30 EEPOET UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SUEVET. 



Timbered on tlieir higlier portions, tliey rise to a relative elevation of 

 about 2,000 feet. Leading down toward the river are straight, regular 

 ridges composed of the white rocks constituting the Sweetwater group. 



Breaking camp on August 17, we crossed the river and traveled in a 

 northwesterly direction. Soon after having reached the other bank we 

 found ourselves in the vicinity of Agate Lakes. This name has been 

 given to several alkaline ponds on account of the fine moss-agates there 

 strewn all over the country. From the size of a pea to that of a good- 

 sized apple the agates are scattered over the ground. They are water- 

 worn and some of them show exceedingly pretty "moss." Slowly as- 

 cending the rising plateau we passed between a number of isolated 

 granitic hills, until finally an uninterrupted stretch of gradually rising 

 slopes presented itself. Finding no water on the plateau we were obliged 

 to continue our course until we had reached its northern edge. Then 

 descending the steep face, we encamped for the last time on Wind Eiver 

 drainage. 



Owing to the heat of the day and the fatigue of riding, our cook had 

 a relapse and was very sick for two days. Subsequently he became 

 better, and after about a week had recovered. For two days we made 

 stations along the edge of the plateau, looking down upon country that 

 presented the typical aspect of "bad lands." Game was abundant; 

 antelope, deer, and elk fell victims to our bullets, furnishing a good sup- 

 ply of provisions. One day we killed an antelope from the dinner-table, 

 so little did our presence interfere with their movements. 



On August 21 we retraced our steps toward the Sweetwater, and after 

 a short march camped on a small stream at the base of one of the gran- 

 itic hills. The next day we traveled in a southeasterly direction, and 

 stopped within the main mass of granite hills. We were surprised to 

 note their character upon closer inspection. Almost absolutely bare of 

 vegetation, they presented steep smooth slopes. Often it was impossible 

 to ascend them except by literally crawling, and even then the slippery 

 surface made the climb difficult. The highest mountain or hill of the 

 group has been named Hayden's Peak in former years. It is a dome- 

 shaped mass of red granite, very symmetrical, with perfectly smooth 

 sides. Crossing over a granitic ridge, where our mules proved them- 

 selves expert in the art of sliding, we again reached the Sweetwater 

 YaUey. Dry creek-beds, densely timbered with cottonwood {Populus 

 halsamifera), quaking asp, and wiUow, promised water while seen from a 

 distance, but we were obliged to ride to the river before we could obtain 

 any. Camp was located directly opposite Whisky Gap, on the north side 

 of the Sweetwater, from which place we obtained a good view of the 

 Seminole hills. Crossing the river on the 24th of August, we again 

 reached the wagon-road and followed it for some distance. On our way 

 we passed Cloven Peak, so named because its highest point is split, caus- 

 ing a resemblance to the cloven hoof of a quadruped. Small fragments 

 of granite formM below isolated hills on the south side of the river, but 

 the main mass remained north of it. Passing a number of graves on our 

 way, we found that they sheltered emigrants who had probably fallen 

 victims to the arrows and bullets of Indians. 



August 25 we rode southward to explore the ridges leading from the 

 Seminole mountains to the river. Antelope were very numerous, hav- 

 ing congregated in bands. Coyotes followed them in order to capture 

 any that might faU sick or through other causes become an easy prey. 

 Following up a small stream we came upon a meadow filled with ante- 

 lope. Hay had been cut there and was stacked. The sight of antelopes 

 quietly feeding around haystacks appeared to us as very incongruous. A 



