72 APPENDIX A.—DIARY OF THE EXPEDITION. 
on which we camped, the most easterly, is less salty than the others, and is by far the best for 
use. Itis slightly sulphurous, but not very unpalatable. There are some holes dug around, 
in which the water is somewhat better than in the bottom. These lakes are about three miles 
in length, and run north 20° west, and south 20° east. They are enclosed by gentle eminences, 
on which the grass is better than in the bottom. 
We met a party of Kiowas, who had a large number of horses and ponies, and were return- 
ing with them to their own country from Mexico. It is needless to say these animals had been 
stolen. The chief met us near our halting-place, and showed a friendly spirit. The Indians 
encamped at a short distance from us. With the exception of a few words with the chief, no 
further intercourse was held with them. They did come into our camp, but departed hastily 
towards the north. 
The soil during this day’s march is generally good clay, mingled with sand, with occasional 
gravelly places. The hills at the ‘‘Springs’’ are formed of decomposed limestone. There was 
no growth of wood, or even brush, along our route. The ae root is plenty, but difficult 
to get at. The grass is improving. 
The animals were watered and driven up on the hills to graze. They were all fed with corn, 
and herded under a strong guard during the night, except six mules, which were picketed in 
camp, to be used in case of emergency. 
Observations for the time. taken during the day, and for the latitude at night. General 
direction, north 52? east; miles, 13. 
Camp No. 30—Thursday, March 30, 1854.—Left last camp at 104 o'clock a.m. Our route 
was over a rolling prairie; the road excellent. The animals, being now recruited, looked and 
travelled well. As we do not expect to reach water this evening, our kegs were filled, and the 
animals all watered before we started. On our whole route to-day we did not see any wood; 
the mezquite-root is plenty, but more difficult to obtain than usual. As we proceed, the grass 
improves. To the right of the road the plain was covered with young green grass, which the ani- 
mals ate with great avidity. This green grassis the result of firing the prairie, which is done by 
the Indians on the grounds they most frequent. Occasionally the grass is fired accidentally ; 
a fresh and excellent crop replacing the dry grass. 
We reached camp at fifteen minutes past 2 o'clock p.m. We found good grass and mezquite- 
trees in considerable quantities. 
The same arrangement in respect to the animals as on the previous evening. 
No observations taken in the day; the wind blew a perfect gale at night from the north. 
The soil during this day’s march was a good clay and sand; we met with several places 
covered with decomposed limestone. This land could, no doubt, be cultivated successfully if 
there was either natural or artificial irrigation. Stock to an incredible extent could be raised 
on these plains near the watering-places. This result will perhaps be accomplished at a future 
day. | 
Camp No. 31— Friday, March 31, 1854.—Left last camp at five minutes to 7 o'clock a. m., 
and moved in the direction of the Big Springs, over a rolling prairie. About four miles from 
camp we descended into a fine valley, having a rich soil, covered with a fresh growth of grass. 
As we proceed the country assumes a different and more fertile appearance. On our route to- 
day there is a great quantity of mezquite, which becomes particularly abundant as we approach 
the Springs." We reached our camp, = Springs of Colorado, at twenty minutes after 12 
o'clock p. m. 
These springs are surrounded by immense masses of limestone rock, and are situated in a 
basin or reservoir of the same geological character, about sixty feet wide, and to all appearances 
about thirty feet deep. The water is excellent. On exploring the rocky inem in the vicinity, 
we found large quantities of shell of the muscle species imbedded in the rock. 
We have everything here requisite for camping—water, wood, and grass in abundance. Itis 
one of the best camps we have yet stopped at. 
