Oxen are also much used for transporting
goods across the country, and these form long
caravans, often numbering eighteen to each
outfit of throe wagous, and perhaps twouty
wagons in the procession. They carry great
iron-bound casks for water, holding forty gal
lons eaoh, as the slow rate at which they travel
often compels them to make what is known as
a dry camp, L e., to lie over night ata place
destitute of water. These caravans may be
seen moving slowly across the deserts, laden
with every commodity known to civilization.
Sometimes a whole train is owned by one per
son, who accompanies the drivers on the jour
ney. We met one such instance. The propri
etor was aittiug, or rather reclining, in a light
spring wagou, with a handsomely bound vol
ume of poetry, which he was perusing. 'lt was
odd to see a man engaged in literary pursuits
under such untoward circumstancos.uut serves
to illustrate the indomitable spirit which per
vades the western mau.
It is estimated that the drivers of an ox
train walk the whole distance of the Journey
five times, as they are required to pas* aud
repass their animals continually, to be always
present with each yoke, to direct, to cheer, to
anathematize, or k> goad them on their way;
and the well-beaten path alongside the wagon
road attests their fulfillment of the oonditioue.
