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Archives of the Office of Anthropology
Smithsonian Institute
No 1043 (pt.)

Notes on the Indians of the Colorado

pg. 1

Lieut. S Mowry

The tribe of Ham-muk-hab-ue Indians live on the right bank of the Colorado River (descending) about ten days journey Indian Travel - above the junction of the Gila. Their habits of life are in all respects similar to those of the Yumas (Cuchans).

Their country is sandy with little vegetation save mesquite, and willow in the river bottom.  The only wood is the cotton wood.  The climate is hot eight months in the year and only moderately cold in winter.  But little rain falls.  The principal support of these Indians is derived from planting when a freshet occurs in the Colorado.  Upon the subsidence of the River the cultivate 'pumpkins' a little wheat and corn and melons, both  water- and musk-melons.  Besides these mesquite beans some few succulent roots, and fish from ponds [[strikethrough]]afford[[/strikethrough]] comprise their food.  When the River does not rise, much suffering from starvation occurs.  Miss Olive Oatman from whom I have gathered these facts, nearly starved to death one summer, becoming so weak as to be unable to walk.  The tribe numbers