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550 defile for some distance, it was determined to follow it on the 11th; and on arriving at the eastern end, it was found to terminate in a lake-basin containing little water but much mud, to which the name of Mud Springs was given. On the farther side of the basin was another ridge extending parallel to the Granite Mountains, which appeared to terminate about fifteen miles to the south of the gorge. Travelling toward the end of this ridge along its base, grass and water were found, but not in abundance; and at the extremity, hot springs, with immense piles of volcanic rock and scoriæ of a dark color, from which the place received the name of Black Rock. At this point the company divided, half going east and the rest south.

Finding nothing encouraging in the outlook eastward from the Rabbit-hole Mountains, this party also turned southward along their base, and at the termination found a large spring, but too strongly alkaline to be used except in making coffee. Prom this spring looking east, nothing could be seen but -a vast plain glittering with an alkaline efflorescence, which greatly aggravated the heat of a July sun. In travelling over it the party suffered not only from heat and thirst, but from those atmospheric illusions so tormenting to those who traverse deserts. All that day and night, and until four o'clock in the afternoon of the following day, they were without water, and one of the men had succumbed, and was left lying in the shadow of some rocks, while his companions in suffering directed their course toward a small green spot several miles distant. While on this errand they fell in with the southern division, which had also been without water about as long, and was travelling toward the bit of green in the distance. That night all encamped together again, the sick man having been brought to camp. But so warm, alkaline, and disagreeable was the little water found, that few of the company could retain it. The horses drank it eagerly, and this small relief, with a night of rest, sufficed to raise the sinking courage of