REPORT ON THE GEOLOGY OF THE WHITE RIVER DISTRICT. 



INTRODUCTION. 



During 1876 the geological survey of Colorado was completed by the 

 four field-parties sent out for that purpose. A short season only could 

 be devoted to the work, but it proved to be of sufficient length to finish 

 all that had been assigned to each individual party. 



On August 16 the division to which I was attached as geologist left 

 Eawlins for the White Eiver Indian agency, in order to survey a strip 

 of country west and southwest from that point. To us had been assigned 

 the region lying west of the agency, bordered on the north by the White 

 Eiver, on the west by longitude 109° 30' west, on the south by north 

 Latitude 4(P, and joining on the east with the district of the late Mr. 

 Marvine (1873) along a line of about longitude 107° 45' west. The 

 area enclosed within these limits comprises about 3,800 square miles. In 

 order to expedite the work as much as possible, it was decided to estab- 

 lish White Eiver agency as a supply-post for provisions, and complete 

 the survey in two trips from that point. This plan was carried out, and 

 proved to save time in travelling. 



August 27 we left the agency, starting southward, and, after finish- 

 ing the area we had expected to, we returned by a different route to our 

 starting point September 9. Leaving it again September 11, we sur- 

 veyed the remaining portion of the district. Our last station was made 

 October 11. On the day following we left the Indian agency and 

 marched eastward by way of Middle Park, crossing the continental 

 divide over Boulder Pass. Snow and cold weather impeded rapid pro- 

 gress somewhat, but on October 22 we reached Boulder City, from where 

 we proceeded to Washington. 



In treating of the district completed during that time I have con- 

 cluded to divide the discussion into two parts. The first treats of the 

 physical character of the region, the second of the structural. Uniform 

 in every respect, that section of country furnishes but very little of 

 interest either to the geologist or palseontologisfc. It is not a pleasant 

 region to travel through, owing to its arid character, and to the fact 

 that much of the water which may be found, is little less than a satura- 

 ted solution of carbonates and sulphates of the various alkalies. For 

 sanitary purposes it would answer admirably well, but this peculiar 

 feature is not particularly acceptable to any one who may be dependent 

 upon the water he meets with for hi« beverage and his cooking. 

 In the subjoined pages special mention will be made of the most alka- 

 line creeks and springs, and the origin of the alkalies in solution will be 

 discussed. 



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