As a proof that it is the effect of reflection, I have often observed the distant knolls and trees which were situated near the horizon beyond the mirage, distinctly inverted in the “pond.”  Now, were the mirage the result of refraction, these would appear on it erect, only cast below the surface.  Many are the singular atmospheric phenomena observable upon the plains, and they would afford a field of interesting researches for the curious natural philosopher.

We had a pleasant journey, although sometimes pressed pretty hard by hunger.  However, Gabriel, Roche, and I were too happy to complain.  We had just escaped from a bitter and long slavery, besides which, we were heartily tired of the lean and tough dogs of the Arrapahoes, which are the only food of that tribe during the winter.  The Apaches, who had heard of our exploits, showed us great respect; but what still more captivated their good graces, was the Irishman’s skill in playing the fiddle.  It so happened that a Mexican officer having, during the last fall, been recalled from Monterey to Santa Fe, had left his violin.  It was a very fine instrument, an old Italian piece of workmanship, and worth, I am convinced, a great deal of money.

At the request of the owner, one of the present officers had taken charge of the violin and packed it up, together with his trunks, in one of the Cibolero’s waggons.  We soon became aware of the circumstance, and when we could not get anything to eat, music became our consolation.  Tired as we were, we would all of us, “at least the Pale-faces,” dance merrily for hours together, after we had halted, till poor Roche, exhausted, could no longer move his fingers.

We were at last relieved of our obligatory fast, and enabled to look with contempt upon the humble prickly pears, which for many a long day had been our only food.  Daily now we came across herds of fat buffaloes, and great was our sport in pursuing the huge lord of the prairies.  One of them, by-the-bye, gored my horse to death, and would likely have put an end to my adventures, had it not been for the certain aim of Gabriel.  I had foolishly substituted my bow and arrows for the rifle, that I might show my skill to my companions.  My vanity cost me dear; for though the bull was a fine one, and had seven arrows driven through his neck, I lost one of the best horses of the West, and my right leg was considerably hurt.

Having been informed that there was a large city or commonwealth of prairie dogs directly in our route, I started on ahead with my two companions, to visit these republicans.  We had a double object in view:  first, a desire to examine one of the republics about which prairie travellers have said so much; and, secondly, to obtain something to eat, as the flesh of these animals was said to be excellent.

Our road for six or seven miles wound up the sides of a gently ascending mountain.  On arriving at the summit, we found a beautiful table-land spread out, reaching for miles in every direction before us.  The soil appeared to be uncommonly rich, and was covered with a luxurious growth of musqueet trees.  The grass was of the curly musquito species, the sweetest and most nutritious of all the different kinds of that grass, and the dogs never locate their towns or cities except where it grows in abundance, as it is their only food.