1922] EDWARDS, GEOLOGICAL WORK AT GRAND CANYON 107 



the red Supai Formation, are becoming more and more shaly and west 

 of this point they form the most important platform instead of the 

 Tonto shales below. This platform was named the Esplanade by Major 

 Button, the first geologist to devote any great time to the study of this 

 canyon. It has a prevailing red color in place of the greenish shade of 

 the Tonto Platform. A little to the west of Havasupai Point is situated 

 Fossil Mountain, formed of those particular layers of the Kaibab lime- 

 stone, which are fossil-bearing and from here a considerable collection 

 of the fossils of this limestone was obtained. 



On this trip to Havasupai Point, the party M^as fortunate in having 

 for its guide, Mr. Wm. Bass, who was the first white man to establish 

 his residence at the Grand Canyon, and who also operated the first 

 camp for the accommodation of tourists in that section of the country. 

 Mr. Bass built his original homestead about a mile east of Havasupai 

 Point on the rim of the canyon in 1881 and since that time has dwelt 

 here or in the immediate neighborhood. He is exceedingly well versed 

 in all the history and geology of this region. Guiding a geological 

 party was not a new experience for him as he has played a part in the 

 work of almost every exploratory expedition which has penetrated this 

 country. 



The burros which are so much in use for the transporting of sup- 

 plies in the canyon, were first brought here by Mr. Bass. They were 

 turned loose in the canyon, for the double purpose of providing a source 

 of pack animals and of locating sites for trails through the different 

 parts of the canyon, it being known that they would seek out all ac- 

 cessible places in their search for food. Today the wild descendants 

 of these original burros are in evidence in many parts of the canyon 

 and anyone journeying along the trails will encounter groups of a dozen 

 or more of these animals. They found their way about among the 

 various precipices and sloping walls, and by following their paths, Mr. 

 Bass was later able to construct a trail leading to the river from his 

 homestead. This gave access to the mouth of Shinumo Creek, and by 

 following up this stream he was able to reach the north rim at Muav 

 Saddle. 



In the course of many explorations in the interior of the canyon, 

 valuable deposits of copper ore and of asbestos were discovered, and 

 to profitably work the latter, a cable crossing was built at the foot of 

 the Bass Trail. These different trails are not today in any special 

 use, but are ready for the time when easy accessibility will make this 

 part of the National Park, one of its very attractive features. They 



