Litchfield enquirer., 1870-04-07
OCEAN TO OCEAN
III.
ALKALr.

1 ALKALi.
 After leaving Corinne, we pass for some miles through rich country. Gradually leaving it, we encounter sage brush. Fri day, we see what at first sight seems to be snow, but on reaching it. and an examina- ton proves it to be alksi. The ground 1 is covered with white sediment. It is entirely barren, defying any species of vegetation. This tract extends to the mountains some twenty miles beyond. and is trying to one's eyes. We now commence the ascent of the table lands, which are reached by means of an embankment l through the Alkali plains. some feet in height, and along the Lake we make some abrupt curves, and crossing many bridges, find ourselves at Blue Greek Station, nine teen miles from Promontory, which is some three hundred feet higher. Our train was divided into three sections, and each with an engine began the ascent in earnest. Winding around tortuous curves, crossing deep ravines by heavy cuts and fills, and again by trestle-work, we still ascend. Sometimes we lose sight of even our own engine, SO abrupt were some of the curves. Still up, up, we go. the engine snorting and tugging with it's load, now almost stopping, and then with powerful effort, jerking us again forward. We cross tres tle-work five hupdred feet long by eighty seven high, and form another arc, this time stopping entirely, but with the assist ance of our engine. we gain momentum, and finally reach the plateau on which Promontory stands, 1,094 miles from Oma. ha. at an elevation of 1882 feet above the sea- -.+ -.-
 THE CENTRAL PACIFIC.
 Promontory was at this time the point of connection between the two roads, and here trouble commenced, change of cars, &c., &c My recollections of this place are any thing but pleasing. The town consists of shanties, about twenty five in number. We were here some two hours My first step was to secure section, and after considerable bidding and bribing, succeeded. Next came my trunk, and not being in very good humor, nor relishing the idea of being treated like a dog by railroad under strappers, I was decidedly saucy, and consequently paid some eight cents per pound in gold for our freight, amounting to some twenty dollars. had travelled over two thousand five hundred miles on different roads, and this was the first extra charge on trunks. next start ed for some lunch, and found everything was conducted on the gold basis, but hav- ing provided myself with that meta llic substance, was 70. K." Lunch being ended, took mule and started off for the point overlooking Salt Lake Basin, leaving most of my friends in the den of thieves, they preparing to see little "Monte." The view that met my gaze, after toilsome ride of fifteen minutes, through brush and over rocks, was grand in the extreme. I stood on a narrow ridge of granite, not four feet wide, and beheld that which would pay the lover of nature for all the inconveniences of crossing tho Continent to behold. SALT LAKE BASIN.
 Atmy feet lay Salt Lake, spread out like mirror, its placid surface glistening like field of burnished silver, dotted here and there with little islands projecting 8 few feet above it's waters, while around it, scattered here and there, lies the villages before mentioned. On its surface mere speck in the distance is seea-the steamer gliding along to her destination, scarcely leaving ripple on its motionless waters. We raise our eyes and behold once more the snow-capped summits of the Wahsatch mountains, rearing their towering crests far above the silver border at their base, and beyond these, the tops of far loftier mountains blending with the sky, rece. ding in the dim distance, till tue eye can follow their course no farther. Turn your eye in any direction, and the same scene repeats itself. Away to the west, where we must soon be travelling, Pilot Knot reals its crest of rocks, while at it's base can be seen the Alkali desert, through which must pass, any thing but pleas. ant one in prospect One more glance, then pitching and tumbling down, I find myself once more among sage brush, cut. throats. &c., &c. I take my seat in the coach, and away we gol It was amusing to hear the gentlemen in the smoking car relate their experience while at the Sta ton. One had lost one hundred dollars, another five hundred, and watch, Sc. Sc. All who tried, sharing the same fate, they resorted to various tricks, but were s'out. winded" every time. I since learn that the Vigilance Committee have cleaned ont all such characters. The place has never borne good reputation, and I was told that during one month. twenty eight deaths were caused there by violence, men shoot | svar, 41% %<>kI