c4 ,big ,muddy ,creek4--,the road1 with the exception of two or three bad gullies1 is good for ten miles2 it then follows the ,big ,muddy bottom1 which is flat and boggy4 ,the camp is three miles above the crossing4 ,some grass2 sage for fuel4 #ad-a_/e4 ,small ,branch of the ,muddy ,creek4--,cross the river in three miles at a bad ford4 ,a mile above camp the grass is good4 ,road generally good4 #ai-a_/b4 ,on ,small ,creek4--,road continues up the ,muddy #i-a_/b miles to its head4 ,it then ascends to the divide between ,bear and ,green ,rivers1 probably #hjj feet1 in #a-c_/e miles4 ,the descent on the other side is about the same4 ,the road passes many fine springs4 ,at one and two miles back it passes points of hills1 where it is very rough4 ,good grass and sage at camp4 #h-i_/aj4 ,bear ,river4--,bad creek to cross near the camp2 thence to ,bear ,river ,valley the road is good4 ,it then follows down the river1 crossing ,willow ,creek4 ,good camp1 with a large1 fine spring4 #ag4 ,bear ,river4--,good road along the river2 plenty of wood1 water1 and grass at all points4 ,foot of ,grant's ,mountain4--,road runs along ,bear ,river2 at #b-a_/b miles strikes ,smith's ,fork1 a rapid trout stream4 ,the road crosses the lower ford4 ,a few miles farther on is a bad slough1 which can be avoided by taking a round on the hills4 ,cross ,thomas's ,fork on a bridge1 also a slough near it2 toll #b4jj for each team and wagon4 ,the road then leaves ,bear ,river ,valley1 and turns over a very steep hill4 ,good grass1 wood1 and water4 #ab4 ,bear ,river4--,road ascends ,grant's ,mountain #abjj feet in #a-a_/b miles--double teams--then descends again into ,bear ,river ,valley at #d-d_/e miles4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #ag-b_/e4 ,indian ,creek4--,road crosses eight fine spring branches2 camp is on a beautiful trout stream4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #aa4 ,spring near ,bear ,river4--,road is hilly1 crossing two spring branches4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 ,the camp is on the left and near the road4 #aa4 ,bear ,river4--,at #f-g_/aj miles the road strikes a large group of springs called ,soda ,springs1 and here crosses ,pine ,creek1 on the left bank of which is a saleratus lake4 ,soon after it strikes the main springs1 and after crossing another creek the ,steam-boat ,spring may be seen in the bed of the river4 #ae4 ,port ,neuf1 or ,rock ,creek4--,at #b-c_/aj miles the road leaves ,bear ,river near where it runs through a canon with high bluffs on each side4 ,at this point the ,california and ,fort ,hall roads separate4 ,the ,california road 7called ,hudspeth's ,cut-off7 then crosses a valley between the ,bear ,river and ,port ,neuf ,river ,mountains1 #i miles4 ,no water from camp to camp4 ,good camp4 #ae4 ,marsh ,creek4--,about two miles above the main road the creek can be forded2 a road leads to it from the descent into the valley4 ,road good2 water and grass plenty2 no wood4 #af-a_/e4 ,paunack ,creek4--,first part of the road is hilly2 the remainder good4 ,good camp4 #g-a_/e4 ,mallade ,river4--,at #g-a_/e miles the road crosses the ,mallade ,river4 ,good camp #adj miles from ,salt ,lake ,city4 ,good road4 #bb-c_/aj4 ,small ,creek4--,the road ascends a ridge through a canon1 and descends to a valley on the other side4 ,from the camp to the summit of the ridge is #f-a_/e miles4 ,the descent is #c-g_/aj miles4 ,it then crosses a valley #h miles wide1 and strikes a canon which leads to the top of a hill over a rough road4 ,plenty of wood1 water1 and grass at camp1 but no water between this and the last camp4 #i-c_/e4 ,small ,creek4--,road after five miles strikes a canon with a long but gentle ascent4 ,two miles from the entrance of this canon is a spring branch4 ,there is wood and some grass and water at this place4 #aa-a_/e4 ,spring ,branch4--,the road passes through a canon1 and at #e miles strikes the head of a spring branch1 which it follows down #b-a_/b miles to the junction with a larger branch1 which is bridged4 ,at nine tenths of a mile another fork enters4 ,grass very fine here4 ,road follows down this across the main branch1 and the camp is #b miles below4 ,good camp4 #ah-a_/b4 ,decassure ,creek1 or ,raft ,river4--,road continues down the creek #b-c_/aj miles1 and crosses1 then ascends by a steep hill to an elevated sage plain1 leaving the creek at #aa-d_/e miles1 and passes a slough with water4 ,good camp4 #ag-i_/aj4 ,spring ,branch4--,the road crosses the creek near the last camp1 and follows up a valley1 crossing in five miles several spring branches4 ,at #b-i_/aj miles it crosses the creek again1 and follows up the valley two miles farther1 then crosses a high sage plain #h-i_/aj miles long1 when it strikes a spring #aej yards to the left of the road1 where there is an excellent camp in a beautiful valley4 #aj4 ,junction of ,salt ,lake ,city ,road4--,road passes several small branches in #c miles1 then commences ascending through a canon which1 in #b-a_/e miles1 leads to the entrance to the ,city of ,rocks1 and passes through these for three miles4 ,it then crosses a ridge1 leaving the ,city of ,rocks1 and at ten miles from last camp intersects the road from ,salt ,lake ,city4 ,at #a-b_/e miles beyond this a road leads off to the right to a spring branch1 #c miles1 where there is a good camp near the foot of ,goose ,creek ,mountain4 ,from this point ,california travelers can refer to the itinerary of the route from ,salt ,lake ,city to ,sacramento4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,viii4--,from ,soda ,springs to the ,city of ,rocks1 known as ,hudspeth's ,cut-off4 ,miles4 ,soda ,springs to #bj4 ,bear ,river4--,the road runs down ,bear ,river1 crossing some small streams4 ,good camp4 #aj4 ,portner ,creek4--,camp at the head of the creek4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #ab4 ,fork of ,portner ,creek4--,good camp4 #ae4 ,pauack ,creek4--,road crosses a summit4 ,good road and camp4 #ab4 ,snake ,spring4--,good camp4 #ab4 ,utha ,spring4--,good camp4 #ae4 ,decassure ,creek4--,road crosses a small stream2 rather bad crossing4 ,good camp4 #ah4 ,city of ,rocks4--,junction of ,salt ,lake road4 ,good camp4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,ix4--,sublets ,cut-off1 from the junction of the ,salt ,lake and ,fort ,hall ,roads4 ,miles4 ,junction to #g4 ,big ,sandy4 #dd4 ,green ,river4--,from the ,big ,sandy to ,green ,river 7upper road7 there is an abundance of grass in places along the road1 but no water4 #f4 ,small ,creek4--,the road runs up the creek4 ,good grass4 #d4 ,on the ,creek4--,good grass and water4 #ab4 ,small ,spring4--,the spring is on the left of the road4 ,good grass4 #i4 ,ham's ,fork4--,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #f4 ,spring4--,on the summit of a mountain4 ,good grass4 #f4 ,muddy ,creek4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #aj4 ,spring4--,in ,bear ,river ,valley4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #f4 ,smith's ,fork4--,in ,bear1 ,river ,valley4 ,good wood1 water2 and grass4 #aj4 ,tomaus' ,fork4--,road runs down ,bear ,river4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #g4 ,spring ,creek4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #g4 ,smith's ,ford4--,road crosses over a spur of the mountain2 long and gradual ascent2 descent rather abrupt4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #h4 ,telleck's ,fork4--,road runs down ,bear ,river4 ,good camp4 #d4 ,small ,creek4--,good camp4 #d4 ,small ,creek4--,good camp4 #g4 ,small ,creek4--,good camp4 #ab4 ,soda ,springs4--,left side of the road1 among some cedars1 is a good camp4 ,here take the left-hand road to ,california1 called ,hudspeth's ,cut-off4 99 99 99 99 99 ,x4--,from ,lawson's ,meadows1 on the ,humboldt ,river1 to ,fort ,reading1 via ,rogue ,river ,valley1 ,fort ,lane1 ,oregon ,territory1 ,yreka1 and ,fort ,jones4 ,miles4 ,lawson's ,meadows to #ah-a_/b4 ,mountain ,spring4--,road leaves the ,humboldt1 and takes a northwesterly course #ab miles to a spring of good water4 ,good bunch-grass to the left of the road1 and a small spring at the camp4 ,the road is plain on leaving the river1 but after a few days it becomes faint4 ,road from this point passes over a desert country for about #fj miles1 without good water or much grass4 #ch-a_/b4 ,black ,rock ,spring4--,road level and hard1 with little vegetation4 ,in #ad miles pass springs1 but the water is not good4 ,in #af miles the road passes a slough which is difficult to cross2 water not good1 but can be given to cattle in small quantities4 ,in five miles from this the road passes ,black ,rock1 mentioned by ,colonel ,fremont in his trip from ,columbia ,river in #ahdc-d4 ,three miles farther pass boiling springs1 very hot1 but good cooled4 ,grass pretty good4 #bj-a_/d4 ,mountain ,rill4--,water good2 bunch-grass in the vicinity4 ,in eight miles' travel the road passes a beautiful creek of pure water1 with good grass4 #e-c_/d4 ,lake 7,marshy74 #aj-a_/b4 ,high ,rock ,canon4--,this canon is #be miles long1 with wild and curious scenery4 ,road crosses the creek frequently1 and the mud is bad4 ,in the autumn the road is good4 #ad-c_/d4 ,high ,rock ,canon4 ,small ,creek4--,beautiful country1 with the greatest abundance of water and grass2 also fuel4 #be-a_/d4 ,pine ,grove ,creek4--,road passes over an interesting country1 well supplied with wood1 water1 and grass1 and passes around the south end of a salt lake4 #ah-a_/b4 ,west ,slope of ,sierra4--,road passes over the mountain1 which is steep but not rocky1 then descends to a small creek of good water which runs into ,goose ,lake4 ,good grass and fuel4 ,look out for the ,indians1 as they are warlike and treacherous here4 #g-c_/d4 ,east shore of ,goose ,lake4--,excellent camp4 #af-a_/d4 ,west shore of ,goose ,lake4--,this is a beautiful sheet of fresh water2 great quantities of water-fowl resort to this lake4 #af-a_/d4 ,slough ,springs4--,the road passes over a very rocky divide1 covered with loose volcanic debris1 very hard for animals1 and wearing to their feet4 ,they should be well shod before attempting the passage4 #ah-a_/b4 ,marshy ,lake4--,road difficult for wagons4 #ae4 ,clear ,lake4--,beautiful lake of pure water1 with good grass around its shore4 #be-a_/d4 ,east shore of ,rhett's ,lake4--,road tolerable over a rolling1 rocky country1 between lakes4 ,the road crosses ,lost ,river over a natural bridge1 on a solid1 smooth ledge of rock4 #ai4 ,west shore of ,rhett's ,lake4--,plenty of wood1 water1 and grass along this road4 #ba4 ,klamath ,river4--,road leaves ,rhett's ,lake1 and enters the forest and mountains2 tolerably good4 ,good camp4 #ae-a_/d4 ,cascade ,mountains4--,the road passes over high mountains1 through lofty pine-trees4 ,camp is at ,summit ,meadows4 ,good water and grass1 also fuel4 #ad-a_/d4 ,western slope of ,cascade ,mountains4--,rough roads4 #ai-a_/d4 ,rogue ,river ,valley4--,road descends into the settlements in six miles1 where there is a lovely fertile valley1 well settled with farmers4 #bc-c_/d4 ,fort ,lane4--,near ,table ,rock1 on ,rogue ,river1 eight miles from ,jacksonville4 ,dragoon post4 #bb-c_/d4 ,rogue ,river ,valley4--,good camp4 #ah4 ,siskiyou ,mountains4--,road crosses the ,siskiyou ,mountains1 and is difficult for wagons4 #ah4 ,yreka4--,flourishing mining city4 #ah4 ,fort ,jones4--,infantry post1 in ,scott's ,valley4 #bj4 ,scott's ,mountain4--,good camp at the foot of the mountain4 ,road passes over the mountains1 but is impassable for wagons4 #ij4 ,shasta ,city4--,good grass1 wood1 and water4 #ahj4 ,sacramento ,city4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xi4--,from ,soda ,springs to ,fort ,wallah ,wallah and ,oregon ,city1 ,oregon1 via ,fort ,hall4 ,miles4 ,soda ,springs to #be4 ,portner ,creek4--,good camp4 ,take the right-hand road4 #aj4 ,ross's ,creek4--,good camp4 #aj4 ,fort ,hall ,valley4--,good camp4 ,road runs down the creek4 #h4 ,snake ,river4--,good camp4 ,road crosses the river bottom4 #e4 ,fort ,hall4 #ae4 ,small ,branch4--,camp is three miles below the crossing of ,port ,neuf ,river1 which is fordable4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #aj4 ,american ,falls4--,good camp4 #ac4 ,raft ,river4--,road rough and rocky4 ,sage for fuel2 grass scarce4 #ag4 ,bend of ,swamp ,creek4--,grass scarce4 #bj4 ,on ,snake ,river4--,road crosses ,swamp and ,goose ,creeks4 ,wood on the hills2 grass short4 #be4 ,rock ,creek4--,road crosses one small creek1 and is very rough and rocky for several miles1 when it enters a sandy region1 where the grass is scarce2 sage plenty1 and willows on the creek4 #bd4 ,snake ,river4--,road crosses several small branches4 ,there is but little grass except in narrow patches along the river bottom4 #bf4 ,fishing ,falls4--,road very crooked and rough1 crossing two small streams4 #bi4 ,snake ,river4--,road crosses several small creeks1 but leaves the main river to the north1 and runs upon an elevated plateau4 ,good grass at camp4 #af4 ,snake ,river 7ford74--,road tortuous2 ford good in low water4 #ai4 ,small ,branch4--,road crosses ,snake ,river1 and follows up a small branch1 leaving the river to the left4 ,good grass4 ,road ascends to a high plateau1 which it keeps during the whole distance4 #bf4 ,river ,aux ,rochers4--,road passes ,hot ,springs1 and is rough4 ,wood1 water1 and grass plenty4 #bb4 ,small ,creek4--,road crosses two small branches1 and is very rocky1 but at camp grass1 wood1 and water are abundant4 #bc4 ,rio ,boise4--,road crosses one small creek1 and follows along the ,boise ,river4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #bf4 ,fort ,boise4--,road follows the south bank of ,boise ,river to the fort4 #b4 ,fort ,boise4--,road crosses ,boise ,river4 ,good ford at ordinary stages4 ,grass good in the river bottom4 #bj4 ,river ,aux ,matthews4--,good road4 ,grass abundant1 but coarse2 wood and water plenty4 #bg4 ,snake ,river4--,road passes over a rough country4 ,grass scarce and of a poor quality4 #bj4 ,burnt ,river4--,road leaves ,snake ,river1 and takes across ,burnt ,river1 following up the north side of this to the camp4 ,it is mountainous and rough1 but the grass is good1 and there is wood along the river4 #bb4 ,burnt ,river4--,road continues up the river1 and is still rough and mountainous4 ,grass and wood plenty4 #bf4 ,small ,branch4--,road passes over a divide to ,powder ,river4 ,it is still rough1 but getting better4 ,the grass is good4 #ac4 ,powder ,river4--,good road2 grass plenty4 #ba4 ,creek4--,road passes a divide1 crossing several small streams1 and is smooth1 with plenty of grass and fuel4 #bj4 ,creek4--,road crosses one small branch1 and is rather rough4 ,the grass and fuel are good and abundant4 #ba4 ,creek4--,road follows down the creek for ten miles1 then turns up a small branch1 and is good4 ,there is plenty of grass and fuel4 #ab4 ,branch4--,road crosses a divide and strikes another branch4 #e4 ,small branch of the ,umatilah ,river4--,good road1 with plenty of wood and grass4 #af4 ,branch of ,wallah ,wallah ,river4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #ah4 ,wallah ,wallah ,river4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 ,columbia ,river at ,fort ,wallah ,wallah4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #aj4 ,butler ,creek4--,good camp4 #ah4 ,wells's ,spring4--,good camp4 #ab4 ,willow ,creek4--,good camp4 #ac4 ,cedar ,spring4--,good camp4 #f4 ,john ,day's ,river4--,good camp4 #e4 ,forks of ,road4--,no camping4 ,left-hand road for wagons1 and right-hand for pack trains4 ,this itinerary takes the left4 #aj4 ,ouley's ,camp4--,good camp4 #ai4 ,soot's ,river4--,good camp4 #f4 ,fall ,river4--,good camp4 #aj4 ,utah's ,river4--,good camp4 #ah4 ,soot's ,river4--,good camp4 #f4 ,soot's ,river4--,good camp4 ,road follows up the river1 crossing it several times4 #af4 ,sand ,river ,fork4--,good grass a mile and a half to the left of the road4 #h4 ,good ,camp4 #ae4 ,royal ,hill ,camp4--,good camp4 #g4 ,sandy ,river4--,but little grass4 #de4 ,down the ,river4--,good camps all the distance4 #be4 ,oregon ,city4--,good camps all the distance4 #ge4 ,salem4--,good camps all the distance4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xii4--,route for pack trains from ,john ,day's ,river to ,oregon ,city4 ,miles4 ,john ,day's ,river to #ag4 ,columbia ,river4--,from ,john ,day's ,river to the forks of the road1 and thence by the right-hand fork to the ,columbia4 ,good camp4 #b-a_/b4 ,soot's ,river ,ferry4--,good camp4 #ae4 ,dalles4--,good camp4 #be4 ,dog ,river4--,good camp4 #ae4 ,cascade ,mountains4--,one bad place4 #i4 ,ouley's ,rock4--,good camp4 #bj4 ,image ,plain ,ferry4--,good camp4 #ae4 ,portland4--,good camp4 #ab4 ,oregon ,city4--,good camp4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xiii4--,from ,indianola and ,powder-horn to ,san ,antonio1 ,texas4 ,miles4 ,powder-horn to #d4 ,indianola1 ,texas4--,steamers run from ,new ,orleans five times a week to ,powder-horn4 #ad4 ,chocolate ,creek4--,good grass and water2 fuel scarce4 ,road passes over a low1 flat country1 which in wet weather is heavy and muddy4 #ab4 ,grove4--,grove of oak2 good water and grass4 ,the road passes over a hog-wallow prairie1 which is very muddy1 and almost impassable for loaded teams after rains4 ,the grass is abundant every where in this section4 #ab-a_/b4 ,victoria4--,the road is good1 passing along near the east bank of the ,guadalupe ,river4 ,the country is thickly settled with farmers1 who sell grain at reasonable rates4 ,grass abundant1 also fuel4 #cd4 ,yorktown4--,road crosses the ,guadalupe ,river on a bridge2 toll one dollar for a six-mule team4 ,it then crosses a low bottom for three miles2 from thence the road is good1 over a rolling country1 with plenty of wood1 water1 and grass4 #cc4 ,cibello ,river4--,good road2 wood1 water1 and grass plenty4 #ce4 ,san ,antonio4--,good road1 with plenty of wood1 water1 and grass along the road4 ,the ,cibello is fordable at ordinary stages4 ,the traveler can procure any thing he may need at ,victoria and at ,san ,antonio4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xiv4--,wagon-road from ,san ,antonio1 ,texas1 to ,el ,paso1 ,n4,m41 and ,fort ,yuma1 ,cal4 ,distances in miles and hundredths of a mile4 ,miles4 ,san ,antonio to #f4da4 ,leona4 #ah4ab4 ,castroville4 #aa4jj4 ,hondo4 #ad4bh4 ,rio ,seco4 #ab4ej4 ,sabinal4 #ac4df4 ,rio ,frio4 #ae4ab4 ,nueces4 #aj4bg4 ,turkey ,creek4 #ae4cc4 ,elm ,creek4--,all good camps1 with abundance of wood1 water1 and grass4 ,country mostly settled1 and the road very good1 except in wet weather1 from ,san ,antonio to ,elm ,creek4 #g4jj4 ,fort ,clarke4--,good grass1 wood1 and water4 ,road level and good4 #g4jj4 ,piedra ,pinta1--,good grass1 wood1 and water4 #h4hf4 ,maverick's ,creek4--,good grass1 wood1 and water4 #ab4fa4 ,san ,felipe4--,good grass1 wood1 and water4 #aj4bb4 ,devil's ,river4--,first crossing4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #ah4bg4 ,california ,springs4--,grass and water poor4 #ah4ci4 ,devil's ,river4--,second crossing4 ,grass poor4 #ai4ej4 ,devil's ,river4--,good camp4 ,the only water between ,devil's ,river and ,live ,oak ,creek is at ,howard's ,springs4 ,the road is very rough in places4 #dd4jj4 ,howard's ,springs4--,grass scarce2 water plenty in winter2 wood plenty4 #cj4dd4 ,live ,oak ,creek4--,good water and grass4 ,the road passes within #a-a_/b miles of ,fort ,lancaster4 #g4bi4 ,crossing of ,pecos ,river4--,bad water and bad camp4 ,the water of the ,pecos can be used4 #e4dg4 ,las ,moras4--,good water1 grass1 and wood4 ,the road is rough on the ,pecos4 #cb4he4 ,camp on the ,pecos ,river4--,wood and grass scarce4 #af4bf4 ,escondido ,creek4--,at the crossing4 ,water good2 little grass or wood4 #h4gf4 ,escondido ,spring4--,grass and water good2 little grass4 #ai4dj4 ,comanche ,creek4--,grass and water good2 little grass4 #h4hh4 ,leon ,springs4--,grass and water good2 no wood4 #cc4hf4 ,barela ,spring4--,grass and water good2 wood plenty4 #bh4jj4 ,fort ,davis4--,good camp4 ,from ,fort ,davis to ,eagle ,springs there is an ascent1 and one of the very best of roads4 #ah4db4 ,barrel ,springs4--,water good2 grass and wood fair4 #ac4eh4 ,dead ,man's ,hole4--,good wood and water2 grass scarce4 #cb4hc4 ,van ,horne's ,wells4--,no grass or wood1 but they will be found two miles back4 #ai4gd4 ,eagle ,springs4--,grass and wood poor2 water about half a mile from camp1 in a narrow canon4 #cb4jc4 ,mouth of ,canon de los ,camenos4--,the road is rather rough4 ,from here to ,fort ,bliss1 opposite ,el ,paso1 the road runs near the river1 and camps may be made any where4 ,the wood1 water1 and grass are good at all points4 #fa4ac4 ,san ,eluzario4--,mexican town4 #i4be4 ,socorro4--,mexican town4 #ae4jj4 ,fort ,bliss1 at ,el ,paso4--,united ,states military post and ,mexican town4 ,total distance from ,san ,antonio to ,el ,paso1 #fed4bg miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,miles4 ,el ,paso to #bb4 ,cottonwood4--,from ,el ,paso to ,messilla ,valley1 in the ,gadsden ,purchase1 the road runs up the east bank of the ,rio ,grande to ,fort ,fillmore 7,n4,m471 where it crosses the river into the ,messilla ,valley4 #bb4 ,fort ,fillmore4 #f4 ,la ,messilla4 #fe4 ,cook's ,spring4--,from ,messilla ,valley to ,tucson the road is remarkably good1 with good grass and water4 ,the streams on this section are the ,mimbres and ,san ,pedro1 both fordable1 and crossed with little trouble4 ,the ,apache ,indians are generally met with in this country4 ,there is a flouring-mill two miles below ,el ,paso1 where flour can be purchased at very reasonable prices4 #ah4 ,rio ,mimbres4 #ag4 ,ojo la ,vaca4 #aj4 ,ojo de ,ynez4 #cd4 ,peloncilla4 #ah4 ,san ,domingo4 #bc4 ,apache ,springs4 #i4 ,cabesas ,springs4 #bf4 ,dragon ,springs4 #ah4 ,quercos ,canon4--,bunch-grass will be found sufficient for traveling purposes along this section of the road between ,el ,paso and ,tucson4 #f4 ,san ,pedro ,crossing4 #bj4 ,cienega4 #ac4 ,cienega ,creek4 #bj4 ,mission of ,san ,navier4 #h4 ,tucson4--,total distance from ,el ,paso to ,tucson1 #cje miles4 #e4 ,pico ,chico ,mountain4 #ce4 ,first ,camp on ,gila ,river4 #bi4 ,maricopa ,wells4--,the ,maricopa ,wells are at the western extremity of a fertile valley occupied by ,pincos ,indians1 who cultivate corn and other grain4 #dj4 ,tezotal4--,across ,jornada4 ,there is but little grass here1 but in the season the mesquite leaves are a good substitute4 #aj4 ,ten ,mile ,camp4 #ae4 ,oatman's ,flat4--,first crossing of the ,gila ,river4 #be4 ,second ,crossing of the ,gila4--,the traveler can generally find sufficient grass in the hills along the valley of the ,gila4 #cb4 ,peterman's ,station4 #bj4 ,antelope ,peak4 #bd4 ,little ,corral4 #af4 ,fort ,yuma4 ,the distance from ,el ,paso to ,fort ,yuma is #fdd miles4 ,illustration3 ,,well ,,in ,,the ,,desert4--,,alamo ,,mocho4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xv4--,from ,fort ,yuma to ,san ,diego1 ,california4 ,distances in miles and hundredths of a mile4 ,miles4 ,fort ,yuma to #aj4jj4 ,los ,algodones4--,along the ,colorado4 #aj4jj4 ,cook's ,wells4--,here commences the great desert2 water nowhere good or reliable until arriving at ,carizo ,creek4 ,the points named are where deep wells have been dug4 ,new ,river1 though usually set down1 is a dry arroyo4 ,the surface of the desert for seven miles on the eastern side is drifting sand and heavy for wagons4 ,then comes a section in the centre of the desert that is hard and level4 ,on the west side there is about three miles of a mud flat4 #ba4ij4 ,alamo ,rancho4 #af4dj4 ,little ,laguna4 #d4ej4 ,new ,river4 #e4hj4 ,big ,laguna4 #bf4dj4 ,carizo ,creek4--,water good2 cane and brush for fuel1 and they afford some forage for the animals2 no grass4 #af4fj4 ,vallecito4--,grass poor2 wood and water sufficient4 #ag4hj4 ,san ,felipe4--,grass poor2 wood scarce2 water good4 #ae4hj4 ,warner's ,ranch4--,the road passes through a beautiful oak grove1 where there is an abundance of grass and water4 ,this is the summit of the mountain4 ,at the ,ranch the grass is poor1 and no wood4 ,the water is good4 ,the oak grove terminates six miles from ,warner's4 #aj4cj4 ,santa ,isabel4--,good grass1 wood1 and water4 ,this was an old ,spanish mission1 but is now occupied by some ,americans and ,indians4 #aa4dj4 ,laguna4--,two miles from last camp is a good camping-place4 ,the road passes over some steep hills1 not high4 ,this is the best camp on the road4 #ab4jj4 ,san ,pasquel4--,for the first nine miles the road is level and good to the top of the mountain1 where there is a good camping-place1 with wood1 water1 and grass2 thence the road descends a very steep hill4 ,the camp is on the east side of the brook1 near ,soto's house4 #ah4hj4 ,parrasquitas4--,the road passes a good camp three miles from ,san ,pasqual4 ,wood1 ,water1 and grass at ,parrasquitas4 #h4jj4 ,fisher's ,house4--,the road passes over several hills1 and at four miles is a good camping-place4 ,wood1 water1 and grass at camp4 ,san ,diego1 ,california4--,when animals are to be kept a considerable time at ,san ,diego1 they should be taken four or five miles up the river1 as the grass is poor near the town4 ,total distance from ,fort ,yuma to ,san ,diego1 #bag miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xvi4--,from ,el ,paso1 ,new ,mexico1 to ,fort ,yuma1 ,california1 via ,santa ,cruz4 ,distances in miles and hundredths of a mile4 ,miles4 ,from ,el ,paso to #bf4aj4 ,samalayuca4--,spring1 with grass and wood4 #ch4jj4 ,salado4--,bad water1 with little grass and wood4 #bd4ge4 ,santa ,maria4--,good grass1 wood1 and water4 #bg4ej4 ,mines of ,san ,pedro4--,bad water2 little grass or water4 #ai4bj4 ,correlitos4--,good water1 grass1 and wood4 #bj4jj4 ,janos4--,good water1 grass1 and wood4 #ab4jj4 ,pelatudo4--,good water1 grass1 and wood4 #cj4jj4 ,san ,francisco4--,water half a mile south of the road4 #ah4jj4 ,san ,louis4--,good water1 grass1 and wood4 #ce4jj4 ,san ,bernardino4--,good water1 grass1 and wood4 #cj4jj4 ,ash ,creek4--,grass1 wood1 and water4 #cg4jj4 ,head of ,san ,pedro4--,grass and water4 #bd4jj4 ,santa ,cruz4--,good grass1 wood1 and water4 #ca4jj4 ,cocospe4--,much grass2 #aj or #ab miles without water4 ,leave ,santa ,cruz ,river at old ,rancho ,san ,lazaro4 ,no water till reaching the head of ,san ,ignacio1 except at nine miles1 a spring one mile west of the road4 #bf4jj4 ,hemores4--,from ,cocospe to ,santa ,anna follow down the ,san ,ignacio1 and in many places there is wood and grass4 ,grass is much better at three miles from the river4 ,at the foot of the hills there is an abundance of grama-grass4 #e4jj4 ,terrenati4 #d4jj4 ,san ,ignacio4 #e4bj4 ,madina4 #e4bj4 ,san ,lorenzo4 #b4fj4 ,santa ,marta4 #e4bj4 ,santa ,anna4 #bf4jj4 ,alamita4--,plenty of grass4 ,leave the river #aj or #ab miles from ,santa ,anna1 and no water thence to ,alamita1 which is a small rancho4 #ca4bj4 ,altar4--,no water2 grass abundant4 #ac4jj4 ,laguna4--,small water-hole2 grass scanty and poor4 #eb4jj4 ,sonia4--,sometimes water is found #be miles from the ,laguna1 south of the road4 ,there is a well at ,sonia in the town1 and sometimes water in a hole #cjj yards south of the town1 #ajj yards west of the road4 #aj4dj4 ,el ,paso4--,well at ,el ,paso supplying #ajj animals2 water muddy and brackish2 grass poor4 #eb4jj4 ,sonorita4--,no water on the road2 at ,sonorita are several brackish springs4 ,grass poor2 bad camping-place2 saltpetre at the springs4 ,quita ,oaquita4--,no water on the road4 ,saline spring at camp1 better than at ,sonorita1 but the grass is not so good4 #aj4dj4 ,agua ,salado4--,water uncertain2 grass poor4 #bc4dj4 ,los ,pleyes4--,water only in the rainy season1 one mile west of the road1 hidden by bushes and difficult to find4 ,grass pretty good4 #bh4fj4 ,cabeza ,prieta4--,natural tenajas in a ravine two miles from the road2 follow a wagon-track up this ravine between a black and a red mountain4 ,the water is good and abundant2 grass tolerable4 #ca4jj4 ,poso4--,no water on the road until reaching ,poso4 ,here it is abundant on the east side of the road2 grass good one mile west4 #ac4jj4 ,rio ,gila4--,but little good grass4 #bf4jj4 ,fort ,yuma1 at the crossing of the ,colorado ,river4--,but little good grass for several miles4 ,total distance from ,el ,paso to ,fort ,yuma1 #gef miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xvii4--,from ,westport1 ,missouri1 to the gold diggings at ,pike's ,peak and ,cherry ,creek ,n4,t41 via the ,arkansas ,river4 ,miles4 ,westport to #d-c_/d4 ,indian ,creek4--,the road runs over a beautiful country4 ,indian ,creek is a small wooded stream1 with abundance of grass and water4 #h-c_/d4 ,cedar ,creek4--,the road passes over a fine country1 and there is a good camping-place at ,cedar ,creek4 #h-a_/b4 ,bull ,creek4--,the road is smooth and level1 with less wood than before4 ,camping good4 ,illustration3 ,sketch of the country in the vicinity of the ,gold ,region near ,pike's ,peak and ,cherry ,creek4 #i-a_/b4 ,willow ,springs4--,at nine miles the road passes ,black ,jack ,creek1 where there is a good camping-place4 ,the road has but little wood upon it at first1 but it increases toward the end of the march4 ,the road is level for some distance1 but becomes more rolling1 and the country is covered with the finest grass4 ,good camp at one mile from the main road4 #bj-a_/d4 #aaj-,mile ,creek4--,the road traverses the same character of country as yesterday1 but with less woodland1 is very smooth1 and at #i and #ab miles passes ,rock ,creeks1 which have no running water in a dry season4 ,good camp4 #bb-a_/b4 ,prairie ,chicken ,creek4--,at eight miles the road crosses ,dwissler ,creek1 which is a fine little stream2 four miles farther ,first ,dragoon ,creek1 and at one mile farther the ,second ,dragoon ,creek1 both fine streams1 well wooded1 and good camping-places4 ,good camp4 #bj4 ,big ,rock ,creek4--,at one mile the road crosses a small wooded branch4 ,three miles beyond it crosses ,elm ,creek1 where a good camping-place may be found4 ,at #g miles it crosses #adb-,mile ,creek1 and at #ac miles it crosses ,bluff ,creek1 where there is a good camping-place4 ,good camp4 #bj4 ,council ,grove1 on ,elm ,creek4--,road passes ,big ,john ,spring at #ac miles1 and is smooth and good4 ,a fine camp is found three fourths of a mile beyond the ,grove1 on ,elm ,creek1 with abundance of wood1 water1 and grass4 #af4 ,diamond ,spring4--,at-eight miles the road crosses ,elm ,creek1 and passes over a section similar to that east of ,council ,grove4 ,it is fine in dry weather1 but muddy after heavy rains4 ,good camp at ,diamond ,spring4 #af4 ,lost ,spring4--,one mile from camp the road passes a wooded creek4 ,from thence there is no more wood or permanent water until arriving at camp4 ,take wood here for cooking1 as there is not a tree or bush in sight from ,lost ,spring4 ,the country becomes more level1 with grass every where4 ,the road is muddy in wet weather4 #ae-c_/d4 ,cottonwood ,creek4--,road continues over a prairie country1 sensibly rising and improving4 ,wood1 water1 and grass at camp4 #bb4 ,turkey ,creek4--,the road is good1 and at #ah miles passes ,little ,turkey ,creek4 ,no wood1 and the water poor at camp2 grass good4 #bc4 ,little ,arkansas ,river4--,the road runs over a level prairie1 and at #c-a_/b miles passes ,big ,turkey ,creek1 with the ,arkansas ,river ,valley in sight all day4 ,after rains there are frequent pools of water along the road4 ,good camp4 #bj4 ,big ,cow ,creek4--,the road passes for ten miles over a level prairie1 to ,charez ,creek1 which is a bushy gully2 thence six miles to ,little ,cow ,creek1 which is a brushy stream1 with here and there a tree4 ,good camp here to the left of the road1 near a clump of trees4 ,prairie-dog towns commence to be seen4 ,road very level4 ,buffalo-grass here4 #bj4 ,big ,bend of the ,arkansas4--,the road at #ab miles strikes the sand-hills of the ,arkansas ,river4 ,they are soon passed1 however1 and the level river bottom is reached4 ,the river has a rapid current flowing over a quicksand bed4 ,the road is generally good from the last camp4 ,wood1 water1 and grass at camp4 #g4 ,walnut ,creek4--,the road is good4 ,cool springs at this camp2 good grass and wood4 #ba4 ,head of ,coon ,creek4--,at five miles the road forks1 one following the river1 the other a short cut dry route to ,fort ,atkinson1 where they unite on the river4 ,the country rises for ten miles on the dry route1 then descends to the river1 and is covered with the short buffalo-grass4 ,no wood at camp4 #ah4 ,arkansas ,river4--,the road passes over an undulating and uninteresting prairie1 with but little vegetation4 ,the water in dry weather is in pools4 #ai4 ,arkansas ,river1 at ,fort ,atkinson4--,the road runs over a similar country to that of yesterday1 with no wood near2 plenty of buffalo-chips for cooking1 and good grass4 #ah-c_/d4 ,arkansas ,river4--,at #d-a_/b miles the road ascends a bluff covered with thick buffalo-grass4 ,on the river is heavy bottom-grass4 ,at #ag miles pass a ford4 ,grass good at camp4 #ai-a_/d4 ,arkansas ,river4--,the road is sandy for #ad miles1 but not deep except in places2 thence to camp it is good4 ,good camp4 #bb4 ,arkansas ,river4--,country prairie1 covered with short buffalo-grass4 ,good camp4 #bb4 ,arkansas ,river4--,the road is fine1 crossing several dry-beds of creeks1 along which are seen a few scattering trees4 ,good camp on a dry creek near the river4 #bd4 ,arkansas ,river4--,the road runs over a barren plain at the foot of the main plateau1 and crosses two dry creeks near the camp1 on which are cottonwood-trees4 ,plenty of wood at camp4 #ba4 ,arkansas ,river4--,the road follows the base of the hills at from one to three miles from the river4 ,good camp4 #bj4 ,arkansas ,river4--,at seven miles the road strikes the ,big ,timbers1 where there is a large body of cottonwood2 thence for three miles the road is heavy sand4 ,good camps along here4 #ac4 ,arkansas ,river4--,at one mile the road passes some old houses formerly used as a trading-post4 ,here terminates the ,big ,timbers4 ,coarse grass at the camp4 #ae4 ,arkansas ,river4--,at three miles the road passes the mouth of ,purgatoire ,creek4 ,camp is below ,bent's ,fort4 ,good grass here4 #bd4 ,arkansas ,river4--,pass ,bent's ,fort4 ,the grass is excellent in the vicinity of the fort1 but after this it is not so good4 ,the road runs over a high and considerably broken country4 ,good camp4 #aa4 ,arkansas ,river4--,opposite the mouth of the ,apishpa ,creek2 good camp4 ,the ,huerfano ,mountains and ,spanish ,peaks are in sight from the camp4 ,the ,cherokee ,trail comes in from ,arkansas near ,bent's ,fort1 and leads to the gold diggings at ,cherry ,creek4 #i4 ,arkansas ,river4--,opposite the mouth of the ,huerfano ,creek4 ,good camp1 and a ford opposite ,charles ,audebee's house4 #ab4 ,arkansas ,river4--,at this point the ,cherokee trail bears to the right and leaves the river4 ,the left-hand1 or river road1 runs up to the old pueblo at the mouth of the ,fontaine qui ,bouille ,creek4 ,the right-hand road leads to the gold diggings4 ,illustration3 ,,sangre ,,de ,,cristo ,,pass4 #ae-c_/d4 ,fontaine qui ,bouille4--,the road strikes in a northwest course over the rolling country1 and comes upon the creek at a most beautiful camp1 where there is a great abundance of good wood1 water1 and grass4 ,the wood1 water1 and grass are good at all points on the ,fontaine qui ,bouille1 and travelers can camp any where upon this stream4 #ag-a_/b4 ,fontaine qui ,bouille4--,here the road forks1 one running up the river1 and the other striking directly across to the divide of the ,arkansas and ,platte4 ,i prefer the left-hand road1 as it has more water and better grass upon it4 #f-a_/b4 ,forks of the ,fontaine qui ,bouille4--,the road to ,cherry ,creek here leaves the ,fontaine qui ,bouille and bears to the right4 ,there is a large ,indian trail which crosses the main creek1 and takes a northwest course toward ,pike's ,peak4 ,by going up this trail about two miles a mineral spring will be found1 which gives the stream its name of ,the ,fountain that ,boils4 ,this spring1 or1 rather1 these springs1 as there are two1 both of which boil up out of solid rock1 are among the greatest natural curiosities that ,i have ever seen4 ,the water is strongly impregnated with salts1 but is delightful to the taste1 and somewhat similar to the ,congress-water4 ,it will well compensate any one for the trouble of visiting it4 #ag-a_/b4 ,black ,squirrel ,creek4--,this creek is near the crest of the high divide between the ,arkansas and ,platte ,rivers4 ,it is a small running branch1 but always affords good water4 ,there is pine timber here1 and the grass is good on the prairies to the east4 ,this is a locality which is very subject to severe storms1 and it was here that ,i encountered the most severe snow-storm that ,i have ever known1 on the first day of ,may1 #aheh4 ,i would advise travelers to hasten past this spot as rapidly as possible during the winter and spring months1 as a storm might prove very serious here4 #ad4 ,near the head of ,cherry ,creek4--,the road crosses one small branch at four miles from ,black ,squirrel ,creek2 it then takes up to an elevated plateau1 which in a rainy season is very muddy4 ,the camp is at the first timber that is found1 near the road1 to the left4 ,there is plenty of wood1 water1 and grass here4 ,there is also a good camping-place at the small branch that is mentioned4 #aj4 ,on ,cherry ,creek4--,there is good grass1 wood1 and water throughout the valley of ,cherry ,creek4 ,the mountains are from five to ten miles distant1 on the left or west of the road1 and when ,i passed there was a great abundance of elk1 deer1 antelope1 bear1 and turkeys throughout this section4 #g4 ,on ,cherry ,creek4--,good camp4 #aa4 ,on ,cherry ,creek4--,good camp4 #ag4 ,mouth of ,cherry ,creek1 at the ,south ,platte4--,good camp1 and a town built up since ,i passed1 called ,denver ,city4 ,total distance from ,westport to the gold diggings1 #fhe-a_/d miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xviii4--,from ,st4 ,paul's1 ,min41 to ,fort ,wallah ,wallah1 ,oregon4 ,miles4 ,st4 ,paul's to #ag-a_/d4 ,small ,brook4--,the wood1 water1 and grass are abundant as far as the ,bois des ,sioux ,river4 #bj-a_/d4 ,cow ,creek4--,this stream is crossed on a bridge4 #bc-a_/d4 ,small ,lake4--,north of the road4 ,the road passes over a rolling prairie1 and crosses ,elk ,river on a bridge4 #ag4 ,near ,sauk ,rapids4--,the road crosses ,elk ,river twice on bridges2 ,mississippi ,river near4 #ah4 ,russel's4--,ferry across the ,mississippi ,river1 then follow the ,red ,river trail4 ,camp is on a cold spring brook4 #f4 ,cold ,spring ,brook4--,cross ,sauk ,river1 #cjj feet wide1 #d-a_/b feet deep4 #ai-a_/b4 ,lake ,henry4--,road good4 #ah-c_/d4 ,lightning ,lake4--,cross ,cow ,river in a ferry-boat2 water #d-a_/b feet deep4 #ag-a_/b4 ,lake4--,one mile from ,red ,river trail4 ,pass ,white ,bean ,lake4 #i-a_/b4 ,pike ,lake4--,pass the ,south ,branch of the ,chippeway ,river4 ,road runs over rolling prairie1 and crosses a small branch4 #ai-a_/d4 ,small ,lake4--,cross ,chippeway ,river in a boat4 ,road passes numerous lakes and the best grass4 #i-c_/d4 ,small ,lake4--,road passes rolling prairies1 and crosses ,rabbit ,river4 #bg4 ,bois des ,sioux ,river4--,cross ,bois des ,sioux ,prairie2 rolling ground4 #aa4 ,wild ,rice ,river4--,cross ,bois des ,sioux ,river1 #gj feet wide and #d to #g feet deep1 muddy bottom and banks4 ,wood1 water1 and grass at all camps between this and ,maple ,river4 #d-a_/b4 ,small ,creek4--,cross ,wild ,rice ,river on a bridge4 #bf-a_/b4 ,sheyene ,river4--,smooth prairie road4 #af-a_/b4 ,maple ,river4--,cross ,sheyene ,river on a bridge1 and several small branches4 #bj4 ,small ,creek4--,smooth road2 no wood4 #bj4 ,pond4--,wet and marshy2 numerous ponds in sight2 no wood4 #ae4 ,pond4--,no wood2 approaching ,sheyene ,river4 #ac-a_/b4 ,sheyene ,river4--,prairie more rolling2 camp in the river bottom4 ,wood1 water1 and grass abundant4 #g4 ,slough4--,cross ,sheyene ,river1 #ej feet wide1 #c-a_/b feet deep4 ,no wood4 #aj4 ,lake4--,rolling prairie1 with many marshes4 ,wood1 water1 and grass4 #aj-a_/b4 ,pond4--,low1 wet prairie2 no wood2 plenty of grass and water4 #ah-a_/d4 ,marsh4--,smooth prairie1 generally dry4 #bj4 ,riviere a ,jaques4--,smooth prairie1 with marshes4 ,road crosses the river several times4 ,wood1 water1 and grass4 #ba-a_/b4 ,pond4--,hilly and marshy prairie1 with small ponds1 and no wood4 #ab4 ,small ,branch4--,marshy prairie1 filled with ponds1 with a thin1 short grass1 and no wood4 #ai-c_/d4 ,lake4--,on a high knoll4 ,road crosses the ,south ,fork of ,sheyene ,river2 good crossing2 thence rolling prairie1 passing ,balto de ,morale1 also a narrow lake #d-a_/b miles long4 #af-a_/b4 ,pond4--,marshy prairie1 ponds1 and knolls2 cross a small branch at #g-c_/d miles4 ,no wood4 #ag-c_/d4 ,pond4--,rolling prairie4 ,cross ,wintering ,river1 a deep1 muddy stream #ajj feet wide1 also marshy prairies and ponds4 ,no wood4 #af4 ,small ,branch4--,tributary of ,mouse ,river4 ,road skirts the valley of ,mouse ,river1 crossing the ravines near their heads4 #ae-a_/d4 ,pond4--,undulating prairie with occasional marshes2 the road then turns up the high ridge called ,grand ,coteau4 ,no wood4 #bj-a_/d4 ,lake4--,hilly road approaching ,grand ,coteau4 ,no wood4 #bj4 ,lake4--,rolling prairie2 smooth1 good road2 no wood4 #ae-a_/b4 ,pond4--,road passes ,grand ,coteau at #aa miles1 and runs between two lakes4 ,no wood1 but plenty of bois de vache for fuel4 #ai-a_/d4 ,branch of ,white ,earth ,river4--,country rolling and hilly4 ,road passes wood at eight miles from camp4 #bc-a_/d4 ,pond4--,for two miles the road passes over a low1 flat country1 after which the country is hilly4 ,no wood4 #bc-a_/b4 ,pond4--,rolling and hilly country1 with rocky knobs4 ,at #ah miles cross branch of ,muddy ,creek #ae feet wide4 ,wood in ravines near this stream4 ,no wood at camp4 #bj4 ,pond4--,rolling country4 ,at #aa miles there is water in a ravine4 ,to the left there is more water1 but the country is rough4 ,no wood4 #af-a_/d4 ,fort ,union4--,road descends a hill to the fort2 before this it passes over high1 firm prairie4 ,good grass near in the hills4 #f-a_/b4 ,pond4--,no wood2 good grass4 #f4 ,little ,muddy ,river4--,good camp4 #ae-a_/b4 ,creek4--,two good camps between this and the last4 ,wood1 water1 and grass4 #aj4 ,big ,muddy ,river4--,drift-wood for fuel4 #aa4 ,marsh near ,missouri4--,good camp4 #ah4 ,poplar ,river4--,good camp4 ,one or two good camps between this and the last camp4 #bc-a_/b4 ,creek near ,missouri4--,good camp4 #ae4 ,slough near ,missouri4--,good camp4 #ag-a_/b4 ,milk ,river4--,one good camp between this and the last camp4 #ac-a_/b4 ,milk ,river4--,several good camps passed4 #ag-a_/b4 ,milk ,river4--,good camp4 #ai-a_/b4 ,milk ,river4--,several good camps passed4 #ag-c_/d4 ,milk ,river4--,at the crossing4 ,the road follows a trail on the bluffs1 and descends again to the river4 #g-a_/b4 ,lake4--,no wood2 grass and water plenty4 #ab-a_/b4 ,milk ,river4--,second crossing4 ,good camp4 #ab4 ,milk ,river4--,good camp4 #ae-a_/b4 ,milk ,river4--,good camps between this and the last camp4 #aj-c_/d4 ,milk ,river4--,good camp4 #bj4 ,milk ,river4--,good camp4 #af4 ,milk ,river4--,good camp4 #ah4 ,milk ,river4--,at the third crossing4--,good camp4 #g-a_/b4 ,branch of ,milk ,river4--,good camp4 #ag-a_/b4 ,branch of ,milk ,river4--,several good camps between this and the last camp4 #f4 ,branch of ,milk ,river4--,good camp4 #ai-a_/d4 ,prairie ,spring4--,no wood2 water and grass plenty4 #ac-c_/d4 ,teton ,river4--,road crosses ,marias ,river4 #h-c_/d4 ,teton ,river1 at ,fort ,benton4--,a trading-post4 #b-a_/b4 ,small ,creek4--,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #ah-c_/d4 ,missouri ,river4--,good camp4 #bj-a_/b4 ,missouri ,river4--,above the falls4 ,road much broken into ravines4 ,wood1 water1 and grass4 #af-c_/d4 ,missouri ,river4--,road crosses first tributary above ,fort ,benton at ten miles4 #ag4 ,missouri ,river4--,the road becomes very bad after fourteen miles1 but is better on the north side of the ,missouri4 #f4 ,missouri ,river4--,the road is exceedingly rough and broken2 crosses the river4--,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #aa4 ,tributary of the ,missouri4--,the most difficult part of the road is passed1 but the country is still hilly4 #ah-a_/b4 ,tributary of the ,missouri4--,the road follows up the last-mentioned stream to near its head4 ,good camps4 #ae4 ,near the summit of ,little ,blackfoot ,pass1 on a broad ,indian trail2 excellent road4 #ad-c_/d4 ,little ,blackfoot ,river4--,road crosses the summit of the ,rocky ,mountains4 ,good road for wagons1 with many camping-places4 #ag-a_/b4 ,little ,blackfoot ,river4--,road good1 descending along the river4 ,near the camp a large fork comes in4 #bh-a_/b4 ,little ,blackfoot ,river4--,good road1 which follows the broad1 open valley for #ad miles4 ,good camps4 #ai-a_/b4-,little ,blackfoot ,river4--,the valley contracts so that wagons will be forced to take the bed of the river in some places4 ,the river is fordable1 and the trail crosses it five times during the day4 #bb-a_/b4 ,blackfoot ,river4--,sixteen miles from the last camp ,blackfoot and ,hell ,gate ,river's enter1 and about one mile of this distance is impassable for wagons2 they would have to cross the river1 which is fordable4 ,good camps4 #bg-a_/b4 ,fort ,owen4--,road runs up the ,st4 ,mary's ,river to ,fort ,owen over a broad1 good trail in the valley4 #dj4 ,st4 ,mary's ,river4--,the south ,nez ,perces trail leaves the main trail1 which ascends the ,st4 ,mary's ,valley to the ,forks1 and follows the southwest fork to its source4 ,to the ,forks the valley of the ,st4 ,mary's is open1 and admits wagons4 #bd4 ,southwest ,fork of ,st4 ,mary's ,river4--,the road follows a narrow trail1 crossing the river frequently1 and is not passable for wagons4 ,the valley is narrow1 and shut in by hills4 #e-a_/b4 ,kooskooskia ,river4--,road leaves the ,st4 ,mary's ,river1 passing over a high ridge to the ,kooskooskia ,river4 #aj4 ,branch4--,road runs over wooded hills4 #ad4 ,creek4--,road runs over wooded hills4 #i4 ,small ,creek4--,this is the best camp between the ,st4 ,mary's ,river and the ,nez ,perces country4 #ae4 ,small ,creek4--,road passes over wooded hills4 #i4 ,small ,branch4--,road passes over wooded hills1 is very rough and difficult4 ,poor camp4 #ad4 ,small ,creek4--,ten miles from last camp the road passes a high divide1 ascending rapidly1 though not difficult4 ,good grass on the summit1 but no water4 #ac4 ,small ,creek4--,good camp where the trail emerges from the woods on to the high plateau4 #g4 ,clear ,water ,river4--,large tributary4 ,road runs over high table-land1 and descends to the valley of the river4 #dc4 ,lapwai ,river4--,the road follows a broad trail down the river six miles1 when it leaves the river bottom and ascends the plateau1 which extends to ,craig's house1 on the ,lapwai1 fifteen miles from the river4 #bc4 ,tributary ,snake ,river4--,the trail runs over high ground from ,craig's to ,lapwai ,river1 #ae miles4 ,this river is #dej feet wide4 ,no wood4 ,indians are generally found here1 who ferry over travelers4 ,the trail follows ,snake ,river for several miles4 #bf-a_/d4 ,tchannon ,river4--,the trail passes #e-a_/b miles up the bottom of a small creek2 then runs over a steep hill to another small creek1 #h miles2 then along the valley of this stream #aj-a_/b miles2 thence over a high hill to camp on ,tchannon ,river1 #c miles4 #aa-a_/b4 ,touchet ,river4--,the trail crosses the ,tchannon ,river1 and ascends to a high plain1 which continues to camp4 #cb-a_/b4 ,touchet ,river4--,road follows a good trail along the valley1 where good camps are found any where1 with wood1 water1 and grass4 #ai-a_/b4 ,fort ,wallah ,wallah4--,leaving ,touchet ,river1 the trail passes over again to the plains1 when there is neither wood1 water1 or grass to ,fort ,wallah ,wallah4 ,total distance from ,st4 ,paul's to ,fort ,union1 #gab-a_/b miles4 ,total distance from ,fort ,union to ,fort ,benton1 #cgg-a_/b ,total distance from ,fort ,benton to ,fort ,owen1 #bee ,total distance from ,fort ,owen to ,fort ,wallah ,wallah1 #cdj-c_/d -------- ,total distance from ,st4 ,paul's1 ,min41 to ,fort ,wallah ,wallah1 ,oregon1 #afhe-c_/d miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xix4--,lieutenant ,e4 ,f4 ,,beale',s route from ,albuquerque to the ,colorado ,river4 ,distances is miles and hundredths of a mile4 ,miles4 ,albuquerque to #b4aj4 ,atrisco4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #bj4fc4 ,rio ,puerco4--,water in pools2 wood and grass4 #ai4da4 ,near ,puta4--,abundance of wood1 water1 and grass4 #ac4ab4 ,covera4--,water and grass abundant2 wood scarce4 #ac4jf4 ,hay ,camp4--,wood1 water1 and grass plenty4 #be4cg4 ,agua ,frio4--,wood1 water1 and grass plenty4 #af4bh4 ,inscription ,rock4--,small spring2 grass and wood plenty4 #af4cb4 ,ojo del ,pescado4--,water and grass plenty2 wood for camp4 #ae4ac4 ,zuni4--,grass and water plenty2 wood scarce4 #f4ai4 ,indian ,well4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #ad4dc4 ,no4 #a4--,wood and grass2 no water4 #aa4ic4 ,jacob's ,well4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #f4eg4 ,no4 #b1 ,navajo ,spring4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #ac4fb4 ,noon ,halt4--,water by digging2 grass and wood scarce4 #f4ac4 ,no4 #c4--;,grass abundant4 #g4ge4 ,noon ,halt4--,wood1 water1 and grass abundant4 #g4be4 ,no4 #d4--,water in holes2 grass and fuel plenty4 #c4fj4 ,three ,lakes4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #a4ge4 ,crossing ,puerco4--,wood1 water1 and grass abundant as far as ,leroux ,spring4 #aa4be4 ,no4 #e4 #ah4ej4 ,no4 #f4 #aj4ag4 ,no4 #g4 #ac4be4 ,no4 #h4 #ai4ce4 ,canon ,diablo4 #ad4ge4 ,no4 #aj4 #ac4ej4 ,near ,cosnino ,caves4 #ag4cb4 ,san ,francisco ,spring4 #i4jf4 ,leroux ,spring4 #h4dh4 ,no4 #ac4--,wood and grass1 but no water4 #aa4ac4 ,breckenridge ,spring4--,wood1 water1 and grass abundant4 #h4jg4 ,no4 #ad4--,wood1 water1 and grass abundant4 #f4ej4 ,cedar ,spring4--,wood1 water1 and grass abundant4 #aj4ej4 ,no4 #ae4--,wood1 water1 and grass abundant4 #ai4ge4 ,alexander's ,canon4--,wood and grass plenty2 not much water4 #h4je4 ,smith's ,spring4--,wood1 water1 and grass abundant4 #h4ge4 ,pass ,dornin4--,wood and grass abundant2 no water4 #ac4ej4 ,no4 #ai4--,wood and grass abundant2 no water4 #af4ce4 ,no4 #bj4--,water two miles from camp2 wood and grass plenty4 #d4jf4 ,hemphill's ,spring4--,wood1 water1 and grass abundant4 #ba4be4 ,no4 #ba4--,wood1 water1 and grass abundant4 #i4ge4 ,no4 #bb4--,wood and grass2 spring one mile distant4 #e4ej4 ,no4 #bc4--,wood and grass plenty2 no water4 #h4de4 ,no4 #bd4--,wood and grass2 spring three miles off4 #af4ge4 ,no4 #be4--,wood and grass2 no water4 #g4be4 ,sabadras ,spring4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #ac4be4 ,no4 #bf4--,wood2 no grass or water4 #h4ge4 ,spring4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #a4be4 ,no4 #bg4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #c4ag4 ,no4 #bh4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #a4be4 ,no4 #bi4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #c4aa4 ,no4 #cj4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #c4be4 ,no4 #ca4--;,east bank of ,colorado ,river2 wood4 ,no4 #cb4--,west bank2 water and grass abundant4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xx4--,captain ,,whipple',s ,route from ,albuquerque1 ,new ,mexico1 to ,san ,pedro1 ,california4 ,distances in miles and hundredths of a mile4 ,miles4 ,albuquerque to #j4hh4 ,atrisco4--,permanent running water4 #ab4af4 ,isleta4--,permanent running water4 #bb4gh4 ,rio ,puerco4--,water in holes4 #ah4cj4 ,rio ,rita4--,permanent running water4 #ac4gg4 ,covera4--,permanent running water4 #ad4ff4 ,hay ,camp4--,permanent running water4 #ag4ga4 ,sierra ,madre4--,no water4 #h4jf4 ,agua ,frio4--,permanent running water4 #ag4di4 ,inscription ,rock4--,el ,moro4 ,permanent springs4 #ad4bc4 ,ojo del ,pescado4--,permanent springs4 #aa4gd4 ,zuni4--,permanent running water4 ,illustration3 ,,san ,,francisco ,,mountain4 ,upon ,captain ,whipple's trail from ,albuquerque to the ,colorado ,river4 #h4hc4 ,arch ,spring4--,permanent spring4 #aj4gg4 4444--,no water4 #ai4fi4 ,jacob's ,well4--,permanent water-hole4 #g4jd4 ,navajo ,spring4--,permanent springs4 #ab4ac4 ,willow ,creek4--,rio de la ,jara4 ,water in holes4 #aj4hg4 ,rio ,puerco of the ,west4--,water in holes4 #aa4ei4 ,lithodendron ,creek4--,permanent running water4 #aa4ii4 ,colorado ,chiquito4--,permanent running water4 #ad4db4 ,colorado ,chiquito4--,permanent running water4 #h4fc4 ,colorado ,chiquito4--,permanent running water4 #d4id4 ,colorado ,chiquito4--,permanent running water4 #a4ce4 ,colorado ,chiquito4--,permanent running water4 #d4ij4 ,colorado ,chiquito4--,permanent running water4 #aj4ii4 ,colorado ,chiquito4--,permanent running water4 #ae4hh4 ,colorado ,chiquito4--,permanent running water4 #d4dd4 ,colorado ,chiquito4--,permanent running water4 #a4ea4 ,colorado ,chiquito4--,permanent running water4 #bi4gb4 ,colinino ,caves4--,permanent water-holes4 #aa4ha4 ,near ,san ,francisco ,spring4--,no water2 water #d miles from camp4 #aj4df4 ,leroux's ,spring4--,permanent water4 #h4bc4 4444--,no water4 #f4ag4 4444--,no water4 #h4ed4 ,new ,year's ,spring4--,permanent spring4 #i4gg4 ,lava ,creek4--,water in hole4 #i4hi4 ,cedar ,creek4--,water in holes4 #ac4bf4 ,partridge ,creek4--,water in holes4 #c4hi4 ,partridge ,creek4--,water in holes4 #ac4eb4 ,partridge ,creek4--,water in holes4 #j4hg4 ,picacho ,creek4--,water in holes4 #g4de4 4444--,no water4 #h4fi4 ,turkey ,creek4--,permanent running water4 #e4ga4 ,pueblo ,creek4--,permanent running water4 #f4fg4 ,pueblo ,creek4--,permanent water in holes4 #e4ih4 ,pueblo ,creek4--,permanent water in holes4 #e4hj4 ,canon ,creek4--,permanent water in holes4 #ab4af4 ,canon ,creek4--,permanent water in holes4 #j4cj4 ,canon ,creek4--,water in holes4 #aa4bi4 ,canon ,creek4--,water in holes4 #i4fd4 ,cactus ,pass4--,permanent running water4 #g4ig4 ,white ,cliff ,creek4--,permanent running water4 #aa4fj4 ,big ,horn ,springs4--,permanent spring4 ,illustration3 ,,canon ,,on ,,bill ,,williams',s ,,fork4 #ab4hc4 ,mouth of ,canon ,creek4--,permanent running water4 #i4ba4 ,big ,sandy ,creek4--,permanent running water4 #d4ce4 ,big ,sandy ,creek4--,permanent running water4 #f4ba4 ,big ,sandy ,creek4--,permanent running water4 #d4jh4 ,big ,sandy ,creek4--,permanent running water4 #f4aj4 ,big ,sandy ,creek4--,permanent running water4 #e4ef4 ,big ,sandy ,creek4--,permanent running water4 #f4dd4 ,mouth of ,big ,sandy ,creek4--,permanent running water as far as the ,colorado ,river4 #f4eb4 ,rio ,santa ,maria4 #h4ig4 ,rio ,santa ,maria4 #f4he4 ,rio ,santa ,maria4 #g4bb4 ,rio ,santa ,maria4 #c4ij4 ,rio ,santa ,maria4 #h4fi4 ,rio ,santa ,maria4 #d4cc4 ,mouth of ,rio ,santa ,maria4 #d4gd4 ,on ,colorado ,river4 #e4jb4 ,on ,colorado ,river4 #i4jf4 ,on ,colorado ,river4 #aa4ci4 ,on ,colorado ,river4 #bi4hg4 ,on ,colorado ,river4 ,illustration3 ,,artillery ,,peak4 #a4jb4 ,mojave ,villages4 #i4df4 ,crossing of the ,colorado ,river4 #j4cc4 ,on ,colorado ,river4 #b4gh4 ,on ,colorado ,river4 #bj4ga4 4444--,the road1 on leaving the ,colorado1 runs up over a gravelly ridge to a barren niesa1 and descends the bed of the ,mojave #d or #e miles above its mouth1 and at #i-a_/b miles it passes springs near the point where the road turns around the western base of a mountain4 ,there is no water at the camp1 but grass in an arroya4 #i4jj4 ,pai-,ute ,creek4--,this is a fine stream1 with good water and grass4 #ac4jj4 ,arroyo4--,grass and wood2 water is found by digging4 #g4jj4 ,fine ,spring4--,good water and grass4 ,the wagon-road passes around the hills1 but an ,indian trail leads through the ravine where the spring is4 #ai4jj4 ,marl ,spring4--,this is a small but constant spring2 excellent grass1 and greasewood for fuel4 #cj4jj4 ,lake4--,the road follows a ridge for some distance1 then descends to an arroyo1 and in a few miles emerges into a sandy plain1 where there is the dry bed of a lake1 which is firm1 and makes a smooth1 good road4 ,the camp is at some marshy pools of water4 ,good grass1 and greasewood for fuel4 #ab4jj4 ,mojave ,river4--,road passes through a valley of drifted sand1 and at the camp strikes the river1 which is here a beautiful stream of fresh water1 #aj to #ab feet wide and a foot deep1 with a hard1 gravelly bottom4 ,grass in the hills near4 #ac4jj4 ,mojave ,river4--,the road ascends the river1 the banks of which are covered with fine grass and mesquite wood4 ,good camps along here4 #bj4jj4 ,mojave ,river4--,the road leads up the river for a short distance1 when it turns into an arroyo1 and ascends to a low mesa1 and continues along the border of a level prairie covered with fine bunch-grass4 ,it then enters the river bottom again1 which is here several miles wide1 and well wooded4 ,grass good4 #bj4jj4 ,mojave ,river4--,six miles from camp the road strikes the ,mormon road1 and crosses the stream near a ,mormon camping-place4 ,the trail runs along the river1 which gets larger and has more timber on its banks as it is ascended4 ,good grass1 wood1 and water4 #bb4jj4 ,mojave ,river4--,a short distance from camp the valley contracts1 but the road is good4 ,it leaves the valley and crosses a gravelly ridge1 but enters it again4 ,good grass1 wood1 and water4 #ae4jj4 ,mojave ,river4--,road continues along the right bank of the river1 in a southwest course1 and crosses the river at camp4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #bi4ej4 ,cajou ,creek4--,the road leaves the river at the crossing1 and runs toward a break in the ,san ,bernadino ,mountains2 it ascends a sharp hill and enters a cedar thicket2 it then ascends to the summit of the ,cajou ,pass2 thence over a spur of the mountains into an arroyo or creek in a ravine2 thence along the dry channel of the ,cajou ,creek for two miles1 where the water begins to run1 and from thence the road is rough to camp4 #g4jj4 ,cajou ,creek4--,road continues along the creek to camp1 and is rough4 ,wood1 water1 and grass at camp4 #bj4jj4 ,cocomouga's ,ranch4--,on a pretty stream of running water4 ,the road runs for six miles down the ,cajou ,creek1 along its steep and rocky bed4 ,it is here a good-sized stream4 ,captain ,whipple's road here leaves the ,san ,bernadino road1 and turns to the west along the base of the mountains toward ,los ,angeles2 it then crosses a prairie and strikes the ranch of ,cocomouga4 ,wood1 water1 and grass4 #bd4jj4 ,town of ,el ,monte4--,the road runs upon the northern border of a basin which is watered by many small streams1 and is settled4 ,the camp is on the pretty stream of ,san ,gabriel1 where there is a good camping-place4 #ad4be4 ,city of ,los ,angeles4--,the road passes the ,mission of ,san ,gabriel1 then enters a ravine among hills and broken ground2 it then descends and crosses the river which waters the valley1 and enters the city4 ,there is a good camp upon the point of a ridge on the left bank of the river4 #bc4jj4 ,san ,pedro4--,good camp4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xxi4--,from ,fort ,yuma to ,benicia1 ,california4 ,from ,lieutenant ,r4 ,s4 ,,williamson',s ,report4 ,distances in miles and hundredths of a mile4 ,miles4 ,fort ,yuma1 on ,rio ,colorado1 to #f4ea4 ,pilot ,knob4 #e4jf4 ,algodones4 #aa4ah4 ,cook's ,wells4 #ba4aa4 ,alamo ,mocho4 #ad4af4 ,little ,laguna4 #aj4bi4 ,big ,laguna4 #ab4ib4 ,forks of ,road4--,the left-hand road leads to ,san ,diego1 #aci4id miles1 the right-hand to ,san ,francisco4 #ag4fb4 ,salt ,creek4 #bh4id4 ,water in the ,desert4--,below point of rocks4 #ab4fj4 ,cohuilla ,village4 #ae4hb4 ,deep ,well4 #aj4fb4 ,hot ,spring4 #g4cf4 ,east base of ,san ,gorgonio ,pass4 #ah4bi4 ,summit of ,pass4 #bg4aj4 ,san ,bernadino4--,mormon town4 #ag4fj4 ,sycamore ,grove4 #ad4jj4 ,qui-qual-mun-go ,ranch4 #bf4fj4 ,san ,gabriel ,river4--,at crossing4 #f4gj4 ,mission of ,san ,gabriel4 #i4jj4 ,los ,angeles4 #aj4bj4 ,cahuengo ,ranch4--,at the crossing of a branch of ,los ,angeles ,river4 #aj4gj4 ,mission of ,san ,fernando4 #e4ij4 ,summit of ,san ,fernando ,pass4 #g4ae4 ,santa ,clara ,river1 southeast fork4 #ae4hj4 ,summit of ,coast ,range4--,in ,san ,francisquito ,pass4 #ah4jj4 ,eastern base of ,sierra ,nevada4 #f4gj4 ,summit of ,tejon ,pass4 #ac4aj4 ,depot ,camp in the ,tejon4 #ca4jj4 ,kern ,river4--,at the crossing4 #aj4hj4 ,depot ,camp on ,pose ,creek1 or ,o-co-ya4 #bd4cj4 ,white ,creek4 #ad4ij4 ,more's ,creek4 #e4aj4 ,tule ,river4 #bb4jj4 ,deep ,creek4--,deep ,creek is the first of four creeks1 crossed by the wagon-road1 into which the ,pi-pi-yu-na divides itself after emerging from the ,sierra4 ,these streams are commonly known as the ,four ,creeks4 #j4bi4 ,cameron ,creek4--,the second of the ,four ,creeks4 #c4cj4 ,kah-wee-ya ,river4--,the third and principal one of the ,four ,creeks4 #j4hi4 ,st4 ,john's ,creek4--,the last of the ,four ,creeks4 ,at the crossing4 #bh4ac4 ,pool's ,ferry4--,on ,king's ,river4 #ab4cb4 ,slough of ,king's ,river4 #be4gc4 ,fort ,miller4--,on ,san ,joaquin ,river1 in the foot-hills of the ,sierra ,nevada4 #i4dj4 ,cottonwood ,creek4 #g4gb4 ,fresno ,river4 #ab4ae4 ,chowchilla ,river4--,sometimes known as ,big ,mariposa4 #aj4ci4 ,mariposa ,river4 #f4jc4 ,bear ,creek4 #ah4cc4 ,merced ,river4 #ah4hg4 ,davis's ,ferry4--,tuolumne ,river4 #bh4he4 ,grayson4--,a ferry on the ,san ,joaquin ,river4 #bg4ed4 ,elk ,horn4--,the distance is by the wagon-road1 and is circuitous4 #f4ij4 ,summit of ,livermore ,pass4 #g4bj4 ,egress from ,livermore ,pass4 #dj4db4 ,martinez4--,on the ,straits of ,carquives1 opposite ,benicia1 ,california4 ,total distance from ,fort ,yuma to ,benicia1 #hjj4de miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xxii4--,a new route from ,fort ,bridger to ,camp ,floyd1 opened by ,captain ,j4 ,h4 ,,simpson1 ,u4,s4,a41 in #aheh4 ,miles4 ,fort ,bridger to #f4 ,branch of ,black's ,fork4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #g-a_/d4 ,cedar on ,bluffs of ,muddy4--,grass and wood all the way up the ravine from the ,muddy1 and water at intervals4 #e-a_/b4 ,last water in ravine after leaving the ,muddy4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #e-c_/d4 ,east ,branch of ,sulphur ,creek4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 ,junction of ,fort ,supply road4 #a_/b4 ,middle ,branch of ,sulphur ,creek4--,sage1 ,water1 and grass4 #c4 ,west ,branch of ,sulphur ,creek4--,willow1 water1 and grass2 spring a mile below4 #e-a_/d4 ,east ,branch of ,bear ,river4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #a_/d4 ,middle ,branch of ,bear ,river4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #b-c_/d4 ,main ,branch of ,bear ,river4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #i-c_/d4 ,first ,camp on ,white ,clay ,creek4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #e-a_/d4 ,white ,clay ,creek4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #ae4 ,white ,clay ,creek4--,good camps all along the valley of ,white ,clay ,creek4 #c_/d4 ,commencement of ,canon4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #a_/b4 ,white ,clay ,creek4--,good camps all along the valley of ,white ,clay ,creek to the end of the lower canon4 #ab4 ,weber ,river4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #f4 ,parley's ,park ,road4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 ,pass over the divide4 #c-c_/d4 ,silver ,creek4--,willows1 water1 and grass4 #f4 ,timpanogos ,creek4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 ,cross over the divide4 #a4 ,commencement of ,canon4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #bd-a_/b4 ,cascade in ,canon4--,good camps at short intervals all along ,timpanogos ,canon4 #d-a_/d4 ,mouth of ,canon4--,wood and water4 #f-a_/d4 ,battle ,creek ,settlement4--,purchase forage4 #c-a_/d4 ,american ,fork ,settlement4--,purchase forage4 #c4 ,lehi 7town74--,purchase forage4 ,grass near4 #b-c_/d4 ,bridge over ,jordan4--,grass and water2 wood in the hills #a-a_/b miles distant4 #ad4 ,camp ,floyd4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 ,total distance from ,fort ,bridger to ,camp ,floyd1 #aee miles4 ,,note4--,captain ,simpson says this wagon-route is far superior to the old one in respect to grade1 wood1 water1 and grass1 and in distance about the same4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xxiii4--,from ,fort ,thorne1 ,new ,mexico1 to ,fort ,yuma1 ,california4 ,distances in miles and hundredths of a mile4 ,miles4 ,fort ,thorne1 ,n4,m41 to #ad4cj4 ,water ,holes4--,one mile west of hole in rock4 ,water uncertain2 no wood4 #i4ai4 ,mule ,creek4---,water at all seasons a little up the creek2 wood plenty4 #ab4jj4 ,cook's ,spring4--,water sufficient for camping2 mesquite bushes on the hills4 #ai4ej4 ,rio ,mimbres4--,water and wood abundant4 #af4cj4 ,ojo de la ,vaca4--,water and wood4 #ab4jj4 ,spring4--,constant small streams two miles up the canon2 water at the road uncertain4 #dd4dj4 ,rancho4--,pond of brackish water one mile to the right1 four miles before reaching here4 #ac4ij4 ,rio ,st4 ,simon4--,constant water a few miles up1 and mesquite wood4 #ah4dj4 ,pass in the ,mountains4--,water on the left about two miles after entering the ,pass4 #f4dj4 ,arroya4--,wood one mile up2 water uncertain2 small stream crossing the road #a-a_/b miles from last camp4 #bf4cj4 ,nugent's ,spring4--,large spring4--,excellent water one mile south1 at ,playa ,st4 ,domingo4 #ag4bj4 ,canon4--,to the left of the road4 ,water #a-a_/b miles up the canon1 two miles from the road4 #ag4jj4 ,rio ,san ,pedro4--,water and wood abundant4 #af4cj4 ,san ,pedro4--,water abundant2 wood distant4 #bj4hj4 ,cienequilla4--,water and wood abundant4 #g4cj4 ,along ,cienequilla4--,water and wood abundant2 road rough4 #ba4hj4 ,mission of ,san ,xavier4--,large mesquite1 and water plenty in ,santa ,cruz ,river4 #h4jj4 ,tucson4--,village on ,santa ,cruz ,river4 ,tucson is the last green spot on the ,santa ,cruz ,river4 ,the best camping-ground is two miles beyond the village1 where the valley widens1 and good grass and water are abundant4 #g4bj4 ,mud ,holes4--,the road passes over arroyas1 but is rather level4 #fe4jj4 ,agua ,hermal4--,road passes over a desert section1 and is hard and level4 ,water is found in most seasons1 except in early summer1 in natural reservoirs on an isolated mountain about midway1 called ,picapo2 poor water and tall1 coarse grass at the mud-holes4 ,road here strikes the ,rio ,gila4 #ae4aj4 ,los ,pimos4--,road follows the river bottom4 ,lagoon of bad water near camp4 ,grass good2 plenty of cottonwood and mesquite4 #ac4bj4 ,los ,maricopas4--,road takes the river bottom1 and passes through cultivated fields2 soil and grass good4 ,the ,indian village is on a gravelly hill4 ,the road is good4 #dj4jj4 ,el ,tegotal4--,the road leaves the river and crosses the desert4 ,no water between this and the last camp at the ,maricopas' village4 ,road is good4 ,the calita abounds here1 and the mules are fond of it4 #aj4ej4 ,pega del ,rio4--,road runs in the river bottom1 and is level4 ,rincon de ,vega4--,road runs in the river bottom1 and is level4 ,good grass4 #aj4ej4 ,mal ,pais4--,road continues near the river1 but over low gravel-hills and through a short canon of deep sand4 #i4ej4 ,mil ,flores4--,pass over a very steep precipice to an elevated plateau1 thence over gravel-hills #d-a_/b miles to camp1 where there is excellent grass and wood4 #ac4gj4 ,santado4--,road keeps the river bottom until within four miles of camp1 when it turns over the plateau4 ,good grass4 #af4gj4 ,las ,lonas4--,road follows the river bottom4 ,scattered bunch-grass on the hills4 #aa4dj4 ,vegas4--,road follows along the river bottom4 ,grass poor4 #af4hj4 ,metate4--,road runs along at the foot of a rugged mountain4 ,excellent grass at the camp4 #ad4gj4 ,el ,horral4--,road ascends to the plateau1 which it follows for seven miles over a level country1 then descends over gravelly hills to the river4 ,camp on the river bank near the desert4 ,wood plenty4 #bj4hj4 ,los ,algodones4--,road runs along at the foot of the hills or spurs of the desert2 small rugged hills1 vegetation dwarf mesquit1 cacti1 etc4 ,good grass at camp4 #g4dj4 ,fort ,yuma1 on the ,rio ,colorado4 ,total distance from ,fort ,thorne1 ,n4,m41 to ,fort ,yuma1 #ega miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xxiv4--,lieutenant ,,bryan',s ,route from the ,laramie ,crossing of the ,south ,platte to ,fort ,bridger1 via ,bridger's ,pass4 ,miles4 ,laramie ,crossing to #ad4 ,bryan's ,crossing4--,road runs on the south side of the ,platte4 ,good grass and water4 #ab4 ,first ,crossing of ,pole ,creek4--,pole ,creek is a rapid stream1 sandy bed1 #ae feet wide1 and two feet deep4 ,good grass on the creek1 and wood three miles off on the bluffs4 #cg4 ,second ,crossing of ,pole ,creek4--,road runs along the creek4 ,good grass and good camps at any point4 ,good road4 #ag-a_/d4 ,third ,crossing of ,pole ,creek4--,good camp4 ,wood on the bluffs4 #bj-a_/b4 ,fourth ,crossing of ,pole ,creek4--,creek dry for three miles4 ,good grass4 #bj-a_/d4 ,bluffs covered with dead pines4--,creek is crossed several times4 ,road runs over a rough1 broken country4 ,good grass4 #ad-a_/b4 ,road from ,fort ,laramie to ,new ,mexico4--,road rather rough4 ,the valley opens out into a wide plain4 ,plenty of grass4 #aj-a_/b4 ,on ,pole ,creek4--,good road2 good camp4 #bj4 ,on ,pole ,creek4--,road crosses several ravines1 most of which can be avoided by keeping on the bluffs2 the valley is narrow4 ,grass not very good4 #ag-a_/b4 ,cheyenne ,pass4--,road passes over a rolling country4 ,good grass2 willows for fuel4 ,military post established here4 #ad-a_/b4 ,summit of ,black ,hills4--,source of ,pole ,creek4 ,grass poor4 #aj-a_/d4 ,east ,fork of ,laramie ,river4--,good camp4 #af4 ,west ,fork of ,laramie ,river4--,good camp4 ,cherokee trail comes in here4 #ad4 ,cooper's ,creek4--,wood and grass4 #aj-a_/b4 ,east ,fork of ,medicine ,bow ,creek4--,wood and grass as far as ,pass ,creek4 #b-a_/b4 ,small ,creek4 #f4 ,birch ,creek4 #e-a_/d4 ,west ,fork of ,medicine ,bow ,creek4 #b4 ,flint's ,creek4 #c4 ,elm ,creek4 #g4 ,rattlesnake ,creek4 #e4 ,pass ,creek4 #ad-a_/b4 ,north ,fork of the ,platte4--,good road over high prairie4 ,five miles before reaching the river the ,cherokee trail turns to the left1 and crosses three miles above4 ,good camps on the river4 #c-a_/b4 ,first ,crossing of ,sage ,creek4--,good road4 ,grass not plenty4 #aj-a_/b4 ,second ,crossing of ,sage ,creek4--,road runs through ,sage ,creek ,valley2 hilly1 broken1 and sterile country1 covered with sage-brush4 ,grass not abundant4 ,cherokee trail leaves three miles back4 #d4 ,third ,crossing of ,sage ,creek4--,road continues through sage-brush4 ,grass gets better4 #c4 ,fourth ,crossing of ,sage ,creek4--,good grass1 wood1 and water4 #i4 ,bridger's ,pass4--,road runs over a hilly country1 crossing several small branches1 with a little grass upon their banks2 country covered with sage4 #c-a_/b4 ,muddy ,creek4--,the valley of the ,muddy is deep and narrow at first1 and afterward opens out4 ,the crossings of this creek were either bridged or paved by the troops in #aheh4 ,but little grass in this valley4 #bj-a_/b4 ,near ,muddy ,creek4--,very little grass2 poor camp4 #af-a_/b4 ,bridger's ,fork of the ,muddy ,creek4--,the road for thirteen miles runs over a rolling country1 then over a rough1 broken country1 with deep ravines4 ,no water in this fork in a dry season2 small springs of brackish water near the crossing4 ,grass poor4 #d4 ,small ,spring4--,water bad2 grass poor4 #b-a_/b4 ,small ,spring4--,in the bluff4 ,water bad2 grass poor4 #a4 ,haystack4--,clay butte4 ,spring in the dry bed of the creek4 ,bunch-grass4 #e-a_/b4 ,small ,springs4--,in bluffs on the right of the road4 ,grass poor and water bad4 #g-a_/b4 ,springs4--,there is a fine spring at the foot of a steep hill on the south side of the road4 ,very little grass2 rushes on the creek4 #c-a_/b4 ,south ,fork of ,bitter ,creek4--,good grass and water4 #ad-c_/d4 ,on ,bitter ,creek4--,country hilly1 and intersected with deep ravines4 ,south ,fork is a fine stream of good water4 #af4 ,sulphur ,springs4--,road very hilly1 crossing many deep ravines4 ,grass and sage plenty4 #i4 ,bitter ,creek ,crossing4--,no grass at the crossing4 ,water bitter when the creek is down1 but tolerable in high water4 ,road rough1 with numerous ravines4 #ah-a_/b4 ,north ,fork of ,bitter ,creek4--,cherokee trail enters near the crossing4 ,road good1 but little grass except in spots4 ,sage for fuel4 #d4 ,bluffs4--,springs of good water in the elevated bluffs on the right of the road in the cottonwood groves4 ,grass good and abundant at the base of the bluffs4 #aa-c_/d4 ,green ,river4--,road is very rough and hilly1 and winds along the valley of the creek4 ,good camp on the river1 with plenty of wood and grass4 #ae-c_/d4 ,crossing of ,black's ,fork4--,road runs up through ,rabbit ,hollow1 which is steep and sandy2 it then passes over rolling prairie to ,black's ,fork4 ,bunch-grass on the hills1 and good camp at the crossing4 #aa-a_/d4 ,fort ,laramie ,road4--,rolling country2 good road through sage bushes4 ,good camps along the creek4 #e-c_/d4 ,ham's ,fork4--,good camp on either side of the creek4 ,united ,states bridge here2 good road4 #c_/d4 ,black's ,fork ,crossing4--,good ford except in high water1 when the right-hand road on the north bank of the creek is generally traveled4 #ad-a_/b4 ,fourth ,crossing of ,black's ,fork4--,good road2 fine camp2 plenty of wood1 water1 and grass4 #b-c_/d4 ,fifth ,crossing of ,black's ,fork4--,good camp2 good road4 #b-c_/d4 ,smith's ,fork4--,good camp2 good road4 #aa-c_/d4 ,fort ,bridger4--,good camp near2 good road4 ,total distance from the ,laramie ,crossing of the ,south ,platte to ,fort ,bridger1 #ebj-a_/b miles4 ,by the ,fort ,laramie road the distance is #efi miles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xxv4--,wagon-route from ,denver ,city1 at the ,mouth of ,cherry ,creek1 to ,fort ,bridger1 ,utah4 ,miles4 ,denver ,city to #e4 ,vasquez ,fork4--,good road and fine camp4 #ai-a_/b4 ,thompson's ,fork4--,road crosses three creeks about five miles apart1 is good1 and the camp is well supplied with water and grass1 but wood is scarce4 #af-a_/b4 ,bent's ,fork4--,road crosses two streams about five miles apart2 no wood on the first4 ,good camp4 #bf4 ,cashe la ,poudre ,river4--,excellent road crossing two streams at ten and twenty-three miles from the last camp2 good camps on both4 ,cashe la ,poudre is a fine large stream which issues from the mountains near the road1 and is difficult to cross in high water4 ,it has a firm bottom4 ,good camps along this stream1 with plenty of wood and grass4 #af4 ,beaver ,creek4--,road turns to the left and enters the hills1 ascending very gradually between two lines of bluffs1 and is good except in wet weather4 ,good camp4 #ai4 ,small ,branch4--,road crosses ,beaver ,creek three times1 affording good camps4 ,road is hilly1 but not very rough1 passing for a portion of the distance through a timbered region4 ,elk and mountain sheep are abundant in this section4 ,the camp is near the summit of the divide4 ,grass short4 #ag-a_/b4 ,tributary of ,laramie ,river4--,good road on the divide4 ,grass and water plenty1 but wood not abundant4 #ah-a_/b4 ,tributary of ,laramie ,river4--,road passes ,laramie ,fork three miles from the last camp4 ,good camp4 #ba4 ,tributary of ,laramie ,river4--,road crosses a small creek at #ad miles from last camp4 ,fine camp4 #ag4 ,medicine ,bow ,creek4--,at twelve miles the road crosses ,sulphur ,spring ,creek1 and at the ,west ,fork of the ,laramie ,lieutenant ,bryan's road enters4 ,at ten miles from the last camp there are two roads--one1 ,bryan's1 leading north of the ,medicine ,bow ,butte1 and the other to the south of it4 ,the former is the best4 ,good camp4 #ag-a_/b4 ,prairie ,creek4--,fine camp4 ,a portion of the road is very rough4 ,it crosses several small branches upon which good camps may be had4 ,fine game section1 with bear1 elk1 etc41 in great abundance4 #ab-a_/b4 ,north ,fork of the ,platte4--,excellent camp4 ,leave ,bryan's road four miles back1 taking the left1 which is altogether the best of the two4 ,the crossing of the ,platte is good except in high water1 when it is very rapid4 ,a flat-boat was left here by ,colonel ,loring's command in #aheh4 #ab-a_/b4 ,clear ,creek4--,sage for fuel2 grass short4 #bc4 ,dry ,creek4--,road leaves ,bryan's trail to ,bridger's ,pass1 and bears to the right1 passing over a smooth country covered with sage and poorly watered2 passes a pond of milky water at thirteen miles4 ,there is water in ,dry ,creek except in a very dry season4 ,two miles from the creek1 on the old trail1 there is a fine spring on the left of the road1 which runs down into the road1 and here is the best grass after leaving the ,platte1 with plenty of fuel4 #aj-a_/b4 ,muddy ,creek4--,road leaves the old ,cherokee trail at ,dry ,creek1 and bears to the left4 ,good camp for a limited number of animals2 fine grass along near the bank of the creek4 ,bad crossing4 ,buffalo seen here4 #ai-a_/b4 ,lake4--,old trail enters near this camp4 ,road passes a brackish spring four miles back4 ,the road may be shortened by bearing to the left and skirting the hills for about six miles before reaching the lake4 ,the water in the lake is not good1 but drinkable1 and will be abundant except in the very dryest part of the summer4 ,grass is good on the hills4 ,the road from ,dry ,creek is shorter than the old road by #cj miles4 #bd-a_/b4 ,red ,lakes4--,road is good1 but traverses a very dry and sterile region4 ,the water is not good in the lakes1 but drinkable1 and may go dry in midsummer4 ,grass tolerable4 #bb4 ,seminoes ,spring4--,after passing the flats at the ,red ,lakes the road is smooth and good1 and there is a good camp at ,seminoes ,spring4 #ab-a_/b4 ,bitter ,creek4--,new road to the left1 cutting off ten or twelve miles4 ,good camp2 water a little saline1 but drinkable4 #be4 ,sulphur ,spring4--,road runs along the valley of ,bitter ,creek1 where there is but little grass until reaching camp4 ,animals should be driven across the creek into the hills1 where the best grass is found4 #ag4 ,green ,river4--,road leaves ,bitter ,creek at ,sulphur ,spring1 and passes near1 some high bluffs1 where there are small springs and good grass4 ,excellent camp at ,green ,river4 ,from here the road runs over the same track as ,bryan's road to ,fort ,bridger4 ,from all the information ,i have been able to obtain regarding ,lieutenant ,bryan's road from ,sage ,creek through ,bridger's ,pass1 and thence down the ,muddy ,creek1 ,i am inclined to believe that the road we traveled is much the best4 ,it is said that ,lieutenant ,bryan's route from ,bridger's ,pass to ,green ,river has a scarcity of grass4 ,the water is brackish1 and the supply limited1 and may fail altogether in a dry season4 ,the road passes through deep valleys and canons1 crossing muddy creeks and deep ravines4 ,the creeks have been bridged and the ravines cut down so as to form a practicable road2 but freshets will probably occur in the spring1 which will destroy a great deal of the work1 and may render the road impassable4--,lieutenant ,duane's ,notes4 ,the other road is for the greater part of the distance smooth1 and has a sufficiency of grass in places1 but the water may become scarce in a very dry season4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xxvi4--,from ,nebraska ,city1 on the ,missouri1 to ,fort ,kearney4 ,nebraska ,city1 on the ,missouri ,river1 is a point from whence a large amount of the supplies for the army in ,utah are sent1 and one of the contractors1 ,mr4 ,alexander ,majors1 speaks of this route in the following terms3 ,the military road from ,fort ,leavenworth crosses very many tributaries of the ,kansas ,river1 the ,soldier1 the ,grasshopper1 etc41 etc41 which are at all times difficult of passage4 ,there are no bridges1 or but few1 and those of but little service4 ,from ,nebraska ,city to ,fort ,kearney1 which is a fixed point for the junction of all roads passing up the ,platte1 we have but one stream of any moment to cross4 ,that one is ,salt ,creek1 a stream which is now paved at a shallow ford with solid rock4 ,there is no other stream which1 even in a high freshet1 would stop a train a single day4 ,again1 upon this route we have an abundance of good grazing every foot of the way to ,fort ,kearney4 ,the route from ,nebraska ,city is about #ajj miles shorter to ,fort ,kearney than that from ,fort ,leavenworth1 the former being less than #bjj miles and the latter about #cjj miles4 ,from ,nebraska ,city to ,salt ,creek is444444 #dj miles4 ,from ,salt ,creek to ,elm ,creek is4444444444 #fj ,from ,elm ,creek to ,fort ,kearney is44444444 #ajj ,upon the entire route there is an abundance of wood1 water1 and grass1 and camping-places frequent4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xxvii4--,from ,camp ,floyd1 ,utah1 to ,fort ,union1 ,new ,mexico4 ,by ,colonel ,w4 ,w4 ,,loring1 ,u4,s4,a4 ,miles4 ,camp ,floyd to #bc4 ,goshen4--,the road runs through ,cedar ,valley2 is level and good for #aa miles1 to where the road forks4 ,the left runs near the lake1 and has good camps upon it4 ,thence to a fine spring1 where there is a good camp1 is #c miles4 ,grass continues good to the camp near ,goshen4 ,wood1 water1 and grass abundant4 #ad4 ,salt ,creek4--,road runs over a mountain in a direct course to a fine spring branch1 which runs into ,salt ,creek at #c-a_/b miles1 where is a good camp2 thence through a meadow to a small branch #c miles1 striking the old ,mormon road again opposite a mud fort1 where there is a fine spring and good camp2 thence into the valley of ,salt ,creek1 where there are good camps4 #ah4 ,pleasant ,creek4--,near the last camp the road forks1 one running to ,nephi1 a small ,mormon village1 the other to ,salt ,creek ,canon1 which is the one to be taken4 ,the road runs up the canon #e miles2 thence up its small right-hand fork to a spring1 #c miles2 thence to camp4 ,good camps can be found any where after crossing ,salt ,creek1 with abundance of wood1 water1 and grass4 #ai-a_/b4 ,willow ,creek4--,road at #f-a_/b miles passes a fine spring2 half a mile farther is another spring1 where the road forks4 ,take the right through a meadow2 it is #c or #d miles shorter4 ,to the crossing is #c miles2 thence to the main road again #c miles2 to the village of ,ephraim #e miles4 ,good camp4 #ab4 ,lediniquint ,creek4--,at #f miles pass ,manti2 thence to ,salt and ,sulphur ,springs is #c miles4 ,good camp1 with a fine spring1 wood1 and grass4 #ae4 ,lediniquint ,creek4--,road passes over a rugged country for #d miles1 to a creek2 thence one mile it crosses another creek2 thence #b-a_/b miles up the creek1 where there is a good camp4 ,the road improves1 and for #h or #i miles camps can be found by leaving the creek a short distance4 ,the creek on which the camp is muddy1 with narrow channel4 #ah4 ,onapah ,creek1 or ,salt ,creek4--,road is good over a barren country to the pointed red hills near the entrance to ,wasatch ,pass1 #g miles4 ,from the red hills cross ,salt ,creek #c times in #d miles2 grass fair at #b;d crossing2 very good at #c;d crossing1 and a good camp4 ,road rough for #c miles after leaving the creek4 ,the road then enters a fine valley1 with plenty of blue and bunch grass4 ,road is level to within a mile of the camp4 ,wood1 water1 and grass abundant at camp4 #g-a_/b4 ,head of ,branch of ,salt ,creek4--,road runs over a ridge at #b miles1 thence one mile to a small branch4 ,grass abundant4 ,road runs along the branch #c miles2 in places very rough1 with some sand2 ascends the entire distance1 and the camp is very elevated4 ,good spring at camp4 #e-c_/d4 ,salt ,creek4--,road passes over a ridge #b-a_/b miles to a spring4 ,good camp at this spring4 ,colonel ,loring worked the road at this place4 ,it crosses the creek #f times within the #e-c_/d miles4 ,good camp1 with abundance of wood1 water1 and grass4 #f-a_/b4 ,silver ,creek4--,road traverses a rolling section1 is good1 passes several springs where there are good camps1 and crosses several trails which lead from ,california to ,new ,mexico4 #ag-a_/b4 ,media ,creek4--,at two miles the road passes the dividing ridge between the waters of ,salt ,lake and ,green ,river2 thence two miles' descent to ,shipley ,creek1 where is a good camp4 ,for about a mile the road is rough1 but then descends into an open plain where the road is good4 ,the ground is rough about the camp1 and covered with sage and greasewood4 ,two miles up the creek1 near the canon1 is some grass1 but it is not abundant here4 #ai-c_/d4 ,st4 ,raphael ,creek4--,road passes a rolling section for #e miles2 thence #a-a_/b mile to ,garamboyer ,creek1 where there is a good camp2 thence1 with the exception of a short distance1 the road is good to the ,knobs1 #i miles1 when it is broken for #d-a_/b miles4 ,good camp4 #aa-c_/d4 ,san ,matio ,creek4--,for #c miles the road is over a rolling section1 with steep hills1 to a creek1 where is a good camp2 thence1 for #c miles along the creek1 soft soil and heavy road2 thence #e miles to another creek1 some grass1 but not plenty2 thence to camp the road is rough in places4 ,good camp4 #ad-a_/d4 ,in the ,hills4--,road runs over a rolling country #b-a_/b miles to ,san ,marcos1 or ,tanoje ,creek1 where there is good grass and water1 with sage4 ,two miles farther over a gravelly road1 then a good plain road for #i-c_/d miles to camp4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #bc4 ,spring4--,road for the first ten miles is rocky1 when it strikes a spring1 where there is a good camp2 thence #b miles to water in a tank1 not permanent2 thence the road is on a ridge for #f miles1 and is good2 thence #c miles the road is sandy4 ,the spring at camp is large1 with plenty of wood1 but the grass is scarce4 ,down the creek it is more abundant4 #ah4 ,green ,river4--,for #e miles the road is sandy2 thence the road is good for the remainder of the distance to camp1 where there is plenty of wood1 water1 and grass4 #ac4 #ac-,mile ,spring4--,green ,river can be forded at ordinary stages4 ,road runs among several arroyas for a few miles1 and is then straight and good to camp4 ,good grass a mile to the east of camp4 ,an ,arroya4--,road runs between two rocky buttes1 and strikes the ,mormon trail1 which leaves ,green ,river at the same place1 but is very tortuous4 ,water not permanent here2 good grass three fourths of a mile from camp4 #bj-a_/d4 ,cottonwood ,creek4--,road passes over a broken country to a water-hole1 #i miles2 grass abundant2 thence there is sand in places3 crosses several arroyas4 ,camp is between two mountains4 ,wood1 water1 and grass abundant4 #ab4 ,grand ,river4--,road is over a rolling country2 in places light sand and heavy for wagons4 ,good camp4 #ac4 ,grand ,river4--,road is rolling and sandy4 ,the ,mormon road runs nearer the mountains1 and ,colonel ,loring thinks it is better than the one he traveled4 ,good camp4 #af-c_/d4 #a-a_/b mile from ,grand ,river4--,the first #c miles is level1 then the road passes over a very elevated ridge1 and descends into the valley4 ,grand ,river runs through a canon1 and can not be reached with the animals4 ,road in places sandy4 ,good camp4 #i-a_/b4 ,grand ,river4--,at two miles strike ,salt ,creek1 where the ,mormon road passes up a dry creek toward ,gray ,mountain4 ,road skirts the mountains along ,grand ,river1 and is rough in places1 passing over abrupt hills4 ,good camp4 #af-c_/d4 ,grand ,river4--,road runs over a level and firm section1 with good camps at any point along the river4 ,cross the ,mormon and other trails4 ,good ford at the crossing except in high water4 ,good camp4 #ah-a_/b4 ,on an ,arroya4--,road runs over an undulating surface1 crossing several small streams issuing from ,elk ,mountain1 affording good camps at almost any place1 and strikes ,marcy's and ,gunnison's trails4 ,good camp4 #ae-a_/d4 ,grand ,river4--,rolling country2 high ridges with abrupt slopes for #f-a_/d miles2 thence into a plain for #g-a_/d miles to ,double ,creek4 ,good camps4 #ab4 ,oncompagre ,river4--,good ford except in high water4 ,at #f miles cross a dry creek2 thence #c miles over a high1 level1 and firm road2 strike a large trail2 descend a hill with gentle slope into the ,valley of ,oncompagre1 where there are fine camps4 ,winter resort for ,ute ,indians4 #ad-a_/b4 ,oncompagre ,river4--,road runs along the valley of the ,oncompagre1 is good1 and camps may be found at any point1 with plenty of wood1 water1 and grass4 #ac4 ,cedar ,creek4--,road leaves the ,oncompagre1 and bears to the east up ,cedar ,creek to the gap in the mountains1 #f miles2 thence up the valley of ,cedar ,creek to camp1 where are wood1 water1 and grass4 ,the ,gap is the first opening in the mountains above the mouth of the ,oncompagre4 #h-c_/d4 ,devil's ,creek4--,road runs to the head of ,cedar ,creek1 over the divide1 into the valley of ,devil's ,creek1 and is rough1 with a steep descent4 ,camp is near a narrow canon called ,devil's ,gate1 with high perpendicular bluffs4 ,good camp4 #c4 ,north ,fork of ,devil's ,creek4--,road very rocky1 and worked by ,colonel ,loring4 ,marcy's and ,gunnison's trails pass here4 ,good camp4 #g-c_/d4 ,cebola ,creek4--,road passes over abrupt hills covered with pine4 ,good camp4 #e-a_/b4 ,ruidos ,creek4--,road rough1 with abrupt ascents and descents4 ,fine creek #e feet wide1 and good camp4 #ac4 ,grand ,river4--,road rather smooth for the first #c miles1 then rough and rocky1 crossing several creeks1 and descending into the valley of the ,grand or ,eagle-tail ,river1 where is a good camp4 ,plenty of brook trout in all the streams in this section4 #ad-a_/b4 ,grand ,river4--,road crosses the river three times2 bottom wide2 grass and wood abundant4 ,cross several beautiful streams1 upon which are good camps4 ,some sand and rough places1 but generally good road4 ,game and brook trout abundant in this region4 ,indians resort to this section a great deal4 #ah4 ,cutebetope ,creek4--,at about #e miles the ,cutebetope ,creek enters1 forming at the confluence a beautiful valley1 which the road crosses1 and strikes the creek near the ,point of ,rocks1 where the valley is only #dj yards wide1 but after passing the ,point it opens again4 ,the course of the creek is nearly north4 ,good camps4 #bj4 ,spring near ,beaver ,creek4--,road crosses several small creeks1 where are good camping-places4 ,good camp4 #af-c_/d4 ,sawatch ,creek4--,road runs over a very rough and mountainous section for #ad miles to the summit of the ,rocky ,mountains2 thence it descends to camp1 where grass1 wood1 and water are abundant4 #ba-a_/b4 ,sawatch ,creek4--,road rough and rocky in places2 strikes the main ,sawatch ,creek at #i-a_/b miles2 crosses numerous small branches1 where are grass1 wood1 and good water in abundance4 #be-a_/b4 ,camero ,creek4--,road for #g miles1 to ,sawatch ,buttes1 is good2 thence #a-a_/b mile to the last crossing of the ,sawatch1 where is a good camping-place4 ,good camp at ,camero ,creek4 #c-a_/b4 ,garita ,creek4--,good road and good camp4 #af-a_/b4 ,rio ,grande4--,road level and good4 ,good camps along the river at almost any point4 #f4 ,rio ,grande4--,good road and camp4 #ag-a_/b4 ,fort ,garland1 ,hay ,camp4--,road continues down the river1 and is good4 ,for six miles there is timber1 but after this willow is the only wood to camp4 ,good road4 ,hay is cut at this place for ,forts ,massachusetts and ,garland4 #af4 ,culebra ,creek4--,at #d-c_/d miles cross ,trinchera ,creek1 where is a good camp4 ,road rather sandy4 ,good camps any where on ,culebra ,creek4 #bd-c_/d4 ,latos ,creek4--,road tolerable to ,costilla ,creek1 #aj-c_/d miles4 ,good camp4 #ad4 ,ascequia1 near ,lama ,creek4--,road crosses several small branches4 ,at #i-a_/b miles strike ,red ,river4 ,grass at camp good1 but not abundant4 #ai-c_/d4 ,meadow near ,indian ,puebla4--,at #f miles the road crosses the ,san ,christobal2 thence over another ridge into the valley of the ,rio ,hondo4 ,camp #b miles from ,taos4 #b4 ,taos1 ,new ,mexico4--,good road4 ,at ,taos are several stores1 where goods of all descriptions can be had at fair prices4 #ac4 ,taos ,creek ,canon4--,road passes through the settlement1 where grain and vegetables can be obtained4 ,it then enters the ,taos ,canon at #c miles1 and crosses the ,canon ,creek frequently to camp4 ,good camp4 #bi4 ,gaudelapepita4--,at #e miles the road ascends to the dividing ridge1 and is tolerable2 thence in #d miles cross the mountain1 and reach a fine spring branch1 where is a fine camp4 ,thence the road passes short ridges for #i miles to ,black ,lake4 ,good camp4 ,fort ,union4--,road follows ,coyote ,canon #c miles2 thence one mile to ,mexican settlement2 thence #ai-a_/b miles over the prairie to the fort4 99 99 99 99 99 ,colonel ,loring came over the route from ,camp ,floyd to ,fort ,union with a large train of wagons4 ,he1 however1 found the road in many places upon the mountains very rough1 and it will require working before it will be suitable for general travel with loaded wagons4 ,it is an excellent route for summer travel with pack trains1 and is well supplied with the requisites for encamping4 ,from ,fort ,union to ,fort ,garland the road passes through a settled country1 where supplies of grain and vegetables can at all times be purchased at reasonable prices1 and there are small towns met with during almost every day's march where small shops supply such articles of merchandise as the traveler needs4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,xxviii4--,wagon-route from ,guaymas1 ,new ,mexico1 to ,tubac1 ,arizona4 ,from ,captain ,,stone',s ,journal4 ,miles4 ,guaymas to #aj-a_/d4 ,rancho del ,cavallo4--,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #i4 ,rancho de la ,noche ,buena4--,good wood and grass1 but no water for animals in ,may and ,june4 #ai-e_/h4 ,rancho de la ,cuneguinta4--,good wood1 water1 and grass the year round2 water in tanks and wells4 #ae-c_/d4 ,rancho del ,posito4--,good wood and grass the year round2 water for men at all times1 and for animals except in the months of ,may and ,june4 #h4 ,rancho de la ,palma4--,wood1 water1 and grass at all times4 #af-c_/h4 ,rancho de la ,paza4--,good wood1 water1 and grass at all seasons4 #af4 ,hermosillo4--,this is a town of #aj1jjj inhabitants1 on ,sonora ,river1 where all supplies may be procured4 #ac4 ,hacienda de ,alamito4--,plenty of running water1 wood1 grass1 and grain4 #h4 ,hacienda de la ,labor4--,plenty of running water1 grass1 and grain4 #bh4 ,rancho de ,tabique4--,roughest part of the road1 but not difficult for wagons4 ,wood1 water1 and grass4 ,from ,hermosillo to this place there is water at short intervals along the road4 #cf4 ,rancho ,querebabi4--,wood and grass2 water in tanks4 #ab4 ,barajita4--,small mining village4 ,bad water2 good wood and grass4 #ac4 ,santa ,ana4--,village on the ,river ,san ,ignacio4 ,plenty of wood1 water1 and grass4 #ab4 ,la ,magdalena4--,thriving town1 where all supplies can be procured4 #e4 ,san ,ignacio4--,village on the river4 ,good wood1 water1 and grass4 #f-c_/d4 ,imuris4--,village on the river4 ,wood1 water1 and grass4 #aa-a_/b4 ,los ,alisos ,rancho4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #c-a_/b4 ,la ,casita4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #c-a_/b4 ,cibuta4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #aa-a_/d4 ,agua ,zarca4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #bc-a_/d4 ,rancho de las ,calabasas4--,wood1 water1 and grass4 #ac4 ,tubac4--,silver mines at this place4 ,total distance from ,guaymas to ,tubac1 #bie miles4 ,,note4--,during the months of ,july1 ,august1 and ,september1 water will be found at almost any part of the road from ,la ,casita to ,hermosillo4 ,there is no lack of wood or grass on any part of the road from ,guaymas to the frontier4 ,the only difficulty in encamping at almost any point upon the road is that of obtaining water in the dry season1 i4e41 from ,february to the first of ,july4 ,the remarks for each place apply to the most unfavorable seasons4 ,,appendix4 ,a4 ,portable ,boat4 ,a boat has been invented by ,colonel ,r4 ,c4 ,buchanan1 of the army1 which has been used in several expeditions in ,oregon and in ,washington ,territory1 and has been highly commended by several experienced officers who have had the opportunity of giving its merits a practical service test4 ,it consists of an exceedingly light framework of thin and narrow boards1 in lengths suitable for packing1 connected by hinges1 the different sections folding into so small a compass as to be conveniently carried upon mules4 ,the frame is covered with a sheet of stout cotton canvas1 or duck1 secured to the gunwales with a cord running diagonally back and forth through eyelet-holes in the upper edge4 ,when first placed in the water the boat leaks a little1 but the canvas soon swells so as to make it sufficiently tight for all practical purposes4 ,the great advantage to be derived from the use of this boat is1 that it is so compact and portable as to be admirably adapted to the requirements of campaigning in a country where the streams are liable to rise above a fording stage1 and where the allowance of transportation is small4 ,it may be put together or taken apart and packed in a very few minutes1 and one mule suffices to transport a boat1 with all its appurtenances1 capable of sustaining ten men4 ,should the canvas become torn1 it is easily repaired by putting on a patch1 and it does not rot or crack like ,india-rubber or gutta-percha2 moreover1 it is not affected by changes of climate or temperature4 ,b4 ,winter ,traveling4 ,in traveling through deep snow1 horses will be found much better than mules1 as the latter soon become discouraged1 lie down1 and refuse to put forth the least exertion1 while the former will work as long as their strength holds out4 ,when the snow is dry1 and not deeper than #b-a_/b feet1 horses in good condition1 will walk through it without much difficulty1 and throw aside the snow so as to open quite a track4 ,if there are several horses they should be changed frequently1 as the labor upon the leading one is very severe4 ,when the snow is deeper than #b-a_/b feet1 it becomes very difficult for animals to wade through it1 and they soon weary and give out4 ,the best plan1 under such circumstances 7and it is the one ,i adopted in crossing the ,rocky ,mountains1 where the snow was from two to five feet upon the ground71 is to place all the disposable men in advance of the animals to break the track1 requiring them to alternate from front to rear at regular intervals of time4 ,in this manner a track is beaten over which animals pass with comparative ease4 ,when the snow increases to about four feet1 it is impossible for the leading men to walk erect through it1 and two or three of them are compelled to crawl upon their hands and knees1 all being careful to place their hands and feet in the same holes that have been made by those in advance4 ,this packs the snow so that it will sustain the others walking erect1 and after #bj or #cj have passed it becomes sufficiently firm to bear up the animals4 ,this1 of course1 is an exceedingly laborious and slow process1 but it is the only alternative when a party finds itself in the midst of very deep snows in a wilderness4 ,animals1 in walking over such a track as has been mentioned1 will soon acquire the habit of placing their feet in the holes that have been made by the men2 and1 indeed1 if they lose the step or miss the holes1 they will fall down or sink to their bellies4 ,early in the winter1 when the snow first falls in the ,rocky ,mountains1 it is so light and dry that snow-shoes can not be used to advantage4 ,we tried the experiment when we crossed the mountains in ,december and ,january1 but found it impossible to walk upon them4 ,should a party1 in a country where the snow is deep1 have the misfortune to lose its animals by freezing1 the journey can not be continued for any great length of time without devising some method of transporting subsistence besides that of carrying it upon the backs of the men1 as they are unable to break a track through deep snow when loaded down in this way4 ,the following plan has suggested itself to me as being the most feasible1 and it is the one ,i resolved to adopt in the event of losing our mules faster than we required them for subsistence when we passed the ,mountains4 ,take willow1 or other flexible rods1 and make long sleds1 less in width than the track1 securing the cross-pieces with rawhide thongs4 ,skin the animals1 and cut the hides into pieces to fit the bottom of the sleds1 and make them fast1 with the hair on the upper side4 ,attach a raw-hide thong to the front for drawing it1 and it is complete4 ,in a very cold climate the hide soon freezes1 becomes very solid1 and slips easily over the snow4 ,the meat and other articles to be transported are then placed upon the sled so as not to project over the sides1 and lashed firmly4 ,lieutenant ,cresswell1 who was detached from ,captain ,m',clure's ship in the ,arctic regions in #ahec1 says his men dragged #bjj pounds each upon sledges over the ice4 ,they could not1 of course1 pull as much over deep snow1 but it is believed that they would have no difficulty in transporting half this amount1 which would be sufficient to keep them from starvation at least fifty days4 ,i am quite confident that a party of men who find themselves involved in deep snows1 dependent solely upon their own physical powers1 and without beasts of burden1 can prolong their lives for a greater time1 travel farther1 and perform more labor by adopting the foregoing suggestions than in any other way4 ,c4 ,indian ,signals4 ,when ,indians are pursued by a large force1 and do not intend to make resistance1 they generally scatter as much as possible1 in order to perplex and throw off those who follow their trail1 but they have an understanding where they are to rendezvous in advance4 ,sometimes1 however1 circumstances may arise during a rapid flight making it necessary for them to alter these plans1 and turn their course in another direction4 ,when this happens1 they are in the habit of leaving behind them some well-understood signals to indicate to their friends in the rear the change in their-movements4 ,for instance1 they will sometimes leave a stick or other object to attract attention1 and under this bury an arrow pointing in the new direction they intend to take4 ,they will then continue on for a time in the course they have been pursuing1 until they get upon hard ground1 where it is difficult to see their tracks1 then gradually turn their course in the new direction4 ,,the ,,end4 ,illustration3 ,,sketch of the ,,different ,,roads4