ANDALUSITE—SNOW-PEAKS—GEANITE. 
17 
gravel in the channel, and appearances indicated that at that point the river seldom flowed as a 
tumultuous, rapid torrent. I found numerous large and good crystals of andalusite in the sand 
of the banks, and some fragments of slate, also full of crystals. These may have been washed 
out of the adjoining conglomerate, or transported from the original sources in the Sierra 
Nevada. 
Chowchillas to the, Fresno , 12 miles. —From the Chowchillas to the Fresno river, outcrops of 
horizontal strata, forming low bluffs, were constantly visible. The surface is formed of sand and 
gravel derived from the degradation of the surrounding sandstone hills. It is.almost destitute of 
vegetation, and free from moisture. The reflection of the sun’s rays from this arid surface is ex¬ 
ceedingly oppressive ; especially when the thermometer indicates a temperature of 100° in the 
shade. It stood at this point during a part of the day. At the same time, the snow-capped sum¬ 
mits of the Sierra Nevada presented a splendid appearance, with their white mantles glistening 
in the sun ; and, although far distant, they appeared to lend a refreshing coolness to the air 
of the plains. 
Fresno river to Fort Miller , on the San Joaquin river— The high peaks of the Sierra Nevada, 
white with snow, were visible from our camp in the plain. At this place and season the river 
ceases to flow in a continuous stream, and water is only found in the deep holes of the channel. 
TABLE-HILLS NEAR FORT MILLER 
Drs. Haller and Leech have a farm on the hanks, where they have raised thousands of bushels 
of barley ; the spontaneous or second crop averaging thirty bushels to the acre. 
Leaving the camp and the party, I passed up the stream for several miles, over a succession of 
outcrops of grey, compact granite. The channel of the river is narrow and rocky, and filled 
with huge blocks of granite detached from the ridges. 
3 F 
