74 FROM FORT LARAMIE TO FORT BRIDGER. 



about the same level. If there was any dip, it was to the south, 

 although certainly not so great as had been observed in the strata 

 since leaving the South Pass. Quite a number of fossils were 

 collected here. The character of the soil in the valley of Green 

 River would indicate a considerable preponderance of argilla- 

 ceous elements in the rocks. The ridge between it and Black's 

 Fork afforded an imperfect section of the rocks. They were, how- 

 ever, mostly covered by clay. The less decomposed rock consisted 

 of white and slaty sandstone, a coarse-grained grayish sandstone, 

 and a thin stratum of limestone. But few fossils could be col- 

 lected, the surface of the rocks being almost entirely concealed by 

 blue clay — the result of the disintegration of strata which seemed 

 to compose the greater portion of the mass. The strata were very 

 nearly horizontal, although a slight dip to the north was suspected. 

 Common salt was found on some of the stones. The layer of 

 limestone was near the top of the rocks. 



Saturday, August 11. — Ther. at 6 o'clock, 40°. A drive of 

 thirty-two miles, during which we crossed Ham's Fork and Black's 

 Fork three times, brought us to Fort Bridger — an Indian trading- 

 post, situated on the latter stream, which here branches into three 

 principal channels, forming several extensive islands, upon one of 

 which the fort is placed. It is built in the usual form of pickets, 

 with the lodging apartments and offices opening into a hollow 

 square, protected from attack from without by a strong gate of 

 timber. On the north, and continuous with the walls, is a strong 

 high picket-fence, enclosing a large yard, into which the animals 

 belonging to the establishment are driven for protection from both 

 wild beasts and Indians. We were received with great kindness 

 and lavish hospitality by the proprietor. Major James Bridger, one 

 of the oldest mountain-men in this entire region, who has been en- 

 gaged in the Indian trade, here, and upon the heads of the Mis- 

 souri and Columbia, for the last thirty years. Several of my 

 wagons needing repair, the train was detained five days for the 

 purpose, Major Bridger courteously placing his blacksmith-shop at 

 my service. 



In a ravine to the right of the ford of Ham's Fork, on the north 

 bank, white sandstone was found cropping out, and here some speci- 

 mens of very perfect shells were collected. Under the sandstone 

 were argillaceous shales, and above them apparently a thin stratum 

 of limestone and rolled pebbles. The general surface of the coun- 

 try appeared to be the result of the disintegration of argillaceous 



