108 CANON OF BILL WILLIAMS’ FORK. 
river flows, its banks densely covered with shrubbery and trees. Through another gap towards 
the northwest is seen the lofty Colorado range, with a few patches of snow upon the summits, 
Astronomical observations were made and roughly computed, showing us to be in latitude 
34° 14’, south of the point where we expect to unite with the Colorado. But there seem to be 
indications of a near approach to that stream. Ducks continue abundant, and white gulls ap- 
pear diving for fishes in the rivulet below, having made a long journey from the Gulf. The 
botanist has found a new species of wild squash or gourd, also singular flowers and plants. 
February 19—Camp 126.—Having abandoned two more wagons, on account of the weary 
condition of the mules, with the remainder we continued the journey. Two miles from camp 
we were in the narrowest part of the cañon, about four hundred yards wide. The stream 
became deeper, and about twelve feet broad. The cliffs upon either side were nearly perpen- 
dicular, varying from two hundred to four hundred feet in height, being composed of conglome- 
rate, capped by a huge mass of basaltic trap, assuming various fantastic shapes. 
Cañon of Bill Williams? Fork. 
Soon after entering the cafion there was a break in the hills to the left, indicating the course of 
a small affluent from the south. As we proceeded the stream increased in magnitude, and the 
valley, varying from one fourth to half a mile in width, continued to be covered with a tangled 
mass of alamos, willows, and vines, considerably impeding our progress. It was with much 
difficulty that a way was cut for the survey. The general direction of the gorge was west, 
without any sharp turns. Upon the cliffs, even where no soil was visible, Echino cactus 
abounded. But seldom did a Cereus giganteus appear. Having travelled nine miles, we found 
a large field of grass upon the high grounds, and an abundance of green herbage fringing the 
stream, and therefore encamped. Near by is an enclosure of trees and brush, which seems to 
have been thrown up within a few years, probably by trappers, as a breastwork for defence. 
In the muddy soil are fresh tracks of five Indians, who appear to have ascended the valley yes- 
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