othing at this time
remained in sight save a few charred logs, and a few score of tall,
unsightly stumps. Even the old pioneers had great difficulty in pointing
out the location of more than one or two of the cabins. After the
preparation of this history began, the author induced several of the
survivors to visit Donner Lake, and to assist in definitely determining
the location and boundaries of the cabins. Digging in the earth which
thirty-two years ago formed the cabin floors, the most interesting
relics were found. A collection of over five hundred of these articles
is in the author's possession. There are spoons which are bent and
rust-eaten, some of which are partially without bowls, and some
destitute of handles, the missing portions being vaguely shadowed in the
rust-stained earth in which they were imbedded. Knives there are whose
blades are mere skeleton outlines of what they formerly were, and which
in some instances appear to be only thin scales of rust. The tines of
the forks are sometimes pretty well preserved, sometimes almost entirely
worn away by the action of rust.

Among the relics found at the Breen cabin are numerous pieces of old
porcelain, and chinaware. These fragments are readily distinguished
by painted flowers, or unique designs enameled in red, blue, or purple
colors upon the pure white ground-surface of the china-ware. This ware
is celebrated for the durability of its glaze or enamel, which can not
be scratched with a knife, and is not acted upon by vegetable acids. The
relics unearthed were found at a depth of from one to six inches beneath
the ground which formed the floor. A fragment of this ware, together
with an old-fashioned gun-flint, was sent to Hon. James F. Breen, who
wrote in reply:

"The relics, piece of chinaware and gun-flint, are highly appreciated.
The chinaware was at once recognized by my brother. In fact, there is
one piece of the china set (a cream pitcher) still in the possession of
my brother. The piece sent is recognizable by the decoration figures,
which correspond exactly with those on the pitcher."

There is less of the "ghastly" and "horrible" among the relics thus far
discovered than would be supposed. There are many, like the beads and
arrow-heads, which were evidently treasured by members of the party as
relics or curiosities collected while crossing the plains. There are
pieces of looking-glass which reflected the sunken, starved features
of the emigrants. Am