At the bow and stern of each was a water-tight compartment, in which supplies and instruments could be packed, and they would yet give buoyancy to the boats when they would be filled with water by the breaking waves of the rapids.

Amidships the boats were open, and here also goods, guns, etc., were stowed away.

Each had a long rope, to use in lowering past the most dangerous places.

Unlike all the explorations on the lower course of the river, this expedition would require no lines for towing.

These four little craft, which were to be the main reliance of the daring men composing the party, were transported free of charge, together with the men who were from the country east of the mountains, to Green River Station, Wyoming, by the courtesy of the officials of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy, and the Union Pacific railways, who took a deep interest in the proposed descent.