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 in small flats, the trails to which were known only to the Indians, and where their horses were secure. From the rocky pinnacles with which the region was studded, the advance of an enemy could be discovered five miles off; while from their secure hiding-places the dwellers in this savage Gibraltar could watch their approach within twenty feet. When the stores collected in the caves were exhausted, they could steal out through the winding passages, and watching their opportunity drive in the cattle found grazing outside the lava beds; or could in the same stealthy manner procure fish and fowl from the lake. Nothing could be stronger or better chosen than the Modoc position. Should ammunition fail them, they could still make arrows. Even in cold weather little snow fell in the lava beds, and that little soon melted away from the warm rocks. The reconnoissance revealed many if not all these advantages, and impressed all minds with the certainty that it would be by hard fighting that Jack would be dislodged. Among other things, it revealed the apparent necessity of using howitzers and shells to drive them out of their hiding-places, and terrify them. An order was accordingly sent to Vancouver for two howitzers, waiting for which occasioned still further delay and much, impatience among the troops, both regulars and volunteers, the latter having enlisted for thirty days only, and the time being already half spent in comparative inaction. The weather was very cold, besides, and the state troops but ill supplied with blankets and certain articles of provision. Another difficulty presented itself The volunteers being state troops had organized to fight in their own territory, whereas the Modoc stronghold lay just over the fine in the state of California; but Wheeler and Green recognized and legalized the invasion of California by ordering Ross to pursue and fight the hostile Indians wherever they could be found, regardless of state lines.