course, its waters escaping through the
bogs of the valley.
metimes for hours these springs are
| inactive, then come little puffs of steam,
then long and frequent jets, which often
shoot 30 feet high. The waters are very
| hot. Woe to the unlucky hombre who
ets near and to the windward of one of
ese springs, where it sends forth a col-
umn of spray, steam and muddy sulphur
water from 20 to 30 feet in height. He will
need a change of clothes, some simple
cerate, a few days’ rest, and the prayers of
his friends—as well as of the congregation.
There are over 100 of these spurting, bub-
bling, sulphuric curiosities around the
hills in this vicinity. The general charac-
ter of all are about the same.

There are a great many theories regard-
ing these springs—what causes the heat,
; etc. Some contend that the water escapes
from the regions of eternal fires, which are
supposed to be ever burning in the center
of the globe. Others assert that it is min-
eral in solution with the water which
causes the heat. Again, irreverent persons
suggest that this part of the country is but
the roof of a peculiar place to which they
may well fear their wicked deeds may
doom them in the future.

Shoshone—is ten miles west of Be-
o-wa-we; elevation 4,636 feet. Across the
river to the right is Battle Mountain,
which rises up clear and sharp from the
river’s brink. Itseems near, but between
us and its southern base is a wide bottom
land and the river, which here really
“spreads itself” We saw the same point
when emerging from Be-o-wa-we. or “the
gate,” and it will continue in sight for
many miles.

This mountain derives its name from an
Indian fight, the particulars of which will
be related hereafter. There are several
ranges near by, all bearing the same gene-
ral name. This range being the most

rominent, deserves a passing notice. It
lies north of the river, between the Owyhee
Range on the north and the Reese River
Mountains on the south. Its base is
washed by the river its entire length—
from 50 to 75 miles. It presents an al-
most unbroken surface and even altitude
the entire distance. In places it rises in
bold bluffs, in others it slopes away from
base to summit, but in each case the same
altitude is reached. It is about 1,500 feet
high, the top or summit appearing to be
pepe land. Silver and copper mines have

       
       
      
          
         
     
      
     
    
           
      
       
    
      
     
          
      
      
   
         
 
  
     

 

AND PACIFIC COAST GUIDE.

 

161

been prospected with good results.

Behind this range are wide valleys,
which slope away to the river at either
end of the range, leaving it comparatively
isolated.

Opposite to Shoshone, Rock Creek emp-
ties its waters into the Humboldt. It rises
about 40 miles to the northward, and is
bordered by a beautiful valley about four
miles wide. The stream is well stocked
with fish, among which are the mountain
trout. In the country around the head-
waters of the stream is found plenty of
ng of various kinds, including deer and

ar.

Copper mines of vast size and great rich-
ness are found in the valley of Rock Creek,
and among the adjoining hills. Whenever
the copper interest becomes of sufficient
importance to warrant the opening of these
mines, this section will prove oneof great
importance.

Leaving Shoshone, we pursue our way
down theriver, the road leading back from
the meadow land and passing along an
upland, covered with sage-brush. “The
hills on our left are smooth and covered
with a good coat of bunch-grass, affording
most excellent pasturage for stock, sum-
mer and winter.

Argenta—is 11.1 miles further west.
This was formerly a regular eating station
and the distributing point for Austin and
the Reese River country; but isnowa sim-
ple side-track. Paradise Valley lies on the
north side of the river, nearly opposite this
station. It is about 60 miles long by eight
wide, very fertile and thickly settled.
Eden Valley, the northern part of Para-
dise Valley, is about 20 miles long and
five wide. In general features it rese.nbles
the lower portion, the whole, comprising
one of the richest farming sections in the
State. Camp Scott and Santa Rosa are
situated in the head of the valley, and |
other small towns have sprung up at other
points.

Paradise Creek is a clear, cold mountain
stream, upon which are a number of grist
and saw mills. It rises in the Owyhee
Mountains and flowsthrough these valleys
to the Humboldt River. Salmon trout of
enormous size are found in the stream and
its tributaries. Bears, deer, silver-gray
foxes, and other game, abound on the hills
which border the valley.

These valleys—the Humboldt for 50
miles east and west, and the adjoining
mountains—are the stock-raisers’ paradise.