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Show 127 failure, none could so well afford to sustain the loss as a Government whose policy has always wisely been to aid States and Territories in matters of public welfare. The rest of October was spent on the plain country east of the Canadian River, making rapid progress with the topographical work, as the weather was now perfectly clear. Trinidad was reached November 2, and after connecting the system of triangles with the established base- line at that place, started for Wet Mountain Valley. On the 5th of November it commenced to snow, and continued stormy and very cold for ten days, making it impossible to complete the survey of the valley. Camped two days in Bo6ita, Colo., where the party was made very comfortable by the kindness of Mr. Livingstone, who offered the use of a vacant log houBe, which was very acceptable, as the thermometer stood at 6° above zero and the ground was covered with snow. During the stay in the valley the weather was so stormy that the astronomical observations necessary for the establishment of a meridian- line could not be taken, and accurate topographical work was rendered impossible. The trail leading from the Huerfano River up Williams Creek into Wet Mountain Valley was meandered; also the wagon- road from Rosita to the Huerfano by way of the Muddy Creek Pass, and such other topographical results obtained as the intensely cold and stormy weather would permit. The principal mines at Rosita were inspected by Mr. Conkling, and collections of their valuable ores secured. This little mining- town enjoys a well-merited prosperity seldom to be observed in the West. Its mines are wonderfully rich, and, being situated only 30 miles from the Canon City Railroad, possess facilities for shipping their products, which give it superior advantages over other richer and more extensive mining- districts, but which are farther removed from railroad transportation. Leaving Wet Mountain Valley November 17, the party started for West Las Auimas, Colo., meandering the Apishpa River on the way down, from the stage- road to its mouth. Arrived at West Las Animas, the terminus of the Atchison, Topeka and Saute Fe* Railroad, November 25, and disbanded next day. The result of the season's operations is very satisfactory. The topographical work planned for the party was faithfully carried out; connection made with the bases previously measured at Trinidad, Cimarron, Fort Union, and Santa Y6; also sufficient accurate detailed geodetic data obtained to construct a reliable map of that region. During the season a total of 2,742 miles were marched ; and of this number 1,199 miles v accurately meandered. The number of triangulation- stations occupied was 24, the topographical stations made being 133. Especial care was taken to determine the best routes of communication between the plains and the valley of the Rio Grande. With this end in view, the Sangre de Cristo range, which is the most formidable obstacle, was examined at all accessible places from Mori no Valley northward to the Sangre de Cristo Pass. Theso mountain^ were crossed four times and a series of barometric profiles secured, which establish the fact that the Taos Pass, starting from the southwest eud of Moriuo Valley, is the best route for either wagons or a railroad. Traveling from this place north, the next pass which can be made available for a road is called Red River Paws, and is situated at the northern end of Morino Valley. It follows up a small tributary of the Cimarron River, and crossing the range at au elevation of 9,460 feet above' the sea, with an easy grade descends a little more abruptly by the Red or Colorado River, a small branch of the Rio Grande. The grade throughout the entire distance, although quite steep in some places, is perfectly practicable for wagons or railroads. But on account of the narrow walls of the Red River Cafion and the tortuous course of the stream, a considerable outlay would be required to build a wagon- road, because of the great number of bridges which would be necessary, while the cost of a railroad would be too great, for the same reason. The next pass to the northward, known as the Costilla Pass, is impracticable, even for horsemen; while the fourth and last, called Trinchera Pass, has an exceedingly rough mountain- trail over it. which answers very well for pack- animals, but which cannot be utilized for wagons. The proximity of the Sangre de Cristo Pass, through which there is a good wagon- road, answers all purposes of travel at present, and it will probably be many years before any other meaus of communication for this section will be considered necessary. Taos Pass has an elevation of about 8,625 feet, aud offers many advantages over any other. There is an abundance of wood, water, and grass, until the valley of the Rio Grande is reached, when the country changes abruptly from a pastoral to an agricultural region. A proposed railroad ( the Arkansas Valley and Cimarron) has been already projected along the Cimarrou River into Morino Valley, and it should have the Rio Grande Valley for its objective point, as there is no mterveniug obstacle it' constructed via Taos Pass. Large collections in natural history were made, the movements of the party being so conducted that a collection embracing a deep vertical range could be secured during its progress from the plains, at an altitude of 5,000 feet above the level of the sea, to the summit of the loftiest peaks. And as this movement was continued in a sort of wiud- |
