button] FROM KANAB TO THE KAIBAB. 131 



5,000 to 5,500 feet above the base of the Permian, for in the interval 

 between the two exposures the northward dip of the whole mass has 

 earned down the Eocene about 5,000 feet. 



From every elevated point on the Kanab Plateau this magnificent 

 display is in full view. All of the broader geological facts in the strat- 

 igraphy and structure of the terraces may be distinctly seen and inter 

 preted. The increment in thickness of the Mesozoie strata towards the 

 west is very plain. The effect of the great Sevier fault, which comes 

 down from the High Plateaus cutting across the terrace platforms and 

 disappearing at the Pipe Spring promontory of the Vermilion ('litis is 

 now visible. By a simple reconstruction, lifting up the thrown side of 

 this fault and gradually depressing the westward extension of the strata 

 until the Eocene is horizontal, we can restore mentally the whole mass 

 to the attitude it held in Eocene time, and it will require but a slight 

 effort of the imagination to detect the original configuration which de- 

 termined the present positions of the drainage basins of the Virgen, Ka- 

 nab, and Paria Rivers. With a measured base-line extending east and 

 west upon this part of the Kanab Plateau and with a fine large theodo- 

 lite it would be practicable to make all the measurements necessary for 

 determining the masses and positions of the several stratigraphic mem- 

 bers with a degree of accuracy not materially less than could be obtained 

 by studying them upon their own ground. 



A spectacle of this kind is most impressive to the geologist. It brings 

 into one view the coordinated results of observations made laboriously 

 by months of travel and inspection in a very broad and rugged held. The 

 great distances through which the eye can reach, the aspect of cliffs 

 towering above and beyond cliffs, the great cumulative altitude thus 

 attained, the immensity of the masses revealed, the boldness of form, 

 the distinctness of the lines of stratification, and especially the brilliant 

 coloring, subdued indeed, but also refined by the haze, give to the scene 

 a grandeur which has few parallels. 



But we turn our backs upon it, and pursue our way, pausing anon to 

 look at it with a reverent enthusiasm. The daylight discloses the west- 

 ern Kaibab wall upon our left, only five or six miles distant, and our 

 course changes from southeast to south parallel to its front. Already 

 we feel the influences of its long spurs sweeping outward and dying 

 away in the desert platform, and the trail becomes more hilly. Once 

 or twice it takes us down into ravines which are the continuations of 

 the great chasms which cut it to its base and recede far into its mass, 

 winding out of sight in profound depths. Vegetation has made its 

 appearance all around us, not abundantly, indeed, but sufficiently to 

 contrast with the desolation behind us. Upon the crest of the plateau 

 we can see the giant pines and spruces, and we covet their luxurious 

 shade. Nearer, on either hand, arc pinons and cedars, mountain mahog- 

 any and mesquite, with many low forms of desert shrubbery. Many 

 species of cactus are seen, the most abundant of which are the opuntias, 



