accomplish the ascent of this mountain on a good riding animal, it
takes, at least, two hours; therefore, the height of the mountain
can be easily imagined by those accustomed to mountain climbing. On
reaching some of these immense eminences, the scenery is principally
formed by the broken country, studded here and there with mountains,
which appear as if in miniature, as well as real. Between are valleys,
rivers, creeks, cañons, etc., which render the views truly grand.
There is sufficient woodland, plenty of pure air, and different
species of game, in great abundance, playing about, and filling up the
picture with life. To use the words of romance, this does not fail to
make the scenery perfect. The trail runs through hamlets and villages,
which come in at the proper distances and form great auxiliaries to
the traveler, when fatigued by horseback riding; for, at most of these
places, the traveler can find rest for the night, always provided that
he be willing to submit to a multitude of inconveniences.

The most desirable place at which to stop, on this trail, is a town
nearly midway between Taos and Santa Fé. It is called Rio Arriba. In
this village, the traveler can obtain many comforts which are denied
him even in the larger towns. At the present time it is a very
difficult matter for loaded caravans to pass direct from Santa Fé to
Taos; but the United States government has taken the matter in hand
and has appropriated large sums of money for making a good road
between the two places; therefore, it will not be a long time before
the transit will be accomplished with ease and safety. Scattered over
the country adjacent to this trail now under consideration, there are
many hamlets and villages which are being greatly augmented by new
settlers yearly. Many of these have been seldom, if ever, visited by
white men, and the minute geography of this tract of country is still
in the embryo. Perhaps a new El Dorado is there in store for mankind,