torrent, its fall very great; and, descending with a rapidity to
which we had long been strangers, to our great pleasure oak trees
appeared on the ridge, and soon became very frequent; on these I
remarked unusually great quantities of mistletoe.

"The opposite mountain side was very steep and continuous -- unbroken
by ravines, and covered with pines and snow; while on the side we
were travelling, innumerable rivulets poured down from the ridge.
Continuing on, we halted a moment at one of these rivulets, to
admire some beautiful evergreen trees, resembling live oak, which
shaded the little stream. They were forty to fifty feet high, and
two in diameter, with a uniform tufted top; and the summer green
of their beautiful foliage, with the singing birds, and the sweet
summer wind which was whirling about the dry oak leaves, nearly
intoxicated us with delight; and we hurried on, filled with excitement,
to escape entirely from the horrid region of inhospitable snow, to
the perpetual spring of the Sacramento.

"February 25. -- Believing that the difficulties of the road
were passed, and leaving Mr. Fitzpatrick to follow slowly, as the
condition of the animals required, I started ahead this morning with
a party of eight, consisting (with myself) of Mr. Preuss, and Mr.
Talbot, Carson, Derosier, Towns, Proue, and Jacob. We took with
us some of the best animals, and my intention was to proceed as
rapidly as possible to the house of Mr. Sutter, and return to meet
the party with a supply of provisions and fresh animals.

"Near night fall we descended into the steep ravine of a handsome
creek thirty feet wide, and I was engaged in getting the horses up
the opposite hill, when I heard a shout from Carson, who had gone