122 
DIVISION OF PARTY —MARL SPRINGS. 
Passing over the prairie, nearly seven miles west, we arrived at a spring of water oozing from 
a rocky ravine. A few pools were formed among the rocks, and below, the water sank into the 
sand. During freshets a small stream had been formed, turning the base of an isolated hill, 
and flowing east-southeast towards the Colorado. Having hollowed a basin, water flowed in 
rapidly, affording sufficient for the animals and the uses of camp. 
Our Mojave companions are now reduced to the guide and his friend Irreteba, who propose to 
accompany him to the Salt Lake road. The rest have returned to their homes. 
March 6 —Camp 140.—Having been told by the Indian guides that at the next pools we will 
not find a supply of water sufficient for the whole of our large train at once, it was proposed 
to divide the party into three divisions, to follow each other successively, in order to give time 
for the springs to he replenished during the intervals. The surveying party, under charge of 
Lieut. Ives, and escorted by Lieut. Tidball, set out early this morning to proceed in advance. 
The Mojave guides accompanied them. 
In the springs at camp, water is flowing, ghung a bountiful supply for the train. The hill¬ 
sides and ravines are covered with excellent grass, and though the weather remains unchanged, 
threatening a snow-storm, the mules are partially sheltered, and will gain strength by the 
delay. 
March 7 —Camp 141.—This morning we were up betimes, and prepared for a long march. 
The mules had been well supplied with grass and water, and looked in excellent condition for the 
journey. Instead of taking the road made by the instrument wagon, which passed around the 
hills, we followed an Indian trail through the ravine in which the spring occurs. The sides of 
this ravine, and probably the whole mountain, are composed of compact sienite, of the same 
quality as the so-called Quincy granite. It is excellent building material, and, if required, could 
be obtained in great quantities. Leaving Rock spring with at least a,s much water as we found 
in it, we passed over to a higher step of the same great plateau that for several days we have 
been so gradually ascending. With a still gentle acclivity, it led us westward five miles to the 
foot of a ridge, which at a distance looked like a formidable obstacle. To our surprise, how¬ 
ever, upon reaching a point of hills without an abrupt change of grade, we entered a dry 
arroyo which led through the mountains, forming an excellent pass for a road. When we had 
fairly gained the western side of the range, the arroyo assumed the character of a rugged 
ravine, and for a railway it would be necessary to traverse the hill-slope upon the right, and 
descend to a wide and smooth valley which swept around to the southwest. Instead of follow¬ 
ing this valley, which, after turning the base of a high hill, pursued a westwardly course, our 
guide informed us that it was necessary to ascend a similar slope upon the ojrposite side to pro¬ 
ceed in the direction of the spring. Looking back upon the ridge we had passed, it seemed to 
extend to a considerable distance west of south, showing peaks with a light covering of snow, 
two or three thousand feet in height above the level of the valley at its base. But there 
appeared to be a low pass beyond. 
Having made a noon halt, and grazed our mules for awhile on the excellent grama that grows 
abundantly upon these gravelly prairies, we repacked and continued the march. Pursuing an 
acclivity for five miles we reached “Marl spring,” nineteen miles from the glen at which we 
rested yesterday. The camp-fires of the advanced party were still burning, showing that they 
had been but a short time absent. The spring was small, and there was not more than half 
enough water for the mules. But as it constantly though slowly flowed in, after awhile the 
animals were satisfied, and we obtained water for the uses of camp. 
This country affords excellent grazing lands, similar to, but less extensive than those of New 
Mexico. The grass is highly nutritious. Cactaceaa are abundant. Tall and beautiful yuccas, 
the offensive larrea Mexicana, and obione, complete the list of vegetation. Wood is almost 
entirely wanting. For camp-fires we depend upon twigs of obione, (grease-wood), or the soft 
pulpy stalks of the yucca. 
The day has been windy, cold, and disagreeable. 
