Year: 1860

sAEnfNE VALLEY.


One Of the pretiiest OF the beautiful chain
OF valleys through which the road passes on
the ascent Of the Eastern Slope is known as
Sardine Valley. Mcssrs. Hunter & Co have
taken up this valley and are now engaged
in putting up a substantial house Of hewn
logs, Of ample Dimensions to accommodate
any amonnt Of travel that may be expected
upon The road during the present season.
The valley bottom is now covered with a lux
uriant crop Of grass, upon which we noticed
quite number of cattle, which have been
driven thiiher for pas,urage. About one
and half miles west Of their honse. aud
some fourteen east Of the summit, the Dow
melville trail. uia Sierra Valley, enters the
Henness Pass route. Hunter & Co.'S will
soon become an important point on this
road, the travelling public will find them
agreeable and accommodating, and as SOON
as they get their house completed the best of
cheer may always be expected at their place.


NAPLES RANCH.


The next house west of Hunters, and the
one nearest to the summit, is known as
Z" Naples Ranch" the original proprietor
Of which persisted in a storm few weeks
since, within hailing distance Of his own
house. This ranch is situated in a beautiful
valley. near the head waieas Of the Truckee,
and within five niles OF the summit. The
ascent from this ranch to the summit is so
small as to be scarcely perceptible. and The
best evidence of the small elevation and
practical nature OF the Pass may be found in
the fact that Naples is one of the best hay
ranches in all the mountains above Nevada.
Its present proprietor. Gus. Moore, has real
lied some $1,000 or $4,000 profits from the
hay cut from il the past season. The road
passes directly by bis house, but the trail as
now travelled is some distance TO the north
and upon the opposite side Of the river II
was our misfortune TO arrive in the vicinity
OF his house just at nightiall, and in the
midst of a snow storm. We unfortunately
passed without noticing it aud night over
took us within three miles Of the summit,
in the midst of a driving storm, with no
other shelter than the branches OF the trees
and no couch but the drifting snow, upon
which to spread eur scanty blankets. We
had already lost the trail. in the dim ap-
proach of night. and fearing lest we might
wander at distance from It, we came TO
halt where we were. built FIRE, and after
taking a lunch composed ourselves as well
as we could for the night.


It Vas no very comfortable position for
two lone travellers to be placed. in The
very midst Of the dreaded Sicrras, doubtful
about the continuance Of the storm the trail
already quite obliterated. in the immediate
vicinity Of the known haunis Of the grizzly
and California lion. and with no other
means of defense save one Of Colts small
FIVE inch revolvers and faithful dog, that
bad thus far followed Us in our travels
through the mountains. The fate OF poor
Naples who had so recently perished in that
same ncishborhool more than once forced
Itself upon onr mind, with anything but
pleasant forhodings


The proprietor of this ranch. If he pos
sessel one particle of energy or interest in
opening up this important roadway would
place some indication upon the trail which
would serve as guide TO bis house, so that
the belated traveller might at least spread
his blankets within hailing distance OF the
same, even il be might not be willing one
should enjoy the shelter of bis roof


JACEsONs RANCH.