lands, forming cavalcades curiously
picturesque. Flaming scarfs and calico skirts stream loosely over the
knotty ponies, usually two squaws astride of each, with the small baby
midgets bandaged in baskets slung on their backs, or balanced upon the
saddle-bow, while the nut baskets and water jars project from either
side, and the long beating-poles, like old-fashioned lances, angle out
in every direction.

Arrived at some central point already fixed upon, where water and grass
is found, the squaws with baskets, the men with poles, ascend the ridges
to the laden trees, followed by the children; beating begins with loud
noise and chatter; the burs fly right and left, lodging against stones
and sagebrush; the squaws and children gather them with fine natural
gladness; smoke columns speedily mark the joyful scene of their labors
as the roasting fires are kindled; and, at night, assembled in circles,
garrulous as jays, the first grand nut feast begins. Sufficient
quantities are thus obtained in a few weeks to last all winter.

The Indians also gather several species of berries and dry them to vary
their stores, and a few deer and grouse are killed on the mountains,
besides immense numbers of rabbits and hares; but the pine-nuts are
their main dependence--their staff of life, their bread.

Insects also, scarce noticed by man, come in for their share of this
fine bounty. Eggs are deposited, and the baby grubs, happy fellows, find
themselves in a sweet world of plenty, feeding their way through the
heart of the cone from one nut chamber to another, secure from rain and
wind and heat, until their wings are grown and they are ready to launch
out into the free ocean of air and light.

XIV. Nevada's Timber Belt [19]

The pine woods on the tops of the Nevada mountains are already shining
and blooming in winter snow, making a most blessedly refreshing
appearance to the weary traveler down on the gray plains. During the
fiery days of summer the whole of this vast region seems so perfectly
possessed by the sun that the very memories of pine trees and snow are
in danger of being burned away, leaving one but little more than dust
and metal. But since these first winter blessings have come, the wealth
and beauty of the landscapes have come fairly into view, and one is
rendered capable of looking and seeing.

The grand nut harvest is over, as far as the Indians are concerned,
though perhaps less than one bushel in a thousand o