20 
FBOM THE PIMAS VILLAGES TO THE EIO GRANDE. 
those of the Pacific, at an elevation not exceeding 4,600 feet, the lowest yet determined between 
the parallels thirty-two and forty-nine. In considering the question of crossing from the waters 
of the Atlantic to the Pacific, the valleys of the Rio Grande and Rio Gila and tributaries 
occupy prominent positions. Now, as it is perfectly practicable to reach this plain from any 
point of the Rio Grande valley between Frontera, about seven miles above El Paso, and Mesilla, 
the main question reduces itself to determining the most easterly point in the valley of the Gila 
to which it is practicable to construct a continuous road by ascending its valley, and then to 
connect this point with the Rio Grande valley by the shortest and most favorable route. 
The well known canons of the Upper Gila, and rugged character of the mountains along its 
right hank, put a limit to the ascent of its valley, and also to the project of encountering the 
obstacles of the country on the north. As before stated, the route surveyed in 1854 enters this 
valley at the Pimas villages, hut as this line crossed the San Pedro about seventy miles above 
its junction with the Gila, and traversed a long plain destitute of water, it was determined to 
test the practicability of a route avoiding this dry stretch by following the valleys of the San Pedro 
and the Gila. This examination was highly satisfactory, as were also those made on other 
portions of the line ; and it will be seen that these have resulted in vast and important improve¬ 
ments upon the line of survey of 1854, not the least of which is the avoiding of the Puerto del 
Dado of the Chiricahui mountains. This ridge can he turned at its northern end by passing 
through a break or gap between it and Mount Graham. This is the lowest summit between 
the Valle de Sauz and the Playa de los Pimas, being 580 feet lower than that of the Puerto 
del Dado, and more than 225 feet lower than the Dome Pass of Gray. 
I would suggest that it he called The Railroad Pass. These surveys were both commenced 
at the Pimas villages, the western terminus of the section, and pushed eastward to the Rio 
Grande; hut as this is reversing the direction that is naturally taken, when the question of the 
Pacific railroad is being investigated, I will commence at the eastern terminus, and take up each 
subdivision in order. 
1st. From the Rio Grande to the Valle del Sauz. 2d. From Valle del Sauz to the mouth of 
San Pedro. 3d. From the mouth of San Pedro to the Pimas villages. 
SECTION 2. 
First Division. —From Bio Grande to Valle del Sauz. — This division embraces the divide 
between the waters of the Atlantic and the Pacific. Its characteristic features are the broad, 
flat plains, hounded by gently swelling divides and smooth slopes, extending back to the bases 
of the ridges and peaks, which, from their peculiar and striking profiles, form pleasing and 
prominent landmarks, recognizable often from points one hundred miles distant. These plains 
are smooth and unbroken by deep washes, and hare of timber, hut yield a growth of rich grass, 
varieties of cactus, artemisia, larrea, and occasionally a dwarfish mesquite, with yucca and Spanish 
bayonet. Owing to their great extent, frequent and beautiful illustrations of mirage are 
witnessed. 
Of the mountains, the most prominent are the Picacho de los Mimbres, Copper Mine and 
Burro mountains, on the north of the line, terminal spurs of the Rocky Mountains, whose foot¬ 
hills give out and are lost in the broad plains. 
On the south we have the Florida mountains—a distinct, lofty, prominent, and compact ridge, 
apparently on the prolongation of the axis of the Picacho de los Mimbres, hut completely cut off 
from it by an open gap of eight miles. Beyond this mountain mass are several distinct peaks, and 
