AND RETURN TO SAN FRANCISCO. 43 
by a patch of decomposed rock of a whitish cast, cover- 
ing about an acre. Here also jets of steam issued 
forth, but not in so many places, nor with as much force 
as within the gorge just described. Dr. Webb and Mr. 
Thurber examined it, and afterwards visited several 
‘others, further up the river; but none of them were 
found to equal the first in grandeur. I remained be- 
hind with Mr. Osborne, to take a sketch from the bank 
where we stood, showing these last named geysers, 
and the deep mountain gorge through which Pluton 
River runs. The scenery here was truly grand. Im- 
mense pines grew on the mountain sides and tops, 
while oaks and smaller trees filled the narrow valleys 
and ravines, which the rains had made. Just below us 
ran the river, dashing over rocks in its steep descent, 
and often concealed by the thick foliage which over- 
hung it. 
Mr. Osborne and myself then returned and crossed — 
the foot of the gorge where the great geysers are, with 
the intention of getting a view of the chasm looking 
up towards the point from which I had taken my first 
sketch. To reach this point was easier said than done, 
and proved the most difficult and only dangerous 
adventure of the day. However, by lying flat on our 
breasts and working a resting-place or notch with our 
feet in the crumbling rocks, and occasionally laying 
hold of a projecting root, we succeeded in reaching 
the desired point. Here, on a projecting cliff, grew a 
few shrubs of the manacita, beneath which I crept on 
my hands and knees; and having reached the point, 
sat down and took a sketch, while my companion re- 
freshed himself beneath the shade. 
