392 Colorado River of the West. 
wards, like a water spout. 
e torrent was swifter than at any place below, but a steamboat, en- 
tirely emptied of its cargo, which could be deposited upon the rocks 
alongside of the rapid, could, if provided with long and stout lines, be 
hauled up. During a higher stage of the river the difficulty of the place 
would be much diminished. ith our nearly worn out ropes it W 
be very hazardous to attempt the ascent. 
Several rapids followed at short distances, all of which would be trouble~ 
some to pass at the present depth of water. The constant getting out of 
drift wood, lodged upon the rocks, offered a tolerable camping place, al a 
we hauled the — upon the shingle, and stopped for the night. = 
was no need of keeping a watch, with two grim lines of sentinels, 4 00" 
gl -d 
of the moon reached the summits of the mountains. Gazing far upwat” 
ual illumr- 
found chasm. The contrast between the vivid glow above, and the at 
obscurity beneath, formed one of the most striking points in the singtl 
icture. Of the subsequent appearance of things, when the moon 
igher, I do not think any of our weary party took particular notice. 
_ This morning, as soon as the light permitted, we were again U + had 
The ascent of the river was attended with as much labor 48 a 
‘ ) : . vi 
been the day before; for though none of the rapids were or ‘held to the 
less water-way. Wherever the river makes a turn the entire p pears 
_ changes, and one startling novelty after another appears an amphi 
with bewildering rapidity. Stately facades, august cathedrals, | ‘sur 
res, rotur ted walls, and rows of tim 
i 
