20 FROM VHE PIMAS VILLAGES TO THE EIO GEAI^DE. 



those of the Pacific, at an elevation not exceeding 4,600 feet, the lowest yet determined between 

 the parallels thirty-two and forty-nine. In considering the question of crossing from the waters 

 of the Atlantic to the Pacific, the valleys of the Eio Grande and Eio Gila and tributaries 

 occupy prominent positions. Now, as it is perfectly practicable to reach this plain from any 

 point of the Rio Grande valley between Frontera, about seven miles above El Paso, and Mesilla, 

 the main question reduces itself to determining the most easterly point in the valley of the Gila 

 to which it is practicable to construct a continuous road by ascending its valley, and then to 

 connect this point with the Rio Grande valley by the shortest and most favorable route. 



The well known caiions of the Upper Gila, and rugged character of the mountains along its 

 right bank, put a limit to the ascent of its valley, and also to the project of encountering the 

 obstacles of the country on the north. As before stated, the route surveyed in 1854 enters this 

 valley at the Pimas villages, but as this line crossed the San Pedro about seventy miles above 

 its junction with the Gila, and traversed a long plain destitute of water, it was determined to 

 test the practicability of a route avoiding this dry stretch by following the valleys of the San Pedro 

 and the Gila. This examination was highly satisfactory, as were also those made on other 

 portions of the line ; and it will be seen that these have resulted in vast and important improve- 

 ments upon the line of survey of 1854, not the least of which is the avoiding of the Puerto del 

 Dado of the Chiricahui mountains. This ridge can be turned at its northern end by passing 

 through a break or gap between it and Mount Graham. This is the lowest summit between 

 the Valle de Sauz and the Playa de los Pimas, being 580 feet lower than that of the Puerto 

 del Dado, and more than 225 feet lower than the Dome Pass of Gray. 



I would suggest that it be called The Railroad Pass. These surveys were both commenced 

 at the Pimas villages, the western terminus of the section, and pushed eastward to the Rio 

 Grande; but as this is reversing the direction that is naturally taken, when the question of the 

 Pacific railroad is being investigated, I will commence at the eastern terminus^ and take up each 

 subdivision in order. 



Int. Prom the Rio Grande to the Valle del Sauz. 2d. From Valle del Sauz to the mouth of 

 San Pedro. 3d. From the mouth of San Pedro to the Pimas villages. 



SECTION 2. 



First Division. — From Eio Grande to Valle del Sauz. — This division embraces the divide 

 between the waters of the Atlantic and the Pacific. Its characteristic features are the broad, 

 flat plains, bounded by gently swelling divides and smooth slopes, extending back to the bases 

 of the ridges and peaks, which, from their peculiar and striking profiles, form pleasing and 

 prominent landmarks, recognizable often from points one hundred miles distant. These j^lains 

 are smooth and unbroken by deep washes, and bare of timber, but yield a growth of rich grass, 

 varieties of cactus, artemisia, larrea, and occasionally a dwarfish mesquite, with yucca and Spanish 

 bayonet. Owing to their great extent, frequent and beautiful illustrations of mirage are 

 witnessed. 



Of the mountains, the most prominent are the Picacho de los Mimbres, Copper Mine and 

 Burro mountains, on the north of the line, terminal spurs of the Rocky Mountains, whose foot- 

 hills give out and are lost in the broad plains. 



On the south we have the Florida mountains — a distinct, lofty, prominent, and compact ridge, 

 apparently on the prolongation of the axis of the Picacho de los Mimbres, but completely cut off 

 from it by an open gaj) of eight miles. Beyond this mountain mass are several distinct peaks, and 



