View on Apache Lake, Sierra Blanca Range, Arizona. Two Apache scouts in the foreground

O'Sullivan, Timothy H., 1840-1882 · [1873]

Descriptive legend of view no. 8: The Sierra Blanca Mountains are the favorite hunting grounds of the Apache Indians, for the abundance of forest, grass, and water in this region gives shelter and subsistence to deer, elk, and smaller game in great numbers. In this second view of Apache Lake are seen two scouts of the Coyotero branch of this tribe. These specimens are of the best type of the race. They are true savages in all conditions of habit and accoutrement except in their weapons, which are modern breech-loading rifles, for which they have abandoned the primitive bow and arrow. As guides and trailmen these Indians are frequently used by marching troops and scouting parties, although in that acuteness of sense which distinguishes the path-finder they are not superior to white mountaineers of equal experience. They are treacherous, also, being faithful only out of necessity and when their actions are subject to constant scrutiny. Physically they are tough, hardy, and well-built, but are too sinewy and spare to be very handsome. In their movements they are stealthy, quick, and graceful. They are capable of great endurance, and, traveling constantly on foot, they will excel a body of horse in traversing a mountainous country. In this picture they are seen in their native dress, which consists of a buckskin jacket, a cloth around the loins, and around the forehead a handkerchief which acts as a fillet to prevent the hair from covering the eyes.