the worst day for dust that
we have had. Every body was literally covered with it so that the
drivers could not be recognised.

6 miles.

29th. Litwiler and Ranahan killed three antelope yesterday. They packed
in two of them about eight miles from the mountains. They arrived in
camp about 11 o'clock at night. Passed the clay banks, some
perpendicular banks on the opposite side of the river about 50 feet
high. From this place is a desert, the river running through narrow
clay banks, void of vegetation except the Artemesia or wild sage. The
road generally follows the plains back from the river, only approaching
occasionally for water. We camped about three P.M., and managed to get
a little grass for our horses.

15 miles.

30th. Started at four A.M.; route similar that of yesterday. We are now
in sight of the Pyramid, a lone peak nearly opposite the upper slough
of the sink commonly called the meadow. Road touched the river once or
twice to-day for water, but no grass, nothing for feed but willows.

16 miles.

31st. Started at one o'clock, A.M., struck the river again 10 miles
from camp; no grass, only an arid sage desert. From this it is 25 miles
to the slough or meadows, and 13 to water, which will be found at some
springs in the gully directly opposite the pyramid. We reached the
springs about 10 o'clock, A.M., although one of our horses gave out,
which delayed us somewhat, and reached the upper end of the slough
about noon, where we obtained some rushes and flags for our horses
which they devoured greedily after their long fast on willows. The
pyramid at a distance resembles an ancient Mexican pyramid, rising by
steps. It may be seen for 40 miles up the river, and serves as a
beacon, for the slough or meadows. After baiting we continued down the
slough about six miles to some passable springs, and to where there is
better grass. We found two cities of tents at the slough quite
populous. They would do honor to more civilized countries. The road for
a few days past has been strewed with dead stock. I counted to-day 120
head of horses, mules and oxen, and got tired of it before night at
that. I suppose I passed 50 head more that I did not count. If there is
any worse desert ahead than we have found for 70 miles back, I don't
know what it may be. I have noticed several dead horses, mules and
oxen, by the roadside, that had their hams cut out to eat by the
starving wretches along the road; for my own part I