DESCRIPTION OP THE COUNTRY. 
47 
WATER. 
The valley of the Canadian river is believed to contain springs and streams sufficient for rail¬ 
road uses ; common wells only at certain points being necessary to secure a permanent supply of 
water. From the head of Pajarito creek to Rio Pecos, springs and rivulets occur at convenient 
distances. From Rio Pecos to Rio Grande, artificial means would be required to preserve a 
perpetual supply of water in Canon Blanco, and possibly at the Laguna. This object could be 
accomplished by an artesian well, or by a large tank at Camp 55, and an artificial reservoir at 
the Laguna. Thence to Isleta, the water stations that could be placed upon Rio San Antonio 
would probably be sufficient. 
From Rio Grande to Rio Pecos, a distance of about 23 miles, the route crosses a waterless 
mesa. The latter stream contains running water for a portion of the year, and then sinks below 
the surface. A reservoir, or artesian well, would be required in its vicinity. Thence, up the 
valley of Rio San Jose to Campbell’s Pass, in the Sierra Madre, there is sufficient water at mod¬ 
erate distances. From the fine spring of Agua Azul to Carrizo—a laguna which forms one 
of the head branches of Rio Puerco of the west—the distance is 25 miles. Thence, 10 miles 
lead to Ojo del Oso, another tributary of the same stream, which waters a fertile basin in the 
pass ; and at the same distance beyond is found Salt Spring with brackish water. These springs 
flow down the Rio Puerco of the west, which is dry for a part of the year. It would be neces¬ 
sary to construct tanks in its valley, or common wells, to obtain a permanent supply of water 
at proper points. Near the lower portion of it, there are springs and tributary rivulets. Flax 
river is a permanent stream. Leaving it at Camp 82, we then find water at Canon Diablo, 
Cosnino Caves, San Francisco Springs, and Leroux’s Spring, the greatest distance between 
being about 20 miles. Other permanent springs can probably be found at intermediate points. 
From Leroux’s Spring to New Year’s Spring, the distance is about 23 miles. To obtain water 
between, tanks would be required. The route further south, previously suggested for examina¬ 
tion, down the valley of Rio Yerde, and across branches to Yal de China, would doubtless prove 
better in every respect, and afford abundance of water. Partridge creek contains large pools of 
water, and is probably never dry. Pueblo creek is a flowing stream, from springs at its source 
in Aztec Pass. From near the same point commences a branch of Williams’ river, which flows 
to the Colorado. No difficulty would be found in obtaining sufficient water at suitable points 
along its valley. The route now proposed, however, leaves that stream, and descends a branch 
called White Cliff creek, which also contains running water, to its junction with Big Sandy. 
Leaving the valley at Camp 111 to the left, and passing westward, the line crosses wide sloping 
prairies for 80 miles to the Colorado, near the Mojave villages. The Indians told us of two or 
three springs upon the way. and it is possible that water could be otained at other points, upon 
the mountain slopes, by artesian wells. A sufficient supply of water could undoubtedly be 
obtained by the construction of tanks. Ten miles west of the Colorado are the Little Springs. 
Painte creek is 21 miles beyond. Thence to Rock Spring is 20 miles ; and Marl Spring is 20 
miles beyond. The greatest jornada encountered is from Marl Springs to Soda lake, a distance 
of about 30 miles. It could, doubtless, be much diminished, by digging a well of moderate 
depth upon the eastern border of the lake. Many of the springs referred to are believed to be 
permanent. Several points of the crest of this mountain chain are above 5,000 feet in height, 
and it is evident that considerable precipitation of moisture takes place upon them. By the 
construction of reservoirs, sufficient water might be obtained for railway purposes. From Soda 
lake, it is a distance of 12 miles to the point where we found the flowing water of Mojave river. 
This stream now furnishes an abundance of water, until we reach its northwest bend, where the 
line leaves it to join the survey of Lieutenant Williamson, passing across the basin, through 
Tah-ee-c’nay-pah Pass, and to San Francisco. From Mr. Williamson’s examinations, it seems 
probable that springs may be found at several points within the basin. It is the opinion of Mr. 
