92 
at the more abrupt northern end of the curve, giving shelter in 
all weather except in a southeast wind. Around the base of the 
hill numbers of hot springs were uncovered at low tide, and the 
rocks bore a number of species of algae. This bay is noted as 
the only point in the northern half of the gulf at which a boat 
may be safely anchored and water found. The water is obtained 
by digging in a sandy depression, between the dunes of the 
present’ beach, and an older one, which has been elevated several 
Fic. 13. Flood plain of the delta of Rio Colorado. , Range hill in background, 25 
miles distant. 
feet within comparatively recent geologic time. Here in a shal- 
low pit, four or five feet deep water oozes up at a temperature of 
85° F. which is slightly alkaline and salty. So prized is water 
in this desert however that the existence of this source of supply 
has been known by tradition among the wandering Indians of 
the contiguous territory for two centuries. : 
Immediately back of the beach began the slopes of the moun- 
tain deltas which led up gradually to the coastwise ranges at an 
