76 EXPLORATIONS ACROSS THE GREAT BASIN OF UTAH. 



diately back or west of camp, which would shorten the route considerably, not being 

 practicable for wagons, though pack-animals can use it. In 2 miles commence 

 turning gradually westward, and in 2 miles farther, up an easy wagon-grade, reach 

 summit of pass. Altitude above the sea, 6,440 feet. From this pass the Pe-er-re-ah 

 (meaning Big or High) Mountain appears directly before us, some 12 miles off, 

 trending north and south. These mountains in solidity put you in mind of the Hura- 

 bgldt Mountains. They have been conspicuous for several days back. 



The road down the west side of the Pah-re-ah range is earned on the ridge of 

 the spur, which furnishes a passable grade, though that down the canon is not bad, and 

 is entirely practicable for wagons without work, though a little sidling. 



The first rattlesnake I have seen on the route I passed within a foot or two of my 

 horse. The taxidermist, Mr. McCarthy, secured him with his fingers by the neck, 

 much to the astonishment of the men near. 



Alter reaching, in 7 miles from summit of pass, the valley called Won-a-ho- 

 nupe, we turned northwest diagonally across it to the pass, through the Pe-er-re-ah 

 Mountains. In 10 miles from summit of pass, through the Pah-re-ah range, we came 

 to a rapid creek (Won-a-ho-nupe), 8 or 10 feet wide, U deep, and running southwardly 

 between steep sand-banks, 15 feet high. In 4 miles more cross this stream at mouth 

 of canon, and encamp one-fourth of a mile above on the stream, in good grass and 



the Pah-re-ah range a large portion of it rocky from the loose igneous rocks scattered 

 over the ground. Notice ranging along the west slope of the Pah-re-ah range a 

 number of columns of stone, doubtless put by the Indians as landmarks to guide 



Won-a-ho-nupe Valley is from 9 to 12 miles wide. Soil areno-aroilkeeous and 

 is very thinly covered with artcmhht. At the south it appears uninterrupted; at the 



er-re-ah range, admitting, however, a road of easy grade into the next valley. Altitude 

 of valley above the sea, 5,443 feet. 



A number of antelope seen. Notice under a cedar near our camp a very large 

 willow basket of conical shape, which Would contain probably a bushel and a half 

 Concealed under the same cedar were a number of rolls of willow peeling nicely tied 

 together; also faggots or bundles of peeled willow— the stock in trade of some indus 

 trious Digger. Directed they should not be disturbed. 



May 27, Camp Xo. 23, Won-a-ho-nupe Canon. — Altitude above the sea, 5,870 feet- 

 Thermometer at 5 a. m., 37°. One herder reported sick. This makes sixteen on sick- 

 list from commencement. The bugle having become bent, and therefore not servicea- 

 ble, reveille not as prompt as usual. Morning bright. Leave at 6.10 a. m. Course 

 westwardly up the canon. This canon quite luxuriant with willow and grass, the latter 

 appearing in places quite green. The Ephedra pe<hnieulata also begins to be quite 

 common. The stream in the canon is quite pure, and I think there must be trout in it. 

 The road is winding through the canon, but of easy grade, the only bad places being 

 the frequent crossings of the creek, which occasionally are somewhat boggy. At 

 these places, and on some short ascents and descents, the men have been required to 



