A large number of Texas desert plants are offered, used for either their food value or medicinal use. While this number is large, and offers a good idea of how man made use of the land about him, it over looks several uses made of plants, other than for food.

The Lecheguilla was in use daily, to make man's cords. It's strong fibers and pointed end would serve man well. The two thousand samples recovered demonstrate this.

Add to this the Sotal and it's leaves, long and very pliable. After removing the serrated edge, an easy step, to have even more, frequently slipping it into several long strands. Then would skilled hands start the weavings.

The Sotol was joined by the Sacihuisti grass. No longer growing near the Zueberbueler shelter, it was recovered in strapped bundles at the shelter, as was Sotol.

While not seen as a common material at the shelter, the Yucca was a basic material as well. The long shafts, split down the center was used as the base to make fires.

There is also the cane, recovered from the river below, a varied list of use. Flutes, beads, and atlatl point shafts, even as drills. All of the plants listed above, were as vital to man as the foods we listed. The new era of man as a human, his many new crafts, would depend on them. May we offer one last treat to our visitors? If you have never seen West Texas in spring bloom, you may enjoy this last display. A pick of any of the six icons below, over 200 Texas wild flowers, will take you to the full of natures art. I have had the chance to be there, now you can join me. PLEASE, may I suggest, you select the thumbnail display, offered with each color. The index is a list by names. PLEASE-PLEASE, ALOW FULL SET OF DISPLAY TO LOAD, THEN CKICK ON YOUR PICK. To return to the Pecos museum, first reduce the display size (F11), and close the wild flower, on display page. To return to the museum, use your <<< BACK KEY. or list of- or list of- or list of- or list of- or list of- or list of- Oh yes! Save the museum address so you can come back and visit again.