Page:Route Across the Rocky Mountains with a Description of Oregon and California.djvu/159



A rich bottom, A small creek, Another, A large Creek, The Chimney, Scott's Bluffs. Horse Creek, North Fork, Fort Laramie, 30 10 20 20 12 20 Warm Springs, 11 533 563 565 575 595 615 627 642 662 673 two branches, and descends into Ash Hollow, on the opposite side. There is no wood in this distance, and no water, except some standing in pools, which is very bad. In Ash Hollow there is excellent wood, grass, and water. The mouth of Ash Hollow is within a few hundred yards of the North Fork, and the trail, from this point, with one exception, follows the streams to Fort Laramie. The grass is not so abundant on this, as on the South Fork, but it will be found sufficient, generally, for the accommodation of companies. A few small cedar trees will be found on the bluffs, for some miles above the mouth of Ash Hollow, but with this exception, there is no wood to be found, worthy of notice, between this point and Scott's Bluffs. As the trail never leaves the river far, water may be always had by going off from it a short distance. This spot will afford grass sufficient for several large companies. The trail leaves the river, a few miles beyond the Chimney. On the East side of Scott's Bluffs, where the trail passes over them, there is a large spring of excellent water, an abundance of wood, and grass enough for two or three large companies. In the intermediate distance, there is neither water nor grass. At Horse Creek there is an abundance of grass and rushes, but scarcely any wood. An abudance of grass and wood. The trail, in this distance, follows the river; along which the bottoms are wooded; affording always plenty of fuel, and generally ample pasturage. At Fort Laramie, the trail crosses Laramie Fork, a small river which is sometimes too deep to ford; but if it should be, means can probably be obtained at the Fort to ferry it. There is generally but little grass here, and it will be prudent for companies to delay no longer than necessity absolutely requires. Wood, in this vicinity, is almost entirely wanting. Between Fort Laramie and this point, there is no