64 FORT YUMA TO MOJAVE CANON—MOUTH OF MOJAVE CANON. 
seemed to block the way. An abrupt turn at the base of the apparent barrier revealed a 
cavern-like approach to the profound chasm beyond. <A scene of such imposing grandeur as 
that which now presented itself I have never before witnessed. On either side majestic cliffs, 
hundreds of feet in height, rose perpendicularly from the water. As the river wound through 
the narrow enclosure every turn developed some sublime effect or startling novelty in the view. 
Brilliant tints of purple, green, brown, red, and white illuminated the stupendous surfaces and 
relieved their sombre monotony. Far above, clear and distinct upon the narrow strip of sky, 
turrets, spires, jagged statue-like peaks and grotesque pinnacles overlooked the deep abyss. 
The waning day found us still threading the windings of this wonderful defile, and the 
approach of twilight enhanced the wild romance of the scenery. The bright colors faded and 
blended into a uniform dark gray. The rocks assumed dim and exaggerated shapes, and seemed 
to flit like giant spectres in pursuit and retreat along the shadowy vista. A solemn stillness 
reigned in the darkening avenue, broken only by the plash of the paddles or the cry of a 
solitary heron, startled by our approach from his perch on the brink of some overhanging cliff. 
The obscurity was rapidly increasing, when a turn of the river threw a sudden light upon 
the way, and we found that we were passing out of the cafion, having reached the low foot 
hills beyond. A short distance further, coming to a good camping place, we hauled up to the 
bank for the night. 
