METEOROLOGY OF THE CASCADES, 
Rose to a high, narrow plateau, with bunch-grass; descended into the narrow 
and deep ravine of the Mahah, (John Day’s river,) and crossed; bad descent into 
NTE ad oc OC CODD Se DOS CHODECoODO op co UobE See Sess ERS oe Se 
Crossed very high sand-hills, and re-entered Columbia bottom, which is of the 
usual sandy nature. Camped in a thicket of willows. Grass on the hill-sides ; 
Will oc See tO TNE CLE ny Se IS SS, SAIS Se Te IS Sess , 
November 14.—Trail passes over sandy bottom; then crosses a very bad, rocky 
point, some three-quarters of a mile in length. The trail is here narrow and some- 
what datigerous im places... .. 2. 0.22222 oe ee eee eee ee ee ee cence 
Descended into river-bottom, which we kept as far as the Des Chutes, passing 
over two rocky points not quite so bad as the first. Struck the emigrant road 
about three miles before reaching the Des Chutes. Crossed the Des Chutes, fer- 
rying the baggage; crossing bad......---------.------+---- Se Cae 
Ascended from the Des Chutes valley by a long and steep ascent; followed the 
undulating plateau; then by a still steeper ascent gained a very high level; followed 
this upper plateau, and descended, by a very long and gradual slope, into the 
valley of Olney’s creek. No timber whatever on these plateaux, but good bunch- 
grass. Camped on the creek; good water and grass, but no wood. Used the 
«bois del vache for fuelia-.. 2-12 =. - cate taee ca cera ceca es 
November 15.—Followed down the valley and crossed the creek........-+----- 
Left the creek and followed a smooth, ascending ravine; crossed a summit and 
reached the valley of another branch of Olney’s creek; descended valley of the 
main creek to the Columbia....-...--. Se nena eaters lala) ete ae ore yey. 
Followed Columbia valley to Fort Dalles; trail excellent. Camped near a 
small spring, with good bunch-grass on the hills......------------------+----- 
Total distance travelled northward and back to Fort Dalles..........-....--. 
389 
34 
13 
Sewers 
13 
64 
34 
een 
2 
53 
34 
= SS 94 
1,051} 
I will here add, that the above itinerary only embraces the tract of country passed over by the 
main party and detached parties under your immediate command. 
Lam, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
J. F. MINTER, 
Assistant Engineer. 
Capt. G. B. McCietian, 
Commanding Expedition, §c. 
I. 
GENERAL CLIMATOLOGY. 
85. Report oF LIEUTENANT S. MOWRY, U. 8S. A.. TO CAPTAIN GEORGE B. MC’CLELLAN, CORPS OF 
ENGINEERS, OF THE METEOROLOGY OF THE CASCADES. 
Otymrra, Wasuineton TERRITORY, 
February 10, 1854. 
Str: In compliance with your instructions, I have the honor to submit the following report of 
the meteorological observations, taken under my directions, for the western division of the North 
