Having pitched the tent at this spot, we set out to visit the principal springs, and had walked about three miles when the musquitoes compelled us to give up our project.

We did not see the termination of the plains toward the east, but on the north and west they are bounded by an even ridge, about six or seven hundred feet in height.

Several salt springs issue from the foot of this ridge, and spread their waters over the plain, which consists of tenacious clay.

During the summer much evaporation takes place, and large heaps of salt are left behind crystallized in the form of cubes.

Some beds of grayish compact gypsum were exposed on the sides of the hills.
The next morning after filling some casks with salt for our use during winter, we embarked to return, and had descended the river a few miles, when turning round a point, we perceived a buffalo plunge into the river before us.