DEPRESSIONS IN THE EARTH'S SURFACE. 159 



around the entire basin. This inland sea was filled 

 with fresh water, but after evaporation shrunk it be- 

 low a normal outlet, its contents became gradually 

 brackish or salty. And after an incalculable period 

 of time the waters fell to the present dimensions of 

 Salt Lake. 



Intermingled with the soil in the great depression 

 are particles of saline or alkaline matter which, as 

 moving dust, penetrates the eyes, nose, mouth and 

 throat, and creates a smarting sensation. The soil is 

 coarse, and furrowed by rivulets produced by occa- 

 sional rains. The sage bush artemisia grows every- 

 where, its aroma being omnipresent. The stunted 

 tree or shrub affords shelter for grouse, rabbits and 

 coyotes. Tufts of grass grow here and there, afford- 

 ing scanty food for antelope. If the soil in the de- 

 pressed area be irrigated, the finest crops can be grown. 

 Wherever artesian wells have been sunk, the watered 

 land is easily and profitably tilled. Experience has 

 proved that an abundant harvest is more reliable on 

 irrigated land than it is where the development of a 

 crop hinges upon the earlier and the later rains. 



Salt Lake is a body of water 250 miles in cir- 

 cumference ; but its greatest depth is only 32 feet. 

 The degree of salinity reaches from 23 to 25 per cent., 

 so that incrustations of salt are plentiful on its shores. 

 Its tributaries are Bear and Weber rivers, and the 

 Jordan which flows from Lake Utah. These are all 

 dashing streams fed by melting snows on the western 

 declivity of the Wasatch range of mountains, whose 

 snowy tops are in plain view. 



On islands in the lake the pelican rears her young, 

 and secures food trout in the rivers named. All 

 forms of organic life are debarred from existence in 



