DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY. 
11 
of which open to an extensive prairie, nearly level, leading to Beaverstown. A route is indicated 
also west-southwest, about eight miles, to the valley of Washita river; which, as laid down from 
Captain Marcy’s survey, would afford a good location to its source near the Canadian. The 
line which is developed upon the profile keeps near the road, passing Beaverstown, and crossing 
the almost inappreciable crest of the divide at Camp 23. Beyond, it is easy to pass into the 
valley of the Washita, or follow in the vicinity of our trail, threading the fertile basins watered 
by Walnut and Deer creeks, edging the forest of Cross Timbers to Rock Mary, and thence crossing 
a bleak prairie to Grypsum creek, near its confluence with the Washita. 
Delaware ridge is the boundary between the carboniferous group and the new red sandstone, 
or Trias ; and the topographical features east and west are also different. Thence to Camp 20, 
the country is wooded and somewhat hilly, being intersected by Topofki creek and other 
affluents of the Canadian. The streams are small, with gravelly beds—the largest thirty feet in 
width. The hills passed are from fifty to seventy-five feet in height above their base ; they 
gradually diminish and disappear in the direction towards the Canadian. From Camp 20 to 
Beaverstown, we crossed a portion of the woodless plain referred to. It is, however, intersected 
by several ravines, with a border of trees variegating the landscape. Beyond, the country acquires 
in a great degree the distinctive characters of the western prairie. The surface is nearly level, 
and trees scarce. Opposite Camp 22, the Canadian makes a large bend towards the north, and 
our trail, instead of following it, kept near the summit of the prairie slopes, which separates the 
waters of the Canadian from the tributaries of Red river. At Camp 23, near the eastern edge of 
the forest of Cross Timbers, there is an Indian trail leading southwest, along the borders of a 
small creek, to the Washita river. This is a favorable entrance to the valley of that stream, 
which would probably afford a favorable location for a railroad to its source. To avoid pene¬ 
trating the dense growth of post-oak and blackjack, of which this forest consists, the wagon 
road skirted the northern edge of it, crossing numerous flowing streams tributary to Walnut 
creek. The soil of their valleys is a rich loam, producing rank grass, and large oak and hickory 
trees. At the head of Walnut creek, we again found ourselves upon a broad prairie, where 
gypsum appeared upon the surface. The Cross Timbers here recede several miles towards the 
south. The grassy plains, somewhat cut up by ravines, extend to the well-wooded valley of 
Deer creek. This is a clear and rapid stream, flowing to the Canadian. Where forded, it was 
two and a half feet deep and six feet wide. Its waters irrigate a considerable extent of country, 
admirably adapted to agriculture. Leaving Deer creek, we again crossed a series of plains 
intersected by small arroyos ; the Cross Timbers being visible upon our left until we reached 
“ Rock Mary,” one of the so-called natural mounds, which are from seventy-five to one hundred 
feet in height. These are horizontally stratified, and appear to be isolated remnants of the 
xresa formation which once covered this region. Beyond, the surface is level, sandy, and covered 
with extensive beds of gypsum of the best,quality. For about ten miles, no streams or springs 
were passed. The aspect of the country is barren and desolate. It could be avoided by de¬ 
scending from Camp 28 into the valley of the Canadian, or by following the Washita, as pro¬ 
posed, from Camp 23. Near Camp 30, we crossed Gypsum creek, an affluent to the Washita, 
flowing south through bluff banks cut from an alluvial valley. It would require a bridge about 
150 feet in length. The stream is well wooded with oaks and elms, excellent for timber ; the 
current is rapid ; the water is slightly brackish, but deep, containing an abundance of fishes. 
At short distances beyond, are Bear creek and Elm creek, botli covered with timber, the 
latter twelve feet wide and three and a half feet deep. Then appears the main valley of the 
Washita, a beautiful stream, traceable for a long distance, from the west-northwest towards the 
east-southeast, by the belt of timber which borders it. The valley is wide and fertile. It receives 
numerous tributaries from the north, divided by banks of red clay and gravel. As far as visi¬ 
ble, it affords a good location for a railway. Probably it might be followed to its junction with 
Red river, and thence, via Shreveport, communication would be established with all the southern 
commercial cities. 
