Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 1.djvu/572

542 Having brought my journal thus far, a few observations may, perhaps, not be uninteresting relative to our future proceedings after reaching Catorce.

We remained idle for want of funds until the 1st of April, 1823, when we began to clear away for the foundation of the engine-house, and on the 9th I started for Matehuala in search of wood for the pumps, but did not find forty yards of timber ten inches in diameter in the place. I made inquiries, however, at Matehuala, and was informed by the people there, that there was a Rancho, called Laca, about twelve leagues off, in the neighbourhood of which there was a fine wood, containing trees of all dimensions. I accordingly proceeded to Laca, but found, on my arrival there, timber no larger than two feet and a half long, and seven inches in diameter, just the size of billet-wood. There was no remedy, however, but to continue my researches, as I was resolved not to return to Catorce before I had obtained the object of my journey: I consequently proceeded to Solida, sixteen leagues from Laca, and in the skirts of the Sierra Madre. It is a species of Rancho, or Hacienda, to the people of which I applied on my arrival, and was informed that the pine and walnut-tree, (nopal,) grew in abundance in a cañada four leagues off. The good people, however, began to dissuade us from visiting so fearful a spot, assuring us that five individuals had been murdered there in the preceding month by the wild Indians, who infested the woods; and, as a proof of their veracity, they showed us some arrows stained with blood. They added, moreover, that twelve months before seven men had been killed by the Indians in the very place were we should have to cut the timber. These frightful accounts so alarmed my guide and attendant, that he positively refused to accompany me unless an escort was obtained from Catorce: I consequently went along with the Indian who had come with us, and fearlessly entered the wood, which was about two hours' ride from the house. The valley was nearly two hundred yards wide, overtopped by tremendous mountains, and clothed with wood of all kinds. We immediately found pine trees of all dimensions, some sixty yards high; but on proceeding farther into the wood, the size of the timber decreased; it consisted chiefly of oak and