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Show MUD PLAINS- SH0SH0NEE INDIANS, 09 were gushing out from a rocky point, ( of dark limestone and coarse argillaceous sandstone, with a dip of . about 20° to the east,) and unite to form a branch which runs southward some miles, and then sinks in the sand, before reaching the lake. The water was, however, warm, brackish, and entirely unfit for drinking. Following down this stream for several miles, we struck on a succession of bare, level plains, composed of white clay and mud, with occasionally pieces of limestone and obsidian scattered on the surface. These dreary plains were occasionally separated from each other, by patches of salt grass and scattered clumps of artemisia. They had apparently formed, at some remote period, a part of the lake, and it is probable were partially covered during the freshet months. Some portions of the ground were still moist, and too soft to admit the passage of our mules without danger of miring. Where dry, the surface was hard and smooth. In the afternoon, as I felt apprehensive of being overtaken by night without water for our animals, we turned more to the westward, and directed our steps toward the promontory range previously mentioned. Before reaching it, however, we came upon a small stream, fifteen feet wide and a foot deep, but it was quite salt, and almost unfit to drink; yet, as we had no prospect of finding better, we were fain to bivouac on its bank for the night. Artemisia was abundant, furnishing plenty of excellent fuel, although it reminded me somewhat of the scriptural phrase, « crackling of thorns under a pot," so constantly did the fire require replenishing. Day's travel, twenty- two miles. Sunday, October 21.- Ther. at daybreak, 27°. There being neither grass nor water at this point, we left it early, and made in a south- west direction for the foot of the mountain, travelling over a hard, even surface of dry mud, as level as a floor and without a particle of vegetation of any kind. Before reaching the base of the hills, we descried some Indians at a distance, who, as soon as they discovered us, commenced a most rapid and precipitate flight. As they were on foot, I despatched the guide after them at full gallop to bring them to a parley, being desirous of obtaining from them some information, and if possible, to prevail upon some of them to act as guides through the unknown regions before us. The man overtook them at the foot of the mountain, when several of them, finding their retreat about to be cut off, halted, and advanced upon him with their guns presented, but were restrained from firing by an old Indian, who seemed to act as their chief. |
