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Show 80 FROM PORT BRIDGER TO GREAT SALT LAKE CITY. the way up, and a considerable quantity of small cotton- wood timber cut- out. T{ ie upper strata on this branch appeared to be nearly analogous to those met with on Bed Chimney Fork. We followed this ridge or table in a north- west direction for several miles, when we became involved among numerous ravines . which tan to the south, and were too deep and^ abrupt to be available. In order to avoid them, the trace must be thrown so much to the north, that even were a road practicable up to this point, it would be entirely too crooked; and great difficulty, moreover, would have to be enoountered in crossing the immense ravines which lay at the eastern base of the ranges bordering the Salt Lake. Sonie of these . ravines run down into Ogden's Creek, and others into Bear Biver below the point at which we crossed it. Time would not admit of my pursuing the examination farther in this direction. My train had left Fort Bridger several dayB before me, ahd would be awaiting my arrival at Great Salt Lake City to commence the survey which was the ttiore immediate object. of the expedition. I, therefore, although with the greatest reluctance, concluded to make the best of my w& y to the lake, passing through Ogden's Hole, and thence crossing the. high range dividing it from Salt Lake Valley, by a pass which the guide informed me existed there. We accordingly changed our course, and turning down a steep, narrow ravine for wood and water, encamped. The night was very cold, and ice formed in the buckets nearly an inch thick. We constructed a semicircular barricade of brush to keep off the wind, and, by the aid of a large fire of pine- logs, passed the night very comfortably. The soil on the ridge passed over to- day, seemed formed principally from' red sandstone, and the boulders are primitive. The . country is much better wooded, the timber being willow, aspen, andi in the ravines, tall firs and pines. The geranium was abundant : two or three yellow composite and alters were observed. Sunday, August 26.- Morning very cold. Ther. at . sunrise, 16?. Our provisions being nearly exhausted, I determined to go on for at least a part of the day, although contrary to my usual practice, this being the first Sabbath on which any travelling has been done since the party left the Missouri* After following some miles down the ravine upon which we had encamped, we struck upon an Indian lodge- trail, leading either to Cache Valley or to Ogden's Hole. ThiB we followed in nearly a southerly direction, crossing many deep holloas and, very steep ridges, up which we had to- scramble, leading our mules, ( it being impossible to ride,) |
