The south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1879-1883, 1883-10-02
they are not extensive.

arid looking plains we have seen al
the way from Western Kansas ant
South Colorado. North of the Me
silla Valley, stretching away as far al
the eye can reach, is the dreary un
broken monotony of gramma grass
which at this season of the year and
In fact, at any time after the first O.
July, is of grey color and looks al
ifa simeon or prarie fire had passed
over 1t leaving but bare stubble tc
mark where luxuriant grass had
been. But this grass though short, il
succulent, and contains, l suppose
far more nutritive properties thar
our best kinds of blue grass. Cattle
living the year around upon these
plains receive no other nourishment
than what they afford and still thrive
Some of the land around Las Vega,
L. cultivated, and oy means Of irriga-
ton large crops ofcorn, oats and bar
ley are raised upon it, The rain fall
Of New Mexico is very infrequent,
and when il comes 1t comes all al
once. and has such an effect that the
whole country is cut up into ravine'
and arroyas. But little irrigation
has been done, the native Mexican or
Greascrs, being perfectly content to
squat himself upon his hams upon
the sunny side of his abode building,
or with riding wildly across the
plains upon a half broken mustang as
wild as himself, in search of some
strayed cattle. A Mexican is in the
highest luxury when he has nothing
to do, uninterrupted hot weather.
Chilli Colorado, and an unlimited
amount Of muscale, a fiery intoxica-
ting liquid distilled from species of
cactus growing wild upon the plains.
About seven miles west of the city
Of Las Vegas. the Gallanis river
leaves II long canyon, formed by the
eastern spurs of the Sierra Madrp,
and enters the plain. There, behind
a low hill, lying like a porter's ledge
at the entrance of the canyon, are the
Hot Springs, concerning which we
have heard more or less in recent
years. A large hotel has been erect
ed near them and other improve
ments made under the auspices of the
railroad company, with the expecta-
tion that they will become a popular
resort. Of their real qualities 1
know little or nothing at present, and
will reserve extended mention for an
other letter. West of Las Vegas, to
the north and northwest, projects out
from the main range Of the mountains
an irregular line of hills, and over
and above these rises a grey, precipi-
tous dome of rock, known as Hermit
Mountain, the ''El Solitaire" of the
Mexicans. 1t is SO called from the
fact that a hermit once lived on top
of it, never coming down, subsisting
on what he bould pick up, and what
the people brought him. There was
II spring of water OH the mountain,
and cave and with these resources
he lived for years.
On the way from Las Vegas to the
springs the tourist will see on top Of
a hill to the left Of the road a cross
standing boldly out against the sky.
II is of wood, rude in its structure.
but has singular mission in that il
is the point to which the members Of
the secret order Of Penitentes crawl
during Passion week. They have a
town further out on the road to-
ward the springs. The first house in
it, on the left side of lhe road going.
one story abode house, with low
door in front and no windows, is the
council house in which the secret
meetings of the order are held. These
people are a branch of the Roman
Catholics. They are excommunica-
ted and are not recognized by the
citholic priests, but they nevertheless
c ing to the borders of the church,
and claim to be true Christians, and
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