176 
EVENTS AT 
sun. Very few birds were descried. On reaching the 
great plain east of the mountain, we found several 
flocks of quails, of a different kind from those seen 
near the Rio Grande. These latter were all gray, like 
the northern quail ; while those on the opposite side of 
the mountain are the blue or California quail, with a 
top-knot on its head. Got a few as specimens. As 
there was time enough to ascend to the top of the 
mountain, which is accessible from the east, we went 
around and struck the road which passes on the 
opposite side. This is the route taken by wagons. It 
is four or flve miles longer ; and although very hilly 
and tortuous, the narrow defile and perpendicular 
descent of the opposite route is avoided. Yet I would 
prefer the latter, even for loaded wagons, if the rock 
at the place referred to was cut away, a labor easily 
accomplished. After making a circuit of the mountain, 
and collecting some specimens of insects, reptiles, and 
plants, we reached our camp under the rock at 4 
o’clock, p. M., well pleased with our little jaunt. The 
following day we returned to El Paso. 
This was the only excursion I made from El Paso 
during the winter I was detained there, except visits 
on business to Dona Ana, Socorro, and San Eleazario. 
The Commission was as actively occupied as circum- 
stances would permit. Lieutenant Whipple established 
an astronomical observatory at San Eleazario in Decem- 
ber, and in February at Frontera, a rancho belonging 
to Mr. White, on the banks of the river, about eight 
miles above El Paso. This was intended for the perma- 
nent astronomical observatory and station, until the 
completion of the survey on this portion of the line. 
