In its narrow valley ruined foundations of houses and fragments of pottery were discovered.
There were also indications of old trails by which the builders had made their way about.

By the 17th of August, the rations were reduced to musty flour enough for ten days, a few dried apples, and plenty of coffee.

The bacon had spoiled and was thrown away.

Now the problem of food was a paramount consideration.

Should they be detained by many bad places, they might be forced by the food question to abandon the river, if possible, and strike for the Mormon settlements lying to the north.
The barometers were rendered useless, so that they could not determine the altitude to see what proportion of descent still remained ahead.
They hoped, however, that the worst was behind.