28 



soiithwanl, uutil tbe divide of the watersheds between the Humboldt or apart of the great interior 

 basin from tbat of the Colorado is reached. In the direct line south, this is in vicinity of 

 White Pine. Prom this point the decrease of elevation is quite gradual until about latitude 38 

 degrees is reached. From tbis point on to 30 degrees 30 minutes, the fall is more abrupt, while, 

 reaching El Dorado Cauou on the Colorado, we have passed from an elevation of over 6,000 feet to 

 a little less than 000 feet. This fall of itself would necessitate no remarkable grades ; these, where 

 found, are near the break of the general mountain trends, appearing as steep divides between con- 

 tiguous valleys. 



NAVIGATION OF THE COLORADO. 



The body of the report presents the idea that this stream may be navigated, to good practical 

 success, as far as the foot of the Grand Canon. The future, for a long number of years, will hardly 

 call for anything of the sort higher than the mouth of the Virgin. 



It is jiossible that, in case Mormon settlements ai-e pushed into Northern Arizona, the route 

 will be by following the grand wash leading from the vicinity of Saint George to the above-named 

 crossing, or at the mouth of Paria Creek, and that, for supplying points to the southward, ship- 

 ments may come via the river. 



MEANS OF COMlVIUNinATION. 



On the easterly line of the reconnaissance the roads were more than a fair average of mountain 

 roads, until the Valley of the Virgin was reached — superior, in many respects, to the variety of 

 roads found in Southern California and Arizona. The approach to the desert on either hand brings 

 with it sandy roads, washes, alkali tlats, and sloughs. 



On this line a railroad can be successfullj- run to the Colorado Eiver. On the more westerly line 

 such a railroad, if intended to be a through coniinunication to the 35tli parallel road, in event of 

 the latter being built, must join the same at some point west of the Colorado Eiver. On this line 

 the road is generally good till White Pine is reached. The same holds good while traversing 

 Kailroad Valley. Upon leaving tbis valley, the route follows a good road, principally ui)on tlie 

 mesa, till its arrival at Crescent Mill ; tlien comes some of the worst of desert travel. 



The divide necessary to be crossed by a railroad in going from Elko via White Pine and Eail- 

 road Valley, in order to reach a valley necessary to continue on and come out by Indian Spring 

 and Vegas Valley, will be a very serious one. It will be necessary to cross a continuation of the 

 White Pine range at a point Just below Grant District, or immediately below (^ninn Cafion, 

 either of which shows sharp profiles. 



In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to all the members of the expedition lor the able 

 and satisfactory manner in which they have assisted in the iierformance of tlie duties entrusted 

 to my charge. 



