68 GEOLOGY OF THE BLACK HILLS. 



ment is seen to overlook ji similar valley, beyond which is Harney. Thus 

 ascendin*^ rugj^ed mountain sloj)es and crossing intricate valleys our guid- 

 ing peak, after almost endless labor, is finally reached and joyously 

 ascended, only to crown our disappointment with the sight of Harney still 

 in the far distance, standing high above the surrounding peaks, to reach 

 which still other and many high lidges and deep valleys must be scaled and 

 crossed. Such was the experience of several of the officers of our escort, 

 who thrice attempted the ascent of Harney from the south and southeast, 

 and each time were foiled by the difficulties of the rugged mountain 

 region. The triangulation party, however, was more successful, for 

 approaching the granite range from the west it encountered less difficulty. 

 Following first one of the grassy vallo3's of French Creek, and thence 

 crossing a high ridge from which Harney was visible, a small valley was 

 reached, which afterward was found to meander to the very base of the 

 peak itself. Here encamping, the peak was considered but a slight climb 

 for the following morning. On the morrow, leaving here the horses, the 

 ridge bordering the valley was easily mounted, and among the multitude 

 of peaks in view one was singled out as Harney. This proved to be an 

 error, but from its sunnnit the true Harney was seen. Following then a 

 high ridge, along which for a long distance we had to cut a passage 

 through the undergrowth of pine and a;Spen and pick our way over fallen 

 timber and rough crags, the peak w^as finally reached. At the base of the 

 tower were found cartridges and other evidence of the presence of General 

 Custer's party in 1874, but the tower itself, the summit of the peak, seemed 

 never to have been ascended. After some struggling and climbing the 

 highest point was surmounted, from which the whole character of the 

 country could be studied. A mercurial barometer observed on the top of 

 the tower gave for its altitude 7,403 feet. 



The general character of the view from this point has already been 

 mentioned in describing the topography of the slate area. Northward the 

 granite range ends somewhat abruptl}', and descends at a high angle for 

 nearly two thousand feet, while beyond are seen the rounded hills and 

 scattered valleys of the slate area, with Custer and Terry Peaks in the 

 distance, and far to the northeast the conical top of Bear Butte. On all 



