is a legendary story circulating, similar to the traditions of the Indians, giving this explanation.  The more probable hypothesis, however, is that the Indians themselves, many centuries in the past, were versed to some extent in the art of mining, and carried on the business in these mines; but from indolence or, to them, uselessness of the metals, the work was abandoned, and their descendants failed to obtain the knowledge which their ancestors possessed.  These mines, and those which exist nearer to the large towns, will some day render New Mexico a profitable and rich field for the learned antiquary.

The ruse which Mr. Young found absolutely necessary to employ, in order to blind the Mexican authorities, succeeded so well, that when the fur arrived at Santa Fe, every one considered the trappers had made a very good trade.  The amount of beaver thus brought in amounted to two thousand pounds.  The market price was twelve dollars the pound.  The proceeds, therefore, of the entire trip were nearly twenty-four thousand dollars.  The division of this handsome sum gave to each man several hundred dollars.  It was during the month of April, 1830, that Mr. Young’s party again reached the town of Taos.  Here they disbanded, having completed their enterprise.  Like as Jack, when he returns from his battles with old ocean, having a pocket well lined with hard earnings, fails not to plunge into excess, with the determination to make up for the pleasure lost by years of toil, the brave mountaineers courted merrymaking.  From their own accounts, they passed a short time gloriously.  This similarity of disposition between trappers and sailors, in regard to pleasure’s syren cup and its consequent draft upon their treasures, causing them to forget the risk of life and limb and the expense of their valuable time, is most remarkable.  These hardy trappers, like reliable old salts, proved to be as true to the bowl as they had been to their steel; for, most of the party, in a very brief space of time, were penniless and ready to be fitted out for another expedition.  Young Kit, at this period of his life, imitated the example set by his elders, for he wished to be considered by them as an equal and a friend.  He, however, passed through this terrible ordeal, which most frequently ruins its votary, and eventually came out brighter, clearer and more noble for the conscience-polish which he received.  He contracted no bad habits, but learned the usefulness and happiness of resisting temptation, and became so well schooled that he was able, by the caution and advice of wisdom founded on experience, to prevent many a promising and skillful hand from grasping ruin in the same vortex.