e of Colonel Scott. In the meantime, I had
noticed that I was the subject of merriment. My feet were in close
proximity to the ground. The length of my legs was out of proportion
to that of the legs of the mule. When we came to descend the
mountain, however, at an angle of nearly forty-five degrees, on a
very narrow path, I found that my mule could turn the bends of the
track, and, by a peculiar gathering of his feet, could slide down
difficult places, while Colonel Scott, on his already jaded horse,
was troubled and worried. He dismounted when the path widened and
asked me to go ahead. He then followed me, leading his horse.
After that, I made up my mind that my Richland county friend had
not failed me in my hour of need.

As for the scenery through which we were passing, no language could
describe it. We saw, four thousand feet below, a beautiful little
valley about half a mile wide at the widest part, with what appeared
to be a very small stream dancing along from side to side of the
valley, and surrounded by precipitous mountains in every direction.
The eye and mind can now vividly recall the picture of the scenes
than around me. My mule had my confidence, but I feared lest some
fatal mishap might befall some of my companions, and especially I
feared for a lady who ventured the journey, but she fortunately
displayed pluck and coolness, and at the end of the day we all
arrived at the hut in the valley safe and sound, but very weary.
Since that time, I understand that a good road has been made up
the valley, by which tourists can enjoy the grandest scenery in
nature, without the risk we took.

We enjoyed a hearty supper of plain food, and a sound sleep on corn-
husk mattresses. The next day we explored the valley, and enjoyed
the changing views of near and distant mountains. These have often
been described, but they can only be appreciated by a personal
visit. We left the valley by another route to the north, and
reached the railroad by a different line of stages.

Returning to San Francisco, we took the boat for San Diego, stopping,
on the way, at Santa Barbara and San Pedro. From this place we
drove to Los Angeles, then a typical Mexican town of great interest.
The good people hoped for the railroad, but Colonel Scott expected
the road of which he was president would be able to reach San Diego.

Our arrival at San Diego was an event of interest to the few people
of that town. We inspected the remar