48 EXPLORATIONS ACROSS TIIE GREAT BASIN OF UTAH. 



of porphyritic and other igneous rocks, which have tilted up and much altered the 

 stratified rocks around them, to wit, sand-rocks, siliceous limestones, and being quite 

 high, and giving rise to springs and short running streams on their west, south, and 

 east sides, and covered as they are with cedar and, in many places, grass, they formed 

 a very valuable topographical feature in the line of travel over the Great Desert, as 

 will be seen more fully in my notes of my return route. The other mountains to the 

 north and southwest are to be seen looking dark and dreary, and indicate by their 

 scorched, vitreous, and, in some portions, ashy hue, that they have been subjected to 

 igneous action. Not a tree is to be seen upon them, nor a patch of green vegetation 

 of any kind. They are fit monuments of the desolation which reigns over the whole 

 desert. 



The spring where we are encamped furnishes but a scant supply of water, which, 

 however, the mail company, which lias a station here, has collected in a reservoir 

 formed by a dam across the ravine. The accommodations of the company are at 

 present a Sibley tent, set upon a circular stone wall. There is an abundance of grass 

 in the vicinity and cedar on the heights, but not conveniently near. 



We found our guide, Mr. Reese, here, agreeably to appointment. I had sent 

 him in advance of the party six days to examine the country to the south and south- 

 west of this spring to see if the Short Cut Pass, which is objectionable on account of 

 its high grade, 20 miles to the southwest, through Colonel Thomas's range, could not 

 be avoided. He informed me that he has been fully 35 miles in the direction stated, 

 and is convinced that for 60 miles there can no water be found. He has been up a 

 canon ten miles to the south of Simpson's Spring, in Champlin Mountains, where there 

 is plenty of grass and water ; but to go to this water now would be out of our way. 

 It is possible, however, that on our return from Carson Valley it would be expedient 

 for us to go directly from Short Cut Pass to the canon referred to, and, by thus being 

 able to get into Porter Valley, get into Rush Valley toward its south extremity, and 



our present route. 











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Miuj 5, Cunq) No. ■}, Simpson's Spmtt}.— Longitude, 112° 47' 18"; latit 

 V of/'; magnetic variation, 15° 30' E.; altitude above the sea, 4,850 feet 

 bright. Thermometer, at 5 a. m., 40°. Guide left us at half past 5, with 

 and one pack-mule, to explore a pass about five miles to the northward of « £ 



beyond "Short Cut," He is to join us to-morrow at the next watering-pis 

 instructions contemplated my keeping south of my old route from Simpson'> 

 but the guide finding no water in that direction, I am forced on my old route 

 be able, however, on my return, to keep more south. 



