16 EEPOET UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 



fantry, who was killed by Indians at Fort Phil Kearney December 21, 

 180G. At present the post is situated on the Little Wind Eiver. Its 

 location is a very beautiful one, on the banks of a swift, wide stream, 

 denselj^ timbered with cottonwood and willows. The buildings of the 

 post are rather cramped, but at the time of our visit improvements were 

 being made under the direction of the commanding officer, which will, 

 in a measure, relieve the inconvenience incident upon its original con- 

 struction. With reference to the Indians, the location of the post is 

 well chosen, furnishing a good key-point to any movements that may be 

 made against the settlements and mining districts. Telegraphic com- 

 munication has been established with the railroad as far as Stambaugh, 

 and from there a messenger can soon reach the more northerly post. 



In the vicinity of Brown are two features which have for a long 

 time attracted the attention of travelers. One of these is the " hot 

 spring," and the other is a petroleum spring similar to that on the Little 

 Popo-Agie. Upon occasions of state the spring is set on fire and illu- 

 minates the entire region. For invahds, particularly rheumatics, the 

 hot spring is a desirable resort. It is located about 2 miles west of the 

 post, and shows a temperature of about 108° F. Accommodations have 

 been prepared for the bathing of invalids and others. The water is 

 minerahzed and, owing to its high temperature, exhibits very beneficial 

 results. In the geological report a more detailed account of the vari- 

 ous features of this spring will be found. 



Within a few miles of the post the Shoshone Indian agency is estab- 

 lished. At the time of our visit but few of them were there, nearly all 

 being off on hunting expeditions. Wherever we met Indians belonging 

 to this tribe, we were on very good terms with them. They are thor- 

 oughly characteristic in their dress and habits, and favorably compare 

 with their nearest allies, the Utes. 



From Camp Brown a fine view of the Wind Eiver Mountains presents 

 itself. The foot-hills shut out a large portion of the picture, but enough 

 remains to show the beauty of the range. In the distance the outlines 

 of the Bighorn Mountains can easily be distinguished. Some very prom- 

 inent forms are visible there, appearing to the wandering miner and 

 prospector as the legible writing showing to him the promised land. 



FROM CAMP BROWN TO CAMP STAMBAUGH. 



On July 15 we left Camp Brown and marched westward toward the 

 mountains. It was our intention to return to Stambaugh, traveling 

 along the eastern slope of the range. From what we had heretofore 

 seen, we came to the conclusion that the highest peaks could not be 

 ascended except from the west slope. This we found to be the case. 

 We had been warned that mosquitoes and horseflies would greatly 

 trouble us in the mountains, and we soon learned that the descriptions 

 given fell far short of the reality. 



The Wind Eiver Eange may here be appropriately divided into three 

 distinct chains. The highest one, sloping directly westward, is inac- 

 cessible from the east. Then follows a chain of high foot-hills, reaching 

 above timber-line at some points, falhng off steeply toward the east. 

 Beyond this, forming a transition into the low country of the Wind Eiver 

 drainage, is a long row of hog-back-shaped hills of large proportions. 

 These are composed of the older sedunentary rocks, and rapidly slope 

 down into the valleys. Streams cut through them, forming steep, some- 

 times impassable, caiions. 



Upon starting out from Brown we foUowed an old wood-road up to 



