PARTRIDGE CREEK.—PICACHO MOUNTAIN. 
89 
the needle was completely reversed, the south end pointing north. Astronomical observations 
were taken with the transit, moon culminations being observed. There has been a descent of 
560 feet in the thirteen miles from last camp. Carboniferous sandstone was to-day passed over. 
As this should be contiguous to the coal formation, beds of the latter may exist in the vicinity, 
cropping out or covered by volcanic rock. Fossils have been found by the geologist. 
January 11.—It appeared necessary to leave our late reconnoitring trail, and again explore 
towards the southwest. There seemed to be a break in the mountain range near Picacho, and 
it was decided to examine in that direction. Fearing, however, to move the whole train, with 
the uncertainty of finding water ; with ten men for an escort, we recommenced the reconnais¬ 
sance. Following Partridge creek, nearly south, six miles, we found large pools of water at 
distances of a quarter of a mile from each other, with numerous recent Indian lodges along the 
banks. The ravine turned eastward, and appeared, after making a long, semi-circular bend, to 
follow the northern base of the Black Forest ridge towards Picacho ; we therefore bivouaced 
under wide-spreading trees upon the banks where we were; determined on the morrow to pass 
directly over the wide level prairie to that mountain. As this place is excellent for a camp, we 
have despatched a trusty Mexican to conduct the train hither, where it will await other messen¬ 
gers or signals from us as we advance. 
January 12.—The water-hole at last night’s camp, though smaller than many seen, was 
from two to three feet deep, some twenty feet long, and three or four feet wide. The botanist 
found there, and at other pools upon Partridge creek, the water-plant “Polygonum amphib- 
ium,” which, he says, never grows except in places permanently moist. He believes that now 
the water is in its lowest stage. All the old hunters and trappers of the party find signs leading 
to the same conclusion. This is an important fact. Only springs or tanks can be depended 
upon for a supply of water in this region of volcanic rock. 
Leaving Partridge creek, which flows south 65° east, we turned towards the southwest and 
west over a smooth prairie, about eleven miles to the southeast base of Picacho. There finding 
pools of water, we again bivoiraced among our favorite cedars. Within the last two miles we 
have crossed several arroyos, containing water in holes, which, about a mile below, seem to unite. 
From a spur of the Picacho the view is very extensive and beautiful. This mountain proves to 
be indeed the southern terminus of the range to which it belongs, and beyond is a broad smooth 
valley sweeping towards the south-southeast, and extending in that direction to the verge of 
the horizon. Westward of this is the long range of mountains which was before noticed from 
the head of Bill Williams’ fork. We can now, as then, trace it from Sierra Prieta, with¬ 
out apparent interruption, to where it seems to be blended with high mesas towards the north¬ 
west. The ridge of the Black Forest bounds this valley on the east, and separates it, for along 
distance at least, from that in which flow the streams that rise at the base of Bill Williams’ 
mountain. Between that ridge and the Picacho is an opening, the outlet of the great plain 
we have crossed, and where the streams which water it converge. By this opening we may 
enter the broad valley above mentioned; but how to pass the western chain of mountains is yet 
to be determined. Towards the south-southwest there is a conical peak that appears volcanic, 
and near by are mountains, apparently of stratified rock, as if overlapping. Although no gap 
can be seen from any point of view we have had, yet it is possible that a nearer approach may 
show some break in the chain. The smoke of Indian fires proves at least that there is a likeli¬ 
hood of finding water in that vicinity. The conical peak we call Mt. Hope. Leroux proposes 
to keep up towards the north-northwest, believing we may find an easy passage over the ridge 
in that direction. Although this will probably lead us to Captain Sitgreaves’ trail, which he 
reported as mountainous and without water for eighty miles, it was determined, for the first 
exploration, to follow the guide. As plenty of water had been found near by, we wished the 
rear party with the train to follow and await us here. Upon the hill, therefore, we made a 
smoke, as we had agreed upon, for a signal; but saw no sign in reply. Much game has been 
seen to-day; antelope being particularly numerous. 
12 h 
