in stirring up the mud, as we sank above
the knee at every step. The water here was still fresh, with only an
insipid and disagreeable taste, probably derived from the bed of fetid
mud. After proceeding in this way about a mile, we came to a small
black ridge on the bottom, beyond which the water became suddenly
salt, beginning gradually to deepen, and the bottom was sandy and
firm. It was a remarkable division, separating the fresh water of
the rivers from the briny water of the lake, which was entirely
_saturated_ with common salt. Pushing our little vessel across the
narrow boundary, we sprang on board, and at length were afloat on the
waters of the unknown sea.

"We did not steer for the mountainous islands, but directed our course
towards a lower one, which it had been decided we should first visit,
the summit of which was formed like the crater at the upper end of
Bear River valley. So long as we could touch the bottom with our
paddles, we were very gay; but gradually, as the water deepened, we
became more still in our frail batteau of gum cloth distended with
air, and with pasted seams. Although the day was very calm, there was
a considerable swell on the lake; and there were white patches of foam
on the surface, which were slowly moving to the southward, indicating
the set of a current in that direction, and recalling the recollection
of the whirlpool stories. The water continued to deepen as we
advanced; the lake becoming almost transparently clear, of an
extremely beautiful bright-green color; and the spray, which was
thrown into the boat and over our clothes, was directly converted
into a crust of common salt, which covered also our hands and
arms. 'Captain,' said Carson, who for some time had been looking
suspiciously at some whitening appearances outside the nearest islands
'what are those yonder?--won't you just take a look with the glass?'
We ceased paddling for a moment, and found them to be the caps of the
waves that were beginning to break under the force of a strong breeze
that was coming up the lake. The form of the boat seemed to be an
admirable one, and it rode on the waves like a water bird; but, at
the same time, it was extremely slow in its progress. When we were
a little more than half way across the reach, two of the divisions
between the cylinders gave way, and it required the constant use of
the bellows to keep in a sufficient quantity of air. For a long time
we scarcely seemed to approach