217 [ 174 J 
also.covered with this. substance, which was in too great quantity on the 
mountains, along the Shore of the lake to have been deposited by water, 
and has the appearance of having been spread over the rocks in mass.* 
Where we had halted, appeared to be a favorite camping place for In- 
dians. : , 
January 13.—We followed againa broad Indian trail along the shore of 
the lake to the southward. For a short space we had room enough in the 
bottom ; but, after travelling a short distance, the water{swept the foot of 
precipitous mountains, the peaks of which are about 3,000 feet above the 
lake. The trail wound along the base of these precipices, against which 
the water dashed below, by a way nearly impracticable for the howitzer. 
During a greater part of the morning the lake was nearly hid by a snow 
storm, and the waves broke on the narrow beach in a long line of foaming 
surf, five or six feet high. The day was unpleasantly cold, the wind driv- 
ing the snow sharp against our faces ; and, having advanced only about 12 
miles, we encamped in a bottom formed by a ravine, covered with good 
grass, which was fresh and green. . re 
We did not get the howitzer into camp, but were obliged to leave it om 
the rocks until morning, We saw several flocks of sheep, but did not suc- 
ceed in killing any. Ducks were riding on the waves, and several large 
fish were seen. The mountain sides were crusted with the calcareous 
cement preyiously mentioned. There were chenopodiaceous and other 
shrubs along the beach; and, at the foot of the rocks, an abundance of 
ephedra occidentalis, Whose dark-green col kes th g g 
the shrubby growth of the lake. Towards evening the snow began to fall 
heavily, and the country had a wintry appearance. 
The next morning the snow was rapidly melting under a warm sun. 
Part of the morning Was occupied in bringing up the gun; and, mak 
only nine miles, we encamped on the shore, opposite a very remar b 
- 
cording to our estimate, 600 feet above the water ; and, from the poi 
viewed it, presented 4 pretty exact outline of the great pyramid of C. 
The accompanying drawing presents it as we sawiit. Like oth 
along the shore, it se¢med to be incrusted with calcareous 
striking feature suggested a name for the lake; and I cal 
lake ; and though, it may be deemed by some a fanciful resembla 
undertake to say that the future traveller will find a much more striking 
name. : 
he elevation of this jake above the sea is 4,890 feet, being nearly 700. 
from which it lies nearly west, and 
Ee 
lerock — 
in the lake, which had attracted our attention for many miles. It rose » a= 
* 
