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Show 88 FROM GREAT SALT LAKE CITY TO FORT HALL. following down its valley to within five miles of Fort Hall, we crosn the Port Neuf, and passing over a wide level plain, reach that celebrated trading- post. But this line is deserving of notice rather more in detail. About two miles above the ford, Bear River, in emerging from Cache Valley, breaks through the chain forming the eastern boundary of the valley of Salt Lake. The range, which here sinks quite suddenly, for a short distance to the south of the cafion or gate through which the river has forced its passage, consists of low, rounded hills, which present no trace of rock on the surface. The river indeed appears to cut through rock, but an opportunity did not occur to ascertain this by actual observation. After crossing and following up its right bank for two and a- half miles, we left the river, and struck into a broad and beautiful valley, formed by the Roseaux, or Malade, which, flowing from the north, discharges itself into Bear River some miles below the ford. The valley is five or six miles wide, and its western boundary is formed by a chain of high, rounded hills, being the continuation of a lofty rocky promontory, projecting into the north end of the Lake. The eastern boundary of this valley is formed by the continuation, in a northern direction, of the Wahsatch range, which divides it from the Bear River and Cache Valley. Ascending the valley, these mountains rise to a considerable height, the strata dipping to the north- east, and the direction of the chain inclining to the west. The valley of the Malade is extremely level, free from underbrush, with very little artemisia, and affords ground for an excellent wagon- road. Water to- day was found in quantities sufficient for the animals, at points conveniently distributed, and grass was abundant. Several fine springs were passed, in which the water was cold and clear. Continuing up the valley until four o'clock, we came to a superb little stream, coming out of the eastern mountain, running with great swiftness over a bed of breccia, and discharging a large quantity of clear, cold water. The fall was great and the quantity of water ample for the irrigation of a very large farm, for which the lay of the land offers great facilities. Here we encamped, with plenty of fine grass. Distance from the city, one hundred and three miles; and from Bear River ford, twenty- four and a- half. Thursday, September 20.- Our march to- day was only eleven miles, owing to the necessity of making a road across a small stream with steep banks, which comes through a depression in the eastern hills, through which a road from Sheep Rock, near the |
