4 4 



78 



1 



FROM MOtJTH OF DEVIL S RIVER TO EL PASO DEL NORTE 



formation is capped by an infinite number of hillSj about 150 feet in height, and of every imagin- 

 able shape. The whole adjacent country is traversed by deep arroyos or caiionSj intended by 

 nature to drain the high plains bordering on the river ; they are, in their appearance, but minia- 

 ture creations of the same power which forced a passage for the Eio Grande. Their junctions with 

 the river form large rapids or falls, caused by the rocks and earthy matter washed down them. 



These rapids are numerous, many of them dangerous, and will always prove insurmountable ob- 

 structions to future navigation. The force of the current is very great, and for thirty miles above 

 the mouth of the Pecos is one continued rapid ; its average rate is nearly six miles an hour. The 

 width of the river varies from 80 to 300 feet, and at a few points narrows down to 25 and 30 ; 

 when confined between its rocky walls the channel is very deep. There are no tributaries along 

 this section of the work, but several fine springs contrast their clear blue with the muddy waters 

 of the river. There is but little growth until the approach to the mouth of the Pecos ; a narrow 

 strip of soil is then occasionally found at the base of the rocks, and gives growth to some fine 

 live-oak and mezquite trees ; grape-vines flourish in abundance, yielding a very palatable fruit. 

 Catfish were the only kind of fish caught, some of them very large and heavy. Soft-shell turtle 



Junction of the Rio Braro del Xorte and the Pecos. 



abound. But few varieties of game were seen ; the wild turkey in large numbers, and some few 

 deer — the latter of the black- tail species. The only practicable way oi 



mak 



the canon was by allowing the boats to drop down the channel, taking the direction of the 



from 



wa 



time 



current and other causes of error. Observations for 

 check the work. On arriving at the mouth of the 

 survey, 125 miles in extent, was comi3leted. The Pecos is more deserving oY its other Mexican 



6 



o 



mixture 



