n in a mortar, they make a
species of meal, which, though coarse in appearance, can be baked into
sweet and wholesome bread. This tree is called by the Mexicans "pinon,"
and also by travellers the "nut-pine." The only botanist who has fairly
described it has given it the name of _pinus monophyllus_. Perhaps as
good a name as any, and certainly the most appropriate--I mean for its
popular one--would be the "bread-pine."'

"`But, mamma, does this tree grow in our valley? We have not seen it.'

"`Not in the valley, I think; but I have hopes that we may find it on
the mountain. The day we came around from Camp Antelope, I thought I
saw a strange species of pine growing up in the ravines. It might be
this very one; and I am the more inclined to think so, as I have heard
that it grows on the Rocky Mountains--within the latitudes of New
Mexico--and also on all the sierras that lie between them and the
Pacific. I see no reason why we should not find it upon our mountain,
which is, no doubt, a sort of outlying peak of the Rocky Mountains
themselves.'

"`Oh! then,' said Harry, `shall we not go up to the mountain, and see
about it? An excursion to the mountain would be so very pleasant.
Don't you think so, papa?'

"`I do, indeed,' I replied; `and as soon as we can make a cart for
Pompo, so as to be able to take mamma and the children along with us, we
shall go there.'

"This proposal was hailed with delight, as all wished very much to visit
the beautiful mountain that rose so majestically above us. It was
settled, then, that on the first fine day, as soon as our cart should be
constructed, we would set forth, and make a grand pic-nic to the
Snow-mountain."

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.

THE SNOW-LINE.

"In three days the cart was finished. We had no difficulty in
constructing one, as the principal part--that is, the wheels--was
already made. We had two pair of them, of course, in our old wagon; and
the larger ones, which happened to be in very good order, served our
purpose exactly. Cudjo soon attached a body and shafts to them, and
Pompo's harness was put into thorough repair.

"We had not long to wait for a fine day. Every day was fine in the
clear, pure climate of our valley; so that, as soon as the cart was
ready, we had a day to our liking.

"We set out shortly after sunrise, with our hearts full of anticipated
pleasure. Of course we all went--Mary, the children, Cudjo, Pompo,
dogs, and all. The hous