20th. Our road to-day led mostly away from the river, crossing some
ridges in the forenoon; in the afternoon left the river and crossed a
level sage plain to the base of the mountains, where we found some poor
water and some grass. We followed along at the base of the hills until
we reached within a few miles of the river again and camped on a bottom
covered with heavy grass, and slough water. This is the best point to
stop at to recruit on the Humboldt, as there are miles of good grass
equal to the less cultivated meadows, and but little alkali, and by
taking some pains, water may be had. It will be known by the emigrant
by this description: The road leaves the river and runs directly to the
hills, the river bearing to the left. The hills which you approach also
bear to the left, until they approach the river, which takes a short
turn around its base. The road when it reaches the hills turns to the
left and follows the base of them until it strikes the river, then
passes around the rocky rugged point of the mountain next to the river.
After you pass this point you come into extensive salt and alkali
plains. You will find good looking grass in some places, but it is so
much impregnated with salt and alkali that your stock will run down on
it all the time. The best place to stop here is a few miles before you
reach the point of the mountain. Turn off to the left towards the
river.
The day has been hot and the dust oppressive. No person in the States
can have an idea of the dust in this country until he has been here. A
man will settle to the ankles at every step, and his eyes and nostrils
are filled with it throughout the day; and when the wind blows it is
suffocating. The country is volcanic, the mountains being composed
entirely of lava and cinders. We found a new variety of currants here,
yellow variety, which are very good. Fuller picked a large quantity of
them to-day.