FOR A RAILWAY. 575 
these could be smoothed at the surface and inserted firmly in 
the ground, they would endure longer than any material ever 
used for the purpose, except stone ; and the desert regions 
where there is no timber, would furnish an abundant supply of 
these roots. The experiment is worth trying. 
With regard to water, there are certain indications, even in 
the most desert regions, by which experienced travellers gener- 
ally find it by digging. It may be found, too, in every moun- 
tain range, and in great depressions on the plains by digging 
or boring. An examination of the map, or of this narrative, 
will show what running streams or springs exist, from which to 
obtain a supply. 
From these brief remarks, it will be seen that the advan- 
tages of the southern route fora railway, are an open and 
remarkably level country from the Mississippi to the Sierra 
Nevada of California—a summit level a thousand feet less than 
that of the other routes (so far as known)—entire freedom from 
snhows—and convenience in obtaining supplies. The disad- 
vantages are a deficiency of timber, water, and food for animals; 
_ and the want of tillable lands for settlements and farms. 
