60 MULBERRY CREEK. 



which we frequently obtained views of the valleys of both branches of 

 the river. 



The grama grass, which appears to flourish in this section, is now in 

 process of heading, and will soon be matured.'* This most excellent 

 forage for animals does not ripen until quite late in the season, and re- 

 mains green during most of the winter. I have observed it growing in 

 about the same latitudes as the mezquite trees ; but it is most abundant 

 in New Mexico, where it is the predominating grass of the country. 



As I was riding at a distance from the train to-day, I saw three Indi- 

 ans, but they immediately passed out of view in a ravine, and were not 

 observed again. 



We are encamped this evening upon a very clear and rapid brook ; 

 but the water, unfortunately, has the characteristic taste of the gypsum. 



There is capital grass upon the creek, and large cotton-wood and 

 hackberry, with a few mulberry trees, which, being the first we have 

 seen for several weeks, has suggested a name for the stream — " Mul- 

 berry creek" 



July 7. — We left camp at 2 o'clock this morning, and continued on 

 for three miles over the same description of country as that we passed 

 yesterday, when we arrived at a swift-running creek, twenty-five feet 

 wide and eight inches deep, of clear, cold water ; but, as usual, upon 

 tasting it, found it unpalatable. Aft&r passing this creek our course 

 was nearly parallel to the river, and from four to twelve miles distant. 



The gypsum formation characterizes this section, and has continued 

 from near the head of the river to this place ; but as it imparts to the 

 water such disagreeable qualities, we earnestly desire to see no more of 

 it. 



*Two varieties of grama grass-sead (Chondrosium foeneum aud Atheropogon 

 oligostachyum) were collected and disposed of in the manner mentioned in the 

 following letter : 



U. S. Patent Office, 



November 12, 1852. 

 Sir : The two packages of grama grass-seed from near the sources of Eed 

 river, forwarded by you to this office, have beeu received, and you are requested 

 to accept the thanks of the office for the same. They have already been dis- 

 tributed, iu conformity with your suggestion, to gentlemen in the States of Vir- 

 ginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. 

 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



S. H. HODGES. 

 Capt. E. B. Marcy, New York. 



