45 [26] 
a square mound, some 20 feet high, and on its level top a warm spring 
boils up in the very centre. The presence of many similar springs in this 
valley proves that there is no absolute want of water here, and Artesian 
wells would most likely strike a large subterranean water basin. _ 
Near the lake Patos the two roads from el Paso meet again. Opposite 
to our noon camp to-day, in the western mountain chain, rose an isolated 
mountain'of very singular form; at the base conical, on the top flat, and 
sufficiently large for a fort. This conspicuous mountain is seen for a 
long distance. In the afternoon we travelled 12 miles more, and reached 
Carrizal, the only townon the road from Paso to Chihuahua. We cam 
s Augu _—We stayed this morning in Carrizal, because one of the 
wagons had to be repaired, and started about noon. e 15 miles, and 
c again near the road. In the distance of about 10 miles we pass 
into the Carmen below. Near the springs is a whole ridge of porphyritic 
rocks, containing some limestone, and no doubt connected with the springs. 
The basin, with its lukewarm water, affords a most comfortable bath, but 
we had no time to try it. About one mile south of the Ojo, we crossed 
the Rio Carmen, quite a river at that time, but in the dry season gene- 
rally without a drop of water. ‘The Carmen comes southwest from the 
20.—Travelled to-day in rainy weather, without stopping, about 
30 miles—a most fatiguing march. We camped, as usual, in the prairie, 
with plenty of rain-water,excellent grass, and sufficient wood from shrubs. 
Near our night camp, I understood, some miles west on. the mountains, is 
a fine spring, called Chdveta spring. 'The grass in the rainy season grows 
that respect, also, the spring of other climates. 
. August 21.—T 
in : present 
creek,) which comes from the near mountains to our left and crosses the 
» i sini linaaiciinticerighlin 3 — =} 
not an absurdity in itself, the follow- 
may 4 : 2 ei _ 2 at ee 
Ws 
Ne acey: of seeing the 
powerfully magnifying 
