ESDLiCH.] ITINERARY. 29 



stones, and tlie Sweetwater passed through it inclosed on either side by 

 perpendicular walls 120 feet in height. Crossing the river we found the 

 old emigrant road and the stumi)S of telegTaph poles, which latter were 

 destined never to l>e used. Small, dry alkidi flats indicated the presence 

 of lakes diuing certain seasons of the year. While riding along we saw 

 a band of about forty elk. They started from, the willow-bmsh on the 

 river and soon disappeared in the adjoining granite hills. Kecrossing 

 the Sweetwater we rode over to some of the granitic hills. Very sparse 

 timber, consisting of piuon and cedar, was scattered over them. Water 

 appeared to be scarce, owing to the loose, permeable character of the 

 rocks adjoining the granites. Antelope were plentiful, and tracks of 

 deer and mountain sheej) indicated their presence. On the way we saw 

 several blue herons {Ardia herodias), a very gracefid bird. They were 

 stalking along a small swampy place, searching for food. About 4 miles 

 below our camp of the 16th the wagon-road returned to the north side 

 of the river, and fresh tracks thereon showed the proximity of white 

 men. 



Proceeding on our march down the river wre reached the well-known 

 Three Crossings and cami)ed there. In early times this was a very im- 

 portant station, of which to-day nothing remains but the crumbling stone 

 walls of an old house. The name was given to the place from the fact 

 that the wagon-road crossed the river three times within a very short 

 distance. Winding its serjjentine course between the low", granitic hills, 

 it closelj^ hugs first one, then the other bank. Emerging fi'om this nar- 

 row place we see before us a wide, meadow-like flat, covered with excel- 

 lent grass. Bordered on the north side by the river and the granitic 

 hills, the south side is protected by the bluffs of the Sweetwater Group. 

 Sand, blown up into large dunes at favorable places, shows the force and 

 I)ersistency of the wind i^revailing there. Much has been said about 

 the agricidtiu'al prospects of this region. So far as we were able to 

 judge diu-mg our trip, there is but little promise of their being realized. 

 Within the time that we camped in that section of country the nights 

 were exceedingly cold, and on the one we spent at the Three Crossings 

 we had a sharp frost. It is i)ossible, but not probable, that the summer 

 season of 1877 was an exceptionally cold one. In this way we might 

 aecoimt for the cold nights during Augaist. Timber, for building, and 

 other purposes, could be obtained from the neighboring hills, and stones 

 are plentiful. A short distance from the river, irrigation would have to 

 be emiDloyed in case agricultural i)ursuits were followed. Undoubtedly 

 this region would prove to be a good grazing country, provided no raid!s 

 from Indians were to be feared. Eeports with regard to the safety of 

 the place are so conflicting that but little can be decided on that point. 

 At certain seasons some of the hostile Indians travel through that coun- 

 try for the purposes of hunting, and it is possible that an isolated settle- 

 ment might be attacked. 



For a number of miles, both above and below the Tliree Crossings, 

 old gTaves testify to the former hostility of Indians. Situated upon 

 little hiUs and bluffs the small stone mounds produce a compassionate 

 feeling. Emigrants lea^ing more densely settled portions of the coun- 

 ti-y to seek a happy future in the distant West were here laid to rest 

 often without having even seen the "promised land." AStev the wax 

 had closed, the Eleventh Ohio Eegiment of volunteers was sent into 

 this country to keep the Indians in check, and their niunerous graves 

 show the cost at which the red-skins were to be subdued. 



Opjiosite the Three Crossings is a low pass through the Sweetwater 

 hiUs. From this point the latter present a very pretty scenic effect. 



