i86 



N. H. DARTON 



He suggested that the depression might be due to the solution of the 

 salt in underlying strata, causing the depressed area to subside. 



The lake is shallow, and its waters are saturated with common 

 salt, containing 26 per cent, in December, 1899, according to Pro- 

 fessor C. L. Herrick. As the natural evaporation progresses, salt 



Fig. t. — Map of New Mexico, showing the location of the salt lake south of 



Zuhi. 



is constantly deposited, and doubtless a large amount has accumu- 

 lated. On the north shore of the lake there is a small settlement 

 of Mexicans, who gather the salt for shipment, and many persons 

 make special trips to the lake, often from long distances, to collect 

 a load of the salt. The quality is excellent aiid the supply large. 

 Only the crudest methods are employed for gathering the freshly 

 deposited salt in the shallow waters n^ar the north shore of the lake. 



