350 



EARLY SPRING. 



On removing from my old hunting grounds, I halted at two or three df- 

 ferent points still further south, upon small affluents of the Platte, and 

 in the course of twenty- five days encamped a few miles below the exit of 

 the main stream from the mountains, in an opening made by t)2e forced 

 passage of a large creek into the prairie through a sharp line of iiills. 



The scenery in the vicinity of this camp was romantic, v/ild, and beauti- 

 ful. The ridge thus bisected was about four hundred feet in heighth, and 

 opposed to the creek vast mural cliffs of limestone and sandstone that 

 formed a gateway nearly three hundred yards wide. It ranged paral- 

 lel with the mountains, two miles or more removed from them, presenting 

 to the prairie a gentle escarpment ornamented with scattering pines ana 

 clothed at intervals with rank grasses of the preceding year's growth. 



On ascending to its summit you stand at the verge of a steep precipice, 

 two hundred or more feet in descent, — as if tiie earth, opened by internal 

 convulsions, had forced the right valve of its fissure to an unnatural posi- 

 tion, and thns formed the elevation beneath you. 



This ridge extends for many miles, and overlooks a beautiful valley of 

 remarkable fertility, fifteen miles in length by three in breadth, and inter- 

 sected by numerous streams, more or -less timbered, that find their way 

 from the mountain side. The valley is divided by a continuous ridge that 

 runs parallel with its length, which is much the same in character with, 

 though more di-iiinutive iii size than the one previously described. 



The huge masses of red granitic sandstone that tower to a surprising 

 altitude, isolateti and in almost every conceivable form and shape, add 

 vastly to the wildness of the place. The rock is quite friable and con- 

 stantly yielding to the action of the weather, while tlie soil of the valley is of 

 a ruddy color and gravelly nature as will be readily inferred from the above 

 fact. 



This superfice is fertilized, not only from the debris of its rocks, but 

 by the immense beds of gypsum contained in its hill-sides, which are itt- 

 cessantly decomposing to enhance the general fecundity. Vegetation, of 

 course, must attain a rank growth in such a soil, and, in favored spots, it 

 remains green the entire year. 



All the difltirent varieties of wild fruits and game indigenous to the moun- 

 tains are found here in great abundance. Among the timber of the creek 

 bottom, I noticed hazel-bushes, old acquaintances of the States, which 

 looked like messengers from a far off country, and reminded me of other 

 scenes. 



There are few localities in the vicinity of the mountains better situated 

 for a small settlement, or possessed of greater agricultural advantages thaa 

 this. 



The prairie at the base of the first range of hills is quite saline in ita 

 character ; and several small lakes of brackish v.'ater, and well stocked 

 with almost numberless water-fowl, are seen at different points, the incrus- 

 tations upon whose shores assume a snowy whiteness. Notwithstanding 

 this, it possesses a good soil and is admirably adapted to the growth of 

 •took. 



Feb. 26ih. The fresh grass upon the hill-sides has assumed a thrifty 

 tppearance. Insects have begun to quit their winter retreats, and, coi»« 



