est spot that we could find.

15 miles.

14th. To-day's drive has been over a desert bearing nothing but wild
sage, and crickets which cover the ground, and seem to get as fat as if
they had something to eat. They were so numerous that we could not step
without crushing some of them. Passed an alkali spring and pond 12
miles from the ferry; also the Willow Springs, 28 miles from the river.
Found good water at the Willow Springs, but no grass. Camped on
Prospect Hill in full view of the lofty snow capped Peaks of the Rocky
Mountains, and have had a very cold, windy day's drive, with sandy
road.

30 miles.

15th. Very cold day; have to wear our overcoats and mittens. Rained all
night and forenoon, with a right smart chance of a snow storm. After
the snow storm had blown out we had one of the most splendid views of
the Rocky Mountains that the mind could conceive. They were clothed
with pure white snow from base to summit, gigantic specimens of
Nature's monuments. Passed some small creeks to-day furnishing some
good water; also several alkali lakes and swamps. Thousands of wagon
loads of pure saleratus and pearlash could be got here. The crusting
over some of the swamps readily supported a man walking upon it. We
gathered some for use and found it much stronger than the manufactured
article, but think it contains some poisonous property, as the bread
made of it affected us disagreeably. I should advise all to observe
caution in using it. Passed the Independence Rock, which is a huge mass
of granite covered with the names of thousands who have gone before us.
Crossed the Sweet Water river, which is about 10 rods wide, and three
feet deep at the ford, and camped one mile from the crossing.

24 miles.

Sunday. 16th. Moved our camp up to the foot of the mountain where we
found a good spring of water and some grass. We are now fairly in the
Rocky Mountains, and a ragged looking country it is. Huge piles of
granite reared upon each other, covered with snow renders the prospect
picturesque, but cheerless. Weather cold and windy.

17th. Passed the Devil's gate, a narrow chasm in the rock, said to be
about four hundred feet deep, through which the Sweet Water runs. It
resembles the dells on the Wisconsin river. Have had a sandy road and
poor grass. Bought a light wagon and harness this evening for 10
dollars. Saw several heavy wagons that had been left on the road, owing
to the sand.

25 miles.

18th. Crossed t