File:The American Museum journal (c1900-(1918)) (18133875276).jpg

Title: The American Museum journal
Identifier: americanmuseumjo17amer (find matches)
Year: c1900-(1918) (c190s)
Authors: American Museum of Natural History
Subjects: Natural history
Publisher: New York : American Museum of Natural History
Contributing Library: American Museum of Natural History Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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114 THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL calmly down by the roadside and waited while a messenger returned to the set- tlement we had last passed through and borrowed a new bolster for the wagon. In a way this last accident was provi- dential, for the fact that the bolster had either to be returned within a certain time or paid for, tended to hasten on the expedition. In about two weeks from the day we left Jemez Springs, we arrived at Aztec, having walked nearly every step of the distance, some- thing over two hundred miles. It has been suggested that we use an automobile on these trips instead of a prairie schooner. I can only say that I wish any one who thinks this, might be set down on a certain piece of road over which we traveled after leaving Jemez Springs. Twice we unloaded the wagon and transported the goods piecemeal, before we reached a comparatively good track. It took considerable imagina- tion to call those stretches of rocky hill- side and gully roads, and although it was possible to get over them with a wagon I think an automobile could scarcely have made the trip. Even difficult experiences and disas- ters, however, cannot dampen the en- thusiasm of those who love the gypsy life with all its freedom. We find real joy in rising at five o'clock on a sum- mer's morning—to eat a breakfast that would astonish the jaded appetite of a New Yorker. Then, hustling the camp equipment into the wagon, we are off at seven, walking perhaps ten or twelve miles before the noon halt is made. The sun may be hot, but the air is so invigorating that it matters not. We reach a ruin where, perhaps, I am seized with a desire to probe into the refuse heap for buried treasures, while the archaeologist is taking his measure- ments and pictures. One forenoon I unearthed seven pieces of pottery in this way, before it was necessary for the expedition to move on. But no! I am sure that it is quite impossible to make any one realize the charm of an existence like this, by merely telling about it. One must be there and do things and get the "feel of the country" into his blood, and then, unless he be tied too firmly to life's con- ventionalities, he will return again and vet again.
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In the high altitudes of the Southwest we always had a oamp fire, even on a summer's evening, but in desert regions firewood is not to be had. Often very weird and wonderful were the stories told by cowboy, trapper, and treasure hunter, as they visited with us about the fire at night

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