CACHE VALLEY. 95 



As the object of the reconnoissance was principally to ascertain 

 what were the capabilities of this valley to afford sustenance for a 

 military post, if established in its vicinity, the examination was but 

 a general one, and was not directed to the selection of any particu- 

 lar portion of it for such a purpose. At the time the reconnoissance 

 was made, all the information that could be obtained from the oldest 

 mountain-men, induced both Colonel Porter and myself to believe 

 that it was one of the most eligible spots in the whole country for 

 wintering stock. It had been a rendezvous for the American Fur 

 Company for many years, and stock had been wintered there by 

 them with great advantage. The snow was seldom deep, and the 

 cattle not only retained their flesh, but grew fat during the winter. 

 So flattering were the appearances, and so great the advantages 

 offered by this lovely valley, that nearly the whole number of cattle 

 and mules belonging to the cantonment were, upon the return of 

 Colonel Porter to that post, driven down here under the care of a 

 proper guard, to be wintered. The season, however, proved un- 

 usually severe ; the snow fell in the valley to a depth unprecedented ; 

 and more than one-half of the herd, in which were included some 

 of my own animals, perished in consequence. The fact of the lia- 

 bility of the valley to a similar occurrence in future will doubtless 

 have its due influence in finally deciding upon its eligibility as the 

 best site for a post in the vicinity of Salt Lake. 



The soil of the valley is very rich, being principally alluvial, with 

 a great deal of vegetable mould. Facilities for irrigation are very 

 great, and water could be commanded to a large extent for farming 

 purposes. Any amount of hay might be cut without in the least in- 

 terfering with the range for cattle. The only objection to this, as a 

 most desirable spot for settlement, is the danger from snow ; and 

 even this might be in a great degree obviated, by the erection of 

 suitable sheds for protection of the stock during the more severe 

 portions of the seasons. These seldom last beyond a few weeks. 



Should the road to which I have already adverted be established 

 from Fort Bridger, through the valley of Blacksmith's Fork, it 

 would at once attract to it the travel to Oregon and California ; a 

 fact which would have its due weight in the selection of a site for a 

 military post for the protection of this part of the country. 



The advance of the season precluded the making of much geo- 

 logical examination beyond the immediate vicinity of the route 

 travelled, which led through the valley at the base of the ranges. 

 The only rocks met with were those composing the lower hills, 



