CHAPTER XIX {III of Vol. II}

Ponds and Buffalo Wallows -- Valley of the Canadian, and romantic Freaks of Nature -- Formation of Ravines -- Melancholy Adventure of a Party of Traders in 1832 -- Fears of our being lost -- Arrival of a Party of _Comancheros_, and their wonderful Stories -- Their Peculiarities and Traffic -- Bitter Water, and the _Salitre_ of New Mexico -- Avant-couriers for Santa Fé -- Patent Fire-arms and their Virtues -- Ranchero Ideas of Distance, and their Mode of giving Directions -- The Angostura, and erroneous Notions of the Texans -- A new Route revealed -- Solitary Travel -- Supply of Provisions sent back -- Arrival at Santa Fé -- Gov. Armijo, etc. -- A 'Flare-up' with His Excellency, 132