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Show 210 STANSBURY'S ISLAND- THE DOME. were obliged to abandon for a time from want of water, should be resumed and completed by Lieutenant Gunnison, his provisions and water being transported upon mules. On our return from his camp, we had not proceeded more than a mile, before a sudden and violent gust, accompanied with lightning and thunder, drove us to the shore for safety, our little skiff being too small and fragile to withstand the fury of the waves. I have had frequent occasion to remark in wjiat a very short time a gust, sweeping down from the mountains, will lash the heavy water of the lake into waves of very considerable magnitude. The seas are short, and the commotion as suddenly subsides with its exciting cause. The rise and fall of the waters on the shores is thus occasioned, and frequently precedes the current of air by which it is produced. Wednesday, June 26.- The survey of the island shore being completed, the whole party ascended to the highest peak to erect a triangulation station upon it. The day was intensely hot, and the sun beat down upon the eastern slope, as we climbed up its rugged sides, with a force that was very oppressive. Every man was packed, like a mule, with tools and provisions; but principally with water, in India- rubber bags and canteens. . After a severe climb of some three hours, through rich bunch-grass near the base, artemisia and grease- wood higher., up, and, still higher, over rocky projections covered with stunted cedar, we at length reached the summit of the " dome." From this point, " the • highest within the circuit of the lake, we had expected to enjoy a noble view of both it and the surrounding islands and mountains ; but, unfortunately, the atmosphere was filled with so thick a haze that our hopes were wholly disappointed. In our ascent, quite a variety of plants were collected and carefully preserved. Among these, several have been ascertained by Professor Torrey, to whom the whole collection has been submitted for. examination, to be new species; among others, a Heuchera, Peretyle, Cowania, and Ohenactis. After resting . under the shadow of some wide- spreading cedar-trees, ( th « first shade we had enjoyed for months,) the / summit of the peak was cleared,, ahd a circular wall built, five feet high, of . stone, Upon the top of which was erected - a triangulation station of wood, covered with cloth. An attempt was made to take some observations here with the theodolite, but the atmosphere was so Ailed with vapour that they were not at all satisfactory. |
