150 : NOTES TAKEN. 
a great satisfaction to us, heat and bitter water being evils 
enough at one time. 
Diarrhoea had now set in with most of the party, and all 
began to wear an anxious look. 
Our course to-day was west of north, and distance thirty- 
five miles. 
July 3lst—At six a.m., we left our bivouac, and taking 
a trail through the cedar brakes, and travelling up the river 
ten miles, we came to where it divided into three prongs. 
Following the first, led us up a steep bluff to an elevated 
prairie, when ‘a beautiful view was presented, In our rear 
the valley of the Big Witchita could be traced for many 
miles, in front, and to our right, the head waters, all 
emanating from the same barren and desolate hills of gypsum; 
In fact, the whole country here is one mass of gypsum, and . 
is entirely uninhabitable. 
We had seen but few Indian signs, nor do I believe we 
ever do more than pass through this region, as grass, water 
and game are.all scarce. 
With no regret, we bid adieu to the scene behind us, 
heartily wishing it might never be our lot to visit-it again, 
and turning south after a ride of six miles, came to a tiny 
spring, trickling from an overhanging shelf of lime-stone, 
Making a basin to receive the water, canteens and tin 
cups were soon busy, and from the number of cupsfull that 
_ found their way down our throats, in rapid succession, our 
thirst and joy at finding this God-send was very clearly 
