66 



WOOD. 



Tbe iiass tbrougli tlie Egau range shows a consiilcrablc. growth of uut-piiie and scnib-ceilar ; 

 the same is true of the pass to the north of Hyko, and generally of the mountains along the whole 

 route, although the amount is less as progress is made toward the south. Pine timber, suitable for 

 sawing, is found upon the high peak near the mill, in the Egan Pass, and to the west of Ilyko, a 

 sb'ort distance from the mines. The Mormons obtain their timber, to a certain extent, from a place 

 about forty or fifty miles from the Pockets ; the road leading thereto branches off to the west at a 

 point a little to the north of that place. 



CULTIVATABLE LAND. 



But very little land fit for cultivation was found before reaching Hyko, although, possibly, one 

 or two hundred acres near Butterfield Spring might be so classified. Throughout nearly the whole 

 extent of Hyko Valley, for about twenty-five miles below Hyko, the land can be farmed profitably, 

 and as the valley is from a lialf to one and a half miles in width, there is a very fair chance for 

 successful ranching. 



The valley of the Muddy can be cultivated in several places, although the upper portion is very 

 alkaline. At present only a portion of it, in the vicinity of West Point, is tilled. 



Astronomical observations were taken from time to time, when possible, for latitude and 

 longitude. 



Barometrical observations were taken throughout the trip. 



Should it ever be deemed necessary to establish a military post in this part of the country, the 

 most eligible location would, in my opinion, be in Hyko Valley, as it possesses all the requisites for 

 the establishment and maintenance of a post. 



Eespectfully submitted. 



D. W. LOCKWOOD, 



Lieutenant of Engineers. . 

 Lieut. Geo. M. Wheelee, 



United States Engineer Officer, Department of California, San Francisco, CaL 



Headquaktees Depaetjlent of Calipoenia, 



San Francisco, California, January 25, 1870. 



SiE : I have the honor to make the following report of a trip from Las Vegas Eanch to Potosi, 

 in the Yellow Pine District, undertaken in compliance with verbal instructions received from you 

 a few days previous. 



On the morning of the 12th October, 18C9, 1 left camp at Las Vegas, taking one ambulance 

 and three men, and Mr. Hamcl, topographer. The road taken was the old Salt Lake road, running 

 in a southwesterly direction until reaching a point about five miles from Potosi, when the trail 

 leading to the latter place branches off to the south. The first night's camp was made at the Cot- 

 touwoods, a spring at the head of Las Vegas Wash. These springs rise and sink at several places, 

 and receive their name from the cottonwoods growing near. The next day's march took us to Potosi. 



roTOSi. 



This camp was established some years previous to the date of our arrival, and traces of former 

 habitations were visible all around ; the original settlement was said to have been broken up by 

 the Indians. 



A smeltingfurnace had formerly been erected, but failed, in consequence of the operators not 

 understanding the proper method of separating the precious metal (silver) from the complication of 

 l)aseuietals which exist in the ore taken from the principal mine worked, namelj', the Old Potosi. 



