KXDLicn.] ITINERARY. 33 



Followingf the road during the next day wo found it to turn sharply 

 toward a ridge running north and south. Kear the base of the ridge, on 

 either side of the road, were two alkali lakes. Passing through a nar- 

 row canon, however, we found a spring — Brown's Spring — of good water, 

 and a little stream issuing from it. Here we camped. To the eastward 

 extended the broad depression through which we had passed, bordered 

 by a high, regular ridge, composed of gray shales and sandstones. In 

 the distance we could see the hills south of the railroad. 



On August 30 we proceeded on our march to Eawlings Springs. 

 Ascending the ridge at the base of which we had been camped, we fol- 

 lowed along its crest for some distance and finally descended into a broad 

 valley. Witlun a few miles of Eawlings we passed a " red paint " quany. 

 Local accumulations of red hematite, witlun certain formations, are quar- 

 ried out or mined, and after being ground furnish a brown paint. Eeach- 

 ing the town during the forenoon, we encamped near Cherokee Springs, 

 about four miles northward. An ample supply of mail was awaiting us, 

 and we found our provisions in good order. Since June 20 we had been 

 absent from all direct raDroad communication. Eough-looking as well 

 as sun-burnt, we presented a striking contrast to the men who wore whit€ 

 collars and clean cufts. 



. FROM RAWI.INGS SPEINaS TO WHISKEY GAP. 



On August 31 we left Eawlings and marched westward along the rail- 

 road. No water being obtainable elsewhere, we camped at Separation 

 Station, where our wants were kindly supplied by the agent. On the 

 way we visited some of the« coal-mines of that region, and saw a number 

 of untouched outcrops. Stations were made on some of the i)rominent 

 bluffs north of the railroad, where we were besieged by swarms of flying 

 ants. Usually these animals do not bite, but in these instances they 

 were not so generous. Crawling under the clothing they established 

 themselves comfortably until removed by force. For two days more we- 

 remained on the line of the road. The country here is very barren, being 

 covered with sage-brush and prickly pears. A few stunted cedars are 

 scattered over the bluffs. 



Our northward march toward the Sweetwater Hills was commenced on 

 September 3. Leaving Creston Station early in the morning, we rode- 

 in a northwesterly direction. As we expected to find a very dry coun- 

 try, we had provided ourselves with several water-casks. During the 

 following week these were of considerable service. It was our iatention 

 to make a march of about fifteen miles, and then find water if possible. 

 Two of the party examined the country on either side of the route fol- 

 lowed by the pack-train, but not even a moist place was found. Chang- 

 ing our direction slightly toward the west, we headed for some high bluff's. 

 After having ascended these we found that we were near our trail of 

 J une 21. We were about twenty-two miles distant from Trail Lake, and 

 as the mules showed decided signs of weariness we determined to make 

 a dry camp by evening. Water contained in the casks was of good ser- 

 vice to us, although the animals had to go without. Starting early the 

 next morning, we rode northward, expecting to find some of the lakes men- 

 tioned by Fremont as existing iu that region. While the train followed 

 aloTig a canon cut into the sandstones and shales we kept on the ridges, in 

 order to have a better view of the country. Several times we were disap- 

 pointed in our hope of finding water by the deceptive effects of mirage. 

 Upon oui- approach, the lakes we had seen from a distance were resolved 

 into dry alkaU-flats. About noou we saw water seven or eight miles dis- 

 3 G s 



