350 EARLY SPRING. 



On removing from my old hunting grounds, I halted at two or Ihree dif- 

 ferent points still furtlier 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 tlie moaatains, in an opening made by the forced 

 passage of a large creek into the prairie throagh a sharp line of hills. 



The scenery in the vicinity of this camp was romantic, wild, and beauti- 

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

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

 formed a gateway nearly three hundred yards wide. It ranged paraW 

 lei with th(! mountains, two miles or more removed from them, presentiuff 

 to the prairie a gentle escarpment ornamented with scattering pines and 

 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 precipicei, 

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

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

 tion; and thus 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 iii cliaracter with, 

 though more dirninative iu size than the one previously duscribed. 



The huge ma.«ses of red granitic sandstone that tower to a surprising 

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

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

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

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

 fact. 



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

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

 cessantly decomposing to enhance tlie general fecundity. Vegetation, of 

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

 remains green ihe entire year. 



All the different varieties of wild fruits and game indigenous to the mou]> 

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

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

 looked like mes.sengers 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 thaji 

 this. 



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

 character ; and several small lakes of brackish water, and well stocked 

 with almost numberless water-fowl, are seen at diiferent points, the incrua- 

 tations upon whose shores assume a snowy whiteness. Notwithstanding 

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

 Rtock. 



Feb. 26tk. The fresh gras.s upon the Iiill-sides has assumed a thrifty 

 ftppearance. Insects have begun to quit their winter retreat*, and, oeiO' 



