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Show 74 FROM FORT LARAMIB TO FORT BRIDGER. about the same level. If there was any dip, it was to the south, although certainly not so great as had been observed in the strata since leaving the South Pass. Quite a number of fossils were collected here. The character of the soil in the valley of Green River would indicate a considerable preponderance of argillaceous elements in the rocks. The ridge between it and Black's Fork afforded an imperfect section of the rocks. They were, however, mostly covered by clay. The less decomposed rock consisted of white and slaty sandstone, a coarse- grained grayish sandstone, and a thin stratum of limestone. But few fossils could be collected, the surface of the rocks being almost entirely concealed by blue clay- the result of the disintegration of strata which seemed to compose the greater portion of the mass. The strata were very nearly horizontal, although a slight dip to the north was suspected. Common salt was found on some of the stones. The layer of limestone was near the top of the rocks. Saturday, August 11.- Ther. at 6 o'clock, 40°. A drive of thirty- two miles, during which we crossed Ham's Fork and Black's Fork three times, brought us to Fort Bridger- an Indian trading-post, situated on the latter stream, which here branches into three principal channels, forming several extensive islands, upon one of which the fort is placed. It is built in the usual form of pickets, with the lodging apartments and offices opening into a hollow square, protected from attack from without by a strong gate of timber. On the north, and continuous with the walls, is a strong high picket- fence, enclosing a large yard, into which the animals belonging to the establishment are driven for protection from both wild beasts and Indians. We were received with great kindness and lavish hospitality by the proprietor, Major James Bridger, one of the oldest mountain- men in this entire region, who has been engaged in the Indian trade, here, and upon the heads of the Missouri and Columbia, for the last thirty years. Several of my wagons needing repair, the train was detained five days for the purpose, Major Bridger courteously placing his blacksmith- shop at my service. In a ravine to the right of the ford of Ham's Fork, on the north bank, white sandstone was found cropping out, and here some specimens of very perfect shells were collected. Under the sandstone were argillaceous shales, and above them apparently a thin stratum of limestone and rolled pebbles. The general surface of the country appeared to be the result of the disintegration of argillaceous |