454 METEOROLOGY. 



" It should not be forgotten that the base of tbe Wind River Mount- 

 ains is about 8,000 feet above tbe level of tbe ocean, and bence the 

 coldness drjmess and rarity of tbe air. Notwithstanding the grea"^. 

 elevation of tbe region there are some very hot days in sumujer, tbough 

 tlie mornings and evenings are cool. 



" Tbe general course of tbe wind is from the west, especially when it 

 is violent. Tbe currents are, liowever, modified by tbe mountain ranges. 

 In some of tbe higher gorges a strong wind constantly prevails from 

 the west, wbich is especially tbe case at Fort Halleck at tbe foot of 

 Medicine Bow Butte, at the main bead of Medicine Bow Kiver. This 

 fort is at about 8,300 feet above tbe level of the sea, and situated in a 

 pass, with a high mountain on tbe south, and elevated laud on the 

 north, Tbe direction of tbe wind is continually the same in winter and 

 summer, namely, from the west, or that of tbe return trade, probably 

 somewhat modified by the configuration of the surface. lu tbe plains 

 between the mountains tbe snow is immediately blown into tbe ravines 

 by the violent wind, leaving the general surface bare. So constant and 

 annoying is tlie wind that I advised that Fort Halleck should be aban- 

 doned. It is impossible to secure hay for tbe cattle ; as soon as tbe grass 

 is cut it is blowu away. For tbe same reason great care is required in 

 drying clothes. 



" Tiie storms are terrific, and in some cases, when they occur, it is im- 

 possible to ride against the wind. Tbe snow is extremely fiue, mingled 

 with air, moving with the currents, and presenting no appearauce of 

 falling flakes. It cuts the face like line sand, and blinds the traveler. 

 The horse or mule cannot be made to face the blast, particularly the 

 latter, but will always turn from it. 



" Tbe streams, fed by tbe peri)etual snow, are always full in summer. 

 In the winter they are frozen solid. Thunder-storms are not frequent, 

 but when tbey occur they are often attended with hail. Tbe quantity 

 of AVater which falls is small. Evaporization is very rapid. When game 

 is killed it can be hung up and soon becomes so dry at the surface that 

 flies cannot lay their eggs in it ; a quartan- of deer will in this way re- 

 main sweet for a week in tbe warmest weather. The soldiers rely very 

 uHich on deer, buffalo, ducks, and geese, which are readily preserved. 

 When going on a march tbey prepare a supply of what is called jerked 

 meat, which consists of flesh cut into thin strips and placed over a 

 smouldering fire to drive away tbe insects and afford a small quautity 

 of smoke. The meat dries so rapidly that it becomes as bard as a stick 

 in the course of two or three days. 



"The most violent storm I experienced occurred about the last of 

 February, 1802, wbeii Ave made an excursion to tbe southwest after the 

 Indians, w'ho had made an attack upon the mail-line and one of tbe 

 military posts. Tbe storm commenced on tbe third day of tbe Journey. 

 It was not very severe at first, but increased in intensity until the third 

 day of its continuance, when it was truly terrific. The party consisted 



