PARRY — ASCENT OF PIRE'S PEAK, 125 



Chionophila, (snow-lover,) discovered here by Dr, James, 

 and found last year on the Snowy Range, but the season was 

 no doubt, too early ; Trifolium namim and T. dasyphyllum 

 were, however, in full bloom, and quite conspicuous. Near 

 the very summit, we first came upon the interesting tap- 

 rooted Claytonia, observed so abundantly last season on the 

 Snowy Range, at the head of South Clear creek. Here, it 

 seemed dwarfed and stunted, having far less conspicuous 

 leaves and flowers. This plant, together with an alpine 

 Thlaspi, were the only flowers in bloom on the highest ele- 

 vation. 



The summit gained, there was opened an extensive view 

 towards all points of the compass. To the east stretched the 

 unlimited expanse of the great plains; while to the south 

 could be traced the course of the upper Arkansas ; north and 

 west was a confused mass of mountains, interspersed with 

 open valleys, including the broad basin of South Park, 

 bounded by the sharply defined outline of the Snowy Range. 

 From this point, I was able to detect an elevated peak, in the 

 Snowy Range, visited a few weeks previously, having an ele- 

 vation, according to barometric measurement, of 13,223 feet 

 above the sea. I have called this peak Mi. Guyot, in com- 

 pliment to the distinguished Swiss-American savant of that 

 name. Other still more elevated points could be noticed, 

 some of which are perhaps as high, or even higher, than 

 Pike's Peak. 



The summit of Pike's Peak is a somewhat level plateau, 

 embracing several acres in extent, strewn with masses of de- 

 tached rocks of a fine-grained granite, and occupied in part 

 by extensive snow drifts. On the highest point of one of 

 these, by the aid of a rcugh tripod, made from climbing staffs 

 brought up by the ascending party, I set up my barometer, 

 which, on adjusting the column of mercury, stood at 18,100; 

 attached thermometer, 45° F. ; detached thermometer, 37° F. 

 Chilly gusts of wind, sweeping over the bald exposure, com- 

 pelled me to change the place of observation to a more shel- 

 tered spot, about fifteen feet below the main summit. At 

 this point, I made a series of observations for ascertaining the 

 elevation, giving a result, as computed by Dr. Engelmann, of 

 14,210 feet above the sea. 



Our observations finished, the more facilis descensus was 

 commenced, not, however, without many weary steps, and 

 much carefully poised balancing. We reached the timber 

 line, to partake of our last mountain meal, and thence, by 

 night fall, our pleasant camp ground at the Fontaine-^ui- 

 bouit. 



