30 
ASCENDING GRA.DES. 
assistance. The raft once in successful operation, lightened the wagons of half their loads or 
more, which were safely landed on the opposite bank at sundown, and the wagons thus laden 
were crossed at the ford before the twilight rendered it unsafe. The Arkansas could be easily 
bridged at the point where this raft was operated, the banks being several feet above high water 
in times of freshets, and approaching unusually near each other. Opposite to our camp of July 
30th, and to the east of the stream which here enters the Arkansas from the south, are three hills, 
two conical and one oblong, rising some 250 feet above the river, and 100 above the general level, 
distinguishing land-marks for the stranger. The bluffs to the northwest of that camp rise still 
higher above the adjacent hills. Our average ascent for the last thirty-four miles, has been 
twenty feet and seven inches per mile. 
Augvst 1.—We were gratified this evening by a clear and beautiful view of the Spanish peaks 
and of the Greenhorn mountains, with others just rising above the horizon to the north and south. 
From the summit of the bluffs on the north bank of the river, James’ peak is distinctly seen; 
and upon all the high ranges the snow is visible, accounting for the high water in the streams 
which rise in them. 
