The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1876-08-13


by Jones, must possess some distinct
characteristics, as a few flowers were
Q Which are not in his enumeration.
A geological chapter IS also presented
by this region which Is comparatively
unread Rare birds and insects were
observed, the Identification of which
would be Of the greatest scientific in
terest. The government has devoted so
much 70 the detailed exploration Of
other portions Of the great central d.
vide of the continent that the time
seems to have come when q scientific
expedition should be sent to the Big
Horn Mountains, whose altitude, even,
has never been ascertained with exacti-
tude. When it is considered that they
form p edge of the basin in which
are the headwaters of the great Mis-
souri,, and which adjoins that of the
headwaters of the Colorado, the i'm
portance of the study of this region
may be estimated.
The altitude throughout the belt OF
country thus briefly described averages
about 5000 feet above the level. As
already intimated, the climate is quite
dry, and irrigation would no doubt be q
necessary adjunct to cultivation The
numerous large streams, and their doz.
ems of less important tributaries, with
their rapid fall, would render this arti.
fetal moistening a very easy matter.
1t can truly be said that no region, east
or west, is so thoroughly or advantage
ously watered- During the occupation
of Forts Phil Kearney and G. F. Smith,
it was proven that the winter climate
hereabouts is far more equable and
agreeable than that of southern Wyo
ming. Experiments then made in cul
tivating the soil also resulted success
fully, so far as the hardy vegetables
were commemorative cereals not re
receiving a trial.
But that which it is hoped viii prove
the grand sourc Of this region Is itl
mineral wealth, More fabulous tale.
Of the hidden riches OF the Big HorI
Mountains have gone forth in year
past than ever lured immigration Il
the Black Hills.
Numerous scouting parties have beer
sent out within the past week to deter
mine the movements Of the Sioux 4
large fresh trail was discovered a few
days ago leading toward the Lowe
Tongue and Powder River region
Trinkets captured in the Custer fgh
were found scattered around a recen'
temporary camp. The savages are be
lieved to be divided into two or thre'
bands, and travelling in a parallel direc
ton toward Powder River, from wher'
they can easily flee to the agencies /
too holly pursued. They have set thu
prairie aire in every direction, witt
evident intent to ruin the pasturage, 9
we would be compelled to leave tn
country on account of having no hors
feed. They have also driven nearly al
the game out of the country,
Gen. Crook called the field officer
around him to-day and endeayored Il
impress them with the importance o
every man doing his utmost to hell
along the cause. He issued strict in
structions in regard to every man goin'
forward in the lightest possible order
adding that everything is staked on thi
move, and that, if it is possible for l
to fail, the alternative alone remains o
asking for volunteer aid.
Under the new organization, Gen
Merritt will be the ranking officer Q
the cavalry, and Col. Alexander Cham
bers commander of the infantry battal
lion. The entire column, with pack
train transportation, will move in tn
direction of Tongue River.
MARION.