On our way droves of antelopes could be seen frolicking over the broad plains, while in the distance were herds of elk winding their way from the mountains towards the river for water.
When far away their horns were the first things visible, and they much resembled the dry tops of dead pine trees, but a nearer view showed them to us as the proud monarchs of the plain.
When we came up opposite the mouth of the Merced river we concluded to try again to cross.

The river here, as below, was out of its banks, and the overflowed part was quite wide which we had to pass through before we could reach the river proper.
I waded in ahead of the team and sounded the depth of the river so as not to get in too deep water, and avoid if possible such accidents as might otherwise occur.

Sometimes the water was up to the wagon bed and it looked a little doubtful of our getting through in safety, but we made it at last.
We found a narrow strip of dry land along the river bank.

A town was on the east side of the San Joaquin.

river, just below where the Merced river came in.