At one place that we passed there was a broad opening in a rocky but earth covered bank.

Through this opening the eye surveyed a long plain, which at about two miles was bounded by low dark hills.

Along this plain the channel of a stream was as distinctly marked in all its windings by small fragments of snow-white quartz as if water had been there instead.

On either side the landscape was dark; but the effect was exceedingly striking and unusual.

From the hills we ascended I obtained bearings to every station of consequence, and was quite glad that I had thus turned from my direct course.