, many men believed
that the greater portion of the country was not worth taking.

It would be interesting to consider each of the main lines of railroad
which connect the Mississippi Valley with the Pacific, and study the
features of the country through which it runs, determining as far
as possible the surveyor's reasons for selecting that particular
course. Some of the railroads follow for long distances the routes
of the emigrants. The emigrants, in their turn, often made use
of the ancient Indian trails.

[Illustration: FIG. 95.--THE CARSON PASS, SUMMIT OF SIERRA NEVADA
MOUNTAINS

One of the main emigrant routes to the Pacific Coast]

While Nature seems to have striven to raise impassable barriers
to shut off the Pacific slope from the rest of the continent, yet
she failed at some points, and through the unguarded passes the wild
animals and Indians first found their way. Then came the trappers,
prospectors, farmers, and at last the railroad, until the wilderness
was over-run.

Because of its temperate climate, abundant rainfall, and rich soil,
the Mississippi Valley was rapidly settled after the pioneers had
once reached it. The plains rising slowly westward toward the base
of the Rocky Mountains were found to be more arid the farther they
were explored. Consequently there exists a broad strip of plain
which is even to-day sparsely settled. The emigrants went on to
the fertile valleys nearer the Pacific, where the rainfall is more
abundant. The American settlers did not then understand irrigation,
although it was practised by the Mexicans to the south. Because
the discovery of precious metals was first made in California,
the pioneers crossed the intervening mountains without giving a
thought to the mineral riches which might be concealed in their
depths. Later, mines were opened in the mountains all through the
arid regions. The necessity of providing food for the miners brought
about the discovery that the desert lands were very productive
wherever the waters of the streams could be brought to them.

THE LIFE OF THE PROSPECTOR

Perhaps some of us who have comfortable homes, sleep upon soft
beds, wear neat clothes, and can obtain every variety of food that
we wish, think with pity of the men who lead a rough and lonely life
among the mountains far from all comforts. Let us learn something
more about the life and work of the prospectors, for we may find
much that is desirable in their experiences.