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Show 178 HORNED FROGS- SAND OF THE LAKE SHORE. yet seen. Leaving the baggage on the camp- ground, I followed up the shore in search of water, and happily, in little more than a mile, found an abundant supply and very good, in some small ponds, formed by the snow and spring rains, which are, however, dry in the summer. This was a fortunate circumstance, as, otherwise, we should have been obliged to croes the lake during the night to the springs on the western side of the main promontory, as our supply was by this time reduced to half a barrel* Several horned frogs were found to- day running upon the shores. The sand which forms the beach in this vicinity is worthy of remark. Under a magnifier it is found to consist of rounded globules, chiefly of calcareous rock, worn doubtless by attrition into their present form, not an angular particle being found among them. . It is variegated by different and brilliant colours, and reminded me of the sand I had once seen which was brought from the Great Desert of Zahara. Its conformation makes it very fatiguing to walk in, presenting no firm resistance to the foot, but yielding at every step. A piece of bitumen was found buried in the sand, which had adhered to it when softened by the sun, and completely frosted it over, so that it very much resembled one of the small chocolate losenges of the shops, covered with miniature sugarplums. Tuesday, May 7.- After moving camp some few miles above, started for an island in the lake, apparently fifteen or twenty miles to the southward, to place a triangulation station upon it. The wind had been southerly during the night, and had raised such a sea that I found it impossible to force the boat through the water, whose ponderous waves struck upon our bows with a power that was irresistible. After rowing some eight miles, we gave it up and returned to camp. One of the party, in attempting to cut across the country to- day, got lost, and as he did not return by dark, signal- fires were lighted upon one or two of the neighbouring eminences to guide him to camp. He returned by bedtime, very much exhausted by his wanderings, having been without food or water since sunrise. Wednesday, May 8.- The day being calm and the water smooth, renewed the attempt made yesterday to reach the island to the southward, taking with us blankets, provisions, and water, prepared to encamp upon it, if necessary. We reached the island after a row of four hours. The water was bold and deep nearly the whole |