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SURVEY OF SAN GORGONIO—AND ROUTE FROM THENCE TO WARNER’S RANCHO. 37 
ss one of the lowest in the Coast range, being but 2,800 feet above the sea. This pass, if named 
after one of the mountains, would more naturally take the name of the more prominent one ; 
but it doubtless received its present name from that of the rancko, the land in the pass being 
styled in the Spanish grant the ** Rancho de San Gorgonio.”’ 
SAN GORGONIO MOUNTAIN. 
The above sketch represents Weaver's house, near the summit of the pass; the foot-hills of 
San Bernardino mountain are seen on the right. 
The survey of this pass was commenced on the Santa Anna river, about two miles from the 
Mormon settlement. From here the line of survey followed up a dry branch of that river, and, 
passing the divide, descended another stream, dry except near its source, to the desert. The 
grades in this pass are so uniform that it is difficult, in its description, to say anything more 
than to state the degree of declination to be overcome. After ascending for 64 miles, at a grade 
of 45 feet to the mile, we have 181 miles to the divide, at an average grade of 78 feet ; during 
the whole of which distance, with the exception of 14 mile at 127 feet, the greatest deviation 
from the average is eight feet per mile. Descending from the divide, we have 28 miles at an 
average grade of 69 feet. This pass is so uniform and open that it may be considered the best 
pass in the Coast range. - 
Having gained the eastern base of the mountains, Lieutenant Parke conducted his train along 
their base till he struck the wagon-road leading to Fort Yuma. Along the first part of the 
route the country was inhabited by friendly Indians. It was evident that here the land was 
below the level of the sea, and that they were travelling in the bed of what was once either a 
lake, or the head of the Gulf of California. Water was obtained near the surface by digging; 
a distinct. water-line was visible on the rocks, and. the barometer indicated a depression below 
