Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-10-12
GRAND TeTONS GLACIERS.
Story Of Their Exploration by Rev. Samuel
Parker and PARTY.
Especial Correspondence.

Especial Correspondence.
CEETENNE, Sept. 25.-So far as know the
glaciers on the Grand Tetons have never
been described This region Of Wyoming
was first invaded by the Rev. Samuel Par
ker during 1885. Its first and probably
only descent was made by an exploring party
OF the United States Geological Survey, IN
charge OF Mr.. A d. Wilson Reaching the
top of q deep notch s, 600 feet high, they soon
climbed down over bank Of STOW and out
on a small glacier, which filed the anphi-
theatre, or basin, at this point. Crossing this
quickly they found themselves face to face
with the peak itself, where it looked as If
II would be almost impossible to climb very
high They halted moment to examine the
ground ahead. Finally, they concluded to
follow up the long slide which came from the
southwest slope of the peak. This would
enable them TO reach the saddle on tbs
main ridge. They proceeded over the great
loose mass of angular powders Of granite
first giving strict orders that the others were
not 10 follow IN line, as IL would be impos-
siole TO prevent the powders from rolling
under the feet Of those in advance. After
about one hours hard climbing they reached
the saddle, and halted again for a moment to
take look al the peak from that side. The
walls extended below the saddle on either
side, compelling tae party to follow a path
which was very steep and IN many places
worn smooth by the snow slides which passed
down THIS channel every spring.
Mr.. " ilsou took the lead and climbed as
best he could, carrying q transit on his back
with no difficulty until place was reached
where the rocks were well polished and
standing almost vertical Nothing daunted.
he continued, finding here and there finger
hold or q crack in which he could
stick a toe. When be came to a place
where there was good standing room he
waited fox his companions, but had not
rested long before a cry for help came up
from below. Crawling out on a jutting stone
and looking down ne saw about forty feet be-
heath him one Of the men clinging to the
face of the bluT. as q starfish might hang on
g breakwater. The man was In sucn posi-
ton that he could neither get up nor down
Ar. Wilson cast him rope, and thus aided
he got up safely. After another lift or two
the climbing temporarily became little bet
ter, TIE rocks here were more broken, thus
Offering better hold for hand and foot The
party next reached the notch, formed Of two
walls as they cross the peak Much TO their
chagrin they could find no means of getting
up the wall 10 the right, which they had
10 90 II ORDER 70 re2CQ the last high
peak At the lowest point the wall was
forty feet high, composed Of granite,
smooth and vertical, without break
anywhere that could possibly be scaled
Thus they found themselves completely
blocked within a few feet OF the top, after
weary climb OF Is, 90 feet Turning to the
left they climbed 70 the top OF the western
point, where they found circular inclosure
Of rocAs, sUca as are often seen on many
western mountains, evidently built by the
Indians. OF course, this party, and probably
10 other, ever scaled the main peak, perhaps
a hundred feet higher, but they had a grand
panorama OF views while climbing, inclu6-
Ing FrsIaonts peak. far in the distance, and Of
pretty much al the peaks mentioned herein
A remarkable phenomenon was witnessed on
the great walls OF ice Of the glaciers. The
ice was pzrIleated with grasshoppers, which.
in trying 10 migrate over the Rockies, had
struck against the ice and become part OF
il 10 such en- extent that they were enabled
to do uluca climbing By clngiRg 10 the rough
surfaces made by the bodies OF tie insects.
". Il g.