It required a journey of eight days.

As the trapping party, nearly a hundred in number, all mounted on gayly caparisoned steeds, and leading one or two hundred pack horses, entered the valley over the distant eminences, there were two scenes presented to the eye, each peculiar in many aspects of sublimity and beauty.
It was midsummer.

The smooth meadow upon which the encampment was held was rich, verdant and blooming, a beautiful stream flowing along its western border.

A fine grove fringed the stream as far as the eye could reach up and down.

Not a tree, stump, or stone was to be seen upon the smooth, lawn-like expanse.