60 EXPLORATIONS ACROSS THE GREAT BASIN OF UTAH. 



wampum. The squaw is naked from lier head to her loins, and is not in the slightest 

 disconcerted by the gaze of spectators. 



Mr. Reese, the guide, came into camp this evening, and reports plenty of water 

 and grass, and a good country for a road parallel to our route, and south of us from 

 the point he visited south of Camp 14 to the valley we are now in, but sees no way 

 of getting through the range of mountains lying west of us, except by the pass near 

 us, which we are aiming at. If so, the contemplated southern parallel route would be 

 at this point too far north, and we should not gain in distance over the route we have 

 come. I trust, however, we will yet find that we can continue our more southern 

 route westwardly without deviating so much from the proper direction. I think I can 

 see indications of a pass which will make the thing practicable. This proved to be the 

 fact on our return. 



We have had thunder and some little lightning this afternoon and evening, but 

 only a few drops of rain. 



May 19, Camp No. 16, Valley of South Fork of the Humboldt— Altitude above the 

 sea, 6,028 feet. Thermometer at 4.30 a. m., 38°.25. Morning bright and pleasant. 

 Raised camp at 25 minutes of 6, and directed our course west of south to pass of the 

 mountain-range directly west of us. In 2 miles cross a small rapid mountain-rill. These 

 streams may not run in the summer and fall, but their sources, which are springs at the 

 base of the mountains, are doubtless perennial. Wild parsnips, said to be poisonous to 

 man and beast, abound here. Grease, or whisky and gunpowder, are said to be the 

 antidote. Pass places where the Indians have dammed up the rills to cause them to 

 flood the habitations or holes of badgers, gophers, rats, &c, and thus they secure them 

 for their flesh and skins. 



In two more miles we commence ascending the pass, which on the east side is 

 quite steep, all the teams doubling but the leading one, and ropes being used to keep 

 the wagons from upsetting. Some side-hill cutting done ; train detained 2£ hours 

 on that account. A road, however, of good grade can be made up the pass; (and since 

 we traveled over it I have been informed that the mail company, which has transposed 

 its stock on my route from Ruby Valley, has made a road here.) Probably south side 

 of pass will furnish best grade. Altitude of summit of pass above the sea, 7,300 feet. 



From this summit we obtain a most extensive view of distant mountains. Toward 

 the east may be seen four distinct ranges, some of them covered with snow. These 

 are the ranges we have been crossing for several days back. Toward the west, bound- 

 ing a valley running north and south, and over which lies our course, may be seen a 

 range, and back of it one or two more; the highest covered with snow. The valley 

 referred to is quite white toward the north with a saline efflorescence, and bearing 

 about due west and lying in it is a small lake, into which apparently runs a good-sized 

 stream. 



I visited a high promontory near the pass to reconnoiter for a pass through the 

 next range lying immediately to our west. Determined to try the one bearing mag- 

 netically S. 40° W. as being the most favorable in direction. There is another bear- 

 ing directly west, but it would be too far to the north. Directed guide to proceed to 

 the pass in advance, and send back, first, a report about grass and water, at east foot 



