362 ASSINNIBOINE AND SASKATCHEWAN EXPEDITION. 



3 5 tli parallel the vertical section across the mountain 

 system is of greater width and elevation. The mean 

 height above the ocean is about 5500 feet, and the lowest 

 pass 7750 feet. Between the 38th and 40th parallel the 

 section has an elevation of 7500 feet, and the lowest pass 

 is 10,032 feet above the level of the sea. Beneath the 

 parallel of 47° the base of the plateau is narrow, and has 

 an average altitude of 2500 feet, the lowest pass being 

 6044 feet above the ocean.* Within British territory 

 north of the 49th parallel the passes in the eastern range 

 are still lower. The recent measurements by Captain 

 Palliser's Expedition show that the height of the Kutanie 

 Pass in latitude 49° 30' is nearly 6000 feet above the sea 

 level ; the Kananaski Pass 5985 feet, and the Vermilion 

 Pass, traversed by Dr. Hector, in latitude 51° 10', only 

 4944 feet above the ocean. 



The following table exhibits the elevation of the Eocky 

 Mountain plateau, and the height of the lowest Passes 

 above the ocean : — 



Table showing the elevation and breadth of the Plateau on which the Rocky 

 Mountain ranges rest, and the height above the Ocean of the lowest Passes, 

 from the 32nd parallel to the 51st parallel, North Latitude. 



32nd parallel 

 35th „ 



38th and 39th parallel 

 41st and 42nd . 

 47th and 49thf . 



Breadth and Elevation of Plateau between the 32nd and 49th 



Parallels. 



3000 



4000 



5000 



6000 



7000 



8000 



9000 



and 



and 



and 



and 



and 



and 



and 



4000 



5000 



6000 



7000 



8000 



9000 



10,000 



feet. 



feet. 



feet. 



feet. 



'feet. 



feet. 



feet. 



miles. 



miles. 



miles. 



miles. 



miles. 



miles. 



miles. 



170 



503 



60 











185 



160 



303 



235 



95 







143 



725 



284 



110 



155 



80 



20 



160 



580 



285 



270 



107 



20 





130 



97 



28 











* Dr. J. Henry, "Meteorology in its Connexion with Agriculture. " 

 f Pacific Railroad Explorations. 



