98 Expedition to the 



After proceeding near twenty miles, we directed our course 

 towards the river, which we hnd kept at some distance on 

 our left. Arriving at it at two o'clock, we encamped, and sent 

 out the hunters, as we had some hope of procuring a supply 

 of provisions, less repugnant to our prejudices than horse- 

 flesh; the hunters, however, as well as others of the party, 

 spent the remaining part of the afternoon in an unavailing 

 search for game. 



The hills, which bound the immediate valley of the river 

 at this place, have an elevation of from one to two hundred 

 feet above the surface of the water. They are usually co- 

 vered with a deep sandy soil, but disclose in their sides, 

 points and precipices of red sandstone, containing large 

 quantities of very beautiful Selenite. The other more com- 

 mon varieties of sulphate of lime, are also of frequent oc- 

 currence. Crystals of carbonate of lime, are met with in 

 veins traversing the sandstone. 



In this region, the cenchrus tribuloides, a most annoying 

 grass, supplies the place of the Cactus ferox^ and the 

 troublesome stipas of the Platte. The cenchrus bears its seed 

 in small spikelets, which consist of a number of rigid radi- 

 ating spines. These clusters of barbed thorns are detached at 

 the slightest touch, falling into our mockasins, adhering to 

 our blankets and clothing, and annoying us at every point. 

 The clott-bur, (Xanthium strumiarum') which had occur- 

 red in every part of our route, began now to ripen and cast 

 off its muricated fruit, adding one more to the sources of con- 

 stant molestation. 



A formidable centipede, (Scolopendra) was caught near 

 the camp, and brought in alive by one of the engagees. It 

 was about eight inches in length, and nearly three-fourths of 

 an inch in breadth, being of a flattened form, and of a dark 

 brown colour. While kept alive, it showed great viciousness 

 of disposition, biting at every thing which came within its 

 reach. Its bite is said to be venomous. 



