Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1872-08-22

- we desired, above the canyon, and pro.
ceeded on our way rejoicing. There il !
small meadow where we came tC the Galla-
lin which has evidently been used for q
camping place for both Indians and White
men. stream which we called White Pine
Greek, about the size OF Middle Creek comes
in here from the East.
This point is thirty or thirty-fye miles Z
little west Of south from Bozeman. For
about twenty-five miles our course was now
nearly due South along the Gallatin where
the South Fork comes in from southerly
direction. This doubtless is the stream fol-
lowed by De Lacy in 1863, as according to
Mr. Miller's idea of the lay Of the country,
its course is directly from the Fire Hole Basin
toward Bozeman, which direction Mr.. De
Lacy travelled for about fifty miles, as will be
seen by q reference to his map, published in
1871. From the mouth OF the South Fork,
the course of the main stream is from the
East tor about ten miles, where a stream
comes in from the left which heads in the
range near the head Of Hot Spring Greek.
From this the course of the main Gallatin
bears strongly to the South in direct line
for twelve or fifteen miles, and SO as much
rther as we could trace it from protni-
/ nent hill which we assembled to take observa-
tions. From this point we could see far to
| the south and southwest. the couatry pre-
senting an appearance similar to that for.
SLY twenty miles behind us; being rolling
| timbered country with here and there y snow
capped peak. standing like CULVER among
the Lilliputians, solitary and alone; while
| to the East low divide separates the waters
| OF the Yellowstone and Galiatin.
| Had had time should not have returned
bad TO the Geyser Basin and the Yellowstone
Lake; but had already been out twice as
long az expected to be when started, and
having satisfied myself about the general lay
Of the country, returned. -
And now as to the practicabilty of q road
by this route. | am free to acknowlede that
were the Hot Springs on Gardeners River the
only attraction in the National Park, it would
be doubtful whether this route or the one by
the Yellowstone would be preferable. This
doubt could only be solved by careful to-
biographical survey Of both routes. But
these Hot Springs are not the only sstra. ton,
aud to tourists and pleasure seekers only
small portion of the attractions in this Won
derland. do not wish to belittlc any of the
great wonders in this remarkable region,
among the greatest OF which the Hot Springs
are very properly enumerated. But while
the wonder see er never tires of examining
the Hot Spring legion on GARDENERS River,
the same is true of the geYser region and
that about the Yellowstone Lake and am
fully satisfied that road can BE made BY the
route travelled. possessing advantages ouer all
other possible routes, for visit TO the Yello.o-
stone Lake and the geysers; while believe it
not inferior in any respect to the Yellowstone
route to the Hot Springs themselves.
And what are tine advantages this route
possess? First, it is nearer. This, all other
things being equcl.is the greatest advantage
Of all. 1t is hardly possible that By this
route it is over eighty-fve miles to the Fire
Hole Basin, or over q hundred miles to the |
Yellowstone Lake, while it is probably sixty
dive or seventy to the Hot Springs. OF course
no road can be made direct. but am fully |
satisfied that these figures will give ample |
room for all variations. TiIus would thirty
i've miles be saved in distance to the lake |
and the geysers BY this route, over all other
possible routes.
Second. it will require much less grading
and can be more easily made. By this route
put little grading will be required, and that
little will be through sosl. Either OF the
'ther routes will require great deal OF grad
ng along rocky lodges and through almost
rocky canyons. The timber, which
$ much the greatest obstacle on this route,
an be easily removed. and where b idges
will be required an abundance Of excellent
imber is at hand.
Third, this road takes the traveller tbs en-
ire distance through rolling timbered coun-
~, which during the most pleasant tIayel-
ng season is full OF Moose, Elk. Deer. Bear
nd other game; while the numberless
treams are well supplied with trout aud
vhitefsh and taking him into the centre of ,
he National Park itself, introduces him at ,
nee to 1 country similar in it's general fea-
ures to that about Yellowstone Lake and !,
he Geyser Basins. heretofore unexplored, I
nd whose wonders Though they may be I
are wholly unknown. J
Fourth, aud finally, this road starts from ,
Iozcman, where all the necessaries and de- ,
irables foa = pleasure trip to Wonderland |
HI already be obtained, while al0hg its en-
re line are beautiful prairie openings con- !
aiming excellent soil for gardening pastnr- ,
ge or meadow land. where may be. and in
ime will be settlers prepared to welcome !
nd cheer the traveller in bad weather. :
This communication is already much long
T than expected to make it, but cannot +
lose without saying that there is : reason )
holly independent or the National Park !
nd its wonders, why this road should be OPP =
ned, or the toughest portion Of it. 1t will i
ass for over thirty miles over public lands
1vered with the finest timber in Montana. j
nd which the settlers in the Gallatin Valley !;
lready need. and in 4 few short years will I
require. III
Hoping the citizens Of the Gallatin Valley 4