40 EEPOET UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SUEVEY. 



to the courtesies extended to us at tlie posts. Much of the country over 

 which we had passed is exceedingly sterile and difficult to survey with 

 any sort of comfort, but again we found regions more delightful than 

 winch there are probably few in existence within the Eocky Mountains. 

 All danger from Indians, of which there was some prospect at the outset, 

 had been escaped, and with the exception of the attacks of mountaia 

 fever we had been troubled with no serious sickness. Eeturning to the 

 East, Mr. Chittenden had the misfortune to be taken sick, and has been 

 confined to his bed for nearly the entire winter. Upon his recovery, 

 which now seems assured, he will prepare maps of the regions we have 

 travelled over, and with them as a guide the subjoined geological report 

 will become more intelligible than it can be at present. 



