88 FROM GREAT SALT LAKE CITY TO FORT HALL. 



following down its valley to within five miles of Fort Hall, we cros,«< 

 the Port Neuf, and passing over a wide level plain, reach that cele- 

 brated trading-post. But this line is deserving of notice rather 

 more in detail. About two miles above the ford, Bear River, in 

 emerging from Cache Valley, breaks through the chain forming 

 the eastern boundary of the valley of Salt Lake. The range, 

 which here sinks quite suddenly, for a short distance to the 

 south of the canon or gate through which the river has forced its 

 passage, consists of low, rounded hills, which present no trace of 

 rock on the surface. The river indeed appears to cut through 

 rock, but an opportunity did not occur to ascertain this by actual 

 observation. After crossing and following up its right bank for 

 two and a-half miles, we left the river, and struck into a broad and 

 beautiful valley, formed by the Roseaux, or Malade, which, flowing 

 from the north, discharges itself into Bear River some miles below 

 the ford. The valley is five or six miles wide, and its western 

 boundary is formed by a chain of high, rounded hills, being the 

 continuation of a lofty rocky promontory, projecting into the north 

 end of the Lake. The eastern boundary of this valley is formed 

 by the continuation, in a northern direction, of the Wahsatch range, 

 which divides it from the Bear River and Cache Valley. Ascend- 

 ing the valley, these mountains rise to a considerable height, the 

 strata dipping to the north-east, and the direction of the chain 

 inclining to the west. The valley of the Malade is extremely 

 level, free from underbrush, with very little artemisia, and affords 

 ground for an excellent wagon-road. Water to-day was found in 

 quantities sufficient for the animals, at points conveniently distri- 

 buted, and grass was abundant. Several fine springs were passed, 

 in which the water was cold and clear. Continuing up the valley 

 until four o'clock, we came to a superb little stream, coming out 

 of the eastern mountain, running with great swiftness over a bed 

 of breccia, and discharging a large quantity of clear, cold water. 

 The fall was great and the quantity of water ample for the irri- 

 gation of a very large farm, for which the lay of the land ofi'ers 

 great facilities. Here we encamped, with plenty of fine grass. 

 Distance from the city, one hundred and three miles ; and from 

 Bear River ford, twenty-four and a-half. 



Thursday, September 20. — Our march to-day was only eleven 

 miles, owing to the necessity of making a road across a small 

 stream with steep banks, which comes through a depression in the 

 eastern hills, through which a road from Sheep Rock, near the 



