They lived rudely, a lucky few in the huts they had built; more in tents and wagon-boxes.

Nor did they fail to thank Providence for the mild winter vouchsafed to them during this unprotected period, permitting them not only to survive, but to continue their labours--of logging, home-building, the making of rough furniture, and the repairing of wagons and tools.
When the early spring came they were again quickly at the land with their seeds.

Over five thousand acres were sown to needful produce.

When this began to sprout with every promise of a full harvest, their joy was boundless; for their stock of breadstuffs and provisions had fallen low during the winter, and could not last later than harvest-time, even with rigid economy.
But early in June, in the full flush of this springtide of promise, it appeared that the Lord was minded to chasten them.

For into their broad, green fields came the ravenous crickets in wide, black streams down the mountain sides.