peer a 
ALBUQUERQUE. 47 
arrived safe and well. The surveying party report that they passed through a deep and narrow 
cañon at Carnuel; but that it would not be impracticable to cut through it a passage for a rail- 
way, and thence proceed to the Rio Grande near this place with a grade of eighty feet to the 
mile. : 
Albuquerque contains a less population than Santa Fé. Its situation, however, is inore cen- : 
tral with regard to the inhabited portions of New Mexico, and it has been selected by General 
Garland for the headquarters of this military department. Nearly the whole valley of Rio del 
Norte is capable of yielding good crops; but between Bernardillo and this place are the finest 
ranchos and vineyards to be found in the Territory. The number of inhabitants in Albuquerque 
and its environs, including the ranchos, is estimated at 2,500. This is exclusive of Atrisco, 
which lies opposite upon the right bank of the river. The houses are of one story, built of 
adobes, and the appearance of the town is similar to that of others in New Mexico. The pres- 
ence of the troops, however, creates an unusual ajr of animation about it. 
