106 EXPLORATIONS ACROSS THE GREAT BASIN OF UTAH. 



catch myself dozing. One of my assistants passed me at daybreak, at a gallop, as I 

 thought to quickly arrive at our next camping-ground, but I had not continued far 

 before I found him stretched out on the ground, fast asleep, holding his mule. Pro- 

 ceeding on in advance of train, I arrived at old camp (No. 29), Middle Gate, 23.4 miles 

 from halting place of last evening, at 7 a. m. June 30 ; but unfortunately found the 

 water, which was running before, was now to be got only by digging, and that scantily. 

 The train did not get in till 10. We shall turn out our mules to graze and let them 

 drink what water they can in the dug wells. Meantime, get breakfast. Found Pete at 

 this point, and Mr. Reese came in subsequently on his return from a reconnaissance 

 still farther ahead. 



It should be remarked that there is not the slightest doubt that water in abundance 

 could be got at this point (Middle Gate) by sinking suitable wells. Indeed, it exists 

 now in springs in an arroyo near, and we got it in another easily accessible place by 

 digging not more than two feet deep. There is plenty of rock at hand to wall 'the wells. 

 I think it very probable, also, that in "West Gate," 3.5 miles west of this, water may 

 be obtained by digging. Indeed, the indications are decided, also, that in the moist 

 places in the Alkaline Valley we passed over yesterday afternoon, where there is no 

 alkaline efflorescence, water could be got in sufficient quantity, and that it possibly 

 would be good. I have already noted that while portions of the desert are alkaline, some 

 portions discover pure salt on the surface, and others none of any kind. There are 

 several families of Pi-Utes at this Middle Gate, collecting grass-seed, which they sepa- 

 rate from the husks by first rubbing the heads lightly under stones and then winnow, 

 by throwing it up in the wind. Afterward they convert it into a flour by rubbing it 

 by the hand between stones. I notice they use a variety of seeds in making flour 

 These Indians have come from Carson Lake, and appear to be industrious and able- 

 bodied. I doubt not their present life is such as to make them facile subjects of hus- 

 bandry and civilization generally. Indeed, I have been assured that some of them do 

 hire themselves out as laborers in California for considerable periods of time — as long 

 as a year at a time — and that they have been found faithful and to work well. 



Resumed march at half past 1. In 1.75 miles cross an arroyo where the water 

 yesterday, according to Mr. Reese, was running, but now exists in small pools. A 

 small spring about two feet deep and one wide has-been found to the right of this point, 

 about three-quarters of a mile. There is no grass about it. Water not unpalatablv 

 sulphurous, but too scant for anything of a party. After crossing an arroyo, or creek, 

 immediately leave old road, and bearing off to the left or northwardly, pass up valley, 

 bounded by the Se-day-e Mountains on our right and a range of Jiigh mountains on 

 our left. Distance between crests probably fifteen to twenty miles. Trees for first time 

 since leaving Carson Valley appear on the Se-day-e Mountains, and also on the range to 

 our left toward its north portion Grass and water are visible in the ravines of the Se- 

 day-e Mountains. 



Ten miles from Middle Gate reach, near base of Se-day-e- Mountain, a small run- 

 ning brook of icy-cold, pure water, which 1 call Cold Spring, and which, after running 

 a few hundred yards, sinks. A more refreshing drink than 1 obtained from this brook, 

 after the parched, wearisome travel of last night, 1 believe 1 never had. The men all 



