Daily national Democrat., 1860-07-25
Dallg WationaI Democrat.
Solar Eclipse and Spanish Peak.
Mt. PLEASANT, Plumas CO.. Julv LOT

evening 4Ith July, 1850, the approach of
which L looked upon as an important event
in the history and science of Astronomy, be-.
ing the eve ofthe Solar Eclipse, the day hav.
ing arrived and appearing in all its glory, as
1t can only appear clothed in natures full
regalia in these mountain localities. Having
made all necessary preparation for the trip
we started, four in company, viz: Col. Bavle.
MAJOR Frankfort, Professor Heckle and your
humble servant. We proceeded on our Jour
ney full of life and vigor determined to
reach the Peak and there remain till night,
as that was the highest point from which we
could have an early and full view of Old Soils
man@uvering. Nothing disturbed our pro-
gress more than what is usual in trip over
the mountains of California-clamberin over
rocks and logs, rustling through the bushes,
breaking the stiffness only by an occasional
observation from some one of the company,
or misstep over log and into the brush,
md perhaps disturbing the repose of dame
natures offspring, such as a grouse, bird,
squirrel, snake or something of the kind or
perhaps displacing fragment of granite or
quartz which in all probability has never
been disturbed since the great volcanic erup-
tion which, according to Geologists has un-
doubtedly visited this locality years upon
years ago, though as to myself L entertain
very different opinion. My conclusion is that
this country has one day been the path of the
ocean, and where are seen tottering rocks.
eminent cliffs and buttes, deep gulches and
ravines they are caused by the continual
change of the course of the water and the
mighty storms which are continually affect.
ing the position of the oceans bed. DESTROY
ing one part by repeated tempests and severe
under>currents conveying it to the opposite
side OF the bed of the mighty deep, and finally
In the repeated changes of nature. the ocean
has sunk away from this part of its native
repose and occupies its present position-
These upheavings of immense beds of rock
are nothing but the effect of exposure to the
atmosphere and sun after the recession Of
water from those places as my readers are all
aware that water predominates in connec-
ton with other material in the construction
OF all physical or natural bodies. l am di-
verging from the subject l started out on
more than intended l shall leave the sub
Ject to those better qualified than l am to set
tie world right
We arrived at the head of the old Noun
tain House ditch, which is small and some
what primitive having been dug when the
discovery of gold was first made here and in
such manner, that it resembles the way
every thing was done in California in early
times 1t is on rather an irregular grade.
the head of which takes its source in Spanish
Greek, at which point there is beautiful
cascade, which in early spring when water
is flush, presents quite handsome appear
nnce, far excelng the Minnehaha Falls in
Minnesota. Passing above the cascade. we
coursed along the ravine, through which
Spanish Creek runs along which foliage of
every description appears in all its glory.
Flowers of every hue are also there. Indeed,
there seems to be strife in nature for the
prerogative Of excellence Having arrived
at tie summit dividing Spanish and Silver
Creeks, we find the source of the latter to be
Silver Lake, which is quite large body of
water covering an area of half mile by two
miles, situated in a basin surrounded by
rim of granite lodges 1t presents scene of
peculiar romance and beauty. The altitude
of the lake is said to be six thousand feet
above the Pacific. 1t is also the source by
which they supply the Plumas ditch in con-
nection with Gold Lake. This ditch supplies
in part Mt. Pleasant and Fales' Hill district
with water for mining purposes After leav.
ing Silver Lake, we proceeded through a
very rough mountainous country to Gold
Lake, small body of water located in
basin of granite, apparently supplied only by
the melting snow above. When this passes
off it is without vitality in a measure. Hav-
ing past that place, We approached what
would be properly termed the foot of Span
ish Peak. Now comes the "tug of war" The
appearance above is most sublime. The
towering cliffs ofadamantine structure over
hanging our heads; the impending grandeur
almost disputing our approach any closer.
Determined however, to proceed on our pill
grimage. we forced our way up its side and
reached the top, where we found stiffness
relgning supreme. Sitting down with spy.
glass in hand, we enjoyed view which the
most favored den:zens in the lower valleys
might envy. The mountains underneath us
appeared as pigmies the valleys American,
Indian, Onion, and Honey Lake appeared as
little grass plots, compared to their real ex-
tent Above and beyond we discov cred and
most fully appreciated the height of Shasta,
Lassen's, and Downieville Buttes, Slate creek
Mountain and Table Rock, which appeared
as much higher above us, as we were above
the valleys below, the distance of which we
supposed was forty or fifty miles from where
we stood. We had arrived but a short time
before we were joined by many others, for
the same object with ourselves, among whom
were Hon. S. A. Ballou, M Hollingsworth,
ID. A. Jones, +. B. Whiting f. D. Clark, Sam
Hughes, George Minion and others, number
ing in all twenty-five. They brought with
them barometer and thermometer in order
TO determine the state of the atmosphere and
altitude of the Peak, which was found to be
about seven thousand feet. Night approach.
Ing, we built large fire and went to work
preparing our supper. as some of us had done
Sf