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Show APPENDIX NN. 1281 tember 15,1^ 74, by a reconnoitering triangnlatlon party of the United States Ooast- Survey. On the completion of oar work here the topographer made a detour into Hope Valley, working down the valley of the Carson almost to Genoa, and returniug by the Kingsbury Grade, thus finishing the topography of the eastern summit included between that road and Hope Valley. Meantime, finding it impossible to use the Army wagon on the west side of the lake, I sent it back to Carson, with all surplus impediments for storage, and had sufficient stores to last the remainder of the season deposited at Glen brook, where was left also the wagon and such team- mules not used as riding or pack animals. The means of transportation was thus reduced to ten pack and twelve riding mules and one extra animal. Breaking camp at Rowland's we proceeded south through Lake Valley, striking the main road in about 4£ miles. Following this some 3£ miles, Osgood's toll- house is reached. Here the road leaves the Trnckee River and winds up the slopes of the western summit, which it crosses, descending the western slope through the cafion of the South Fork of the American, which is here a rapid mountain stream. The road crosses it by a bridge at Slippery Ford, aud soon after passes a lofty ant* almost perpendicular clitt' beariug the hackneyed name of •' Lover's Leap." At Strawberry Station, a mile farther ou, there is another toll- honse. Following the maiu road some 4 miles farther, we left it at the Georgetown junction and passed up iuto the mountains, camping at Sawyer's Ranche, within easy striking distance of our objective point- Pyramid Peak, in the western summit. Clouds and mists hanging about the peak interrupted our work greatly, and kept ns, two days at this point. There is a fine stock range here, affording pasturage for several hundred head of cattle. I was informed by the proprietor that in the season be produced as much as 125 pounds of butter a day, though at present be was not making more than 60. The stock is generally driven out about October 15 to winter in the Sacramento Valley. The distance from Sawyer's by road to Strawberry'is 12 miles; by trail only about 3£. The trail is passable for riding animals, but dense groves of small trees make it impracticable for heavily- laden pack-nm'es. Locating the next main camp at Yank's, on the southern shore of Lake Tahoe, and on the west side of Lake Valley, surveys were made of Fallen Leaf and Cascade Lakes, and Tallac Peak occupied for topographical and triangulation purposes. This peak is a most interesting one, not only on account of its own beauty as seen from the lake, but because of the beautiful view from its summit. Situated only about 3 miles from the lake in a straight line, and fully 3.500 feet above it, the bird's-eye view obtained is simply perfect. The Hot Springs Hotel, at the northern eud of the lake, was clearly visible, as well as the houses of the settlements on the south shore. The little steamer, a white speck upon the blue expause, was seen making its daily rounds. Fallen Leaf and Cascade Lakes, and many others of less size embowered in t" ees, lay beneath our feet. To the southwest Pyramid Peak rears its rugged crest, embracing between itself and Tallac a deep rocky depression, dotted with numerous pools, and known as the " Devil's Basin." Fallen Leaf Lake ( l id feet above Tahoe) is easily acces ible from Yank's by a wagon-road which leaves the head of the lake at Gilhnore's Ranch, and passes on several miles farther to a fine soda spring; from there on a trail leads nearly to the summit of Tallac. A herd of several hundred Angora goats find subsistence on the slopes of the mountains south of Gillmore's Ranch. Cascade Lake ( 330 feet above Tahoe) is oval in shape, and about a mile long, deriving its name from a fine water- fall some 250 feet high at its head. For interesting facts relating to the glacial origin of these lakes I refer to the report of Mr. Conkling. On the 17th of October we lefc Lake Valley and proceeded on our way around the lake. In the neighborhood of Emerald Bay the trail is exceedingly steep and difficult, and some trouble was experienced from several of the pack- anim ils rolling down the steep slopes. After leaving here, however, no difficulty was met with. The bay is about two miles long by three- fourths of a mile broad, narrowing down at the entrance to a quarter of a mile. At its extremity is the summer resideuce of Mr. Ben. Holladay, jr., which is entirely concealed in a grove of aspen and willow. A more charming retirement it would be hard to find. From the north point of the bay to Rubicon Point the shore is steep and rooky, but the trail from there to McEinney's is excellent. Before reaching McKinney's the trail crosses a bold projection known as Sugar Pine Point, from the fine trees of that name growiug there. A large lumber- camp located here " afforded a good opportunity of witnessing the mode of lumbering generally in vogue on the lake. Tun trees are sawed instead of cut down and couverted into saw- logs as they lie. These logs vary from 20 to 60 inches in diameter, the length varying to suit purchasers, generally between 20 and 30 feet. Perhaps the most interesting featnre is the great wagons on which the logs are hauled to the lake. These are made immensely strong, the wheels being constructed of a section cut from a saw- log, and are from 3 to 3£ feet in diameter, being about 6 inches broad at the tire, and bulging out at the center. The heavy cross- beams on the wagon- body are furnished with iron stirrups of peculiar construction, in which rest 81 £ |