SECTION III. 
From the head of Pajarito Creek to the crossing of Rio Pecos , forty four miles. 
Thus far the line of location has threaded the principal valleys ; leaving them, only from 
choice, whenever a decided advantage could be gained by it. In this section, upon the other 
hand, it will be necessary to cross a dividing ridge, and intersect several chasmed streams 
nearly at right angles to their course. 
It is probable that the valley of Tucumcari creek extends far towards the southwest into the 
Llano, and forms a favorable passage to a branch of Rio Pecos ; connecting our route up the 
Canadian with the line explored by Colonel D. S. Miles, and referred to in his letter to Colonel 
Abert, which is appended to the preceding itinerary. If so, this would unite the Canadian 
with Rio Gila ; and make available, for one route, the two great valleys that, extending east 
and west, cover so large a portion of the distance between the Mississippi river and the Pacific 
ocean. 
Pajarito creek has its source in a chain of hills that connect the flat-topped Llano on 
the south with lofty fragments of the same that exist towards the north, and form the great 
canon of the Canadian. The ridge is considerably broken. Its slopes are broad, and, by 
winding around them, little difficulty would be experienced in obtaining moderate grades. 
From the top of this prairie to the banks of the Pecos the country continues high and undulating, 
with few spots fit for cultivation. Hurrah creek and two branches of Rio Gallinas cut through 
it, making it necessary to adopt heavier grades than were generally required upon the previous 
section ; the maximum being 78.3 feet per mile. Upon this section there is plenty of fuel, but 
timber is wanting. For oak we must have recourse to the Cross Timbers. Forests of pine are 
found nearer at hand, upon the highlands bordering the Pecos. The streams crossed may be 
easily bridged ; the materials for masonry being abundant upon the banks. Below Anton 
Chico there is a long, sloping bank leading gendy down into the Pecos valley. The ascent to 
the high plains upon the western bank is rough and difficult. However, with a grade of 93.7 
feet per mile, it is not impracticable ; and the profile is constructed upon that route. 
From the springs at Las Chupainas a westerly course would conduct to the crest of the bank 
overlooking the Pecos, and thence along the side of a spur which abuts upon the river a short 
distance above Anton Chico. On the opposite bank approaches a bluff of the canon having 
nearly the same height. A viaduct thrown over the river there would save a descent of several 
hundred feet. Sandstone, limestone, and gypsum could be obtained in the vicinity for such a 
construction. Forests of Douglass’ spruce are abundant upon the neighboring heights, afford¬ 
ing good material for railroad ties. Upon the mountains, from twenty to thirty miles distant, 
there is a supply of pitch-pine timber of large size, well suited for the purpose of bridge-building. 
La Cuesta is fifteen miles west-northwest from Anton Chico; and the difference of level between 
the two places, as indicated*by barometer, is five hundred feet. This would show a fall in the 
river of about 30 feet to the mile. The bluffs between which the Pecos flows, as observed at 
La Cuesta, are five hundred feet in height. Below, they are said to form a very narrow canon; 
and it might be found advantageous to follow the left bank to this gorge, where, probably, a 
shorter viaduct would serve to unite them, and place the road on the general level of the country. 
The following notes from the field-books are more specific regarding the details of the topo¬ 
graphy on the trail. 
