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Show ASH HOLLOW. 41 deep * precipitous chasms on either side> leaving only a high narrow ridge, or backbone, which gradually descended, until, towaf d its western termination, it fell off precipitately into the bottom of the creek. Here we were obliged, from the steepness of the road, te let the wagons down by ropes, but the labour of a dosen men for a few days would make the descent easy and safe. The bottom of Ash Creek is tolerably well wooded, principally with ash and some dwarf cedars. The bed of the stream was entirely dry, but toward the mouth several springs of delightfully cold and refreshing water were found, altogether the best that has beefc met with since leaving the Missouri. We encamped at the mouth of the valley, here called Ash Hollow. The traces of the great tide of emigration that had preceded us were plainly visible in remains of camp- fires, in blazed trees covered with innumerable names carved and written on them; but, more than all, in the total absence of all herbage. It was only by driving our animals to a ravine some distance from the camp, that a sufficiency for their subsistence could be obtained. The two slopes of the ridge dividing the main forks of the Platte, at the point where we crossed it, differ from each other in a remarkable manner. On thai toward the South Fork, the valleys are wide and long, with gracefully curved lines, gentle slopes, and broad hollowB. In numerous instances, these hollows are without drainage, owing to which large circular or oval basins are formed, in the bottoms of which water collects, forming quite extensive ponds or lakes: these, however, disappear during the summer, leaving their beds clothed with, a rich, luxuriant growth of herbage. On the opposite side of the summit the. features of the country present a striking contrast. Almost immediately after crossing the point of " divide," we strike upon the head waters of Ash Greek, whence the descent is abrupt and precipitous. Immediately at your feet is the principal ravine, with sides four or five hundred feet in depth, clothed with cedar: into this numerous other ravines run, meeting it at different angles, and so completely cutting up the earth, that scarcely a foot of level ground could be seen. The whole surface consisted of merely narrow ridges, dividing the ravines from each other, and running up to so sharp a crest that it would be difficult for any thing but a mountain- goat to traverse their summits with impunity < Never before had I seen the wonderful effects of the action of water on a grand soalo more strikingly exemplified. |