[ 174 ] 150 
over. The people with. the baggage were easily crossed in the boat, and 
we encamped on the leit bank where we crossed the river. At sunset the 
thermometer was at 75°, and there was some rain during the night, with a 
thunder storm at a distance. : 
September 5,—Before us was evidently the bed of the lake, being a great 
salt marsh, perfectly level and bare, whitened in places by saline efflo- 
rescences, with here and there a pool of water, and having the appearance 
ofa very level sea shore at low tide. Immediately along,the river was a 
very narrow strip of vegetation, consisting. of willows, helianthi, roses, 
flowering vines, and grass ; bordered on the verge of the great marsh by a 
fringe of singular plants, which appear to bea shrubby salicornia, or a genus 
allied to it. a 
About 12 miles to the southward was one of those isolated mountains, 
now, appearing to be akind of peninsula; and towards this we accordingly 
directed our course, as it, probably afforded a good view. of the lake ; but 
the deepening mud as we advanced forced us to return toward the river, and 
gain the higher ground at the foot of the eastern mountains. Here we halt- 
ed for a few. minutes at noon, on.a beautiful little stream of pure and re- 
anatkably clear water, with a bed.of rock in sifu, on which was an abun- 
dant. water plant with a white blossom. There was good grass in the bot- 
toms; and, amidst a rather luxuriant growth, its banks were bordered with 
a latge. showy. plant (eupatorium purpureum,) which |. here. saw. for. the 
first time, We named the stream Clear creek. ; ‘ 
We. continued our, way along the mountain, having found here a. broad | 
plainly, beaten trail, over what was apparently the shore of the lake.in the 
Spring ; the ground being high and firm, and the soil excellent and covered 
mentary rock ; the lines of deposition being very distinct. It is rocky and » 
steep ; divided into several mountains ; and the rain in the valley appears 
to be always snow on their summits at this season. Near.a remarkable 
rocky point of the mountain, at a large spring of pure water, were several 
hackberry trees, (celtis,) probably a new species, the berries still green ; 
and a short distance farther, thickets of sumach (rhus. ) 
Springs, highly impregnated with salt. In one of these, the harrantnaiay. : 
+ Tas 
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Wai 8 Hi Gea 
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