f 174] 172 
is altogether differént from that of the riyer plain, being in many places 
black, in others sandy and gravelly, but of a firm and good character, ap- 
pearing to result from the decomposition of the granite rocks, which is pro- 
ceeding rapidly. < 
In quitting for a time the artemisia (sage) through which we had been 
so long voyaging, and the sombre appearance of which is so discouraging, 
FT have to remark, that I have been informed that in Mexico wheat is grown 
upon the ground which produces this shrub ; which, if true, relieves the soil 
from the character of sterility imputed to it. Be this as it may, there isno 
dispute about the grass, which is almost universal on the hills and moun- 
‘tains, and always nutritious, even in its dry state. We passed on the way 
4 
I wooded with soniev 
masses of granjte on the slope of a spur, which was very much weathered 
and abraded. This is a white feldspathic granite, with small scales of 
black micea ; smoky quartz and garnets appear to constitute this portion of 
the mountain : 
of 45° 3 and we breakfasted at sunrise, the birds singing in the trees as 
rrily as if we were inthe midst of summer. On the upper edge of the 
ed about 8 miles, we were nearly opposité to the highest portion of the 
mountains on the left side of the Smoke river valley ; and, continuing on a 
few miles beyond, we came suddenly in sight of the broad green line of 
the valley of the Riviére Boisée, (wooded river,) black near the gorge 
ere it debouches into the plains, with high precipices of basalt, between 
walls of which it passes, on emerging from the mountains. Following 
with the eye its upward course, it appears to be shut in among lofty moun- 
er confining its valley ina very rugged country. 
Sucha stream 
