WESTERN SLOPE OF THE SIERRA NEVADA. 53 
direct line being but three miles) by winding from the summit of the pass south along the foot 
of the nearest peaks, and touching Battle creek. Below this, the distances and line of profile 
are those of the direct line of descent; for the total descent, 5,400 feet—5,000 being confined to 
the first forty miles of the direct line—is so much more unequally distributed than was antici- 
pated when making the survey, that, at two points it is not practicable, without a minute 
survey and actual location of the road, to indicate a continuous line upon which a railway 
can be successfully constructed to descend this pass; and I have, therefore, not deviated from 
the direct line. But it can only be carried below the point indicated on Battle creek by contin- 
uing the curve and crossing to the north the deep ravine before referred to, and again re-crossing 
it on a curve to the south, returning to and across Battle creek, and wm by a continued 
series of similar curves, effecting the descent. "The width of the descending ridge is so great, 
and its general character such, however, as to establish the strongest probability of the prac- 
ticability of effecting the descent on large and practicable curves to Hill's rancho; and there is 
no difficulty in continuing it thence to McCumber's mill—24 miles (including the curve for the 
first five miles) from the summit. From this point the road should follow, for some distance, a 
branch of Battle creek to the south, relieving, as far as practicable, the difficult section below 
Shingletown; for the broken narrow ridge by which the descent must be continued for four 
miles below this point is such, and the descent so great, as to render it doubtful whether it 
can be successfully descended without stationary power. A further survey and actual location 
of the road, as before indicated, is, however, necessary to determine this point. And if the 
general character and location of the route connecting with this pass is such as to render the 
determination of this point desirable, the resurvey should be continued to the summit of the pass. 
The section immediately succeeding the one just indicated is that of the foot-hills of the 
mountains; and is rough, descending in narrow ridges, but a railway can readily be carried 
over it. 
We were courteously received at Fort Reading by the commanding officer, Colonel Wright, 
and the other officers of the post, and hospitably entertained by them during the two days 
which we were detained in getting our animals shod and procuring necessary supplies for our 
trip up the Sacramento to the mouth of Fall river, to complete the line of exploration by the 
Madelin Pass. 
