purposes and the man would have no other.  When summed up, it would be found to consist usually of two pairs of moccasins, one (or two pair) of buckskin pantaloons, two woollen shirts, a loose, fringed buckskin coat and an old slouched hat (usually made of some kind of skin with the fur on).  His baggage, limited to a very small bundle, comprises his blankets, a buffalo robe or two, a spare hide of dressed buckskin, his extra garments above spoken of, and a little tobacco (when it can be had).  These, with his camp kettle and outfit of powder, lead, extra traps, scanty allowance of provisions, guns, pistols, horses, bridles,[24] saddles, etc. make up his traveling and working kit; it may be only for a few months or it may be for years.  With them he was ready to penetrate the loftiest mountains and unexplored regions.  This is but a true picture, in a brief space, of the appearance of Kit Carson and the resources of his earlier days, the tools he had to work with, the mode of doing his labor, and the habits of the animal he diligently hunted for several years in order that his fellow man might convert into a luxury the products of his toil; yet had he been allowed the choice, he would not have exchanged situations with the consumer of the commodity.  In the company of his boon companions and enjoying the pure mountain air, he had often seen as happy hours as ever fell to the lot of any man.  And now he was starting out on probably his last trapping expedition.

[Footnote 24:  These saddles and bridles are queer-looking articles; but, for use, they could not be surpassed either for durability or comfort.  Their bridle bits are the same as are used by the Mexicans.  They are very powerful and intended for managing wild horses and mules, particularly the latter.  With one in his mouth, an animal cannot drink or feed.  A Mexican only waters his horse twice a day when traveling, viz. morning and night.]

The party did not return to their homes until several months had expired, and, as much of the excitement that used to pertain to their former exploits had been worn off from the changes brought about by civilization, they decided that this, as far as they were concerned, should be their last trapping expedition; therefore, this visit to their old haunts was a sort of funeral service performed over their early adventures.  On quitting each favorite river, the trappers felt that they were shaking hands with the streams and bidding them, one by one, a final good bye.

Kit Carson, after disposing of his beaver, occupied himself in attending to his ranche, and was thus employed when news was brought to New Mexico of the exorbitant prices which sheep were bringing in California.  He made up his mind to embark in a speculation in those animals by collecting a herd and driving it to that territory.  He set out for the valley of Rio Abajo, which lies to the south of Santa Fe, and there, to his satisfaction, made his purchases.  In company