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"Nigger Nats" Opening

	This natural opening, which is swampy in the winter time, 
derived its name from Nathaniel Smith who lived here for a few years. 
"Nigger Nat," as he was known, went to work for the Mendocino Lumber 
Company in the 1860's. Part of his job was to furnish fresh meat for 
the various logging camps scattered out along the river. This opening 
where he lived was centrally located near 1) the Indian Trail that led 
to the openings on Greenough Ridge on the east side of the river as 
well as to Docker Hill and Hayslett on the west side; 2) Clark's Opening, 
although the trail there was rough; 3) Duffy Smith, Wildhorse and the 
Upper Ranch openings on the main river; 4) Harris Opening and Dunlap 
Ranch on the Northfork; and, 5) Burns Opening down river. All of these 
places were within his hunting range.