| OCR Text |
Show \ REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS. 345 exertion of any kind is impossible; even while lying perfectly quiet the perspiration oozes from the skin and runs from the body in numerous streams. Everything feels hot to the touch, and metallic objects cannot be handled without producing blisters on the skin. The white sand reflects the heat and blinds the traveler by its glare. Rain scarcely ever falls during the summer months, and not more than 3 or 4 iuches the year round. Cloud-bursts frequently occur in the mouutains, and at times we saw heavy showers all around us, but not a drop fell along the river. The atmosphere is so dry and evaporation mi rapid that the water in our canteens, if the cover was kept moist, kept at a tem|erature of 30- below that of the air; a most fortunate circumstance, as it obviates the necessity of using ice-water where it would be impossible to preserve ice. Great quantities of water are drauk during these hot days, and uo uncomfortable fullness is experienced. One gallon per man, and sometimes two, was the daily consumption. Notwithstanding this excessive heat, no sunstrokes occurred, although we were at one time exposed in a narrow canon to a temperature of M0-". All of the party preserved good health during the summer. There is no danger of catching cold in this climate, even if wet to the skin three or four times during the day or night. No dew or moisture is deposited during the night, hence no covering is required. The hot wind which blows frequently from the south is the most disagreeable feature of the climate. No matter where you go, it is sure to find you out and give you the full benefit of a gust that feels as if it issued from a blast-furnace, and parches the skin and tongue in an instant. Theu there is uo recourse but to take copious draughts from the canteens to keep up the supply of moisture in the body. If water cannot be obtained, the delirium of thirst soon overpowers the unfortunate traveler, and he dies a horrible death. To illustrate the difference in the climates of Los Angeles and Camp Mohave, the following observations are tabulated: Thermom-etcr. Relative Thermom- Relative humidity. tt«-r. i humidity. In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to Mr. Thompson, topographer, and Dr. Loew. geologist, and the other a-Mstants, fur their cheerful co-operation and attention to their duties under trying circumstances. I am also under many obligations to the olhVers stationed at Camp Mohave and Fort Vuina for tlieir uniform courtesy and assistance. Respectfully submitted. Elite Bt:i:<;f..\M>. Fir»t Litiittnmil Ewjinur*. Lieut. Gk«>. M. Wiikki.ek. (orpi of EuyiHetrt), in tb'inn. Lew Angeles, July. Cauip Moiiavr. July. |
