ELDORADO 41 



evaporation of water strongly impregnated with alkali. 

 It was sometimes used by emigrants for bread making 

 and found to be a good substitute for the article of 

 commerce. 



The grass that grew around certain springs of water 

 proved fatal to horses and cattle, evidently containing 

 some mineral poison. Remedies were sometimes 

 promptly administered that saved the lives of the poi- 

 soned animals, but in a short time they became per- 

 fectly hairless. We were fortunate at the commence- 

 ment of our journey in securing a printed Mormon 

 guide-book, which enabled us to avoid many mistakes 

 that fell to the lot of those less favored. The Mor- 

 mons, under the leadership of Brigham. Young, had 

 preceded us to Salt Lake two years before, and the 

 guide-book was intended for those of like faith who 

 were to follow. 



Our three days' journey from Willow Spring to 

 Independence Rock was imeventful, save as it con- 

 vinced us that a change in our mode of travel 

 was necessary, owing to heavy, sandy roads and 

 scarcity of feed. Our animals were becoming so thin 

 and weak as to cause some anxiety. We had already 

 been traveling in "sections," and it now became 

 evident that we must divide into still smaller parties. 



Associated with our camping ground at Indepen- 

 dence Rock are memories of thrilling adventures and 

 pioneer experiences. The lines of travel to Oregon 

 and California converged at this point, that from Mis- 

 souri and. Arkansas, by way of Forts Independence 

 and Kearney, and that from the Northwest, via Council 

 Rluflfs and the north bank of the Platte. One hun- 

 dred miles further west, after leaving the South Pass 



