WESTERN INCIDENTS.

THE GREAT PLATTE VALLEY,

The fine valleys of Mud Creek, and the Papillon, were
passed successively, and at about two P.M, the Great
Platte Valley opened to the view, and elicited an excla-
mation of wonder and admiration from all who now saw
it for the first time.

The tram—which had been ordered by Mr. Durant to
proceed at a slow rate of speed, so that the excursionists
could obtain a satisfactory view, not only of the surround-
ing beautiful country, but of the road and structures, as
they passed—after halting at the fine bridge structures
over the Papillon and Elkhorn Rivers, stopped a short
time at the Fremont and North Bend stations, in order to
give the guests an opportunity of examining the commo-
dious depot buildings, water stations, etc., which had been
constructed by the Company at intervals of fifteen or
twenty miles along the line.

ARRIVAL AT COLUMBUS.

The train finally reached Columbus, the proposed end
of the first day’s journey, a little after night-fall, and
here a new surprise awaited the party.

The train was halted immediately in front of a bril-
liantly illuminated encampment, which covered several
acres of beautiful ground situated a few rods northward
of the Columbus station buildings, and so arranged as to
afford comfortable accommodations for all who wished to
leave the cars and enjoy the novelty of a night’s sleep in
camp.

Soon after our arrival, supper was announced by the
ubiquitous Hoxie, and the party found themselves com-
fortably seated in a large tent, and urged to partake of