208 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



rocks are all that meet the view for many miles. The 

 landscape then assumes a greener and more refresh- 

 ing appearance, and groves of trees relieve the emi- 

 grants from pursuing their way any farther during 

 the day. Farther on, the well-known landmark, called 

 the " Chimney Rock," which can be seen at a great 

 distance, is met by the emigrants. It is composed of 

 soft rock, and is several hundred feet high. The 

 scenery in the neighbourhood of the rock is very 

 remarkable and picturesque. There are a number of 

 rocky elevations which present the appearance of 

 vast temples and pyramids, with domes and spires 

 partially in ruins. Over a sandy soil, the trail is 

 pursued for about twenty miles, the surrounding 

 scenery being of the most sublime and singular char- 

 acter. Near a remarkable rocky conformation, called 

 "Scott's Bluff," the trail leaves the river, and runs 

 over a smooth valley in the rear of the bluff. It 

 there ascends to the top of the dividing ridge, from 

 which the Rocky Mountains can be seen. Descending 

 from the ridge, it passes over a barren country, broken 

 by deep chasms and ravines, for about twelve miles, 

 when Horse Creek is reached. From that creek, the 

 trail is followed to the Platte River, where a place for 

 encampment is found, though the grass is very in- 

 different. Continuing for several miles through a 

 barren country, the trail is followed to " Fort Ber- 

 nard," a small building, rudely constructed of logs, 

 used as a trading-post. Eight miles farther on, is 

 Fort Laramie, or Fort John, as it is sometimes called. 

 This fort has been the principal trading-post of the 

 American Fur Company. It is situated in the Lara- 

 mie River, near its junction with the Platte, and is six 

 hundred and seventy-two miles from Independence. 



