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Show 96 is 14,409 feet above sea- level, as determined bycistern- barometer and psychomotor observations referred to camp at Lake Citv. The observations of 1874 make it 14,447 fe « t, but, since barometric observations taken in August generally give results too high, the lower altitude has been adopted. A description of the horizon as seen from this peak is not given, since this report is already exceeding its proper limits, and the ranges have their physical peculiarities described elsewhere herein. The Wetterhorn, to the south of west a few miles from Uncompahgre Peak, IB a shark's nose in form, and its ascent being unnecessary for topographical purposes was not attempted. It exceeds 14,000 feet in altitude and appears inaccessible. The Uncompahgre Peak was reached by us by way of the lower canon of Hensen Crerk, and by following up the tributary of that stream heading under it. This is a rough and difficult trail, and it is recommended to any one desirous of viewing tb* mountain masses in Southwestern Colorado from the summit of their highest peak to reach it either by way of tbe beads of the Animas and Hensen Creek, or else, after following the Lake Fork of the Gunnison 9 miles below Lake City, to turn to the west, following an Indian trail ( which here comes down) as far as to the summit of the divide, and then turn to the left and follow tbe ridge to Uncompahgre Peak. This is the longer route from Lake City than that up the canon of Hensen Creek and its tributary, but will occasion less wear and tear upon man and mule and try the temper of either less. The Uncompahgre spur and group, as denned herein, form the divide between tbe Lake Fork of the Gunnison and the streams flowing nearly parallel to it to the north. Of these, between the Lake Fork and the Uncompahgre, there are four heading iu this divide, which were traced for only about 7 miles north of the Uncompahgre Peak. For this distance they flow in deep- cut gorges and canons without bottom- lands, but it is not known into what tributaries of the Gunnison they empty before reaching that. stream, nor by what names they are known to either whites or Indians. The most western of the four, however, which flows probably into the Uncompahgre, was named Ibex Creek, for here large herds of mountain- sheep were seen grazing, or else bounding over the rocky slopes bordering this stream. I have heard tbe name " Cebatta" given to the eastern and " Cimarron " to the middle of the three remaiuing, but do not know whether they are so known. HEADWATERS OF THE UNCOMPAHGRE.- UNCOMPAHGRE PARK.- UNAWEEP VALLEY AND RANGE. The Uncompahgre- the stream with the " valley of fountains"- drains the northwestern side of the Upper Animas River. Crossing the divide at the head of the Animas to the northwest, or at the head of Cement Creek east fork, or at the head of the north fork of Mineral Creek, one rinds himself upon tributaries of tbe Uncompahgre. Near the headwaters of these streams ( with the exception of that heading against Cement Creek) are small areas of a few acres sufficiently level for explorers, miners, and donkeys to sleep upon, but even these are often boggy and covered with marsh-grass. Mineral City, near the headwaters of that tributary heading against the Animas, is situated on one of these flats near timber- line, and of course is in a bog. In Bed Mountain Valley, already mentioned, quite an extensive park ( for this region) of several hundreds of acres affords a good town- site, but is effectually shut off from wagon- communication with the rest of the drainage- area of the Uncompahgre by high and ragged mountains, and can consequently be of little service to miners other than those owning property ou this fork. The Poughkeepsie Fork, heading against Currant Creek, east fork, is quite open near its lower portion, but at its head is impracticable even for mules until a trail is cat in the steep mountain- sides. The entire drainage- area of the Upper Uncompahgre, including Ibex Creek, already mentioned, is a mass of rugged peaKs, bluffs, cations, and gorges. For about 6 mile* from its head tbe main stem of tbe stream, which heads opposite the Animas, may he followed, but it then enters that tremendous gorge, impassable even for men on foot, which shuts off communication with the beautiful little Uncompahgre Park below. Vertical walls for hundreds of feet inclose the river, which has cut, through the sandstones of Carboniferous age underlying the trachytes and volcanio breccias and scorite, a still narrower secondary caBoc, or a canon within a canon, the upper surface of which being cut to an equal depth by the canons of streams joining the main stream, prevents passage above tbe river along its banks, while the bed itself is filled with bowlders and rocks and gorged with fallen trees and logs. To climb further than the top of the secondary canon is an impossibility, for here are sheer precipices of thousands of feet in total height. In fact, for its length, the gor^ e of the Uncompahgre will excel in the rugged grandeur of its scenery, and in its terrible appearance of ruin and desolation, tbe grand canon of the Colorado at ito deepest point. From the summit of the frustum, a truncated mass upon the western |