In the early spring of 1845, Kit Carson, after weighing the various
occupations which presented, decided to become a farmer. One of his
mountaineer friends, Mr. Richard Owens, came to the same conclusion.
Together they talked over their plans, and concluded that it would
be to them, at least, newness of life to be domiciled in their own
houses. The two hunters carefully marked out their plans, and then set
to work with a will for success to carry them into execution. A
very short time enabled them to choose a farming site, because their
knowledge of the country enabled them to see all of its desirable
localities, as it were at a glance. They decided to purchase a tract
of wild land situated on the little Cimeron River, and improve it.
Their arrangements were soon made, tools and implements, stock and
animals, provisions and necessaries all procured. With the services of
some laborers hired by them, they were soon engaged actively preparing
their land for the reception of seed. The spot which they selected
was forty-five miles east of Taos. They commenced the enterprise by
building some small huts. These afforded both themselves and their
Mexican laborers a comfortable lodgment. They sowed a considerable
quantity of grain, and prepared timber almost sufficient to build good
substantial houses. Their vigorously prosecuted labors began to show
evident results, and in the prospect, it was clearly apparent that
another year would serve to give them profitable reward for their
enterprise.

It seems appropriate at this point, that we should enable the reader
to look upon and judge of the farming country and habits of New
Mexico; their markets, and some of the manners and customs of the
people who dwell in cities. The town of Taos affords a fair sample of