replace those stolen.  This latter party was also commissioned to take and dispose of the stock of beaver already on hand.  The party bound for California was eighteen in number.  Of this party Mr. Young took command.  Previous to setting out, a few days were devoted to hunting.  They only succeeded, however, in killing three deer.  The meat of these animals they prepared to take with them, as they were about to journey into a country never before explored.  The skins of the three deer were converted into tanks for carrying water.  They had learned from some friendly Indians that the country over which they had to pass en route was destitute of water.  The red men told them additionally that the valley (meaning the Sacramento) was beautiful, and that the streams were full of beaver.  All of this information the trappers found was true.  For four days they travelled over a barren country, where not one drop of water could be found.  At each night’s camping-place, small allowances of water from the tanks was distributed by the commander to each man and animal.  A guard was then stationed over the remainder to prevent any accident from depriving the company of this now precious article of sustenance.  At the close of the fourth day, however, they again found water.  The instinct exhibited by the pack mules on this occasion was truly remarkable.  Long before any member of the party thought that water was so near, the mules, with unerring certainty, had smelt it, and each one, according to his remaining strength, had hurried on to partake of it.  The result was, that when the first mule had reached the water, the remainder were scattered along upon the trail for a great distance.  The company encamped here, and remained two days to recruit.

The journey was renewed on the third day, the route being still over a similar kind of country, necessitating both man and beast to submit to similar privations as to water.  In four days more they came in sight of the great Canon of the Colorado, which failed not to awaken a thrill of delight in every member of the party.  Just before reaching the Canon they met a party of Mohave Indians, of whom they purchased an old mare.  She was killed and eaten by the party with great gusto.  The party remained three days on the banks of the Colorado recruiting their strength.  While remaining here, another party of Mohave Indians visited them, from whom they procured a small quantity of corn and beans.  Leaving the Colorado they recommenced their journey and travelled southwest.  In three days they arrived at a stream which rises in the coast range, runs northeast and is lost in the sands of the Great Basin.  About two years previous to their arrival here, three trappers by the names of Smith, Sublett, and Jackson, with a large party of men, had a desperate fight in this neighborhood with hostile Indians.  They, also, had learned from friendly Indians of the wonders of the Sacramento Valley, and were en route to explore it when