The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1879-06-26
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SKETCHES IN ARIZONA.

SKETCHES IN ARIZONA.
Picturesqueness and Importance Of the Site
Of Fort Apache.
From the Chicsgo Times
The stranger is at once attracted by the
picturesque position Fort Apache occupies,
perched like an eagles eyre among the
Sierras Blanca.
1t is built upon a small plain six thous-
and feet above the sea level. Around it
upon all sides rise high fiat mesas, those
upon the south covered by forests of cedar.
hemlock. and pine. Upon the north, they
are almost devoid ofvegetation, their crests
surrounded by a wall of basaltic rocks
hewn as it were into a succession of
columns. To the east are seen the submits
of Mount Ord, and Old Baldy, two of the
highest peaks of the White mountain
range. It is said that in Switzerland. and
upon the mountains In our eastern states,
no vegetation existsyabove the altitude of
FIVE thousand feet, and that among the
Alps the everlasting ice and snow remain
at eight Thousand feet, while upon the
Rocky mountains and the great Western
Sierras, flowers. grass and timber grow,
and flourish as high up as eleven thousand
feet; even at twelve thousand, large
forests of pine are seen, the line of perpet-
ual snow being about fourteen thousand
feet above the level of the sea.
The garrison of Apache consists of four
companies of regular troops, and a COM
pany of Indiana scouts under command OF
Col. Compton, of the 9Th cavalry. It is
the largest, and decidedly the most I'M
portant military post in the territory, and
in spite of its isolation and inaccessibility
is considered, with exception of Prescott.
the most desirable station in the district,
principally owing to its salubrious climate
and bracing atmosphere, although most
persons upon their arrival experience
much difficulty in respiration from the
extremely rarifed condition of the air,
and are apt to lose flesh until they become
acclimated.
THE OFFICERS QUARTERS
at Camp Apache are small and built of
rough logs, reminding you of the old time
log cabins seen in the south. The uninyi-
ting exterior is disguised in summer by a
wealth of green vines, among which the
hop is favorite, and it is Indigenous,
and grows readily and luxuriantly without
cultivation, whilst morning glories, in
crimson, white and blue drape the rustic
porches, niingling their delicate tendrils
and bright blossoms with the more COM
mon place but graceful hop. Viewing
these unprepossessing houses from the out
side. you are unprepared to find upon en-
tering, the interior nicely and comfortably
finished, and in most instances showing
much taste and refinement In the various
household Embellishments.
Immediately behind the line of officers
quarters yawns canon about one hun
dred or one hundred and fifty feet deep in
whose depths winds like thread of silver
the bright little rivulet known as the east
fork of the
WHITE MOUNTAIN RIVER.
This stream provides the garrison with
never failing and inexhaustible supply of
pure water. In sight of the post. a short
distance below, it flows into the north fork
of the same river each branch ripping
and gliding through its own canon, be-
tween high black walls of metamorphic
rock. At the confluence of the stream
both canons come to an abrupt termina-
ton. as if by mutual consent after having
performed their allotted duty in witness
ing the union of the two rivers.
CHANGING at the black, Jagged, and in
some places perpendicular sides of the
canon, you could scarcely credit the posi- |
bilty Of the nimble footed Apache scaling |
with impunity its frowning walls; but in
many places they have worn their narrow
trails in ascending and descending, which
feat they accomplish with much apparent
ease, often galloping their horses up and |
down the precipitous and stony passes
with recklessness that would have caus-
ed the stalwart Putnam to blush at the
insigni6cance of his comparatively tame
exploit of Revolutionary fame.
Among the crags and along the water |
edge blossom in profusion the wild rose
and honeysuckle, the air being laden with
their delicate perfume, while far above,
peeping from out assures IN the black
rocks. are seen the gorgeous flowers of the |
cacti.
As in all mountainous countries Apache
is difficult of approach,
THE WAGON ROADS
being rough, and in many places danger.
Gus. Some of the hills are SO steep that
in making the descent large trees are cut |
down and fastened to the back of the waQ-
ons, otherwise they would turn complete |
" over upon the animals, in other places
the boulders are of such size that car
images and lighter vehicles have
to be lifted over them BY main
force. Accidents are continually occur
ring. and in such places the roads are
strewn with wrecks Of wagons, carts, etc.
There is
PRECIPICE THOUSAND FEET HIGH.
taking an abrupt turn. so that the
MULE in doubling 1t will only have three
"f his feet mon the path. An officer CON-
mandng scouting party came to this
place, and felt sorely tempted to dismount
and crawl upon his hands and knees along
the dangerous pathway. but the fear Of
ridicule restrained him when he saw
that the rest of the party. who were
more familiar with mountain passes, re-
manned quietly in the saddle while the