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ANNUAL REPORT
OF
THE UNITED STATES
GEOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY
OF
THE TERRITORIES,
EMBRACING
COLORADO AND PARTS OF ADJACENT TERRITORIES ;
BEING A
REPORT OF PROGRESS OF THE EXPLORATION FOR THM YEAR 1874.
BY
F. V. HAYDEN,
UNITED STATES GEOLOGIST.
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CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY
OF THE INTERIOR.
. WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1876.
CONTENTS.
LENCE R TOMTHE OM ORE TAR We. lcrer cis sacle dele a Qisaci ee fealeig mae Sesie eine eee mietar erate oreiep sarees
GEOLOGY, MINERALOGY, AND MINING INDUSTRY.
Report oF F. V. Haypen, United States geologist ......--..-.----------------
Chapter I. Brief history of the Lignitic group, first studied on the Upper
Missouri—early views entertained by Meek, Newberry, and other paleon-
tologists on the age of this group—the Lignitic group of the North-
west believed to be continuous southward with the Colorado and Lara-
ONE WAS) 6 Goan aca bono geecas 9955 hone6s Gnosan dasdoe Soon oodae8 Hsose0
Chapter II. The Lignitic group as examined at Cation City—Colorado
Springs—northward to Cache 4 la Poudre Creek—Monument Creek
group—probable age of these groups. ..-.-. -2.- cence ween en ence coenne
Appendix to Chapter II, by H. T. West....-..---....--...-..--.--.-----
Chanter IIL. Résumé of the geology along the eastern base of the Front or
Colorado range: Silurian, Carbonifer< ous, Triassic, Jurassic, and Creta-
SOOUIS PAKOMITE mae GOS60 c6db06 CobS06 64hn Soba DEGoeS Oootanadoo she soceos
MireiCarhoniterousperoupres-e = secsan- ssis\< 15's) lnieleisielse ie eyeieeteineteete
BheyRed bedsvor MriassiciSroOupye ise ciessnis =
RENGHSs Inolepispibepecics O° ll) 20)
\ Fig. 9. Prunus? eretacea Lesgx -..--2 22521112: ae
ios ple.) Wanrnsmprotertoliayss essen sos) enue Bas )
Fig. 3 fouispermales populitolins: | lal eeioys =e lke een |
Tig. enispermites Ovalis <3 .2 0.2 ou-e.se lees
Peete N. RGHORICnS isis ee ‘
Hick eeLotophyllumaninuse eens Olean Weeks Pe ena |
Higa hicustanrophyilam eee. see nee see oO, ea J
{ Fig 1. Dryophyllum (Quercus) latifolium ...........-.. os
72. Plate VI. 2 Hig: 2: Lomatia Saportanea Lesqe ....--....22....2-2- |
[Bis Bc@iesitgeiteers MUN ue: 1) 6 001 can
Fig. 4. Menispermites cyclophyllus...........--............
( Figs. 1 Be Cissites ihlarkenlamus esqaeena sce eae Tea: BOR 1
73, Plate VII. { Fig. 3. Menispermites obtusiloba Lesqv......................
- | Fig. 4. Hamamelites Kansaseana MCS GT ease | eee a ie ,
105
205
366
366
306
74.
75.
76,
/
TABLE OF CONTENTS. IX
: : Facing page—
s Gio. dey CissitesacnmimatUSes se = scene) as oleclsa see eee }
| Fig. 2. Dryophyllum (Quercus) salicifolium .............-.--
Plate Vill. < His. 3. lex strangulata. 2.2222 os co sco cen ence ce ese t 366
| Fig. 4. Protephyllum crednerioides...........-..---.---+--- |
Linie, 6, JR AINOS ISIESIN LC o5 Gada 4600 dooS bonoSb Hous ee og eGaese J)
Report oF W. H. JACKSON.
Fig. 1. Ground-plan of round tower on the Rio Mancos...... \
| Figs. 2, 3. Tower adjoining a rectangular foundation in the |
| cation of the Mancos.
Plate I. { Fig. 4. A portion of doorway and one corner of acarefully- > 369
| built house, Mancos Cation.
| Fig. 5. Cliffhouse on the rocks of Mancos Caiion.......-..-.. |
Fig. 6. Inscriptions on cafion-walls......--.--....---------- J
({ Fig. 7. Cliff-house in Mancos Cafion ..--.....--..-----.----- \
Vig. 8. Showing the tenacity of cementing-material........-
Fig. 9. A square tower in the valley of the McHImo.--.-...-.-
Plate II. < Fig. 10. An isolated rock in the valley of the McElmocovered > 370
Fig. 11. Ground-plan of an extended series of houses in the |
valley of the Hovenweep.
( Fig. 12. A two-story house in the crevices of the escarpment )
| in the Mancos Canon.
with ruined houses and walls.
| Fig. 13. A general view of the valley of the Rio Mancos near | a
47.) Elate TIT. its outlet from the Mesa Verde. ete
Ge 14, A view of ruined village in the valley of the over |
weep.
78. Plate IV. Cliff-house in the cafion of the Mancos...--..--.---.------------ 372
79. Plate V. Battle-rock in the cation of the McKlmo..-.--...--.........--.---- 374
80. Plate VI. Cave-dwellings in the cafion of the McKlmo...--...----.---.----- 376
81. Plate VII. Watch-tower in the cafion of the McKlmo...--. ufslayet Soar a va iaereeete 378
82. Plate VIII. Ruins in the cafion of the Hovenweep, Utah...............----- 380
REPORT OF ERNEST INGERSOLL.
Sam bupillaalticolal@vood-cubsim text) peeeeeteceaaieeniel tases ele cineielsielelosielsielsi= ei 392
84. Limax montanus (wood-cut in text)..-..-...----.------.----------------- 394
85. Lingual dentition of Limax castaneus (wood-cut in text).......----..----- 396
86. Helix (Microphysa) Ingersollii (wood-cut in text) .....-.--.--------.------ 398
87. Heliosoma plexata (wood-cut in text) .---..---------- ee een ween es ween nee 402°
REPORTS OF HENRY GANNETT, S. B. LADD, AND A. D. WILSON.
88. Preliminary map of Central Colorado. ----2 22-312 - een e cc wnwe ween ae 412
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY.
OFFICE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL AND
GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES,
Washington, D. C., October 1, 1875.
Sir: I have the honor to present for publication the Annual Report of
the United States Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories,
embracing a preliminary account Of its operations in portions of Colo-
rado during the season of 1874.
The headquarters of the survey in the field were made at Denver, as
in the preceding year, as the most suitable point for procuring the outfit
and making the necessary preparations for the various divisions which
were to investigate the districts specially assigned to them by the geol-
ogist-in-charge. The entire survey was separated into seven divisions.
Four were for regular topographical and geological duty, and were
assigned to specific areas; one party for the primary triangulation; a
photographic division, to which was attached a naturalist; a party for
special topographical and geological study; and the quartermaster’s
division, that furnished all the parties above mentioned with supplies
during their field-work.
The first division was composed as follows:—A. R. Marvine, assistant
geologist, director; S. B. Ladd, topographer; Louis Chauvenet, assistant
topographer; M. L. Ward and W. S. Holman, meteorological observers;
H. A. Barber, botanist and collector; W. W. Williams, general assistant;
together with two packers, cook, and hunter.
The party took the field on the 20th of July, crossing over Berthoud’s
Pass, and through the Middle Park into the North Park, by the Willow
Creek Pass. The survey of the southern portion of this park employed
the party for some time; and it was not until the middle of August that
they crossed to the main field of their work west of the Park range.
This new area presented all the different forms surface-erosion peculiar
to a granite, sedimentary, and lava country, making it an exceedingly
interesting study both for its topography and geology. The great
lava mesa situated at the head of the White River is cut by deep canons
that penetrate far into the plateau, dividing the mesa into what appear
to be isolated masses, but which are all connected. One isthmus, from
three to twelve feet in width and one hundred and twenty-five in
length, connected a plateau, of several miles extent, with the main
mesa. The highest portion of this mass is on the east side, and, from
the base of the almost continuous cliffs which border it, the country
descends in long, timbered slopes to the broad, open area of Hgeria
1H
2 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Park, lying between them and the Park range. Portions of this park
drain into the Grand, but the greater part into the Bear, the divide
between the two being very low.
The old Salt Lake wagon-road enters here from Gore’s Pass. The
top of the plateau is a rollipg country, with numerous isolated mount-
ain-masses. It abounds with numerous small lakes, and is well tim-
bered, chiefly with fine spruce. To the west, the plateau gradually falls,
the lava top dies out, the sedimentary rocks appear on the surface, and
the timber-growth changes to aspen and pine.
The valley of the Grand does not present the attractive agricuitural
features of the White and Bear Rivers. It has formed numerous cations,
which show in a very interesting manner the highly-colored rocks,
bent and twisted by many folds. Dwarf cedars, juniper, and the finer
pines cover the slopes for some distance up, and the ever-occurring sage-
brush the flat bottom-slopes. South of the Grand, and between that
and the Eagle, the country rises in broken, irregular mountain-ridges to
the rough snowy range, of which Mount Powell is the culminating
point.
Going west of the plateau, the rain-fall becomes continually less until
the party reached 108°, when it entered upon the dry, barren country
of Western Colorado. Snow fell in considerable quantities early in Octo-
ber, and the clouds that hung around the topographical points caused a
great deal of delay. The weather finally grew so bad that it was decided
to work toward civilization. An attempt to reach the White River
Indian agency by a trail across the mesa was frustrated by the snow.
The party reached the top ina blinding snow-storm, with snow nearly
two feet deep. One of the party, who had crossed with the mail two weeks
before, reported the snow as belly-deep to a horse for fifteen miles, and
in places for a considerable distance up to the top of the saddle. Atfter
one night’s camp in the snow, and the storm still continuing, .the party
decided to turn back, and take the longer but easier route around the
mesa. This route offered no difficulties, and they finally reached Raw-
lins Springs, the nearest point on the Union Pacific Railroad, Novem-
ber 27.
A barometric station was established at the agency, and one of the
meteorological observers was there all the time. This station will serve
as the base for all altitudes in the district. In October, this party
divided, a portion remaining encamped atthe mouth of the Eagle, where
careful barometric readings were taken that will fix this important point.
Approximate determinations of the amount of water in the Hagle, |
Grand, and Bear Rivers were made, which will give an ss of the
amount available for irrigation.
The amount*surveyed is about forty-three hundred square miles, com-
prising a narrow strip of country, taking in the south side of North Park,
Stretching from Long’s Peak to the Park range. The main portion is
bordered by the Park range on the east, south by the Eagle and Grand
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY. 3
=<
Rivers, and north by the Bear River. Westward the work extends
nearly to longitude 108°.
The operations of this division during the field-season of 1874 were
directed, first, to the survey of a narrow east and west strip along the
southern edgeof the North Park, thus extending the work of the previous
season in the Middle Park northward to the parallel of 40° 30/ north lati-
tude; and, secondly, the extension of the same work westward over the
Park range and along the region of the Bear, White, and Grand Rivers,
this being the principal field of work. Here, the northern boundary of the
survey, 40° 30’, is practically the Bear River; while the southern boun-
dary was formed by the Hagle River to its junction with the Grand, and
below this point by thelatterriver itself; ontheeastthe Parkrange, about
in longitude 106° 30’, limited the area in question; while to the west the
survey was carried to an irregular border, about touching, at its extreme
point, the meridian of 108°. The narrow strip in the North Park prob-
ably covers over five hundred square miles, while the principal and more
compact area at the west may beconsidered as averaging nearly seventy
miles across eastand west and nearly sixty miles north and south, orabout
four thousand square miles in area. Topographically, this area may be
divided into three well-marked divisions: first, the region draining mostly
northward into the Bear; secondly, that draining southward into the
Grand and Eagle Rivers; and, thirdly, the basin of White River and its
tributaries, which in itself forms a complete drainage-system, trend-
ing westward directly besween the two preceding regions. Atits source,
the Bear, with tributaries of the Grand, quits the sources of the White,
which rise in a great isolated mesa-mass of lava, between which and the
Park range is the deposited basin of Egeria Park.
The whole region was examined in the usual manner of the survey:
first, such observations were made as to enable a carefully-colored geo-
logical map to be constructed, showing the distribution and extent of -
the rocks, and formations of various ages or kinds, which compose the
surface of the region; sections numerous enough to show how these
various formations lie upon one another, or how they probably lie beneath
the visible surface, or to show the various foldings or fractures to which
they have been subjected and yielded; and as many detail-sections as
possible, to determine the changes which take place in the character and
thickness of these formations in their lateral extension, and to deter-
mine, as closely as possible, their relative ages and general paleontoleg- |
ical relations. In this connection, the extent and mode of occurrence of
all economical products, as minerals, building-stones, plasters, springs,
etc., are noted as far as observed, while collections of specimens of the
same, as well as ofall rocks, fossils, etc., are made as far as possible.
Second, and chiefly to enable some of this knowledge to be more accu-
rately represented, such operations are carried on as to enable a
Map, or representation, of all the surface-features of the country to be
prepared, its rivulets, streams, plains, hills, and mountains, its cailons
4 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
or-valleys, its steeper or greater slopes, its peaks and passes, and this
with all the accuracy that it is possible to give on a map printed on a
seale of four miles to an inch, and in 200-foot contour-lines. These
topographical observations are directly founded on a careful secondary
triangulation, carried on simultaneously with them. At the principal
stations of this triangulation, stone monuments from four to six or more
feet in height were built, with a wooden stick, on which was deeply
carved the number of the station and of the map (according to the
scheme of maps of the survey), inserted in each, thus rendering
them available in the future, when more accurately located by the pri-
mary triangulation, as data on which to base the usual United States
land surveys when these may be needed in these distant regions, or for
other purposes of references.
Further, the general quality and distribution of timber, bottom, agri-
cultural, arid, or generally unavailable lands, were also made the sub-
ject of observation ; while botanical, natural-history, and other speci-
mens were collected as far as possible; and the amount of water flowing
in the larger streams was made, in some cases, the subject of measure-
ment. A permanent and quite complete meteorological station was
established at the White River agency, the base of supplies of the party,
while similar observations were at one time continuously taken for
nearly three weeks at a point near the head of the White River, and
again for nearly four weeks at the junction of the Eagle and Grand. In
comparing with these bases the observations constantly made with the
party, very complete and accurate hypsometric results will be obtained.
In these observations, the usual mercurial mountain-barometer of James
Green, with wet, dry, maxima, and minima thermometers, was employed.
As the general results, regarding the occurrence of economic products,
it may be said that the series of older metamorphic rocks, such as the
. granites, schists, etc., of probable Archean age, in which alone the
precious metals and minerals of Colorado have been found, and which,
form the foundations on which all the bedded rocks, sandstones, lime.
stones, etc., of the country rest, are brought to the surface and exposed
only along the folded ridges of the Park range, and in the bottoms of a
few caflons in some of the southern tributaries of White River, and of
the neighboring tributaries of the Grand, and that it is only in these
regions, therefore, that the precious minerals may be looked for. Along
the northern portion of the district, north of the main valley of ‘the
White, and in the extreme west, the surface of the country is formed of
rocks of Cretaceous age, which are, for the most part, horizontal beds,
flexed here and there into quiet undulations. The coal of the region,
which consists of a few seams of fair Lignitic coal, seems to be confined
wholly to pretty definite horizons in the upper-middle and upper por-
tions of this group; and as these particular horizons have been eroded
away from the region in question, except at the north and west, it is here
alone that it becomes worth while to search for coal. Farther west, it is
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY. 5
understood that both in quantity and quality, this coal improves. In
the southeastern portion of the district, above the Grand and Eagle
Rivers, the sedimentary rocks, from the extreme base of the Cretaceous
down to the granite rocks of the Park range, occur, all thrown into a
series of complicated and peculiar folds. Limestone occurs near the
Grand in abundance, and on both the Grand and Eagle Rivers are great
deposits of gypsum, though other economic products, except some salt
and soda springs, will probably not be found here.
The imposing mesa about the head of White River and several larger
areas near the Park range are composed of great floods of volcanic
rock, which have poured over the country in comparatively recent times,
but some of which are yet old enough to have experienced the vicissi-
tudes of the Glacial period of the West, and to have received a profound
impress from erosion, similar to that now going on over the whole
country. :
The topographical work of the party under my immediate direction
was intrusted to Mr. G.B. Chittenden, and was divided into three parts:
first, the mapping of the peculiar features of the morainal deposits in the
Upper Arkansas Valley; secondly, the reworking of the topography of the
Eik Mountains on a larger scale, and with more detail than was possible
during the preceding season in the regular progress of the survey ; and,
finally, the laying down of the topography, and the line of junction of
the metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, and also the coal-outerops on
the eastern base of the mountains, from Caiion City to the northern
boundary of the Territory, making, in this latter division, small detailed
maps where points of particular interest or peculiar complication made —
them seem desirable. In pursuance of this plan, the work began at
Colorado Springs, in order to investigate that region in detail, before
the main party would be ready to proceed across the South Park to the
work in the west. Forty-five topographical stations were made on the
sedimentary rocks, within ten miles of the springs, embracing the Gar-
den of the Gods and Monument Park, so curious on account of their
geological structure, and well worth mapping as typical geological fea-
tures, which might be readily reached by the student traveling from the
east. Joining the main party here, we crossed the South Park to the
Arkansas Valley, carrying on a running survey of the road as we traveled.
By short marches for five days up the valley, we were enabled to study
out, with a good degree of care, the heavy masses of morainal deposits, -
which, for twenty miles or more, sweep out from the base of the high
mountains which border the valley on the west to the present channel
of the river. It will, of course, be impossible, in the time devoted to
these moraines, to make a carefully-detailed map of them, but enough
notes were taken to give quite accurately their relations to each
other, their general forms and magnitudes, and their particular trends,
together with their relations to the surrounding mountains.
Leaving this region about the middle of August, we crossed the main
divide by way of the Lake Creek Pass and entered the Elk Mountains.
6 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
This range reaches out from near the headwaters of the Gunnison
River, forty miles to the northwest, and, though not generally as high as
the other ranges of Northern Colorado, is by far the most rugged of them
all. The reasons for re-examining this range, when it had been sur-
veyed in the regular progress of the work, were two: first, their rug-
gedness and inaccessibility had made the difficulty of working them last
year so great, that they were not surveyed in a style quite up to the
standard of the remainder of the work; and, secondly, that their geo-
logical importance made it a matter of particular scientific interest that
they should be carefully studied and mapped.
The geologist and topographer worked side by side through them,
making forty-two high mountain-stations; Mr. Holmes sketching the
different portions of the whole mass from as many points as possible.
They contain about eight hundred square miles, and will be mapped on
a scale of one mile to the inch.
Marching from here by way of the Twin Lakes and South Park to
Canon City, we carried on a running survey along our route, and from
the latter place commenced work, on the last part of the summer’s plan,
the mapping of the sedimentary border-line and that of the coal from here
to the Wyoming line. This work, carried on without interruption, was
finished by Mr. Chittenden, Mr. Holmes, and myself on the 20th of
October ; it having required seventy-four topographical stations. This
survey was of a great deal of practical as well as scientific importance, and
of immediate need, since, in the coal-series, we were enabled to lay down
pretty closely that broken winding line more than two hundred miles in
length inside of which no coal might be found. The labor involved in
carefully laying down this line cannot be realized until one notices the
almost numberless prospect-holes that have been sunk into the worth-
less black shales which, all along the base of the mountains, lie inside
the coal-series and tempt the settlers into profitless investments and
unrequited diggings after coal.
In carrying on this last survey, the Land-Office work has been of
great assistance, and also the careful studies of Captain Berthoud of
the coal lying to the west and north of Denver.
The maps produced from this special survey and included in this
report are as follows: —
1. A map of the eastern base of the mountains Hots below the ‘Arkansas
River to the northern line of the Territory, on a scale of two miles to
one inch. On this map are plotted the line of coal-outcrop, the junction
of the sedimentary and sHeLoMmeEphie rocks, and the inner limits of the
Cretaceous.
4. A map of the Elk Mountains on a scale of one mile to an inch, plot-
ted with 200-foot contours.*
3. A map of the Upper Arkansas Valley, showing the heavy morainal
deposits in the vicinity of the Twin Lakes, on a scale of one mile to an
inch.
*These maps are all reduced one-half for publication.
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY. q
.
4, A map in the vicinity of Colorado Springs, on a scale of one-half a
‘mile to an inch, made principally for geological purposes.
The meanders of traveled roads will be plotted on the final maps of
Colorado.
While all this work was looked upon as special work, and done with
more detail than the regular work of the survey, the results will, of
course, be incorporated in the final maps of the Territory, and form a
part of them.
During the season, Mr. Chittenden made 156 topographical Stations,
and the total area surveyed was over four thousand square miles. Mr.
W. H. Holmes labored with his usual zeal and skill during the entire
season, and much of the accuracy and value of the work is due to him.
During the sickness of a member of the party at the base of Sopris
Peak, I was detained about twenty days. In the mean time, Messrs.
Holmes and Chittenden made a careful geological and topographical
study of the northwestern portion of the Elk Mountains, the results of
which will be found embodied in Mr. Holmes’s report. Great numbers
of topographical and geological sketches were made by Mr. Holmes,
which will serve in a remarkably clear manner to illustrate the
structure of the interesting regions surveyed.
The district assigned tothe second division is limited on the north by
the Eagle and Grand Rivers, west by the west line of Colorado, south
by the parallel of latitude 38° 20’, and east by the 107th meridian. The
area of this district is about seven thousand square miles, of which the
party completed 5,300 square miles.
The plan of the geodetic and topographical work is as follows:
1st. The latitude and longitude of certain points are determined by as-
tronomical observations as accurately as the present state of astronomical
science will allow. This work has been done for us, thus far, by the
United States Coast Survey. For the prosecution of the survey of Colo-
rado, the latitude and longitude of Sherman and Cheyenne, Wyoming
Territory, and Denver, Colorado Springs, and Trinidad, Colorado Terri-
tory, have been determined by them.
2d. From a base-line measured as accurately as possible, a system of
primary triangulation is expanded and extended to cover the area to be
surveyed with a net-work of triangles. By this operation, the positions
of a limited number of points are established with accuracy. Connect-
ing this system of triangulation with the points whose positions have
been established by astronomical observation, the latitudes and longi-
tudes of the primary points are established. ‘The first base-line for the
primary triangulation of Colorado was measured principally on the
track of the Kansas Pacific Railroad near Denver. Its length is between
six and seven miles. Check-bases at Colorado Springs and in San Luis
Valley have also been measured and connected with the triangulation.
The angles are measured by a 15-inch theodolite, reading to ten
seconds, using artificial signals. The primary triangulation is carried
8 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
on by a special party. Using the lines of the primary system as bases,
the topographers of the division carry on the secondary triangulation,
locating points within the triangles of the primary system. In the
secondary system, as in the primary, all three angles of the triangles are
measured, and, in most cases, artificial signals are used on the stations.
The instrument used for this work is a sort of theodolite, reading
minutes. The stations for triangulation and topography are, in most
cases, the highest and most commanding points, and are so selected that
the limits of work from one will reach the limits from those around it.
From a station, a sketch-map of all the country within the range of vision
is made, as also a prospective sketch. Angles taken on prominent points
and recorded on these sketches serve to locate them, and thus to correct
the sketch-map. The distance between stations must depend on the
character of the country, but the average distance apart is seven to ten
miles. For the prosecution of its work during the past season, this
division made eighty-six stations, or one station to every eight miles of
area.
The most prominent geographical features occupied by this division
are in brief as follows: On the north, the Eagle or Piney River flows,
through most of its course, in a broad fine valley, having a course nearly
west, interrupted here and there by short cations. At its mouth, itis a ~
large stream, barely fordable at the lowest stage of water. The Grand
River, sometimes called the Blue or Bunkara, below the mouth of the
Hagle, is in a close cation about thirty miles, interrupted by a short
meadow at the mouth of Roaring Fork. Below this caiion, the river
flows sluggishly through a broad meadow, which extends for fully fifty
miles, but.is narrowed in the middle of its length, where the river cuts
through a plateau. Below this meadow, the river enters another canon
about eighteen miles in length, and of no great height, from which it
flows into the broad valley in which it meets the Gunnison. The course
of the Grand, at the mouth of the Eagle, is about west, which direction
. gradually changes to southwest, and then near the mouth of the Gun-
nison again to the west.
The drainage of the southern part of the district is by the Gunnison
River. This stream takes all the water from the southern slopes of the
Elk Mountains, the western slopes of the Saguache range, and the
northern slopes of the Uncompahgre Mountains. For twenty-five miles
below the mouth of Cochetopa Creek, this river is in a narrow valley,
which is diversified by long tongues of mesa, which separate the
numerous streams entering the river on either side. Below this valley
is a very heavy cafion cut in a high plateau for fifteen miles. The
plateau is horizontal, 10,000 feet high, and the course of the river is
nearly west across it, the depth of the caiion increasing with the tall of
the river from 3,000 to 4,000 feet. At this point, the plateau breaks off
abruptly on the north side, and, while preserving nearly the same height
at the edge of the caiion, slopes off gradually toward the north, having
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY. 9
the appearance of long hog-backs. On the south side, the plateau pre-
serves its horizontality for a few miles, then breaks off, leaving a ridge
of upturned beds only to separate the river from the valley of the
Uncompahgre. Ata point about thirty miles below the head of the
cafion, the river changes its course abruptly from west to north, and
flows parallel to the slope of long hog-backs. It holds this course for
about eighteen miles, then, at the mouth of the North Fork, a large
affinent from the north, it turns again abruptly to the west, and a tew
miles farther suddenly emerges from the cafion into the broad valley of the
Uncompahgre. The character of this cafion in its upper part is extremely
rugged ; its walls are precipitous, and there is hardly a place where a
man could clamber down to the bottom. The river fills the bottom of
the cation, leaving no beach anywhere. The material of the cation-
walls in the upper two-thirds is gneiss and in the lower third stratified
- rock. The valley of the Uncompahgre River is very broad, extending
forty miles up the Uncompahgre River and twenty miles down the
Gunnison. Below this, the river falls through a cafion, which, with
slight interruptions, extends to the mouth of the river, while the country
back from the river is a flat open valley.
The Elk Mountains extend into this district, occupying an area of
about one thousand five hundred square miles in the southwestern
part. Their character is not that of a continuous range, but of groups
of mountains and isolated peaks. The elevation of the highest does not
exceed 13,500 feet, and the average of the peaks is scarcely 13,000 feet.
These mountains are drained entirely by the Gunnison; the northern
Slopes by its North Fork. Besides these mountains, the country is
entirely plateau and broad valleys. The plateau has an elevation of
8,500 to 10,000 feet, sloping gradually toward the west. The elevation
of the mouth of the Gunnison River is about 4,200 feet ; at the mouth
of the Uncompahgre, 4,500; and the general elevation of the Uncom- .
pahgre Valley, 4,500 to 5,000 feet; that of the mouth of Cochetopa
Creek, 7,400 feet; and of the Grand River, at the mouth of the Hagle,
about 7,000 feet.
The division was constituted as follows, viz: Henry Gannett, topog-
rapher, in charge of party; Dr. A. C. Peale, geologist; Fred. Owens,
assistant topographer; Frank Kellogg, assistant; Arca. RK. Balloch,
general assistant ; with two packers and a cook.
The party left Denver on July 21, traveled one hundred and fifty
miles to their field of work, commenced work August 3, ended work
October 29, and reached Denver about the middle of November.
On July 14, 1874, the San Juan or third division of the United States
Geological and Geographical Survey left Denver for the field. It consisted
of A. D. Wilson, topographer, directing; F. Rhoda, his assistant; F. M.
Endlich, geologist; and Mr. Gallup, who was for a short time attached
as barometric observer. The region assigned to this division was the
one generally known as the ‘San Juan country”. In 1860 and 1861, a
10 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
party of prospectors, the “Baker’s party”, had reached a section of
country that was said to abound in silver and gold. After enduring
many hardships, a portion of the men succeeded in again reaching set-
tlements, while others were killed by the Indians. Ten years later, the
mining-region was brought into public notice a second time, more par-
ticularly by the discovery and working of the “ Little Giant” mine.
Since then, many prospectors and capitalists have examined the indi-
cations of ore, and active mining has taken the place of mere prelimi-
nary examination. In 1873, the tract of land supposed to contain all
or nearly all of the metalliferous lodes was purchased from the Ute In-
dians by the United States Government. It was therefore one of the
main objects of the San Juan division to inquire into the geological and
mineralogical characteristics of these lodes, with a view to obtain some
idea regarding their relations and value. A report thereon will be
found in the fourth chapter of the geological report of I. M. Endlich.
In every respect, the country surveyed was found to be of such extra-
ordinary interest, and the demand for information with regard thereto
was So apparent, that it was deemed advisable to publish at once a por-
tion of the results obtained. Bulletin No. 3, of the second series, 1875,
contains a drainage-map of the country; a report by A. D. Wilson, re-
ferring to routes, roads, grades, etc.; one by F. M. Endlich on the mines;
and an itinerary, together with hypsometric data, by F. Rhoda. All
will be incorporated in the subjoined report in their respective places.
While Colorado has furnished so many districts of rugged: mountain
country, the one surveyed by this party during 1874 surpassed all. Ii
consequence of this character, it was not possible to complete so large
an area as was first intended, and about five thousand two hundred
Square miles were surveyed. Of these, three thousand two hundred
were plotted during the winter following, and the geological report con-
. fines itself to them. The remainder will be attached to the work of
1875, thus obviating the necessity of mapping an isolated area.
From the report and sketches accompanying, it will be seen that the
district was one of unusual character, containing phenomena of great
geological importance. Enormous quantities of volcanic rocks were
found to form the highest peaks, reaching an altitude of 14,280 feet
above sea-level, while many unique features of detail were noted in the
Same formation. Metamorphics and sedimentaries were also observed,
the former rising to very considerable altitudes. As might be expected
in a country so favorable to the formation of water-courses, the head-
waters of several large streams were discovered and mapped. Among
the most prominent are those of the Rio Grande, Rio Animas, Rio
Dolores, Rio San Miguel, Rio Piedra, and the Uncompahgre. Hthno-
logically, the southern section was found to present interesting data.
Through co-operation of the geological work with that of Mr. Wil-
son, the topographer, it became possible to render a geological map
that represents the horizontal distribution of the various formations
and their members, while sections display the vertical arrangement.
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY. 11
On October 19, 1874, the party again reached Denver, after having
completed the work above specitied. During the season, sixty-five
topographical stations were made and seventy-four camps. Of these
stations, eighteen were over 13,000 feet above sea-level.
The photographic and naturalist?s division was again under the
supervision of Mr. W. H. Jackson, the photographer, who has been
connected with the survey for the past five years in the same capacity.
The party organized in Denver, and took the field July 21. It com-
prised the photographer; Mr. Anthony, his assistant; Mr. HE. Ingersoll,
naturalist; and Mr. Frank Smart, assistant, with two packers and a
cook.
Middle Park was first visited, as it had not been worked up the pre-
vious season. A series of beautiful and very characteristic views of the
peculiar features of the park were secured, including views about Grand
Lake, the Hot Springs, the Great Canon of the Grand, and the mag-
nificent mountain-forms and the charming vista as seen along the Blue
River. From the head of the Blue, the party progressed southward,
via the Arkansas, Poncha, and Cochetopa Passes, to the Los Pinos
agency for the Ute Indians, where a series of views were secured
illustrating their life and peculiarities. The San Juan Mountains was
the next objective point. A camp was established in the upper end of
Baker’s Park, in which was left all extra material in charge of two or
three of the men, and then, traveling with but few animals and very
light packs, rapid side-trips were made, into all the strongholds and
fastnesses of the grandest mountainsin all Colorado. Panoramic views
from the tops of the highest peaks were secured, illustrating, by bird’s-
eye views, the geology and topography of the whole mountain-system.
Especial attention has been paid, all the time, to make these views
instructive as well as pleasing to the eye, and the system of panoramic
views which has. been carried out has been of very great assistance
to the topographers in working up their notes and expressing the
peculiarities of mountain-forms. To the geologist, also, they prove of
great value in recailing to the m‘nd the surface-features, inclination of
strata, proportion of valley to mountain land and of timber to the rocky
summits lying above it.
From the permanent camp in Baker’s Park, a side-trip was made into
the southwestern corner of the Territory, in search of the picturesque
and interesting ruins of the habitations of a long-forgotten race. No
search was made until the Rio Mancos was reached; but, from this point,
ruins without number covered the plateau and filled the valleys and
cafions. Through the caiions of the Rio Mancos, were found houses of
two stories in height, in the escarpment of the mesa, 800 to 1,000 feet
perpendicularly above the valley, of well-dressed sandstone, true in all
their angles, laid in a firm and tenacious mortar, and the inside
plastered and paneled in two colors. The greater majority, of these
houses were smaller, but as perfectly built as the larger ones, and all
12 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
were very difficult of access, and resembled swallows’ nests more than
anything else. To reach these with the photographic apparatus, it had
to be hauled up with long ropes taken from the pack-animals. From
near the mouth of the Rio Mancos, the party proceeded northwesterly
into Utah, finding group after group of towns and isolated watch-
towers perched upon great bowlders and upon the promontories of the
mesas. In one place was found a wall, evidently surrounding a town of
a very considerable population, which was fully twenty feet in thickness,
the outer surface of dressed stone, laid perfectly true, the space
between filled with large undressed blocks in adobe mortar.
The entire trip to these ruins, from and back to Baker’s Park, com-
prised about three hundred and fifty miles of traveling. Only two
weeks could be devoted to it, which necessitated a somewhat super-
ficial examination. Two series of views were made, the stereoscopic
and five-by-eight plate. About forty negatives were made altogether,
illustrating perfectly all the leading features in a very unique series of
views. He
From Baker’s Park, the party returned by rapid marches, via the Rio
Grande, San Luis Vailey, and Mosca Pass, to Colorado Springs, where
they met with the special party under my charge. Mr. Jackson joined
him with his apparatus for a few days, while his party proceeded to
Denver and disbanded. The four or five days he was with the special
party, about one hundred additional negatives were made, mostly of
camp-life and the manner of conducting the various operations of the
survey while in the field. The result of the trip sums up as follows:
350 negatives, stereoscopic and five-by-eight, and the most extensive
and interesting conchological collection ever made in the Territories.
The party was out eighty-four days, making sixty camps, and traveling
one thousand two hundred and forty miles.
Not a negative was broken or lost on the trip, and the naturalist’s
and different zoological and entomological collections came in safe.
The work of the survey during the season of 1875 will be extended
westward in Colorado to the meridian of longitude 109° 30’.. The area
now remaining to be explored lies west of 108° on the western slope of
the main range of the Rocky Mountains and comprising the eastern por-
tion of the drainage of the great Colorado River. Hundreds of streams
of greater or less size cut deep gorges through this country in their
westward course to the Colorado River. There are some groups of
mountains yet to be surveyed, but the highest peaks have already been
located.
_ According to the instructions given by the Department:
First. There shall be two classes of maps: one known as “ general”, the other as
“special” maps; and the “ general” maps shall be subdivided into two classes, viz,
“topographical” and “ geological”.
Second. The “general” maps shall be on a scale of four miles to. an inch, or zs#¢a5.
The sheets thereof shall be twenty-six (26) inches long by thirty-seven (37) inches
wide, including the border, and be folded once. The area to be represented on each
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY. : 13
sheet shall be two and one-half degrees in longitude and one and one-fourth degrees
in latitude. The 112th meridian shall be taken as the standard from which the maps
are to be projected in an easterly and westerly direction, and the 38th parallel as the
standard from which they shall be projected in a northerly and southerly direction ;
these lines forming the division-lines between the atlas-sheets adjacent thereunto.
Third. Maps or charts of the second or “ special” class may be constructed on other
scales and embracing other areas, whenever it shall be found necessary for the purpose
of properly representing mining-districts, mineral, agricultural, pasture, or timber
lands, or for other special purposes.
At the end of the next season, if suitable appropriations are made by
Congress for the purpose, the survey will have completed the most rug-
ged and mountainous portion of our continent, lying betwecn meridians
104° 30’ and 109° 30’ and parallels 40° 45/ and 40°30’. This will form
an atlas of six sheets, each comprising about 11,500 square miles, or a
total of about 69,000 square miles. These maps are intended to express
not only the topographical features, but the geological also; and, in
accordance with the directions of the Secretary of the Interior, these
charts will indicate the areas of grass, timber, and mineral lands, and
such other country as may be found to be susceptible of cultivation by
irrigation.
Numerous special maps of the mining-regions, isolated mountain-
ranges, and other localities remarkable for their complicated geological
structure, have been prepared on different scales. Much more of this
detailed study of interesting localities will be made when the final maps
are completed. Collections of great value were made in geology and
mineralogy, all of which will be reported on in due time.
Since the publication of the annual report for 1873, several volumes
have appeared in connection with the survey, which must be regarded
as of great value. Volume II of the quarto Series, by Professor Cope,
on the ‘Cretaceous Vertebrata of the Western Territories’, contains
304 pages text, with 57 plates. Volume VI of the quarto series, on the
‘“‘ Cretaceous Flora of the Dakota Group”, by Leo Lesquereux, constitutes
an original contribution to the vegetable paleontology of America, and
will prove very useful in fixing a most important geological horizon.
It contains 136 pages, with 30 plates. Much new material has come to
hand since the publication of that memoir, a portion of which will be
found in this report. A third edition of the “ List of Elevations” and a
second edition of the ‘‘ Catalogue of Photographs” have been printed to
supply the demand for the miscellaneous publications. The most import-
ant volume of the miscellaneous series, however, is the “‘ Birds of the North-
west”, by Dr. Elliott Coues, which comprises over eight hundred closely-
printed octavo pages. Much of the text is written in popular style,
treating of the habits, or, as it were, the domestic life, of the birds; and
on this account the demand for it among onr people has been unusually
great. Although it does not pretend to be a general work on the orni-
thology of the Western Territories, it contains a more or less complete
descriptive list of four-fifths of the birds of the United States.
14 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
The memoirs that are either now in press or in an advanced state of
preparation are numerous and important.
Volume IX, “The Fossil Invertebrata of the Western Territories,” by
F. B. Meek, is nearly through the press. It will contain 45 plates, with
a great number of wood-cuts scattered through the text. Mr. Meek has
most thoroughly elaborated every genus, and given the synonymy of all
the species with unusual care. He regards this mem oir as his great life-
work, and it will add greatly to his fame as a paleontologist.
Volume X will be a “ Monograph of the Geomitrid Moths”, by Dr. A.S.
Packard. It will form a memoir of 450 pages quarto, with 13 plates,
on some of which are engraved one hundred figures. This work is now
rapidly passing through the press.
Volume VII, “ The Fossil Flora of the Lignitic Tertiary Formation of
the Western Territories”, by Leo Lesquereux, is intended to be a mono-
graph of that subject. It will contain sixty-five quarto plates, all of
which have been engraved by Messrs. Sinclair and Son, Philadelphia.
Mr. Lesquereux is now at work on the text, and it is expected to be much
superior to the Cretaceous Flora, which was received with such marked
favor throughout the scientific world.
Volume VIII was originally designed to form an extended memoir
on the Fossil Flora of the Cretaceous and Tertiary formations of the
West, by Dr, J.S. Newberry. Twenty-six plates have been engraved,
and an edition of 2,500 copies printed for over four years. It is to be
hoped that some portion of this volume will be issued the present
Season.
A very interesting memoir, in octavo form, entitled “The Ethnog-
raphy and Philology of the Hidatsa Indians (Minnetarees of the Upper
Missouri) is now in the press. It was prepared at my request by Dr.
Washington Mathews, U.S. A. Dr. Mathews spent some years at Fort
Berthold, on the Upper Missouri, as surgeon of the military post, and
his leisure time was cevoted to the study of the language and history of |
this interesting tribe. An edition of 100 copies was printed by Mr.
Shea, of New York; but since that time Dr. Mathews has very much
enlarged and improved the memoir, and many portions cf it he has en-
tirely rewritten. I had originally intended that it should be substituted
for a chapter I had written on this, many years ago, in a volume on the
Indian tribes of the Northwest, which is intended to form one of the
quarto series of the Survey; but when I found the manuscript to be so
elaborate and complete, I preferred to issue it as a separate volume or
monograph. I am confident that this memoir will be received with
great favor, and that scholars in this country and in Europe will be
profoundly grateful for this his labor of love.
The Bulletin of the Survey was originally started to embrace such
articles as demanded immediate publication on account of their peculiar
value or character. Many new species of animals and plants have been
collected from time to time, which needed to be published promptly to
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY. 15
secure for the Survey that priority of discovery which is its right. The
first two numbers, issued during the year 1874, are not paged consecu-
tively; but those of the second series, which have been issued during
the year 1875, will be paged consecutively, and the illustrations num!
bered, so that at the close of the year all the numbers may be gathered
together and bound in one volume. A title-page, table of contents, and
a complete index will be printed in the final number of each year. The
numbers for the year 1874 and 1875 may be bound together as volume I.
The irregularities in some of the publications are due to the unexpected
progress of the Survey and the acquisition of an unusual amount of
material.
The history of the Survey, from the shat appropriation of $5,000 in
1867, was briefly told in the Annual Report of last year. It has contin-
ued from year to year with a constant growth, though dependent upon
the annual appropriation, which will cease or be renewed each year at
the option of Congress.
During the years 1867 and 1868, the Survey was under the Commis-
sioner of the General Land- Office, and the two small annual reports
were incorporated in the annual volume of that Bureau.
In 1869, the Survey was placed under the Secretary of the Interior,
and the first independent annual report was made. When the demand
was so great that a reprint of the report of 1869 was ordered, I united
the two small reports of 1867 and 1868 with the report of 1869, as First,
Second, and Third Annual Reports of the Survey.
The original plan of the quarto series only extended to five volumes.
Volume V was to include all the natural history, and on the title-page
of volumes I and V it is stated that the entire series will be in five
volumes, of which the Acridide was to be the first part; but the mate-
rials in all branches accumulated so rapidly that the number of vol-
umes was increased, and at the present time it will be limited only by
the duration of the Survey.
The annual reports will be continued from year to year. Circum-
stances beyond the control of the geologist-in-charge may delay them,
as in the case of the present one, but they will appear as soon as they
can be prepared.
Besides the regular members of the Survey, there are several collabo-
rators, whose time is more or less occupied in the preparation of special
reports. Prof. Leo Lesquereux has been continuously connected with
the Survey for several years, with a regular salary, devoted to the elabo-
ration of reports on vegetable paleontology. Mr. F. B. Meek has also
been a member of the Survey most of the time since 1867, with a fixed
salary, as paleontologist. Professor Cope has prepared the reports on
Vertebrata, and will continue to devote his time at intervals to that special
department. Dr. A. S. Packard spent several months during the past
summer in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah under the auspices of the
Survey, making large collections in his favorite branches, entomology
16 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
and invertebrate natural history generally. The results of his labors
will appear in the annual reports, and in the’ beautiful quarto volume
on the Geometrid Moths. Mr. P. R. Uhler visited Colorado during the
summer. His collection of insects amounted to about 1,000 species.
In the Annual Report for 1875, he will present an elaborate essay on the
geographical distribution of insects. A very valuable paper on the
Hemiptera of our Western Territories appeared in No. 5 of the Bulletins
for the year 1875, illustrated with wood-cuts.
Two volumes, quarto, by Professor Cope, are in course of preparation,
and will be published within a year if the Government provides the
money for completing the engraving :—
Volume III, “ Vertebrate Paleontology of the Eocene Formations of
the West.”
Part I. Distribution and Relations of the Tertiary Basins of the West.
Part I. The Vertebrata of the Eocene.
Part [1I. The Relations of the Fauna of the Eocene.
Volume IV, ‘‘ Vertebrate Paleontology of the Miocene Formations of
the West.”
Part I. The Fauna of Tye White River Epoch.
Part If. The Fauna of the Loup Fork Epoch.
Part III. The Relations of the Fauna of the White River and ie
Fork Epochs.
The Survey is under great obligations to Dr. Elliott Coues, U.S. A.,
Mr. Robert Ridgway, and Mr. Samuel H. Scudder, for very valuable
contributions to its publications.
The obligations of the Survey for favors of various kinds have been
numerous as usual, but few of them can be mentioned in this connection.
From D. Appleton & Co., of New York, very great assistance has been
received by permitting the use of the illustrations of Colorado scenery,
taken from their magnificent publication ‘‘ Picturesque America.” The
publishers of that work were permitted by the Interior Department to
use the photographs of the Survey on condition that the Survey should
have the electrotypes of the illustrations for use in the reports, and
some of the beautiful cuts in this report are the result of their gen-
erosity.
The illustrations for this report have been prepared in part, while the
text was passing through the press. This fact will account for irregu-
larities in the numbering of them. The pen-sketches and sections were
made by Mr. W. H. Holmes, a member of the Survey. For beauty and
accuracy they cannot be surpassed, and they add greatly to the value
of the report.
To the Union Pacific, Denver Pacific, Kansas Pacific, and Denver
and Rio Grande Railroads, the Survey is under obligations for half-fare
tickets for its members.
The various changes which have occurred in the personnel of the
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY. ely
party during the past year has thrown an immense amount of executive
labor on me, which has exhausted my strength, and consumed my
- time to such an extent that I have not been able to give the necessary
attention and study to my portion of the report. The editing of so
many publications is sufficient labor for one person, and yet this is the
_ smallest duty that has devolved on the geologist-in-charge. The varions
executive duties, as correspondence, foreign exchange, settlement of
accounts, and the supervision of the parties in the field and ofiice, seem
to increase from year to year, so that only mere fragments of my time
can be devoted to scientific study.
The present annual report is submitted with the belief that it contains
much that is new and interesting to geologists and the intelligent world
generally. ;
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. V. HAYDEN,
United States Geologist.
Hon. Z. CHANDLER,
Secretary of the Interior.
2H
CHAPTER IL.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LIGNITIC GROUP; FIRST STUDIED ON THE UPPER MISSOURI—
EARLY VIEWS ENTERTAINED BY MEEK, NEWBERRY, AND CTHER PALEONTOLO-
GISTS ON THE AGE OF THIS GROUP—THE JIGNITIC GROUP OF THE NORTIIWEST
BELIEVED TO BE CONTINUOUS SOUTHWARD WITH THE COLORADO AND LARAMIE
BEDS.
In this chapter, I desire to note, as briefly as possible, the progress of
the development of the Lignitic group of the Western Territories; and
in doing so I need not go back farther in the past than the commence-
ment of my own explorations on the Upper Missouri in 1854. Prior to
that time, the observations that had been made by various travelers in
regard to the existence of coal-beds in different parts of the West were
of so indefinite a character that they cannot be used as evidence, though
they may form a part of the early history of discovery.
I have frequently stated in my former reports that I regarded this
group as, in Many respects, the most important one in the West; that,
in its relations to the well-defined Cretaceous group below it, it had a
, more important bearing on the physical history of the growth of the
western portion of our continent than any other in the geological scale.
Although this formation has been studied with great zeal by several
parties within a few years, and most important additions to geology
have resulted therefrom, there is evidently much more work to be done
before all the problems will be solved with sufficient clearness for our
entire satisfaction. That the evidence is very conflicting is shown by
the wide differences of opinion that are entertained in regard to its age
by geologists and paleontologists whose views have great weight in the
scientific world.
The assistant geologists connected with the survey under my charge
have been continually instructed to gather all the materials possible
bearing on the age of this group, while Messrs. Meek, Lesquereux, and
Cope have been urged to study the subject from their own peculiar
standpoints, regardless of unity of results. Many extremely valuable
and instructive memoirs have already appeared in the reports of the
Survey touching upon this group, and several more are in process of
preparation or publication.
One fruitful source of difference of opinion has been in the misunder-
standing in regard to the different horizons of the coal-strata of the West.
That there are important coal-beds in rocks of well-defined Cretaceous
age cannot be disputed, and I have long since yielded that point. What
we wish to show more clearly is that there exists in the West a distinct
series of strata which we have called the Lignitic group, and that it is
entirely separate, paleontologically and geologically, from a great group
of strata in the Lower Cretaceous, and perhaps extending down into the —
Jurassic, which contains a great number of thick and valuable beds of '
coal. It is not necessary to discuss the question whether the term
Lignitie shall be applied to the coal of either or both groups. I have
used the term Lignitic for the upper group without reference to the
19
20 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF, THE TERRITORIES.
quality of its fuel, simply to distinguish it from the other great group
of older date, the age of which is not questioned.
The time has now come, as it seems to me, when the materials are so
abundant that the subject can be reviewed with some care. It is well
known that I have held with some tenacity the opinion that the coal-
formations of the West are of Tertiary age; and [I still regard the Lig-
nitic group proper as transitional or Lower Eocene, and shall so regard
its age until the evidence to the contrary is much stronger than any
which has been presented up to the present time. When, however, the
proof is sufficient to decide the Cretaceous age of the group, I shail
accept the verdict without hesitation. It is somewhat doubtful whether
the age will ever be decided positively to the satisfaction of all parties;
still we shall see in the course of this report that the character of the
paleontological as well as the strictly geological evidence is such that it
is not a matter of importance whether the entire group be placed in the
Lower Tertiary or Upper Cretaceous, and it is most probable that the
testimony of the different paleontologists will always be as conflicting
as it 1s at present.
In order that the reasons for my belief in the Tertiary age of the
Lignitic group may be more clearly understood and harmonized with
the present state of our knowledge of the subject, I will give a briei
history of the commencement and progress of its examination.
My first knowledge of this group was obtained in the summer of 1854,
when I made a somewhat careful examination of the beds from their
first appearance on the Missouri River near Fort Clarke to the mouth of
the Yellowstone, and thenceup that river toa point near the mouth of the
Big Horn. In all this distance, about six hundred miles, fellowing the
windings of the river, the Cretaceous beds appear but once, and then only
along the bed of the river for a few miles, while the entire country, with
this exception, is occupied with the Lignitic group. The area of this forma-
tion on the Upper Missouri cannot be less than one hundred thousand
square miles, and extends far north across the northern boundary of the
United States into the British possessions. This group everywhere rests
upon well-defined Cretaceous beds, which we haveail along regarded as the
highest known in the West, and have received the name of the Fox
Hills group, from a locality on the Missouri River ealled the Fox Hills,
or Fox hidge, where this formation was first studied, and was very full
of molluscan life. There is a gradual passage upward from the black~
plastic, shaly clays of No. 4, or the Fort Pierre group, to the yellow cal-
careous clays of the Fox Hills group, and at the upper portion, the
sediments are arranged in thin layers, very arenaceous, and indicative
of their deposition in turbulent as we!] as shallow waters. In these are-
paceous sediments, the well-marked marine life ceases to.exist,and soon
alter appear the brackish-water species. Between the Big Cheyenne
and the Moreau Rivers, branches of the Missouri that come in from the
west side, the Lignitic strata overlap those of Cretaceous age, and in the
lower beds occurs a species of Ostrea associated with some other brackish-
water forms. I am not positive as to the exact position of these fossils,
but I am confident that a bed of gray sandstone, with a layer of impure
coal or Lignite lie, below any of the brackish-water forms found in the
Northwest. Scattered over the weathered surface of these Lower Lig-
nitie beds, aud believed, without doubt, to have been originally
imbedded in them, were found several specimens of Vertebrata which
have been regarded by Protessor Cope as characteristic of the Creta-
ceous era. So far as the Northwest is concerned, the brackish-water
beds are not more than 200 feet in thickness, while those that are
HAYDEN.] GEOLOGY—AGE OF THE LIGNITIC GROUP. 21
purely fresh-water must reach an aggregate thickness of 3,000 to 5,000
feet. During the years 1854 and 1855, I studied this group on the Mis- |
souri to Fort Benton, and on the Yellowstone, where it is most exten-
sively developed, to the mouth of the Big Horn River and collected great
quantities of animal and vegetable remains from the base to the summit.
Tivery season, up to the autumn of 1860, I made collections from this
group in all parts of the Northwest.
The vertebrate remains were studied by Dr. Leidy; the vegetable
fossils, by Dr. Newberry and Mr. Lesquereux; and the invertebrate fossils,
by Mr. Meek and the writer. None of us even doubted their Tertiary
age. Numerous papers were published by Mr. Meek and the writer
ou the geology and invertebrate paleontology of this region in various
journals, but mostly in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sci-
ences at Philadelphia; and inasmuch as these articles are not easily
accessible to the general public, I shail be excused from quoting par-
agraphs frem them quite freely in an official report.
In an article published in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural
Sciences, May, 1857, we siate that of the 150 species of Mollusca already
described, 54 species are of Tertiary age, 50 are strictly tresh-water, and
only four belong to genera supposed to inhabit salt or brackish waters.
This gronp was even regarded as of Miocene age. The first conclusion,
at the close of this paper, reads as follows :—“ We have no evidence that
any of the Tertiary deposits now known in Nebraska are older than
Miocene.”
The above paragraph shows that Mr. Meek and the writer attempted
to correllate the various Tertiary groups in the Northwest in the light of
the Knowledge they possessed at that time.
_ But it was from the very abundant fossil flora of this group that the
most positive proof of its age was derived. It is hardly possible to
estimate with accuracy the thickness of this great group in the North-
west, but I should regard it from 3,000 to 5,000 feet in the aggregate,
with from twenty to thirty beds or seams of lignite, not including -the
thin seams of an inch or two, which are very numerous. These vary
‘from six inches to ten feet in thickness. All through this great thick-
ness of strata, the leaves are found in most instances in a remarkabiy
perfect state of preservation. Sometimes they are so abundant and
so perfectly preserved thet they would appear to have fallen from
the trees on the spot and in the greatest profusion. It is not uncommon
for a stratum of two feet or more to be composed almost entirely of
these leaves, lying parallel with the layers, as if they had not been dis-
turbed after dropping from the trees. Along the immediate vicinity of
the main rivers (Missouri and Yellowstone), these plants are the most
abundant, far more so than in the more important coal-regions of
Wyoming or Colorado. :
Although my own collections, made from 1850 to the autumn of 1860,
doubtless comprise the greater part of the species that will hereatter
be found, and therefore form a permanent basis for determination and
comparison, yet the force of their teachings is somewhat weakened from
the fact that the species from different horizons were not kept suffi-
ciently separate. We know, however, that some of the species have a
very great vertical as well as horizontal range, and that, so far as can
be detected, there is no break in the sequence of the beds from the
Saskatchewan to Santa Fé.
The tollowing extract is taken from a paper prepared by Mr. Meek
and the writer, and published in the proceedings of the Academy of
Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, December, 1861. This extract will not
Paes GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
only serve to show the views we entertained at that time after a careful
study and discussion of the invertebate fossils, but incidentally the
opinions of other eminent paleontologists : Ne
“It would extend these remarks beyond the limits assigned them to
attempt any detailed account of the Tertiary rocks of Nebraska, or to
discuss at length the question respecting their relations to those of the
Atlantic coast, or of the Old World. ees
‘We must, therefore, limit ourselves here to a few brief statements of
leading facts, and leave all Nee for another occasion. :
“In the first place, we would remark, that no strictly marine Tertiary
deposits have yet been discovered in all the Rocky Mountain region of
-*Nebraska, nor, so far as known, in any other portion of Nebraska,
Kansas, or Utah.
“ Throughout all this great central area of the continent, wherever the
oldest Tertiary deposits have been seen, they give evidence of freshand
brackish water origin, and, where observed resting upon the most recent
Cretaceous beds, the two have been found conformable, and sometimes
blended together, so as to render it difficult to draw a line between them
in the absence of organic remains. All the facts indicate a gradual
change from the marine conditions of the Cretaceous ; at first to brack-
ish, and then to the fresh-water conditions of the Tertiary. The pre-
dominance of Gasteropoda and Lamellibranchiata, and the comparative
paucity of types usually considered characteristic of deeper-water
deposits, as well as the coarser nature of the sediments, near the end of
the Cretaceous epoch of this region, indicate that the waters were grow-
ing more shallow as the land on the east encroached on the sea, and
islands were rising where the Rocky Mountains now stand, while the
close of the Cretaceous period seems to have been attended by the grad-
ual elevation of large areas of country here above the ocean-level.
This and other contemporaneous changes of physical conditions caused
the total destruction of the whole Cretaceous fauna.
“After this, extensive tracts of country in the region of the Rocky
Mountains, and east of them in Nebraska and other northwestern Ter-
ritories, were occupied by bays, inlets, estuaries, etc., of brackish water,
inhabited by Mollusca of the genera Ostrea, Unio, Pisidium, Corbicula,
Potamomya, Melania, Melampus, Vivipara, ete., all of Tertiary types.
As the gradual elevation of the country continued, the salt and brack-
ish waters receded and gave place to lakes and other bodies of fresh-
water, in which most of the Tertiary rocks of the Northwest were
deposited; so that in all, excepting the earliest Tertiary beds of this
region, we find only the remains of strictly fresh-water and terrestrial
animals.
‘The passage from the brackish to the fresh water beds in the oldest
member of the Tertiary of this region seems not to be marked by any
material alteration in the nature of the sediments. Nor have we, so
far as is yet known, any reasons for believing that any climatic or other
important physical changes, beyond the slow rising of the land and the
consequent recession of the salt and brackish water, took place during
the deposition of the whole of the oldest member of the Tertiary here,
since we find. a considerable portion of the species of fresh-water Mol-
lusca ranging through this whole lower member.
“The principal difference between the fossils of its upper and lower
beds consists of the gradual disappearance of strictly brackish-water
types as we ascend from the inferior strata. The entire series of Ne-
*The old Territory of Nebraska is here referred to.
HAYDEN. ] GEOLOGY—LIGNITIC GROUP. 23
braska Tertiary rocks consists of three or four groups, three of which
at least (and probably tour) evidently belong to separate and distinct
epochs. They usually occur in isolated basins, but have, with one ex-
ception, all been seen in such connection as to leave no doubt in regard
to their order of superposition.
“Their prevailing lithological characters, estimated maximum thick-
nesses, and order of succession will be seen in the section given below.
g 58
g Subdivisions. iB Localities. os
Oo Oem
3 a Be.
a a 5
S Fine loose sand, with some layers of limestone; | S On Loup Fork of Platte River, | ¢
a a contains bones of Canis, Felis, Oastor, Hiquus, aes extending north to Niobrara a
3 Mastodon, Testudo, etc., some of which are | € 9 River, and south to an un- 3)
a2 scarcely distinguishable from living secies. eon knowr distance beyond the | -3
3 ; : Platte. Ay
FA White and light drab clays, with some beds of | x Bad Lands of White River, un-
> sandstone and local layers of limestone ; fos- © der the Loup River beds on 3
ee sils, Oreodon, Titanotherium, Cheropotamus, | > ¢ Niobrara, and across the A
oo Rhinoceros, Anchitherium, Hyaenonodon, Ma- | & & country to the Platte. 5)
eb chairodus, Trionyx, Testudo, Helix, Planorbis, | . 9 AS)
Ss Limneea, petrified wood, etc., etc. All extinct. | S =
No brackish-water or marine remains.’ =
bs Light gray and ash-colored sandstones, with | S Wind River Valley, also west
de ee more or less argillaceous layers. Fossils, = of Wind River Mountains.
om bir) fragments of Trionyx, Testudo, with large He- | 5+ ee
oS lia, Vivipara, petrified wood, etc. No marine | © 3 =
as) or brackish-water types. so
= j =
a Beds of clay and sand, with round ferruginous - | Oceupies the whole country
2 as concretions, and numerous beds, seams, and fe around Fort Union, extend-
Os local deposits of lignite; great numbers of 2 ing North into the British
Be dicotyledonous leaves, stems, etc.,of the gen- | possessions to unknown dis- |
a oo era Platanus, Acer, Ulmus, Populus, ete., with S) tances; also southward to a
1S very large leaves of true fan palms. Also, | © Fort Clarke; seen under the S
54 Helix, Melania, Vivipara, Corbicula, Unio, Os- | & White River group, on North |
at! trea, Potamomya, and scales of Lepidotus, with S Platte River, above Fort Lar-
&H | bones of Trionyx, Emys, Compsemys, Urocodi- | S amie; also on west side of
lem lus, ete. & Wind River Mountains.
“The Fort Union, or Great Lignite group, occupies extensive areas of
country in Nebraska, and has been seen beneath the White River group
at several distant localities. It was evidently deposited in large bodies
of water, which were at first brackish, and then gradually became fresh.
“The great number of fossil leaves, and numerous beds of lignite con-
tained in it, clearly show that the shores of these ancient estuaries,
lakes, etc.,in which this formation was deposited, supported dense
forests of large trees, and a growth of other vegetation, far exceeding
in luxuriance anything now met with in these latitudes.
‘¢ Indeed, the presence of true fan palms, of large size, and the remains
of the genus Crocodilus, as well as the affinities of the Mollusca found
in these beds to southern forms, all point rather to the existence here of
a tropical than a temperate climate during their deposition. In regard
to the relations of this formation to known horizons in the Tertiary of
_the Old World, we scarcely feel prepared to express a very decided
opinion. -
«The difficulty in the way of drawing inferences bearing on this point
from the remaivs of Mollusca found in these beds is that- they, being
fresh and brackish water types, bear little or no analogy to those of the
24 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Tertiary of the States bordering on the Atlantic, nor are any of them, so
far as known, specifically identical with foreign forms.
‘¢When we bear in mind, however, the fact, that wherever this forma-
tion has been seen in contact with the latest Cretaceous beds, the two
have been found to be conformable, however great the upheavals and
distortions may be, while at the junction there seems to be a complete
mingling of sediments, one is strongly impressed with the probability
that no important member of either system is wanting between them.
This view is also rendered more probable by the fact that the formation
under consideration is known to hold a position beneath the White River
group, which is characterized by the remains of an entirely different
jauna, clearly of Miocene age. va
“¢ Again, the occurrence in this lower group of remains of the genus
Lepidotus, which is, we believe, in Europe unknown above the Hocene,
while the other vertebrate remains found associated with it have been
compared by the distinguished comparative anatomist, Professor Leidy,
with types even older than the Tertiary, are facts strengthening
the impression that this Fort Union Lignite group probably repre-
sents the Eocene of Europe.
“Tt should not be forgotten, however, that an extensive and beautiful
series of fossil plants from this formation, although not yet thoroughly
investigated, have been thought by Dr. Newberry to be most analogous
to Mioceue types. .
“Yet even if this formation should prove to be of Eocene age, this
would only be in accordance with what is now known in regard to the
earlier introduction of particular types of plants in the Cretaceous sys-
tem of this country than in that of the Old World.
‘ As the Wind River deposits have not yet been seen in contact with
any well-marked beds of the other Tertiary formations of this region,
and few fossils have yet been found in them, their position in the
series remains doubtful. It is, therefore, only provisionally that we
have placed this formation between the Fort Union and White River
groups in the foregoing section. It may possibly belong to the horizens
of one of these rocks, or even represent them both in part, or, what is
more probable, it may occupy an intermediate chronological position.
‘¢ The only fossils yet found in this formation are fragments of Trionyx
and Testudo, together with the shells of two species of Helix and a cast
of a Vivipara. One of these Helices is more like H. Leidyt from the
White River group than any of the other species yet known from any
of these rocks, while the other is a very large depressed species of
southern type, quite unlike any of those hitherto found in any of the
other Nebraska rocks. The Vivipara seems to be indistinguishable
from our V. trochiformis from the Fort Benton group, though, as it is
a mere cast, it cannot be identified with certainty with that
shell. No marine or brackish-water fossils have been found in these
beds. The White River group is the formation that has furnished the
extensive and interesting collections of vertebrate remains which have
been so ably investigated by Professor Leidy. It occupies a consider-
able area in the region of White River, and is seen beneath the sueceed-
ing formation on the.Niobrara and Platte Rivers. Its position above
‘the Fort Union or Great Lignite group has also been clearly and satis-
factorily determined.
“This formation is mainly composed of a series of whitish, indurated *
clays, which have been worn and cut, by the streams, rains, and other
atmospheric agencies, into numerous deep valleys and ravines, so as to
leave various peaks, isolated celumns, towers, ete., presenting, as seen
HAYDEN.] GEOLOGY—WHITE RIVER GROUP. 25
from a distance, exactly the appearance of the ruins of an ancient city.
The difficulty the traveler meets with in finding his way through this
interminable labyrinth caused the Indians to call it, in their own
language, the Bad Grounds; hence the French name, Mawvaises terres,
applied by the Canadian voyageurs in the employ of the fur-companies.
“The vertebrate remains found in these beds belong to the genera
Oreodon, Agriocharus, Pebrotherium, Leptomeryx, Leptanchenia, Pro-
tomeryx, Merycodos, Tirtanotherium, Leptocherus, Hyracodon, Entelo-
don, Paleocherus, Rhinoceros, Steneofiber, Machairodos, Anchitherium,
Hiyopotamus, Hycenodon, Ischyromys, Paleolagus, Eumys, Testudo, ete.,
etc. The affinities of these fossils, as has been shown by Professor
Leidy, clearly establish the Miocene age of this formation.
‘¢« Comparatively few invertebrate remains have yet been found in the
White River group. They consist of one species of Helix, one or two of
Limneea, a small Physa, two or three small species of Planorbis, ete. No
fossil leaves nor beds of lignite have been met with in it, and all the
animal remains, aS may be seen from the foregoing list, are terrestrial
and fresh-water types. The Loup River beds consist mainly of incoher-
ent materials, and were evidently deposited after the upper surface of the
White River group had been worn into ravines and other depressions.
It occupies much of the surface of the country in the region of the Loup
Fork and Platte River, and extends far south of the latter stream.
“The vertebrate remains from it described by Professor Leidy belong
to the genera Megalomeryx, Procamelus, Cervus, Khinoceros, Mastodon,
Hlephas, Hipparion, Merychippus, Equus, Castor, Felis, Canis, Testudo,
etc., Many oi which, are very closely allied to recent species. A fewshells
of the genera Helix, Physa, ete., apparently identical with living spe-
cies, have also been found in these beds. All the species of vertebrate
and other remains yet tound in them are distinct from those occurring
in the White hiver group and beds below, and they have not yet afforded
any brackish or marine ty, pes of any kind. ’
‘¢ When we take into consideration the position of this formation above
the well-marked Miocene White River group, and the relation of its
organic remains to Pliocene and recent species, there is little roum for
doubting the correctness of its reference to the horizon of the Pliocene
ot Hurope. ©
‘¢ The extracts which I have given are sufficient to show the opinions of
a most excellent paleontologist in regard to the age of this group as
interpreted from the invertebrate fossils.”
Let us for a moment glance at the testimony of American vegetable
paleontolozists. Without quoting again, I will simply refer the reader
to the interesting report of Dr. J. S. Newberry on the Cretaceous and
Tertiary plants collected by me during the expedition to the Yellowstone
and Missouri Rivers, during the years 1859 and 1860, a portion of which
was reprinted in the Annual Report of Wyoming, 1870, commencing at
page 94. It will be seen that Dr. Newberry regarded these fossil plants
as uot only of Tertiary age, but Middle Tertiary, or Miocene. In an in-
teresting memoir published in the Annals of the Lyceum of Natural
History, in 1867, Dr. Newberry remarks:
‘* By far the largest representation of our Tertiary flora is, however,
contained in collections made by Dr. Hayden on the Upper Missouri, of
which the greater number of species are described in the present mem-
oir. These plants are from the lignites proved by the associated fossils
to be of the Miocene age. They were collected at various points on the
Missonri River, at Fort Clarke, at Red Spring, thirteen miles above, at
Hort Berthold, at Crow Hills, one hundred miles below Fort Union, at
26 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
the mouth of the Yellowstone, on O’Fallon’s Creek, one hundred miles
above the mouth of the Yellowstone, and in the valley of that stream.
“‘The explorations of Dr. Hayden prove that this Miocene Lignite for-
mation occupies the beds of extensive lakes, which formed basins on the
surtace of the continent when it had but recently emerged from the
Cretaceous sea. As has been remarked elsewhere, the lower members
of the series contain a few estuary shells, showing the access of salt-
water at that period; but during the deposition of by far the greater
portion of these beds, the water of the ocean was entirely excluded from
the basins in which they accumulated. There is, therefore, every reason
to believe that the débris of ligneous plants which compose this collec-
tion were derived from trees which grew along the shores of the lakes
and streams of the Tertiary continent; that then, as now, alternations
of seasons prevailed, by which the foliage of these trees were detached
by an autumnal frost, and that falling into the water beneath or near
them, and sinking to the bottom, they were enveloped in mud, precisely
as leaves of our sycamores, willows, oaks, etc., accumulate at the bottoms
of our streams and lakes of the present day.”
I need not extend these remarks farther to illustrate the views of
both paleontologists in regard to the age of the Lignitic group, as
observed in the Northwest, up to within a comparatively recent period.
1 need not refer to the views of Mr. Lesquereux, inasmuch as they have
been consistent in the belief of their Tertiary age, from the commence-
ment of his examination up to the present time, and his arguments in
favor of this belief have been set forth in nearly all the annual reports
of the Survey. ,
If the Lignitic group, as developed on the Upper Missouri, is admit-
ted to be either entirely or in part of Tertiary age, the question will arise,
what bearing has this admission on the age of the coal-beds of Wyo-
ming and Colorado ?
I beg just here to call the attention of geologists to the geological
mnaps prepared by me, and published in the Final Report of Nebraska,
1869, and in the Geological Report of the Exploration of the Yellowstone
and Missouri Rivers, 1859~60, especially the latter map. It will be seen
by the last-named map that the Lignitic group occupies a very large area
along the Upper Missouri and the Yellowstone Rivers, that it extends
far north into the British possessions. We may then trace it south-
ward in a broad continuous belt across the Yellowstone River, between
the Black Hills and the Big Horn Mountains, until it is overlapped by
the White River group, about sixty miles north of Fort Laramie. If
we continue southward along the east base of the Laramie range, we
find that the Lignitic group re-appears about ten miles south of the
Union Pacific Railroad. We find that where the White River group
aud the Lignitic group come in contact, the former is superimposed on
the latter, and that really the White River group formed a vast basin
subsequent to the existence of the great lake in which the lignitic
sediments were deposited. We find also, by examining the White River
group along the base of the mountains, that the Laramie range formed
a barrier that prevented it from extending into the Laramie Plains;
but the evidence is clear that, at the time of the existence of the
great Lignitie lake or sea, this, barrier did not prevent the water-
communication with the Laramie Plains. Indeed, the evidence seems
quite clear that, with the exception perhaps of some isolated peaks ris-
ing above the waters, there was no mountain-barrier where we now
have the Laramie range. Therefore, with the exception of the Bear
River and: Coalville group, we may connect the coal-bearing beds of the
SEN: | GEOLOGY—COAL STRATA. 2
Laramie Plains and Colorado with the vast group in the Northwest. I
‘have traced this geographical connection step by step over this great
area, have studied the formation with some care, and collected both
vegetable and animal fossils in the greatest abundance from point to
point. I would say, however, that comparatively few of the fresh-water
species of Mollusca, so abundant in the Northwest, are found either in
Colorado or the Laramie Plains; but it possesses the same character,
and many of the same species of plants are scattered all over this im-
mense area.
CHAPTER II.
THE LIGNITIC GROUP AS EXAMINED AT CANON CITY—COLORADO SPRINGS—NORTEWARD
TO CACHE LA PUVUDRE CREEK—MONUMENT CREEK GROUP—-PROBABLE AGE OF
THESE GROUPS.
Our examinations along the eastern base of the mountains in Colorado
were directed mainly to the tracing-out of the connection between the
Lignitic group and the older beds. We traced the boundary of this
group, With great care, from Cafion City, on the Arkansas River, north-
ward nearly to Cheyenne. It is hardly possible that any links in the
chain of evidence escaped us, and the principal differences of opinion
now will consist in the degree of importance to be attached to that evi-
dence. The question is whether the coal-bearing strata known as the
Lignitic group of the astern Rocky Mountain region is of Cretaceous
or 'Lertiary age. In this chapter, we shall simply record our field-cbser-
vations, referring the reader to a subsequent chapter for a brief discus-
sion of the question of age.
South of Caton City, on the south side of the Arkansas hiver, there is
an isolated coal-basin occupying an area of about fifty square miles. The
strata lie for the most part in a nearly horizontal position, indicating no
ereat disturbance, except along the north and west sides. On the north-
west side of the basin, along the immediate base of the mountains, the beds
have been lifted up, so that a great thickness of the Lignitic sandstones is
exposed, at least 1,000 to 1,600 teet. The Cretaceous beds are also seen
lying close to the flanks of the mountains. As we proceed southward
along the junction of sedimentary beds and the granites, the Cretaceous
beds disappear, and one by one the lower Lignitic, until the whole
mass juts against the granitic rocks, with no perceptible evidence
of disturbance, except in a general way. There seems to be a rapid
slope from the base of the mountains to the Arkansas River, a dis-
tance of about five miles, thus giving to the strata a general dip of
about 5°. So far as we couid ascertain, there are no coal beds in
the northern portion of the basin. The rocks consist mostly of rath-
er thick beds of gray, brown, and yellow sandstone, with loose clays
and sands between, but no coal-beds. We find that the coal-bear-
ing portion does not occupy the entire area, and that a large part is
classed as barren coal-measures. The most important coal-mine has
been opened on the east side of the basin, about midway, ou Oak Creek.
This is one of the most important coal-mines in the Territory. It was
described briefly, but quite clearly, in the Annual Report of the Survey
for 1869, and since that time in the more elaborate reports of Mr. Les-
quereux. In the summer of 1872, Mr. Lesquereux made a careful
examination of ihe coal-formations all along the east base of the Rocky
Mountains from Cheyenne to Santa Fé. His report in the Annual Re-
port for 1872 is quite exhaustive. The Section of the coal-strata on
page 323, made by Mr. Neilson Clark, the superintendent of the mines, is
more accurate than any other that has been made of the group, and need
not be repeated here. It remains now to consider the beds below this sec-
28
HAYDEN. ] GEOLOGY—LIGNITIC GROUP IN COLORADO. 29
ion, which are supposed to be of Cretaceous age, but which might very
properly be called beds of passage from well-marked Cretaceous strata to
those containing coal and vegetable remains. We have heretotore de-
scribed the Upper Cretaceous beds as of strictly marine origin; that tie
sediments were deposited in a broad and, at least, moderately deep sea.
As long as we find that these physical conditions prevailed, we observea
greater or less abundance of fossils of strictly marine forms, as Ammon-
ites, Baculites, Inoceramus, etc.; but even when no break can be found in
the sequence of the beds, indicating a lapse of time in the deposition of
the sediments, we discover that the physical conditions gradually change
until there is a complete extinction of all marine forms of life. We find
here on the Arkansas River a full development of the Upper Cretaceous
formations Nos. 4 and 5, with their peculiar fossils. Wealso observe that
the materials of the upper portion of No. 5 pass gradually from a dark-
yellow clay to a rusty-yellow sand, and above this, 200 to 300 feet, of a
sort of irregular thin layers of mud-like material, with curious concre-
tions of sandstone. In this: group of strata, which may be called transi-
tional, not a fossil has yet been found to prove the age beyond a doubt.
Resting on this irregular group of mud-strata is a bed of sandstone of
very variable thickness as well as structure. Sometimes it is not more
than 50 feet thick, and then again it is 300 to 400 feet thick. It is fuil
of rounded concretionary masses, and shows very clearly that its sedi-
ments were deposited in shailow and very turbulent waters. This sand-
Stone passes up into clay, and on this clay rests a bed of coal. In the
bed of sandstone below the coal, the peculiar vegetation of the Lignitic
group is found in considerable abundance, and, therefore, this may mark
the lowest horizon of this group. Now, whevever,'in any part of the
country, invertebrate remains of any kind are found above this bed of
sandstone, they are invariably brackish or fresh water in their charac-
ter; and whenever any of these fossil shells are observed below this sand-
stone, they are always strictly marine. We have in the vicinity of these
coal-mines the details of structure, which we have briefly described
above, most clearly shown. Now the question arises, what stress shall
be laid on these remarkable physical changes? Would not this form an
excellent line of separation between two great periods in geological
time? Are not these changes sufficient to indicate clearly that these
are probably the beds of passage or transition between the Cretaceous
and the Tertiary epochs? We find also a complete change in the vege-
table as well as animal life. We are not aware that any of the verte-
brate remains, which have been regarded by Cope and Marsh as proving
the Lignitic group to be of Cretaceous age, have ever been found mingled
with any other forms of life of strictly marine origin. So far, all the
vertebrate fossils have been discovered in the Lignitic group. It seems
therefore that not a single species of vegetable or animal life survived
the physical changes which were introduced during the time of the depo-
sition of the transition group. Now, if we have shown this state of
affairs in regard to the Cafion group, we may connect this group easily
with the Raton Hills group to the southward, and the Monument Creek
group far to the northward near Colorado Springs.
In passing northward, we see no more of the Lignitic group, so far as
we have examined, until we reach Colorado Springs, a distance of thirty
miles in a straight line. Here it is exposed in the form of an irregular
bluff ridge, running down from the base of the mountains a little south-
east, beyond the limit of our explorations up to this time. In section 2,
we see in the foreground, at either end, the form of the sandstone bluffs,
which appear to be remnants of a far more extended group of strata.
30 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
The inclination is slight, 5° to 10°, about; northeast. The bluff-wall
undoubtedly extended at one time over the entire interval south and
southwest and was joined to the Cafion City group; the intervening por-
tions having been removed by erosion, with the exception of a narrow
belt just at the base of the mountains. This interval is entirely occu-
pied with Cretaceous rocks at the present time. The valley of the
Fountain, as well as that of Monument Creek, for some distance above
its junction with the Fountain, is underlaid with Upper Cretaceous
groups Nos. 4 and 5; but the surface is everywhere so denuded and
grassed over that the junction of the Cretaceous with the Lignitic group
is nowhere well marked.
The lower bed of sandstone, which is usually regarded as the com-
mencement of the Lignitic, iscomposed sometimes of yielding arenaceous
sediments, and therefore cannot always be relied upon as forming a fixed
horizon of demarkation. But, in the majority of instances, this floor of
sandstone is present with a greater or less thickness. About ten miles
east of Colorado Springs, some very important coal-beds have been
opened by Mr. Matt France and others. This locality is a very import-
ant one for the study of this great coal-group. Between Colorado Springs
and the coal-mines, the intervening country is very rolling or undulating,
and so grassed over that no sections of the underlying beds are exposed ;
but, before reaching the mines, the rounded grassy hills are covered with
fragments of calcareous concretions, from which have been taken a great
variety of the fossils characteristic of the Upper Cretaceous. The three
forms which are usually so abundant, Ammonites lobatus, Baculites ova-
tus, and Inoceramus, are here found in great numbers. This point is about
600 feet higher than Colorado Springs; and inasmuch as the strata are
horizontal, we may estimate the thickness of the Cretaceous beds above
the valley of Monument Creek at 600 to 800 feet. As we continue to
the west we soon come to dark, rusty-brown sandstones, with great
numbers of a peculiar kind of sea-weed, called by Mr. Lesquereux Haly-
menites. There isa series of alternate layers of arenaceous clay and
sandstones, 200 feet or more in thickness, the upper portion containing
vast globular concretions, as illustrated in Plate 4, Fig. 2, which corre-
spond to the mud-beds seen in the vicinity of the coal-basin of the
Arkansas. A section of the beds here would be as follows, in ascending
order :—
SECTION a. “7
Ft. In.
AM Read es Rc 2 EE SD IY ee Re 0)
Oni Clave sae tessa aie st Wee e es ees enba dnd 6 0
By} PSE OLOUSY HO) 0 see ey es Ce eS Ae Sry We Kayes Sa om One CuOS ag
AES ON ay iratees oc es srepce ese en SNE Ee oases wo clea fa) see ue eh Siete Sie Sree IEE ener cr 16 2
EVEN O We SATIS TOM Ce cies eee et ae ee ee eee tray oat Org pence ee @
GEE SOMA Oa see SE eA NG NN ai 1 Na a BO i apse pan Co te Sal
7. Rusty-brown clay and sandstone.--..----. -.:-------.---------+----- 50— 80 0
8. Alternate layers of sandstone and clay..----.--..--.----.----------- 200 0
9. Cretaceous formations Nos. 4 and 5.......---.-.-.------------------- 600—800 0
This section is in part constructed from shafts that have been sunk
for coal. So far as I have observed, the only way to obtain a clear sec- °
tion of the coal-strata, is by boring or sinking a shaft. All other seéc-
tions, unless made in some actual cut, may be regarded as only ap-
proximately correct. The lower portion of section a, Cretaceous, grad-
ually passes up into bed 8, which is composed at the bottom of alter-
vate thin layers of sandstone and clay, these layers increasing in
thickness toward the top. The upper portion is made up mostly
of rounded Goneretions, varying in size from an inch or two to sey-
Flate -.
Fireclay
Sand and \-
Sandstone Sandstone
ee + —- 4 -- =>
Lignite with seams
of Fireclay, Pebbles
d& Gypsum.
Lignite with seans
of Sand, Clay
cd Pebbles
= = FO
———
Pees
a=)
=
=
Soe
—_-
Sand soft white
Sandstone
Showing the variability of the Lignitic beds.
Parallel sections taken on the face of Pulpit Rock
5 miles north of Colorado Springs through identical
strata and only 20 feet apart.
|e ection rapes aoe nt 7 nba
eda =e a spyc ee CLE Ww ses ache
HAYDEN.] GEOLOGY—LIGNITIC GROUP—SECTION. dl
eral feet in diameter. Sometimes these concretions are oval or flat,
with horizontal layers; but in most cases they fall in pieces, showing
concentric coats, the disk-like shells falling off from the outside gradu-
ally. ‘here is also a species of sea-weed, Halymenites, quite abundant
in these sandstones. I call them the transition beds, though they may
be Cretaceous, and they correspond with those described as occurring
below the coal on the Arkansas.
Number 7 in the section is the sandstone that usually forms the basis
bed of the Lignitic group. This bed is here full of small iron-rust con-
cretions, some of them solid, with a gray nucleus, others hollow, the
cavity filled with fine dust, a kind of iron-rust. These concretions, vary-
ing from an inch to three or four inches in diameter, are so abundant that
they cover the ground for some distance from the bluff. About the-mid-
dle of the sandstone-bed, there is a band of dark-brown indurated sand,
mixed with bits or fragments of vegetable material, about five feet in
thickness. This bed or band may, quite possibly, become coal in some
localities. At one point in the southern portion of the coal-basin on
the Arkansas River, a seam which appears to correspond to this dark
band occurs in the lower sandstone, and is quite good coal, two feet in
thickness. The quantity and character of the coal at this locality was
determined by the sinking of several shafts. In section a, we have:
two quite thick beds of coal, both of which were penetrated by a shaft,
and thus the section may be regarded as correct.
SECTION J.
Feet.
Pee SUTLAC C=SOl eters sas pele ie linia ola ale eiatala Se wim wre alas d a winicipie cinlesiieininey sieseee tse 8
OO I SEENIGL epee see Sey Hy BOOS OG ID aGS SEDEICR CS COCO S Ce OE ten Ah eee Ree re 6 tha eiee 12
3 IDRAID-ClaKy Sa5 Je eS Shoo CnO RCO TACO EOS SOOT ERee Renee Eee aEes Same eee e ser aa eae 6
4, SORDsSITMe andl Cleyy sso Sesse Seee Goss dood cbco Cc aee ee CE EOE ene TicEaraascossena 9
5, SIBWS | oBloSeeoBSGHe Sete Mee Aes Semen ast aaa Se ae Jeeta eeisis a ape alee eetere ae 5
GMSANCSbOMe ees emesis Se cki be cliicisalvenclon co seeoee esas etlcee ge es a 4
PP MLEMACC OUST Clay sets Valse nya caissisenenicid dots se cislscl dSeue we eek eh eee ces 7
SoS ONES HOM eer seen eini years nsec iciaraleleittniatsinidis ieee eo b,l6la Si nro es ec ay ecelsienensyas 6
9. Coal - Be eeyaateneree yeh cistern dioPcuarcltnoisesay elec, ort eho ine eevee ene 1
10. Sandstone with plants. 30
11. Bituminous shales... Reales dea S ise wa eae dace cd epee as OS Li) ESAS Ue See aan nn
12. ee with iron.. oH BROAN OUUCRO UME USE Sao OBA COs Been ern ere amma Hae 3
14, Pinta ais’. Barat te sciats Mamie tetn che: Sa eVSiais siaiaic a cmicye Scie custeers aes Sem
15. Coal - eee cop sie eis oo relaratiacieevemieitea oa ee cares satis ee Soha e eee ar oeer 6
In section b, which is the record of a shaft sunk at a distant local-
ity in the same basin, we have only the upper bed of coal at the
base. The two sections give a pretty clear idea of the strata which
include the two lower beds of coal. Above the coal-bearing portion, there
is an interval which we estimated at about 200 feet, in which the beds
were obscure, but thin seams of impure coal cropped out. The mate-
rials were clays, afenaceous clays, and thin layers of sandstone, yield-
ing so readily to atmospheric forces that no sharp bluffs are formed, so
that the character of the strata could not be clearly seen. We then
have a range of high bluffs 200 to 400 feet high, which begin at the base
of the mountains, about two miles north of Manitou, and extend across
Monument Creek, and reach off to the southeast far beyond the limit of
vision, down the entire valley of the Fountain to its entrance into the
Arkansas River near Pueblo. The rocks all around Pueblo are Creta-
ceous, yet it is quite possible that far to the eastward the Lignitic group
overlaps them, having originally been connected with the coal-basin to
the south near Caton City. We may thus obtain a dim conception of
32 - GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
the vast erosion that must have taken place here, to have removed so
great a thickness of strata from so vast an area. f Ded
The bluffs east of Colorado Springs, above that portion shown in Sec-
tions a and b, may be regarded as barren of workable beds of coal. A
detailed section of the beds was taken, but it seems hardly necessary
to present it here. So variable are these beds that the sections within
a fourth of a mile would only bear a general resemblance to each other.
The beds are made up of alternate layers of clay and sand, with irregu-
lar beds of concretionary sandstone throughout. These beds of sand-
stone change constantly, sometimes 30 feet in thickness, and quite .mas-
sive at one point, and within a fourth of a mile either thinning out or
changed into soft or indurated sand. Toward the summit of the bluffs
is a'thick bed of rusty-brown sandstone, which has been worn by the
atmosphere into remarkably ragged forms. As we proceed northward
from Colorado Springs to the source of Monument Creek, on the divide
between the South Platte and the Arkansas drainage, the upper beds
of the Lignitic group appear entirely destitute of coal, with a vast thick-
ness, estimated at 1,500 to 2,000 feet, with unusually coarse sediments.
The materials composing these Upper Lignitie strata of the Monument
Creek present the appearance of having been deposited with unusual
‘rapidity in moving or disturbed waters. Figures show with great
clearness this peculiar character of the sediments. The peculiar group
of strata which, in 1869, I called the Monument Creek group, extends to
a point within about twenty miles of Denver, where the Lignitic sedi-
ments return to their usual character, and then continue northward
nearly to Cheyenne.
For a distance of about thirty miles north of west of Monument Creek,
the coarse variegated sandstones of the Monument Creek group lap on
to the granites, have been slightly elevated so as to incline 5° to 15°,
but not detached from the granites, so that for a considerable distance
these granite foot-hills formed the western shore-line for the great lake.
This group is more fully treated in a subsequent portion of this chap-
ter.
Up to the present time, but few invertebrate remains have been found
in the Lignitic group from the Arkansas to Denver; but in the lower
strata in the vicinity of the coal-beds a number of plants have been
observed, belonging in most instances to well-known species occurring
elsewhere. These plants were observed by the Survey in several loeali-
ties along the southern border of the group, generally in the bed of sand-
stone immediately below the lowest coal, aud ranging up 100 to 150 feet.
The species, as identified by Lesquereux, are Sabai Campbelli, Platanus
Haydeni, Ficus tillefolia, Dombeyopsis obtusa. The Sabal has been
found at Raton Hills, Golden City, Black Buttes, and on the Upper
Missouri River near Fort Union. The Platanus occurs at Raton
Hills, Golden City, Black Buttes, and was originally described from the
Upper Missouri River, where it is found in great numbers. The Ficus
has been obtained from Evanston on the Union Pacific Railroad, Raton
Hills, and in Montana on the Yellowstone, so that the evidence, so far -
as it can be derived from the few vegetable remains, connects this group
with the Ratoa Hills group to the southward, and far to the north on ,
the Upper Missouri. Other species have been identified.
From Colorado Springs, we may follow the Lignitic group northward
very nearly to Cheyenne without any break. For a short distance, as
we have previously remarked, the Monument Creek group laps on to the
granites, entirely concealing all older formations; but very soon after
crossing the “divide” to the drainage of Plum Creek, the older beds re-
Coal outcrop-v
aN
Dif wee
Pee Se
Wy:
an
Nak \ Nos Nas
77 Vatley of Ralston Cr. bb Volcanic Cape. 7 Maaphy Mere
LOOKING NORTH from VAN BIBBER ER.
a, Bear Station b, Morrison a, Line of Coal outcrop-vertical 6, Green Mt. Lignitie- horizontal.
Section at Bear Cr.
HAYDEN. } GEOLOGY—LIGNITIC GROUP—SECTIONS. ao
appear in the form of uplifted ridges. This belt, though varying muck
in width, is not again interrupted until we reach a point within a few
miles of the Union Pacific Railroad, west of Cheyenne. Sometimes this
belt extends out from the mountain foot-hills four or five miles, and
again it closes up so that the Lignitic bed, as at Golden City, extends
up to within one-fourth or one-half a mile of the granites.
I need not describe again the geological features of the district about
Golden City, so much has already been written, nor need I repeat the
fifty or sixty species of fossil plants which have already been detected
in this far-famed locality. On the map which accompanies this report,
the boundary-line between the Lignitic group and the well-marked Cre-
taceous strata is shown very clearly. We may say that very soon after
leaving the granite foot-hills, the Lignitic beds, at whatever angle they
may be found to incline, return to a nearly or quite horizontal position.
We may say that they incline at all angles from 5° to 70°, depending
upon their distance from the base of the mountains.
From Colorado Springs to Golden City, the outcrops of the coal are
very rare; but, from Golden City tothe Big Boulder, they are quite com-
mon, and the most productive coal-mines in Colorado are found there.
That beds of lignite or coal underlie the plain country far to the east,
there is hardly room to doubt. About ten miles east of Denver, on the
Kansas Pacific Railroad, at a locality called Tousland, several shafts
have been sunk in the level prairie, and a thick bed of coal or lignite
was found at moderate depths.
A section of the strata is as follows :—
1. Clay, gravel, ete.
MONS ANG NOC arya amie cr alata ay seieiaet oe rae sia! sin olssaiaweie situ eicreiajsiwapecieieets 10 to 12 feet.
3. Sandstone, with seams of coal varying from 1 to 18 inches in thickness,
with 6 to 8 inches of sandstone between....--.....--....---..----. 30 feet.
AMC ODOT MOINTTO Le sete owe Mees ceo o oa. oes shit Geek eS 6 feet.
5
. Sandstone, forming the floor of the mine.
This is one of the most elaborately and elegantly prepared mines in
Colorado Territory ; but the coal contains so large a percentage of vol-
atile matter that it will probably not be made available for economical
purposes until the more valuable coal-mines in the vicinity are ex-
hausted. The great scarcity of timber all over this portion of the West
may, at some future day, render any kind of combustible material val-
uable as a fuel. One shaft sunk here is 245 feet deep, and a second one,
about a mile distant, is 145 feet deep. Both of them passed through
this 6-foot bed. The strata are horizontal. This bed is probably higher
up in the series than any of the beds that are wrought near the base of
the mountains. senses sees ee eee) ee eee ee eee 2 feet.
3» Clavie eee 2 SS LGR a fo UA OA lA UL EEE Uy 41 feet.
AC vadiyeys i ai NAN NaS MCG Ga Tg SEAT eR ya LL io) LC 24 feet.
5. Floor of sandstone.
A few fragments of leaves were observed in the hard sandstone, but
no other fossils. Shafts have been sunk in many other places east of
Greeley, but only thin beds of rather poor coal were detected. It is not
probable that any valuable beds of coal will ever be discovered in the
immediate vicinity. :
Our examinations of the country between the South Platte and the
base of the mountains, especially along the valley of the Cache a la
Poudre, were productive of most important results. We found in an
extensive series of sandstones, sands, clays, ete., a great variety of marine
invertebrate fossils belonging to well-known Cretaceous types. The
rocks are all quite peculiar, indicating by their structure that these dep-
ositions took place in moving waters. A few of the shells were found
in the clays, and many of them were inclosed in dark, round, calcareous
concretions, scattered through the clay; but most of them occur in
isolated groups on the under or upper surface of a layer of sandstone, as
if they had been swept into eddies or shallow depressions.. As we have
often stated, the physical history of these massive formations is written
on the rocks themselves.
Plate II.
aaeT
1B) ea
iil NE
ih. ;
(2. Se ne | |
gi eens Ua
Table Butte capped with Trachyte
Oo miles north of the Arkansas
and Platte River divide.
Sandstone. Fire clay. Lignite.
Deposit of Lignite in an irregular cavity
an sandstone.
ee) 2
r
by
— ‘ony
tar
HAYDEN, ] GEOLOGY—FOX HILLS GROUP. } t9)
In the lower portion of Cretaceous No. 5, or the Fox Hills group, the
sediments all show a moderately deep sea and. quiet waters, in which
the various forms of Mollusca peculiar to this group flourished in great
abundance, and have been preserved with wonderful perfection. Butas
we pass upward, we begin to observe signs of a gradual change to shal-
low and even turbulent waters. Tracks and trails of worms, etc., are
seen on the surface of the thin layers of sandstone, and the more mass-
ive sandstones become concretionary, irregular, sometimes quite thick,
and then suddenly thinning out so as to be unimportant or entirely
absent. While many of the species peculiar to No. 4 as well as No. 5
continue to flourish to a certain extent, new forms are introduced, such
as Tancredia americana, Cardium speciosum, Mactra formosa, Mactra alta,
and many others, previously known to occur in no other locality in this
country except near the mouth of the Judith River on the Upper Mis-
' souri. There are also mingled with them Baculites, Ammonites, Inoce-
ramus, ete., forms well known in the Fox Hillis group all over the West.
We may continue our way northward to Cheyenne, and from thence to
the Missouri and the Yellowstone region to the north line of the United
States, and we shall find the Lignitic group remaining substantially the
same and bearing similar relations to the Fox Hills group below. In
all this distance, the only break in the connection that occurs is a dis-
tanee of about two hundred miles, between Cheyenne and the North
Platte, where the Lignitic group is overlapped by the more modern beds
of the White River group.
Our investigations in Colorado seem to warrant the following conclu-
sions :—
1st: That through the upper portion of the Fox Hills group, there are
clear proofs of a radical physical change, though very gradual, usually
with no break in the sequence of time. In this portion of the group are
well-marked Cretaceous fossils of purely marine types, and no others.
2d. That above the upper Fox Hills group, there are about 200 feet of
barren beds, which may be regarded as beds of passage to the Lignitic
group, which more properly belong with the Fox Hills group below. In
this group of transition beds, all trace of the abundant invertebrate life
of the great Cretaceous series below has disappeared.
3d. In almost all cases we find at the base of the true Lignitie group
a bed of sandstone, very irregular in thickness and structure, which
seems to mark the horizon or dawn of this group. In this sandstone,
the first deciduous leaves peculiar to this group occur. No purely ma-
rine Mollusca pass above this horizon. Estuary or brackish-water shells
are found in many loealities in greatabundance. These soon disappear,
and are succeeded farther north by fossils of purely fresh-water origin.
Whatever view we may take in regard to the age of the Lignitie group,
we may certainly claim that it forms one of the time-boundaries in the
geological history of our western continent. It may matter little whether
we call it Upper Cretaceous or Lower Eocene, so far as the final result
isconcerned. Weknowthatit playsanimportant, and, toacertain extent,
an independent part in the physical history of the growth of the conti-
nent. Even the vertebrate-paleontologists, who pronounce with great
positiveness the Cretaceous age of the Lignitie group, do not claim that
a single species of vertebrate animal passes above the horizon I have
defined from the well-marked Cretaceous group below.
Having presented these facts as briefly and clearly as we were able,
we will leave the further discussion of the age of the group to a future
period.
36 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
MONUMENT CREEK GROUP.
On the high divide between the drainage of the Arkansas and South
Platte Rivers, we find a somewhat singular formation, differing in some
respects from any other that we have met with in the West. The sedi-
ments were undoubtedly deposited in a rather modern fresh-water lake ;
but whether we can synchronize this group with any of the other lake-
deposits in the West remains yet to be discovered.
This group was named by me in 1869 the Monument Creek group,
from the fact that the atmospheric agents have carved out of some of
the beds avery peculiar kind of monument, or columns, which long ago
attracted the special attention of the traveler. ‘These columns have
given name toa small stream, which rises in the divide, and flows south
into Fountain Creek, also to a very interesting locality now known as
Monument Park, in the valley of West Monument Creek, where these
singularly-shaped columns do most abound. These singular columns
have been frequently described in previous reports of the Survey ; but
the accompanying figures on Plate 3 presents them to the eye in their
varied forms far more clearly than any description in words.
The boundaries of this basin have not yet been determined, but it is
believed that it does not occupy a very large area, probably confined to
the high ridge or divide which seems to give origin to so many small
streams, which, as seen on the map, flow south into the Arkansas River.
In this basin, Beaver, Kiowa, Bijou, Box Elder, and Cherry Creeks,
branches of the South Platte, take their rise; while to the south, many
branches of the Fountain and Chico take their origin, and flow far south-
ward into the Arkansas. With our present knowledge, we may estimate
the area approximately as about forty miles from north to south and fifty
from west to east, or about two thousend square miles. It is plain that
it originally extended over a much larger area; the evidences of denuda-
tion by which large portions have been removed being apparent all
around its borders. The basin itself lies in the Lignitic group. All
around its south, north, and east borders, we find the beds of this group
cropping out, while on the west side they are exposed, when not con-
cealed by the nearly horizontal beds of the more modern group. Except
along the base of the mountains, it is not easy to detect any want of
conformability in the connection of the two groups; and this relation is
obscure, when the older beds are lifted up at the base of the granite
hills, on account of the great amount of local drift, which seems to cover
everything to a considerable thickness.
The texture of the rocks of this group is quite varied. The aggre-
gate thickness is probably about one thousand five hundred feet. The
lower portion is composed of rather massive beds of sandstone, varying
from a puddingstone to a fine-grained sandstone, usually of a light color,
sometimes yellow or iron-rust, with their intercalations of arenaceous
clay. In the distance, the whole group presents a chalky-white appear-
ance in many localities’ At the immediate base of the mountains, just
south of the small lake on the divide, the rocks are variegated sandstones,
brick-red, white, and yellow, varying in texture from a fine sandstone to
a puddingstone, with all the signs of deposition in moving waters, and
so closely resembling the older red sandstones, which we had usually
regarded as Triassic, that I had no small difficulty in determining their
exact position. Still farther north, on the divide proper, the beds jut
against the granites, inclining not more than 3°, and are made up of a
coarse aggregate of feldspar and quartz erystals, so that it resembles a
very coarse granite. It is plain that the sediments of this group were
ay} ee:
za
Te 7
], \
Ss
ERS Se ete eG ee
Plate III,
MONUMENT Park, COLORADO.
rs
Rie ite
tse
HAYDEN. ] GEOLOGY——MONUMENT CREEK GROUP. : 37
derived very largely from the granitoid rocks. The sediments become
finer and finer as we recede eastward from the foot of the mountains
into the plains.
To the eastward of the line of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad,
the surface is cut up into more or less rectangular masses, with rather
broad table-shaped summits, varying from four hundred to eight hun-
dred feet in height. The sides are often very steep—almost inaccessible.
At a remote period in the past, the erosion has been very great, carving
out by an almost inappreciably slow process, these broad valleys, leaving
these buttes here and there, composed of horizontal beds, to aid in form-
ing some conception of the amount of denudation which has taken place.
It is not possible at the present time to estimate the original thickness
of this group, but we believe it to have been very much greater than
the highest beds now existing would indicate. The summits of many
of these buttes are capped with a greater or less thickness of a beautiful
purplish trachyte, which must have ascended in the form of dikes from
beneath and flowed over the surface. Much of the trachyte is a sort of
breccia, composed of rather coarse sandstones, which must have been
caught in the melted material. It is quite evident that these outflows
occurred during the existence of the lake, though at a late period. As to.
the real age of this group, I am inclined to regard it as Miocene, perhaps
Upper Miocene. The great Front or Colorado range was elevated much
as it is at present, though it rose some hundreds of feet during and per-
haps since its deposition. Some of the lower beds of the group, though
jutting up against the granitic mountain-sides, have evidently been
lifted up several hundred feet above the same strata, far east on the’
plains. 1 think it might be synchronized with the upper portion of
the White River group far to the northward, and is probably of the
same age as the fresh-water deposits in the South Park, just over
the range, which have yielded such an abundance of fossil leaves of
plants, fishes, and insects. Up to this time, the Monument Creek group
has yielded but few fossils, and those are vertebrates. Professor Cope
states that, in the summer of 1873, he made a brief examination of this
group for vertebrate remains, and he states that he discovered the hind
leg and foot of an Artiodactyle of the Oreodon type. He also has every
reason for believing that the fragmeut Magaceratops coloradoensis came
originally from the same locality. He further believes the group to be
of Miocene age, which was the conclusion of the writer in 1869. Pro-
fessor Cope is disposed to regard the fresh-water strata in the South
Park as newer than Eocene and probably Miocene.
I see no reason why they should not be of the same age as the Monu-
ment Creek group. The strata are horizontal, or nearly so, and hold
about the same position in relation to the granitic rocks in the vicinity
as the Monument Creek group. The sediments are quite different, it is
true, and the fossil remains most abundant and varied in character.
This condition might very well exist, inasmuch as.we may suppose that
the Front range entirely shut off all connection between them. Vol-
canic action seems to have been going ‘on to a great extent during the
deposition of the South Park beds, and a great portion of the sediments
is composed of the eroded material of the igneous rocks.
38 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
APPENDIX TO CHAPTER IL.
By H. T. WEST.
Different strata passed through in boring for an artesian well by H. T.
West, on section 12, township 5 north, of range 66 west, being in the
county of Weld, in the Territory of Colorado—bore, 3 inches in diameter.
Feet. In.
STUER CELSO TI eters re rete ele aie ee Se SINS Se erm er aaa ere) Sao whe oral Meyicret mata etna Soeata (ape a 92
Wuhitewan d-rock. 62 oes ise ees disk See le Baie see cles ise ee ie ele le nice hee eeteee eee a
BRIE} HE) (eine eee pe oe eee Cee a ae a eRe ncaa Soa Soko 2
Blacktshailenceiacecccie x ek Se ioc Scns cesta Bet Aisle) Ss eieyere tare) vate en kere reper 2
Oe aye cP Re ee) SOM MEN ied Sree a Sn Pe 0
[BIZIRE! |oRO IO TROLS ((SAVATISTOHOVD)) GOS Gb5 6o56 cooes5 sods opoa6e cc6G00 oggn coca veces 2
BT OWA TOG Kah eta bok citar cee eie ela coin Seis ee eS SES ANU 2 IIo eg a ee 13
FAG TO Will TOC Kees ah I Be 2 NS ed ope cL Se ae a
Soft DROW UTOCK oer e eee a ee ei SEP ee aot eV OIE eR ar
Blue shale ........ Si RAIN ig se pA NMOL Sl y= II Le LN onan sose aac
Hardiwihitersand=rocke ac fo se ee ee a eee tara Sree aN
BBWS SHANG eee tetera leiev ate ims wide Some ne ace enk TRIS mv Sib pe RTI ST TST eT SES ee
Meira solnre SHA Oe ee ee aaa IE AR US NSA at ea Ge Ce areca
T BUDE WEST CEES Vs ees seer skeen tee ne eNO SE Se ee ea hi
Elamaub lime sly al Oyge Neate ree ee Ne pe
) BSA ES) fe Bee ayy Pa aS a ae ee Is SPM Ss caer, Ste c BUN YIRLe aCO Neae e ea
ardublwershaleeerscaice so cet Bere ee cee ee er ec SAIN Y nat RVR a
Ms lees hele eee ae ei gE a aa Le IE 8 Tis eR NLP
1
8
5
2
a
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8
3
4
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10
1
: 5
ARAM OTTO NTO CK ves se ee ei Shs a TN Re ee a ee 1
} BS DIesi SH ave WS eee a cl ae pale Ron at Daman acter Spa cae ma MA tA ace AO Luau a gtd i 3
VERO EH Eee 8 ee a Oa aL mPa LS ee IG ARS ee A RU aS SR Sg 3
Rock (probably of a different character) ...-...----- doses sac doe oSobSe oo56 5
PefeamdereO Clee Sek ts MOA GES CI) MEU eA HME Lee ac Je as Pa A a
BMT SiS a eee es els LN I aE Te Uae ee a Re ce en Lp 3
Walmiibemroc kage shes tN eS hs SAL Oi ee Geel OIL Raine US py et Ra ee 3
GirayeTOC yee a Se Ae cs ANS LOS Ue SN Ae Eee et ee, eee EA
HS es tial] eee ee cei ee ERIS ea 2H ea CN eh ee Gr 2
JB GHB lia OVE) itillas LUE Sena ee en aa eae pe ERM RU nN SCY lee es SMI ey ep in,
Gray Slate ee ote ate 0 2aie ata Sle S/N ale OS i RE 4
Be Slabe eee sett a St oe RN 2 Gok en A ee Re at ope i
Giraiy Slate ea A i CSL PRONE CN RBA A Mat aM Me Se re ae ee
D ByaV@} Sa Set cy ery Uh eae eR CE AL i a a OR Ye HR RE UNS Ea a Ee aca soeo 2
JIC CENTS) Oe Vs) Mase eet PH tcl ARE Sav A Eo LN UR ees eRe ae oe 3
Hard slate; (I am doubtful may have been coal)..-.-2..-.--------.--------- 4
Wihibeysaimd =noclc ay cies ahs SN ee sa As NUD ge UMN sed GaN eS Sea rel pa maa) ot)
ard wihitersamd=rocle 032 See ee ie ULL Sees UA cable a kc CON ea
TBM asl ail eyes ea cee eee ei Seed aN) As OU ts CO le rea mE tS ete te ea a 4
VAMOS YS LNA 2 asp eee ae Se ad ipsa IE Fe Ss RE A 2
TATA Sales aie ese Se sees Al ce as SRL aR Na te Sy ae 3
PLE DLW POC Ke ee See es eee ere eevee ees Vey pe re en peat sa AC (ho Ue ana 5
Blueishalevsccootes cele kel es a I oes Lee eens are ee il
ecoooocooooocoocoooooocooooooooooooooooeooooooooAaooe®
These memoranda were taken from the. book kept by the man who
did the boring. He saved samples of each stratum, but I think that
they have been destroyed.
Higley’s coal-mine is in section 20, township 7 north, of range
66 west. Mr. La Grange prospected for a company, of which I was the
secretary, in sections 17 and 22, in the same township and range. He
made a rough diagram of the results of his drilling (boring), which I
have sent him, with the request that he perfect it and return to me, and
when he does so I will dispatch it to you.
GEOLOGY—STRATA. 39
By the minutes which I kept, I find that he made a verbal report as
follows, January 23, 1871 :—
Mr. La Grange made a report of his operations in sections 17 and 22, witha rough dia-
gram of his views in regard to the different strata of coal in these sections; also that
the thickest vein of coal through which the drill had passed in boring in section 22
was 2 feet 7 inches.
On the 8th of February, 1871, he further reported—
That he had put down a series of borings in different sections to determine whether
there were any large veins of coal to be found, and that he could find nothing thicker
than three feet, the veins found varying from one to three feet.
That boring to the east of section 17, on section 22, he struck and passed through
six different veins, none over 24 feet thick.
He also stated—
That the coal seemed softer than that found on section 17.
That, in accordance with instructions, he had bored 51 feet on a section to the
southeast, finding five different veins of coal, the lowest being the thickest, and that
24 feet thick and softer than in section 17.
That he had also prospected to the west of the shaft sunk by our company on see-
tion 17, finding, at a depth of 273 feet from the surface, a vein of good hard (for soft
coal) coal; and further prospecting seemed to determine the fact of a rise in said vein
to the west of two inches to the rod.
He further stated—
- That be had thought it best, before cutting an incline (to shaft on section 17), to
test the character of the coal and the profitableness of working it, by chambering,
which had developed an inclination, or dip, eight inches in ten feet, which allowed
the water to follow the work, thus rendering this mine unprofitable.
There seems to have been some convulsion of nature in that town-
ship, as will be seen from the fact that the Higley vein pitches in such
a way as to drain the mine, while at our shaft, not forty rods north, it
dips as stated.
CHCA Po Bia
RESUME OF THE GEOLOGY ALONG THE EASTERN BASE OF THE FRONT OR COLORADO
RANGE: SILURIAN, CARBONIFEROUS, TRIASSIC, JURASSIC, AND CRETACEOUS GROUPS.
The various groups of sedimentary rocks that occur along the eastern
slope of the Front Range of Colorado from Cation City to Cheyenne
have been so often described in previous reports that it seems hardly
possible to add anything further of importance. We will be able, there-
fore, to do little more in this connection than to describe, with some care,
the maps, sections, and other illustrations which we have prepared for
this report.
The “Preliminary map of the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains”
will be found to explain itself to a great extent. The topography is
given with much detail and in a picturesque form, so that the relations
of the sedimentary to the granitic rocks are admirably presented. The
characteristic forms of the *‘Hog Back” ridges which have been so
often noticed, is clearly shown, as well as the en échelon features of the
minor mountain-ranges as they run out into the plains.
The pictorial sections which accompany the map will serve to show
more clearly than we have hitherto done what we have denominated
the plain and mountain districts, as well as the abrupt transition from
one to the other. The plain country extends uninterruptedly from the
Missouri River to the base of the mountains. The elevation above
sea-level at Kansas City is 764 feet; at Denver, by way of the railroad,
639 miles to the westward, the elevation is 5,197 feet; showing an aver-
age ascent of about seven (7) feet per mile over an apparently level,
treeless plain. Over this broad space the strata are very nearly or
quite horizontal in position, until within a few miles of the mountains,
where they are lifted up at various angles and the mountain-ranges
seem to rise abruptly out of the plains. The topography as well as the
geology of the plain country is remarkably simple, and it is only ina
narrow belt along the immediate foot of the mountains that it becomes
more varied and complex. The elevation of the great Front or Colorado
range carried up the sedimentary formations which originally rested on
its sides or summit, and the uplift seems to have been very nearly or
quite vertical. Whether these formations originally extended uniuter-
ruptedly across the area now occupied by the mountain-ranges, is a
question which will be more fully discussed at some future period. That
this was the case in part, I am very confident, but there are facts that
appear to disprove this statement in some instances. It seems proba-
ble that a portion of the Rocky Mountain range was outlined at an
early period; that it has grown, as it were, through successive ages up
to the present time. A careful examination of the map and the picto-
rial sections will enable the reader to understand more clearly the
remarkable belt of uplifted sedimentary beds along the immediate base
of the mountains. Although they seem to be more interesting and
picturesque in Colorado, yet these ridges occur to a greater or less
AO
= Aw
SSI EY OF SS Ce sore
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O
U.S.Geclogical Survey of the Territories. FV.Hayden in Charge.
Q
GEOLOGICAL MAP oF
COLORADO SPRINGS
_ AND VICINITY
COLORADO
Note.
The Contours are not contiules :
Drainage ts based on Land Survey Work.
Most ofthe Streams outside Use Mountains
are without Water during the dry Season.
Local Drift, covers Lexge Portions of the
Us
Surface, notably in the Monument
Greck Bus
Geology by EVHayden. &WH Holmes
Topography by Geo B Oh ttenden
1874
Scale 1 mile to Linch
A c E. FE G :
= SS
(al S | HHH ATI ==
Grantle Sidertare Carboniferous Triasste Turasse Cretaceous Lignitie Coat outcrops
Monument Cr
|
Ik ; == Gresute Upper Lignatic Strata A
Section along the North Boundary Line of Map
(Monument Creek
- Bae was 2 Ricca Bo at ee NS ate a SS
(Queens Catton.
Near Garden of'the Gols
SS
SS
tt Fountain Creek
Monument ('r:
D Enea inane «SEED DRT,
D
& & & .
Cretaceo:
Craaceous Shales and arift
SECTIONS accompanying MAP of COLORADO SPRINGS i
and VICINITY.
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DEPARTMENT OF TIE INTERIOR
U. S. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories
F. V. Hayden U.S. Geologist in Charge
PRELIMINARY MAP
OF THE
EASTERN BASE OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
COLORADO
FROM THE ARKANSAS RIVER TO THE WYOMING LINE
Showing the Limits of the sedimentary Rocks
and also the Coal Outcrops
Surveyed in 1874.
Geology by EV.Hayden & W.H.Holmes. Topography by GeozB.Chittenden
Lr
Ora» a
7 ee
Note.
38%5' The drainage in the plains is generally taken from
the land survey work.
Roads when not taken from the land survey are
only approximately Located.
Altitudes are principally barometric and are gwen
in feet above the sea.
Contours are not continuous.
The contact of the Granite with the sedimentary rocks is
indicated by the broken lne—.—.—.—.—.—
The Gal outcrop ws indicated by the havy lings. ———_-- --- --
Seti meh eo
Sapte
—————— eee
ee a et oe a ene ee eee LO
i
he 5!
“ve
BA s
tet event vac
aa ira
( oy
os .
a
ss
We
yey
Wt ie
Plate IV.
Lj
ti
Tata ips ex eee
atta) . Ne
5 see eh
Sey cues ig ‘
CO ARSA OR) No 4ky) Sy Cesk
i. ale BE NA, Ships A iT. ioagannay Ay seu
s
> ee i Pee
oh a eyseus SVS
ew
urhoat hy il
Plate V.
Fie. 1.
Showing the changes in the sediments as we approach
the granite ‘“‘shore line.” At the line a,the fragments are large
and unworn. Farther out they are more rounded and have
a matrix of pebbles and sand. Between the lines aa,
and bb, there isabelt,that, although probably Sedimentary
can hardly be distinguished from the true granite.
FIG. 2.
Thickening of Sedimentary beds along the “Shore
° ” °
line’ as seen near Manitou.
Plate VI.
—
AN TN Ss
ee
aed
RCA
Fic. 1.—CROSS-BEDDING LIGNITIC SANDSTONES, NEAR COLO-
RADO SPRINGS.
Fic. 2.—Sm~ur1AN LIMESTONES RESTINGZUNCONFORMABLY ON STRATIFIED
GRANITE, WILLIAMS CANON.
HAYDEN.] GEOLOGY OF COLORADO SPRINGS AND PLEASANT PARK. AY]
extent on both sides of the eastern ranges that front the plains, from
the northern to the southern boundary of the United States, and how
much farther Ido not know. It is probable, however, that they extend
far north into the British Provinces and far south into Mexico. This
belt is very varied in its charactér from point to point, sometimes ex-
pands to a width of several miles, and again contracts to a fourth or
half a mile in width. Sometimes a full series of the formatious known
in the west, from the older Silurian to the most modern Tertiary, are
clearly exposed, inclining at various angles; and then again only the
more modern beds can be seen. It ison this account that the geology,
though appearing so very simple in its character, is really quite com-
plex when examined in detail.
Up to this time we have determined the existence, in this belt in
Colorado, of the Silurian, Carboniferous, Triassic,(?) Jurassic, Cretaceous,
and Tertiary groups; yet, while the more modern formations are very
persistent throughout the entire distance from the north to the south
line, some of the older beds are wanting in many places. ‘To the far
north, along the margins of the Black Hills, Big Horn, and Wind River
Mountains, the Potsdam sandstones, with perhaps more modern divis-
ions of the Silurian, are well exposed and quite continuous, while to the
southward these rocks disappear, except at restricted localities. We
find near Colorado Springs and Caton City quite large exposures. of
Silurian beds, with a few fossils that are allied to those of the Calcifer-
ous group of the Lower Silurian of New York. In the interval, from
Fort Laramie to Colorado Springs, a distance of over 200 miles, no one
connected with the survey under my charge has yet detected any trace
of these beds. It is possible that in Pleasant Park, about 50 miles south
of Denver, there are traces of this formation in the variegated sand-
stones that lie next to the granites, as shown in the section. At Color-
ado Springs, and in the vicinity, there is a considerable thickness of the
Silurian beds, which have been frequently described. The reddish-
brown, rather coarse sandstones at the base, rest upon stratified grani-
toid or gneissic rocks unconformably, as shown in the illustration (Pl. VI,
Fig. 2). Above the sandstones there are 600 to 800 feet of yellowish
limestone, which, in some instances, is a reddish color, in which have
been found severa| species of invertebrate Silurian fossils. South of the
valley of Fountain Creek the uplifted belt rapidly closes up to the base
of the mountains, and for some distance no beds older than the Creta-
ceous are visible. From Fountain Creek to Cafion City this belt ex-
pands and contracts from time to time, so that it is quite possible that
small isolated patches of the Silurian group may appear in a few places.
At Caiion City, and resting for the most part on the mountain-sides, in-
clining at a high angle, there is an extensive thickness of these older
beds again. The lower portion is a variegated -micaceous, slightly cal-
careous, sandstone, closely resembling, in texture and composition, the
Potsdam sandstone as seen in other localities farther to the north.
Some tolerably well-defined fossils were discovered in the sandstone
which rests directly on the granitic rocks, which Mr. Meek has pro-
nounced of undoubted Lower Silurian age, but they have not yet been
described. This sandstone passes up into a hard and rather massive
- limestone, evidently the same as that noted at Colorado Springs.
We cannot say more at present invegard to rocks of this age, than
to state our belief that they underlie the entire country along the east-
ern slope of the Rocky Mountains, from our northern boundary to New
Mexico, and that, where they are not visible, they may possibly be con-
cealed by the overlying and more modern beds.
42 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
THE CARBONIFEROUS GROUP.
The Carboniferous group is alittle more persistent, and yet this seems
to be wanting over extended intervals, unless a portion of what have
been called the Red Beds is of this age. This group is exten-
sively exposed along the flanks of the mountains, 100 to 150 miles
north of Cheyenne, as was shown in the annual report of 1870. It
seems, however, to diminish somewhat in force, and to contain
comparatively few fossils in its southern extension, until we reach
Cafion City. From thence southward into New Mexico it increases
again in thickness and importance, and yields an abundant supply of
its characteristic fossils. I have no positive information of the dis-
covery of any well-marked Carboniferous fossils from the line of the
Union Pacific Railroad to the vicinity of Caton City, although strata
supposed to be of that age are exposed in a few localities. On the
small map of “Colorado Springs and vicinity,” a light band will be
seen between the Silurian on the west and the Red Beds or Triassic on
the east, which represents a peculiar group of strata not observed else-
where on the eastern slope, but resembling very closely a series of varie-
gated beds, described by Dr. Peale, in the annual report for 1873, in
the valley of Eagle River, which yielded well-marked Carboniferous
types. This group of strata is composed of variegated beds of sand-
stones of various textures, alternately with layers of arenaceous clay.
The entire thickness was estimated at about 1,000 feet. It is most
probable that these beds are of Carboniferous age.
From Colorado Springs the Carboniferous group is not conspicuous
at any locality, and for a great portion of the way is not seen at all, but
at Cafion City and Wet Mountain Valley the limestones and sandstones
contain numerous fossils, both animal and vegetable. From the Wet
Mountain Valley, which is but a short distance south of Canon City,
Mr. R. N. Clark collected specimens of vegetable remains from the Car-
boniferous beds, which were submitted to Professor Lesquereux. He
detected Stigmaria fucoides, Brgt., showing scars of surface with stems
and leaves attached; mold of the internal surface of the cylinder of a
Calamites ; small specimens of a new species of Cordaites, resembling by
its nervation Cordaites principalis. An abundance of invertebrate fos-
sils have been discovered in this group which have not yet been studied.
THE RED BEDS OR TRIASSIC GROUP.
The Red Beds or Triassic group is very persistent, and if absent at all,
only at very short intervals. No organic remains have yet been found
in this group by the members of the survey under my charge, yet, for
various reasons, we have assumed the red sandstones to be of Triassic
age. It is barely possible that a portion or all of the group is of Juras-
sic age. Yet Professor Cope is of the opinion that he has discovered
evidence in New Mexico of its Triassic age. The history of this group
is still obscure, and remains as one of the problems to be solved by
more extended and more thorough explorations. Geographically, it is
one of the most widely distributed formations in the West. From the
northern boundary to the southern line and east of the Wasatch range
in Utah, this red formation makes its appearance wherever a mountain-
range is elevated so as to expose the various sedimentary groups. The
evidence indicates that it extends without any important interruption
over the broad area as defined above. This group is generally admitted
to be in part, or entirely, of Triassic age, and I have always so regarded
Plate VII.
ee
iy
IDEAL SECTION, showing the manner in which the great diversity
of surface dip is probably produced.
SURFACE SECTION near Glen Hyrie Col
ROI
i AMEN
Plate VIII.
aS ae
ae WAL
me uiy
Sickest
OTAL
Plate VIII.
ae
Mes, e
x
Garpway TO THE “ GARDEN OF THE
| -.
i ¢
l
1 ARE ELLIE IAEA ST
Ae
ee a epee
RAGS a
y
CATHEDRAL ROCK, ‘‘ GARDEN OF THE Gops,” COLORADO, RED TRIASSIC
‘SANDSTONES.
HAYDEN. ] CURIOUSLY—ERODED SANDSTONES. 43
it, Since my first examination of it, nearly twenty years ago, yet more
direct proof must be brought to bear before long in some portion of our
continent. These red sandstones have always attracted much attention
wherever noticed, on account of their peculiar color, but nowhere have I
ever observed them performing such a conspicuous part in giving form
to the scenery of the country, as along the eastern base of the Rocky
Mountains in Colorado. This feature is more marked from a point about
fifty miles north of Denver to Colorado Springs, than in any other por-
tion of the continent. Along this belt the sandstones are more compact,
with every variety of red, from a pale dull tint to a deep purple color.
There is also every variety of texture, from a rather coarse conglomerate
to a fine sandstone. It varies much in thickness, ranging from 400 to
2,000 feet. Its greatest thickness south of Platte Cafion is in Pleasant
Park and in the “Garden of the Gods,” at Manitou. At Pleasant Park,
according to Dr. Peale, the aggregate thickness of the Red Beds is about
2,000 feet. This series of beds is well shown in the pictorial section.
These sandstones have been elevated at various angles varying from 20°
to a vertical position. In the vicinity of the Manitou Springs, in what
is usually called the “Garden of the Gods,” the same variation is seen,
but in many instances the beds are very massive, thick, and stand in a
nearly vertical position. In Plates VIII and IX we can see the massive
sandstones, which have been weathered into the most fantastic shapes,
standing up in immense walls or columns 50 to 250 feet in height.
Plate VIII represents what is called the gate or entrance to the “Garden
of the Gods.” In the foreground is seen the massive wall of red sand-
stone rising on either side of the opening to the height of 100 to 150
feet. The wall was originally continuous, but has been worn through by
erosion. Whatever may have been the agents which in times past
have wrought out all these remarkable forms, it is piain that they have
acted in former times with far more intensity than at present. In the
background, through the opening, may be seen the snow-capped sum-
mits of Pike’s Peak, rising to ‘a height of 14,147 feet above sea-level.
Plate LX gives an example of what might be called a magnificent mono-
lith. It is animmense column of bright-red Triassic (?) sandstone rising
to a height of 250 feet above the general level, a portion of a massive
stratum elevated to a vertical position, and the contiguous portions
eroded away. Figure 1, plate IX, illustrates the singular columns which
stand at the entrance of the “Little Garden of the Gods,” or, as it is now
ealled, ‘Glen Eyerie.” On account of the peculiar forms which these red
sandstones havereceived from the eroding agents of nature, this locality
will always remain one of the most celebrated in Colorado.
The more careful study of the relations of these sandstones to the
underlying rocks, has thrown much light on the physical history of
this region. My own observations, farther to the northward, led me to
the belief that the great uplift of the mountain-ranges, though imper-
ceptibly slow, was an unit in its action; or, in other words, that the
changes in the position of all the groups were brought about by the
same cause and at thesame time. ‘There could not be a strict conform-
ity in the sedimentary groups, inasmuch as entire groups are wanting,
and in some eases only fragments of others are remaining. But I have
hitherto supposed that the elevation of all the sedimentary strata along
the base of the mountains was a comparatively modern event. We now
have the evidence, from the texture of these red beds and their position
on the anderlying granitic rocks, that the Front Range, during the
supposed Triassic period, formed a vast shore-line, and that the sedi-
ments of the Red Beds were deposited on the base against the sides of
44 - GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
the granitic range. In the annual report for 1373 the fact was seared
that the Red Beds, in the form of coarse conglomerates, filled up the
-tmeven surface of the granitic rocks below. South of Manitou we
find an enormous thickness of very coarse conglomerates, cemented with
rather fine sands, jutting up against the mountain-sides, showing clearly
that, although elevated and disturbed to a certain extent since their
deposition, they were laid down along the base of the Front Range as a
shore-line, and that there must have been a period of comparative re-
pose. When these sandstones, near the base of the mountains, are found
to be made up of conglomerates, they are observed to be very coarse
in the immediate vicinity of the granites, but becoming finer and finer
sandstones as they extend eastward into the plains. There should there-
fore be some nonconformity between the Triassic and the Carboniferous
and Silurian groups below, for both of the latter extend high up on the
flanks of the mountains on either side, sometimes occurring on the sum-
mits of the lower ranges. The seetion in Plate VIL would indicate some-
thing. of this sort, for we find the Silurian and Carboniferous inclining
20° and 45°, while the Triassic dips 90°, or is very near a vertical. The
diagram also shows how the Silurian beds lie high up on the granite
flanks of the mountains. The elevatory force seems to have acted ver-
tically, bending the overlying sedimentary strata like metallic sheets, so
that within a few yards of the nearly vertical beds the same are hori-
zontal or nearly so. This will explain very clearly the abruptness with
which the mountains seem to rise out of the plains to the traveler ap-
proaching them from the east.
The beautiful pictorial section of Pleasant Park may need a word of
explanation here. The dotted line a a shows that all the elevated por-
tion in the rear or west of it is composed of granitic rocks. The dotted
line in the foreground, h h, shows the junction of the Lignitic group
to the true Cretaceous beds which here rise up in a very narrow belt
from beneath the Monument Creek group. It is exposed by the wear-
ing away of the Monument Creek beds. The letter 7 indicates the
usual form and isolated character of the numerous buttes that are scat-
tered over the plains here for a considerable distance east of the mount-
ains. The strata are nearly horizontal, the summits are flat, table-
shaped, and are not unfrequently capped with trachyte. Between the
dotted lines the Carboniferous, Red. Beds (Triassic), Jurassic, and Cre-
taceous groups are exposed. The manner of inclination and the rela-
tion of these groups to the granitic range, as well as to each other, is
made clear by the section.
THE JURASSIC.
This formation has already been described in so much detail in pre-
vious reports, that I shall mention it very briefly in this connection.
Far to the north this group holds a prominent position, not only on ac-
count of its aggregate thickness, but also from the abundance and
variety of its organic remains. South of the Union Pacific Railroad, in
Colorado, it is confined to a very narrow belt, with very few if any tos-
sils to establish its age. That it extends most persistently far south-
ward into New Mexico, there cannot be adoubt. The narrow belt which
it occupies is well shown in the small map of Colorado Springs and vi-
cinity. North of the Pacific Railroad, along the base of the front range
of mountains, it increases in thickness and is full of characteristic fos
sils. In the annual report for 1873 and previous reports, the lithologi-
cal characters of all of these groups have been so fully discussed that it
-<---"
am ewer
ed wih Trachyte. J,
oximately
tertiary rocks Te
ue
Se
is
veoe
ue
a
~
Se
= c \
i , ae ———— ay = a. Th yy == —
eee eee ES : WHE, 1874
The dotted line a-a separates the Graratestrom —_b, Hexposure of Silurian Rocks. ¢,¢ Carboraferous Strata. d,d, Triassic Redbeds. ¢¢, Jurassic Beds. ff N°l Cretaceous. 9g.N?5 Cretaceous. h,h, Lignitic Sandstone. i, Tertiary Butte capped with Trachyte. j, Standing Rock. Pleasant Park. kk, Platte Mountain, The Coal Outcrop follows, approcmately
the sedimentary Strata. the dotted ine hh.
Ul, Points where the red and varteagated beds disappear, between these two pounts the outcrop ts semicircular tn form. North and south the cretaceous and tertiary rocks rest upon gramte.
Pleasant Park from the South.
Mi
on Judean .
Mate ice
ALAS
We
Mie
Bh
at
wily
sins
Pie
Bs 5
HAYDEN.) | THE CRETACEOUS GROUP. 45
would be mere repetition to refer to them in this report. The Jurassic
group in Colorado has little or no influence economically or in giving
form to the peculiar scenery.
THH CRETACEOUS.
The Dakota group is composed of massive beds of sandstones inter-
sected with layers of clay, and forms some of the most conspicuous
ridges or “ hogbacks” along the eastern base of the Front or Colorado
‘range. Its importance, however, varies in different localities as much
as its texture ; sometimes it is scarcely seen and then again it forms one
or more of the most important ridges. Its aggregate thickness is
never great, varying from 200 to 400 feet, and may be represented by
a very narrow belt on the map. West of the 100th meridian it has
yielded very few organic remains, although it has a very extended geo-
graphical range. It is hardly ever wanting along the margins of ‘the
mountain ranges east of the Wasatch Mountains, in Utah. From its
structure in the far West, I regard it as a sort of transitional group be-
tween the well-defined Cretaceous group and the Jurassic below.
Numbers 2, 3 and 4, or the Fort Benton, Niobrara, and Fort Pierre
divisions, nay be regarded as one group, under the name of the Colora-
do group, as adopted on Clarence King’s beautiful geological map of the
Green River basin. Toone who has never studied these divisions in the
Northwest, along the Upper Missouri River, there would seem to be no
occasion for their separation. Having studied these divisions with
much care in their typical localities, along the Missouri River and in
Eastern Kansas and Nebraska, I found very little difficulty in tracing
them across the country westward and southward, so far as my explor-
ations have extended. It is very doubtful, however, if any geologist
would bave ever separated the Cretaceous beds between the Dakota
and Fox Hills groups into divisions, had they been first studied
in the interior of the continent. The Fox Hills group has a very impor-
tant influence on the physical history of a most important geological
period. It was at the close of this period that one of the most impor-
tant biological changes occurred in geological history. So far as we
know at the present time, no animal-remains, and very few, if
any, vegetable forms, passed above it. A few species of plants
probably began their existence in the Upper Cretaceous in the
Fox Hills group and continued on up into the Lignitic group,
where they reached their highest point of development. The gradual
approach of shallow seas is finely shown in the character of the sedi-
ments in the upper portion of the Fox Hills group. Not only the shal-
low seas but the gradual change of salt to brackish and then to purely
fresh waters was amply sufficient to destroy all traces of marine life,
which occur soabundantly in the Fox Hills group. Fig.2, Plate LV, pre-
sents a fine illustration of the remarkable concretionary masses which
characterize in many localities the upper portion of the Fox Hills
group as it passes into the brackish-water strata of the Lignitic or
Laramie group above. This cut, though intended to illustrate a portion
of the Dakota group in Eastern Kansas, serves perfectly to explain to
the eye the immense rusty-brown concretions which abound in the mud-
beds just beneath the lower sandstones of the Lignitic group at Cafion
City and at Colorado Springs, and at other localities in Eastern Colo-
rado. These concretions are peculiar rounded, regularly stratified
masses, often merely resting upon the pedestals of the softer and
more regularly bedded sandstones below. So far as Colorado is con-
46 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
cerned, I have observed no locality where there appeared to be any
striking nonconformity between the Fox Hills group and the Lignitic
group above. That there may have been intervals of time, during
which the Cretaceous sediments were not deposited; that there may
have been dry land over large areas, is not impossible, but there could
have been no great degree of erosion of the surface of the upper Cre-
taceous beds. This apparent conformity, while in certain localities
the upper Cretaceous beds received a very much increased thickness,
may be due to afar more rapid deposition. In almost all cases, the
transition from the Fox Hills group to the brackish-water deposits of
the Lignitic seems to have been gradual, with no visible physical break
of importance. The great break seems to be illustrated only in the
entire change in the animal and vegetable life.
But the time at my disposal will not permit me to discuss here many
important questions in this connection. For the details of the geology
of the Eastern base of the mountains in Colorado, the reader is referred
to the previous annual reports of the survey, especially the one for 1873.
P late X,
Mi i
bay | HH} I
f GN
FOLIATION OF GRANITE IN ESTES PARK, COLORADO.
Plate XI.
A
Dann
Wut
Paes
SEAMING
Plate XI,
CoLorabo.
?
s Par
Ee
Est
EAK AND
18
NG’S
Lo
CHEEAVE MIR Ey. Vie,
ANCIENT LAKE BASINS.—GLACIAL LAKES.—MORAINAL DEPOSITS IN THE VALLEY OF THE
Uprrer ARKANSAS RIVER AND ALONG BOTH FLANKS OF THE SAWATCH MOUNTAINS.
For nearly twenty years I have written more or less in regard to the
ancient lake-basins of the West, but it was only within a few years, since
the facilities for traveling have so greatly increased that geologists
have found that these lake-basins once oocupied the entire country
from the Arctic Circle to the Isthmus of Darien. In very many in-
stances they were merely expansions of river valleys, like the greater
number of our lake-basins of the present day. During the early portion
of the Tertiary period, the western portion of our continent was covered
with immense lakes, some of which oceupied a much larger area than
any we are acquainted with at the present time. During the Pliocene
period, and during the interval to the present time, thousands of small
lakes, with a few of large size, were distributed over the great area
west of the Mississippi, and the basins with their peculiar deposits are
found in the parks, among the mountains, and along every important
river-valley. The gathering together of the vast amount of information
which is now accumulating on this subject is a task which will, at no
distant day, be productive of most interesting results.
I have made these few remarks to introduce what I may have to say
in regard to the valley of the Upper Arkansas River.
The Arkansas River rises in the Tennessee Pass, nearly west of Mount
Lincoln, in latitude 39° 21’ and longitude 106° 19’, and flows a little east
of south for a distance of about 80 miles in a straight line, when it flexes
to the east, and flows through a deep cafion in the granite, and emerges
into the plains near Cation City. Near the sources of the river are several
expansions of the valley from one to two miles in width, oval-shaped,
and covered with a deposit of drift-material. Near the junction of the
east branch of the Arkansas the valley, with the terraces on either
side, continues pretty reguiarly about five to eight miles in width, but
gradually closes up again below Lake Creek, though on either side are
vast deposits of the coarse drift-material extending high up on the
mountain-sides, especially on the west side of the valley. The valley
then gradually expands out and enlarges about five to ten miles in width
for a distance of nearly 40 miles. In the annual report for 1873 I
have expressed my belief that this valley began in a monoelinal inter-
val, with the great Sawatch range on the west side forming the crest of
the continental water-shed, and the Park range on the east, which,
with its sedimentary rocks and granite basis, formed the east side of a
grand anticlinal, the aggregate mass of rocks inclining to the eastward.
Our observations over a very extended area only confirmed the opinion
axpressed in our last report, that the great Sawatch range formed the
central portion of a gigantic anticlinal. The west side of the Park
range is, for the most part, very abrupt, and for long distances the
gneissic rocks show very clearly the direction of the dip. On the east
side the sedimentary rocks dip down under the surface of the South
AY
48 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Park. On the west side of the Sawatch range we have the valley of
the Gunnison, and west of that the sedimentary rocks incline to the
westward, unless disturbed by some center force, for the Elk Mountains.
On either side of the valley small streams flow into the main channel
of the Arkansas from the source to Caton City. These streams usually
have their origin at the very crest or water-divide of the two ranges,
and in most instances have cut their way through the solid mass to the
main river. Many of these streams have numerous side-branches which
have also carved out wonderful gorges near the crest of the mountains,
giving to these mountain ranges a ruggedness that is almost inconceiv-
able to one who has not actually explored them. It is in the study of
these gorges that the geologist learns to appreciate the immense results
of erosion in giving form to the rocky range of the West. Even yet the
power of this force has not been adequately understood, but the wider
our range of observation, the greater is our conception of its power.
We may safely assert that at some period comparatively modern,
10,000 or 15,000 feet of sedimentary beds extended uninterruptedly
from the South Park across the interval now occupied by the Sawatch
range, all of which, but insignificant remnants, have been swept away,
while amass of the granite nucleus, of inconceivable dimensions, has
also been removed. The general elevation of the Sawatch range for
60 to 80 miles is 13,000 to 14,000 feet above the sea at this time, and it
is highly probable that hundreds and perhaps thousands of feet have
been removed from the summit. I find it difficult to estimate the
extent of the erosion in this region, and can only speak of it in general
terms as almost inconceivable to a finite mind.
From the nature of the interval or valley, the greater number of
streams flow into the Arkansas from the main Sawatch range. They
are quite numerous from the Tennessee Pass to Cation City; afew come
in from the east side, but the drainage tends toward the east or south-
east, so that the streams that rise in the Park range and flow into the
Arkansas are comparatively few and. of little importance. The charac-
ter of this drainage is well shown on the map accompanying this report.
In the last annual report I dwelt with considerable detail on the effects
of glacial action in this valley, and, in this report, I can only describe
them in general terms, hoping that the beautiful maps and illustrated
sketches by Mr. Holmes will render the story plain to the reader. As
an illustration of the effects of glacial action in this valley, Lake Creek
might be taken as an example. This stream rises in several branches at
the very crest of the divide, forming vast amphitheaters. The signs of
past glacial action are not very evident about the sources of their side-
branches, and they do not reach higher than 12,000 or 12,500 feet. The
summits of the high mountains are often covered with debris of broken
rocks, apparently not much worn. Insomeplaces the tops of the mountains,
like Mount Lincoln for example, are, with the exception of the extreme
summit, covered with a thick covering of earth, filled with rocks more
or less worn. The most conspicuous signs of glacial action are seen
along the sides of the gorges lower down the streams. In the valley of
Lake Creek, the sides of the gorge are worn smoothly for an elevation
of at least 12,000 feet or above timber-line, and from 1,000 to 1,500 feet
above the bed of the creek. In many places the sides of the gorge or
caiion are worn so smooth that the surface has tie appearance of
enamel, and a thin crust usually peels off, which * have hitherto denom-
inated a “ glacial crust.” About four miles abc the Upper Twin Lake
on the north side of the ecafion there is ¢ sound mass of granite
projecting from the side 309 feet or more, and 1,000 feet high, with
[Os
WG
Ky
RP \daben
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
U. 8. GEOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES,
F.V. HAYDEN U.S.GROLOGIST IN CHARGE.
ae Bes Zz
os
ue yy
\ WAR as
SEC
ay)
ai Dy»)
CaN 2
AS Wy
iN
eget
Section A B.
3
is
5
3
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ie a oe
Cc Section
SKETCH and SECTIONS showing the MORAINES of the UPPER ARKANSAS VALLEY ae au
- Altitud: a Hes
Morainal dost and local. drift i Bee Seek in COLORADO. les on map in feet above the sea.
Gramiic areas blank .- Vertical scale of sections & Umes TUX ites hae
Geology by FV.Hayden and W. H. Holmes, Topography by G.B.Chittenden.
1874
Scale 2 miles to 1 wich
Rta 2
WR Werk ste
x! ri
Re
See
“1 hi
t, Elbert Creek.
Terminal moraine. wu; Massive Mt.
eek, lateral moraines. *
DGG Lake Cr
sh, Twire Lakes.
h
t, Mt. Elbert. 1,
slopes.
Drift covered
Ett
500 feet high at d.
6 ¢,e, Outcrop of granite.
Moraines of the Upper Arkansas.
2miles long, «
c, 6, ¢, Clear Creek, with lateral’ moraines-
s, La Plata -Mt.
Too tt. high at highest point.
b 6b, Greek with lateral moraines.
miles long,
ds
my, mum, Inferior moraines.
Mt. Harvard
;
a, a, a, Arkansas River, 20 Miles.
al WES ars aE os,
est point.
|
s of the b
HAYDEN. ] GLACIAL ACTION—MORAINES. 49
somewhat the appearance of a bastion which has been worn quite
smooth. In the sides of it are depressions like pot-holes, evidently
worn out by the attrition of loose rocks against the sides as the water
flowed underneath the glacier. There are also points where vast masses
of granite have been removed from the sides of the mountain at a great
height, giving to the mountain-side the appearance of an ancient quarry.
For a distance of about eight miles the bottom of the valley will av-
erage one-fourth of a mile in width, with here and there huge masses of
granite projecting above the general level, showing very clearly that the
entire valley has been carved out of the solid granitic mass. The loose
morainal deposits are not conspicuous until we reach a point about two
miles above the Upper Twin Lake, where the valley expands out to about
a mnile to one and a half miles in width. Here a low swampy bottom
commences, which was once, undoubtedly, a portion of the lake. On
either side are ridges of the glacial deposits; these increase in size and
importance as we descend to the junction of the creek with the Arkan-
sas. On the south side of the lower lake a ridge extends from the
mountains down to the Arkansas River, perhaps 1,000 feet high, just
south of the upper end of the lake, and gradually sloping down 100 or
150 feet in height above the bed of the river. This is a true morainal
ridge, and was doubtless formed by the crowding out on either side of the
loose materials as the great glacial mass moved down the valley of Lake
Creek. This morainal deposit undoubtedly laps on to the mountain-side
so that the nucleus of the upper portion of the ridges is granitic. The
drift deposits are not generally more than 500 to 800 feet in thickness,
and usually much less. The granite crops out in numerous places on
the sides of the ridge, showing most clearly that the greater portion of
its nucleus is granitic; it also shows that the valley, with the surround-
ing terraced hills, has been worn down by erosion from an elevation
as great perhaps as the loftiest portion of the main range. The north
side of Lake Creek is a very irregular ridge, full of depressions, while
on the west side of these ridges are extensive accumulations of rocks
more or less worn, showing the direction of the moving force. Besides
the vast lateral moraines in the valleys of the streams, there are a great
number of what may be called terminal moraines, or detached ridges
that tend in various directions. Sometimes they extend a portion of the
distance across the valley at right angles to the lateral moraines, or
they may diverge at any angle; the great quantities of loose material
attached to the glacier seems to have been dropped in quite irregular
forms as it moved down the valley. In one instance the granite crops
out at the east end of the Lower Twin Lake, about the middle of the
valley, and under such circumstances that the inference is plain that
the entire valley has been worn out of the solid mass of granite. One
of the main objects of our description of the morainal deposits is to
show the extent of the erosion which has taken place in this region,
and these outcroppings of granite are the remnants that are left as
proofs of the magnitude of this work. From Mr. Derry’s house, on the
northwest corner of Lower Twin Lake, we have perhaps as good a
general view of this valley and its surroundings as we can find. As
we look to the south of west we see two tront peaks, which are
shaped like eones, rising up to the height of 12,500 to 15,000 feet.
A little to the southeast is an unnamed cone, with a broader sum-
mit, rising above timber-line. Although these points or peaks ap-
pear to be independent, yet they are really portions of spurs or
_ ridges extending down from the main peak, which extends further
to the west and forms a part of the crest of the range, to which we
4H
~
50 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
have given the name of La Plata, 14,302 feet above the sea. As we
look in this direction, bare, brown, granite masses, rising above timber-
line, meet cur eyes, with here and there a few patches of snow to break
the monotony or contrast with the desolate somber hue of the granite
debris. Deep furrows extend down the sides of the mountains, the chan-
nels for untold ages of ice, snow, and water, the agents which have bro-
ken down these rocky masses and sculptured the forms which now so
much excite our admiration. We see also the smoothly-worn sides of
the mountain covered with a sort of enamel-like crust, as a mark of the
glacial power. On the sides of the peaks, at different elevations, are nu-
merous small green lakes, sometimes with a visible outlet and some-
times without, reservoirs of the melting snows. The pines are often
dead from the autumnal fires that have run through, adding to the deso-
lation of the scene; these falling down in every direction render travel-
ing almost impossible. Sometimes no vegetation takes the place of the
pines after the fires have passed through them, but not unfrequently
the quaking-asp poplar, with its bright green leaves in summer and yel-
low in autumn, grow very densely, contrasting most charmingly with
the somber green of the living pines, and the somber brown or gray of
the dead. Down in the valley, and closed in on either side by mount-
ains and the morainal ridges or hills, are the two beautiful lakes, which
are laid down on maps as Twin Lakes, the basins of which were no
doubt formed by glacial action. If the reader will examine the map
accompanying the report he will see more clearly than we can describe in
words the location of the beautifal lakes, the morainal ridges and mount-
ains that hem them in; the contour lines are not intended to indicate
elevation, but are used to show the surface forms. As there are really but
two forms, granite and morainal drift, but one color is needed, and with
this we have endeavored to separate the surface covered with the
morainal deposit from the granite. The map will also show the eleva-
tion of the lakes above the sea, 9,182 feet; also the elevation at the
junction of the Lake Fork and the Arkansas, 9,096 feet. The depths of
the lakes are shown by actual soundings. The greatest depth of the
upper lake is 79 feet, and that of the lower 75 feet. It will be seen
that the greatest depth of the lower lake is near the upper end. We
may thus see by the depth of these lake-basins, as well as their shape
and morainal deposits around them, that the force that produced them
all moved slowly down from the mountain-range, and that the lake-basins
are scooped out of the solid granite rocks. From the lower lake to the
Arkansas River the morainal deposits are very thick; the surface ts
covered with bowlders more or less, and of greater or less size, some
small, others from 20 to 50 feet in diameter. Hundreds of mounds,
ridges, and curious depressions, of all shapes and sizes, impede the
traveler. The placer-mining has been very extensive here, and by this
means we arrive at the true character of this glacial drift. It is com-
posed mostly of rounded bowlders, but mingled with it is a kind of light-
colored clay and sand. Thedecomposition of the feldspar has produceda
kind of clay, which sometimes gathers into localities forming a consid-
erable thickness.
The description of the glacial action in the valley of this branch of
the Arkansas will apply to the others, and presents a general view of the
detailed action in the entire valley. The history of this valley from the
beginning may be in some points obscure, but, as I have stated in a
former report, I regard it as largely due to erosion. In the process of
elevation a fissure or fissures must have been formed, and in these the -
process of erosion commenced, continuing through a vast period of time,
j. Yi )
if MMII, Mi
| ka \ . Up;
MY Ty
rn
aH)
fe
ate A
Let gal
Sian
i
a
‘
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Boy
Plate XIi.
Bouiper Cai
UAL alr aN i
pee
HAYDEN.} MORAINAL DEPOSITS. 51
and operating with greater or less effect at different portions of that
period. So far as the drift-deposits are concerned, which at the present
time seem to be the only material resting on the granite in the valley,
they are undoubtedly of comparatively modern origin, not extending
back farther than the Pliocene, but the beginning of the erosion may
reach into the past as far as the Jurassic. We have now the evidence
that indicates that portions of these mountain-ranges were elevated
above the Jurassic seas, and we may suppose that the general outline
of the surface continues on the same plan up to the present time. If
this was true—and we have no reason to believe the contrary—the erosion
may have, and probably did commence far back in the past, and that
during the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods the area occupied by the
Sawatch range was elevated above the waters; it is more probable,
however, that these formations were deposited to a greater or less ex-
tent over this area, and that they have been entirely removed or ground
up with the present drift. From the source of the Arkansas at the
Tennessee Pass to the cation above Cafion City; the distance is about
60 miles, supposing this to be mainly a valley of erosion, area worn
away would average about eight miles in width, the depth could not have
been less than one mile, so that an approximate estimate can be made of
the enormous amount of rock-material has been ground up in the excava-
tion of this valley. Up to the time of the great glacial period this eroded
material may have been swept out on to the plains to assist in forming the
vast Cretaceous and Tertiary beds which we find there at the present
day. Geologists generally admit that about the close of the Tertiary
period, there was an era of intense cold, which they have agreed to eall
the glacial epoch, and our remarks are based on that supposition.
We believe that at one period this entire valley, with all the side-valleys
or cabons, was occupied witb one vast glacier, diminishing and in-
creasing as the temperature was higher or lower, but gradually moving
down; that is, the main mass moving southward, and the side-branches
moving toward the central mass. As the sides of the mountains are
worn smoothly and exhibit signs of glacial action to the height of at
least 1,500 feet above the valley, we may arrive at an approximate
estimate of the thickness of the glacier. The fissures of the Arkansas
and its branches may not have been nearly as large at the commence-
ment of the glacial period as at the present time, and the great glacier
may have performed the work of erosion for ages, and gradually melt-
ing by a change of temperature to the mild climate of the present time,
left the numerous mounds, ridges, and other morainal deposits whieh
we find so extensive in this valley, and in many other portions of the
Rocky Mountain region. I have spoken of this great ice-mass as a
single glacier; there may have been a single one increasing and dimin-
ishing through ages with the changes of temperature at different seasons
or epochs, or there may have been an unlimited number of glaciers, but
the glacial phenomena as indicated by the present surface of that
country shows a long and continuous period of action. I have before
stated that I regarded the valley as one great lake-basin, commencing
near the Tennessee Pass. The valley expands out somewhat for the
first ten miles, and gradually closes up below the town of Granite for
about four miles, when it opens out again into a broad, level, basin-like
form. The bottoms of the main river, as well as the little branches,
expose the granite. rocks in such a way that we cannot well avoid the
conclusion that they have been worn down to their present position
from an elevation not much inferior to the Sawatch or Park ranges.
Above the Lake Creek on both sides of the Arkansas, are well de-
52 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
fined terraces, which on the east side rise 600 feet above the river.
The coarser materials were evidently deposited in water, and are
arranged in strata and appear not to have been disturbed to any great
extent by changes of level. On the west side the terraces slope down
more gradually, and are cut from west to east by deep gorges, by
streams froin the main range. The valley itself extending to an eleva-
tion of 400 to 600 feet on either side, is filled up with more or less coarse
drift-deposits. These vary much at different points, sometimes made
up of huge bowlders, inclosed in loose gravel, sand, or clay, and .again
a rather fine deposit of sand, gravel, or clay, to all appearances having
been deposited in comparatively quiet waters. At any rate there were
at all times portions of the lake that were not subject to great currents
or any violent agitation. On the whole, however, the drift-materials
are very loose, showing that the movements of the water and ice were
from north to the southward. All over the surface are scattered in
vast quantities immense bowlders of granite, varying from a few feet to
50 feet in diameter. Below Granite, for four or five miles, the masses
of granite are remarkable for their number and size, which appear to
have been moved down Clear and Pine Creeks. Along the sides of
Clear and Pine Creeks are high ridges, or lateral moraines, which may
properly be compared to huge railway embankments, rising to a height
of 400 to 800 feet above the valleys of the streams. Below the mouth of
Pine Creek the valley soon expands, and the surface is covered with loose
bowlders, while the ridges and depressions are quite remarkable, and
give it almost an artificial appearance. These basin-like depressions
inclosed by the moraines are not unfrequently filled with water, form-
ing small lakes, often with no visible outlet. These little basins of water
occupy different elevations, from the bottom terrace near the river to
the point of junction of the drift on the mountain-sides, 800 to 1,200
feet above the river-bed. As we descend the river the bowlders dimin-
ish in size, are more rounded, and the deposits of fine materials increase
in thickness. Below the mouth of Chalk Creek the valley is covered
with a series of yellow-white marly beds, which are cut up into a
variety of singular forms, resembling the ‘Bad Lands” and reaching
an aggregate thickness of 800 to 1,200 feet. These were observed by
me in 1869 and named the “Arkansas marls.” Overlying these marls
there is considerable thickness of coarse drift which forms to a great
extent the terraces which are very marked for a distance of 30 miles.
We can see, therefore, that the greater part of the finer sediments were
' transported to the lower or south end of the river-lake, and deposited
in comparatively quiet waters. While we ascend the Arkansas Valley
toward the Tennessee Pass, the proofs of great force from the combined
action of water and ice are shown on a grand scale. It seems, too, that
while there is a variety of deposits in this valley resting upon the granites,
their history is consecutive and attributable to one general cause, local
glacial action, so far as I have yet observed. I repeat the same statement
which I made years ago, that I have observed no proof of any wide ex-
tended drift-action like that of the New England States, but in the Rocky
Mountains the superficial deposits are all of local origin ; and the source
is usually limited to the drainage of the streams in which it is found.
For example, although, as I have stated, I believe that all the marls and
coarser deposits in the valley of the Upper Arkansas have the same
origin, however different in composition, the forces that produced them
are limited geographically to the drainage of the Upper Arkansas. I
could find no indications that any fragment of rock had been transported
even from so short a distance as beyond the drainage west of the Sa-
Plate XIII.
ce
\
¥3
Sea
aD
vi
FN she veut
ena
eats Ih
ie
Plate XIII.
CurcaGo LAKE, Conorapo.
be Ki
- nN
HAYDEN. ] MORAINAL DEPOSITS. 53
watch or east of the Park ranges. It is possible that a more detailed.
study of the superficial deposits of this valley would afford reason
for a separation into different periods so that they might be classified,
but my observations lead me to place them in one great period extend-
ing from the close of the Pliocene up to the present time. As is shown
by the map, the drift-deposits rest upon the granite directly, and no
sedimentary beds of any other age are found in the immediate valley,
and these deposits in the aggregate do not afford proof of any break in
time. Still much new matter could be added to the history of their
deposition if an entire season could be devoted to their study.
CHAPTER Vi.
nu
GENERALVIEW OF THE GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF THE ELK MOUNTAINS.—ERUPTIVE
GRANITES.—RHYOLITES AND DYKES.—EROSION ON A GRAND SCALE.—LOCAL DRIFT-
DEPOSITS.
The Elk-Mountain group is one of the most remarkable ranges in our
western Territories, and, so far as my own explorations have extended,
is unique in form and structure. For this reason a small party was
organized in the summer of 1874 under my immediate direction, with
Mr. Holmes as assistant geologist, and Mr. Chittenden as topographer,
. for the special study of this curious and most interesting group. The
numerous sections and maps which are given in this report form a por-
tion of the results of this specific study. Much attention was given to
this region the previous year, and the results printed in the annual
report for 1873. As our explorations are extended to the westward of
this range, we hope to be able to present a more complete geological as
well as topographical view of this region. :
The Elk-Mountain group lies immediately west of the great Sawatch
range, which forms the water-divide of the continent. It occupies an
area of about 800 square miles, between meridians 106° 45’ and 107°195/,
and parallels 39° 30’ and 39°.
The Sawatch group 1s one of the loftiest and most symmetrical ranges
inthe West. It extends from the Mountain of the Holy Cross tothe north, -
latitude 39° 28’, longitude 106° 28’, southward to the San Luis Valley, a
distance of over 80 miles. For this entire distance the range literally
bristles with lofty points, about ten of which rise above 14,000 feet, and
many more are 13,000 feet above sea-level. The uniformity of this great
mountain-mass is a remarkable feature. Standing on some high peak
and glancing along its pointed summits from north to south there seems
to be comparatively little variation either in form or height. On either
side of the Sawatch range there are several somewhat lower parallel
ranges which are undoubtedly portions of an immense anticlinal, of
which the main granitic massis the central nucleus. Between each of
the parallel portions of the anticlinal are valleys at intervals of greater
or less width. Immediately west of the granitic nucleus is the valley of
the Gunnison, and on the east, the valley of the Upper Arkansas, and
east and west of them are comparatively low granitic ranges capped
with sedimentary rocks. Both the metamorphic and sedimentary rocks
incline at various angles from the great central mass.
There are here represented two quite distinct types of mountain ele-
vation, though the forces have influenced each other’s results to a greater
or less degree. The Sawatch or main range presents an example of a
long-continued, uniform movement upward, which, but for the inter-
vention of side-forces, would have produced a remarkably symmetrical
mountain-group with the main granitic core or central mass, and on
either side parallel valleys and ranges, each becoming lower and lower
until the ridges faded out in the plains. The sedimentary rocks would
have inclined at various angles east and west from either side, until
they became horizontal in the plains. On the east side of the main
54
Plate XIV.
O ft. Rhyolite
00 jt. Shale
8
Rhy olite
~“Cret. Shale
iL --ehyolite
pee es
—
4
woo
‘
‘ ( (
. = \ i u
= ——
‘
5 x EZ)
o
A portion of the East face of Gothic Mt. showing the relations of
the Eruptive Rocks to the Cretaceous Shales.
EWE
ae
sa
fay
Ree
Plate XV.
MounTain or THe Hoy Cross, CoLroraDo.
HAYDEN. ] GEOLOGY OF THE ELK MOUNTAINS. 55
range, in the South Park range, the eruptive groups have thrown the
sedimentary beds into the utmost confusion, producing those remarkable
faults and irregularities which were shown in the annual report for
1873. On the west side, in the Elk Mountains, the confusion is still
greater, producing not only the most remarkable faults in all the western
country, but literally overturning thousands of feet of strata. By exam-
ining the preliminary map of Colorado in this report, it will be seen that
the trend of the Sawatch range is very nearly north and south, and that
the principal peaks from the Mountain of the Holy Cross at the north to
Mount Ouray to the south lie along that line. The trend of the Elk group,
though less regular, will be seen to be about northwest and south-
east. This is a grand illustration of an eruptive range, and appears
also to be an example of a sudden violent or catastrophic action. The im-
mense faults, complete overturning of thousands of feet of strata, and the
great number of peaks, all composed of eruptive rocks, indicate, perhaps,
periodical and violent action in contradistinetion tolong-continued uniform
movements of the elevatory forces. The sections and maps which accom-
pany this report will doubtless enable the geologist to determine the cor-
rectness of our statements. The map will show by the colors the erup-
tive points, where the granite appears to have been thrust up, as it were,
through the vast overlying crust; sometimes a great thickness of
strata of various ages is carried up to the summits of the peaks, 13,000
or 14,000 feet in elevation above the sea. Again we find, but a few
yards away, the same group of strata in the bottom of the lowest val-
leys, indicating remarkable convulsive movements. Although the Elk
group may be regarded as an eruptive range, it will be seen by the map
and section that the elevatory forces, whether convulsive or uniform
and slow, acted along a well-defined axis, thus, as arange, forming a true
anticlinal. ;
We see, therefore, that the eruptive agents acted along a great fissure
in the earth’s crust as a line of greatest weakness, and that this line
possessed a trend about northwestand southeast. But the peculiar nature
of the forces produced the wonderful chaos in the position of the sedi-
mentary beds, while the tendency of these stratais to incline from either side
of the axis. It is not uncommon to find thousands of feet of strata which
have been carried up to the loftiest points of the axial ridge in nearly or
quite a horizontal position. We may suppose that at one period the vast
sedimentary mass rested on a floor of pasty or semi-pasty granite; that
the forces in the interior were struggling to find vent, carried upward
the entire overlying mass of sedimentary strata, and that here and
there many thousands of feet in thickness along the axial line or ridge
was thrust up through the melted or semi-melted granite in such
masses as are shown on the map, at Italia, White Rock, Snow Mass, Capi-
toland Sopris Peaks. The map will show that this igneous granite does
not reveal itself except along this quite regular axial line. The areas
of granite are greatly enlarged by subsequent erosive action, while
from the axis numerous streams cut deep gorges,-1,500 to 3,000 feet in
depth, sometimes far into the underlying floor of igneous granite.
During this period of revolution, and probably subsequently, there were
igreat numbers of dykes or orifices from which issued the rhyolites and
basalts. Gothic and Crested peaks are illustrations of the upthrust of
‘vast masses of rhyolite, and numerous other quite long dykes will be
noticed on the map.
Plate XIV represents a portion of the east face of Gothic Mountain,
the central mass of which is rhyolite, with only the Cretaceous beds
lifted up around the baseandsides. ‘This is an excellent example of these
56 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
remarkable upthrusts of igneous material, vertically through the over-
lying sedimentary beds. The Cretaceous strata of Nos. 3 and 4 extend
up on the sides of the peak about 1,000 feet above the bed of Hast
River, with very little inclination, and between the strata of shale were
pressed out portions of the igneous material.
The illustration, Plate XIV ys sis so clear that but little space need be
used in explanations. The shale all belongs to Cretaceous formation
No. 4. An examination of the map and plate of sections would indicate
that the aggregate force which elevated the Elk range acted vertically
with atangential movement or shove, as it were, from the northeast toward
the southwest. There are many faults of remarkable character on the
northeast side of the axis, but no very marked examples of the inversion
of strata, but on the southwest side of the axis this feature is shown in
a marked degree. Time will not permit us to work out in detail in this
report the wonderful complications in the strata, which have been pro-
duced by the various elevating forces in this range. Much of it was
brought out in the various reports in the annual report of the survey
for 1873. Mr. Holmes wiil also introduce important details into his
report. I shall, therefore, at this time, confine myself to a general view
of the geology of this range, which, with the beautiful and remarkably
elear illustrations, will be sufficient for the information of the geologist.
The axis of the Elk range can be easily traced on the map, and the
axial.section will show the immense masses of strata that were carried
high up to the very summits of the range.
At the southeast corner of the map it will be observed there is a con-
siderable area designated as metamorphic granite. This forms a part
of the Sawatch Mountains, and may serve to show the relations of that
range. To the west of it there are narrow belts, marked as Silurian
and Carboniferous. These represent masses of strata that were origi-
nally lifted up by the Sawatch range and incline toward the west. On
_the completed geological map of Colorado, the connection of these
fragmentary masses of sedimentary strata about the summits of the high
granite mountains will be made clear. We shall hereafter attempt to
show by a series of sections, not only that the Triassic, Jurassic, and
Cretaceous groups originally existed here in full force, but that they
probably extended across the area now occupied by the Sawatch range
and were united with the sedimentary beds of the South Park range.
The northeastern slope of the Elk group slopes down into the valley
of the Roaring Fork, an important branch of Grand River. Here we
find a large area of the various divisious of the Cretaceous group. The
Dakota group rests upen the Jurassic, but is not exposed to any great
extent, except in the cafions or gorges of the streams. So far, therefore,
as a map is concerned, it cannot be represented except by a very nar-
row band, but above it there is from 1,000 to 1,500 feet of the remaining
portions of the group, Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5, but not as well defined even
as on the eastern side of the Colorado or Front range. The greater
portion is composed of black shaly clays with thick beds of sandstones
appearing in different positions. A few Cretaceous fossils occur, of well-
known and common genera, as Ammonites, Baculites, and Inoceramus.
Very few of the smaller forms were observed. This singular Creta-
ceous area seems now to form a sort of basin with the Jurassic and
Triassic, or Red Beds all around it. Its peculiar form will be noticed
on the map. The Cretaceous beds occupy very varied positions,
sometimes high up on the mountain-sides nearly to the summits,
and then filling up the lower valleys. The faults are without num-
ber, for in the process of elevation the strata seem to have been
HAYDEN.] GEOLOGY OF THE ELK MOUNTAINS. 57
broken in every direction. The aggregate inclination, however, is
always to the northeast. This great mass of Cretaceous beds were
influenced by the operations of two quite distinct elevatory forces which
probably acted synchronously, so far as forces so different could act.
Yo the eastward the long ridges of the Triassic and Carboniferous Red
Beds extend down to the west from the axis of the Sawatch range, cut
into deep cantons, the waters of which flow into the Grand River.
These Red Beds were elevated by the Sawatch range, while the Roaring
Fork flows through a sort of anticlinal valley between the axis of the
Elk and the Sawaich Mountains. These Cretaceous beds form a sort of
an island or basin between these great axes, and therefore lie in the syn-
clinal. It is by means of the more modern beds, as the Cretaceous group,
that the anticlinal character of the mountain range is more clearly seen.
The Triassic and the Carboniferous beds extend over the axis of the
range, while the granite nucleus makes its appearance only in limited
areas, aS at Sopris, Capitol, Snow Mass, and White Rock peaks. Be-
tween Capitol and Sopris peaks there is a long distance where the Red
Beds form the axial ridge entirely, and seem to hold for the most part
a horizontal position. On the map the Red Beds or Triassic and the
Carboniferous groups are thrown together, from the fact that we found
very great difficulty in separating them. Not only is there no apparent
break in the sequence of the strata, but they are-so mingled together
in the uplifts and overturnings that it would have required more de-
tailed study of the range to separate them entirely than we were able
to give at that time. Co-extensive with the narrow belt of the Dakota
group, is a light band which represents the Jurassic group. Neither of
these formations is ever exposed over large areas, usually only in out-
cropping edges along the margins of the mountain, or in the sides of the
caons. The Silurian group, so far as it is known in this region, always
rests directly on the granites, whether igneous or metamorphic, and is,
therefore, confined mostly to an outcropping belt around the granite
areas. On the west and southwest sides of the axis the Cretaceous
group appears again, extending far beyond the limits of the map. Its
relations to the axis are such as to show plainly that, like the older
formations, it formerly extended in an unbroken mass across the area
of the Elk range. There can be no doubt of the original continuity of
the entire mass of the sedimentary strata. North and west of Sopris
Peak the country slopes off toward the Colorado River, and the sur-
face is gashed deeply with the gorges of the streams which eut through
the Cretaceous beds, oftentimes into the older groups. The Cretaceous
strata, however, predominate.
In the annual report for 1873, the tremendous effects of erosion, as
shown on the west side of the Elk Mountains, were described in detail.
These effects are displayed even on a still grander scale on the east side
of the range. The gorges or cafions cut by Castle and Maroon Creeks
and their branches, are probably without a parallel for ruggedness,
depth, and picturesque beauty in any portion of the West. The great
variety of colors of the rocks, the remarkable and unique forms of the
peaks, and the extreme ruggedness, all conspire to impress the beholder
with wonder. ‘The illustration, given in the northeast corner of the
map, of Castle group isa type of the scenery at the heads of these
streams. We here see from 3,000 to 5,000 feet of stratified rocks lifted
up vertically so that the beds are horizontal, or nearly so, presenting to
the eye, by the eroded forms, a wilderness of pyramidal cones whose
summits rise to a height of 13,000 and 14,000 feet. The sides of the
cailons are vertical or nearly so, displaying a continuous section of the
58 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
strata 2,500 to 3,000 feet, composed of alternate beds of sandstones and
conglomerates with thin layers of clay or shale. These sandstones vary
very much in structure in the same layer, from a fine-grained sandstone
or quartzite to a rather coarse conglomerate. These changes may occur
in different portions of the same layer or at different positions in the
same group of strata. The lower portion of the cation is composed of
rather compact sandstones, but toward the summit the rocks become a
brick-red and are formed of rather loose sandy material. All the rocks
vary in color from a dark dull purple to a brick-red, depending much
on the influence of heat. There is a considerable degree of change in
these rocks from heat, but only in a few cases amounting to complete
metamorphism. These massive walls and pyramids are often inter-
sected with dikes which have filled either vertical fissures or not un-
frequently have been thrust between strata, forming local beds of
rhyolite, sometimes of great thickness. The dividing ridge forms a
curious zigzag line, often so narrow as to be almost impassable to one
on foot.
Knormous amphitheaters have been slowly carved out of the dividing
ridge at the head of each little branch. Without speculating upon the
character of the forces which were at work here in the far past, whether
they were far more intense in their action than at present, we may infer
that at this time they operate exceedingly slow. Portions of the divid-
ing wall are falling all the time, from the influence of frost or water, and
in many instances the amphitheaters extending back over the true di-
vide, sometimes even breaking through the axialridge. Usually a vast
accumulation of débris may be found damming up the gorge at various
distances from the immediate head of the amphitheater, thus giy-
ing origin to a small Jake, the waters of which gradually soak
through the débris, and, coming out on the lower side, gather into a
small ‘stream. It seems "hardly ‘possible that at the present time there
are any agents in existence that could have transported this dé/ris
down the gorge. It must have required a considerable quantity of water,
with large masses of snow or ice, for the debris is often composed of
large masses of rock that could only have been moved by floating ice.
In the vailey of Roaring Fork, the morainal deposits are remarkable
for their thickness. The surface is covered with huge bowlders, some
angular and others partially rounded. The terraces are very conspicu-
ous, rising, in some instances, to 1,000 feet or more above the bed of the
stream and strewed over with huge bowlders. None of the stray ma-
terials in any of these valleys or gorges seem to have been transported
avery great distance, and never, under any circumstances, is there any
drift or glacial deposits from a neighboring drainage; in other words,
the loose material does not pass from one independent valley to another.
So it is all over the Rocky Mountain region so far as I have observed.
All the drift or Post-pliocene deposits are local. |
Iregret that, for want of time, this meager account of so important
a range of mountains must be closed. In the final report, in quarto,
which will accompany the atlas of maps, we hope to present a more
careful review of each range of mountains, with their relations to each
other.
In this report I have attempted to number the plates in consecutive
order, but the sheets of sections and maps could not be so numbered,
but will probably be clearly understood.
CHAPTER Vil? |
REPORT ON THE GHOLOGY OF THE NORTHWESTERN POR-
TION OF THE ELK RANGH.
By W. H. Hommes.
DEAR Sie: In accordance with instructions received from you, I con-
tinued the geologic examination of the northwest portion of the Elk
Mountains, and beg leave to present the following report:
When it was found that, on account of the sickness of Mr. Shanks,
assistant topographer, the main party could not advance beyond Capi-
tol Creek, a small party, consisting of Mr. George B. Chittenden,
topographer, myself, and one packer, was detailed to continue thesurvey
around to the northwest.
It was arranged that we should carry with us provisions for fifteen
days, and that a supply-party should meet us on the western side of the
range, near the sources of Hast River, if the main party should not be
able to reach that point in time.
On the 29th day of August, we left the main camp and moved down
the valley of Roaring Fork. A well-marked Indian trail led us through
a low, syneclinal depression, which is separated from the channel occu-
pied by the river, by a long, narrow ridge or hog-back. ‘The depression
is occupied by the Lower Cretaceous shales, and the sandstones of the
Dakota group form the crest of.the ridge.
We soon crossed a low divide and were upon the southern branch of
Sopris Creek. This stream heads near the summit of the Elk range,
midway between Capitol and Sopris peaks, and on reaching the deepest
part of the depression, turns abruptly to the northwest and cuts ob-
liquely down through the ridge of Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic rocks.
The main Sopris Creek is formed in the snow-filled amphitheaters
about the eastern faces of Sopris peak and descends to the valley with
great rapidity, falling 6,000 feet in less than eight miles. It cuts its
way out from the granite to the Cretaceous rocks and then descends
with the dip of the beds, flowing for some time upon the hard floor of the
Dakota sandstones. The bed of the creek is everywhere very shallow,
and I was unable to determine whether any rocks lower than the Ju-
rassic were exposed or not. Dr. Peale, who climbed Sopris peak from
this side in 1873, states that there is but little exposure of the sedimen-
tary rocks along the north and northeast faces of the mountain, on ac-
count of the great quantities of débris and morainal drift.
THE ROARING FORK SYNCLINAL.
Before passing on to the description of Rock Creek and the western
slope, I wish to take a hasty review of the general geology of the valley
of Roaring Fork, and give, if possible, a connected idea of its structure.
This valley is throughout, so far as examined, in the trough of a syn-
clinal fold, and its entire conformation, the course and form of the main
valley as well as of all its tributaries, is undoubtedly the result of this
59
60 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
geologic condition. The depression is by no means uniform, and the
movements of the stream-bed are quite eccentric, making altogether a
very interesting study.
From the mouth of Marcon Creek to the mouth of Sopris Creek, a
distance of some twelve miles, there is a pretty well marked fault, not
following the line of greatest depression, but occurring along the eastern
slope from one-fourth to three-fourths of a mile from the axis of the
fold. We thus have a fracture parallel with a fold, and the two lines
seem to contend for the privilege of accommodating the stream-bed.
Above Maroon Creek (see map and sections) the river flows in the syn-
clinal; near the mouth of the same creek, itis in the fault. Below this
it cuts through the beds again and follows the synelinal for a number of
miles. Still lower it turns again to the right, into the fault, and follows
it all along the eastern base of the isolated ridge mentioned at the out-
set. Leaving this again below the mouth of Sopris Creek, it continues
in the fold, while the fault probably diesaway. ‘The dislocation, if any,
of the beds, as exposed on opposite sides of the stream, is so slight that
it seems quite impossible to determine this point. The downthrow i 1S
generally on the west, and does not amount in any case to more than
3,000 feet. In two localities along the fault, there have been outflows
of lava. These were observed by Dr. Peale, in 1873, and are located,
the lower one, opposite the mouth of Sopris Creek, where it caps a large
rounded butte, (see general map.) The other is on the same side of the
river, some five miles farther up. The lava appears to be basaltic, and
has quantities of cinder and ashes associated with it. It eaps amrim-
portant butte near the river-bank, forms an escarpment some 100 feet in
height, and covers an area of scarcely more than haifa square mile.
Section © of the large sheet cuts this butte, and shows at the same
time a most remarkable displacement, the edges of the strata on both |
sides of the fault being turned abruptly up, and therefore dipping
from the plane of the fault, both toward the upthrow and the down-
throw. The beds on the west side are depressed so that the Lower
Cretaceous rocks seem to face the Upper Carboniferous of the east side.
The upturned edges were apparently leveled off before the flow of
lava took place. At the mouth of Maroon Creek the depression of
_ the west side has been much greater, and the edges of the beds have
been dragged upward and, apparently by a lateral movement, forced
past the vertical. Thus is formed the little butte of Cretaceous and
Jurassic rocks between Maroon Creek and Roaring Fork, at the junc-
tion described by Dr. Peale, (Report for 1873, page 2 363. ) Shortly above
this the fault becomes a fold and so continues up the valley of Castle
Creek.
The sections of the accompanying plate, Fig. 1, cut ten of the most in-
teresting points along the line of disturbance, and i is intended to give a
connected idea of the folding and dislocations. The sections are so placed
as to give the impression that perspective is taken into account and that
the point of view is somewhere on the lower course of Roaring Fork. It
will be observed, by reference to these, that the southern extension of
the synclinal follows the valley of Castle Creek, and that the upper
course of Roaring Fork proper is in the granite to the east. A still
more extended examination to the southward and beyond the sources of
Castle Creek, seems to warrant the conclusion that the portions of Silu-
rian (?) quartzite noticed on the east face of station 3 and along the
summit of the Italian group beyond, indicate a continuation of the same
fold or at least of the same movements that produced the fold. That
this is the case, and, therefore, that the entire geologic phenomena of
a ot? " Ttalien Mite
DA) eee Step eB
cS)
FIG. 1.
Tén Sections across the Synclinal Valley of the Roaring Fork,
partially in perspective.
rie
reser etaaiey oe athy i near ries ait ered Tene Ranied
HOLMEs.] SOPRIS PEAK. 61
this region are connected, and, generally cneatioes not the result of
complicated causes, may be pretty conclusively shown.
It must be noticed, in the first place, that on the east side the sedi-
mentary strata lie up against the granite of the Sawatch range, and that
on the west they have been carried high up on the arch of the Elk
Mountains, leaving the synelinal depression between the ranges. Inthe
second place, that the axes of the two ranges are not parallel; that they
approach each other toward the south and separate toward the north,
giving an included angle of some 30°. In the vicinity of Italian peak
the granites of the two ranges are in contact, or nearly So,as seen at a
in section 2. On station 3, a few miles farther north, a fragment of the
Paleozoic rock is caught up and held, as in a vice, between the masses
of eruptive and metamorphic granite, b, section 3. North of this, down
the valley of Castle Creek, the sedimentary area widens rapidly. The
edges facing the Castle group are bent up at a sharp angle, but as the
fold widens it also flattens, so that 30 miles north of Italian Mount-
ain, near the line of section 10, the belt of strata is 25 miles wide and
has nowhere a dip greater than 10° or 12°,
In the plate I have indicated the two granites by different symbols,
the metamorphic by short broken lines and the Eik Mountain granite
by dots. The points of contact, as shown at a, b, c, &c., are, of course,
only given to indicate a probable contact line. That such a separation
really exists, however, is evident from the fact that when observed in
close contact, near Italian Mountain, they are totally distinct in appear-
ance and in reality. In all its general features, the geology of the val-
ley of Roaring Fork and of the eastern slope of the Elk Mountains,
seems simple enough, and I shall hasten on to the north and west.
GEOLOGY OF SOPRIS PEAK AND VICINITY.
Having ascended Sopris Creek for some five or six miles, we turned
abruptly to the right and crossed the low divide that connects Sopris
peak with an outlying triangular spur, and descended by a deep gulch
into the valley of Rock Creek. We reached this creek at the point
where the upturned edges of Cretaceous No.1 (Dakota group) cross,
and found that our descent had been almost with the strike of the beds,
N.40° W. This is on the west slope of the Roaring Fork synclinal, and
the dip is therefore to the east. The creek passes out into the Cretaceous
shales and reaches the river some eight or nine miles below. The
crossing of No.1 here marks the foot of the caton of Rock Creek.
Beneath No. 1, on the south side, a very beautiful section of the
Jurassic is exposed. Near the summit of the bluff, about 200 feet of the
Lower Cretaceous measures are exposed, consisting principally of com-
pact yellowish sandstones. Some thin beds of shale are interstratified
with the sandstones, and near the base there is an irregular stratum of ;
moderately coarse conglomerate. The Jurassic section, beginning at
the top, is as follows:
20 feet shales, containing seams of greenish and purplish quartzite. The
shales weather like fire-clay.
6 feet thinly laminated, fine-grained, flinty quartzite.
10 feet yellowish quartzite.
80 feet shales and calcareous sandstones.
40 feet sandstones and sand shales.
40 feet yellowish sandstone with layers of gypsum.
Red shales and red sandstones of indefinite thickness.
From the trail, near the creek-bed, a very fine view of this cliffis
62 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
obtained. Weathered into the usual forms produced by alternate hard
and soft beds, it begins at the top, by an escarpment of the yellow
sandstones of No. 1, passing down into purplish and greenish grays,
broken by darker lines of outcrop, each of which gives a tinge of its
own color to the already highly-tinted slide, and still farther down the
wide band of rich yellow transforms all toits own hue, and the whole
sweeps down like a gorgeous curtain over the bright red cliffs of
the Triassic (?). The closest search developed no trace of fossils, and
it is of course impossible to define the limits of the several periods.
The lithologic gradation here, from the Jurassic down through the
“Red Beds” into the well-established Carboniferous is most perfect, and
the entire absence of fossil-remains leaves us without a clue.
In passing up Rock Creek we descend through the strata and on either
hand find the cafon-walls composed of the red and maroon Carbonif-
erous series. On the left they support the Sopris mass, which stands
some miles back, and on the right rise into a cluster of rugged hills,
above and beyond which are the lines of Cretaceous outcrop, apparently
dipping to the westward. In the bottom of the canon the maroon beds
seem, very oddly, to dip toward the Sopris uplift as if not affected by it,
but by some movement farther to the west, but they are doubtless folded
abruptly up against the northwest face of that mountain. Close under
the west walls of Sopris the creek forks. At this point the granite
appears, and may be seen, from far below, rising in rugged walls and
abrupt spurs. The two branches seem to emerge from the base of
these as immense springs, but by a closer approach we could detect the
cations through which they flow. They are cut like great gashes through
the granite, having between them a high promontory.
On the 30th of August we ascended this promontory, and found it to
be a very excellent point of observation (station 22). The peak lies to
the east, rising very abruptly from the creek and presenting an aston-
ishing mountain-slope. The creek-bed is 6,000 feet above the sea, and
the peak springs to the height of 12,800 feet in one precipitous, un-
broken slope, a rise of 6,800 feet in one and ahalf miles. With the
exception of this western tongue, the graiiite mass seems to be a per-
fect.cone that has had its apex pushed through the sedimentary strata,
lifting them up abruptly all around, but in no case affecting them out-
side of a radius of three or four miles. Indeed, if the erosion had been
more equal on all sides the exposed granite area must have been nearly
circular, but the great erosion of Rock Creek cutting so deeply into the
mountain-side, has developed an area something like that shown in
Fig. 2. i
This elevated area forms the extreme northwest end of the Elk range,
and is connected with the Capitol and Snow Mass groups, which lie
about ten miles southeast, by a high, red ridge, the crest of an arch in
the Carboniferous rocks, which here connect completely across the
range. The more recent strata have been broken down and carried
away, so that their outcropping edges are ranged low down along the
flanks of the mountains, on the east side trending toward the north-
west, making almost a tangent with the Sopris granites, crossing Rock
Creek at the point where we entered the valley, and swinging around
to the north indefinitely, but, very probably connecting, in the low
country, with the corresponding series of the west side. i
The east branch of Rock Creek, which I have called Avalanche
Creek, heads in the northern and western faces of the Snow Mass
group, and has cut its way in a most remarkable manner down through
the side of the red arch, almost parallel with its crest, striking Sopris
| SS —— ee
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Fig. 4
Sketch_Locking down Rock Creek from Promontory Point - Station 22.
a,Juncuon of Bast and West Yorks Rock Ercek. c, Catton of Grand River: ¢e, Silurian) Quartates 9g, Cretaceous Nol. The point where Rock Creek was tirst reached.
b, Junetton. of Rock Creek and Roaring Fork. dd, Granite of Sopris. £4 Carboniferous Strata.
al
/
The Jurassic Section already giver ts at g.
ig
HOLMES.] VALLEY OF ROCK CREEK. 63
between our station and the main summit, and joining the main stream
below. In the upper course, therefore, it is in granite, in the middle
part, in Paleozoie rocks, afterward in granite, and finally again in the
stratified rocks, cutting its way, after joining the main stream, from the
Silurian out into the Upper Cretaceous. Rock Creek proper, the
sources of which were explored last year, can be traced far to the south-
ward, as it comes down through a deep valley. This valley widens as
it approaches our station, but on reaching the belt of granite, suddenly
closes into a deep and precipitous canon. This is immediately under
us, to the west, and a stone dislodged plunges down over the crags
to the creek- bed, 1,500 feet below. This canon is hardly more than
half a mile in length (the width of the granite arm) and opens below
into the great triangular valley about the creek junction.
The sketch on the opposite page, Figure 4, will aid in making clear the
geology north of our station, and about. Sopris. As seen in the drawing,
there is considerable irregularity i in the disposition of strata. The isolated
fragment of Paleozoic beds between Sopris and Rock Creek evinces a
considerable amount of lateral crushing as indicated by a series of
abrupt and angular concentric folds or wrinkles. Along the line of the
creek-bed there has probably been a slight dislocation or fault as indi-
cated by the want of harmony between the strata at e’’ on the east side,
and those at ¢” on the western. There are also traces of a considera-
ble degree of metamorphism, ‘shown by the change of color near the
granite contact, as well as by the thinning-out of the entire series, such
as would occur in a number of sheets of iron heated and partially welded
together at the edges under the irregular blows of a hammer. It has
been suggested that the existence of a shore-line about the granitic area.
has, during Paleozoic times, preduced this thinning-out, and especially
since, on the eastern face of the mountain, the more modern deposits
seem to jut up against or almost against the granite, but it should be
observed thatin every locality where this peculiar granite appears, there
are unmistakable evidences of abrupt and violent movements, inde-
pendent of its relations to the sedimentary strata. It acts in all cases
as a foreign element, plastic and aggressive, intruding itself upon a
region heretofore undisturbed, and producing disturbances of the most
marked and nozsual kind. In this case, however, there is less evidence
of violence than in any of the eases farther south, but in lithologic char-
acter and methods of upheaval it is the same.
GEOLOGY OF THE DISTRICT DRAINED BY ROCK CREEK.
We had resolved to follow the course of the western or main branch
of Rock Creek. In the cafion there was an old trail leading over the
rocks, and we passed through, without difficulty, into the open valley
above. Here were some beautiful meadows in which we discovered a
group of hot springs. In anumber of places, steam could be seen rising
from the grass and reeds, and on approaching we encountered a number
of slimy pools, from which considerable streams of hot water were flow-
ing. In all there were more than a dozen active springs, in most cases
Hee erered with sulphur, and ranging, in temperature, from 30° to
On the 29th a rain-storm had set in, and everything was now wet,
thoroughly saturated. Muddy torrents poured down the upper slopes
and dashed over the cliffs into the valley. Avalanches of wet earth,
carrying many rocks and trees, formed near the summits and came roar.
ing down, discharging their great masses of débris into the river, and
64 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
tearing out such gorges in the alluvial bottoms as to make travel almost
impossible. The continuation of this sliding process from year to year
keeps large portions of the mountain-sides swept clear of all movable
material, leaving only the bare rock. ; All along these deep valleys such
avalanche-pathways may be noticed.
The vegetable growth is quite profuse in this region. Dense groves
of aspens occupy the more fertile spots, pines and cedars cling to the
rocky slopes, while Scrub-oaks and a great variety of smaller bushes
abound. ‘There is but little room for agriculture or grazing.
At the upper end of the cafion the granite disappears and the yellow
quartzites descend into the valley and also disappear, dipping 30° 8.
The Carboniferous maroon beds follow, but soon assume a horizontal
position, so that there is nothing else exposed in the walls, for a distance
of five or six miles. Then, by an abrupt monoclinal fold, the whole
series pitches into the valley, leaving nothing exposed but the massive
sandstones of the Upper Cretaceous. ‘These beds in turn assume a hori-
zontal position, forming shelved slopes to the height of 1,200 to 1,500
feet on either side of the creek. The creek cuts obliquely through this
fold, and the section exposed consists of the Upper Carboniferous,
Jurassic, and Lower Cretaceous strata. On the left hand the hard layers
of the Dakota group, standing almost on edge, form a high ridge that
extends to the southward up the western slope of the Snow Mass group.
On the opposite side, the trend of the same beds is to the northwest,
passing ‘up the face of a high mountainous ridge which culminates in
Gannett’s station 26, ten miles west of Sopris. Section C of the large
sheets cuts this fold near the creek-crossing, and also gives a transverse -
-section of the great red arch which lies between Sopris and Capitol peaks.
The facilities for measuring the strata in this locality are very poor.
The yellow quartzites, supposed to belong to the Silurian age, do not
measure more than 500 feet, while the Carboniferous series will hardly —
fall short of 4,500. The Triassic (?), Jurassic, and Cretaceous beds will
add about 5,500 more, so that the exposed strata will inclade a thickness
of some 10,000 feet.
Ever since entering the valley a handsome group of mountains had
been in sight, apparently standing in the valley-course, and quite cut-
ting off the view. From the crossing of the monoclinal fold, the first of
these mountains appeared three or four miles farther up, standing on
the west side of the valley, and rising abruptly from the creek. We
determined to climb this in order to get good views of the Elk Mount-
ains, which lie mostly to the east, and of the unknown area to the west.
In the first place, we ascended the steep Cretaceous slope to the right,
at its lowest point, and found ourselves on a level with the undulating
country to the west. Gannett’s station 26, was on our right, some ten
miles to the north, and the mountain which we desired to climb on the
left, three miles away, and rising nearly three thousand feet above us.
Following the summit, or back of the ridge which leads up toward it, I
observed that the Cretaceous strata were rising with the slope, and at.
the base of the steeper face were turned sharply up against it at an
angle of 45°. In crossing these upturned edges, I observed that they
comprised no great thickness; that the bulk of the sedimentary beds
seemed not to change from their horizontal position, and that this up-
turned portion had been separated from the rest and forced upward by
a wedge-like mass of intrusive rock which belonged to the central mass
of the group. (See Figure 5.) These strata seem to belong to the Cre-
taceous Coal Measures, as there were outcrops of coal and carbonaceous
Shale. The horizon would hardly be less than 3,000 feet above No. 1.
BP?) PU? FO S14} UPI. spaTUU)D PE aunhn Li
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HOLMES.) : SNOW MASS GROUP. 65
The rock of the peak proved to be an exceedingly fine and handsome
rhyolite, grayish in oot and containing many large crystals of white
feldspar.
Station 23 was made near the highest point. This proved, as I had
expected, to be the extreme northern summit of the large group of
mountains that lies to the west of the Elk Mountains proper, and may
for convenience be called the West Elk group. It is hardly inferior to
the main range in area, and is separated from it by the valleys of Rock
Creek and East River. Clusters of handsome, moderately high summits
could be seen far to the southward, and as far toward the east as Treas.
ury or Lookout Mountains. The general outlines and the manner of
weathering indicate that they are all of trachyte or rhyolite.
To the westward the country is low, and slopes off toward the Gun-
nison River on the left, and the Grand on the right. There are no
striking geographical features, and the whole visible area is doubtless
of Cretaceous age, the exposed rock being mostly of the Upper Creta-
ceous group, which comprises perhaps 2,500 feet in thickness of sand-
stones, conglomerates and shales, with an undetermined number of coal-
seams.
As mentioned before, the main body of the stratified rocks about this
station are not disturbed, so that the exposures all along the eastern
base, beneath fhe body of ’trachyte, are horizontal, and so continue far
‘up Rock Creek. This creek heads in a picturesque group of moun-
tains far away to the east, cuts its way down through a number of deep
canons, and striking the base of this mountain turns abruptly to the
north. From this point we get our first view of the western faces of
the Elk Mountains, and are impressed more deeply than ever with
their beauty and grandeur. The lower slopes are underlaid by Creta-
taceous strata and densely covered by a growth of gray and purple
underbrush. Above this, groves of aspens and clusters of dark biue
pines relieve the glowing reds and purples of the Carboniferous rocks.
Still higher, and in delightful contrast to these ardent colors, are the
- summits of gray granite, whose polished and ornate faces constantly
remind us of the form in some gothic cathedral. The culminating sum-
mits belong to the Snow Mass group, and are so thoroughly hemmed in
by serrated crests, and deep zigzagging ridges, that they seem to chal-
lenge approach. In a few days we hope to penetrate the obscure
valleys that headin this group, and from some of its higher peaks make
a more detailed study of its forms and structure.
We found theascent of Rock Creek beset with difficulties, and only suc-
ceeded in advancing at all by climbing the eastern wall of the cation and
remaining on a flat, shelf-like area, formed by the horizontal Cretaceous
Strata. In the middle of the afternoon of September 1st, we descended
into the bed of a small tributary of Rock Creek, not far below the base’
of Treasury Mountain. In passing down the face of the upper ledge 1
observed that the rock was of rhyolite, and not sandstone, as I had
Supposed. This proved to be only a capping, and is doubtless a :rem-
nant, separated from the mass west of the creek by erosion, since both
walls of the valley, up to corresponding horizons, areof Cretaceous
Shales.
The creek into which we had descended seemed to issue from the very
center of the Snow Mass group, and finding a pretty distinct game-trail
we turned to the left and followed it up the valley. On our left hand a
steep bluff rose to the height of some 1,500 feet. The strata exposed in
its face were probably of ‘the Upper Cretaceous group, and consisted of
sandstones and shales, the former predominating above and the latter
oH
66 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. OF -THE TERRITORIES. *
below, so that there was a gradation from solid sandstones at the top
to homogeneous shales at the base. The section includes the group of —
strata sometimes called the “ transition group” by Dr. Hayden. The
horizon is probably that of the upper part of No.5, Cretaceous. The dip
of the beds in this place is toward the northwest 10° to 15°. They seem
. but slightly affected by the elevation of the main range on the east, or
of Treasury Mountain on the south. Farther up the stream, which we
shall call Aspen Creek, the dip increases to 45°, and the upturned edges
are lodged against the granite, which, by means of a rather complicated
fault, has been thrust up past the broken edges of the entire series of
' earlier sedimentary rocks, bending the edges of the older strata back
and driving them into the softer strata above. In the bottom of the
creek a small portion of the yellow quartzites are exposed, situated as
shown in Section D of the large sheet. This fault would seem to be on
the northern continuation of the line of upheaval to which belongs the
inverted series observed last year about the southern sources ef Rock
Creek. Our investigations at that time were extended to within six
miles of this point.
Late in the evening we encamped near timber-line, and on the follow-
ing morning climbed the high granite ridge to our left. Wesoon found
ourselves in the very midst of the mountains. Snow Mass and Capitol
and Mount Daly rose up magnificently in the east, Sopris stood alone
at the north, and many groups of lofty mountains appeared in the
southwest. All around us were only bare rock and snow. The whole
area is above timber-line, and the sculpture of the mountains is won-
derfully striking and picturesgue. The long crooked lines of crests are
connected by subordinate crests, and these all send out sharp, narrow
branching ridges which separate the amphitheater-like heads of the
numerous radiating streams. As a rule, these high valleys are wide
and the ridges narrow, so that the country presents the appearance, in
arude way, of a giant honeycomb. Sopris is connected with Capitol
by the flat ridge of Carboniferous red beds, Capitol with Snow Mass by
a deeply-indented saddie, while south from Snow Mass, the axis crest
continues to Maroon Mountain, thence to the White Rock and Castle
peaks. From the saddle, midway between Capitol and Snow Mass, a
pinnacled ridge extends to the westward between the head-waters of
Bast Fork or Avalanche Creek and Rock Creek proper. Branches are
thrown out from this between all the small streams, while the chief
erest of the spur continues out to station 22. Stations 24 and 25 were
made-about midway on this ridge. Station 24 is the most northerly
summit of the Snow Mass granite, and is eight miles from station 22.
The sedimentary outcrops, which pass just north of Capitol and Daly
peaks, sweep around to the north of this station and turn to the south-
ward, crossing Aspen Creek, as described on the preceding page. Here
the entire series is exposed, there only the Upper Cretaceous and bits
of the Paleozoic rocks in the bed of the creek. The lines of outcrop can
be traced between the two points. The older rocks gradually disappear
as the granite begins to fault up past the broken edges. (See colored
map). This may be regarded as the farthest northern extension of the
great fault-fold previously mentioned. This fold being a most compli-
cated and interesting piece of dynamics, calls for a separate analysis,
which I give farther on.
On the 3d we descended Aspen Creek to the main creek and continued
the examination of the Cretaceous section. The black shales, the upper
part of which are exposed in the bluff on the north side of Aspen Creek,
occupy the valley from the base of the bluff to the base of Treasury
Treasury Moimtain
“a, Treasury Mt — yuaguaversaé . — b cast branch of Rock (reek — c.svuthBranth, _d d.Juriction. — ¢.e,e, outcrops of Shales of W?2 cret. circling the north end of’ Treasuny Me.
LELE outerops of feret. ~ g Pulls, __hhh, Bluff of middle cretaceous Shales and. Sandstone tasing Asper Creek , _ t,t,t, Trachyte intruded among the Shales. u, Clifton Greek near the
Mouth of which is the seam of anthractte Gozl ——. The Creek veut into Treasury Me at cand & und pass ont ut the lulls g. e
WAS AN
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Fic. 8.—CAscaDE ON ROCK CREEK, COLORADO.
HULMES.] TREASURY MOUNTAIN. 67
Mountain. The dip is at first slight, but before we reach the Lower Cre-
taceous, it rises to 30°. The strike is at right angles to the stream-
course, but turnsto the south on both sides of the mountain. It appears,
from such examinations as I was able to make, that Treasury Mountain
is a short anticlinal, or oval shaped quaquaversal, that seems to have
been produced by some agent associated with great heat, since the high
degree of metamorphism of the entire series up to the Middle Cretaceous
is quite remarkable. I doubt if the sedimentary measures are entirely
penetrated in any part of the mountain. The Jurassic and Lower Creta-
ceous rocks reach high up the sides of the areh, while the lines of shale-
outcrop are ranged around and support the base. The dip is toward
Rock Creek on the east and north, and toward two of its tributaries on
the south and west. The only place where the Paleozoic rocks have
been penetrated and exposed ison the east side, where the two branches
of Rock Creek, leaving the Cretaceous synclinal, cut directly into the
side of the anticlinal, passing through the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Upper
Carboniferous rocks, into the Lower Carboniferous, (see Figure 7;) here, in
a deep, narrow cafion, they unite, and turning to the right the resultant
stream follows for some distance along the strike until it reaches the north
end of the ovai, where it cuts its way out again into the broad depression
eroded from the Cretaceous shales.. In passing out over the highly met-
amorphosed beds of the Dakota group, a splendid cascade is formed
with a fall of 500 or 600 feet. The sandstones of this group are so
greatly changed here that it would be impossible to recognize them out-
side of their relations to the overlying strata. They are reduced toa
very hard flinty quartzite, greenish in color and nearly uniform through-
out. The shales above are much hardened, and the Jurassic and other
substrata are so consolidated as to be but a series of flinty quartzites.
For the sake of comparison I present in this connection, Fig. 9, two sec-
tions of the Cretaceous rocks, one made in this locality and the other on.
the border of the plains. The Dakota group is everwhere the same.
The series of shales are almost identical, and the transitions from shales
to the sandstones above are as like as possible. Palm-leaves and fucoids
are found in the lower part of these sandstones and in corresponding
horizons.
In the east the lignitic coal is found near the base of the sandstones,
while the anthracite coal of the West occurs 2,000feet higher. An an-
alysis of this coal, made by Professor Mallett, demonstrates the fact that
it is of fine quality. (See chapter IX, Dr. Peale’s Report.) The seam is
about four feet thick, but the locality is one most difficult of access as
well as remote from any probable market. It certainly cannot be utilized
for many years yet unless the immediate region should prove rich in
mines, in which case it would be invaluable for smelting purposes.
Between Treasury Mountain and the Snow Mass group there is a long,
narrow Cretaceous valley, produced by an abrupt synclinal fold, in which
the strata are doubled back upon each other. The forces have so pre-
dominated on the east side that the beds on that side are pushed beyond
the vertical and lie atop of the gently inclined strata of the west side.
The Upper Cretaceous sandstones do not occur in this depression south
of Aspen Creek; we have, therefore, a double thickness of the black
shales in the middle of the valley, giving in all a thickness of nearly
4,000 feet. The shales are followed or supported on either side by the
older strata, in the usual order. The depression produced by this fold
may be followed the whole length of the Elk range, and separates it from
the West Elk group, producing northern and southern systems of drain-
age.
68 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
THE GREAT FAULT FOLD OF THE ELK RANGE.
On September 5th we reached the northern limit of our last year’s
work, and little remained to be done but to examine a few complicated
spots along the main fold of the Elk range. Most of the difficult prob-
lems occur along this fold, between station 24 on the north and Cascade
Creek on the’ south, and as the axis of the fold is west of the crest of the
range, the complicated parts are cut by the deep transverse valleys of
the western slope and many good sections are exposed. Six of these,
D, HE, F, G, H, and I, are given in the main sheet of sections accompany-
ing the ‘map.
It will be observed by reference to the map that the granite, which
is represented by heavy horizontal lines and marked A A, occurs in
two great masses, and that in these masses are the culminating sum-
mits of the range. The northern, which is cut by sections D and B, is
the Snow Mass group, and the southern, cut by sections G, H, and it is
the White Rock group. At first glance it might seem that these were
separate centers of elevation or upheaval, or at least that they were not
intimately related, but closer examination develops the fact that there
is a line of disturbance of a very marked and extraordinary character
connecting them. Section F cuts this fold at ee, and gives one of its
peculiar phases. But I found that a very large number of sections,
even, could not be made to give a connected idea of so complex a fold.
I have, therefore, prepared the accompanying illustration (Fig. 11), in
which the entire fold is given in relief and so placed upon an outline
map that the location of the various parts may be easily recognized.
I have carefully kept in view the idea of showing simply the peculiar
foldings of the broken edges of the strata. The granite areas have been
shaded down and the effects of erosion partially ignored in order to
develop the one idea, and a single convenient horizon, the base of the
Cretaceous, is taken, entirely disincumbered, for the sake of greater
simpticity.
It should be remembered that this representation is highly artificial ;
that in reality the fold is very obscure, and has but little apparent effect
upon the topography; that it is cut into fragments by ten immense
valleys ; and that its anatomy can only be studied on the steep faces of
the ridges between these valleys.
It will be seen by reference to the figure and the sections opposite,
that the conditions all along the east side are simple, there being a
gradual and gentle dip from the crest of the range toward the valley of
Roaring Fork, while on the west side there has been a general depres-
sioD or downthrow, so to speak, amounting in many places to 7,000 or
8,000 feet; at the same time a combination of movements, principally
lateral, have produced along the axis an immense wrinkle, a fold so
abrupt that the beds are crushed and shattered and the severed edges
shoved past each other, as shown in the drawing and sections be-
tween e and n. It will not be difficult to imagine that while this was
going on, the plastic mass beneath was assisting the movements and
shaping the results, and that during the process it forced itself, or was
forced, through the fractured line in the two great masses of the Snow
Mass and White Rock groups.
Beginning at the north, I shall give a detailed description. All along
the north face of the Snow Mass group the sedimentary rocks lie in the
usual order upon the granites, with a slight dip toward the north. (See
axis-section, large sheet.) Between Station 24 and Aspen Creek the
granite begins to fault up past the broken edges of the sedimentary
miu awe:
| Whit Este WOM ane
i { y
Ey ‘ahacalaln in Aerated
ay weeny
Fe
Siu
Drive dap jeratioena maya otd nem A met
SEM easel! Mert ale Daryn) et
Ai bE, gh entnng ve gene
Jalatoaide Ragghanbvage toh
a cnygteingaavan}
y oy
rags ies
‘ oe hy Mt
hua
0G falmote ees EN
| \ Sazzdstorne
4000 Fe.
!\ 2000 to 2000 ft.
|| Sandstore and
Shales.
SSeS eS
ae |
Nol Cretaceous
i 300fT.
JUTASSTC
Fig.9
Sandstones
106 te 200 Fe.
i ae
a 500 to 600 feet:
i] Sandstones and.
ee Ba oe t Shales.
es
Foal a
Sandstone
felations of the Coal Beds to No.1 Cretaceous.
Section 1, West of the Range, Elk Mts.
Section 2, Hast of the Range, Cache la Poudre, or Cation Cty.
HOLMES.] _ FAULT FOLD OF THE ELK RANGE. 69
strata, and at Aspen Creek,as previously mentioned, only the Upper
Cretaceous remains in view, with a fragment of primordial rock
at a in the deepest part of the valley. South of Aspen Creek for
a few miles the whole series seems to be depressed beneath the sur-
face, while the granite peaks on the east side of the fault-line rise
to’ the height of 3,000 feet, making a total displacement of at least
11,000 feet. South of b there is a high, sharp ridge formed of a series of
almost vertical Carboniferous rocks, which seem to have been carried
up by the granite, or at least to Wave been left in the present position
by the dragging of the fault. In the south end of this ridge the dip
increases from 90 to 135 degrees, that is, 45 degrees beyond the vertical,
and nearly the whele series of sedimentary rocks appear in this position
in the side of the cafion at c.
In the triangular spur between ¢ and d, a large mass has been carried
back 90 degrees past the vertical, so that the Silurian quartzites oc-
cupy the top of the ridge, and the Cretaceous rocks the bottom of the
valley.
The foid has been so sharp at e that the beds have been broken off,
and the continued upward movement of the granite has bent the broken
edges up, producing a synclinal in the inverted strata.
In this place the belt of granite is quite narrow, so that the relative
positions of the strata on opposite sides can be studied with ease.
The Silurian rocks of the east side outcrop on the summit of the
water-shed of the range at f 2,000 feet above the creek, and since the
Middle Cretaceous rocks of the west side are depressed to an unknown
depth beneath the creek-bed, we can safely say that there is a vertical
displacement of at least 8,000 feet.
The amount of lateral movement (at right angles to the axis of the
fault) may be expressed by the difference between the width of the gran-
ite belt e fand that of the inverted fragment d e, and will hardly fall
short of 6,000 feet.
South of ¢ the beds gradually rise again from the inverted position,
and a high, narrow ridge is formed of the almost vertical Carboniferous
rocks. This ridge is not above four miles in length, and is connected
with the main range by an irregular cross-ridge that separates the head-
waters of the north and south brauches of Rock Creek. The tongue of
granite that extends southward from Snow Mass along the fault-line is
obscured before reaching this cross-ridge by the overlapping sedimen- -
tary rocks (at h). Here the greatest confusion occurs, and large masses
of the rocks, of all ages, are found in the most unheard-of relations to
each other. The strata of the west side have been depressed and caught
beneath the encroaching strata of the east side, and are folded back
upon themselves, as seen in the drawing, Figure 11. This peculiar and
somewhat irregular fold may be traced for a distance of six or seven
miles, and in this distance is cut at right angles by three immense val-
leys. The sections exposed in the faces of these are not always distinct,
but at the same time make it possible to study the peculiar anatomy of
the fold. I observe that in every place where there is an éxposure the
Carboniferous rocks of the east side rest upon the upper surfaces of the
hard sandstones of the Dakota group, and with such a degree of regu-
larity that I was for a long time in doubt as to the identity of the latter.
In studying the section exposed on the north side of the valley which
crosses the fault at 7, I began near the crest of the main range west of
Maroon Mountain, and passed down through nearly 3,000 feet of Carbon-
iferous sandstones, limestones, and conglomerates (which have a gen-
tle dip to the east and undoubtedly belong to the eastern side of the
70 | GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
range), but on the slope between h and %, I came suddenly upon the
well-known sandstone of No. 1 Cretaceous, lying beneath the Paleozoic
rocks and to all appearances conformable with them. Keeping on at right
angles to the dip, I passed first over the outcropping edges of Jurassic
and Triassic (?) rocks; then over a ridge of Carboniferous conglom-
erates and limestones, much crushed and metamorphosed ; and finally,
beneath these still, over a full but much distorted series of Triassic, Juras-
sic, and Cretaceous rocks. The dip rises in places to 70 and 80 degrees,
and the strikes are not quite uniform. I was at first entirely unable to
account for this extraordinary succession of strata, and did not succeed
in solving the problem until I had followed the outcrops across the valley
to the south and discovered in the higher ridge at j the arch of the fold,
which, on the opposite side of the valley, had been carried away.
It seems that in the first place a great fault occurred, in which there
was a throw sufficient to place the Lower Cretaceous of the west side
opposite the Lower Carboniferous of the east side, and that a powerful
lateral movement had then driven the opposing strata together, the
harder Carboniferous rocks sliding forward upon the upper surface of
the quartzites of the Dakota group, and at the same time bending them
and portions of the firmer substrata back in a sharp fold, which, from
the continued pressure, has been carried en masse beyond the vertical and
almost severed below by the immense pressure. (See section F, large
sheet.) In the next ridge south, at j, the fold is not so abrupt, and the
ridge m, facing White Rock Creek, there is only a gentle arch of the
strata (see section G, large sheet), while a considerable gap occurs
between the faulted strata in which the granite appears.
_ At n the infolding ceases, and in the valley at o the strata dip some
forty degrees to the west (section H, large sheet).. Toward p they rise
again to the vertical, and at q have been pushed back to forty-five de-
grees past the vertical by a mass of granite, which now lies superim-
posed upon the ridges like so much trachyte.
Before reaching the bed of Teocalli Creek at r, the strata fall back
again almost to the normal horizontal position.
Here the fault forks; one branch extends southward through s, and
the other turns eastward along the north face of Teocalli Mountain and
continues in a pretty direct course to station 3.
The elevation on the north side of this branch of the fault has been
very great, and has extended over a large area. White Rock and Am-
phitheater Mountains have probably been the highest granitic points,
but the whole mass of the Castle group has been carried up so uniformly
that the Paleozoic rocks lie in an almost horizontal position upon a
plateau-like mass of granite. (See section H, large sheet.)
A few miles south of station 3, which is the most southeasterly gran-
ite outcrop of the Castle group,:a small pyramidal mass of granite has
forced its way up through the primordial rocks bordering the granites
of the Sawatch range, producing the summit of Italian peak. Although
this bit of granite seems quite isolated from the previously-described
centers of disturbance, a very marked line of fracture and faulting may
be traced between it and the Castle group, but as the details of this
region have already been given by Drs. Hayden and Peale, I shall con-
tent myself by giving, in conclusion, a brief recapitulation of the more
striking features of the Elk range. Topographically speaking, it is a
spur of the great continental divide, but geologically it is quite inde-
pendent in origin. It trends nearly northwest and southeast, so that
one extremity lies high upon the slopes of the Sawatch range, while the
other extends far out into the low country bordering the Grand River.
s
ie dnleac oie oies ee eee
tet 1 ren ‘
mat d
Capitol Greek
fe)
Cinnamon Mt.
J
aS
x
S S
S
S
G
PART oF THE GREAT FAULT FOLD oF tHe ELA MOUNTAINS.
v
Gested Butte
HG
fl
GY (Cdotnes Lee 09.)
Gp handiee (Ae
0 poh 1S Le
ay
Paris
Ofrancticire
iG
HOLMES.] : SUMMARY. U1
It seems to owe its present conformation to the occurrence of three
nearly parallel lines or belts of displacement, two of depression and one
of elevation.
The depression along the valley of Roaring Fork, which has already
been presented in Fig. 1, is included between the divergin ¢ axes of the
two ranges, and exhibits some very curious examples of faulting and
folding.
The elevated belt, which constitutes the range, is about forty miles in
length. It slopes gently toward the depression on the east, but drops off
very abruptly on the west in a great fault-fold. Four considerable areas
of eruptive granite occur along the axis of this belt or zone, and the de-
pressions between these contain synclinal folds of the sedimentary beds,
as seen in the longitudinal section given on the large sheet.
It will be noticed, by reference to the transverse sections, that the
axis section, which follows approximately the crests of the range, is
generally to the east of the axis of displacement. The reason of this
will be plain, when it is observed that the entire series of strata rise
gradually from the valley of the Roaring Fork synclinal, until the axis
of displacement i is reached, and that the highest points, which would at
first’stand along the line of this axis, are now carried back by erosion
from one to five ' miles to the east.
The amount of vertical displacement along the fault-fold, between
Aspen Creek on the northwest, and station 3 on the southeast, does
not fall short of 5,000 feet at any point, and will probably measure 10,000
feet in one or two places along the west side of the Snow Mass group.
The depressed belt west of the range, occupied by the valleys of Rock
Creek and Hast River, is very intimately associated with the fault-fold,
and has been produced by the downthrow on that side rather than
by any independent folding, as the strata do not rise at all to the west,
except for a few miles along the east face of Treasury Mountain, as seen
in sections EK and F.
On the 11th day of September we fell in with the main party just south.
of Italien Mountain, and after spending a few days in the review of the -
geology about the headwaters of Hast River, began our return march to
the Hast.
nae za) i
Pyne /
Dihite ke
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: Seas auction aed Heaney ek ee
La AME Dot TR Ui) 2 78 en
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ale at
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Prky Blurre of Sapaston’
=
BES
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOTt
US Geological and Geographical Survey of the Terriforice
FY Hayden, U.S.Geologist in Charge
OF THE:
ELK MOUNTAINS
COLORADO
FROM SURVEY TY
GB.Chivenden in 1874.
WITH GEOLOGY HY —
EV-Hayden and WH Holmen
Saale 2Miloe to Winch
Scale of Miles
oe ee!
OTES
Contours are tre hundred feet «part
bus tn fort abere the Sea ant have beer
aermrined by combination of baremmrie and (rigene:
mecrte
Traile are shown has ———
Rell =
A.
Casile Group from the West
Gpreal Sedimentary Weathering. Carberferass Sandstone
i)
a
\ \
a if
Rey ateea Soe
@ Ne
Sater
wy,
:
ay)
ET itt
SS
ies
IN OMA EAD tea
LEGEND.
‘Snare Mars Mt from the W
Typical Granite Weathering Brverted Bids of Car
moe
ve"
Se
Divide
Capitol <
a400g tt
jection = See Nap
che Oreck,
fralanche Geek |
A
[ESE rani oe Samateh Range -Aetamarphic
yashington Gulch
- Cretaceous Shales :is00 to 3000 [t thick-Fbustle
Na. Cretaceoun-uaresite- 200 to 990 /L~ Fossils
~Jurmasia Shales, Maris Sard anit Lire 40oe te e0u/t No Fosstla
Reed Beda -Senditercs e Conglomersics-s00s 4 24001 -No Fossils
Cardoraterous Sandstone Limestens, Conglemerate and Shale,
Tose ta bom fh - Foarile
Sihurian(?} Quarexite- bee te ¢20 No Fossile
Rete ee
Foe
SE 20010 SECTIONS accompanying MAP of ELK MOUNTAINS.
Vertical and Horizontal Scales the Same
iuyee ps
asaya, Contact of Eruptine & MAO PRC Granites
BR Beds of Hhyelite intruded MOwcen Sedimentary Strata.
Base Line of Sectians seve feet a6 the Sea Level
The dotted Linea show the probable Caren of Noy}.
oR
St
‘
}
=
REPORT OF A. C. PEALE, M. D.,
GEOLOGIST OF MIDDLE DIVISION.
1 Se
i
SY i Koei a el
TE ted seca eae r
REPORT OF A. C. PEALE, M. D., GEOLOGIST OF THE MIDDLE DIVISION.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 15, 1875.
Sir: I have the honor herewith to submit my report as geologist of
the middle division of the United States Geological and Geographical
Survey of the Territories for the season of 1874.
The report of Mr. Henry Gannett, who was in charge of the division,
will supplement this report, and to it I refer for more detailed informa-
tion in regard to the routes followed, elevation, and topographical fea-
tures of the district assigned us. We left Denver on the 21st of July,
and by the 5th of August had commenced work near the head of the
Eagle River.
On the Ist of November work was suspended and we started for Den-
ver, reaching that city about the middle of the month. During the
three months we were in the field at work 5,300 square miles were sur-
veyed.
My plan of working was in general the same as during the season of
1873.
Accompanying the topographer in charge to almost all the high sta-
tions, I made sketches of the surrounding country, on which I defined
in colors the boundaries of the various formations. Whenever time
permitted I made detailed sections of the strata.
This report is divided into nine chapters, the first three of which are
devoted to the general geological and topographical features respect-
ively of the valleys of Eagle, Grand, and Gunnison Rivers. The suc-
ceeding chapters give the special and detailed features of the various
formations, and the economical geology of the district. Catalogues of
the minerals and rocks are appended.
The report is accompanied by maps and sections, for which I am
largely indebted to Mr. William H. Holmes and Mr. Henry Gannett. I
have colored the geological formations on a provisional map, reduced by
photography from the original drawing of Mr. Gannett’s map of the
district.
The rapidity of preparation and necessary absence during publication
of the report must be my excuse for any errors that may appear.
In conclusion I wish to express my thanks for the cordial co-opera-
tion of all the members of the party.
With great respect, I remain your obedient servant,
A. C, PEALE.
Dr. F. V. HAYDEN,
United States Gologist.
75
ali}
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ree a ‘ an 4 7
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ag Ate 0 x
eine ne 4 wane His my
Ne ine
here Leon ne
Tso een
His a pee Me
Ti HEE ON A SRT
uit ae e ae bo ae
Nik tah ie
ile
J an eure pe Ghent ae. i
etait mee beet mye a
euiiiee wo
CONVENTIONAL SIGNS USED IN PLATES
FLT IV VIL VIII TX XTV
Quarizcles
Light colored gandslones
Peed sand slones
Gypsiferous shales Santaieee
Light shales
Dork shales
Limestones
Alluviusrn
Porphyrilie trachyle
Rhyo Lele, lesfer. &€ ohsidian
Breecita
Basalt
Archaecan
t
ecw i
. et
VRB
INTRODUCTION.
The territory assigned to the middle division for the season of 1873
was thus outlined in the letter of instruction given to Mr. Gannett, who
was in charge, on taking the field:
‘¢ The boundaries of the area to be mapped by your division (or as
much of it as the season will allow) are as follows: Commencing at the
intersection of meridian 109° 30’ and the Grand River, the line runs
northeastward up the Grand River to the junction of the Hagle River;
thence up the Eagle River to the mouth of Roche Moutonnée Creek ;
thence westward along the northern boundary of last summer’s (1873)
work to its intersection with meridian 107°; thence southward along
the western side of last summer’s work, approximately on the 107th
meridian, to parallel 38° 30’; thence westward on this parallel to the
intersection of meridian 109° 30’; and thence northward on this merid-
ian to the intersection of 109° 30’ with Grand River.”
This area has an irregular boundary, Grand River, on the north, and
includes between 7,000 and 8,000 square miles, of which about 5,300
square miles were actually worked during the season. The area is
bounded on the west by the Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers, leav-
ing the area west of these streams for another season. This gave us a
well-defined natural boundary as our western limit. The greater por-
tion of the area is plateau country, the elevation of which ranges from
9,000 feet to 11,000 feet above sea-level. The mountainous portion is
limited to the southeastern part, along the western edge of the Hik
Mountains. The drainage is comprehended in two systems, viz, that of
the Grand River and that of the Gunnison River.
The entire district is within the limits of the reservation for the Ute
Indians, and a large portion of it had never been visited by white men.
In 1853 Captain Gunnison, exploring for a route for a Pacific Railroad,
surveyed a belt of country along the river that now bears his name. | In -
the winter of 185354, Col. John C. Frémont passed over nearly the
same route that Gunnison did. In 1845 Frémont followed the Arkansas
to its head, crossed Tennessee Pass (called Utah Pass by him), to the
Piney (Eagle), and followed it for some distance, finally crossing to the
Blue (Grand River), and continuing westward. In 1873 Lieutenant
Ruffner followed Ohio Creek to its head, crossed to the head of Anthra-
cite Creek, and thence to Slate River, going eastward to the Arkansas.
All these were merely reconnaissance surveys, and added but little to
our knowledge of the country outside of their routes. The great mass
of country lying between was unexplored.
The general geological features of the district will be given in subse-
quent chapters. The greater portion of the district is covered with
rocks of Tertiary and Cretaceous age, covered in places with laya-
flows.
Mr. Gannett’s report will give all details in regard to the elevations
of peaks and passes, and topography of the country.
77
Cate AN Kee t
Ls
i
(Rh ete os
SEE oe figs os
;
*.
yi 4
AWD au,
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Din oery salsa Bye
T/RRN CN ERR EM ee
CHAPTER I.
SURFACE GEOLOGY—VALLEY OF EAGLE RIVER.
_ Eagle River is a branch of Grand River, one of the forks uniting to
form the Colorado. It rises immediately opposite the head of the
Arkansas, and is about sixty-four miles in length. At its head it is
formed by two main branches, one having its source in the Park range,
and the other rising in the Sawatch range, which terminates in the
Mountain of the Holy Cross. The Sawatch range, on the western side
of the valley of the Arkansas River, forms the continental divide. North
ot the Holy Cross the range falls off, the water-shed or divide crossing
to the eastward at Tennessee Pass, between the heads of Kagle River and
the Arkansas.
Eagle River flows around the northern end of the Sawatch range. Its
general course, at first, is a little west of north. Ten miles north of the
Holy Cross it bends more to the westward, and the general course for
nearly fourteen miles is north 64° west. Itthen turns abruptly and
flows south 78° west, which course it holds quite uniformly for about
twenty miles, to its mouth. ;
The greater part of its drainage is from the south. The entire area
drained by the southern branches is a little over five hundred square ©
miles. The opposite side of the river was in Mr. Marvine’s district, and
will no doubt be fully-treated of in his report.
The river is a very rapid stream throughout its entire length. The
average fall is 67.2 feet per mile. From Tennessee Pass to the mouth of
Roche-Moutonnée Creek, the rate is 150 feet, and from here to the head
of the second cafion 49.4 feet, while from the latter place to the mouth
it is 32.4 feet.
The upper part of Eagle River was partially described in the last
annual repoft (1873), our division having followed it as far as Roche-
Moutonnée Creek, for the purpose of ascending the Mountain of the
Holy Cross. In order that this report may be complete I will have to
repeat a portion of the notes on my work of the previous year. Fora
distance of about three miles from: Tennessee Pass the river is ina
caiion-like valley, the hills on either side being comparatively low and
rounded. The rocks are granitic, with occasional dikes of volcanic ma-
terial. From this cafion the stream emerges into a broad meadow-like
valley of about four miles in length, in which it is joined by the branch
rising in the Park range near Quandary peak.
The valley is three miles in width, the hills on either side of granitic
tock being capped with sedimentary formations, which will be referred
to in more detail in another part of the report. Leaving this valley,
the river flows immediately into a cation with steep sides, the trail leav-
ing and crossing to the western branch. A line of outcrop of quartz-
ites crosses the river and follows the summit of the ridge between
the two branches. These beds are, in all probability, primordial. Car-
boniferous beds outcrop on the eastern side of the eastern branch, but
1 defer their description for the present.
79
SO - GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
The western branch is in reality the continuation of the main river,
being twelve miles long. It rises in the Sawatch range, and drains the
country for six miles south of the Mountain of the Holy Cross. Its
course at first is north 40° east, but in the lower two miles it flows almost
at right angles to this, being parallel to the eastern branch. On the
western side of the stream the hills are gneissic, the sedimentary cap-
ping have been removed by erosion. All the streams joining the river
-above the mouth of the Piney on the south and west present abundant
evidence of intense glacial action. They are parallel to each other, the
general course being north 40° east. The glaciation was described in the
report for 1873, and I, therefore, simply refer to it here.
Before uniting with the western branch, the eastern fork is joined
by a branch of considerable size having its source in the Park range,
opposite Ten-Mile Creek, one of the tributaries of Blue River. The
geology about the head of this stream has never as yet been fully inves-
tigated, but I am inclined to think that all the formations, from the
Carboniferous to the Red Beds, inclusive, will be found along its course.
The Cretaceous beds would scarcely appear until we reach a point
farther north, near Mount Powell. As I mentioned in last year’s re-
port.* I think it probable that a fault extends along the western edge
of the Park range, west of Blue River.
After the union of the two forks, Eagle River enters a deep and inac-
eessible cation of about four miles in length, cut in dark-colored gneissic
rocks, from which it emerges just above the mouth of Roche-Moutonnée
Creek. The trail keeps high (800 to 1,000 feet) above the level of the
river, on the hills on the eastern side, near the edge of the sedimentary
formations, which are exposed on both sides of the cafion. On the
western side there are only patches of quartzite, remnants of the Pots-
dam group. On the eastern side there are other beds, probably of Silurian
age, upon which rest Carboniferous layers, and possibly the Devonian,
although it seems to be altogether wanting, there being no positive evi-
dence of its existence here. These beds all dip about 10° to 20° to the
northeast, the inclination gradually changing more to the north as we
follow the river. In the bluffs on the right-hand side of the river, oppo-
site the mouth of Roche-Moutonnée Creek, formations from those of: Pri-
mordial age to the Permian, or Permo-Carboniferous, are exposed.
This, of course, includes the Devonian doubtfully, for that, formation
has not, as yet, been positively identified in Colorado. Just above the
mouth of the creek gneiss is seen on the edge of the river, but as we go
down, higher and higher sedimentary beds gradually form the base of the
bluffs, and below the Piney the line of outcrop of the Carboniferous
crosses, and still farther down even the Cretaceous shows on both sides,
the strike curving around the end of the range and continuing along
- the western side to the Elk Mountains, in our last year’s district. On
the west side of the river, as far as the Piney, there are long spurs, or
ridges, sloping gently at an angle of about 10°, toward the river.
These ridges are capped with quartzite, which 1 have considered to be
the equivalent of the Potsdam group. These quartzites terminate
within a short distance of the center of the range. ‘Erosion has re-
moved the beds formerly resting upon them, their hardness preserving
them. They are shown in Section B, Plate I.
The creeks, separating these ridges, have their origin in beautiful
meadow-like parks, nestling immediately below the peaks in the range,
from whose snow banks they derive their supply of water; thence they
flow with a comparatively uniform descent to within a short distance of
*Seventh Annual Report, 1873, page 242.
po,
BAA ZA
VALE ———
De Z a a Ga
eT
| SUR YL W UCM RS you
: oe
9
‘Tord
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ee
cng
PEALE] GEOLOGY—EAGLE RIVER. 81
Eagle, when they descend rapidly to its level. The erosion along the
main stream has been much greater for several reasons. In the first
place the beds have a dip from the maf range, leaving, perhaps, a sort
of trough between the Sawatch range and the Park range. This de-
ermined the course of the river, which we accordingly find curving
around the range as the sedimentary formations do. These beds are
also in a great measure made up of sandstones that are comparatively
soft, and yielded readily to the action of water. The river, therefore, is
in a monoclinal rift for a considerable portion of its course.
In thecanon, above the mouth of Roche-Moutonnée Creek, the streams
reach the river by falls and cascades.
The slopes are heavily timbered with dense pine forests, and along
the streams are groves of cottonwood, (Populus tremuloides.) In the
cation are huge bowlders, which, mingled with the dead and fallen
timber where the forest has been swept by fires, cause great difficulty
in traveling.
At the mouth of the Piney, a stream coming in from the east, the
river again enters a cailon. It is something over a mile in length. At
the head of the cation is a high bluff on the right side, while the op-
posite bank is broken down, allowing the passage of the trail over the
hill, not very far above the level of the water. :
On the south side, on the top of the quartzite, (Potsdam ?) are lime-
stones, and, a short distance below, the Carboniferous sandstones cross
the river, the angle of inclination being about 25°, a little more to the
northward than in the bluffs opposite Roche-Moutonnée Creek.
Below the canon the Eagle enters a broad valley, extending for ten
mniles, to the head of another cation. This valley will probably average
a mile in width, and is filled with the debris washed from the hills on
either side. It is terraced and covered with a growth of sage-brush,
(Artemisia.) Bordering the river is a narrow belt of alluvium which
widens in the lower part of the valley around two small lake-expan-
sions of the stream. There are beautiful meadows around the lakes.
The lower lake is about a mile long and an eighth of a mile wide, whils
the upper one is much smaller, being only a little over a half a mile in
length. ;
Here we found a party of men camped. They were prospecting and
fishing. Eagle River abounds in delicious trout of a large size, some
that we measured being sixteen inches in length. Their plan was to
take the fish every week to Oro City, on the Arkansas River, and sell
them. They also claimed to have found gold in some of the streams
coming from the Sawatch range. The gold, if present, is probably de-
rived from the granitic and gneissic rocks that prevail near the heads of
the creeks.
The course of the Eagle through the valley we have just described is
north 78° west. On the southwest side, the long sloping spurs that we
noticed above the Piney still continue. Near the river they are lower,
and, for the most part, grassed over, only an occasional outcrop of lime.
stone or sandstone appearing. On the opposite side are outerops of
red sandstone (Triassic?). I have referred to the cation which bounds
the lower end of the valley. It is somewhat curious. On entering it the
river changes its course and flows north 45° west, which direction it keeps
for four miles. It then turns abruptly and flows south 72° west. This
portion of its course in the cafion is three miles in length. On the south
side is a semicircular ridge, extending from the head of the cafion to its
foot. It reminds one of a bow, while the river, with its bend, is the
cord ready drawn to discharge the arrow. We made two stations on
6H J
82 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY: OF THE TERRITORIES.
this ridge, which is 1,500 to 2,000 feet above the river. Its rim is made
of the sandstone of No. 1 Cretaceous (Dakota group), which crosses
the river at the head of the caiien, almost at right angles to its course,
the dip being in the direction of the stream. On the north side there
is a curious spoon-like curve in the strata, shown in Plate II, which will
be fully explained in Mr. Marvine’s report, as it is in his district. Be-
neath the Cretaceous sandstone, in place, are the Jurassic shales and
limestones, followed by the Red Beds, (Triassic?) underneath which is
a series of gypsiferous beds, exposed on both sides of the river. These
will all be referred to again when [ come to speak of the various for-
mations separately.
The river, on leaving the cation, keeps the course it has there until
it reaches the Grand. The valley is about twelve miles long, extending
to within five or six miles of the Grand. It is wide and bordered with
low hiils of gypsiferous shales, covered with a growth of cedar ( Juniperus
occidentalis). Beyond these hills are higher ones, not reaching above
timber-line, the basis being red sandstones. The gypsum hills are econ-
spicuous from their white color and their softness, which causes them to
yield readily to eroding influences. They are therefore much cut
up by gullies which forthe greater portion of the year are dry, but during
storms are the beds of torrents washing down the soft clay. Hach creek
extending into them, fans out into a great number of small gullies. The
shales and sandstones of which they are formed belong to the same hori-
zon, viz, Oarboniferous or Permo-Carboniferous, as do those mentioned
as occurring below the Red Beds above the cafion.
It seemsas though the Hagle, instead of entering the canon and cutting
its way across the hard sandstone of the Dakota group, should have
worn its channel through these softer beds that lie to the southward of.
its present course. It might perhaps have done this, but that an island
of eruptive rock (basalt), of great hardness, caps the hills south of the
cafion (see map A), forming a barrier that in all probability determined
its deflection to the northward. Fig. 1, Plate II, represents a section
across this area from the Kagle to creek g.
There are two large creeks flowing into the Eagle from the south in
this lower valley. ' The first or eastern one I will designate as creek g,
and the other ascreek h. They both have their origin in a broad-topped
ridge of red sandstone (Triassic ?) which forms the divide or water-shed
between Frying-Pan Oreek, a tributary of Roaring Fork, and the waters
of the Eagle. In 1873 we made a station (No. 82), on this ridge, and
from it I made asection,* showing the structure of the country as it ap-
peared to be looking northward. I said, in the report,} that there
seemed to be a series of faults and that the section might have to be
modified when the region should have been more closely studied.
I found this year that the beds I then thought to be Cretaceous, judg-
ing from the color as seen from the station on looking north, are really
the gypsiferous beds that lie beneath the red sandstones. Instead of a
. number of faults, therefore, as shown in the illustration (Fig. 3, plate
19, Report for 1873), there is simply an exposure of the gypsum-beds in
both the places marked “ Cretaceous,” at the head of creek h and in the
valley of Hagle River. As I mentioned in my notes of last year, the
red sandstones on station 82 dip a few degrees west of north, inclining
at a comparatively small angle, which increases as we go northward.
On station 8, the dip is in the same direction, as also on station 9. As
* Plate 19, Fig. 3, 7th Annual Report, 1873.
t Page 266, 7th Annual Report, 1873.
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LT ep) GEOLOGY-——EAGLE RIVER. 83 -
the creeks. g and h flow towards the Eagle they cut deeper and deeper,
until the gypsiferous beds are exposed. The course of the streams is,
in general, north 32° west, being entirely different from that of Roche-
Moutonnée Creek and its parallel streams. The latter flow north 40° east.
The branches between the mouth of the Piney and the head of the cation
above creek f have a direction almost due north. What the exact rela-
tion is between the beds on both sides of the Hagle I cannot say.
In the shales forming the central masses there is a great variety in the
dips, owing probably to a number of minor folds, to elucidate which
would have required more time than I had at my disposal.
On the north side of the river in, Mr. Marvine’s district, the red sand-
stones overlying the Gypsiferous series dip a little east of north at an
angle of from 6° to 8°. On the south side, : as we have already seen, the
dip is west of north.
Between the two, therefore, there is either a line of faulting or fold-
ing; I incline to believe the latter. I could find nothing that indicated
the existence of a fault. There may have been more than one fold, all,
however, very gentle in character. The axis of a synclinal fold, I think,
runs along the edge of the hills on the south side, having a direction
about north 70° west. The southern half of the fold is all that is left, the
other side having been removed by erosion. There was probably
another fold between this and the river. Between creek g and the
canon there is a patch of Cretaceous rocks forming a semi-quaquaversal.
This was, I think, the head of the synclinal fold referred to above. The
cause of the basin may have been the crossing of the first fold by a sec-
' ond.
In the hill south of Kagle River, and between it and creek h, there is a
gentle synclinal fold, the axis of which is parallel to the one first de-
scribed. In the valley above, with the exception of some irregular dips
in the gypsiferous beds, it is obliterated. Just beyond this fold is the
anticlinal fold, the axis of which is occupied by the river. This may be
a prolongation of the fold between Eagle River and creek g, where we
have the volcanic rock capping the hills. The folds seem to radiate
from a point near here and to become broader and shallower as we go
down stream. I could not determine whether the ends of the strata
were broken or not beneath the volcanic material. I will refer to this
again in a subsequent portion of the report.
Below the mouth of creek h, the Eagle is in a caiion-like valley
which continues to the Grand. As I have already said, this valley -
is the axis of an anticlinal fold, the rocks on both sides dipping
away from the river, the red sandstones (Triassic) being on top,
and pink gypsiferous sandstones below. In the gypsiferous hills
or the north side of the river, Mr. Marvine noticed indications of
an anticlinal fold that he thinks may be the prolongation of the one
in the cafion. I am inclined to think, however, that it was merely a
local fold in those beds, and that the river above the caiion still keeps ~
in the same axis, although erosion has removed so much material that
it is difficult to decide. As I have already mentioned, there is a gentle
synclinal fold occupying the hill on south side of the river. It is on the
summit, and its axis is parallel to the course of the river. This fold is
represented at E in section C, Plate III, which is made on the lineG, C,
E, F, of map A. Section D is a section across the valley of the Eagle
from’ Station No. 9, the Red Beds capping the station resting on the gyp-
siferous beds.
Bordering theriver on the north side, a short distance above its mouth,
is an irregular layer of eruptive rock, probably basalt, which forms a
84. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
low bluff-like wall, ten to twenty feet above the level of the water. It
seems to have come down the ravines in the hills bordering the valley,
and to have spread out like the slag from a furnace. The river seems
to have stopped its progress, for no trace of the rock could be found on
the south side. It seems to have forced the river to the southern side
of the valley, and the force of the water has scooped out the hills, leav-
ing bluffs on that side in which the strata forming the hills are beauti-
fully shown.
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A eR
CHAPTER IL
SURFACE GEOLOGY—GRAND RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES.
Grand River rises in Grand Lake, in the northeast corner of Middle
Park, west of Long’s Peak, and derives its supply of water near its head
from the Colorado or Front Range, the divide between Middle and North
Parks and the Park range.
It unites with the Green River to form the Colorado, and has a total
length of about three hundred and fifty miles, of which one hundredand
fifteen miles is in our district. It rises farther eastward than any other
water in Colorado which flows into the Pacific.
On some maps the name Blue River is given to it, while the name
Grand is applied to the Gunnison and to the Grand proper below the
mouth of the Gunnison. Gunnison* calls it Nah-un-kah-reaor Blue River,
and the Gunnison henamesthe Grand. Blue River, in reality, isin Mid-
dle Park and a branch of the Grand.
The reasons for using the name Grand in preference to’Blue are briefly
as follows:
It is really the main stream, being, at the junction of the Gunnison,
twice the size of the latter, andif the name is given to the lower portion
it should also be given to the largest stream above. Again, it is so
known all through Colorado and at its head in Middle Park, and will
probably, therefore, always hold good, while the name Blue is restricted
to the branch rising in the divide between the Middie Park and the
South Park, and flowing northward along the eastern side of the Park
range.
In Middle Park Grand River is from forty to fifty miles in length, and
has been fully described by Mr. Marvine in his report for 1873, and
from the Park range to the mouth of Eagle River, a distance of about
forty-five miles in a straight line, it lies within his district for 1874, and
will no doubt be fully reported on by him.
From the mouth of the Eagle to the mouth of the Gunnison, it formed
the boundary between the northern and middle districts, and we have
therefore to treat bere only of the general features and geology of its
southern drainage in this part of its course. There are three large
branches which I will take up in their order, commencing at the mouth
of the Eagle.
On glancing at the map we notice that there are two general courses
for the streams, the Grand flowing south of west and turning more and
more to the southward as we go west, until at one point it flows almost
due south, afterward turning to the west before reaching the mouth of
the Gunnison. The courses of the main branches, especially of the
first two, are west of north. The third holds the same general course at
first, but are afterward modified by circumstances that will be explained
‘arther on.
*Pacific Railroad Report, vol. ii.
85
86 | GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
The area drained by these branches includes about 1,300 square
mniles.
The country included is generally plateau-like in character. This is
more apparent to the westward, and in the divide between the Grand
River and the North Fork of the Gunnison. The general elevation of
the plateau is from 9,000 feet to 11,000 feet.
In the eastern portion, from the Eagle River to a short distance west
of Roaring Fork, are rolling hills covered with scrub-oak (Quercus alba),
eotton-woods (Populus tremuloides), and stunted cedars (Juniperus occi-
dentalis). The latter was most abundant on the lower slopes, and
seemed to thrive best on soil derived trom the breaking down of the
shales in the upper part of the Cretaceous and Tertiary formations. The
rocks throughout this region were mostly of Tertiary age, capped in
places by basalt. The general geology, however, will be dwelt on as
we proceed.
The course of the Grand, from the mouth of the Eagle to the mouth
of Roaring Fork,is south 60° west. Most of this distance, sixteen miles
in an air-line, the river is in cation, the head of which is a little over three
miles below the Hagle. It is probably impassable to travel, the sides
' being very steep. There is no Indian trail following the course of the
river. Mr. Marvine’s party kept on the hills some distance back from
the edge on the northern side, and we followed an Indian trail across
the hills to a stream which joins the Grand at the head of the cafion.
This trail seemed to be much used and leads across to Roaring Fork,
which it strikes:above the mouth of Rock Creek, a branch rising in the
Elk Mountains.
The valley above the cafion is about three and a half miles in length,
and although wider than the valley of the Eagle just above its mouth,
is still comparatively narrow. On the north side are limestone slopes,
and on the south low, rounded hills of the gypsiferous beds. At the
head of the canon and forming the gateway, as it were, are beds of mas-
sive limestone, probably of Carboniferous age. They dip to the north-
east, inclining about 20°. Farther along in the cafion there may be out-
crops of older beds, which can be determined only by following the
bluffs close to the river. The hills on the south side of the cafon are
capped with a black vesicular basalt, which rests immediately on the
Triassic red sandstones. The dip of these beds I was unable to deter-
mine, but they are probably conformable to the layers beneath.
The creek up which the trail led, after leaving the Grand, joins the
river by cutting a small cafion through limestones similar to those at
the head of the cation of the Grand. These beds are somewhat mas-
“sive, and above them are blue limestones with interlaminated sand-
stones passing into gray and white sandstones, with yellow and black
shaly beds above. These are beneath the pink gypsiferous beds out-
cropping farther up and corresponding with those on Hagle River.
Still farther up stream the Red Beds appear, the line of outcrop crossing
the creek near its head.
Leaving this creek, we crossed to the waters of Roaring Fork, the first
stream reached being a branch joining it about two miles below the
mouth of Rock Creek. The country between the Grand and Roaring
Fork here is a rolling plateau covered mostly with a growth of scrub-
oak. The plateau is capped with a black vesicular basalt, which in
places is worn away, exposing the red sandstone beneath. The
head of the creek is in canon in which the Cretaceous beds are shown,
dipping to the southwest. Station No. 11 was almost on the line be-
tween the top of the Red Beds and the overlying stata. Farther down
PEALE.] GEOLOGY—ROARING FORK. Ore
the creek there are exposures of Cretaceous beds in patches, whose re-
lations I was unable to determine definitely.
Between the head of the creek and Frying-Pan Creek is a broad-
topped hill or mesa, capped with black vesicular basalt. I referred to
this mesa last year,* and then supposed the capping to be trachytic.
The beds beneath it, outcropping on the south and southeast sides, are
almost horizontal, the sandstone of the Dakota group (Cretaceous No. 1)
appearing on top, the Jurassic beds and Triassic sandstones lying be-
neath in their order. A short distance farther north, on Frying-Pan
Creek, the dip of the red sandstones, which outcrop in massive beds, is
a little east of north at a very slight angle, 5° to 10°. As we have
already seen, the Cretaceous formations on station 11 dip southwest.
ee head of ‘the creek that we are describing, probably has its origin in
a synclinal depression, which deepens to the northwest in going down
the creek, and gradually dies out beyond its head on the broad-topped
hiils north of Frying-Pan. ‘The folds in this region are generally very
gentle, but their axes run in almost every direction. ‘There is so much
eruptive materia] on top of the sedimentary beds that it is difficult to
trace the connections between the different outcrops. Mr. Marvine
thinks there is a fault running beneath the plateau, between the Grand
and Roaring Fork.
Seattered along the course of the creek, and its brancbes rising in
the plateau, are numerous little meadows. The lower seven miles of
its course the creek is in cafion, which deepens rapidly as we go down.
Therocks at the head are basaltic, capping the bluffs oneither side. They
are present on the hills, or rather plateau, throughout the length of the
canton. Atone point [ think Cretaceous shows, although I cannot be
certain, as I did not have time to visit the outcrop. Farther down, the
Red Beds show, and beneath them, at the mouth of the creek, there is a
considerable thickness of the gypsiferous series.
I will take up next the valley of Roaring Fork. The upper portion
of the valley was described in last year’s report, so that this year we
have to do only with the lower part of its course, that below the mouth
of Frying-Pan Creek. There is one point, however, that I wish to refer
to here. When speakingt{ of the small butte between Maroon Creek
and Roaring Fork, | was at a loss to account for the inversion of the
beds exposed in the butte of which I gave a section. This year
the Elk Mountain region was studied in more detail and a great many
obscure points were explained. In the case mentioned above, Mr. Holmes
found a line of faulting extending along the upper side of Roaring Fork
which explained the inversion of. the str ata.
Below the mouth of Frying-Pan Oreek on the right-hand side are low,
rolling hills, the basis of which. seems to be the Upper Cretaceous forma-
tion. On the opposite side, however, there are outcrops of red sand-
stones beneath in the bluffs. The Cretaceous strata extend to the gran-
ite of Sopris peak, seeming to rest immediately upon it, there being
nothing showing between until we get on the otber faces of the moun-
tain. The geology about the southern part of the peak was referred to
last year. J urassic, Triassic, and Carboniferous layers outcrop on Rock
Creek, but this region will be fully described in other parts of the re-
port, so I merely mention it here and to return Roaring Fork.
The course of the latter stream from the mouth of Frying-Pan to the
mouth of Rock Creek, a distance of eleven or twelve miles, is north 70°
west, the rate of fall being about fifty feet to the mile. The valley above
*Page 265, report of 1873. {Page 263, Report 1873.
88 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
the mouth of Rock Creek is about two miles in width, and beautifully
terraced. The river splits into numerous branches, inclosing islets on
which are groves of cottonwoods. The terrace blutfis on the north side
are about one hundred feet in height. Rock Creek enters the valley,
emerging from the Elk Mountains, about three miles above its mouth.
After the junction of the two streams, Rock Creek turns and flows north
25° west. Just before it turns, it flows by bluffs of red sandstone, out-
cropping on the north side. They dip 10° to 20° a few degrees east of
north. A short distance back of the river they are capped with basalt,
and covered with a growth of low cedars. The hills continue 6n the
north or northeast side of the river until we reach the Grand. ‘There is
some slight folding at right angles to the river, allowing the gypsiferous
beds to outcrop as we go down. It is only a minor fold, for Roaring
Fork occupies the axis of the main fold, which is an anticlinal. On
the opposite side of the river there are well-marked hog-backs, in which
the strike is parallel to the course of the river, as is shown also in the
parallel course of the streams draining them. A section through these —
hog-backs and across Roaring Fork is shown in section F, Plate
IV. In tbe hills, farther back, there is basalt. on the summits. The
hog-backs extend to within about four miles of the Grand, when the
basaltic capping comes so near the river as to preserve the cdge of the
hills and prevent the underlying beds from being eroded. The line of
outcrop also curves slightly to the -westward, under the capping, so
that the Cretaceous No. 1, which forms the best defined hog back, is
considerably farther from Roaring Fork, near the Grand, than it is
near Rock Creek. At this point, then, the Red Beds are seen on
top, and beneath a considerable thickness of the gypsiferous strata
outcrops on both sides of the river. Those’on the south side have
weathered into curious pinnacle and tower like forms of pink, yel-
low, gray, and creamy colors. The valley of Roaring Fork is
here comparatively narrow. The river and local drift is terraced,
the terraces in the lower part of the valley being covered with bowld.
ers of black basalt, from the hills back of the hog-backs. About three
miles and a half above the mouth, Roaring Fork is joined by the creek
draining the hog-backs, which here cuts across them and flows along
the upper edge of a terrace that is 200 feet above the level of the river.
The course of the river here is almost due north until it joins the Grand,
just as the latter emerges from the cafion that commences below the
mouth of the Hagle. The exit is through a narrow gorge in the lime-
stones. These limestones continue along the upper side of the river,
dipping generally toward the south, at an angle of 20° to 30°. The
inclination is more abrupt near the river, decreasing as we go back, un-
til, on the summit of the hills, the beds are almost horizontal. On the -
south side the Red Beds outcrop, forming bluffs that at some points are
five hundred feet in height, rising in sheer precipices. There are proba-
bly gypsiferous beds beneath, but they are concealed by the local débris.
A short distance back the edge of the basaltic mass capping the hills
appears. Its outlines are somewhat difficult to trace in places, as it is
covered with a growth of scrub.oak, and scattered groves of cotton-
woods. The line of outcrop of the Dakota group appears from beneath
the basaltic area, and keeps along the lower side of the river, the strike
being north 75° ‘west. The beds form a series of hog-backs, the contin-
uation of those on Roaring Fork. They extend along the Grand on the
lower side for eight miles, when they cross and stretch away, to the north-
west, in anisolated range which gradually dies out in a plateau. A sec-
tion ACTOSS these hog- backs west of station 17 is shown in Fig. 2, Plate
Plate IV.
La Station 13
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tig h. Section F.
PEALE.] GEOLOGY——GRAND RIVER. 89
IV. The valley of the Grand below the mouth of Roaring Fork is only
about two miles long, the river again entering a canon. At the head of
this cafion the Red Beds cross, and are shown on both sides. Theriver
gradually bends and follows the strike, in a monoclinal, rift for six miles, .
when it turns again and cuts abruptiy across almost at right angles to
the strike, flowing through a valley cut in the soft shaly beds that lie
just above the Dakota group.
This valley is only a few miles in length, and in it the river is joined
by quite a large stream from the north, which: flows along the eastern
base of the Cretaceous range, which I have described as ending i in the
plateau to the northwest. From this valley the river cuts through the
strata at right angles to the strike, and comes out into a broad valley,
through which it flows for fifteen or twenty miles, and enters another
cafion, or rather cafion-like valley, cut in a plateau in which the beds
are almost, if not quite, horizontal. This cafon is more or less persist-
ent until the river enters the valley in which it is joined by the Gun-
nison. The general course of the river for about nineteen or twenty
miles is south 70°-75° west. At the head of the valley the blufis are
alinost vertical, and, indeed, in some places, the cliffs, as seen in certain
lights, appear ‘to overhang. At the point where the course changes
to the southward, the valley is wider, and the Grand splits, forming
islands in the midst of the river. This is northwest of station 50.
The plateau here, between the Grand and Plateau Creeks, is narrow, and
has in reality degenerated into a ridge from which the basaltic capping
has been removed.
Returning to the valley above the cafion, we see that it is from fifteen
to twenty miles in length, and that the drainage on the south is prinei-
pally‘through two streams, one in the eastern portion and the other
(North Mam Creek, see map KE) on the western side. They rise in the
platean forming the divide between them and the head of the North Fork
of the Gunnison. The eastern branch is formed by two streams, whose
courses are almost parallel. Between the Kast Fork and Roaring Fork
there is a smaller creek (¢ creek, Grand River), which rises in a
mass of rounded hills, which I referred to when speaking of the hog-
backs on the west side of Roaring Fork. Between this creek and the
plateau south of the cation there are several folds, the axes of which
are parallel, each being northwest and southeast.
The rocks underlying the valley are all of Cretaceous age, capped
irregularly in places with basalt, especially on the divide. Here the
strata are almost horizontal, inclining, if at all, only a few degrees
toward the west in the eastern portion.
The line of hog-backs before referred to, sxieodin g along the lower
side of the Grand from station Ne. 16, through station 18, and cross-
ing the river, forms the side of a synclinal fold, the axis of which is,
partially at least, occupied by a creek (c, Grand River). The dip of
the strata is southwest, inclining at an angle ofabout 15°; this increases
as we go toward the Grand, being about 60° there.
Station 20 is on the opposite side of the fold, the dip of the sandstones
there being northeast at an angle of 15° to 20°. From station No. 19
to 22 there is a mesa coveréd with basaltic bowlders. I am inclined to
think also that there is a capping of the same material. The bowlders
are derived from the hills near the divide. The mesa is about a mile
wide and slopes gently toward the Grand. It is about 400 feet above
the valley of the creek at the forks below station No. 19. At station
tion No. 22 it is 800 feet high.
Between the forks of the large creek east of North Mam Creek, the
90 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
hills are capped with basalt. The elevation of station 24 is 10,642 feet,
and station 25, 9,031 feet. There is but little timber here, the summits
being grassy and park-like. In some few places there are pines, but
_cottonwoods are more abundant. In the hills east of station 24, and on
the lower slope, there is scrub-oak (Quercus alba) in abundance. The
small creeks rising in the Cretaceous shales we generally found strongly
impregnated with alkali.
The western branch of the creek referred to above, heads in beautiful
meadows. Its course here is nearly due west. After flowing in this
direction for five miles it turns and flows to the northwest, gradually
crossing to the western side of a low, broad anticlinal. The strata on
the east incline 5° to the northeast, and on the opposite side from 5°
to 10° in the opposite direction. Beyond, the beds probably become
horizontal, as seen in the high white cliffs east of station No. 48, on
the edge of the plateau.
In looking down upon this valley from the hills bordering it, it ap-
pears more open than it really is, for we find that it has numerous hills
or buttes in which the sandstones. outcrop. They are gray, chocolate-
colored, and greenish. We were not able to visit them, but noted them
from the stations on the east side and from the plateau.
We were not on the Grand River in this valley nor on North Mam
Creek, which joins it above the canon. North Mam Creek flows along
the eastern edge of the plateau from which some of its branches are de-
rived. Its general course is north 15° east.
The branches of the Grand from the south in the cafion valley north
of the plateau are all small and unimportant, simply draining the pla-
teau. The next branch of importance is Plateau Creek flowing into the
Grand 50 or 60 miles below the head of the canon. It is a stream of con-
siderable size, deriving its water principally from the mesa divide on the
south, the branches heading in the plateau of station 48, carrying water
only in the spring and early summer.
There are two principal streams uniting to form the creek, one (f
creek, map E), having its sources opposite those of the northern branches
of the North Fork of the Gunnison, and the other (g creek, map I), rising
more to the north and eastward, opposite the head of North Mam Creek.
The branch first mentioned is the largest. Its course is generally north.
A few miles above its mouth, however, it turns abruptly and flows west-
ward, parallel to the other branch, leaving a flat-topped terrace between.
It rises on the divide, in beautiful park-like meadows, among low hills
whosérounded outlines are covered with groves of quaking aspens whose
foliage in the fall of the year is of a rich golden hue, contrasting boldly ~
with the dark green of the pines found on the higher points. These
groves abound in game, and are favorite hunting-grounds of the Indians.
We found their trails leading in almost every direction. Near the head
of the creek are outcrops of soft shaly beds covered in some places with
basalt which forms rough points reaching above the general level. In
the valleys the soil is made of the débris from the shales mingled with
pebbles from the erosion of the basaltic layer which once formed a
capping to the plateau. Scattered over it are chips of chalcedony and
agate. The sedimentary beds are nearly horizontal. As we go down
the valley we find the creek cutting deeper and deeper into the soft
strata, leaving high terraces between the branches. Between camp 44
and camp 45 the river falls 2,583 feet, which is about 200 feet per mule.
In the lower part of the valley there are outcrops of soft gray sand-
stones. The terraces are partially covered with scrub-oak, which make
traveling somewhat difficult. The other branch has a much more open
POY (3
Pte at ve
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nine
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SS SSS
PEALE.) GEOLOGY—GRAND RIVER—PLATEAU CREEK. on
valley. It rises among low hills, and has a much more gradual fall to
its mouth. It is about 24 miles in length, and forms a portion of the
boundary-line of the plateau of station 48. Between the parallel por-
tions of the two streams jast described there is a terrace, the height of
which is about 80 feet, at the bend of the first branch. It is about a
mile wide here and slopes to the forks, where it terminates in a point,
the entire length of the bench being about seven miles. It is covered
with good bunch-grass, and has evidently been used by the Indians as a
grazing-ground for cattle. The plateau between this creek and the
Grand River is approximately triangular in shape, the base being on the
éastern side. Here it is 15 miles in width. To the west it gradually
terminates in a ridge, which extends between the two streams. Its
length is 15 miles, and its mean elevation, where the general level is
best preserved, is about 10,200 feet. It was once, doubtless, continuous
with the mesa or plateau which sti]l exists to the southward. Erosion
has isolated it. The covering of basalt which once covered it has been
partially removed. The remnants left reach from 200 to 250 feet above the
general level, forming monument-like points that are visible from a great
distance. Station 48 was located on one of these points, a conical mass
248 feet high. The eastern edge of the plateau, as I have already men-
tioned, has steep bluffs, overlooking a broad valley. On the north side,
also, are bluffs, which as we go down the Grand become less steep, a num-
ber of small streams cutting them into small hills. Toward the eastern
side the beds are nearly horizontal, but as we go west we find that there
is a slight dip to the east, or perhaps a little north of east. The south-
ern side of the plateau, near station 48, has a number of creeks draining
it, the courses of which are nearly parallel, flowing south. Between them
are sharp ridges, at the base of which gray and pinkish sandstones
outcrop. On top are light clayey beds and interlaminated hardened
shales, weathering a white color, thus giving the bluffs a unique appear-
ance, aS seen from a distance. Underneath the basalt, the beds are
concealed even on the edges of the plateau. As we go down the creek
the valley widens on both sides.. On the south are drift-covered ter-
races sloping from the divide. On the north side are low bluifs, close
to the river,in which pink and yellowish strata outcrop. These beds
are cut into terraces, beyond which are bluffs of variegated sandstones,
passing above into light-colored shales. On the latter, station 50 is
located. From: station 50 to the Grand the descent is at first rather
abrupt. Then there is a gradual slope broken up by the drainage into
low buttes. The Grand has a broad bottom, through which it flows
sluggishly.
South of the station the country is very nearly the same. There are
magnificent exposures of the strata, which are inclined but shghtly. On
the north side of Plateau Creek are bluffs of sandstone, through which
the stream cuts rapidly to soft shales, which weather in the most pecu-
liar manner, as shown in one of the illustrations, Plate V. Above the
black argillaceous columns are yellow sandstones, and the débris from
them has fallen down, capping the summits of the pillars. Below, still
lower beds are shown, until a belt of red sandstone is seen opposite
Mesa(a)Creek. It here enters a cafion, in which it keeps until it joins the
Grand. Almost ail the creeksin this region cut profound cafions ; even
the smallest rivulets cut gullies from eight to twenty feet deep.
The terraces are covered with basaltic bowlders, and are almost des-
titute of vegetation. Good grass, however, is found in the alluvial bot-
toms bordering the creek. Scrub-oak and stunted cedars are found on the
hills. The cafion on’ Plateau Creek is eight miles long. Below its mouth,
92 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
the Grand and its branches cut fearful-looking chasms in the soft rocks.
Looking down upon them it is hard to trace the courses of the streams,
as it appears to be an inextricable maze of gorges.
There is great variety in the colors; reds, greens, grays, yellows,
mingle with “chocolate- browns, and white, in parailel lines, which repeat
themselves in the different layers.
At the head of the cation of Plateau Creek the Indian trail we had
been following leaves the creek, goes up Mesa Creek, and skirting the
edge of the mesa, leads down into the valley of the Gunnison.
The course of Grand River below the mouth of Plateau Creek is gen-
erally southwest, and sometimes due south.
It flows in this direction until it comes out into the broad valley, in
which it is joined by the Gunnison. It emerges from the cafion by cut-
ting its way across a line of hog-backs, almost at right angles to the
strike of the strata, the beds dipping about northeast at an angle of 109°
to 15°.
Plate VI represents the bluff on the north side of the river, as it comes
from the cafon into the broad valley.
The numbers in the following section correspond with those in the
illustration.
BASE.
1. Black and yellow shaly beds.
2. Yellow sandstone.
3. Yellow shaly beds.
4, Sandstones.
5. Shales.
6
. Sandstone with pinkish hue.
This section was made from the opposite side of the Groat. and could
not, therefore, be made in greater detail. The beds were measured by
angles taken with the gradienter. The height of the bluff as thus deter-
mined is 1,890 feet. On the south side of the river the inclination of
the beds causes them to disappear, while higher ones show beneath the
basalt of the mesa. The slopes, reaching from the edge of the mesa in
terraces, are covered with basaltic bowlders, among which we found
numbers of moss-agates (none of good quality, however) and pieces of
chalcedony.
West of the lineof hog-backs, which extend toward the northwest
from the Grand, the valley is about eighteen miles in width, reaching to
the northwest as far as could be seen. Near the Grand, before the
Gunnison comes in, it is very flat and covered with spots of alkali. On
the south side of the Grand, in the angle between it and the Gunnison,
are terraces, the first of which is one hundred feet high, and the second
nearly two hundred feet. The contrast between the two rivers is quite —
marked. The Grand has nearly twice the volume of the Gunnison. and
and carries a vast quantity of mud with it. Wherever we reached the
Grand throughout the entire season it was muddy. ‘The reason is, that
along the river there are many exposures of soft shales and clays.
The Gunnison, on the other hand, isa clear stream, and remains so except
when there are heavy rains, when it becomes very turbid in the lower
portion of its course.
The divide between the Grand and Gunnison Rivers has been so often
referred to in this chapter that only a few more words are necessary to
complete its description. In the Elk Mountains the line of the water-
shed is very irregular, the mountains rising in sharp peaks, at the bases
of which the streams head in amphitheaters, sharp ridges connecting
Plate VI.
Bluff ov Grand River near the Mouth of the Cunnisor.
PEALE.] GEOLOGY——DIVIDE WEST OF ELK MOUNTAINS. 93
the peaks and separating the various streams. This portion of the
divide, however, was in the district of 1873, and we have tordo here with
the portion west of the Elk Mountains, where it presents characters en-
tirely different, being mostly a plateau, from the fact that the beds un-
derlying it are almost horizontal and covered with a flow of basalt. The
plateau character is best shown toward the west, where the basaltic
capping is for the most part intact.
West of Rock Creek, at the head of the North Fork of the Gunnison,
the plateau is broken into low rolling hills, of which the general level
is very nearly the same. The basaltic capping here is very irregular
and difficult to define, as a great portion of it has been removed by ero-
sion. The hills and also the beds of the streams are covered with
round masses of the rock. At station 45 there is more basalt in place.
The streams rising near have their origin in small lakes. All over the
plateau these lakelets may be found, and along the creeks are beautiful
meadows. The timber on the plateau is pine and quaking aspens (Popu-
lus tremuloides). There is good grass in most of the valleys. The
western edge of the plateau is somewhat irregular but sharply defined,
forming a bluff edge of from two hundred tofour hundred feet in height.
It is underlaid with sandstones, as will be shown in the sections given
in a Subsequent portion of the report.
CEA Pah) Wieie
SURFACE GEOLOGY—GUNNISON RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES.
Gunnison River is the principal branch of the Grand, on the south
side. It rises on the western side of the Sawatch range, opposite the
Arkansas River, and on the southern side of the Elk Mountains, oppo-
site Roaring Fork. Its total course has a length of about two hundred
miles, the average rate of fall per mile being about thirty feet. In
Gunnison’s and in Frémont’s reports it is called the Grand. In the
West, however, it is now known as the Gunnison River, the name
Grand being given to the principal stream, as already mentioned in a
previous chapter. The principal branches of the Gunnison on the
south are Cochetopa Creek, Lake Creek, Cebolla Creek, and Uncom-
pahegre River. Those on the north, in our district of this year, are Ohio
Creek, Smith’s Fork, and the North Fork. The entire area drained by
all the branches on the north is about twenty-six hundred square miles.
From the mouth of Cochetopa Creek, the Gunnison flows a few degrees
south of west, to Lake Fork; here it changes and flows west, gradually
turning to the northwest until it is opposite station 80, a distance of
nearly thirty miles; when it again turns and flows nearly due north to
the mouth of the North Fork; where it turns abruptly and flows west to
‘the head of what the Indians call Unaweep Caiion. * Its course thence
to its mouth is generally northwest.
There are three large cahons and several small ones in the course of
the river, which will be described as we reach them in going down the
stream. The upper one is in granitic rocks, and was described last
year. The drainage of the streams uniting to form the Gunnison near
its head flows in two directions, viz, southeast or south-southeast, and
southwest. In this part of its course it is within last year’s district,
and will be found described in the report for 1873.
Our work last year extended as far west as Slate River, and we com-
mence this year, therefore, with Ohio Creek, the next stream coming into
the Gunnison on the north side.
In an air-line, from the head of Ohio Creek to its mouth the distance
is twenty-two miles. The actual length, however, is nearer thirty miles.
It has its originin a group of isolated peaks that mark the termination
of the Elk Mountains to the westward. Its sources are opposite those
of Slate River on the north and east, and those of Anthracite Creek, a
tributary of the North Fork of the Gunnison, on the northwest. It has
two forks which unite below a high sugar-loaf peak of porphyritic
trachyte, station 30. The western branches have their origin in a group
of mountains made up almost entirely of breccia, which in all probability
rests on sandstones of Cretaceous age.
The most northern of these streams flows along the southern edge of
a short range of sharp peaks, whose slopes are destitute of timber, and
which form a serrated edge along the summit. This mass is composed
of porphyritic trachyte and forms a portion of the divide between
* Pacific Railroad Report, vol. ii.
94
PEA] GEOLOGY—OHIO CREEK—-GUNNISON RIVER. 95
- Ohio Creek and Anthracite Creek. A trail crosses through alow pass
from the head of the latter creek and keeps down Obio Creek and then
follows up Cochetopa Creek to the Los Pinos agency. This is one of
the main Indian lodge-pole trails, connecting Los Pinos with the White
River agency.
Between East River and Ohio Creek are two mesas, isolated one from
the other and underlaid by Cretaceous shales and sandstones. These
mesas are composed of trachyte, judging from the débris covering the
slopes west of Ohio Creek. The trachyte is probably of the same char-
acter as that on the opposite side of East River noted in last year’s re-
port,* a light purplish rock. As I have already mentioned, the hills on
the west side of Ohio Creek are made up almost entirely of breccia.
I will refer to it particularly in a subsequent portion of the report. I
think, judging from several outcrops seen on some of the western branches
of the creek, that it rests throughout the greater part of its extent upon
sandstones.
The western branches rise in these hills and cut deeply into the brec-
cia, which seems to yield readily to the action of water. It appears to
bein layers, ard erosion has worn it intofantastic forms. In places, there
are castellated masses from which towers and minarets rise; while in
others, huge buttresses stand out prominently against the sky. Station
No. i is situated in the midst of this mass of ‘breccia. (See map D).
The valley of Ohio Creek is from a mile to two miles in width and
has a beautitul grassy bottom, with groves of cottonwoods. The hills
on the west are heavily timbered with pines, extending down the ridges
between the branches. On the lower slopes near the creek there is sage-
brush (Artemisia). :
The valley of the Gunnison above the mouth of Ohio Creek is very
wide, extending from a short distance below the mouth of Slate River
to Cochetopa Creek, a distance of ten or twelve miles. It is from four to
seven miles in width. The river-bottom in places seems to be quite
fertile, and at one place we found a garden in which potatoes, beans,
turnips, cabbage, and lettuce had been successfully raised during the
season.
The southeast side of the valley, reaching toward Cochetopa Creek,
is rather sterile-looking, there being but little soil. It is very level and
covered with pebbles derived from the Elk Mountains. There is a sparse
growth of grass and low sage-brush. The Gunnison here is a rapid and
very clear stream of a hundred or a hundred and fifty feet width. It
keeps close to the bluffs of breccia below the mouth of Ohio Creek.
This valley is the site of a new town called Gunnison City. There
were half a dozen log-cabins, most of them in an unfinished state and
without inhabitants. The only persons we found living in the valley
were the two men who have charge of the cattle for the Indians of Los
Pinos agency. They were at the cattle-camp, a short distance above
Cochetopa Creek. Below Cochetopa Creek the valley again expands
into a grassy meadow, from which the river enters a cafion. Men from
the agency were busy cutting grass in this meadow while we were
there. The hay made is for the use of the agency and the cattle-camp.
The cattle are allowed to run wild among the hills throughout the year
and seem to do well. The country is much better adapted to stock-rais-
ing than for agricultural purposes. The elevation of the-cattle-camp is
7,743 feet.
The lower valley is about four miles long and two miles wide in its
greatest width. On the northern side the breccia forms the boundary,
*Page 249, Report 1873.
96 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
trachyte capping it as we go toward the hills. On the south side the |
rocks are gneissic, as they also are in the cafon. At the upper end of
the valley, on the north side, is an outcrop of soft yellowish gray sand-
stone. Farther down the breccia, instead of resting on this sandstone,
appears to be directly upon the schists. At station 71, however, between
the schists and the breccia there is a belt of sandstone that seems to
have been metamorphosed. Above the breccia there is a capping of
trachyte.
The cafion is only about a mile ‘and a half in length, and in it the river
has rather a tortuous course, flowing at first south of west and afterwards
north of west. The walls are not very high, never exceeding 3500 feet.
Below, the river is in another valley similar to the one above. This,
however, is not as large, being only two miles long and a mile wide in
the widest portion. It is not so well grassed as the valley above. The
schists still compose the hills on the lower side, while on the north there
are sandstones, breccia, and trachyte in long mesa-like ridges that
extend from the margin of the valley toward the hills in which station
31 is situated.
Leaving this valley the river again goes into cafion and keeps so
almost all the way to the mouth of the Lake Fork, broken only by small
and unimportant valleys. The rocks in which the river-channel lies are
schists, and the walls never exceed about one hundred and fifty feet
in height. This granitic rock forms a narrow strip, leaving a bench or
shelf on both sides of the river, reaching back to the edge of the blufis.
On top of the schists, forming the base of the bluff, are the sand-
stones that probably belong to the Dakota group. As we proceed down
the river we find on top of these, black and yellow shales, above which
is the breccia to which I have so frequently referred in this chapter.
This, in a great many places, has weathered into sharp pinnacles and
towers. It is capped with obsidian and trachyte.
A section of thebluffs will be given in another place, when the differ-
ent layers will be particularly described.
These bluffs are on both sides of the river, and form the edge of the
mesas that are so characteristic of this part of the valley of the Gun-
nison, extending back from the river on both sides.
Below station 71 the top of the mesa is about 500 feet above the
river-level, and at station 73 it has increased to 1,230 feet, the general
surface really remaining at the same level on both sides, while the
river in its progress has cut deeper and deeper, making the bluffs nearly
twice as high. This height is still greater farther below, as we will find
when we speak of the canon.
The streams joining the Gunnison cut deeply into the surface, divid-
ing the original mesa into many others. The canons thus formed have
almost perpendicular walls. Tbere appeared to be more than one
layer of the trachyte, for, from the edge of the mesa a higher outcrop
can beseen. I was notable this year to determine definitely therelations
between the trachytic flows and the breccia on the mountainous mass
around station 31. Another year I hope to explain it.
Above the mouth of the Lake Fork, the Gunnison flows through a
small open valley covered with grass and sage-brush, in which it is
joined by a branch of some size from the north. From this valley the
river plunges into the largest caiion in its entire course. Lake Fork is
itself in a deep caiion, cut through dark, micaceous schists, and until
one comes to the edge ‘ot the gorge, he has no idea of its size or extent.
Gunnison’s wagon-trail is obliged to cross it a long way back from the
river, and come down the stream on the opposite side.
ts a a
Plate VI
Station 38.
fig l. Section G
Lig 2. Section H
LIALY UOSTUUND
MYT) (LETS)
PEALE. ] GEOLOGY—GUNNISON CANON—SMITH’S FORK. 97
The country between Lake Fork and the Uncompahgre River is rough
and rugged. The streams cut deep cafions to join the Gunnison.
Mountain Creek, Blue Creek, and Cebolia Creek are the principal streams
draining this region. Blue Oreek, to which Lhave just referred, is placed
on Gunnison’s map, as a branch of Cebolla, whereas it is a ‘tributary
of the Gunnison.
The mesas are found on Mountain Creek, and until we reach Cebolla
creek. Here we meet with cretaceous shales, seeming to be horizontal,
and resting on granite. The granite in places has trachyte resting on
it. I noticed it on the hills east of Cebolla Creek.
The great cation of the Gunnison is about fifty miles Jong. In it the
course of the river at first is west; it gradually changes toward the
north, and at station 80 flows northwest, gradually becoming due north,
which course it keeps rather uniformly to the mouth of the Nor th Fork.
From the head of the cafion to the mouth of Smith’s Fork the
main portion is cut in dark micaceous schists. It has its great-
‘est depth, perhaps, opposite station 77; the height from the water to
the top of the mesa on which the station was located being about
3,000 feet. The granitic portion is about 2,000 feet deep. It was,
of course, impossible to reach the edge of the river while in the canon,
so that these figures are not perfectly accurate. They are obtained
by comparing the heights of stations 77 and 78 with that of camp
No. 53, on Cebolla Creek, about one mile above its mouth, and ailow-
ing for the fall of the river between the two points. The error, if any,
would, therefore, be very small and in favor of greater depth.
The section across the river, through stations 77 and 78, is shown in
Figure 2, Plate VII. On the west side of the river is a plateau about
four miles in width and thirteen miles long. Its elevation above
the river is 2,500 to 3,000 feet. It is composed of schists, and the top
seems to have a gentle slope to the eastward. It seems to have had in
places a capping of trachyte.
East of Cebolla Creek, on the granite hills, a portion of this trachyte
stillremains. Tothe northward the plateau runs to apoint, the termina-
tion being marked by ahigh conical point of granite. Beyond this, are red
sandstones (Triassic), with superimposed Jurassic and Cretiuceous strata,
as seen from station No. 80, on the opposite sideof the river. Fig.1, Plate
VIL, shows a section through station 80. It will beseen that the granite
forms a sort of shelf along the river, on which the sedimentary forma-
tions rest, having bluff-like edges a short distance farther back. These
beds incline at a small angle (about 5°), causing the country to slope
gently toward Smith’s Fork, which here flows almost parallel to the
Gunnison. The illustration, Fig. 1, carries the section across Smith’s
Fork. Beneath station 80 is an outcrop of the Red Beds. Where the
section crosses Smith’s Fork, the latter stream does not cut below the
Dakota group (No.1). Near the mouth, however, it cuts through the
Red Beds reaching the granite.
Smith’s Fork joins the Gunnison as the latter emerges from the gran-
itic portion of its cation, and euts across the strata into the Cretaceous
sandstones. It rises in ‘the group of trachytie peaks that I have already
referred to as terminating the Elk Mountains to the westward. Before
it leaves these peaks there are outcrops of Cretaceous shales seen vear
the water’s edge, on the main creek at first, but afterward spreading out
and covering wider areas. After it is fairly out of the mountains it flows
across the Upper Cretaceous formation, and gradually cuts through the
sandstone of No. 1, which forms bluffs extending along its course from
the mouth of the Southern Fork to the mouth. (See map B).
7H
98 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
The Southern branch of Smith’s Fork rises in a comparatively open
country, opposite the creek which forms the boundary of the last mesa
on the upper side of the Gunnison. It lies almost entirely in the Upper
Cretaceous formations, which are exposed in low hills covered with
cedars and sage-brush. At one place it cuts a cation through No. 1, from -
which it comes into the upper beds, not touching the Dakota group
again until it joins the North Fork. This cafion is only two miles long,
and must have been determined by a fracture caused by folding. On
the west side the inclination of the sandstone is only 5°, while on the
east it is 15° to 20°. In the latter there is only a small triangular area
of No. 1 exposed, the base of the triangle resting on the stream.
Opposite the mouth of this fork is a hill of trachyte, which may have
had something to do with the fold we have noticed. About three miles
above this hill, on the north side of the North Fork, there is a finger-like
rock (trachyte) projecting from the Cretaceous shales. From the june-
tion of the forks to the mouth is a distance of thirteen miles, in which the
river is in cafion or acanon like valley, the height of the cliffs on either side
ranging from about two or three hundred feet at the head to nearly fifteen
hundred near the mouth. The walls are very nearly vertical, but they
do not rise immediately from the edge of the river, there being a valley
between the bluffs, about a quarter of a mile wide, which continues al-
most to the mouth of the river as a fertile bottom, groves of cottonwoods
fringing tue banks of the stream.
Near its mouth the river cuts a narrow gorge in the granitic rocks,
the level of the river being some distance below the general level of the
bottom of the caton. Map B shows the geology of the region about the
mouth of Smith’s Fork, and the lines of the sections H, G,. K, L, and 1.
The North Fork joins the Gunnison three and a half miles below the
mouth of Smith’s Fork. The course of the Gunnison between the two
streams is nearly due north. On station 81 the strata have a dip
east of north, while on the opposite side of the Gunnison the inclina-
tion is west of north, showing, what is plainly seen from the station, that
there is a curving of the strata. Smith’s Fork flows almost in the direc-
tion of the strike of the beds on its right side, while the Gunnison, after
the union of the two, cuts across the strata almost at right angles to
the strike.
Where the North Fork comes in the course is again changed, the river
then taking the course of North Fork, which is nearly due west.
The North Fork is the principal tributary of the Gunnison, its general
course, as I have already indicated, being about west. It drainsa
large area, and is formed by two branches, one heading opposite Rock
Creek and other tributaries of the Grand, and the other having its
sources opposite Ohio Creek and Slate River, in the group of trachytic
peaks to which I have already alluded several times.
The latter branch, on the map accompanying a report of Lieutenant
Rufiner,* at its head is called Anthracite Creek, and a short distance
below Bah River. Thename “ Anthracite” was given from the discovery -
here by prospectors of a bed of coal, of excellent quality. I will refer
to this coal again in another part of the report. We have retained the
name, but instead of applying the name to only a portion of the creek,
have given it to its entire length. In regard to the Bah, Mr. H. G.
Proutt says, ‘‘The Bah is said to empty into Grand (Gunnison) Liver
below the Lake Fork.” Hetherefore evidently refers to the North Fork,
* Report of a Reconnaissance in the Ute Country, in 1373, by Lieut. E. H. Ruffner, Corps
of Engineers.
t Ibid, page 40.
“PEALE.] GEOLOGY—ANTHRACITE CREEK—COAL CREEK. 99
for which he says the Indian name is Bah. Bah, or more properly Pah,
is the Ute word for water. Gunnison’s map* gives itthe name of North
Fork, which is the name in common use, and therefore we retain it.
The group of mountains about the sources of Anthracite Creek were
named by Lieutenant Ruffner7 the Philosophers’ Monuments, and the
names of Owen, Spencer, Huxley, Mill, and Carpenter given to some of
the most prominent peaks. His Mount Richard Owen probably corre-
sponds to our station No. 32.
Geologically this whole region about the sources of Slate River, Rock
Creek, Ohio Creek, and the North Fork of the Gunnisun is exceedingly
complicated. The Cretaceous formations which prevail here seem to
have been disturbed by igneous eruptions, and they are found at
places in great confusion, dipping in almost every direction and pene-
trated by numerous dikes. Cretaceous shales, mingled with trachyte,
are found on the summits of some of the highest peaks. It is therefore
difficult to get at the exact thickness of the strata or to tell the exact
horizon to which beds ought to be referred, as they are vroken apart
and very much metamorphosed. The country is very-rough and rugged,
the peaks being high and often very difficult of ascent. It will require
some time te work this region up in detail, and close and careful study
will be required to reduce it to a system. Station No. 32 is composed
principally of metamorphosed Cretaceous shales, intersected by dikes.
A large dike crosses Anthracite Creek, having a course from station 32,
South 22° West. Southeast of the station is a ridge of Cretaceous strata
which heads a branch of Anthracite Creek on one side close by one of the
sources of Ohio Creek, and on the other overlooks the sources of several
branches of Slate River. All these streams rise in amphitheaters, the
edges of the strata forming steps, rising one above the other. The
streams rise in beautiful emerald lakelets. .The course of this branch
of Anthracite Creek at first is nearly due south. It then curves around
station 32 aud flows northwest for ten miles, when it turns abruptly
around a sugar-loaf-shaped mountain and flows west, through a cation
cut principally in gray sandstone. In this cation itis joined by the west-
ern fork, Coal Creek, when it-again changes its course and flows north for
three miles to the North Fork.
The isolated peak around which Anthracite Creek flows was named
Marcellina by a party of prospectors that we met on North Fork. It is
composed of a light-gray porphyritic trachyte. It answers the description
of Mount Huxley in Lieutenant Rufiner’s report. but on the accompany-
ing map Mount Huxley is located on the opposite side of the creek.
The western branch of Anthracite Creek, Coal Creek, rises generally
on the rim of a basin of Cretaceous shales and sandstones (see map C),
which is bordered by hills of trachyte and breccia, the latter being on
the eastern side, and an extension from station 31. For some distance
above its junction with the eastern fork it flows through a cation, of
which the walls are about a thousand feet in vertical height. The sand-
stones and shales composing them ane perhaps slightly inclined toward
the northeast, not more than 3° to 5°. There are outcrops of coal at
various points along the western ane but the coal is of poorer quality
than that on the eastern fork.
The other stream, which unites with Anthracite Creek to form the
main North Fork, rises opposite Rock Creek and the branches of the .
* Pacific Railroad Report, vol. xi.
aE iE of a Reconnaissance, &c., by Lieut. E. H. Ruffner, Corps of Engineers,
page
f Ibid., Page 41.
100 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Grand, immediately opposite the plateau in which station 48 was lo-
cated. Its course is nearly south, on aline with Coal Creek. The valley
is comparatively narrow, there being but few open bottoms along its
course. The slopes of the hills on either side are well timbered with
pines and cottonwoods. Near the head of the main creek there are
large bowlders of a black basalt, derived, in all probability, from the
layer which once covered the entire divide. While on this creek we
met a party of prospectors, who said they had found indications of gold
along the stream, but not in any very great quantity.
The divide between Rock Creek and this branch of the North Fork is
a sharp ridge of Cretaceous sandstones, reaching above the timber-line.
The strata dip about 15° to the west, the angle decreasing on crossing
the North Fork, until they become almost horizontal in theplateau divide
- between North Fork of the Gunnison and Grand River. Station 26 was
located on this ridge. The lines of outcrop between the station and
Sopris peak are the prolongation of the hog-backs on the west side of
Roaring Fork.
The rock on the summit of station 26 is a compact greenish-gray
sandstone, somewhat laminated, and containing in the lower part frag-
ments of stems and leaves, and particles of carbonaceous material. The
most careful search revealed nothing perfect enough for identification. Be-
low this sandstone is a narrow band of dark-colored, very compact lime-
stone, of a reddish-brown color on the weathered surfaces. Next below is
a coarse textured, soft, gray sandstone, which seemed to continue to the
base of the amphitheater which the station overlooked.
Near the base ofthe slope we ascended, [ noticed an outcrop of con-
glomerate in which the pebbles were of a rock very much like that form-
ing the nucleas of the Elk Mountains. The matrix was siliceous.
What the relations of this bed were to the sandstones I could not de-
termine, as the slopes were covered with a heavy growth of timber, and
the underlying beds were for the most part covered with débris. The
pebbles were. rounded and evidently water-worn.
South of station 26 the strike curves to the eastward, the dip changing
more and more toward the southwest. The line of outcrop of the Creta-
ceous beds crosses Rock Creek into the Elk Mountains, where they become
very much faulted and upturned. In this portion of the Elk Mountains
Dr. Hayden made a more detailed survey, and to his report and the re-
port of Mr. Holmes, the reader is referred for the geology of Rock Creek
and the adjacent peaks.
Station 33 was located south of station 26 on one of a group of high
peaks, rising from a mass of trachyte resembling that composing the
mountains between Anthracite Creek and the head ot Ohio Creek near
station 32.
The western slope of this mass is extremely steep, the sandstone
reaching to the base , almost horizontal in position. At the northern
end, however, as seen irom a distance, the strataappear to dip to the
northeast at an angle of about 40°, so that there would seem to bea
synclinal fold between this point and the ridge, extending from station
26. go. of
DP
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PEALE, | GEOLOGY—NORTH FORK OF THE GUNNISON. 101
streams heading in the plateau, flows for a short distance through a
beautiful grassy valley, from which the country on the west rises in a
plateau which is timbered on the slopes.
At the lower end of the valley the stream gradually cuts deeper and
deeper into the sandstones, until, at the point where it meets Anthracite
Creek, it is about a thousand feet below the general level. All the
branches here, even the smallest, cut these canons, leaving mesas or tabies
between, in which the strata are nearly horizontal, thus giving them
about the same general level.
After the union of the two main creeks, the North Fork flows a little
south of west, almost at right angles to the former courses, in a caion
which is from 1,500 to 2,000 feet deep. This caiion is about fifteen miles
long.’ In the lower part the river gradually turns to the southward,
finally emerging into a rather broad, open valley extending on the lower
side to the foot of the hills on which stations 38 and 39 are located.
The valley becomes wider as we gotoward Smith’s Fork. It is compara-
tively open, being broken only by low hills or buttes of yellowish and
gray Shales, all belonging to the Cretaceous formation. ‘These buttes
have a scattered growth of stunted cedars and sage-brush. The soil is
impregnated with alkali, and generally sterile. The small streams cut
deep gulleys in the soft beds, As the river emerges from the canon the
mesas on the south side end abruptly in steep bluffs, just north of
stution 39. Stations 38 and 39 belong to the trachytic group, to which
I have already so often referred. They are beautiful examples of moun-
tain forms, rising in sharp conical points. Station 38 rises 4,000 feet
above the general level ot the valley which it overlooks. As already
described, there is a gradual slope from the Gunnison to Smith’s Fork, the
sandstone of the Dakota group forming the floor. Crossing Smith’s Fork,
the softer beds, which we have already described, form lines of buttes.
Along the North Fork there are outcrops of black shales, in which the
general dip is to the northeast. On the north side of the river is a series
of terraces sloping from the basaltic-capped mesa which here forms the
divide between the Grand and Gunnison Rivers.
Leaving the mesa canon the North Fork turns still more toward the
south, and flows southwest to within about four miles of its mouth, when
ifs course becomes due west. In this valley the river winds in graceful
curves, outlined in the most distinct manner, as seen from the moun-
tains and plateau, by the fringes of cottonwoods on its banks. Just
before it turns to the westward it enters a cafion. The walls, at
first, are mere bluffs, cut in the black shales that lie immediately above
the Dakota sandstone. By the time it joins the Gunnison it has cut
pretty deeply into the Dakota group. The river in this part of its
course is parallel with Smith’s Fork, and joins the Gunnison in the canton
_ at right angles to the former course of that stream. The Gunnison,
peeve®, turns and flows to the westward in the direct line of the North
ork.
This part of the cafion of the Gunnison is ten miles in length and with
walls from 400 to 500 feet high. Although in many places the bluffs rise
In sheer precipices from the river’s edge, in others there are alluvial
bottoms, sometimes on one sideand sometimes on theother. The general
course is about due west.
Fig. 3, Plate VIII, represents a section across the Gunnison through
the line B F, on map ’B. At ait cuts the river just above the mouth of
Smith’s Fork, before it leaves the granitic cafion, and at d@ it cuts the
river below the mouth of the North Fork. It will be seen that there is
102 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
a slight synclinal fold between c and d, which is more marked farther
west, as Shown in Fig. 2, which is a section across the Gunnison just
before it leaves the canon, on the line G H. The following is the sec-
tion represented in Fig. 3, the figures corresponding with section L.
SECTION.
. Granite reaching to edge of the river.
Red sandstone ( Triassic ? ).
. Greenish and gray shales and sandstones (Jurassic ? ).
Shaly sandstones.
Massive sandstones.
. Laminated sandstones and black shales. |
. Black shales. > Cretaceous.
. Dark yellow shales.
. Light yellow and gray beds.
10. Terrace with light-colored shales.
At ain Fig. 2, Plate VIII, the strata are seen to be curved abruptly,
the river occupying the axis of an anticlinal fold. This is at the point
where it leaves the cation. The fold, however, is not simply a north
and south fold, for, as we see in Fig. 1, Plate VIII, there is folding
east and west. This is the main fold, or rather the termination of the
anticlinal fold, the axis of which the Gunnison follows in the canon
above Smith’s Fork.
Fig. 1 represents a section on the line I K, almost at right angles
to the sections in Figs. 2 and 3.
The following are the beds represented in Fig. 2 (Section K):
} Dakota group.
WONIATR OLY
esas
1. Shaly sandstones.
2. Massive sandstones. \p ODE) GRE (RNC: iy
3. Shales and sandstones. > Cretaceous.
4, Black shales. |
5. Yellow and gray shales. 5)
In Fig. 1, the following is the section (Section I):
. Sandstones of No. 1, Cretaceous.
. Yellowish and black shales.
. Fine hard brownish shales.
OU G9 bo
\ Shales forming terraces.
As we go south along the west side of the cafion of the Gunnison,
we see that the dip, at first, is to the northwest, gradually coming
around to the west. The connection between the Dakota group and the
overlying shales seems to be broken. Opposite station 80, the Red
Beds (Triassic) are seen resting on the schists. A little farther south
the Dakota group is washed off, and there are simply remnants of the
red sandstones left. I did not have time to visit this from the west
side, and until this is done, all opinions must, to a certain extent, be
conjectural. As we go farther south we find the granite plateau, before
referred to, shown in Fig. 2, Plate VII, f to g, standing between the
Gunnison and the valley of the Uncompahgre. Abutting against this
plateau, at the head of Cedar Creek, and on the branches of Cebolla
Creek, as we have already seen, the Cretaceous shales: are horizontal.
Whether the fold noticed at the northern end of the canon becomes 4
Plate VIII.
Z os a y , cs
7 OT Le ‘ 1 en ji Z ; \ ie 4 \ 1
: CG: LAG i Ae ’ ta dm 45 A
LG ae y r, fer xd SS aes 3 Nis . Z 5 5 U: Sie
LE i ‘ tS ‘ ‘ ‘
7 . , , Z < .
p ° , “oA 1 eee ES A y ‘ } Vv A A \
1 nese A ! . \ A 2 S \ : \ 1
p Geek ye 1 1 ‘ aK ‘ \ N i ‘ 7
J Gunnison River
renisore PEVCr
ghee
See
ae se Fig3.Seetion L. 2:
i
PEALE.] GEOLOGY—UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER. _ 103
fault at the southern, I am unable to say. The western side of the
canon will have to be studied before the question can be decided.
Leaving the caton the Gunnison keeps its westerly course for about
six miles, when it makes some southing to the mouth of the Uncom-
pahgre, which joins the river eight miles below the foot of the cafion.
The Uncompahgre is the largest tributary of the Gunnison from the
south. It rises inthe Uncompahgre Mountains (Sierra de la Piata of
Gunnison*), and has a general course a few degrees west of north. The
range in which it rises is one of the finest in the Kkocky Mountains.
The geology will be fully treated of in Dr. IMndlich’s report, the
range being in the southern district. While we were in the valley of
the Uncompahgre, we had a magnificent view of its snowy peaks, which
stand out prominently against the sky. To the west we had a sight of
the Sierra la Sal or Salt Mountains, the peaks being just visible.
Near the head of the Uncompahgre there seem to be some beautiful
open parks. We did not visit them, as our trail led us up Cedar Creek,
one of the eastern branches of the river. We were hut a few miles
above the mouth of Cedar Creek, at the point where the wagon-trail
Crosses.
Cedar Creek is probably dry during the greater part of the year. It
rises in a plateau-like divide, opposite a small branch ot Cebolla Creek,
a few miles west of the mouth of the main stream. Its general course is
about northwest. The upper portion of the valley is narrow and ravine-
like, the slopes of the hills being covered with scrub-oak. sage, and
cactus, with here and there patches of grass. This valley continues tor
about ten miles, when the creek comes out into the broad valley of the
Uncompahgre, which at this point has lines of buttes of light-colored
clayey-beds, the debris of which forms a soft soil, in which the mules sink
to their fetlocks at every step. All the small creeks, dry for the greater
part of the year, cut deep gullies in this soft soil, which is almost desti-
tute of vegetation. In places there is considerable effloresence of alkali,
and gypsum is found abundantly throughout the valley. The buttes
are found on the eastern side of the valley. They arefrom two bundred
to four hundred feet high, and form two lines, those nearest the cafion
of the Gunnison being the highest. The buttes are not so numerous
in the lower part of the valley, where the general level is but a few feet
above the river-bed. It is more plain-like, without grass, having only a
sparse growth of low sage, interspersed with spots of alkali, giving
the country a most desolate aspect. Along the river is an alluvial
bettom, with good grass, the river being bordered with cottonwoods,
willows, and low bushes of various kinds. This bottom becomes much
wider as we descend, and is a favorite wintering place for the Ute In-
dians. We found traces of their camps, while their trails run in every
direction. In one place we found a field where corn had been raised, the
stalks of which were still standing.
On the opposite side of the Uncompahgre the country preserves a
very uniform level for ten or fifteen miles to the west and southwest,
where it seems to rise in a plateau. This level country is terraced, cut
by the branches of the Gunnison and Uncompahgre, which contain
water only in the spring. The terraces are for the greater part desti-
tute of vegetation, being coverd with pebbles, among which are scattered
fragments of chalcedony aud agate. They are underlaid with Creta-
ceous strata, shales in the eastern part, and the sandstones of the Da-
kota group toward the west, as the country rises into the plateau. The
* Pacific Railroad Report, vol. ii, page 55.
104 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
latter was seen only from a distance, but it is probably similar to the
country to the west of the Gunnison, near its mouth, the streams prob-
ably cutting through to the Triassic? red sandstones. On the Un-
compahere the terrace is about one hundred feet high.
On the south side of the Gunnison below the mouth of the Uncom-
pahegre, are three terraces. The first is 100 feet above the level of the
river, the second 150 feet, and the third 200 feet.
Below the junction of the Uncompahgre, the Gunnison Keeps a course
a few degrees south of west, until it reaches the mouth of Roubideaw’s
Creek, nearly five miles below. Here it enters the lower canon. Above
Roubideau’s Creek the valley is very wide, averaging about two miles.
The immediate river-bottom is also broad and overgrown with cotton-
woods and low brush. There are numerous sloughs along the course of
the river, and the fall per mile is very small. The river winds slug-
gishly in curves that sometimes seem to approach circles.
On the north side are terraces which soon form low hills or buttes
reaching almost to the mesa. The edge of the mesa stands boldly out,
like the edge of a fortification-wall. Its slopes are well timbered. The
buttes below, extendirg toward the river, are composed of yellow, gray,
and whitish strata, the weathering of which gives a most curious appear-
ance to the landscape. On the south side, as I have already said, there
are terraces extending southward toward the Uncompahgre Mcun-
tains.
The cafion which commences at the mouth of Roubideau’s Creek, ex-
tends almost to the moutb of the Gunnison. It is, therefore, about 32
miles in length, in an air-line. By the Ute Indians it is called Unaweep
or Kked Canon,* from the deep-red sandstones that are exposed at va-
rious points along its course. In the cafon the river winds considerably,
and has in places ineadows and even groves of cottonwood fringing it.
It is not very rapid, the fall per mile being about eight feet. Although
in an air-line the canon is 32 miles long, the length of the river is about
forty-five miles, or perhaps a little more, if we allow for all the smaller
curves. The course of the river at first for ten miles is north 60° west. It
then flows due north for about three miles, when it turns, taking a course
to the northwest, which it keeps generally for nearly fifteen miles, when
it again bends to the west and gradually curves back again to its mouth
in the Grand.
The walls of the cation often rise abruptly from the water’s edge in
sheer precipices, while in others there is a narrow strip between the river
and the edge of the binffs. The latter are better preserved on the eastern
side, as the course of the river is nearly at right angles to the dip, which
is approximately to the eastward, really a few degrees north of east.
At the mouth of Roubideau’s Creek the walls are only 200 feet high,
while at station 60 they are 663 feet high on the eastern side, and much
higher opposite. This probably increases slightly as we go down-stream,
but it can scarcely reach a thousand feet at any point.
At first the river merely cuts through the sandstones and, shales of
the Dakota group (Cretaceous No. 1), as shown in a sectiou of the
blufis given in another portion of the report.
As we go down, the river gradually cuts through the base of No. 1
into the Jurassic shales and limestones; and finally, below station 62,
the red sandstones (Triassic ?) appear beneath the shales.
Fig. 3, Plate IX, represents a section across the Gunnison through
station 60 eastward to the mesa terminating the plateau divide. It will
* Vide Pacific Railroad Report, vol. II, page 57.
ives Neha
Mh age in ecios -
s
tay
5 an
seein) 208 4
Total thickness of supposed Carboniferous......---.---------- 2,504 20
The remainder of the section to the beds I included in the Devenian ? is as
follows:
24, A laminated trachytic rock .... Pea S01 15 feet.
25. Space probably filled mainly by limestones...-.....--...---- E
26. Black fliney limestone, with pieces of pyrite and fragments of wae Hey
Spiri p Spiriferind.....---- SE rey eco taretsvelatalayaic) eels gels re NEN
pirifer or Spiriferi
116 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES,
Under the head of Devonian, I referred to these beds, and said that they occupied
debatable ground. A portion of the upper limestone may have to be referred to the
Lower Carboniferous, while the lower layers may be of Silurian age, leaving the center
to represent the Devonian. Of course, without fossils to prove their age, ‘all opinions
are merely conjectures.
The section given above holds good in detail only for the locality in
which it was made. The beds are very irregular in their horizontal exten-
sion, some of them thinning out very rapidly. Thus, for instance, the bed
numbered 17 in the section above, in another place, not more than half
a mile distant, was only three feet in thickness, instead of seventy-one.
One of the illustrations in last year’s (1873) report * shows this remark-
ably well. Not only do they thin out, but they also change in color
and nature, as we trace them. 500 0
| 3. Black shales and rusty sandstone ....-.-----...---.----.---.----- I
_ 4. White sandstone succeeded by hard bluish sandstone. .....-...---. J
(. 5. Bluish-gray laminated sandstones..-.-. echo ne ete eerie a ary ere ae 7¢ ®
6. Conglomeritic sandstone, gray below, becoming yellowish toward
the top. There are pebbles of red jasper.---...-.---.-----------+ 15 9
7. Purplish and yellowish argillaceous shales..-...-. SG eee eee pages ih @
S Metamorphosedsconglomeratesss2-42-e eae ose een eee eee 3 (0
| 9. Metamorphosed sandstone, white and greenish below, purplish above ;
D. 3 some of the layers are conglomeritic .----...---..----.------------ ww. @
| 10. Fine-grained, very compact, purplish sandstone, breaking into small
| cubical blocksaieese se eee eee peel Ss Sars s 2 er areca eginne aps Se Tatra ats Ab 5)
‘ | 11. Greenish and purplish argillaceous shales, in thin laming..--...-.--. 11 10
| 12, Purple sandstone resembling that of No. 10, more laminated at the
| 20) 0) eens EEE SM chy me ae eee aI Ca See ermmeen my lles Ki)
(18. Purple and yellow argillaceous shales ....-. a MS aay as TSN Se 10 0
14. (Greenish trachyte) imimassive layer2-22-25-5- ssenseseee ees acess 18 0
( 15. Greenish and gray shales, partly argillaceous........--.--...----.-- mit) YS}
B } 16. Dull) greenish coarse (sandstones) --2)5-- 2522-4252 555 222 --e 2 eee iO)
* \ 17. Greenish and purplish mottled sandstones, generally compact, break-
i ing into irregular pieces; some layers are conglomeratic........-- vo «(0
18. Compact purple sandstones, in bands of eight inches to a foot thick-
ness, breaking at right angles to the plane of deposition. On the sur-
* faces quartz crystals are numerous. This bed forms the top of the
Ly uon ae OAs ca a ee SVS LISS cSt RVST ett GN a Ry UA aye fe 2 ate 88 0
Total) abouteyysse ehh es See eas ee NU eee eS RON ae 883 8
Most all these sandstones have a metamorphosed appearance, and
the ridge in which they are exposed is intersected with dikes, which
will be described in a subsequent portion of the report. Below the
strata of the section just given there are probably 1,000 feet of shales
and sandstones to a series of coal-bearing strata on “*Oh be Joyful”
Creek. The latter, according to Mr. Holmes’s estimates, is about 2,000
feet above the Dakota group. The upper portion of these beds may
possibly have to be referred to the Lignitic group, but for the present
I refer them to the Upper Cretaceous.
On one of the small southern branches of Anthracite Creek, near its
head, is an outcrop of anthracite coal. We found the float in the creek-
Plate X .
a5 aS Se
2 yh eer ay F a eat
"| vt 1! ax Roo z
yi 2 att Fone Bory
i eo
Duty ran ct site ——
2 (eee nee CR REO =
LIE REE ge
ne :
= ae
orm
Ve ni( aie
|! 1a
iat Wes
Blut? at head of ‘Oh be joytidl Geek.
it
;
Me
thes
ES Le
PEALE.] GEOLOGY—UPPER CRETACEOUS—COAL. 139
bed, and followed it up until the bed was reached, near the head of the
stream. The original discovery was made, I believe, by prospectors.
The existence of coal of a good quality in the Elk Mountains has been
known for several years. In the report for 1873 (page 259) I referred to it.
The coal was exposed on both sides of the creek, the dip being nearly
in the direction of the course of the stream, inclining about 25°. The
beds are tipped up against the Trachytic range that forms part of the
divide between Anthracite Creek and Ohio Creek. The coal is ina
bed from 4 to 5 feet thick. The following is the section from the coal
down:
1. Coal, 4 to 5 feet thick.
2, Black slates and shales, with interlaminated dark sandstones,
reaching to the creek-bed, about 150 to 200 feet thickness in all.
Above the coal is a bed of sandstone, brownish near the coal, becom-
ing lighter colored as we ascend. The sandstone is succeeded by light-
gray sandstones and interlaminated dark shales. About 100 feet above
the coal is a layer of porphyritic trachyte, which inclines with the sedi-
mentary beds. It is probably an intrusion, as it resembles closely the
trachyte from the various eruptive masses in the surrounding country.
It contains iron, which gives it a rusty appearance on weathered sur-
faces. The coal will be referred to in a subsequent part of the report,
when analyses will be given. Coal is also found on Coal Creek, and at
the head of Slate River, and cn Rock Creek. It is all probably of the
Same age.
In sandstone shales, near Mount Marcellina, I found a specimen of
Ferrea sternbergivi. Although I searched carefully, this was the only
fossil I could find that was distinct enough for identification. This and
the Aralia I found in layer 12 of section No. 17,0n Grand River, are
the only fossils found in the series and do not warrant any definite con-
clusion as to their age.
The beds in section No. 17 have probably their equivalents in section
No. 18, but in the latter they have been so changed that we cannot say
SO with any certainty.
I have already referred to the possibility of a portion of this group
being a part of the Fox Hills beds (No. 5). A part, also, may belong to
the Lignitic group, (So named east of the mountains.)
Since writivg the above I learn from Mr. Marvine that he found a
coal-bearing series of shales above typical specimens of No. 4 Cretace-
ous, and that above the coal he obtained fossils referred to No. 5 by
Prof. F. B. Meek.
Dr. Endlich also found coal above No. 4 in the Cretaceous.
It is therefore probable that the beds I en for convenience, de-
scribed as Upper Cretaceous belong to No. 5
From the lowest to the highest beds exposed in my district I could
find no unconformability.
CyE AXE a Ban) Vie
STRATIGRAPHY—CENOZOIC FORMATIONS.
In the present chapter I shall take up the remaining members of the
sedimentary series as exposed in our district. These consist mainly of
beds referable to the Green River and Bridger groups of the Tertiary, _
and I shall consider them without entering into any extended discussion
as to the exact names that should be given them, whether ‘Hocene or
Miocene. Professors Cope, Leidy, and Marsh consider them Eocene,
basing this conclusion on the discovery of vertebrate organic remains ;
while Lesquereux refers there to the Miocene from his investigations of
their fossil flora, calling the “Lignitic” group Eocene. I shall simply
describe the beds, giving the local names of the groups to which they
are referred.
In regard to the “ Lignitic” group, I am unable to present any details.
Farher discussion as to the exact age of the group will be found in the
other reports.
As to the Post-Tertiary formations, I am able to speak only in the
most general way, and am unable to separate them into groups.
TERTIARY. |
Above the beds characterized as Cretaceous by their lithological pe-
culiarities and the occurrence of typical fossils, is a series of beds from
7,000 to 8,000 feet in thickness, covering a large area extending from
the Grand River to the Gunnison beneath the basaltic plateaus west of
Roaring Fork. This area is marked on map EH.
The best exposures are seen on Plateau Creek. I had time only to
make a partial detailed section. The strata are conformable to the un-
derlying Cretaceous, and it is difficult to determine where one forma-
tion endsand thenext begins. Ihave arbitrarily chosen as the base of the
Bridger series a bed of red sandstone that is tolerably persistent beneath
the variegated beds above which the fossils were found. Another year
I hope to define the limits of the formation. The lower partion of the
series is referred to the Tertiary with some hesitation, as the: fossils,
which were few in number, were found too far above to predicate any-
thing very definitely. Before entering into any description of the groups
as they occur in our district, I will give in tabular form the various
views held by different authorities in regard to the beds that have been
referred to the Tertiary formations with the exception of those referred
to the Pliocene.
140
PEALE. |
Local ‘ty.
At Fort Union, Fort
Clark, and under
the White River
beds, on the North
Fork of the Platte
Mountains, and at
mouth of Big Horn
River.
Bers beneath White
River beds, south
of Fort Fetterman.
North Platte River
and LaPréle Creek.
GEOLOGY—FORT UNION OR GREAT LIGNITIC GROUP.
141
Fort Union or Great Lignite group.
Description of strata.
Age.
Beds of clay and
sand, with round
ferruginous con-
eretions and nu-
merous beds and
Eocene Tertiary --.
River, above Fort seams and local
Laramie, and west deposits of lignite.
of Wind River
Mountains. :
Upper Missouri re- |....-..-.-.-.----...-. Tertiary ..-.------
gion. |
Miocene Tertiary -|.---.
Lower Tertiary. --|-
Lower Tertiary. -.
Miocene .--.-.--.---
Mertianyoo--<-----
Cretaceous. ...-- :
Miocene .....-----
Mechianyyeess eee
IMG CEINS) SSo555oqde
Cretaceous No. 6..
| Lower Eocene ....
Extension into Brit- |..-..----...---------- Eocene ......-.----
ish America.
Cretaceous......-
°
Bareupinesn Cyrlevelke) lies) - feces a 2=-is Eocene ....-.4----
Missouri Coteau,
West Souris River,
and other parts of
British America.
Lower Eocene .--.
WOME LSINGIR s Gas dsobed||socquss00 pooonoscceue Lignitic Tertiary -
Tongue Iyer a Nene Yl COs heer Sako:
Eastern baseof Black |...-....---..--.+-----|---- CO) cetsece cosh
Hills.
Grand River, INC |e eee Cretaceous..-..--.
braska, (now Da-
kota.)
Iai) Chew GOA Ee Asan cheboreoneaaee BAK) sob osouasodas
Lake, Nebraska,
(now Dakota.)
iets of Big, Horm Po s-\-cesecje2 se--- esl ~ ce (GW) cosaceenEnces
Authority. ‘Reference.
Exploration of Yel-
lowstone and Mis-
souri Rivers, under
Capt. W. F. Ray-
nolds, 1859-’60;
Geol. Report of F.
V. Hayden, p. 29.
Hayden
Meek and Hay-| Proceedings Acad.
. den. Nat. Sci., Philadel-
phia, 1856, p. 63.
Ua nebsk be
--do .
Transactions Amer.
Philosophical Soc.,
1860.
Do.
Exploration of Smoky
Hill Railroad route,
1868, p. 65.
American Journal of
Sciences and Arts,
1868, p. 204.
Transactions Ameri-
can Philosophical
Soce., 1869. .
Annals Lyceum Nat.
History of city of
New York, vol. ix,
1868.
Report U.S. Geol. Sur-
vey of Ter., 1867-
"68-"69, p. 57.
se ReportU. 5. Geol. Sur-
vey of Ter., 1x70,
pp. 95, 96.
Report United States
Geol. Survey, 1873,
p. 433.
Report U. 8. Geol.
Survey, 1872, pp.
410-417.
Canadian Naturalist,
vol. vii, April, 1874,
Dp: 202.
“The Geological Rela-
tions of the Lignitice
Groups,” read be-
fore the American
Philosop. Soe , June
Leidy
Lesquereux. .-
G. M. Dawson.
J.J.Stevenson
18, 1875.
G.M.Dawson.| Report of British
American Boundary
Survey of Forty-
ninth Parallel, pp.
6, 8, 18, 19, 86, 93, 97,
103, ee
He SEO nee seascut Do., p. J
Hayden.-..--- RogotU. 8 Geol. Sur-
- vey of Ter., 1867-
yo 69, p. 72.
eee Ot nee eten Do., p. 73.
fe OO! aeeryecteeee Do., p. 73
Copevecessreee Report U.S.Geol.Sur-
vey of Ter., 1873,
p. 446.
wes GOs Lise sieisice Do., pp. 453-"4.
s2n66D sesdsous: Do., pp. 453-4.
Hayden. ....-. Report U.S. Geol. Sur-
4 vey of Ler,, 1870,
p. 16.
scot enoccson4|| IDO, 1922
142 GEOLOGICAL
SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Fort Union or Great Lignite group—Continued.
Locality.
1
Description of strata. Age.
Reference.
Coal-beds under
White River beds,
near Fort Laramic
and east of Rock
Creek.
Laramie plains, one
hundred miles west
of Fort Laramie.
Coal-beds of Carbon
and Separation,
Wyoming ‘Terri-
tory.
At Separation and
surrounding coun-
try. Probably same
at Carbon, Rock
Creek, Cooper
Creek, and Creston.
Carbon Station......-.
Lignite beds east of
Washakie Station.
West of Washakie,
and in Bridger
Pass.
Coal-beds east of Salt
Wells.
Coal-beds of Rock
Springs, and east of
Rock Springs and
Salt Wells.
Henry’s Fork of
Green River.
On St. Vrain’s Creek,
east of mountains
in Colorado.
Marshall Mine, Colo-
rado.
Ralston Creek, near
Golden City, and
Golden City.
Golden City........-.
Beds under Denver,
Colorado.
At exit of South
Platte River from
mountains.
Near Colorado Springs
Hardscrabble Creek,
near Cafion City
(Caton City group).
Near Cafion City.....
Coal-beds of Raton
Hills (called Raton
Hills group).
BA bOE RE ooar nao sosuEabe Lignite (Tertiary)
sae farce ulate tans Raper Lignite (Tertiary)
low, rusty brown, Lower Eocene.
and drab beds.
SuacoouoBUGadoueEdGDLS Lower Tertiary. --.
Be ee ahaa ciate eine aeoa Lignite Tertiary. .
v
of sandstones and
clays, extending
from Green River
beds to Cretaceous
clays.
ATE Rar a Bera eH Se American Lower
Eocene.
rate ye ACTS Ree arf kg American Lower
Eocene.
Biseieropiere tec arse eee Great Lignite
group.
Yellow, rusty yel-|.--.do ............. i
EO oh ns Sey a eres aig Lower Miocene ...
Upper Eocene ..-..|.
Middle Miocene. ..]....
Middle Miocene. --|.
Hayden! ==. . 4:
Eocene ...--....-. Lesquereux. --
PASTAS culelsmtalsle acm aieh Eocene ........---|-
RSs ce PAM a a Lignite Tertiary. .|.
Animmensethickness| Eocene :...-......
Be eS ae Lignite Tertiary -|.
Lesquereux. --
Lesquereux. - -
caganoaQbu6 sbackouane Pertianyeeeeeee:
Report U.8.Geol Sur-
vey of Ter., 1867-
68-69, p. 79.
Report U.S.Geol. Sur-
vey of Ter., 1870,
p. 121.
Report U.S. Geol. Sur-
vey, 1867, ’68, *69, p.
190.
Report U.S. Geol. Sur-
vey, 1870, p. 139.
Report U.S. Geol. Sur-
vey, 1871, p. 306.
Report U.S. Geol. Sur-
vey, 1871, pp. 410-
417. ;
Report U.S. Geol. Sur-
vey, 1873, p. 366.
American Journal of
Sciences and Aris,
vol. vii, June, 1874.
Report U.S.Geol.Sur-
vey, 1870, p. 74.
Report U.S. Geol. Sur-
vey, 1871, p. 306.
Report U.S.Geol. Sur-
vey, 13870, p. 74.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1870, p. 71.
Se Sena BeBe Do.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1870, p. 58.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1867-68
_ ~'69, p. 127.
SEB UES ood Pose Do., p. 129.
Exploration ofSmoky
Hill Railroad route,
1868, p. —.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1871, p. 306.
Report U. 8. Geol.
Survey, 1867-68
~'69, p. 134.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1871, p. 306.
Report U. 8. Geol.
Survey, 1872, pp.
410-417.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey,’ 1867-768
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1873, p. 366.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1867-’68
—'69, pp. 149 to 190.
Report U.S. Geol.
Survey, 1873, p. 366.
Report U. 8. Geol.
Survey, 1867-68
-’69, pp. 150 to 190.
OR GREAT LIGNITIC GROUP.
pEatz.] GEOLOGY—-FORT UNION 143
Fort Union or Great Lignite group—Continued.
Locality. Description of strata. Age. Authority. Reference.
. =a .
TRATION EGE) ccoads conc|lbsoanséecdomsuoaoodode Cretaceous......-. LeConte...--. Report Exploration
Smoky Hill Rail-
zoad route, 1868, p.
6.
Apishpa Creek, Span- |.-.....-----.----.---- Tertiary ...-...... Hayden.......|...- Do., p. 153
ish Peaks,and Trini-
dad, Colorado.
Raton Pass, IEWIRRES |S odonooducccdacKoeaae Eocene ..-...-.--- Lesquereux...| Report U. S. Geol.
tory Caiion. Survey, 1871, p. 306.
atone MMO umM bans rye |eoacieie cee seein see Lower Eocene .--..|.--- doy ssc Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1872, pp.
410-417.
Coal-bedsvof ejais ti|-s2 =o m-e-eee eee ee Lower Tertiary Hayden......- Report U. S. Geol.
edge of mountains Survey, 1867-68
in Colorado. -’69, p. 189.
MisherseyeakerRatonillesseeeceeee ee cae cer Eocene ......----- Lesquereux...| Supplement to Fifth
Mountains. Annual Report U.S.
; Geol. Survey, 1871.
Raton Mountains -.|psresscceeaceeeceeeeer American Lower |.--.do..-....--. Report U. S. Geol.
Eocene. survey, 1873, p. 366.
CoentralandwNorthy | eee cee eee eee eeee American Lower |.-.-.do.... ---- Report U. S. Geol.
Colorado. Eocene. Survey, 1873, p. 366.
Lignites of Colorado |.............--------- EN LOR (icra, BEE COS eae American Journal of
Basin. Sciences and Arts,
‘ vol. vii, June, 1874.
Cretaceous. ...-..-- Cope...--.---- Report U. S. Geol.
‘South Park,northeast
ot Fair Play.
Grand River, in Mid-
dle Park.
Mount Bross, in Mid-
dle Park.
Troublesome Creek
and Willow Creek,
in Middle Park.
Troublesome Creek
and Mount Bross
(Middle Park).
Middle Park, Mount
Bross.
Placer Mountains,
south of Sauta Fé,
New Mexico(Placer
Mountain Group).
Lignitic bedsof New
Mexico (at least as
far south as Placer
Mountain). An-
thracite coal.
Lignite bedsof New
Mexico and San
Juan.
Sandstones and clays
overiying Creta-
ceous layers.
Yellow and gray
sandstones and
Jaminated _arena-
ceous clays.
Upper Cretaceous
Lignitic Tertiary.
Lignitic Tertiary
Older Tertiary ....|.---
Lower Tertiary ---|.
American Upper
Eocene or Lower
Miocene.
Upper Miocene...
Lower Tertiary - .-
American Lower
Eocene.
Cretaceous
J.J. Stevenson
Lesquereux...
Newberry .--
Survey, 1873, pp.
453, 454.
Proceedings of So-
ciety of Nat. Hist.,
city of New York,
2d series, No. 4,
13874, pp. 93, 94,
Also “Geological Re-
lations of the Lig-
nitic Groups,” read
‘before Amer. Phil.
Soc., June 18, 1875.
U.S. Geol. Survey
Report of 1867-68
-69, p. 179.
Also Report U. S.
Geol. Survey, 1873,
. 38.
Report of U. 8, Geol.
Survey of 1867-’68
-'69, p. 183.
Also Report UW. S.
Geol. Survey, 1873,
p. 81.
Report U. S8..Geol.
Survey, 1867-’68
-'69, pp. 183, 184.
Report tor 1873, p. 81.
Report U. 8. Geol.
Survey, 1873, p. &2.
-| Report U. 8. Geol.
Survey, 1873, p. 366.
--Do., p. 366.
Report U. 8. Geol.
Survey, 1x67-’68
-'69, p. 190.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey 1873, p. 366.
Also Amer. Jour. of
Sciences and Arts,
vol. vii, June, 1874.
American Journal of
Sciences and Arts,
vol. vii, April, 1874,
p. 90.
Some of the localities included in the table just given will be given
in some of the tables to follow. I will not attempt to account for the
I have quoted the opinions relative to the age of the
discrepancies.
144
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
various beds, as they are given in the reports from which I have taken
them.
The next table will include the coal strata of Bear River, Coalville,
and Evanston, to which Dr. Hayden (Report U. 8S. Geol. Survey,
18676869, p. 192) gave the name of Bear River group.
Locality.
Coalville, Utah Ter-
ritory, and Sulphur
Creel.
Bear River City,
Evanston, and
Coalville.
Bear River
Coalville and Weber
Valley.
Coalville, Bear River.
aud Sulphur Creek.
Coalville and Bear
River. j
Coalville
Evanston coal
Coatyille and Bear
River.
Sulphur Creek, near
Bear River and
Coalville.
Upper beds on Sul-
phur Creek.
Coalville and Bear
River.
Coal-beds of Coal-
ville, Utah Terri-
tory.
vanstoneeee eeeeess
Coalville and Bear
River.
Evanston
Bear River group.
Alternations of gray
and yellowish sand-
stones and sandy
shales, with black,
bluish, and reddish
clays and beds of
coal.
Thin seams and lay-
ers of dark carbon-
aceous shales,
with harder thin
bands of various
colored, argillace-
ous, arepaceous,
and caleareous
matter, including
a very few thin
streaks of coal.
Cretaceous
Fossils Cretaceous
Koceue --
Cretaceous
Cretaceous
Lower beds Creta- |.
ceous, upper beds
Lower Eocene ?
Lower Eocene or |}.
Upper Creta-
ceous ?
Cretaceous..-..--.
Probably equiva-
lent to Evanston
coal.
Upper Eocene. ...|-
Cretaceous
American Lower
Kocene.
American Upper |.
Eocene or Lower
Miocene.
Cretaceous
Clarence King
Meek...
Lesquereux . .
Bannister
Lesquereux ..
Description of strata. Age. Authority. Reference.
PERS steer a eA Se a ee Cretaceous.....--.| Engelmannand| Proceedings Acad-
Meek. emy Nat. Sciences,
Philada.,, April,
1860, p. 130.
saucor'eocobd osanodeade Lower Tertiary, | Hayden........ Report of U.S.
possibly parallel Geol. Survey for
with the older 187—'69-"69, pp.
beds of the Great 191, 192.
Lignitic Group. ;
Sandstones and clays| Tertiary? or Cre-|....do ......-.-| Report U. S. Geol.
taceous ? Survey, 1870, p.
167.
UE ee Sse Aber ays te Upper Cretaceous |....do ......---| Report U. S. Geol.
(No. 5), or Tran- Survey, 1870, pp.
sitional from Cre- 167, 168.
taceous to Terti-
ary.
Falisae cece eee eae Above Cretaceous, | Meek.........| Report U. 8S. Geol.
No. 5, Upper Cre- Survey, 1870, p.
taceous. 291.
Some fossils Creta-|.:..do .......-- Do., 296-299.
ceous and some
Eocene Tertiary.
Cretaceous......-- BRON percciateieh U.S. Geol. Explora-
tion of Fortieth
Parallel, vol. iii,
1870, pp. 464, 465.
Do., p. 458.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1871, p-
376. ,
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1871,p.
306
Also, Supplement
to Fifth Annual
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1871.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1872, p. 14.
Do., p. 437.
Do., p. 450.
Do., p. 454.
Do., p. 534.
Do., p. 339.
Do., pp. 410-417.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1873, p. 27.
Do., p. 366.
Do.
Do., pp. 439-442.
PEALE.] GEQLOGY——-BEAR RIVER GROUP—BITTER CREEK SERIES. 145
Bear River group—Continued.
Locality. Description of strata. Age. Authority. Reference.
OPTION COR pos noallsoosoddccbadescaseese Referred pr ovis- | Cope..-..-...- Do., p. 441.
jonally to Fort
Union (Creta-
ceous No. 6).
SAMS ROL, Sodooadoseesl bascooobaducbosoc bones Half Eocene and | Lesquereux ..| American Journal
half Miocene. of Sciences and
e =
Arts, vol. vii,
June, 1874.
It seems to be pretty well established that the lower portion of the
coal-beds at Coalville and Bear River belong to the upper part of the
Cretaceous formation. In this place it is proper to refer to the Judith
River beds which Dr. Hayden (Report for 1867~68~’69, p. 56) placed
below the Fort Union group. Professor Meek (Report U.S. Geol. Sur-
vey for 1862, p. 460) says, “That the Judith River beds may be Creta-
ceous, Lam, in the light of all now known of the geology of this great
internal region of the continent, rather inclined to believe.” In an
article on some fossils from near the eastern base of the Rocky Mount-
ains, Colorado (Bulletin U. 8. Geol. and Geograph. Survey, second
series, No. 1, pp. 40, 41), he refers the Judith River beds to the upper part
of the Cretaceous. He says, ‘‘ Whether they may,” “in the Upper Missouri
country, be distinct enough from the Fox Hills group to form a sixth
subdivision of the Cretaceous series, holding a position just above the
latter, or whether they ought rather to be regarded as merely an upper
member of the Fox Hiils group, may admit of some doubt in the present
state of our knowledge; though I strongly incline to the latter opin-
ion. It is true, however, that they might really be properly distinct, as
a subdivision of the Cretaceous, from the Fox Hills group, and still be
so intimately related to the latter that some of their characteristic
species of fossils might range down into the same at the Colorado loeali-
ties (just as some of the Fox Hills types also occur in the Fort Pierre
group below, at many localities), without necessarily proving that these
two subdivisions should not be treated as distinet rocks.”
Whether or not the coal strata at Evanston are equivalent to the
coal strata of Coalville cannot yet be positively stated. The considera-
tion of these beds belongs properly to the latter part of the preceding
chapter, but as their age was tor some time a matter of doubt, I have
thought it best to take them up here.
In the next table I present the beds of the Bitter Creek series. Dr.
Hayden has considered them Eocene or Transitional. Prof. H. D. Cope
called them Bitter Creek (Cretaceous), (Report U.S. Geol. Survey, 1873,
p. 439).
Bitter Creek series.
Locality. Description of strata. Age. Authority. Reference.
Bitter Creek Valley | Dark clays. sand- | Lower Eocene or | Hayden.....-- Report U. 8. Geol.
Hallville. stones, slates, and Transitional, Survey, 1870, pp.
coal-beds. from Cretacecus 75, 76.
to Tertiary, in
part, at least.
Ba GUNES BION es cass See EoneoSEeE Eocene or Tran- |....do ..-...... Do., pp. 164, 165.
Buttes Station, and sitional.
Point of Rocks.
allwallerconleminess |. see ccaececescics sect Yossils Hocene....| Meek .-....... Do., p. 298.
VTE RICIN CHO Worn neal oases atime oc aie atae Lower Miocene ...| Lesquereux...| Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1871, p. 306.
146
Creek.
Bitter Creek series—Continued.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Middle Miocene ..| Lesquereux. .-
Locality. Description of strata. Ago. Authority. Reference.
Point of Rocks ......|...-.-.cee-0---------- Fossils above a | Meek......... Do., p. 375
coal-bed, Creta-
ceous.
Lower Miocene ..-| Lesquereux...| Supplement to Fifth
Annual Report
1871, U. 8. Geol.
Survey. s
Point of Rocks, Black | Soft, light-yellow- | Tertiary .....-.... Meek .2c...50. Report U. 8. Geol.
Buttes, Rock ish, lead-gray, and Survey, 1872, pp.
Springs, and Hall- whitish sana- 455-459.
ville. stones, with seams
and beds of vari-
ous-colored clays,
shale, and coal.
Aside from the |....do..-....... Do., p. 461
Dinosaurian
the organic re-
mains favor the
conclusion that
it (Bitter Creek
series) is Ter-
tiary.
Point of Rocks coal- |......-----.------.--- Same age as at | Bannister..... Do., p. 532.
beds. Hallville? \
THIEVOIS JBNIES) 64 sconoul|sooccqbsbouoLoosoBeade Lower Eocene ....| Lesquereux -..| Do., pp. 410-417.
Black eC ute sie rlall=w| asa eee ieee eres American Lower |....do ......--. Report U. 8. Geol.
ville, and Rock Eocene. . Survey, 1873, p. 366.
Spring.
Point of Rocks, Rock |.......-.-..---------- Middle Miocene. ..|....do .......- Do.
Creek, and Medi-
cine Bow.
Black Buttes, and, | Alternating beds of | Cretaceous........ Cope..-..----- Do., pp. 434, 435-439.
westward, Rock hard and soft sand-
Spring, Point of | stones, with argil-
Rocks. Jaceous and car-
bonaceous strata.
1L@wee, | Iamtiey Oe ponodsossocbaoseasouces American Lower | Lesquereux...| American Journal of
Black Buttes. Kocene. Sciences and Arts,
vol. vii, June, 1874,
Waskakie group.
Locality. Descriptionof strata. Age. Authority. Reference.
‘Between Creston and} Fresh-water beds| Middle Tertiary..| Hayden.....-. Report U. S. Geol.
Bitter Creek. with some seams of Survey, 1867-’68-
impure lignite. 69, p. 190.
‘Between La Clede,| Laminated chalky| Upperpart maybe |....do......--. Report U. S. Geol.
Barrel Springs, and | clays;somber,hard,| an extension of Survey, 1870, p. 73.
at. Barrel Springs. indurated, rusty,| the Bridger
arenaceous clays. group or synehro-
nous with it.
Above coal-beds near | Indurated arenace- | Middle Tertiary ..|....do ....--.-. Do., p. 71.
Black Buttes. ous clays.
_Beds above coal-beds, |.......-...---.------- Washakie group..|..-.do ......--. Do., p. 139.
west of Separation
and extending to
the ‘high hills of
! Bridger Pass, from
the Seminole and
“Sweetwater ranges.
,At Separation, and |..........-...--55.... Miocene ..........|.--- Gaseaqeerce Do., p.164
westward from
>Separation above
coal-beds.
PBarrelyS Prin este scsiceleisiccieieccieiceeisiciisice oats Fossils Miocene...| Meek ..-...---. Do., pp. 298, 299.
Fossil plants, | Lesquereux...| Report U. 8. Geo.
Upper Miocene. Survey, 1871, p. 306.
Fossil plants, |....do..-....... Do.
(Washakie group,)
Lower Miocene.
Upper Eocene ....|---. GO) sabaco086 Report U. 8. Geol.
3 Survey, 1872, pp.
410-417.
Mertiary2--42---~- Meek.......-. Do., p. 457.
Separation to Bitter |..........2--seeec--- Upper Tertiary ...| Bannister..... Do., p. 525.
U. S. Geol. Survey
Reports, 1873, p. 366.
PEALE.] GEOLOGY—-WASHAKIE AND GREEN RIVER GROUPS. 147
As we have already seen, Cope considers the Bitter Creek series Cre-
taceous. In a letter to me he says, “I have never seen any certain
correlation of the Bitter Creek with the other lignite beds, so I call it
No. 6, with a question, although it may be a No. 7.” Of the Washakie
group he says, ‘I have never studied the Washakie group, and do not
know where it comes in.” Prof. F. B. Meek (Report U.S. Geol. Survey,
1872, p. 457) says, ‘“‘In the latter (Washakie group), so far as our pres-
ent knowledge extends, only fresh-water and land types of fossils have
yet been found, and we have always regarded it as being of Tertiary
age. Exactly where the one ends and the other begins we did not see.”
‘“ Between Black Butte and Bitter Creek stations (separated by a distance
of only six miles by a right line east and west) we observed no marked
change of lithological characters, from the Bitter Creek series to the
Washakie group, while the two series seemed to be conformable in dip.”
Dr. Hayden (Report U. 8. Geological Survey, 1867—68~69, p. 190)
says, ‘* From Creston to Bitter Creek there is a series of purely fresh-
water beds, with some beds of impure lignite, with vast quantities
of fossils belonging to the genera Unio, Melania, Vivipra, Helix, &c.
This group I regard as Middle Tertiary, and the strata are very nearly
horizontal. I have regarded these beds as separated from the Lower
Tertiary or true Lignite group, and have designated them by the name
of the ‘“ Washakie group.” The Washakie group, therefore, lies above
the Bitter Creek series.
Wahsatch group.
Locality. Description of strata. Age. Authority. Reference.
West of Fort Bridger.| Variegated sands| Tertiary .......... Hayden ....... Report U. S. Geol.
and clays, some Survey, 1867-’68-'69,
shade of red pre- p. 191.
dominating; very
little calcareous
’ matter.
West of Carter Sta-| Red, indurated, are- | Beneath the Bridg- |....do......... Report U. S. Geol.
tion, and from! naceous clays, with er group, and Survey, 1870, pp.
Bridger Station to| beds of grayish and probably syn- 147, 148.
Aspen. reddish-gray sand-| chronous with
stone alternating.| the Green River
Pinkish and purp- group.
lish clays are the
dominant features.
Head of Echo Cafion.| Reddishand purplish | Miocene...-..--..-|.... Coy eeeieee eae Do., p. 155.
indurated sands
and clays. j
From Carter Station | Variegated clays,|Below Bridger|....do.......-. Do., p. 168
to the middle of| sands, and sand-| group.
Echo Caiion. stones.
ames %........-..---.| On paleontologica! | Cope .-----.--.| Report U. S. Geol.
grounds, synehro- Survey, 1873, p. 441.
nous with Green Also, Proceedings |
* River epoch (Eo- Acad. Nat. Sci.,
cene). Phil., 1872, p. 279.
Green River group.
Locality. Description of strata. Age. Authority. Reference.
East of Rock Spring, | Thinly laminated | Middle ‘Tertiary, | Hayden ....... Report U. S_ Geol.
and in Green River| chalky slates. above Washakie Survey, 1867-68-69,
Valley (Green Riv- group. pp. 190, 191.
er shales).
Near Fort Stam-| Reddish or India-| Lower Miocene....|.... donee Report U. S. Geol.
baugh, Sweetwater| ocher clays, with Survey, 1870, pp.
Valley,Black’s Fork| leaden bands, yel- 39, 40.
of Green River, Big
Sandy, and near
ranger Station.
low marls, and
rusty drab lime-
stones.
148
GEOLOGICAL
Green River group—Continued.
SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Locality.
Lower part of Bridg-
er’s Butte, and oth-
er localities near
Fort Bridger.
Henry’s Fork of
Green River.
Green River, between
Henry’s Fork and
Black’s Fork.
Green River beds....
Green River
East of Rock Spring. .
Grizzly Buttes, Hen-
ry’s Fork.
Green River Basin...
Green River
Description of strata.
Limestones and
marls.
Light, ash-colored
beds, succeeded by
brilliant colored
strata,
Shales, marls, and
harder calcareous
strata.
Age. Authority.
(Green River beds’.| Hayden.......
Lower Miocene....|.--- dO}. acne
Middle Tertiary...|..-.do -.......
(Older than Hay- | Newberry....-
den made them).
Eocene.
Upper Miocene. ...| Lesquereux ..-
Probably equiva- | Leidy --....-..
lent of the Eocene
Tertiary.
Miocene .... ...-- Lesquereux
Kocene.....------- Cope): == 2-1. =~
Lower Miocene or | Marsh .....--.
Eocene. ;
Hocene......2.-2- poecUlO) Hise CHEE
Upper Miocene. ...| Lesquereux - -
Upper Miocene....|..-. oye ees ae
Lower Eocene...-. Comstock ...-.
Reference.
Do., pp. 55, 56.
Do., pp. 58, 59.
Do., pp. 69,.70.
Do., p. 143.
Supplement to 5th
Annual Report
(1871).
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1871, p. 353.
-| Report U. 8. Geol.
Survey,
410-417.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1873, p. 436.
1872, pp.
American Journal
Science and Arts,
vol. iv, 1872, p. 256.
Do., p. 299. ;
-| Report U. 5. Geol,
Survey, 1873, p. 366.
Amer. Jour. Science
and Arts, vol. iii,
June, 1874.
Rept. of Reconnais-
sance of Yellow-
stone River and
N. W. Wyoming,
under Capt. Jones,
1875, p. 123.
The Wahsatch group and the Green River group occupy two distinet
basins, but are considered synchronous by Dr. Hayden and Prof. BE. D.
Cope.
(See tables of Green River and Wahsatch groups).
to these groups in another portion of this chapter.
The position of the Wind River group, given in the next table, is by
no means certain.
I shall refer
It may be equivalent to the Green River formation,
as it seems to be above the Lignitic group, or it may represent the
Bridger group.
Wind River group.
Locality.
Description of strata.
Authority.
Reference.
Wind River Valley | Light gray and ash-
and west of Wind
River Mountains.
Between Wind River
and Big Horn
Mountains.
colored sandstones,
with more or less
argillaceous layers.
Yellowish and light,
more or less sandy
marls, with pink
bands, alternations
of sandstones and
clays.
()
(Beneath White
River group).
(2)
(2)
Above Lignitic
group and under
White River
group.
Exploration of Yel-
lowstone and Mis-
souri Rivers, under
Capt. W. F. Ray-
nolds, 1859-’60.
Geol. Report F. V.
Hayden, p. 29.
Do., p. 79.
Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1867-’68-'69,
p. 57. :
PEALE. ] GEOLOGY—WIND RIVER AND BRIDGER GROUPS. 149
* ° ° >
Wind River group—Continued.
Locality. Description of strata. Age. Authority. Reference.
Sweet Water Valley| Brown indurated (G Hayden....... Report U. S. Geol.
and Wind River} sands, with seams| (Wind River Survey, 1870, p. 33,
Mountains. ofimpure lignite or| group).
carbonaceous clay,
with layers of
coarse sandstones.
Between Wind River | Marls are frequently | Resembles the | Comstock ..... Report of Geological
and Owl Creek. variegated, 7. e.,| Bridger rather Reconnaissance of
bands of a br ight than the Green Yellowstone River
red or pinkish color | River beds. and Northwestern
are associated with Wyoming, under
the blue-greenish Captain Jones,1875,
and light-colored pp. 128, 129.
beds.
Bridger group.
Locality. Description of strata. Age. Authority. Reference.
West of Bryan and | Fine sands and sand- | Upper Tertiary .-.| Hayden....... Report of U.S. Geol.
at Church Buttes. stones, mostly in- Survey, 1867-'68’-69,
durated, sometimes p. 191.
forming compact
beds, but usually
weathering into
eastellated and
dome-like _ forms,
like the Bad Lands
of White River.
Capping the Green | Leaden-gray indu-|Above Green River |....do .....---- Report U. S. Geol.
River bedsin places} rated arenaceous| group. Survey, 1870, p. 49.
between Big Sandy} clays.
and Black’s Fork of
Green River.
Between Fort Bridg- |.......-...-......---- Miocene...------.. SHadOy seca st. Do., p. 42
er and the Uintah
Mountains.
Bridger’s Butte, near | Somber-brown indu-| Bridger group...-. SCO Ssiareieiayaias Do., pp. 55, 56,
Fort Bridger, and| rated arenaceous
divide between clays, gray and
Smith’s Fork and} rusty-brown sand-
Henry’s Fork of] stones; leaden-
Green River. brown clays.
Between Smith’s and | Indurated clays ; in- | Above Lower Mio- |....do ...-...--. Do., pp. 58, 59.
Henry’s Forks of| tercalated with] cene beds.
Green Riverandin} the clays are beds
Green River Valley.| of rusty-brown and
gray sandstones, all
tending to a con-
i cretionary struc-
ture.
Church Buttes -..---- Brown indurated | Middle Tertiary, |....do.......-. Do., pp. 144, 145.
sands and clays. probablysynchro-
nous with White
River beds.
Fossils, Miocene .-| Meek ..-...-..- Do., pp. 298, 299.
Echo and Weber | Conglomerates....-- Probably parallel | Hayden...-.--.. Do., p. 168.
Valleys. with Bridger
group (Upper
Miocene).
Near South iBitter|sosscccccs che ctee cee c Upper Miocene ...|....do ..--....- Do., p. 75
Creek at La Cléde.
Eocene. ........... (CDS cooocdence Report U. 8. Geol.
Survey, 1873, p. 437.
ens On kay andy | ee sae ecles cece \c(< Upper Miocene ..-| Lesquereux..-| Report U. S. Geol.
Muddy Creek. Survey, 1871, p. 306.
Dull-colored indu-| Upper Eocene ..-.| Comstock ..... Report of Reconnais-
rated clays and sance of Yellow-
brownish, dull-yel- stone River and
low, or gray arena-
ceous layers, with
more or less concre-
tionary structure.
Northwestern
Wyoming, under
Captain Jones, 1875,
p. 127.
150 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
White River group.
Locality. Description of strata.) Age. Authority. Reference.
On White River, un- | White andlight-drab | Miocene........... Hayden ....... Geol. Report of Ex-
der Loupe River] clays with some ploration of Yellow-
beds, and on the| beds of sandstone, stone and Missouri
Niobrara River,]| and local layers of Rivers, by Dr. F. V.
and across to the} limestone, and Hayden, under
Platte River. whitish indurated Capt. W. F. Ray-
clays. nolds, 1859-60, p. 29;
also Report 1 Ome
Geol. Survey, 1867-
68-69, p. 57.
On White Earth| Variegated beds, |....do..-......-..-. rocdtl)) sonecsene Exploration of Yel-
Creek and White] cream-colored, red- lowstone and Mis-
River. dish-brown, and i souri Rivers, p. 134.
light-gray sands
and marls.
In the valley of the | Light-colored marls | White River Ter-|....do ......... Report U. S. Geol.
Chug-Water, on| and sands. tiary. Survey, 1867—’68-’69,
Horse Creek, and p. 80.
on the North Platte.
Beds beneath Chey- |....-..----.-.-.------ snout scgsgooedsdes so0cdlD boscoc6s6 Do., p. 110.
enne.
On the Chug-Water |........--.--.-------- Mae O! -fsnaeielatseysetns Sees QOesisiccicls Report of U.S. Geol.
and Crow Creek. SAEYONS 1870, pp. 13,
Along the North, and |.-.....-.-...- SSeS OPE Ne eUOr cweseecer tee cdoctl) Sea5csonS me , pp. 19, 20, 23.
on La Bonte and
Horseshoe Creeks.
Hotipbettenman esos secsceeserceteceeeeee Teh Ol ayo siciseniesiciee sbusG@ Seo0nesod Do., pp. 23, 24.
100 miles northwest |..........-..--.------ 35086 so5bc Booed ae socot®) séscec0as Do., p. 121.
of Fort Laramie.
Miocene...-....... Meidwaeee eee. Report U. S. Geol.
Survey, 1871, p. 353.
Plains west of Chey-| Drab, yellow, and | Miocene (?)..-...--. Hayden....--. Report U. 8S. Geol.
enne. light-gray sand- Survey, 1873, p. 17.
stones, marls, and
clays.
Miocene...-.-..--. Copeyeaeneenes Do., p. 461.
The “Monument Creek” and the “Gallisteo Sand” groups deserve
mention here. The latter has been referred to the Miocene by Dr.
Hayden (Report U.S. Geol. Survey, 1867-68-69, pp. 139, 167, 190.). It
consists of “ variegated sands and sandstones, and light-reddish brick-
red, purplish, yellow-white, brown, and drab, with irregular layers of
dull rusty-brown concretionary arenaceous limestones.” It will be noticed
that this description resembles those already given for une Green River
and Wahsatch groups.
In the report of U. 8S. Geol. Survey, 18676869, p. 139, 140, Dr. Hay-
den points out the resemblance of the Monument Creek group to the
Gallisteo Sand group, and to the beds between Fort’ Bridger to Weber
Canon (Wahsatch group), and refers it to Late Miocene or Pliocene.
He makes the same reference in the report for 1870, p. 161. In the
report tor 1873, page 33, he refers it to Miocene. In Bulletin No. 3,
Second series, he refers it to the Lignitic group, but in. Bulletin No. 4, p.
219, he corrects this statement. Prof, E. D. Cope (Report U.S. Geol.
Survey 1873, p. 430) says: ‘The age of the Monument Creek formation
in relation to the other Tertiaries not having been definitely determined,
I sought for vertebrate fossils. The most characteristic one which i
procured was the hind leg and foot of an Artiodactyle of the Oredore
type, which indicated conclusively that the formation is newer than the
Eocene. From the same neighborhood and stratum, as I have every
reason for believing, the fragment of the Megaceratops coloradoensis was
obtained. ‘This fossil is equally conclusive against the Pliocene age of
the formation, so that it may be referred to the Miocene, until further
discoveries enable us to be more exact.”
Tbe columns on the opposite page are summarized from the tables that
have already been given:
i153]
CRETACEOUS AND TERTIARY STRATA.
GEOLOGY
PEALE. |
‘dnois [800 19AIy W981 ‘dnois sity xO
‘spoq JoAly wWo014)
“STIL. XO1—'S “ON
“IOAINT :
avog puv ‘nog “IW Spodq STITH XO
‘yoor) 10}}1q—"9 “ON
~ ‘dnois 19Ayy weed)
‘dnois 0310
-BYT Jol 10 UOTUQ
‘Vy JO ojoya 10 Juv
‘dnoas iospiig.
“Spodq
UISeq YeIUTQ
"sdnois 10dvM
-JOOMS PUB IOATY PULA
‘ox ‘dnoad 1OATYy FIT A\| “Anos roaty OFT AA.
* “soTTUsT]
OOTXOTY MON fIOATY Avog pu oI[TATvOD
‘Suladg x00
‘SOLOS Joa IoyJIg JO svar) ‘OTTATIPH
‘oq sovlgq
‘OPRIO[OD ULOYIIONY pue [v.1yWID
jo uiseg ‘AqtQ uouBD ‘sureJUNOy_ u0zEIy
‘dnois 1ospug
eme00m
IOMOT UvoLieuy
emoo0g
azedd
‘ssolg JUNOT, ‘ woysueATT
“eud00R
Jioedd gq uvorouy
‘yOoIO) YOO
‘SOlIOS YIOID III jo JIC ; ‘SHOOW JO GUlOg
‘Mog OULDLpOyL
- ‘dnois o1eyse Ay ‘[voo uoqieo
“Ye OTPPTAL
fouer 8,OT[oIsvg puv “UeSsTIO,y iw 9M “yavg
Yynog faeN ‘oxy FO Too ‘dnois 1eany woelx)
“‘Surmo0k A UsosaA\ | ‘VOLIOUrY [IIONT 989 AA
: *Y00}SULOD
“edor) *xnozonbso'T
*dno1s sil A
XO ‘LOAN Jvog pu eT[LATvoD =
23
ois
“SOLIG8 YOOID 10991 oe
BS
25
3 >|
vr
q
‘moneivdes ‘v0 m0q 5B
-IVO !SUISB-[8OO COTXOTT AON pus g
opei0jog ‘order tamossiyy soddq | ya
5
>
: a
‘duois Z
IOATY woery) ‘dnois yoresye A iS
=
4 ‘dnois oA purr iz
>
7 2 S
‘dnois sospig ‘dnois 190Aty OflG AA as
Bo
on.
‘uopAr yy
| *sn0098}019
, wmddq
i
“Ollo00Rf
*@MAD0ITL
152 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
It will be seen, on referring to the column headed Lesquereux, that
beds of the Bitter Creek series are in part under Miocene, and in part
under Eocene. The reason of this may be that the specimens are from
different horizons, or, if from the same horizon, it would seem to prove
that there is a mingling of forms in the flora of Eocene and Miocene
formations. It is probable that when more complete collections are
made, this will be found to be the case. That the coal-beds of these
localities, however, belong to the same horizon is evidently the opinion
of Dr. Hayden and Prof. F. B. Meek, who have studied the localities
Stratigraphically. (See references in tables).
LIGNITIC GROUP.
West of the continental divide the coal-bearing strata are not con-
fined to the Lignitie group (as named east of the mountains). As noted
in the preceding chapter, I found lignite in the sandstones of the Dakota
group. In 1873 Mr. Marvine* found a “thin seam of coal” ‘+a few
hundred feet above the quartzitic sandstones of No. 1,” at the ‘“ Hot
Springs” in Middle Park. During the season of 1874 Mr. Marvine
found coai in a horizon above fossils of No. 4 and below those reterable
to No.5. Dr. Endlich, in his district, recognized three distinct lignitic
layers in different horizons of the Cretaceous formation. The coal of
the Elk Mountains is probably of the age of the Fox Hills group. I
have already referred to the possibility of the upper part of the series
there, in which the coal is found, being apart of the Lignitic group, but,
until fossils are found, I refer it to Upper Cretaceons.
Professor Newberry t found lignite in Lower Cretaceous and in Jurassic
strata in Northeastern Arizona. In Minnesota, also, coal has been found
in Lower Cretaceous rocks.
The reason of the differences of opinion as to the age of the disputed
beds called lignitic seems to be that there are two sets of lignite-bearing
beds close together, one belonging to the horizon of the Fox Hills beds
of the Cretaceous or possibly a little above it, and the other belonging
to the horizon of the Fort Union group (Lower Eocene). As Prot. G.
M. Dawsont says, “‘ An observer beginning his study of the beds on
their eastern margin, and proceeding westward, as Dr. Hayden has
done, would be completely justified in placing the whole series, at least
down to the top of Cretaceous No. 5, in the Tertiary; while a geologist
familiar in the first instance with the fossils of the underlying Cretaceous
formations, and following the lignite strata eastward from their appear-
ance in the Rocky Mountains, would in all probability include the whole
series in the upward extension of the Cretaceous, though doubts might
begin to assail him before he reached the upper or most eastern beds.”
In many places the coal of the upper part of the Cretaceous appears
to be absent. When present the sandstones have a transitional char-
acter, but this is also noticed where coal is found in the lower part of
the Cretaceous formation, and in the Jurassic, just beneath. Professor
Cope refers the lignite-beds to the Cretaceous formation from the dis-
covery of the reptilian fauna in them. He has described a Dinosaurian
reptile from the Bitter Creek series,§ and also from the Fort Union
group in Colorado.|| Professor Meek says, ‘‘ Aside from the Dino-
** Report of U.S. Geol. Survey, 1873, page 156.
+ Colorado Exploring Expedition, Geological Report, pp. 83, 85.
t Geological Report on the Region in the Vicinity of the Forty-ninth Parallel, p. 202.
§ Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 1872, p. 482.
|| Report United States Geological Survey of the Territories, 1873, p. 444,
‘{ Report United States Geological Survey, 1872, p. 461.
PBALE. ] GEOLOGY—LIGNITIC GROUP. 153
saurian, the organic remains favor the conclusion that it (Bitter Creek
series) is Tertiary.” Professor Lesquereux, from the study of the flora
as we have already seen, refers the beds to the Hocene period. Cope,
in his conclusion, (Report United States Geological Survey, 1873, p. 447),
says there is, then, no alternative but to accept the result that a Tertiary
flora was contemporaneous with a Cretaceous fauna, establishing an
uninterrupted succession of life across what is generally regarded as
one of the greatest breaks of geologic time.
Linsert here a letter from Prof. Theodore Gill, on the value of the
Dinosaurian remains, as proof of the Cretaceous age of the strata in
which they are found:
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION,
Washington, January 9, 1876.
Dear Sir: Your letter, requesting a copy of my communication tothe meeting of
the National Academy of Sciences respecting the values of fossils as indices of forma-
tions, has duly come to hand.
My remarks were not published otherwise than in brief newspaper reports. They
were elicited by the controversy then prevailing respecting the age of the lignite-beds
in which the Dinosaurian remains, to which you allude, were found. The substance of
my criticisms was that we should not be too much influenced in our views as to the
age of any group by one or two including fossils; and I brought up a number of cases
to show how mistaken we should be if we allowed ourselves to be too much influenced
by what was known of the paleontology of any limited country. Among other in-
stances, I especially alluded to the fact that for a long time the fish, genus Ceraiodus,
was regarded an indication of a not later than Triassic age of any including forma-
tion; and showed that while such is the case for the northern hemisphere, so far as
yet has been observed, we still have living Ceratodi in the southern hemisphere, not
long ago discovered. I proceeded then to show the close relation between the species
of this group, which lived in Triassic Europe, and the species which live in modern
Australia. I.further indicated that the remains of Agathaumas, found in the lignite-
beds, were not sufficiently characteristic to enable us to determine the exact relation-
ship of the genus, and that it was apparently not, at least nearly, allied to any of the
previously recognized forms of the order. The conclusion was drawn that inasmuch
as the same typical structure could persist and had persisted, with shifting geographi-
cal relations, through such long ages as had Ceratodus, that in the case of the Dinosaurt-
ans, where the affinities were less intimate, there could be no a priori reason why they
might not have hada similar history. It was in fact assuming the premises in dispute
to assert. that because the remains of the Dinosaurian were found in a given horizon
they must necessarily indicate Mesozoic age, notwithstanding the other associated fos-
sils. I finally urged that in this case, where the evidence was conflicting, we would
have to wait for further proof from other quarters, and especially for the tracing of
\ peeaie horizons toward, and co-ordination with, those above and below the beds in
ispute.
I adduced a number of other facts bearing on the subject; but this will be sufficient
to show the drift of my argument and the evidenee of the facts set forth.
Hoping that this epitome will answer your purpose, I remain, yours truly,
THEO. GILL..
Dr. A. C. PEALE.
Cope also says,* ‘The appearance of mammalia and sudden disap-
pearance of the large Mesozoic types of reptiles may be regarded as
evidence of migration, and not of creation. Itis to be remembered that
the smaller types of lizards and tortoises continue, like the crocodiles,
from Mesozoic to Tertiary time without extraordivary modification of
structure. Itis the Dinosauria which disappeared from the land, driven
out and killed by the more active and intelligent mammal; herbivorous
reptiles like Agathaumus and Cionodon would have little chance of suc-
cessful competition with beasts like the well-armed Bathmodon and
Metalophodon.” If the smaller types persisted, why not the larger?
The only reason he gives is that they would have little chance of suc-
cessful competition with the well-atmed mammals. Why should this not
*Report United States Geological Survey, 1873, p. 442.
154 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
apply also to the smaller? He says also that paleontology confirms
Hayden’s conclusion that there is no evidence of any catastrophe sufii-
cient to account for any sudden and complete destruction of life. The
change from marine waters to fresh water accounts for the destruction
of the marine invertebrate life, but, as Hayden* says, ‘the vertebrates
of the Lignitic period having great powers of locomotion, and being able
to live on land as well as in the lakes and marshes of that time, and as we
have shown that there was at no time any important catastrophe or phys-
ical changes sufficient to affect them, could well have prolonged their exist-
ence farup into the Lignitic group, carrying with themas aninheritance
their Cretaceous characters.” Noone form ot life should be taken asa basis
of classification. Cope’s comparative list of vertebrate species,t under
Colorado and Dakota, includes two species of Plastomenus, a Tertiary
genus, although in a foot-note he says he so refers them provisionally.
The fauna, therefore, even according to his own list, is not exclusively
Cretaceous. Writing to Prof. G. M. Dawson on some remains found in
the lower portion of the Lignitic formation on the forty-ninth parallel,
he says:t ‘ Tbisis a characteristic collection of the reptiles of the Fort
Union Cretaceous, but with increased: admixture of Hocene forms. Plas-
tomenus is an Kocene genus, but the reference of the new species to it is
not final. But you send two Hocene gar scales which have every ap-
pearance of belonging to the same formation. Will you re-examine your
notes to inform me whether they really belong to the same horizon as
the others ?” Dawson says :§ “ The gar scales referred by Professor Cope
to the genus Clastes, were obtained at the very base of the Lignitic
formation and below the lowest lignite-bed.” “ Dinosaurian bones oc-
curred within a few feet of them.”
We have already seen that the coal-bearing strata at Coalville and Bear
River are undoubtedly Cretaceous. The only reason to be given for in-
cluding the different groups in one formation is the fact of the presence
of coal; and we might, then, include all coal-bearing strata, whether
Carboniferous, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, or Tertiary,inthesame. In
this case the lignitic strata are very close together ; and in fact one im-
mediately succeeds the other. This is also the case at the base of the
Cretaceous in some places. Professor Newberry,|| referring to a bed of
lignite of Jurassic age in Northeastern Arizona, says: ‘‘The sandstone,
shales, and limestone lying above, also include many beds of lignite
closely resembling this, and on lithological grounds would appropriately
be grouped with it. In fact they have been considered Jurassic, and the
only Jurassic rocks in this region, by the geologist Marcou, who claims
to have discovered the representative of this formation in New Mexico.
Unfortunately, however, for that classification, immediately over the
thin stratum of yellow sandstone which overlies the coal, are beds of clay
shale, with bands of limestone in which are unmistakable Cretaceous
fossils.” Plants of the lignite above were dicotyledonous, while those
found below “are closely allied to some of those most characteristic of
the Jura and Upper Trias of Europe.” 4] The base of the Cretaceous
formation is therefore seen to resemble the base of the Tertiary. In
Eastern Colorado the upper part of the Cretaceous is destitute of coal.
In fact the Upper Fox Hills group is wanting in many localities, and
* Notes on the Lignitic group of Eastern Colorado and portions of Wyoming, Bulle-
tin No. 5, second series, United States Geological Survey of Territories, p. 411.
t Report U. S. Geol. Survey of Terr., 1873, p. 483.
{ Geol. Report Forty-ninth Parallel, p. 200.
§ Ibid. -
|| Ives’s Colorado Expedition, Geological Report, p. 83.
4 Ives’s Colorado Expedition, Geological Report, pp. 83, 85.
PEALE. ] GEOLOGY—LIGNITIC GROUP. 155
sometimes the Lignitic group rests on No. 4 or No. 3 Cretaceous.* I
have already (page 145) referred to the equivalence of the Judith River
beds and some strata at the-eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, west
of Greeley and Evans, Colo. The fossils upon which Professor Meek
predicated this equivalence “‘came from the very upper beds of well-
defined marine Cretaceous, and below the horizon of all the coal-bearing
strata of the Colorado region.” t
In the report of United States Geological Survey for 1872, p. 459, Pro-
fessor Meek speaks of the resemblance of some of the fossils from the Black
Butte and Point of Rocks localities, to some species found in the brack-
ish-water beds at the mouth of the Judith River. They would seem,
therefore, to be equivalent to those seen east of the mountains west of
Greeley. He says they are distinct from any found at Coalville or Bear
_River. In speaking of Black Butte it must be remembered that there
is also a Black Butte station at which the beds are probably not of the
same horizon. Point of Rocks, Hallville, and Rock Spring are not all
of the same horizon. In going from Table Rock to Salt Wells (see re-
port of H. M. Bannister, U.S. Geological Survey, 1872, p. 524), we go down
through a fresh-water series to brackish-water beds and finally to ma-
rine Cretaceous at Salt Wells, which is in an anticlinal. Speaking of
the coal horizon of Point of Rocks, Bannister says:i ‘It seems almost
too low in geological position to be referred to the horizon of the Hall-
ville beds, although it may occupy the same.” Meek, in the report
for 1872, p. 458, refers them to the same horizon, although in the re-
port for 1871 he refers Point of Rocks to the Cretaceous and Hallville
to the Eocene, from the affinities of the fossils.
Until the stratigraphy of the region is thoroughly investigated there
must remain some little doubt. Professor Meek, in his table of fossils
of the Bitter Creek series,§ evidently considers the Point of Rocks
locality at the lower part of the series. Professor Meek || has identified
some fossils from two hundred miles east of Greeley, Colo., as the same
that are found over one of the coal-beds at Haliville, Wyo., and at
Black Butte Station, Utah. He says: “That the formation from which
these fossils came, however, is the same as the Bitter Creek series of
Wyoming, including the Biack Butte beds, the Hallville coal-mines,
Point of Rocks, and Rock Spring coal-mines, &e., I have scarcely a
shadow of doubt.”
It remains now to state the following conclusions:
1. The lignite-bearing beds east of the mountains in Colorado are
the equivalent of the Fort Union group of the Upper Missouri, and are ©
HKocene-Tertiary ; also, that the lower part of the group, at least at the
locality two hundred miles east of the mountains, is the equivalent of
a part of the lignitie strata of Wyoming.
2. The Judith River beds have their equivalent along the eastern
edge of the mountains below the Lignite or Fort Union group, and
also in Wyoming, and are Cretaceous, although of a higher horizon than
the coal-bearing strata of Coalville and Bear River, Utah. They form
either the upper part of the Fox Hillis group (No.5) or a group to be
called No. 6.
3. That the upper part of the Fox Hills group is wanting in many
parts of Hastern Colorado, and when present seems to be thin and des-
titute of coal.
* Hayden Bulletin No. 5, 2d series, U. 8. Geological Survey of the Territories, p. 404.
+t Bulletin No. 1, 2d series, U. S. Geological Survey, p. 40.
} Report U.S. Geological Survey, p. 5382.
§ U. S. Geological Survey, p. 477.
|| Bulletin No. 1, 2d series, p. 42.
*
156 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
TERTIARY BETWEEN GRAND AND GUNNISON RIVERS.
The only portion of the district in which Tertiary rocks are seen is
in the region between its two main streams. I have no absolute proof
that the Lignitic group is present. At all the localities I visited, the
intermediate beds from the upper part of the Fox Hills beds to the
red sandstone bed that I took asthe base of the Green River and
Bridger series were covered. The Lignitic group may include a portion
of the beds above and a part beneath. It is impossible to define any
line of separation. Although I could see no unconformability between
the Cretaceous and overlying Tertiaries, it is probable that in other
places evidences will be found, especially on the edges of the Tertiary
basin. In a conglomeritic sandstone on Plateau Creek I found an
inner convolution of a Scaphite. It was a pebble, and proves that the
layer in which it was found, is of Post-Cretaceous age, its materials com-
ing from. the disintegration of Cretaceous rock which were above water-
level when the stratum was deposited.
GREEN RIVER AND BRIDGER GROUPS.
I shall use the name Green River group to include also the Wahsatch
group of Hayden. Cope restricts the name to the Green River shales.
Whether we call them Eocene or Miocene depends upon the view we
take of the beds below. The vertebrate palentologists consider them
Eocene, while all who hold to the Tertiary age of the Lignitic group
place them in the Miocene.
As has already been stated, the greater portion of the Tertiary beds
exposed in the district is refer able to the Green River and Bridger
groups. These strata are seen between the Grand and Gunnison riveis,
west of Roaring Fork, and are almost horizontal, dipping slightly to the
eastward beneath the ‘pasaltic- capped plateaus, whieh are fully described
in other portions of the report. The area is shown on map H.
The characters of the included rocks will be given as we proceed.
The best exposures are seen on Plateau Oreek, a branch of the Grand
River, which joins it some distance above the mouth of the Gunnison,
after cutting deeply into the strata. The following section will give the
best idea of the succession of the strata on Plateau Creek.
No. 19.—Section of Tertiary Beds.—Plateau Creek.
Thickness
Base. Ft. In,
. Red sandstone.... .-.. .- +--+ - seo eee ene eee ene one cee enn e eee cee ens ay
. Yellow and white sandstones. ...-...----..-----.---------------------
ive dusandstomesd feeb esse er amen e ore ieeeeesaraie dal =tenaia ste a) |
. Variegated red, yellow, and bluish marls, sandstones, and clays....-...
_ Bluish and black argillaceous beds.........----- .-----+----+ -----06--- |
» MOllOnr ERGO 6555 56 n66650 055600 Goa9 S606 9955059 890000 Sos saDGaS059 oc
5 Jeeves ahyanllleeeanis) WEG: Ghee cobecd cobs sndo5s coee Sono ed Socnoe sass ono2 |
. Brownish red sandstone...-.. ..---- 2. -- 2202 one ee ween eee r2,000 0
. Soft greenish argillaceous shales....-....----.-------------------- ---- |
OMONIAOF OWE
10. Green sandstone abalone Unica core kt mCReer |: aaa
11. Black argillaceons shales). -~---)2- 2. =-2 = 22 -- =e ene ane 29 en ae |
12. Massive sandstones in pinkish- -white and yellowish- gray layers, ) ~
with icterlaminated greenish shales. Sdme of the layers are >250
conglomeritic --....- (OARS Ear ne ECE S/S ooooS SABES Mere oas
13. Dark ereenish shalysandstoneseaesc sass ae Sees siolsste nian eee J
14. Series of soft variegated beds, yellow, reddish, and black, much like those
given in lower part of this section. They are generally concealed, but
where exposed the débris, from the softness of the strata, makes it
almost impossible to get the section in detail. Thickness about -...---- 740 0
PEALE. ] GEOLOGY—SECTION OF TERTIARY STRATA. 157
Thicknees.
Base. Fi. In
15. Space probably filled with soft yellowish sandstones and interlaminated
red and green shales and marls, a continuation upward of No. 14 ..-... 170 0
16. Soft. erayish-white SAT CLS GOTLOS 2) eRe RUPE ERY tes Sed ae RRR) Sahu 46 0
he duane) omeenishyshallesisi-.3 > - ies -njeeeneepratisie ait ws eect seemap seat aeiols 23 0
ils, Giayy SRMOIKODO. 46606 6ooneo5eds osaeod s600 Gaude5ceEd rk att pe ar baa es ey ie 3 W
1S), Greciielnaamny SHIOCISIONG) s55556 o6s0ce sec0cs SH boo eeeeesS00bGbn c59600 E005 8 8
20. Red shales, passing up into green..-..-..----- ------.------------+------- 3 6
21. Yellow sandstone, covered near the top, having in all probability interlami-
LRAT EUS 0G Os) se POR SESE EREIC RE RER Cc 6 25CO COC Een CEeanee tee Bh Semen see 75 (0
SAY ellow SAN AStOME) sas sims ele ace
e2 3 Gray laminated trachyte...---.....---. +--+ 22-20 eee eee tees 40
4, Ward obsidian porphyry ---.--.-- -.-- ---22- «<2 --0= socens weer ee =
(5. Soft spherulitic and porphbyritic obsidian...........----..----.---- J
r} 6: Purple vesicular rhyolite: -.. 2.22. 25222 4ec6 Gee cet Scisjncs 0 ose cians 50
( epliish-orayatly Olibepenma\- cite -jeee cl eto cielo ais cle\s|=12 = ele ies 51 30
Top.
DOD Ses ee Cees a4 aye Se ibe} ac aor ane HE qn Uoe 520
This section goes as far as the top of the bluff, but as we go back
there is.a greater thickness, and probably a repetition of the upper por-
tion of the section, that is trom the obsidian upward. The letters in
the section above correspond to the letters in Fig. 1, Plate XI1V. As
the rocks of this section are typical of the rocks in these mesas, I will
describe them more in detail. The breccia I will pass by for the pres-
ent. The tufa, which rests immediately upon it, is almost white in color,
and appears to be made up mainly of feldspathic material, with parti-
cles of quartz and mica interspersed. It is soft and very fine in texture,
having a sandy feel when crushed in the fingers. Above station 73 this,
tuff is about five feet thick. Layer No. 3 is a dull, purplish-gray rock,
in which there are numerous particles of quartz and obsidian, with crys-
tals of sanidine porphyritically imbedded. There are also a few crys-
tals of black mica. Under the glass this rock has a vitreous appear-
ance. Itis probably rhyolitic. It is trom two to four feet thick. Layer
No. 4 is very hard, and breaks into square blocks, with very smooth,
170 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
regular faces. There are numerous crystals of sanidine in the obsidian.
As we ascend, the bed becomes softer, and besides sanidine contains
small spherulitic masses, which are generally about the size of a pin-
head. In some places, however, they are an inch or two in diameter,
and when broken open the cavities in them are found coated with
Hyalite. This spherulitic obsidian is exactly like that found by us in the
Yellowstone National Park,* and a description of one would answer for
the other. Layer No. 6, in the section given above, is a compact jaspery-
looking rock, slabs of which ring under blows of the hammer. In the
crypto-crystalline paste are crystals of sanidine, bronze mica, free quartz
in abundance, and occasionally a pebble of what has the appearance of
having been tufa inclosed and metamorphosed. This rhyolite is vesicular,
the cavities being lined with blue chalcedony. These cavities are most
abundant in the lower part. The description of this rock answers for
the layer wherever it is shown along the Gunnison, the only difference
being in the color, which at station 73 is a purplish-brown. At station
77 it is more of agray. The geodes of chalcedony are very abundant
in the latter place. Layer No. 7 breaks into slab-like masses which
weather. white. They ring under the hammer like the layer below.
Just above it are indications of a tufa, resembling that above the
breccia. It seems to be of a reddish color. Along the second creek
west of station 73 the trachytic capping has been removed, and the
breccia forms the basis for a considerable distance up the creek,
the mesa-form ‘disappearing with the removal of the trachyte. The
creek west of stations 77 and 78 forms the present western boundary
of this trachytie area. At the head of the creek, as seen from station 79,
the trachyte is tipped up, dipping toward the south or southeast at an
angle of 10° to 15°. This is also the general direction of the slope of the
mesas. Station 79 was located on a point capped with a remnant of
the lower part of the trachyte, below which is the breccia. It is im-
possible to tell at present how far west this flow originally extended.
The breccia which we have referred to so often in the present chap-
ter is geuerally of a dark-gray color in the matrix. The included masses
are of all sizes, and generally angular. The greatest variety is seen
near station 31. I have already spoken of the stratified character at
this point, which seems to indicate its deposition in water.
The upper layers seem to be lighter-colored and to have the included
smaller masses. Farther down there is a dark band, below which the
included rocks are in large masses. These layers are variegated, red,
green, yellow, and gray. Between the layers are bands resembiing a
hard sandstoue and also tufaceous layers. The included masses are, I
think, all trachytic. The tufaceous layers are pink and ash colored,
and covtain conspicuously black mica and minute erystalsof hornblende.
Preceding the deposition of this breccia, there was considerable
erosion, as is indicated by comparing the underlying rocks at station 73
with those under station 79. In thé former place there are only a few
feet of shales between the Dakota group and the bottom of the breccia,
while at station 79 there must be at least 1,000 feet, and there is probably
more farther back. On the Gunnison, also, as seen by the sections in Plate
XIV, there is abundant evidence of such erosion. The drainage had
probably the same general direction as at present. It is also probable
that there was an interval between the deposition of the breccia and
the flow of the rhyolitic rocks, during which there may have been
some erosion of the breccia. It varies greatly in thickness. At station
31 it is 3,000 feet, while on the Gunnison, at station 73, it is only 400 feet.
* Report U.S. Geol. Survey, 1872, page 131.
Xx
wt J
Sear
Yi
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aa
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77.
i,
ion Bh
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EEO IES a 7
25 a | / a
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ity
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P. GH- .,
MAP. D
Shewing Areas of Rhyolite and Breccia
AB ~ Section R. EF = Section O.
CDE
abe ST a et
pat
Feif f
1 pu ki rp rms
re i ise, 4m
crea GEOLOGY—BASALT—EAGLE RIVER. 171
I have already stated that the origin of this trachyte and breccia is
in Dr. Endlich’s district, south of the Gunnison. Since it was poured
out, the mass of mountains described under the head of Porphyritic
Trachytes have been thrown up, which fact accounts for the abrupt
bending of the trachyte northeast of station 79, and the general slope
toward the Gunnison. The subsequent erosion has been sufficient to
remove the trachyte around station 31, and on the ridges running
southward from this mass of mountains. The amount of the denuda-
tion on the Gunnison is measured by the distance between the top of
the mesas and the level of the River.
BASALTIC AREAS.
The basaltic rocks of the district all closely resemble each other.
They are generally dark-colored, gray to black, and are fine-textured.
They contain olivine, sometimes free quartz, the latter not abundantly,
and on being pulverized magnetic iron can be extracted from them.
The latter always caused a great deflection in the needle at all stations
made on these areas. Vesicular varieties occur in many places. The
different varieties, however, will be described as we proceed. ‘The short-
ness of the time at our disposal in the preparation of this report pre-
eludes the possibility of giving definite analyses of the rocks.
As already stated, the basaltic rocks are confined to the northern
part of the district, where they generally form the capping of plateaus
or mesas, showing that they are lava-flows. Their source was probably
to the northward, as, with the exception of ove locality, I could find no
evidence of their having originated within the limits of our region.
As the general features of the country have been already given ip
considerable detail I will confine myself mainly to the description of the
rocks and their mode of occurrence. ©
Eagle hiver.—On the summit of the ridge southwest of the Hagle
River, opposite the second caiion, there is an isolated area of volcanic
rock which I call basalt, although I could discover no olivine. Its ap-
pearance, however, closely resembles that of the rocks in the same re-
gion that are undoubtedly basaltic. It is dark bluish-gray, rather com-
pact, with a slight tendency in places to lamination. There are a few
points of free quartz and numerous yellow spots of some decomposing
mineral, which may be olivine. The area ocenpied by this rock is lim-
ited, comprehending only about nine square miles. It is shown on map
A. A Section across it is shown in Fig. 1, Plate I (ftog). It will be —
seen that it rests on the upturned edges of the Red Beds, and in places
tonches the Jurrassic or Cretaceous layers. The section in the figure is
partly ideal, but I think it presents the true relations of the rocks.
It seems that there must have been a fissure through which the mate-
rial was pushed, and afterward spreading out, it covered the edges of the
Strata tipped up by the same force that caused the flow. If it is simply
a flow that has spread over the upturned edges of the strata it must
have come from the north. The hills north of Eagle River shown at cc,
in Plate II, are capped with volcanic rock. It is not probable, however,
that this rock is the same flow, although it may be of nearly the same
age. We cannot be exact as to the age, although it is probably com-
paratively modern. All we can say positively is that it is Post Creta-
ceous at this point. I think this flow and the one near the mouth of HKagle
River were contemporaneous. The latter, as I shall show, is of recent
date. It is near the mouth of the river on the north side, and, although
outside of the limits of our district, I wish to refer to it. A more de-
tailed description will be given by Mr. Marvine. The flow had its
source in the hills on the north side. It came down the ravines and
EZ GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
spread out in the valley, covering a space of three or four miles. It
forms a bluff edge 10 to 20 feet above the level of the river. A speci-
men of the rock that I obtained is a black vesicular basalt containing
free quartz and olivine. Cn pulverizing it I obtained a dark, almost
black, powder from which magnetite could be separated.
This rock is of comparatively recent date, whic. is evident from the
following reasons:
First. “Tie flow has taken place since the carving out of the valley.
It occupies the bottom of the valley, which is nearly two thousand feet
in depth, bordering the river like the slag poured out from a furnace.
The river seems to be the limit of the flow, none of the rock being found
on the south side. It was probably pusbed by it to the lower side of
the canon-like valley.
Second. The subsequent erosion bas been very slight. The basalt is
exposed in a bluff-like wall which reaches to the level of the water,
nothing being exposed beneath it.
Third. The basaltic rock is destitute of vegetation and comparatively
free from any soil. It has the appearance of having just been poured
out. The period during which it was poured out is probably to be meas-
ured by hundreds of years, and perhaps less, rather than by longer
periods.
Grand River.—Below the mouth of Eagle River on the south side of
Grand River there is an area of voleanic rock that has. been subjected
to considerable erosion. This area was probably.once continuous with
that west of Roaring Fork. Between a creek, Grand River and Roar-
ing Fork it rests mainly on beds of Triassic age, forming a plateau-like
surface. Near the mouth of Frying-Pan Creek is a mesa capped with
basalt which is probably a portion of the same flow. This latter, how-
ever, rests on beds of Cretaceous age, as does the voleanic rock west of
the Hog-backs on Roaring Fork. They areall probably remnants of the
same flow. The amonntof erosion previous to the spreading out of this
material was very great. The Cretaceous rocks near the Grand, between
Roaring Fork and a creek, seem to have been entirely removed. The
subsequent erosion also has been of great extent. The present valleys
and canons have probably been outlined since, and the amount of de-
nudation is tobe measured by their depth below the level of the vol-
canic rock.
The capping of the hills west of Roaring Fork is very irregular.
There remain only the remnants of what was once a connected mass.
Station 16 was located on the western edge of one of the patches of
basalt.
In almost all of the vaileys drained by the southern branches of the
Grand, between Roaring Fork and the plateau of station No. 48, there
are great numbers of volcanic bowlders, derived from the hills that are
capped irregularly with basalt. The hills themselves are so covered
with débris that it is difficult to define the boundaries of the basalt.
The plateau on which station 48 is located is also capped irregularly
with basalt. Since the flow it has been subjected to a great deal of
erosion, and now the basalt is found only in isolated masses, like that
on which we made station 48. The latter is a mammallary process
rising 248 feet above the general level, and about 200 feet in diameter.
The fcllowing is the section of this curious horn-like point, which can
be seen from a great distance in every direction :
1. Dark-gray basalt, containing a large quantity of olivine, also free
quartz sparingly. It is a very bard and compact rock.
2. Purplish basalt. This lay er is slightly vesicular. It contains the
same minerals that are seen in No. 1.
PEALE. | GEOLOGY—BASALTS—FLATEAU CREEK. 173
3. Vesicular basalt. Mostly red in color on weathered surfaces.
Some of the pieces found at the base are black, and have cavities lined
with carbonate of lime.
4, Tufaceous layer, of which only the upper portion could be seen.
The color is white, and in some places the layer has masses of basalt.
In layer No. LI fodind the following minerals, besides those mentioned
above: Hyalite and quartz in segregations and pyrites coating the
weathered surface in a few instances. All these basaltic rocks have
magnetite. The local attraction on the station was considerable.
The cone on which station 48 was located is situated in an isolated
patch of basalt of the same character (see map 3). There are several
other areas from which pointed and coffin-like masses rise, none, how-
ever, reaching the altitude of station 48. The basalt, as has been men-
tioned in a previous chapter, rests on dark-gray shales which weather
to a chalky whiteness. This is beautifully shown on the north side of
the Grand. It was impossible to tell from the station how extensive
the area covered by the basalt is to the north. On this plateau the
area does not exceed eighteen or twenty miles. To the westward it
reaches its limits at least five miles east of station 50. West of the
basaltic line the plateau becomes broken; the capping having been re-
moved, the soft beds beneath yielded readily to the eroding influences,
and, therefore, instead of a plateau there is a sharp ridge, gradually de-
creasing in elevation to the westward. The course of the range, for it
forms a very well-defined range, is generally west. Itis very irregular,
however, and the streams on either side cut profoundly into the strata.
Station 48 has an elevation of 11,063 feet above sea-level. Two and
a half miles west the top of the basalt is 150 lower, and two miles farther,
that is, four and a half miles west of station 48, it is 350 feet below it.
So we see there is a slope to the westward at present. We cannot tell
whether this is the original surface, or whether it has been modified by
subsequent erosion. It is probable, however, that the original slope
was to the westward. We-see the same decrease in elevation from east
to west on the plateau between the North Fork of the Gunnison and
Plateau Creek. On station 43, which is one of the most eastern of the
basaltic points on this plateau, the elevation is 11,134 feet. At station
44, one mile farther west, it is 11,128, while on station 45, eight and a
half miles west of station 43, it is only 10,954, a decrease of 180 feet.
Five miles west of station 45 the elevation is 10,904, which is practically
the same as that of station 45. Sixteen miles west of this point, at the
north ond of the mesa, the elevation is only 9,800 feet, and at the south
end, which is three and a half miles farther east and sixteen miles south
of the north end, it is 9,733 feet. This is a fall of a little over 1,400 feet
from station 43, in a distance of about twenty-seven miles. The greater
part of the decrease in elevation is in the western portion; that is, in
the last twelve miles. As is evident, on glancing at the figures given
above, the eastern portion varies but little on comparing the higher
points with each other. About stations 43, 44, and 45 the basalt forms
points that rise considerably above the general level, while the sur-
rounding country is very much broken up. To the westward, however,
the basalt forms a mesa-like capping to the country. This mesa is
somewhat irregular in outline, forming at first a narrow strip which
divides into two arms, one extending to the southwest and the other to
the northwest. They are separated by a small creek that drains into
the Gunnison. Ithas cut gradually deeper and deeper until the basaltic
capping has been removed, leaving a tongue-like process of Tertiary
rocks between the arms.
In the eastern part of the divide the areas covered with basalt are
174 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
irregular. The highest points in these areas hardly mark the original
surface of the flow. The subsequent denudation has been enormous, as
will be readily conceived when we compare the elevations of these
points with those of the deepest valleys near them. Stations 45 and
48 are almost on a line with each other running north and south.
This line also passes through our camp No. 45 which was on Plateau
Creek. Comparing the elevations of these three points we find that the
creek at camp 45 is 3,891 feet below station 48, and 3,870 feet below
station 45. Farther down, the distance from the north end of the mesa
to the level of the creek is over 4,000 feet. The south end of the mesa
is 4,677 feet above the level of the Gunnison at a point due south of it.
These figures will give some idea of the immense amount of material
that has been removed since the flow of lava took place, and show also
how improbable it is that the original surface still remains.
The two plateaus that we have just described are evidently the remains
of what was once one continuous mass. The elevation of station 48 is
practically the same as that of station 45. On comparing the rocks
from the two localities, we find that they are identical in appearance
and in structure. We have also seen that there is the same slope to
the west on both. If they had not been connected we would find traces
of the flow in some of the valleys, but we search in vain for any such
evidence. No basalt is seen in the valleys save the bowlders that have
been carried down from the plateaus. What the original limits were it
is impossible to tell.
It is difficult to get at the exact thickness of the basaltic flow as
originally spread out. At present it is probably considerably less.
At station 48 the total thickness is 248 feet. This is the highest point
on that plateau but it hardly represents the original thickness. The
thickness at the north end of the mesa is 100 feet. The latter may not
be absolutely correct. It was determined from station 57 by angles to
the top and base of the abrupt wall of the mesa. The actual base
may be covered with the talus so that it is concealed. As to the age
and the source of the basalt we cannot say anything very definite. It
is, however, in all probability comparatively recent, although older than
the flow mentioned as occurring near the mouth of Eagle River. It
rests on sandstones and shales of Tertiary. age, which were but little
affected by erosion previous to its pouring out. I was unable to fix on
any point as its source; I think, however, that it lies farther to the
north. The surface of "the plateaus is covered with good grass, and
groves of cottonwoods and pines, among which there are numerous
beautiful little lakes. Both of them are very well watered. Near
station 45 are three beautiful lakes, two of which head streams flow-
ing to Plateau Creek, and one heading a branch of the North Fork of
the Gunnison. Near station 45 there is a beantiful illustration of the
effects of cooling, in the hexagonal columns into which the mass has
separated. They are very regular, and are five or six feet in diameter.
The surtace of the mass inclines to the northward.
The edge of the mesa portion of the plateau is very abrupt, especially
on the western side, and at the extreme northern and southern ends.
It stands out like the wall of a fortress. The outlineis irregular. The
accompanying map will give a good idea of it as also the areas covered
by the basalt. Fig. 3, Plate LX, shows a section made from the edge
of the mesa to the Gunnison. On the line A B of map BH, a@ represents _
the capping of basalt. In all the valleys of the streams heading
in the mesa there is an abundance of bowlders of basalt. They are so
numerous in some places, even on the long sloping spurs running from
it, that it is difficult to determizs the underlying rock.
LJ
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CHAPTER Ix.
ECONOMICAL GEOLOGY.
The greater portion of our district, with the exception of the area
along Eagle River, lying within the limits of the Ute reservation, of
course no mining operations can lawfully be carried on. Indeed, the
areas in which mineral-deposits are found are limited to the group of
mountains in the southeastern part of the district, and to the gneissic
rocks about the head of the Eagle. The remainder of the country is
covered with sedimentary rocks, mostly of Cretaceous and Tertiary age,
in which mineral-deposits are rare. Lignite is found, but, with the ex-
ception of that near station 34, it is of poor quality.
GOLD.
On Eagle River we met a party of prospectors who claimed to have
found gold in placer diggings in paying quantities on some of the
streams flowing into the Hagle from the south, below the mouth of the
Piney, and above the second cafion.
On the North Fork of the Gunnison, southwest of station 26, we met
another party, who said they tried the dirt, and that the colors were
good. :
SILVER AND LEAD.
The Elk Mountain mining district was described in the report for
1873. The ores are mainly silver-bearing galena. There are doubtless
numerous lodes similar to them at various points around the heads of
Slate River and Rock Creek. We did not have time to make a detailed
survey here. The rocks are penetrated in all directions by dikes. At
the head of ‘Oh be Joyful” Creek, east of station 32, Mr. Holmes got
a specimen of galena associated with pyrites. On the other branches
ledges would probably be found on searching for them, as the rocks are
Similar.
COAL.
Lignite is found at several points in our district. At the mouthof the
Gunnison, and in the bluffs on the river from the mouth to the mouth of -
Roubideau’s Creek, it is seen, but of poor quality. This lignite is of
Cretaceous age, being found in the sandstones of the Dakota group.
On Coal Creek, a branch of Anthracite Creek, a bituminous lignite is
found in sandstones, which I have referred to the Upper Cretaceous.
Two specimens from this creek were examined, with the following
results :
Analysis.
Specimen Specimen
No. 1. 0. 2.
VAUGHT oo Se OOO Eo ne ene ERR ea tee tet Mm AE OMSL LO pi 5.04
Res ev MMT RE LELS Pp sias ala eth jajasiers aim aiallerhartnaiels ajenniscley S Slarereee aie eee 31.46 OU)
ATED, - 500 CO A See A Na ee NE is I a Si eI A 59.50 59.68
Vs oy cc coal NYSE CAE Se EL SO ms 2 NR Oe IB AEE RUA IR aa a 5.00 4.30
100.00 100.00
This coal is black (brownish-black in powder), has a dull luster, and
an irregular fracture. The ash is of a light-reddish color. The analyses
175
176 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
show that the coal compares favorably with the lignites found in otber
parts of the West.
Anthracite Creek.—In the report for 1873 I spoke (page 259) of the oe-
currence of anthracite coal in the Elk Mountains. It is found at the
heads of Rock Creek, Slate River, Anthracite Creek, and Ohio Creek.
It is probably all of Cretaceous age, and was doubtless originally a
bituminous lignite. The coal at the head of a small branch of Anthra-
cite Creek was found in a bed from 4 to 5 feet thickness in sandstones.
The section has been given ina preceding chapter. These sandstones
were tipped up against a range of trachytic peaks, and between the
layers of sandstone, some distance above the coal, is a layer of trachyte.
The strata dip at an angle of 20° to 25°. This coal is probably a
portion of the same bed from which the coal on Coal Creek was ob-
tained, although in the latter case it is lignitic. The eruption of the
trachyte found near the coal first mentioned probably so heated it as
to deprive it of the bituminous matter. This coal from the head of
Anthracite Creek has a submetallic luster, is black even in powder, and
has a conchoidal fracture.
Analysis No. 1.
\WAIIGIE Genco sondas eae SOOO S4do GO00 SoDG00 da0SN8 dosed CDOaG Soe) he elate 2.00 2. - 4.50
Wolatmerm atters co. wore csye cle eam ace emilee eng 6 Se eee ee Tees cisle vs cinie clove 2.50 =
@arbomits fee sets oe ie See ae ree re aia cles cteroratee lan ee ale cae sortase eee 91. 90
Ash) (Gisandank te ddish-DLOw)) os seleeeleele) ela ental eter ae ete 3. 60
; ; 100. 00
Analysis No. 2.
AV CGT ete ec is'c eica lard yatejoie users alot stererstiniane Seen ce rasa Beare re ni tetaeierstele eisie le 1. 60 5. 00
Wolatileimatters sacs coco. fsee eee bomce Hoes eee soe eee eae amon O),
COKE IYO verse ota een pene saaOP 5 CS Oa Dgk Gr | a) 3 8 cS ae eee ws abe aah 7 keley PAD
INSN (Gene) ENO 5 0) 55 Se Ga bo co se oe bu 6050 56 ob base ae ad sgcaceae os cgo50s aaneanoe 6. 80
100. 00
These analyses prove the coal to be of excellent quality. Neither of
the specimens coked. The percentage of water and volatile matters
and the amount of ash compare favorably with other anthracites.
Oh be Joyful Creek.—The coal on this creek is also an anthracite. It
was discovered in 1874, and the following notes were obtained from Mr.
Holmes, who visited the bed. It is two feet in thickness, between beds
of quartzitic sandstones and metamorphosed shales, which dip slightly
to the west. The coal outcrops about 1,500 feet above the level of Slate
River at the mouth of the creek, two miles up the stream. This coal
probably belongs to the same horizon as the coal on Anthracite Creek
and on Rock Creek.. It probably outcrops again at the head of Slate
River. A specimen collected by Mr. Holmes has a submetallic luster,
is black, with rusty-colored surfaces from the presence of iron, a tracture
somewhat cuboidal, breaking also into layers. This coal seems to be of
poorer quality than that of Anthracite Creek and Rock Creek.
Analysis.
VIVEIIG) GOB Ben Bee Eee a See RISGEeacTi Ss SATE SOR META ASS ooa ode cdobouSan” 4.00
Volatilematters). 22s os22 2 Sie cece ce cienaciee at sec eneeeer rere aes 14. 00 ; 18:00
Carbon ....-. See pee pee ee atten Beer n PPO OER ERcE eect orcs Cec ceonDaMeeErere oc 74.00
Ash (of a reddish color) ....---..---..------ ---- 0 eee tee seen ne wee eee eee ee 8. 00
- 100. 00
It would perhaps be more properly described as a semi-anthracite.
The sandstones and shales surround ng it are penetrated by numerous
dikes and mineral lodes.
PEALE, | GEOLOGY—ANTHRACITE COAL. 177
Rock Creek.—The coal on this creek is also an anthracite. It is found
in Cretaceous shales beneath a mass of trachyte. The shales represent
a horizon at least 3,000 feet above the Dakota group. The bed is 5 teet
thick.
_ The following is an analysis of the coal. It has a brilliant luster,
conchoidal fracture.
Analysis.
Wither andavOlatilenmattersi ae =). 2— etree tele ete ear aioisla nto: ernie ovale erat cietsieneteisierare 7.4
Wanbonbes an sGae = civ Ses deil ous cca bake See ere eee e Bh bi dis Seen aero Stuseeisic 88. 92
INS (CREUTTS) TY INAS Gee ae OS | 2A ROME Eee nee eulogy rcsaimic rs 3. 68
100. 00
The following is an analysis of coal from this region (probably from
Rock Creek) by Professor Mallet, of Colorado:
Analysis.
1 ERYT5ceZ2Y0 Ua ORI tl 60 1 Ope RP 45 ital ae RE aS eh ae Mate I a MAE 91. 92
Ash ot@ark-brownlShicolor:.st.osc,oec meiees Seren Satie ls ai sicisleinweis = sesickeslioee Pn 5. 30
Volatile matters, chiefly water .........-...--.----- aie a tarctorclay shia seiiearene ces 3. 68
100. 00
The analyses given above show a decided advantage over the lignites
found in other parts of the Territory, and their occurrence in the midst
of so many deposits of galena, nearly all of which is probably silver-
bearing, will probably in the future have a decided and important bear-
ing upon the mining operations that may be carried on in this region.
The following table gives the comparison of average percentages of con-
stituents of the Elk Mountain coals with those of anthracites and other
varieties, of both foreign and domestic. It will be seen that the coals
of which analyses have been given above rank high in the comparison.
eS Zz Carbon, Ash.
we =
Sve 5
Variety. Soa ce ls a Remarks.
ee aa) © a Ss o z aS
ee] rl 3 iS o
bes oS E > SD E is
< a) =) <4 ss) 4 <4
Foreign anthracites..| 3. 537+ | 92. 56} 87.96} 90.49 | 9.31] 1.58 | 5.935] 4 analyses, taken from Dana’s
Mineralogy ; localities, South
Wales and Hanover.
cites. Geological Survey of Pennsyl-
Pennsylvania anthra- |} 5.811 | 94. 10) 80.57) 88.046) 9.25) 2.90 | 5.348) 7 analyses, from tablein Rogers’s
5 vania, volume ii, part ii.
Pennsylvania semi- {10.106 | 90.23) 74. 53) 82. 070} 12.30} 2.70 | 7.661) 10 analyses, from tabie in Rog-
anthracites. ers’s Geological Survey of
Pennsylvania, vol. ii, part ii.
Anthracites fromthe |7.726 | 91.90)74.00|86.804| 8. 00] 3.68 | 5.476) Result of 5. analyses given
Elk Mountains, above in the chapter preced-
Colorado Territory. ing this table.
Penrsylvania bitu- |28.222 | 70. 68) 56. 80| 71. 756| 11. 75| 2.07 | 5. 762| 10 analyses, from table in Rog-
minous coals. ers’s Geological Survey of
Pennsylvania, vol. ii, part ii.
Foreign bituminous..|... .... 89. 27| 75. 59} 81.126) 8.60) 1.41 | 3.694] 10 analyses, taken from Dana’s
Mineralogy.
Oliio.coals...:.....-.. 36. 65 64. 20} 53. 50} 58.10 | 13.00} 1.80 | 5.12 | 20 analyses, from Newberry’s
Geological Report of Survey
of Ohio for 1873.
Indiana coals ........ 42.21 59. 00} 43. 50} 51.20 | 18, 50|-2.09 | 6.02 | 52 analyses, from Geological Re-
: port of Survey of Indiana for
1873.
12H
178 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Baa Carbon. Ash.
we FO
Ses
at sl 4 2 43 © . %
Variety. ae z mz g 2 2 ¥ ep Remarks.
OSes || & E o & 3
ree st) o & Aas E &
a iA <4 i
" Illinois coals ...------ 41. 09 64. 90) 47.50) 52.992) 9.60) 2.00 | 6.248) 10 analyses, from Geological Re-
port for 1873, Survey of Illi-
nois.
luwa coals .......--.- Ete Clb locoonallpooao: 842} |losooge|lacasas 6.77 | From table of 64 averages of
coal analyses, in Geological
Report 1870, Survey of lowa,
White.
Missouri coals ....... 41.443 | 79.28) 27. 72} 40. 816) 19.97) 2.05 | 9.026} 111 analyses, from Geological
Reports for 1873-74, Survey
of Missouri.
Foreign lignites or |31.596 | 71.71} 47. 46) 60. 414) 14.95} 0.59 | 7.521) 10 analyses, from Dana’s Min-
brown coals. eralogy.
Lignites of Colorado [41.284 | 59.72) 44. 44) 52. 384| 20.20) 2.00 | 5.616] 14 analyses, from table of proxi-
and New Mexico. | mate analyses of lignites, Re-
port of A. R. Marvine, United
States Geological Survey, Re-
port of 1873.
Lignites of Wyoming |40.972 | 54. 46| 47. 04} 51.216) 9.60} 1.73 | 5.331] 10 analyses, from Report of A.
Territory. R. Marvine.
Lignites of Utah Ter- |52.418 | 46. 84) 36.35] 43.035] 7.50] 0.97 | 4.553) 6 analyses, from Report of A. R.
ritory. Marvine.
Lignites of California [53.613 | 58.32) 47. 83} 49.631] 4.01] 2.26 | 3.395) 10 analyses, from Report of A.
R. Marvine.
Lignites of Montana /47. 224 | 64.18] 41. 9x} 49.34 | 12. 004 3.19 | 7.036) 5 analyses, from Report of A. R.
and Oregon. Marvine.
Lignites of Vancou- /44.468 | 51.81) 45.44) 47.552] 18.55} 2.15 | 6.24
ver’s Island and
British Columbia.
The excellent tables and notes on the western lignites in Mr. Mar-
vine’s report for 1873, and the notes on the lignites east of the mount-
aips in the reports of Dr. Hayden and Mr. Holmes, preclude the neces-
sity of any further remarks here.
GYPSUM.
Gypsum is the only remaining mineral-of economical importance in
the district. The localities and general description have been given in
previous chapters. It occurs in quantity on Eagle River and Frying-
Pan Creek.
The list of minerals given in the eatalogue accompanying the report
is, of necessity, small, the sedimentary formations prevailing in the dis-
trict, being sandstones mainly of Cretaceous and Tertiary age.
CATALOGUE OF MINERALS NOTED IN THE AREA ASSIGNED
TO THE SECOND OR MIDDLE DIVISION, UNITED STATES
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, IN 1874.
AGATE. Cloudy, of white, brown, and gray colors, on the plateaus be-
tween the Grand and Gunzison Rivers. Joss Agate, ot poor variety,
in the valley of the Gunnison River, west of the mesa, near the Grand.
AMPHiBOLE. Hornblende in small needle-like crystals, in some of the
PEALE. ] GEOLOGY—CATALOGUE OF MINERALS. 179
rocks in the volcanic breccia, near station 31, at the head of west fork
of Ohio Creek.
CALCITE. In the Cretaceous rocks on Grand River and on the Gunnison
River. i)
CoA. Bituminous lignite on south fork of Anthracite Creek. Anthracite?
on Anthracite Creek. A poor quality of lignite is found also in the
bluffs at the mouth of the Gunnison.
FELDSPAR. Undetermined varieties in the schists at the head of Hagle
River and in the Grand Cafion of the Gunnison. Sanidine in the
rhyolites and obsidian on the Gunnison River. Trachytes of Elk
Mountains.
GOLD. Said to occur along the upper part of the north fork of the Gun-
nison and head of Hagle River.
Gypsum. In the gypsiferous sandstones on Hagle River and on Grand
River and Roaring Fork. In the Cretaceous strata of Grand River
and the Gunnison.
CHALCEDONY. Blue variety, lining cavities in the rhyolites on Gunnison
River, above the Grand Canon. White, in valley of Gunnison, west
of mesa, above the Grand.
HYALITeE. In the basalt on station 48, near station 73, on Gunnison River.
HORNBLENDE. (See Amphibole.)
JASPER. Red in color, in chips on the plateaus, between the Grand and
Gunnison Rivers. In nodular limestone in the bluffs on Gunnison
River near station No. 60, also near station 73.
LIMONITE. Near the head of the south fork of Anthracite Creek.
Mica. Undetermined variety, probably Muscovite, in schists of Eagle
River and Gunnison River. Brown variety in rhyolites in Gunnison
River.
OBSIDIAN. Beneath the trachyte on Gunnison River, above the Grand
Cation. It is both porphyritie and spherulitic.
Pyrite. Octahedral crystals near station 32, Anthracite Creek. Coat-
ing surfaces of basalt, near station No. 48.
QuARTZ. Inthe schists of Kagle River and the Gunnison ; crystals in the
Cretaceous rocks near station No. 32, at the head of Anthracite Creek.
SANIDINE. In the trachytes of station 32, station 30, station 34, &e.; also,
in the obsidian and rhyolite on Gunnison River, above the Grand
Canon.
SELENITE. Inthe gypsum beds of Eagleand Grand Rivers. In the Creta-
ceous Shales at various points along the Gunnison River.
TREMOLITE. In radiating crystals in the porphyritic trachyte on station
No. 38.
LIGNITE. (See Coal.)
CATALOGUE OF ROCKS COLLECTED IN 1873 BY A. C. PEALE, MIDDLE DIVISION
\ UNITED SLATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
No. Name, &c. Locality.
IROL DLiyileyaee ae era cree wera ei cets olntacieisiavninrse rate Mines on Mount Lincoln.
Bs tayeie LOD ere craicrs alate seein niaic nlaieiciawieiate lors hatepevers ie Do.
Seetae OMe es ea cee yan nine’ = Sian sisiaeeicebte ale
Gray siliceous sandstone (Cretaceous)
Mottled limestone (Cretaceous”)....-.-.
Do. ;
Station No. 6, on Hagle River.
--| Below station No. 7, on Hagle River.
.| South of Eagle River, near station No. 6.
.| Near ane junction of Eagle and Grand Rivers.
0.
POR are ear at ee At cea ule Soares North side of Eagle River, near its mouth.
Greenish sandstone (Cretaceous?) .--...------- Station No. 26, west of Rock Creek.
Gray sandstone, Cretaceous....--.--------.---- Anthracite Creek, near Mount Marcellina.
ree mahusandstones-see cece -oa-b.ccnecceseones Do.
1
Q
3
4
5
6
7
B Gypsum .
10
li
12
180
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Catalogue of rocks collected in 1873 by A. C. Peale, §:c.—Continued.
Name, &c.
eee trachyte, from dike in sandstones -
do
BSS do
Dark greenish trachyte ? from breccia
Light reddish tufa from breccia........-..--.--
Black trachyte ? from breccia .....--.---.-..---
Greenish trachyte ? from breccia
Black trachyte ? from breccia
Dark gray trachyte from breccia
Light gray hornblendic trachyte from breccia. -
.Greenish laminated trachyte from breccia...-.-.
Ashy-gray tufa from breccia ......--.-.....---.
Trachyte ? (dike No. 1 in Cretaceous rocks) ....
Sandstone conglomerate
Trachyte (dike No. 2 in Cretaceous rocks)
Trachyte (dike No. 3 in Cretaceous rocks)
Trachyte (dike No. 4 in Cretaceous rocks)
| Porphyritic trachyte (dike in Cretaceous sand-
stones above coal-bed).
Porphyritic trachyte? ...--..-.--.-..-.-.---.--
Trachyte ....- HO GossooUbae soo SuasbOUEoS AU GaaBes
SHE do
Trachyte (dike in Cretaceous rocks).--......--
Sandstone (above dike)
Porphyritic trachyte: <...--).-.-.4---2.-525---2-
Trachyte (dike)
Sandstone (above dike)
aa ee do
Black basalt
Argillaceous shale
Black basalt
Puarplish basalt
Black basalt
Amygdaloidal basalt
Tee do .
ML ra ee eG ST panies ak Cony aca ers 2 8
Black basalt
Argillaceous shale (calcareous Cretaceous). ....
Locality.
Anthracite Creek, near Mount Marcellina.
0.
Mount Marcellina.
Do. ‘
| West Fork of Ohio Creek.
Station No. 31, near the head of West Fork of
Olio Gacek
0.
tion 31.
Ridge southeast of Station No. 32, between head
of branches of Slate River and Ohio and An-
thracite Creeks.
Small southern branch of Anthracite Creek, near
the head of the creek.
Station 30, head of Ohio Creek.
Station 33, between the North Fork of the Gun-
nison and Rock Creek.
Ridge below station No. 34, west of Coal Creek.
Coal Creek, Near camp 36.
0.
Summit of station 38, east of Smith’s Fork of the
Gunnison.
Slope of station 38.
Station 39, east of station 32.
North side of Smith’ s¥ork, near foot of station 38.
Do.
Station 40, north of the North Fork of the Gun-
nison.
Do.
Station 42, between North Fork of Gunnison and
branches of Grand River.
Station 45, northwest of station 42.
Ridge leading to station 47.
Summit of station 48, south of Grand River.
Slope of station 48, south of Grand River.
.| Base of station 48, ‘south of Grand River.
Top of mesa, near station 54, south of Grand
River, north end.
Top of mesa, near station 59, south end, east of
Gunnison River.
Bluff on Gunnison River. below station 60.
Whitish UMEKSINA) wosbeenosnorasbucaunesernocadecs Station 71, on Gunnison River.
Purplshitrachytesssce sete cesses eee eee West of station 71, on north side of Gunnison
River.
Porphyritic obsidian, with spherules...........
Wahite tute. ooo. astome sere ioe aire eet Above station 73, on north side of Gunnison
iver.
Graystrachyte) sees ses eesescee nese rereonee ee Do.
orphyriticlopsidianeeneeeese eee seen ceeeeeeoee Do.
Purple vesicular rhyolite, with hyolite and Do.
chalcedony in the cavities.
inightitrachytessaces scene reso wesc eee eee ee Do.
Purple trachyte..... AON iy SISTA ae A alee SUV Ue cet | Station 77, on north side of the Gunnison, near
the Grand Caiion.
eeuxplesrhyolitemencssesssecseeeeeeeececeeece tee Do. 5
| Tufaceous trachyte (in breccia) Ns MA eee Station 79, on south fork of Smith’s Fork of the
Gunnison,
Trachytoinibrecciaesse eee eee eee aee eee eee 0.
Trachyte, greenish, in breccia ..........-..---. Do.
REPORT
OF
feoM 2 EN Dita. oS. vie:
1ST.
181
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 15, 1875.
Sir: I have the honor herewith to submit my report for 1874.
According to instructicus feeeived, I took the field July 14, 1874, as
geologist of the San Juan division, and returned with it to Denver,
Colo., October 19, 1874. During that time more than 3,000 square miles
were surveyed topographically and geologically, including all that sec-
tion of country known as the San Juan mining district. The very
rugged character of the region, and the inclemency of the weather,
impeded our progress somewhat, and the latter not unfrequently was a
serious obstacle to the successful and speedy completion of the work.
Four chapters and a “ conclusion” comprise the accompanying report.
Some difficulty was experienced in finding a suitable basis for classifica-
tion in arranging the material collected. The plan of dividing by
formations was adopted finally. The first chapter treats of the meta-
morphic area, the second of the volcanic, the third of the sedimentary
area. In the fourth chapter the geology and geognosy of the imme-
diate vicinity of the mining region, as well as the mineralogical features
of the mines, have been considered. —- <4
>—~j
Section VII.
Light brown Sandstone
ENDLICH. ] CRETACEOUS NO. 2. 227
tained. It will be of great importance now to obtain the relation of
these beds to the coal-bearing strata further east, which will probably be
accomplished during 1875. By that meansthe two horizons, if there are
two, can be definitely located, and the question as to theage of the Hast-
ern Colorado coal can be definitely solved. Mineralogically the coal is
a compact bituminous one, burning with flame. Specimens obtained
were taken from the surface only, as neither time nor facilities were at
hand to go down upon them. Therefore any analysis that might be
given would furnish a result that could not be regarded otherwise than
erroneous. :
Besides the Cretaceous formation in this region, it is developed on
the San Miguel and on the Rio Dolores.
Ascending Bear Creek up to the pass leading over into the San Mig-
uel region, we pass through the red Carboniferous sandstones. Tra-
chyte overlying them is next met with, and on the west side of the divide
the Cretaceous beds are reached. East of Mount Wilson, Cretaceous
No. 1 appears in the cation of the San Miguel, and as its dip is in the
same direction with the.course of the river, it forms its beds for a long
distance. On either side the shales of No. 2 form the soil, reaching
eastward to the trachytic mountains of the main group, westward to
the Wilson group, avd to the north far beyond the limits of our dis-
trict. On the way to Mount Sneffels, we had occasion to traverse these
two Lower Cretaceous numbers, and to observe their contact with the
voleanic rocks. Camp was made on a creek flowing in a southwesterly
direction into the San Miguel, and there it was observed that all the
shales of No. 2, as well as the upper beds of No. 1, had been changed
by the action of the voleanie material. The former were thoroughly
baked and turned into hard slate, while the upper sandstones of No. 1
presented the appearance of quartzites. In that region the Cretaceous
beds reach up into the narrow caiions, and are usually overlaid by tra-
chyte. In the vicinity of the rivers and streams, No. 1 crops out,
forming the almost inaccessible caflons through which they flow. A
section taken at the junction of the above-mentioned creek and Rio
San Miguel (Section VIII) will give some idea regarding the depth of
the caons and the distribution of strata. It will be noticed that the
creek at which this section was taken has flown scarcely five miles,
and nevertheless the depth of its caion amounts to 1,005 feet, accord-
ing to measurement. It seems, from the succession of strata, and the
fact that Inoceramus was found in the lowest one, that not the entire
No. 1 has there been developed. Beginning below, at the level of the
San Miguel, we find first 50 feet of dark-blue, partly shaly lime-
stones a, containing compressed specimens of Ineceramus. Above that
follow 390 feet of white to light-yellow sandstones, b, fine-grained,
and compact in structure, regularly stratified, having a straight dip to
the northwest, conformable with that of both over and uncer lying beds.
This is covered by 480 feet of light-brown sandstone, c, containing inter-
strata of greenish marls, underlying 40 feet of gray to yellow sandstone,
d, weathering in grotesque forms. Above that follow a series of sand-
stone and shales, interchanging. The stratum mark h, in the section,
shows indications of coal, consisting of very narrow seams of jet, and
numerous coaled remains of plants. Above this the gray shales of No.
2 occur, with Gryphea and numerous fragments of Inoceramus.
Although the question by what agents these comparatively deep
caiions were formed cannot be definitely decided, without a very thor-
ough knowledge of all their occurrences, the presence of those just men-
tioned, in a region so near the main mass of mountains, attracts atten-
228 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
tion. It seems incredible that a stream should have been able to erode
a canon more than 1,000 feet in depth, when the distance from its source:
to the point of observation is but five miles, and it furthermore seems ex-
tremely improbable that such erosion should have progressed and the
walls of the cafion have remained as steep as they are at present. Jam
not prepared to defend any view on the subject at present, but it seems
to me that an effect produced either by volcanic or plutonic earthquakes
might have the same result.
About four miles below San Miguel Lake, the Lower Cretaceous sand-
stones set in in the cafion, and continue from there as far as it was sur-
veyed. Crossing the divide from the San Miguel to Rio Dolores, the gray
shales are traversed. At that locality they dip off to the west. The un-
conformability between them and the red sandstones of Carboniferousage,
has been mentioned in the chapter on Carboniferous. From Mount
Wilson the volcanic material has flown eastward, and covered a con-
siderable portion of the gray shales; at the junction they are somewhat
metamorphosed, but not to the extent observed in the region of Mount
Sneffels. To the south of Mount Wilson No.1 again crops out, in the
canon of the Dolores; along a number of the high ridges south of the
river the characteristic white sandstones are found overlying the red
sandstones, covered in turn by voleanie rocks.
From the position the Cretaceous beds along the San Miguel and Rio
Dolores occupy, it is evident that they have been deposited at a time
long after the upheaval that caused the formation of the main anti-
clinal axis above mentioned ; and furthermore, itis very probable that a
considerable amount of time elapsed between the two epochs.
CHAPTER IV.
MINES.
The accompanying map was kindly prepared by Mr. Wilson, to serve
as an illustration for Bulletin No. 3, second series 1875. By means of
lines running in different directions the geology of the region given has
been represented, and an explanation thereof will be found below the title
of the map. All the volcanic area, which has been treated of at some
length in chapter II of this report, has been left blank.
A number of the lodes visited during the summer of 1874 have been
indicated by heavy straight lines. Starting from the southeast corner
of the map, near station 17, it will be observed that the metamorphics
extend over from the quartzite mountains toward the volcanic area.
They are mainly schistose at that locality, containing a great deal of quartz
and some micaor chlorite. Atseveral points their junction with the over-
lying trachyte can beseen ; for instance, at the narrow ridgerunning south-
ward, about four miles east of the Animas. Although the connection
has been broken by overflowing trachytic materials, the metamorphics
extend over into Cunningham Gulch, where they crop out. They form
the great caion of the Animas, below Silverton, that for a long time
was considered inaccessible both for man and beast. Another outcrop
of the same kind of rocks is found to the northwest of Handie’s Peak
(station 14), where granite forms the lower portions of the canon lead-
jing down in a northerly direction from the mountain. The oldest sedi-
mentary strata that are found within the area given by this map are
the Carboniferous. Red sandstone, belonging to the upper group of. this
formation, occurs first about one and a half miles west of the Animas,
unconformably underlying the trachyte that flowed from the north.
From there it continues west and northwestward, and is exposed on
Bear Creek. Cie Oy eee epee Semis aye ute ae 67
100.00
Two other analyses which I made, the one from sediment at high
water and the other at low water, differ somewhat from this, but in es-
sential particulars are the same. This identity of chemical combina:
tions also points to the remarkable sameness of conditions that have
existed for long periods in the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone regions.
Aiter these great lakes were filled with sediment (Missouri mud), they.
existed for a longer or shorter time as marshes or bogs. Isolated por-
tions would first become dry land, and as soon as they appeared above
the water they were, no doubt, covered with vegetation, which, decay-
ing from year to year, and uniting under water or at the water’ s edge
with the deposits at the bottom, formed that black soil so characteristic
of Nebraska prairies. For it is well known that when vegetable matter
decays in water or a wet situation its carbon is retained. In drv situa-
tions it passes into the atmosphere as carbonic-acid gas. After the first
low islands appeared in this old lake, they gradually increased from year
to year in size and numbers. The ponds and sloughs, some of which
could almost be called lakelets, still in existence, are probably the last
remains of these great lakes. These ponds, where they do not dry up
in midsummer, swarm with a few species of fresh-water shells, espe-
cially of the Limncs, Physces, and Planorbi, which to me is strong
proof of this theory of their origin. The rising of the land continuing;
the rivers began to cut new channels through the middle of the old lake-
beds. This drained the marshes and formed the bottom-lands, as the
river-beds of that period covered the whole of the present flood-plains
from blaff to bluff. It wasthen that the blaffs which now bound these flood-
plains received those touches from the hand of nature that gave them
their peculiar steep and rounded appearance. Newer and more plastic,
because less compactly bound and cemented together, the rains and
floods easily molded them into those peculiar outlines which they have
since preserved. The Missouri, during the closing centuries of the La-
-custrine age, must have been from five to thirty miles in breadth, forming
a stream which for size and majesty rivaled the Amazon. The Platte,
AUGHEY.] LENGTH OF THE LOESS AGE. 253
the Niobrara, and the Republican covered their respective flood-plains in
the same way. In the smaller streams of the State, those that origin-
ated within or near the Lacustrine deposits, such as the Elkhorn, Loup,
Bow, Blue, and the Nemahas, we see the same general form of flood- |
plain as on the larger rivers, and no doubt their entire bottoms were
also covered with water during this period. Hayden, in his first reports,
has already expressed the same opinion as to the original size of these
rivers. Only a few geologists will dissent from this view. The gradu-
ally melting glaciers, which had been accumulating for so many ages at
the sources of these great rivers, the vast floods of water caused by the
necessarily moist climate and heavy rains, the present forms and mate-
rials of the river-bottoms, are some of the causes which in my opinion
would operate to produce such vast volumes of water.
_ The changes of level were not all upward during this age. The ter-
races along the Missouri, Platte,and Republican indicate that there
were long periods when this portion of the continent was stationary.
Once, at least, the movement was downward. Along the bluffs in the
Republican Valley, at a depth varying from ten to thirty feet from the
top, there is a line or streak of the Loess mingled with organic matter.
It is, in fact, an old bed, where vegetation must have flourished for a long
period. It can be traced from Orleans upward in places for seventy-
five miles. It indicates that after this bed had, as dry land, sustained
a growth of vegetation, an oscillation of level depressed it sufficiently
to receive a great accumulation of Loess materials on top of it. Ihave
found traces of this movement in many other portions of the State.
Length of the Loess age.
The bases for speculation concerning the length of the Loess age are
of course uncertain, yet an approximate estimate may perhaps be made
by comparison with the present deposits of the Missouri. The great
lakes of the Loess age extended, with few interruptions, almost to the
Gulf, and some of them covered an area of at least 75,000 square miles.
Now, were all the sediment which is at present brought down the Mis-
souri Spread over such a vast area, the thickness of the deposit would
be less than one-sixteenth of an inch. Probably the yearly accumula-
tions of sediment during the Loess age amounted to that much, owing to
the then greater volume of the Missouri and the aids to erosion from
the greater prevalence of ice near its sources. In many places along
the Missouri there are small lakes, formed from the old river-bed, where
there has been a cut-off. Even where these little lakes receive the ©
overflow of the river each year, it often requires at least a century to fill
them up, even when aided by the sands which the winds waft into them.
I have attempted to measure the sediment left by the river in these
lakes, which are seldom haif a mile in breadth, and it rarely amounted
to half an inch in a season. The winds are a much more efficient agent
for filling up small, narrow lakes, but in Loess times, where there were
such immense bodies of fresh water, their effects could only have been
appreciable along the sandy shore-lines. The highest bluffs represent
the original level of the Loess deposits before the tremendous denuding
agencies which removed so much of their materials had done their
work. Now,in places these sediments are even yet 200 or more feet in
thickness, so that it would be safe to estimate the average thickness of
the original deposit at 100 feet. A yearly increase of one-sixteenth of
an inch in thickness, would at this rate have required 19,200 years to
form these deposits. This I consider a low estimate for the length of
the Loess age.
254 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Life of the Loess age.
At the elose of this article will be found a list of the land and fresh-
water shells that I have found and identified in the Loess deposits. It
will be seen that the list of land shells is quite large. These, no doubt,
were brought into this old lake during flood-time. I have occasionally
found large numbers of these shells where drift-wood had evidently
lodged and decayed. The fresh-water and land shells are mainly such
as are still to be found in the same region, the exceptions being the
prevalence of a large number of southern forms at one horizon of these
deposits. As will be seen, the species belong to quite a large number of
genera.
Occasionally I have found the teeth and a stray bone of fish, but
have not been able to identify any species. The remains of rabbits,
gophers, otters, beavers, squirrels, deer, elk, and buffalo, are frequently
found. Through the entire extent of these deposits are many remains
of mastodons and elephants, whose last vigorous life, as Newberry re-
marks, expired in high northern latitudes. Lancaster County is specially
rich in these proboscidian remains. They are frequently found in this
deposit in digging wells. In Lincoln they have been found in at least
twenty wells that have been dug in and around the city. This town is
near what appears to have been the western shore-line of the Missouri
lake of the period. Between it and the Blue River, at Crete, there is a
high divide covered by Drift materials. These huge animals no doubt
often here came down to the shore to drink, and playing in the water
became mired in the mud. One tusk found in a well on P street, east of
Twelfth, must have been at least eleven feet long when entire. It was
so far decayed that it fell to pieces on exposure.
For years I have been closely watching for human remains in the
Loess deposits. Five years ago, three miles east of Sioux City, Iowa,
in a railroad-cut I found a small arrow-head in these deposits. I was
looking for mollusks, and was digging after them with a large knife
when I struck something hard, and, laying it bare, to my great surprise
and joy found it to be an arrow-head. So far as I knew, this was the
first mark that had yet been discovered of the presence of man during
this age. From that time onward I have seized every opportunity for
exploring these deposits for human remains. The same year I found
some flint chips in the bluffs back of Jackson, in Dakota County, but it
was not absolutely clear that these were of humanorigin. My next find
was about two and a half miles southeast of Omaha, in a railroad-eut,
where I found a large coarse arrow or spear head. This last was found
two years ago. It was found twenty feet below the top of the Loess,
and at least six inches from the edge of the eut, so that it could not have
slid into that place. The first found was fifteen feet below the top of
the deposit. Figure No..1 is the arrow-head found east of Sioux City,
and No. 2 found southeast of Omaba. It appears, then, that some old
races lived around the shores of this ancient lake and paddled their
canoes over its waters, and accidentally dropped their arrows in its
waters or let them fly at. a passing water-fowl. It is possible also that
these arrows came into this old lake by drift-wood. I once found an
arrow sticking in a log that came down the Missouri, and if it had con-
tinued on to the Gulf it might have been unearthed in the far-off future,
when that portion of the continent at the mouth of the Mississippi had
become dry land. Thirteen inches above the point where the last-named
arrow was found, and within three inches of being on a line with it, in
undisturbed Loess, there was a lumbar vertebra of an elephant (Hlephas
AUGHEY.] LIFE OF THE LOESS AGE. — 255
americanus). Unfortunately this vertebra partially fell to pieces on ex-
posure. It appears clear from this conjunction of a human relic and
proboscidian remains that man here as well as in Europe was the cotem-
porary of the elephant in at least a portion of the Missouri Valley.
Arrows found in the Loess.
No. 1. Found three miles east of Sioux City, Iowa, fifteen feet below
the surface.
No. 2. Found two miles anda half southeast of Omaha, Nebr., twenty
feet below the surface and beneath a vertebra of an elephant.
The climate probably varied considerably during the progress of this
age. What inclines me to that view is the fact that about the middle
horizon an unusually large number of southern species of mollusks are
found. This indeed is not conclusive, as this region is at this time re-
markable for the presence of southern forms of insects and fresh-water
mollusks.* Yet it appears to me that the unusual number of southern
forms at this horizon of the Loess must indicate some modification of -
climate at that period. It may have been only on the eastern shore of
this great lake, and caused by the even temperature which so large a
body of fresh water produces on the side toward which the prevailing
winds from the lake blow. We have such a phenomenon at the present
day on the east shore of Lake Michigan. The Mississippi Valley is by its
contour eminently favorable to the emigration northward of southern
species.
These Loess deposits, which have done so much to enrich Nebraska,
have received profound attention and study from some of the ablest
geologists. But in more than one-half of the counties of the State they
have not yet been investigated. Much to be discovered must yet remain
in them. Though myself long engaged in their investigation, I rarely
examine a new section in a well, ravine, or railroad-cut without finding
something new.
“ Hayden’s Report for 1870, p. 467.
256 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES. -
ALLUVIUM.
Next to the Loess deposits, in an economical point of view, the Allu-
vium formations are the most important. The valleys and flood-plains
of the rivers and smaller streams, where these deposits are found, are a
prominent feature of the surface geology of the State. All the rivers of
the interior, such as the Platte, the Republican, the Niobrara, the Bow, the
Elkhorn, the Blues, the Nemahas, and their tributaries, have broad
bottoms, in the center or on one side of which the streams have their
beds. The width of these bottoms seems to be dependent on the char-
acter of the underlying rock-formation. Where this is soft or yielding
the bottoms are broad, but where it is hard and compact they contract.
This is, no doubt, one reason why the bottoms on the middle or upper
courses of some of the rivers are wider than farther down.* These broad
bottoms, as we have already seen, represent the ancient river-beds
toward the close of the Lacustrine age. It required many ages to drain
this mighty ancient lake-bed; and when the present rivers were first
outlined, the greater part of it was yet a vast swamp or bog. But,
gradually, as the continent rose to a higher level, the rivers cut deeper
and deeper, filling the whole flood-plain from bluff to bluff. Not until
the drainage of this region was completed and the continent had reached
nearly its present level was the volume of water so much diminished
that the rivers contracted their currents and cut new beds somewhere
through the present bottoms. The terraces, which are so numerous
along many of the river-bottoms, indicate the slowness with which the
land assumed its present form. They mark those stages of elevation
when the land was stationary. The upper terraces were dry bottom
when all the rest of the valley was yet a river-bed. It is probable
that some of these bottoms were excavated during sub-glacial times,
and afterward were filled up with débris when the continent had reached
its lowest level. The great depth of sand and mud at the bottom of the
Missouri, being from forty to one hundred feet below low water along the
Nebraska line before solid rock is reached, indicates an elevation of this
region, when this was accomplished, far greater than it reached at any
period during Loess times. When this great lake commenced to be
drained the waters naturally took the direction and place of least
resistance, which was the original bed of the river. If the Rocky
Mountain system continues to rise, as it is believed to be doing, at the
rate of afew feet to the century, although degradation may be equal to
elevation, a time must come in the distant future when the Missouri will
again roll over solid rock at its bottom.
As typical of the river-bottoms, let us look at the formation of the
Platte Valley. The general direction of this great highway from the
mountains to the Missouri is from west to east. This valley is from
three to fifteen miles wide in Nebraska, and over five hundred miles long. ©
All the materials that once filled up this trough, from the top of
the highest hills on each side, have been, since the present rivers were
outlined toward the close of the Lacustrine age, transported by the
agency of water to the Missouri and the Gulf.t Here, then, are several
thousand miles in area of surface entirely removed by denudation. Now
the Platte comprises only a fraction of the river-bottoms of Nebraska.
The Republican alone for two hundred miles has a bottom ranging
from three to eight miles in breadth. The combined length of the main
bottoms of the Blues, Elkhorns, and the Loups would be over a thou-
* See on this subject Hayden’s Report for 1870.
+ Hayden’s Report for 1870. *
AUGHEY.) ALLUVIUM OF NEBRASKA. 257
sand miles, and their breadth ranges from one to ten miles. The
Mahas and the Bows, and portions of the Niobrara, also add a great
deal to the area of bottom-lands. All these rivers have numerous trib-
utaries, which have valleys in size proportionate to the main rivers,
and these more than double the areas of bottom-land. The Missouri
has, also, in some counties, like Dakota and Burt, contributed large
-areas of bottom-land to the soil of the State. These Missouri bottoms
in Nebraska are exceptionally high, so that few of them have been over-
flowed since the settlement of the country. The one element of uncer-
tainty about them is, when located near the river the danger of being
gradually washed away by the undermining action of the water. Some-
times during flood-time, when the current sweeps the bank, it is so insid-
iously undermined that, for several rods in length and many feet in
breadth, it tumbles into the river. This cutting of the river is greatest
when it commences to fall. Where the bank is removed on one side it
generally is built up on the other. The old town of Omadi, in Dakota
County, is an instance of this kind. So rapidly did the river cut into
the bank that many of the houses could not be removed, and fell victims
to the flood. Theriver cut far enough to the west of the old site to leave
it and its own bed, after being blown full of sand, to be grown up into a
forest of cottonwood.
When now we bring into our estimate all the river-bottoms of Ne-
braska, and the tributaries of these rivers, and reflect that all these
valleys were formed in the same way, within comparatively modern
geological times, the forces which water-agencies brought into play
almost appall the mind by their very immensity. So well are these
bottom-lands distributed that the emigrants can, in most of the
counties of the State, choose between them and the uplands for their
future home. In some of the few counties, like Fillmore, where
bottom-lands are far apart, there are many small, modern, dried-up
lake-beds, whose soil is closely allied to that of the valleys. Not
unfrequently is the choice made of portions of each, on the sup-
position that the bottom-lands are best adapted for the growth of
large crops of grasses. But all the years of experience in cultivating
uplands and bottoms in Nebraska leave the question of the superiority
of the one over the other undecided. Both have their advocates. The
seasons as well as the location have much to do with the question.
Some bottom-lands are high and dry, while others are lower and contain
so much alumina that in wet seasons they are difficult to work. On such
lands, too, a wet spring interferes somewhat with early planting and
sowing. All the uplands, too, which have a Loess origin, seem to pro-
duce cultivated grass as luxuriantly as the richest bottoms, especially
where there is deep cultivation on old breaking. Again, most of the
bottom-lands are so mingled with Loess materials, and their drainage is
so good that the cereal grains and fruits are as productive on them as ,
on the high lands. The bottom-lands are, however, the richest in or-
ganic matter. The following analyses ofthese soils will give a better idea
of their chemical and physical character. The samples were taken from
what are believed to be average soils. The first is from the Elkhorn,
the second from the Platte, the third from the Republican, and the
fourth from the Blue River. The fifth is from an exceptionally wet and -
sticky soil, about two miles southeast of Dakota City.
sg 3
258 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
No.1. | No.2 No. 3. | No.4. | No.5.
Insoluble (siliceous) matter .....--....--.-2---=- scoop tosocons 63.07 | 63.70 | 63.01 | 62 99 61. 03
Ferric Oxid® .-. .------- 20 scene one n nn seem ene cern ns n= n= 2 ene- . 2.85 2.25] 2.40 2.47 2. 82
JIT BUTT Rag saab CoCo Da SOO AOD dOOo Ose ONO cHaSnasongACAOsosoasSCe 8. 41 7. 76 8. 36 8. 68 10, 52
LOWE), CHIR OMEKS) Sagooocossacop 99558 000050 Senos Seabasdasanece 7. 08 7.99 8.01 7.85 7. 69
Lime, phosphate .......-.---------- ++ -- 2 ee eens eee ee eee: - 90 »85 .99 94 £98 .
Magnesia, Carbonate.....-.---5 05 --0.0- eee een =e 1.41 1.45 1.39 1.40 1.38
IRDIMBIN aoog cn ssdoSsoGac cannons pence Sa00g09 5b coaausaDescoseus 50 54 - 61 67 60
Soule. sscu dbs deacopaddosaoods dabodoussHsqdasedoccabeosdagscols 49 -52 .o4 3 .57
Sulphuric acid .....-- 2.020.220 5.- 2-2-2 eee eee ee eee 79 - 70 3 ill 219) . 69
Organic matter ao oe oleae a oie nie mlepe in om mlmlelml elm ialel ela) elle male ianlal 14.00} 13.45} 13.01 | 13.27 13. 40
Loss in analysis.......--2----.2--- 220-2. ------ ------ = 2 == 50 79 97 . 96 92
100. 00 | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100. 00 100. 00
It is well known that many soils vary a great deal in chemical prop-
erties that are taken only a few feet apart, and therefore analyses often
fail to give a correct idea of their true character. But from the above
analyses, taken from widely distant localities, it is at least evident that
chemically, alluvium differs from the Loess deposits, principally in having
more organic matter and alumina, and less silica. The depth of the
alluvium varies greatly. Occasionally sand and drift materials predomi-
nate in the river-bottoms, especially in the subsoil ; sometimes the allu-
vium is of unknown depth, and again in a few feet the drift pebbles
and sand of the subsoil are struck. This is especially the case in some
of the western valleys which were worn down to the drift, and were
not again subsequently filled up, though such cases are not often
met with. There must have been a period of longer or shorter
duration, when the bottoms were in the condition of swamps and
bogs; and during this period the greater part of that organic mat-
ter, which is a distinguishing feature of these lands, accumulated in the
surface-soil. It would be easy to select isolated spots, where the soil
has forty per cent. of organic matter; where, in fact, it is composed of
semi-peat. When we reflect that this black soil is often twenty feet
thick, it is apparent that the period of its formation must have been
exceedingly long. There are still some few localities where that forma-
tive condition has been perpetuated to the present time—as, for ex-
ample, the bogs that are yet met with at the headwaters of the Elk-
horn and the Logan, along the Elk Creek, on the Dakota bottom, and on
Stinking River, one of the tributaries of the Republican. In facet, along
these tributaries all the intermediate stages from perfectly dry bot-
tom to a bog can yet be found. But, so much has the volume of water
been lessened in all the rivers of Nebraska through the influence of geo-
logical causes, that there are few places where now, even in flood-time,
they overflow their banks. A curious phenomenon, illustrating through
what changes of level and other conditions these river-bottoms have
qpassed, before reaching their present form, is the occurrence at various
depths, of from ten to fifty feet, of great masses of timber in a. semi-
decayed condition. One such deposit on the Blue River bottom, near
the mouth of Turkey Creek, successfuliv interrupted the digging of a
well. So many thicknesses of logs occurred that it was found best to |
abandon the work already done for a new place. I have frequently ob-
served trees, with trunks twenty tosixty feet long, sticking out from un-
der the banks of the Missouri, where the soil had been freshly removed.
It is possible that this timber accumulated in these places during the
period when the rivers yet covered their entire bottoms, and when num-
berless trees must have been carried down during flood-time, and either
stranded on the ancient sand-bars and mud-banks, or sunk to rise no
AUGHEY.] NEBRASKA—THE SAND-HILLS. 259
more in the deeper pools and eddies which were rapidly filled up. The
species, so far as I have-yet been able to determine, from an examina-
tion of the half-decayed wood, are the same as yet grow in this region.
They are principally cottonwood, elm, cedar, maple, and walnut.
THE SAND-HILLS.
The sand-hills are an often-mentioned portion of Nebraska. They
are found in certain sections of the western portion of the State. South
of the Platte Valley they run parallel with the river, and are from one-
half to six miles in breadth. A few are also found on the tributaries of
the Republican. Occasionally slightly sandy districts are found as far
east. as the Elkhorn, but they rarely approach even a small hill in mag-
nitude. North of the Platte, from about the mouth of the Calamus on to
the Niobrara, they cover much larger areas. They are also found over a
limited area north of the Niobrara. Hayden (Report for 1870, p. 108)
estimates the area of the sand-hills at about 20,000 square miles. From
exploring the same region, I should not estimate them as so extensive,
unless the fact be kept in mind that they are not continuous over the
whole region. They are indeed found all the way for 100 miles west
from the mouth of Rapid River, but in many places from eight to twenty
miles south of the Niobrara there are spots where the soil seemed to be
a mixture of Drift and Loess, and of high fertility, as was indicated by
the character and rankness of the vegetation. Sometimes these hills
are comparatively barren, and then again they are fertile enough to
sustain a scant covering of nutritious grasses; so that this region is by
no means the utterly barren waste that it is semetimes represented to
be. It has been a favorite range for buffalo, and still is for antelope
and deer; and, judging from their condition, the conclusion would be
natural that this region could be used for stock-raising. A great deal
of the vegetation is peculiar to sandy districts. Some of the hills seem
to have their loose sands held together by the Yeca angustifolia, which
sends its roots down to a great depth. It probably marks a certain
stage in their history. After this plant has compacted and given to the
sands organic matter, the grasses come in and partially clothe the hills.
The materials of these sand-hills are almost entirely sand, pebbles, and ©
gravel, of varying degrees of fineness. The sand always predominates.
Occasionally it is more or less modified by the presence of other mate-
rials, such as lime, potash, soda, alumina, and organic matter. These
hills are in some places stationary, and so covered by vegetation that
their true character is not suspected until closely examined. In other
places again, especially in portions of the Loup and the Niobrara region,
they are so loosely compacted that the wind is ever changing their form,
and turning them into all kinds of fantastic shapes. The most common
appearance is that of a plain, undulating, or hilly region, covered with ,
conical hills of drifting sands. The smaller elevations frequently show
striking resemblance to craters. One such curious hill I found south of
the Calamus, where the crater-like basin seemed to be compacted at
once, and grown over with a species of wire-grass.
Some eminent geologists have sought to account for these hills by
the theory that the winds in the course of ages have blown the sand
from the bars on the rivers until their accumulation caused these pecu-
liar elevations. There are many difficulties in the way of this theory.
East of Columbus no sand-hills are found, and it is hard to conceive
how they should come to be limited to the western portion of the State
if they were formed in this way. In some places at least the hills are
260 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
partly composed of large pebbles and stones that could not have been
moved by the winds. This is especially the case in some of these hills
south and east of Kenesaw, in Adams County. I suggest, as a pro-
visional explanation, the probability that south of the Platte the lines of
sand-hills show the track of a current in the old lake that produced the
Loess deposits. It is well known that fine sediment is deposited in still
water, but coarse materials, such as sand and pebbles, in the borders
and in tracks of currents. As the whole country rises toward the
west, the water here may have been very rapid, and the land in pro-
cess of drying up when it was yet deep at lower levels. Both causes,
the currents and the winds, may have co-operated to produce these de-
posits. Iam also satisfied that in some localities the sand-hills are
nothing more than modified Loess deposits. They are Loess deposits,
with all the alumina, organic matter, and finest sands washed out of
them. This at least seems to be the origin of some of the sand-hills
on the Lower Loup, where they occupy a lower level than the Loess de-
posits. These two deposits so often shade into each other in the neigh-
borhood of the sand-hills, rendering it impossible to tell where the one
begins and the other ends, that the theory of their common origin
best explains the phenomena of these formations. Atter the western
portion of the Loess deposits first became dry land, water-agencies were
yet so poweriul, especially in flood-times, that much of it must have
been remodified, and the coarser materials left to form sand-hills. On
the other hand, the sand-hills on the Upper Loup and the Niobrara
probably derived the bulk of their materials directly from Pliocene Ter-
tiary deposits, which were mainly loosely-ecompacted sands. This old
Pliocene lake was probably perpetuated here down through Loess times
to the borders of our own era. Even yet lakelets are numerous over
portions of this region, some of which are alkaline and others fresh-
water. The latter can easily be distinguished from the former at sight, by
the thick vegetation growing around their margins, of which the former
have very little, and sometimes not a trace. It is at least evident that
these fresh-water lakes have had some common origin. Their fauna
would prove it. The same species of fish and fresh-water mollusks are
found in most of the large ones, even where there is no perceptible
present outlet.
Although opposed to the views of eminent scientists, I have no doubt
that many of these hills are capable of cultivation and some day will be
cultivated. Not, indeed, until the rich lands that border them are im-
proved. But when better lands become scarce and costly, advances
will gradually be made on the sand-hills. Already it has been proved
that they produce sweet-potatoes and other root-crops equal at least to
the New Jersey sands. The rich marl-beds in their vicinity will supply
an inexhaustible source for fertilizing them.
Much as has been done by Hayden and others in exploring these sand-
hills, still much more remains for the geologist before all the causes
that produced them are thoroughly understood.
ALKALI LANDS.
Every one in Nebraska will sooner or later hear of the so-called alkali
lands. They are not confined to any one geological formation, but are
found sometimes on the Drift, Alluvium, or the Loess. They increase in
number from the eastern to the western portions of the State. Yetone-half
of the counties of the State do not have any such lands, and often there
_are only a few in a township or county. Where they have been closely
scams NEBRASKA—THE BAD LANDS. 261
examined they are found to vary a great deal in chemical constituents.
‘Generally, however, the alkali is largely composed of soda compounds,
with an occasional excess of lime 4nd magnesia or potash. The follow-
ing analysis of these soils shows how variable they are. The first is
taken from the Platte bottom, south of North Platte; the second from
near old Fort Kearney, and the third two miles west of Lincoln.
Inroluble. (siliceous) matter: - = = <.5 500 Ja sey cerareale mleisla a alersineussiois cacisce sie ateee 74.00 | 73.10] 73,90
MIST IGFOXIGG tients saeiaeicisce sale c see «isis as Saka an meee inte mica mere Linea ae oles Mae 3. 80 3. 73 3. 69
PAU MIN Bp ret Bele acim ea siemis \adiceia{cik = sce beeeeeltes atelectasis caches nicjemise eis 2. 08 2. 29 2.10
MEIN Cs CAL WOM Ate stats steers (aialarelola minis anim lv staleielarstate totetnteinin sicioeialoleniacisciocteieiniaireieeeeeer 6. 01 4, 29 3. 90
LODE), DAOIOGRG)- 3 coo sc co oeopoa Spo oRoRodedoodasoSsdddoUnS coOuSOtibooRMeDecosade 1.70 1. 40 1. 49
WENGE, GAMINOTEN ococcomossoone cs Boopodooooo cece cossocdsnseanans sposeoseosoe 1. 89 1.29 1.47
OLAS ee pets ae lec selelato a aiaia ein \elalerele sinis. cralol ate elelerate inet terse nare sic ae etainiatamiein ni lorters 1. 68 1. 80 3. 69
Soda, carbonate and biearbonate. 4...) cee ciscee scenes cee clenicecie as desis 5.17 7, 33 4.91
SOMinin, STN ocobo5 50500080 se sndacbnDGsO505 DONO Ho no coDnNScoaoDODSOC0B0R5000 70 . 89 . 89
IWS SS Se eA SRS On Se SARS COOCEUEEBE ARISE SE obo rc DAUACE EA OBOECE ker eriC Hoecetee - 99 98 - 98
Oreamicmmatitensamaciesnaneistesice cele =cleisie ecco soiesto nets eisteislociacteislainesiccteeres las 1.20 2.10 2,10
IDO)s Tn GIPAIW VEN so soso no coosoos cae so gu DROS osobnOroKS Hons ooocKocboosasedesasson 78 - 80 - 88
106.00 | 100.00 | 100, 00
The specimens for analysis were not taken from soils crusted over
with alkaline matter, but from spots where the ground was covered
with a sparse vegetation.
Many of the alkali lands seem to have originated from an accumu-
lation of water in low places, where there is an excess of alumina in
the soil or subsoil. The escape of the water by evaporation left the
saline matter behind, and, in the case of salt (sodium chloride), which
all waters are known to contain in at least minute quantities, the chlo-
rine, by chemical reactions, separated from the sodium; which latter,
uniting immediately with oxygen and carbonic acid, formed the soda
compounds.
These alkali spots are often successfully cultivated. The first steps
toward their renovation must be drainage and deep cultivation. The
next step is the consumption of the excess of alkali, which can be
effected by crops of the cereal grains in wet seasons. In such seasons
these alkali lands, if deeply cultivated, often produce splendid crops of
grain. Wheat is especially a great consumer of the alkalies; and these
being partly removed in this way, and the remaining excess mingled
with the deeply-cultivated soil, renders it, in many instances, in a few
years capable of being used for the other ordinary crops of Nebraska.
Treated in this way, these alkali lands often become the most valuable
portions of the farm. There are comparatively few alkali lands in the
State that cannot be reclaimed in this way.
THE BAD LANDS.
The bad lands do not really belong to the surface-deposits, as they
constitute a peculiar formation, where most of the soil capable of being
cultivated has been removed by denudation. As they, however, comprise
nearly all that there is of the surface in a part of the northwest corner
_of the State, they deserve mention in this place. They are mostly found
between Spoon Hill Creek and the Niobrara River, and they extend
down from the White River in Dakota Territory. They belong to what
Hayden calls the White River group of Tertiary rocks. They are be-
lieved to be of Miocene age. This region has long been known as the
bad lands—mawvaises terres, or, in the Dakota language, ma-koo-si-tcha,
which means a difficult country to travel, because the surface is very
broken, and there is little, if any, good water, wood, or game.* The
* Hayden United States Geological Survey, 1870.
262 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
materials of the deposits are white and yellowish indurated clays, sands,
marls, and occasional thin beds of lime and sand stones. When going
through these bad lands, I observed these lime and sand stones to appear
and disappear in the most unexpected manner, indicating great variety
in the conditions under which they were formed. The world is indebted
to Hayden for investigating and making known these wonderful beds.
His descriptions of them are correct in every particular; and yet it is hard
torealize their grandeur and uniqueness without personally visiting them.
This, at least, was the case with myself. Thegeologist never tires of in-
vestigating these deposits and their curious remains. The almost ver-
tical sections of variously-colored rock have been chiseled by water
agencies into unique forms. Indeed, viewed from a short distance they
remind the explorer of one of those old cities which only exhibit their
ruins as reminders of theirancient greatness. Among these grand deso-
lations the weird, wild old stories of witchery appear plausible and pos-
sible. It is in the deep canons at the foot ofstair-like projections that the
earliest of those wonderful fossil treasures are found which have done
so much to revolutionize our notions of the progress of life and of Tertiary
times. In the lower beds of this deposit are found remains of Rhinocert
and Hyppopotami, which were river-horses much like the Hyppopotami of
modern times. Higher up in the deposits are found countless numbers of
turtles, mingled with the remains of land-animals. { was especially
amazed at the number of these turtles in a light reddish-colored marl-
bed. They seemed in a few localities to constitute almost the entire de-
posit. Among these animal-remains none are more curious than the
Oreontide, which Leidy calls ruminating hogs, because their cutting teeth
and canines and their feet were like those of the swine family, while
their molars were patterned after those of the deer, and the upper por-
tions of the head much like that of the camels. According to Hayden,
they existed in great numbers of species and individuals, and con-
gregated in great herds, like the buffaloes in their palmy days. Here
also are found the remains of many species of horses and a few cameis,
a beaver, &e. The vast numbers of these animals were kept within
bounds by gigantie carniverous animals, such as saber-toothed tigers,
Hyaenodons, foxes, wolves, &c.
Agriculture in such a region as this, where often nothing is now grow-
ing is, of course, out of the question. Whether there ever will be such
an increased rain-fall as to start vegetation in this region and make its
surface capable of cultivation, is a problem of the future. Regions as
rough have been cultivated by hand. Here some of the deposits, like
the marls, possess the elements of fertility in a high degree, but moisture
is entirely lacking. Though this region is so unattractive to the utilita-
rian, I doubt whether any other equal area of Nebraska will be of more
benefit to mankind, simp!y because here we have outlined so marvelously
the old life of Miocene times, and it must ever bea stimulus to geologi-
cal studies, and those grand results which scientific culture produces.
No novel can be as interesting to a thoughtful mind as Hayden’s descrip-
tions of these bad lands and their animal remains.
FUEL FROM THE SURFACE-DEPOSITS.
It is not yet absolutely settled how much dependence can be placed
on the coal-supplies of the Carboniferous, Cretaceous, and Tertiary de-
posits, in each of which thin beds have been found and worked to a
limited extent. Hayden and Meek incline to the opinion that no beds
of coal thick enough and of sufficiently good quality to be profitably
’ i )
aucury.] FUEL FROM THE SURFACE-DEPOSITS. 263
worked will be found in the State. (Hayden’s Report for 1870, p. 134, &c.)
There is, however, no question about the great quantity of peat in Ne-
braska. Hayden mentions many localities where itisfound. (Report for
1867, 1868, and 1869.) It is also found on the tributaries and head-
waters of the Logan, the Elkhorn, the Blue, and on Stinking River, and
other tributaries of the Republican. One peat-bog on the Logan (town-
ship 28 north, 1 and 2 east) is five or six miles in length and of vari-
able breadth. I could find no bottom to this bog with a fifteen-foot
pole. This peat I personally tested and found to be of excellent quality.
In fact, nearly all the peat that I have tested in the State is fully up to
theaveragein quality. A singularly good article is found at Pittsburgh,
on the Blue River, where the deposit is also quite extensive. Among
the animal-remains submitted to me for examination from this bed was
a molar tooth of the gigantic beaver (Castor ohioensis), proving that this
animal existed in Nebraska in times geologically recent. The most of
the peat-beds that I have examined seem to have been formed in lake-
lets that gradually became bogs by an accumulation of vegetable mat-
ter derived from coarse grasses, sedges, rushes, polygenums, duck- weeds,
pond-weeds, arrow-weed, &c., lilies, &c. Sphagnum, which seems to
form the mass of organic matter in peat-bogs of granitie and siliceous
districts, only occurs in Nebraska in a bog near Curlew, in Cedar County,
and one or two other places in the same region. Atleast I found it no,
where else. Many of these peat-bogs are now so far advanced as to be
dry enough to be wagoned over in midsummer, but through the mid-
dle of which a stream of water is still flowing. Others have no visible
outlet, but retain the water poured inte them, when the spring and June
rains fall, during the remainder of the year, and thus supply the condi-
tions necessary for the peculiar vegetation of such formations. Some-
times, too, depressions in the surface where peat is forming are supplied
with moisture from ever-flowing springs. The beginnings of many of
these peat-beds date back at least to the close of the Loess age, so
that sufficient time has elapsed for the accumulation of great quanti-
ties of this material. Peat can be cheaply taken out of a bog with a
spade, and laid up like cord-wood under cover to dry, when it is ready
for use. The objections to using it thus prepared is its liability to crum-
ble. Unfortunately, to prepare it- by molding and pressing requires
some capital for apparatus, and this is one reason why these beds have
not yet been worked. In some places, too, wood-fuel is yet cheap, and
in others coal trom abroad is easily obtained, and these causes have also
operated to delay the use of peat for fuel. But such treasures cannot
remain unused forever. Eventually this peat must be utilized, and, if
it is cheaply furnished, as it can be, the State will be supplied for a long
time from its own territory for manufacturing purposes and domestic
use with all the fuel needed. (For an able discussion of peat in Ne-
braska, see Hayden’s Final Report of Geological Survey of Nebraska,
p. 69.)
WATER RESOURCES OF NEBRASKA,
_ Running streams are an evidence of the degree of moisture in a region,
and with these Nebraska is well supplied. Any good map of the State
will show numerous rivulets flowing into the larger creeks and rivers.
But no map that I have yet seen does or can do full justice to the num-
berless small streams that are found in the State. Having traveled, as
a naturalist and explorer, over a large part of Northern Nebraska, I fre-
quently came across small streams with beautiful bottoms, where even
the published plats of the public surveys failed to indicate them. In
‘
264 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
fact, there are large areas of the State where running water can be found
on every section, and often on every quarter-section of land. Where
such water resources do not exist, it can easily be obtained by digging
or boring to a certain depth. In the Loess deposits water is frequently
found at a depth of from fifteen to forty-five feet. If this proves a fail-
ure, as it occasionally does, water can be obtained beneath, in the
Drift; or, where this is absent, when the underlying rocks are reached.
At the bottom of the Loess deposits there is generally a layer of sand or
gravel, which is a great reservoir of water, and from which it flows in
unlimited quantities. In some of the counties drained by the Blue Rivers
and their tributaries, but rarely east of them, where the Loess deposits
are very thick, water is not found until this stratum of sand and gravel
is struck, at a depth of from sixty to one hundred and twenty feet. I
have known of only a few instances where the underlying rocks had to
be penetrated to secure permanent water. This underlying bed of sand
and gravel is, as before observed, probably Drift, and exists, at some
depth, over the greater part of the State. An interesting phenomenon
connected with the Platte and Republican Rivers is the drainage of a
portion of the waters of the former into the latter. The Platte flows
eastward, at a considerably higher level than the Republican, and be-
tween the two rivers there is a large area of Loess, underlaid by Drift,
sand and gravel, which in many places is continuous between the two
rivers. Through this Drift, sand and gravel the waters of the Platte,
where they run over it, flow into the Republican. The two rivers are,
in the main, parallel, and, at the meridian of Kearney Junction, are only
forty miles apart. In traveling along the Republican for a hundred
miles, from Orleans westward, and by wading in the river for miles at a
time, I observed such a quantity of water trickling through these-sands
near the water’s edge, in hundreds of places, that it could not possibly
all have come from the superficial deposits. It was during the dry sea-
son (August) of 1874 that I made these examinations. Occasionally,
where this underlying bed of sand and gravel lies on clay or rock, sub-
terranean currents are formed.
At a distance from running streams it is found, by experience, to be
cheapest and best to supply water to stock and for domestic use by
sinking a shaft to the Drift, where water is found, and working the pump
by a wind-mill. One such at Ball’s ranch, on the road between Kear-
ney and Orleans, had the tank kept full by a windmill, and furnished,
as I was informed at the place, water for four hundred cattle and other
stock, the traveling public, and for demestic use. The well here was
one hundred feet deep, ninety of which passed through Loess deposits.
Half a dozen small farmers often might unite to dig such a well, and to
supply it with a windmill, near the intersection of their lands. This
would be especially advantageous in the region between these two riv-
ers, west of the meridian of Kearney, where the subsoil is Loess, and
very thick; where running streams are few, and where wells must be
sunken deep to reach permanent water.
Chemical analyses show that the waters of the State, excepting the sem1-
alkaline ponds in some sections, is fully equal to the average in purity.
The most common foreign ingredient is lime carbonate. I have fre-
quently examined wells whose waters were charged with being impure,
and in every instance found that the impurity was caused by the pres-
ence of organic matter that had been permitted to be washed in from
the surface. |leopac - An.
10: Lemnajscutata 2. 7.252262. -[c 552s se sceo ne =e ob fosnass ado: ||lssocdcllsaccagaccenode
11. Ottelia Americana..........--.--.----..--..--- Boee eseacde lla Sea (Seem ine| a mee matatice see
Me Sabalvora val asee ccc icmaa cies cee cetera ae cee cee :
13. Dryophyllum subfaleatum........-.-....--..--- sbecdolls coecsicooues lisa soogibososcllooaacsoncacnce
14. Dryophyllum crenatum...............-----.--- ae :
15. Populus melanaria .-..
16. Populus melanaroides .
17. Ficus asarifolia......-. fue
18. Ficus dalmatica.~..-2.....2.:-2 022-2022 s2csee--
19. Ficus planicostata......--..-.---.-------------
SOM I CUS tilizefOliay suse sateen octet eel eto
EMHICUSNTRE SU anise ssa tee sacle ieeeisieees cei ere
PP Mi NORD Nines ose sccousaacsscooscaocasees
Ad svLauTuUs proestaNss—-- oe esc ee coon ecco wee
BEL NGlo te metry He bobo oasanoncoseaespeoSess lasedae|soodee|(acccs |isoode Wooces|) 0b ouosoneenandc
25. Viburnum Whymperi...-.-..----.--..--------- MEBs sdGccadonseas
26. Viburnum marginatum .....-._-.:---.--------. Gb |lessaoscenese o-
27. Diorpyros brachysepala........-....----------- Web \omoosogheeonac
28. Greviopsis Cleburni....-....--..-.------. ----- s sconnal[sooage |losastidcoaoaues
29. Rhus membranacea...--...----.---------+------ SJissosos|| sco ses{latoosalSacod-laosoos caneda 35
30. Inglans rhamnoides ..-.....-..--..---.---------|---<--|------|--0--- Jecees-|-eeee- UGE saa shaososcas
*An. for analagous; Id. for identical.
Of the thirty species enumerated in this table, one is identical with
a Canadian species recognized as Tertiary, as seen below, from quota-
tions of Prof. G. M. Dawson’s Geological Report. Six are identical with
and six also analogous to those of the Lower European Miocene, two are
identical with, and one allied to, Arctic Miocene species. Six have a
close relation to those of the Lower European Eocene, or rather of the°
LESQUEREUX.] EVIDENCE OF AGE OF LIGNITIC GROUP. 287
Tertiary division, separated at its base under the name of Paleocene.
Three are identified and two analogous, in the flora of Golden. Nine
identical and one analogous, in that of Black Butte; and four have an-
alogy with Cretaceous forms.
The relation of Point of Rocks with the Canadian Tertiary is especially
marked by Lemna scutata, a floating plant, described by Prof. J. W.
Dawson, in the report of the geology and resources of the region in the
vicinity of the forty-ninth parallel. The geologist of the commission,
Prof. George Mercer Dawson, obtained the specimens from a bed of clay
near the very base of the Lignitic formation, where, according to the in-
formation kindly furnished to me, the vegetable remains representing
this species were very abundant, but difficult to get from the crumbling
shale. Though their reference to any living species is not distinctly
marked, the peculiar character of the plants does not permit any doubt
about its identity with that of Point of Rocks, which is also represented
by numerous specimens. Half the spezimens from this place bear re-
mains of this species and of another, Pistia corrugata, which may be a
mere form of the same. In regard to the identity of the Lignitic meas-
ures of Canada with those of the United States, the evidence is equally
conclusive. The report quoted above proves it, by good sections and
diagrams, which indicate the same distribution of Lignitic beds, clay,
and sandstone strata, as in the great Lignitic of the Rocky Mountains,
of which that of Canada is a mere continuation. It enumerates, also,
besides those which are descirbed, a number of plants from the Lower
Tertiary, of a higher stage, mostly of Miocene types.
In remarking upon the fossil plants which he had to determine, the
celebrated professor of Montreal, J. W. Dawson, says, ‘* That the plants
of the first group are for the most part identical with those found by
American geologists, in the Fort Union series, and which have been de-
termined by Professor Newberry and by M. Lesquereux. They are
also similar to plants collected by Dr. Richardson, in the Lignitic series
of the Mackenzie River, as described by Heer, and represented by speci-
mens in the collection of the geological survey, &c. They alsoapproach
very closely the so-called Miocene floras of Alaska and Greenland, as
described by Heer, and in their facies, and in several of their species,
they coincide with the Miocene floras of Europe.” He then adds, “If
we were to regard the affinities of the plants merely, and to compare them
with the Miocene of other countries, and also to consider the fact that
several of the species are identical with those still living, and that the
whole facies of the flora coincides with that of modern temperate Amer-
ica, Jittle hesitation would be felt in assigning the formation in which
they occur to the Miocene period. On the other hand, when we consider
the fact, that the lower beds of this formation hold the remains of rep-
tiles of Mesozoic types; that the beds pass downward into rocks hold-
ing Baculites and Inocerami; and that a flora essentially similar is found
associated with Cretaceous animal-remains, both in Dakota* and Van-
couver’s Island, we should be inclined to assign them at least to the base
of the Eocene.
From this it seems that Professor Dawson does not separate the two
essential groups of the Tertiary: the upper one with its Miocene types, a
flora indicating a temperate climate like that of the middle zone of the
United States ; the lower one with its numerous species of Palms, of Ficus,
&c., evidently representing a subtropical vegetation. In this last flora,
the one which is now under examination in this paper, there is no
species identical or analogous to any of those of the Dakota group.
* The assertion is right for Vancouver’s Island but not for the Dakota group.
288 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
The extraordinary separation of both floras has been sufficiently estab-
lished by former comparison and descriptions of species. In the upper
stage some rare types of the Cretaceous re-appear. But apparently
the specimens obtained by the survey mostly represented the upper
stage of the Canadian Lignitic. For Professor Dawson describes and
enumerates, from Porcupine Creek, seventeen species, all of Miocene
type, and most of them formerly described by Professor Heer and
Professor Newberry. from the Miocene formations of Alaska, Greenland,
and especially from the Union group, with which the Porcupine Creek
group appears closely allied. These plants are:
Equisetum species, similar to E. arcticum Heer.
Glyptostrobus Europeus, Heer.
Sequoia Langsdorfii Bret.
Thuia interrupta Newby.
Phragmites ? species.
Scirpus species.
Populus Richardsoni Heer.
Corylus rostrata Ait.
Corylus American. Walta.
Diospyros species.
Rhamnus concinnus, Newby.
Carya antiquorum, Newby.
. Juglans cinerea? or J. bilinica, Ung.
Viburnum pubescens, Pursh.
To this and by comparison are added the species catalogued by Heer,
from Richardson’s collection on the Mackenzie, which, says Professor
Dawson, belongs to the same region. ‘They are:
. Glyptostrobus Europzeus Heer.
. Sequoia Langsdorfii Brgt.
Pinus species.
Smilax Franklini.
. Populus Richardsoni.
Populus arctica.
. Populus Hookeri.
Salix Rheana.
Betula species.
10. Corylus Macquarrii.
11. Quercus Olatseni.
12. Platanus aceroides.
13. Hedera McClurii.
14. Pterospermites dentatus.
15. Phyllites aroideus.
16. Antholithes amissus.
17. Carpolithes seminulum.
The species described in the same report from the lower stage of the
Lignitic of Canada are fewer and apparently represented by more im-
perfect specimens. They are Hquisetum Parlatorti, Heer, of the Miocene
of Europe, a species to which #. Haydenti of Carbon is closely allied.
Its habitat is marked as Great Valley.
' Lemna scutata sp. nov., abundant at the Bad Lands, and also at Point
of Rocks.
Scirpus species, Bad Lands.
i Salix Rheana? Heer (Great Valley), species of the Miocene of Green-
and.
CO OOS CU CO DOE
LESQUEREUX. | EVIDENCE OF AGE OF LIGNITIC GROUP. 289
Sapindus affinis, Newby, (Bad Lands), species of the Union group.
Rhamnus, an undescribed species (Great Valley), corresponding, by
its preserved part, to kR. Hridanit Ung., which is Micus jynx, a Miocene
species of Europe and of the upper American Lignitie also.
Aesculus antiquus, Trapa borealis, and Carpolithes, three new species,
described from obscure specimens, from the same locality as that of
Lemna, the Bad Lands, west of Woody Mountain.
From the exposition of this flora, it is not surprising that Professor
Dawson should admit, as the result of his study of the fossil plants of
the Lignitic, the Tertiary age of these formations. For, indeed, in this
flora there is, as remarked already, no trace of any vegetable remains
which, by comparison with the species of the Dakota. group or with
those of the Cretaceous of Europe, could be recognized as identical or
even related to any of them.
Coming back to the other plants of Point of Rocks for considering
their characters for an evidence of their age, by comparison with other
groups of floras than that of Canada, we find in the table three of them
marked as analogous to Cretaceous types. The first, Pistia corrugata,
may be, as remarked in the description, an undeveloped or young form
of Lemna scutata, a question here without importance. At first I con-
sidered this species as being the first of this genus recognized in a fossi!
state, for none has been published as yet. But Count Saporta informs
me that a species, Pistia Mayelii, Sap. ined., has been found in the fresh-
water Upper Cretaceous of Fuveau, France. From the sketch kindiy
communicated by the author, his species appears very different in its
characters from that of Point of Rocks. The generic affinity, however,
is worth remarking, for a plant so profusely represented as is our species,
which, by itself or mixed with Lemna scutata, covers both sides of a
number of large specimens.
By the same degree of affinity, I have marked in the Cretaceous col-
umn of the table Sequoia longifolia, also found at Black Butte, and
Sequoia biformis ; the first on account of a distant likeness to 8. Smit-
hiana, and the other to 8S. Reichenbachi and S. rigida, three species
recognized, the first in the lower, the two others in both the upper
and lower stages of the Cretaceous of Greenland. The wide distribution
of Sequoia species is generally known; it is marked here by the presence
of these two species in two stages of the Cretaceous. But without
taking into account the longevity of these forms, we have to consider
that if we have here two conifers merely rélated to Cretaceous species,
this cannot eliminate the testimony of Sequoia brevifolia, which is as
profusely represented in the flora of Point of Rocks as Pistia, and by
specimens in a perfect state of preservation. One-half of the specimens
of Mr. Cleburn, besides a large number of those of Professor Hayden, show
it in its two somewhat different forms. As it is distinctly and easily
determined, its characters being precise, and as this conifer is a repre-
sentative of the Miocene flora of Greenland and of that of the Baltic, its .
documentary evidence is more positive than that of the two other Sequoia
represented as yet by small fragments, and merely allied to Cretaceous
types.
I consider as referable to the Eocene by analogy of distribution Sabal
Grayana and the two species of Dryophyllum of Point of Rocks. That
Palms have originated in the Cretaceous is now an established fact.
Schimper, in his Vegetable Paleontology, indicates as from Cretaceous
formations two species of uncertain affinity. And nevertheless, in a,
more recent work, the Flora of Gelinden, by Saporta and Marion, the
authors remark that one species of Palms only was known by its fronds
19
290 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
from the Cretaceous. The recent discovery by Schweinfurth of a fruit,
Palmacites rimosus, Heer, * in the Upper Cretaceous white chalk of the
oasis of Chargeh, west of Thebes (about 25° latitude north), is another
evidence of the presence of paims in the Upper Cretaceous. That, how-
ever, remains of this kind are extremely rare even at the end of the
_ Cretaceous is proved by the importance attached to the discovery of a
fruit of this kind in a region under the tropic. From the Paleocene, as
represented in the floras of Gelinden and of Sezane, no species of Palms
have been positively determined. [or the fragments described in this
last flora under the generic name of Ludoviopsis are indefinitely referred
by the author eithertothe Pandanee ortothe Palms. As yet,of the fifty
species of known fossil Palms from their fronds, twenty belong to the Mio-
cene, especially to its lower stage; eight are described from the Tertiary of
Italy, without reference to any of its ‘divisions, nine are Oligocene, twelve
Hocene, and one Cretaceous. Of the eight species of Sabal deseribed, one
species is Miocene, two Oligocene, and five Hocene. Sabal andegavensis
Schp., and S&S. precursoria Schp., two species of the Upper EHocene of
France, are very closely related, ‘the first to Sabal communis of Golden,
the other to Sabal Grayana found in many localities of the Lower Lignitie,
from Mississippi to Vancouver. In considering the Lignitic fiora by the
specimens of fossil plants from Black Butte, Golden, Colorado Springs,
the Raton Mountains, &e., where the preponderance of remains of
Sabal and Flabellaria is so marked, how could it be possible, if even we
had no other characters for direction, to refer it to the Cretaceous? The
above speaks plainly, and shows how I had to recognize the flora of
Vancouver as Tertiary, from the numerous specimens of Sabal sent by
Professor Evans from Nanaimo, even if the other plants of the locality
had not represented Tertiary types. It was the same case for the flora
of the Mississippi State, where the Palms are also in preponderance. At,
Point of Rocks, four large specimens upon sandstone represent the same
species of Sabal as that of Vancouver and Mississippi, S. Grayana, which,
in the opinion of a celebrated European paleontologist, is one of the
finest and most positively characterized species of the genus.
The two species of Dryophyllum described from Point of Rocks are
indicated in the table of distribution as analogous to the Hocene. This
genus represents a separate section of the oaks, corresponding by the
form of the leaves and the indentations of their borders to the Chestnut-
oaks of the present North American flora. Messrs. Debey and Htting-
hausen have separated it for the classification of some leaves found in the
Cretaceousof Belgium. It represents, therefore, a Cretaceous type, which,
however, like some others of the same formation, Fagus, Platanus, Se.,
does not appear to have reached its full dev elopment from or at its origin.
We see it, for example, in the Dakota group flora, in the proportion ot
two species in about one hundred and thirty, while in the Paleocene flora
of Gelinden it has four species in thirty, and the same number in forty-
eight in the flora of Sezane. It then re-appears by more or less numer-
ous representatives in analogous species of Quercus, and may therefore
be followed nearly without interruption to the present time. From this
it is clear that the reference of fossil species of this genus, when
remarked in connection with remains of Tertiary plants, should more
appropriately pertain to the Eocene than to the Cretaceous. Therefore
if the presence of species of Dryophyllum in the Point of Rocks flora,
and that also of Pitsia, Sequoia biformis, and Sequoia longifolia, im-
* Ueber fossile fruchte der Oase Chargeh, O. Heer. in Denks. der Schweiz, Naturf.
Gesells., vol. xxvii, 1876.
LESQUEREUX. ] EVIDENCE OF AGE OF LIGNITIC GROUP. ~ 291
prints to it an odd physiognomy, it is either as remnants of the past,
merely recording a few features of old generations passed away, or as
contemporanéous long persistent types, which do not distinetly charac-
terize any peculiar epoch. As proof of this assertion we have the true
Lower Eocene character marked in the same flora of Point of Rocks by
four species, Ficus planicostata, Viburnum marginatum, Populus me-
lanarioides, and Greviopsis Cleburni, which evidently, related to species
of the Sezane flora, though in various degrees, have no affinity what-
ever to Cretaceous types.
The flora of Point of Rocks is related to that of Black Butte by nine
identical forms or by one-third of its species. In considering the evi-
dence of synchronism, the identity of two floras could not be more posi-
tively proved than this, and nevertheless we have here two to three thou-
sand feet of interposed measures. It is a remarkable fact, upon which
more will be remarked presently. The group of plants at Point of Rocks
has, besides the Eocene representatives, six species identified with, and
as many related to those of the Micecene of Europe. Therefore we see
here, what has been remarked in other localities of the Lignitic, a com-
pound or admixture of oid and young tertiary types, in comparison at
least with the fossil floras of Kurope, and thus a gereral character which
does not distinctly relate to any peculiar stage of Kuropean Tertiary.
We have the Paleocene by relation to species of Sezane; the Upper
Eocene, especially the Ligurian or Oligocene, by the Palms, and the
Miocene by a number of common and generally distributed forms which,
like Sequoia langsdorfii, Populus mutabilis, Ficus tiliefolia, Cinnamomum
mississipiense, khamnus rectinervis, Juglans rugosa, &e., are omnipresent
and constant types, indicating merely the Tertiary age for the Lignitie flora.
For this reason I shall continue to carefully record its pointsof affinity with
the divers groups of the geological floras of Europe; but at the same
time denying as yet sufficient evidence of identity to any of them I
persist to consider it simply as the Lower Hocene flora of this continent.
I said above that the identity of specific forms at Point of Rocks and
Black Butte was worth recording more e¢arefully, as a remarkable
case in regard to the distribution of plants. In marine strata the long
preservation of types is a matter of little concern, for the cireumstance
under which the marine faunas are distributed may be the same for very
long periods, as, for example, the mineral elements entering into the com-
pounds, the depth and temperament of the water, We. But thatacompara-
tively large number of land or fresh-water plants, subject to medifica-
tions or forced to migrations by atmospheric changes, may be preserved
identical through the lapse of time indicated by the thickness of the
measures heaped along Bitter Creek, has not been proved by as positive
an evidence as we have it here. The distance between both localities is
eleven miles only, and the superposition of the strata is all along so
clear, that there is no possibility of any mistake in the calculation of the
vertical space separating both points. It is scarcely possible to hazard
a conjecture upon the length of time indicated by the building up of
these intermediate measures. Evidently of a shore formation, the heap-
ing of their materials may have been more rapid than for the deposits
at the wide bottom of the sea. They evidence, however, in their suc-
cession, a series of sandstone beds which though of greater thickness
are interstratified by beds of clay, built up of swampy deposits of long
duration and especially of coal-beds, still more clearly denoting the slow
progress of the work.
A geological fact like the one remarked between the relation of the
floras of Point of Rocks and Black Butte and the positive evidence of the
292 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF TIE TERRITORIES.
long periods of time and formations which separate them is an instruc-
tive document, whose importance as point of comparison in the study of
the geographical distribution of our present flora and of its analogy to
ancient types will be easily accepted by botanists. But here it has to
be considered merely in connection with the question of the age of the
Lower Lignitic.
The Cretaceous Dakota group is separated from Point of Rocks by a
thickness of strata about the same as that which is marked between -
Point of Rocks and Black Butte. Nevertheless, between the floras of
the Nebraska and Kansas Cretaceous and that of Point of Rocks and
Black Butte, we find scarcely any analogous type, and not a single
identical form. ‘The erosions may have indeed considerably thinned
the marine strata representing the Cretaceous above the Dakota group,
but that cannot lessen the strength of the deduction made from the
total disconnection of two floras, one of which denotes by its essential
characters a marked dissimilarity of atmospheric circumstances, a
weighty evidence, if not a positive proof, of a change of epoch, if not in
the sea, at least upon the land. It is useless to repeat that, as yet, no
marine invertebrate remains of Cretaceous type have been discovered in
the whole Lignitic measures above Point of Rocks. We may admit,
however, that while the Tertiary age was, at its beginning, represented
as a land formation, as seen by its flora, a Cretaceous marine fauna may
have still locally persisted in deep seas. Facts of this kind are recorded
in European geology. The presence of the Saurian Agathaumas in the
Lignite bed of Black Butte is then certainly explainable as denoting the
wandering of that animal out of its domain, and its death by penetra-
ting into a peat-bog and being irretrievably swallowed by its soft mat-
ter. If once imbedded in soft peat, no animal, not even man, can get ont
of it. By this fact, and also from the reason that the coriaceous, ligne-
ous plants of the bogs are not food for mammals, I explain the scarcity of
bones of Hocene animals in the lower beds of the Lignitic. As a shore
formation, a surface covered with deep bogs surrounded by sand wastes,
this primitive land would not afford food to mammals or even be accessi-
ble to them. Every one who has explored a peat-bog knows how these
formations are deprived of animal life. Very few bones of the
Aurochs have been found in the bogs of North Germany, and the area
covered by the Lignitic shows how compact and continuous, not to say
universal, were those swamps of the Lower Tertiary. I believe, there-
fore, that if the bones of Eocene mammals are not discovered in the
lowest part of the Lignitic, they will be found in the upper strata.
Moreover, the agglomeration of bones in certain localities depend on pecu-
liar circumstances, and donotimmediately and forcibly relate, like plants,
to the geueral characters of a whole period.
The question of the subdivision of the Lignitic or Tertiary measures,
which I have separated in four groups, from the non-coincidence in the
general character of the flora, is still disputed, and this division con-
tradicted by the assertion that the discordance is merely apparent,
and a result of the geographical distribution of species, as we may
see it now in groups of plants at distant localities. The contempo-
raneity of the fossil floras is not merely marked by the identity of some
species, but also by a kind of general character denoting the same
climatic circumstances. The modification due to the geographical dis-
tribution may be easily recognized by the presence or absence of a
number of species in the flora of the Bitter Creek basin, of that of
Colorado, the Raton Mountains, the Lower Union group, the Missis-
Sippi, and Vancouver. There is between these localities a wide dis-
LESQUEREUX. | EVIDENCE OF AGE OF LIGNITIC GROUP. 293
tance; and, indeed, the Vancouver flora may show, in its details, marked
points of dissimilarity to that of the Mississippi. But, one of the prom-
inent characters of the Lower Lignitic is the predominance of Palms,
and we find it manifest in all the localities named above. Indeed, I have
found remains of Palm, especially of Sabal, whenever I have seen Lower
Lignite beds; and, as it has been remarked formerly, Sabal Grayana has
been observed on specimens from Vancouver, Point of Rocks, Golden, the
Mississippi, &c. With this there are, in all these floras, a predominance
of subtropical forms, and the absence of northern types, rendering more
evident their correlation in time. Sufficient details have been given on
the species of the group, and on their distribution, in Dr. Hayden’s
former report (1873), p. 378 to 390.
The group of plants of the Evanston division has, as yet, no remains
of palm-leaves, but fruits doubtfully referable to the Paim family;
with this it has some of its species of leaves represented at Golden,
others at Carbon. The general character of its flora does not indicate
as high an average degree of temperature as that of the Lower Lignitic.
The group has been separated, as an intermediate one whose relation is
not positively fixed now. According to Professor Cope’s description,
bones of Hocene vertebrate animals have been found in connection with
it. Itstrue horizon may be rendered more definite by further discoveries.
But in the group of Carbon the general character of the flora is evident,
and its relation to the Miocene of Europe and of Greenland is exposed,
not only by this general kind of related facies, but also by a number of
species, like Platanus aceroides and Guillelme,* Acer, Populus arctica,
Taxodium dubium, Alnus Kefersteinti Betula, Quercus, Corylus, indicating,
together with the total absence of Palms, a marked difference in the
climatic circumstances governing the flora and that of the Lower
Lignitie group. This difference, also, is not remarked at Carbon only.
It is reproduced in the sume degree, by general affinity and identity of
species, in the flora of Coral-Hollow, San Joachin County, and of Con-
tra Costa, south of Moant Diablo, California; of Bridge Creek, John
Day Valley, and of Blue Mountain, Oregon; of Bellingham Bay, of ©
Alaska, as established by Heer’s flora of that country, and therefore fol-
lowed northward from Carbon to Greenland. Some of its types are so
definite that a single specimen of a species of Acer or Platanus would
suffice to positively identify this greup as Miocene, just as a few spec-
imens of Quercus furcinervis proved the Hocene ageof the Cascade Mount-
ains of Oregon, whose formations were at first supposed to be Post-
Tertiary or of recent origin.
A few words more will be sufficient to answer the other objections |
recorded at the beginning of this paper against the value of vegetable
paleontology in its application to geology for the determination of the
age of the formations. We know now well enough that remains of
fossil plants are abundantly found in the land deposits of this continent.
The result obtained from the onset of American researches in vegetable
paleontology let us surmise whatan immense amount of documentary
data the after-coming geologist shall be able to gather in the same
field. The authority of animal-remains shall continue undoubted as far
as it refers to marine formations. But when land formations are to be
considered, theauthority should, when evident, be accepted as decisive.
* The fragment of leaf found in connection with the bones of the Saurian at Black
Butte, and considered, from the character of nervation of the middle of the leaf, the only part
' preserved, as doubtfully referable to P. Guillelme ? was identified from better specimens,
showing the outlines of whole leaves, as a new species of Viburnum, described in this paper as
Viburnun platanoides. ¥
294 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
There may be some exceptional cases where both kind of evidence may
be in opposition, however, and afford reasons for dispute of authority.
Forexample, no Cretaceous invertebrate marine remains have been found
in the strata of the Lignitic above Point of Rocks, nor in the Bitter
Creek series above this point, nor in the whole extent of the Colorado
Basin; hence the plants, being characteristic and Tertiary} the whole
formation should be admitted as Tertiary, of course. But Vancouver
shows, as far as its flora is known, identity of characters of its fossil
plants with those of the Lower Lignitic, as known, from the above-named
stations; its relation is therefore defined as land formation, and this
should be to my persuasion considered as evidence of synchronism and
therefore of its Tertiary age, though the beds bearing Tertiary plants
may be locally and casually overlaid by marine strata with Cretaceous
animal-remains. This case has some analogy with that of the presence
of the bones of a Cretaceous Saurian at Black Butte.
Conformability or uncomformability of stratification proves very little
in regard to the changes which are considered as indicating a new epoch
or period. Of course the disturbances of wide-expanded surfaces of the
earth modify in various degrees the atmospheric circumstances, and, in
a less degree, however, those which govern the distribution of animals
under water. Therefore the changes in the characters of the floras or
the faunas may be more or less evident in correlation with these dis-
turbanees. But these are more generally so gradual that they cannot
be remarked by traces of uncontormability, and the consequences in
modifications of marine or land beings can be appreciated only at very
long distances of time. Gradual changes of this kind seem to have pro-
gressed during the whole period of the Cretaceous formations of the West,
trom the base of the Dakota group to that of the Tertiary Lignitic, and
later still; for in the whole vertical space occupied by the deposits no
unconformability of strata is remarked. But the concurrence of gradual
atmospheric modifications with those of the earth surface is distinetly
recognizabie in the general character of the flora of the lower Lignitic
compared to that of the Dakota group, this being of a temperate
climate, while that of the Lignitic proves a subtropical one. Of course
the life under deep seas cannot be modified in the same degree and in the
same period of time. It is but very slowly influenced by land atmospheric
changes, and from this there is in some instances between the in-
habitants of the land and those of the sea, a forcible geological discord-
ance, like that exposed at Black Butte by the Saurian and the plant’s
remains wherein it was imbedded.
Perhaps the more weighty objection against the deductions taken
from the characters of the Lower Lignitie flora is that of the unreliability
of comparison between the vegetable types of both continents in their
relation to supposed synchronous epochs. From this objection it is
said that we should not attempt, in regard to the distribution of the
North American fossil plant, to consider anything known of the geo-
logical relation of those of Europe. This objection appears at first
trifling, and it seems that it could be answered by the mere assertion that
as American paleontologists have constantly taken their points of com-
parison from Europe, in considering the relation of the animal remains
to the age of the strata where they were discovered, vegetable paleon-
tology should be allowed to use the same privilege; for no section of
natural science can be defined and progress a priori or without means
of comparison, and where to find any if the European scientific do-'
main should be closed. But in this objection there is something more
than the mere privilege of comparison. It seems positive that from its
LESQUEREUX.] EVIDENCE OF AGE OF LIGNITIC GROUP. 295
first appearance the American land flora has a proper American character,
recognizable not merely in differences, but in priority of types. I have
already alluded to this phenomenon, which, though seemingly observ-
able in many instances, is, however, not positively ascertained as an
actuality, and not referable to a principle of a general application. We
have, as far as our knowledge goes, a precedence of vegetable Devonian
types which are already seen in the Silurian; the Carboniferous, also,
are recognized by remains of Lepidodendron as low as the Marcellus
epoch. The Sub-Carboniferous flora of this continent is mostly Devonian
for Europe, and the Lower Carboniferous has a number of specific forms,
considered by European authors as Permian. Farther up, the Trias is
Jurassic by its Cycadew, and the Cretaceous of the Dakota group is
typically allied to the Miocene species, and still more to the present
flora of this country. If it is so, the objection expressed above is a
mighty one, for then our Lignitic flora might be of an older period and
representative of an American Cretaceous formation, though having
already the characters of European Hocene floras?) We have, in this
peculiar case, a point of reliable comparison which answers the ob-
jection. The flora of Point of Rocks, considered as Tertiary, is prob-
ably at the lowest stage of the formation. Its characters have been
exposed in a table of comparison. Now, the floras of Gelinden, in
Belgium, and of Sézanne, in France, are connected with strata ac-
knowledged by stratigraphy and animal paleontology as of the oldest
European Tertiary. And here as at Gelinden, for example, the Creta-
ceous type, represented by Dryophyllum, is far more evident than at
Point of Rocks, and in the flora of Sézanne it is about in the same,
proportion as in that of Point of Rocks and Black Butte. In this
case, therefore, no trace of precedence of vegetable types is remarked on
this side of the Atlantic, and the floras of both continents, offering
evident synchronism by stratification, and both animal and vegetable
paleontology, may be considered as giving reliable evidence by the
comparison of their characters.
It is claimed that the opinion on the Tertiary age of the Lignitic
contradicts evidence admitted by the highest scientific authority.
Though no personal opinion may be recognized as authoritative in
science, we have, on the question discussed here, a concurrence of |
views expressed by Dr. Newberry for the Lignitie flora of the Union
group of the Upper Missouri River, and by Prof. J. W. Dawson
for that of Canada. These are certainly the highest authorities in
this country. From Europe, the opinion of Count Saporta, who is
deeply interested in the progress of the botanical paleontology of this
country, is not less explicit. After the examination of some of the
plates prepared for the flora of the Lignitic, he writes: ‘ That
Sphenopteris Hocenica is closely allied to Asplenium Wegmanni, Bret.,
of Sézanne; that species analogous to what I have described as
Abictites dubius and Abietites setigera have been found in the Upper
Cretaceous of St. Panlet, France; that our Palms, especially Palmacites
Goldianus, denote Hocene; that the magnificent species Sabal Grayana
is allied to, and perhaps an ancestor of, Sabal major, which in Europe
appears at the beginning of the Miocene; aud that Flabellaria communis
is extremely similar to Sabal andegaviensis, which is found in the Hocene —
Superior of the south of France, but which has not been figured till
now.” From all this and other points of affinity which the cele-
brated paleontologist of France makes in regard to the species of the
lower group of the Lignitic flora, he concludes as follows :*—“ In re-
* In letter, October 19, 1875.
296 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
suming, and notwithstanding that Abietites, which I consider as a Cre-
taceous type, your first group seems indeed to be legitimately Hocene,
by its Ferns, its Palms, its coriaceous and prototypical Poplars, its
Cinnamomum, and its Viburnum, as related to the Sézanne flora, and by
one of its Palms to the Upper Eocene of Angers. If one would ‘suppose
this flora more recent than the Eocene, he would have to admit such a
dissemblance between Europe and America that every comparison by
the floras between the geological stages of both continents should ap-
pear an impossibility.” The assimilation of American species with a
number of Miocene species published in Europe is considered by Saporta
as doubtful and not quite conclusive; and he remarks, also, that, though
his opinion on the age of the Lower Lignitic group is given according
to present impression, the great geographical distance renders the
affinities between compared localities very difficult to fix with precision,
even in supposing them contemporaneous.
These quotations must be excused by reason of the importanee given
now to the question of the age of the Lignitic, which, controverted in
various ways, demands light, and has to be considered in every possible
point of view. The problem is not yet solved. Requested, as I am, to
contribute a share in the discussion, by closely adhering to paleontologi-
cal evidence, and exposing it as far as it is given by fossil plants, [had
to enter into details in order to show its weight. And no better oppor-
tunity could be afforded for this purpose than a review of the group of
plants obtained from Point of Rocks by Dr. Hayden.
From the following descriptions it will be remarked that some of the
. Specimens have been found and communicated to the survey by Mr.
William Cleburn, of Omaha, a zealous explorer and student of the vege-
table paleontology of the Western Territories.
Description of species of fossil plants from Point of Rocks.
1. FUCUS LIGNITUM, sp. nov.
Frond flattened, irregularly dichotomous; branches diverging ob-
liquely ; branchlets short, terminal, linear-divaricate, tufted, forking at
the point.
The fragment figured is the only one of this kind in the specimens. It
represents a species allied to Spherococcus crispiformis, Sternb., as de-
scribed in Heer’s Flor. Tert. Helv. (p. 23, Pl. IV, fig. 1), and still more,
perhaps, to the living Fucus canaliculatus, Agh., very common along the
coasts of the. Baltic Sea, and also discoverd in numerous specimens in
the Tertiary of Spitzbergen. The base of the lowest branches is four
millimeters broad, but the size of the branchlets diminishes nearly one-
half at each dichotomous division. The terminal branchlets are only
half a millimeter broad, fasciculate-dichotomous, short, split, or furcate
at the point, and divaricate. The substance appears thin, membrana-
ceous, and yellowish.
HaApitar.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
2. SALVINIA ATTENUATA, sp. nov.
Leaves small, one centimeter or less in diameter, opposite, joined at
the narrowed, slightly-pediceled base, round or broadly oval, indis-
tinetly reticulate by vertical and parallel rows of quadrate, large cells,
marked in the middle by black spots, formed by very small, close cells,
or pores, without any trace of a middle nerve.
This fine species is related by its reticulation and its size to Salvinia
Mildeana, Heer (Balt. Flor., p. 17, Pl. II, figs. 1 and 2), differing from
*
LESQUEREUX.] FOSSIL PLANTS FROM POINT OF ROCKS. 297
it by broader, less distinct, square areolz, the absence of a dividing
middle nerve, and the narrowing of the base to a very short pedicel.
By these two last characters, this species is unlike any of this genus.
It is, however, probable that the two leaves representing it were not,
when embedded into the clay, in their full state of maturity, one of
them being smaller than the other, and its areolation far less distinct. —
In the young ieaves of the living Salvinia natans, the leaves, betore
attaining their {ull development, have the middle nerve scarcely dis-
cernibie.
Hapsirat.—Point of Rocks, William Cleburn.
3. SELAGINELLA ? FALCATA, sp. nov.
Frond small, dichotomous ; pinne narrow-linear, one to four centime-
ters long, six to seven millimeters broad; pinnules close, two-ranked,
in right angle to the rachis, generally covering each other at the bor-
ders, faleate upwards, lanceolate-acuminate, suddenly narrowed to the
point of attachment, without distinct middle nerve.
I have figured four different parts of this plant, which is abundantly
scattered among the floating rootlets and upon the specimens of the
Lemna? Scutata. It may represent some kind of floating fern, per-
haps, rather than a species of Selaginella. It is, however, closely
allied to Selaginella Berthoudi, Lsqx., described in Dr. Hayden’s Annual
Report for 1873 (p. 395), differing, however, by the two-ranked position
of the leaves and their distinctly faleate form.
HAaApBirat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden, W. Cleburn.
One of Mr. Cleburn’s specimens represents a fragment of a stem ten
centimeters long, one centimeter broad, round, but flattened by com-
pression, covered with densely imbricate leaves of the same form and
size as those of the branches. This stem proves the relation of the
described fragments to the lycopodiaceous family.
4, SELAGINELLA LACINIATA, sp. nov. ?
Branches dichotomously divided ; divisions two to three centimeters
long; leaflets? opposite, distichous, divided from the base in three to
five filiform lacini®, some of them forking at the middle, all curving
upward, or falcate.
By its mode of vegetation, the form and divisions of the pinne or
branchlets, these small plants are exactly similar to those described
from Dr. Hayden’s specimens under the name of Selaginella falcata.
The difference is in the remarkable laceration or thread-like divisions
of the leaflets. The laciniz distinet and in relievo upon the stone are
like the veinlets of fern-leaves, when, by maceration and decomposi-
tion, their epidermis has been destroyed, or like skeletons of leaves. In
this case, however, as these thread-like branches are more or less nu-
merous, either simple or forking from the middle, and thus differing in
number and mode of divisions for each leaflet, this appearance cannot
result from decomposition in water. It is probable that these remains
represent a kind of lycopodiaceous plant, living sometimes partly im-
mersed, and that, as it happens in numerous species of water-plants of
this epoch, the immersed leaves become decomposed, and grow into la-
ciniate divisions, while the emerged ones are entire or undivided. Tbis
difference in the leaves is particularly marked in Nasturtium lacustre,
Gray, known to every botanist. I do not know, however, any Lyco-
podium species showing this kind of variations in leaves. Even LZ. in-
undatum has the leaves of the immersed part entire or without divis-
298 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
ions. It is therefore uncertain if the specific separation of these frag-
ments is authorizable.
Hapirat.—Point of Rocks, William Cleburn.
5. SEQUOIA BREVIFOLIA, Heer.
Branches Hexuous; branchlets opposite or alternate, open and diverg-
ing near the base, then curving upward and erect from the middle to
the top. Leaves of two kinds, either small, short, scaliform at the base
of the branchlets and covering the whole of them when young, or oblong,
enlarged in the middle, obtuse or abruptly narrowed to a point, and
gradually and slightly so toward the decurring base, distichous, oblique,
decreasing in length toward the base and the top of the branchlets.
We have a large branch* and numerous more fragmentary specimens of
this fine species described by Heer in Flor. Arct. (p. 93, Pl. I, fig. 23),
from Greenland specimens, in Flor. Spitz. (p. 37, Pl. IV, figs. 2-3), from
Spitzbergen specimens, and formerly in Fl. Baltica (p. 21, Pl. LI, fig. 10).
It is well characterized by the form of its generally short open dis-
tichous leaves, either abruptly pointed, or obtuse, deeply nerved, and
slightly decreasing in width from above the middle to the base. We
have, however, a number of specimens with somewhat narrower, nearly
linear, longer leaves, which show a notable deviation of the normal form.
The cone of this species is not known as yet. One of the specimens bear-
ing scattered branchlets and leaves of this Sequoia has a cone, which
appears to be a flattened cross-section, or perhaps the flattened base of
the cone turned upward, the pedicel marking the central point around
which the scales, oblong, cuneate, narrow, emarginate at the top, are im-
bricated to the borders. These scales rather resemble those of a Glyp-
tostrobus than those of a Sequoia.
HABiTAt.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden, Wm. Cleburn, whose
collection has about one-half of the specimens representing this
species in its normal form, and its variety.
6. SEQUOIA LONGIFOLIA, Lsqx., MSS.
Branches thick ; leaves closely appressed, erect, long linear lanceolate-
pointed or accuminate, enlarged above the slightly contracted and decur-
ring base; scars deep, lingulate-pointed, marked by a deep groove in the
middle.
This species was already described from Black Butte specimens ; these
have, some of them at least, longer leaves than those of Black Butte. In
these, the leaves average two and a half to three centimeters long and
three millimeters wide; in those of Point of Rocks, the leaves, of the same
width, are generally five centimeters long, even more. in both forms,
they are marked by a broad indistinct middle nerve, and the surface,
seen with the glass, appears very thinly striated in the length. This char-
acter, as well as the thick consistence of the leaves, seems to prove the
identity of the species, though the leaves of the specimens of Point of
Rocks are not only longer but proportionally narrower and scarcely
contracted to the point of attachment to the branches. In both, these
leaves are generally crowded and covering the stem.
HABiTat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
7. SEQUOIA PIFORMIS, sp. nov.
Stems thick, pinnately branching; branchlets short, obliquely di-
verging; leaves either linear or somewhat broader in the middle, grad-
* A beautiful specimen, the property of Mr. E.H.Clarke, agent of the Union Pacific
Railroad, who kindly lent it for illustration of the species.
LESQUEREUX.] FOSSIL PLANTS FROM POINT OF ROCKS. 299
ually narrowed to a point, slightly contracted to the decurrent base,
slightly incurved or faleate, sometimes erect and appressed to the stem ;
scar-leaves triangular or lingulate-pointed.
This species apparently bears two kinds of leaves, even upon the same
specimens; either long, twocentimeters, and very narrow-linear, less than
one millimeter wide, or shorter and broader, decreasing gradually from
the base to the point, linear-lanceolate, nearly one and one-half miilime-
ters wide and only eight to ten millimeters long; the middle nerve is
deeply marked upon both kinds of leaves. I should have considered
the numerous specimens béaring branches of this Sequoia as represent-
ing two species, the one with narrow longer leaves, the other with shorter
broader leaves. But even the difference in the length and proportion-
ate width of the leaves is distinctly perceivable upon one of the speci-
mens, and the difference also in the length of the leaves, all narrow and
of the same width, is evident upon another. There are, moreover, a
large number of specimens, all fragmentary indeed; and the difference
in regard to the size of the leaves is apparent upon most of them. In
the average, the leaves are much narrower than those of Sequoia Reich-
enbachi, Heer, to which this species is related by the falcate form of
some of the leaves.
HABITAT.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
8. WIDDRINGTONIA COMPLANATA, sp. nov.
Stem thick, disticho-pinnate; branchlets short, thick, alternate, ob-
lique; leaves small, in spiral order, closely imbricate and appressed,
oblong-lingulate pointed upon the primary branches, ovate-pointed or
thomboidal and shorter upon the obtuse branchlets.
This species, represented by many specimens, is evidently related to
Widdringtonia antiqua (Sap. EKt., 2, 1, p. 69, Pl. I, fig. 4), for the form of
the leaves, which are, however, more closely appressed in the American
species, and more distinctly placed in spiral order around the branch-
lets. These leaves do not appear of a thick substance, the coat of
coaly matter over them being extremely thin.
Haxpitat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden, William Cleburn.
9. PISTIA CORRUGATA, sp. nov.
Leaves thick, at least toward the base, varyingin diameter from twoto
three and one-half centimeters, broadly obovate, generally bordered from
above the base by a wavy margin two to five millimeters broad ; gradu-
_ ally narrowed into a short pedicel about three millimeters thick, termi-
nating into a bundle of radicles; veins emerging from the pedicel in two
or three thick bundles, dividing and diverging from the base of the
leaves, and forming in ascending, by a kind of abnormal anastomosis,
irregularly polygonal meshes.
These leaves, resembling in form a small bladder, contracted on one
side, seem somewhat inflated, or at least thickened, from the base to
above the middle, or composed of two distinct areas, the lower one cir-
cular and separated by a narrow groove, or deep line, from the wrinkled
border which surrounds it, narrowing, however, gradually toward the
pedicel. The areolation of this border seems disconnected and distinct,
representing large quadrangular areole, whose subdivisions curve along
in festoons. Sometimes, however, the central part is not inflated, or
thicker, and in this case, as in specimens representing young leaves, no
traces of borders are perceivable. This groove, therefore, and the sep-
aration of the leaf in two distinct parts, may be caused by a kind of fold
300 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
around a tergescence of the lower part, formed by an abnormal growth
of radicles. The upper surface of the leaves is somewhat rough; the
lower surface, inside of the fringe, is dotted with minute holes, or like
spongious. The leaves are generally mixed, or superposed to thin foli-
form long radicles, all of the same size, coming in bundles from linear
rootlets, two to five millimeters thick. ‘They form a thick coating sur-
rounding the leaves, or whereupon the leaves are floating, without evi-
dent connection or point of attachment to them.
At first I supposed these leaves as representing the same species as
the following, but their relation to species of Pistia, whose leaves are flat
and not like vesicles, seems to indicate, though the likeness in some of
the characters may be, that these organs represent two kinds of water-
plants. Comparing this one to leaves of Pistia spathulata, Mich., from
specimens of Louisiana, the affinity is remarked not only in the obovate
shape of the leaves, but in the kind of nervation, by inflated primary
veins diverging from the base of the pedicel, where they pass into bun-
dles of radicular filaments of the same characters as those of the fossil
plant. Most of the leaves of the living species, the old ones especially,
bear from the middle to the base an inflated spongious coating similar
to that whichis observed on the under surface of the fossil leaves. The
more marked difference is in the central part of the fossil species, which
appears surrounded by a distinctly-marked deep line, while in the leaves
of P. spathulata the thick zone, though definite, terminates in passing up-
ward along the primary veins; but this difference, like that of the areo-
lation along the borders, is specific only and the generic identity appears
clearly defined.
Habsirat.— Point of Rocks, very abundant, and covering by itself only
large surface of shale, Dr. F. V. Hayden, Wm. Cleburn.
10. LEMNA ScurTATA, Daws.
Fronds round, entire, slightly undulate on the edges, sometimes an inch
in diameter, single or grouped; roots numerous, filiform, proceeding
from a round spot near the notch of the frond.
To this species, as described and figured by Professor Dawson (Report
on the Geology of the Forty-ninth Parallel, Appendix A, p.329, Tab. XVI,
figs. 5 and 6), I refer a number of round bodies, leaves or fronds, mixed
with the species described above. Comparing them with the author’s
figures, there is no difference whatever, except that if some of them do
not show any trace of veins, others, exactly of the same shape, are
veined from the base, where the radicular filaments are attached to them
and the veins distributed as in the former species. Some specimens also,
one of which has been figured, show the basilar part inflated, or the
pedicel wherefrom the veins are diverging, just in the center of the cir-
cular organism, as if it had been a bladdery or vesicular plant, flattened
by compression. I still believe that both the leaves described above
and these represent the same kind of vegetable, these being the young
and yet undeveloped organs. All the different appearances of these
plants, represented by numerous specimens, have been figured, and the
comparison of their various forms will, I think, satisfy paleontologists
in regard to their relation to a species of Pistia.
Hapirat.—Point of Rocks, mixed with the former, Dr. /. V. Hayden,
Wm. Cleburn.
11. OTTELIA AMERICANA, sp. nov.
Spathe ovate narrowed to a round pedicel, surrounded by an undu-
lated and wrinkled fringe, emarginate at the top.
LESQUEREUS.] FOSSIL PLANTS FROM POINT OF ROCKS. 301
The central part of this organism, representing the spathe of a water-
plant, is oval, somewhat inflated, narrowed toa round pedicel, and sur-
rounded by a margin or fringe half a centimeter broad, cut or emargin-
ate at the top. The middle part is slightly inflated and striate in ‘the
length. The border fringe is opaque, and does not show any ap-
pearance of nervation. Comparing it to a figure of Ottelia alismordes,
Pers., from Ceylon, kindly communicated by Saporta, the fossil plant
seems in perfect concordance of characters with the living.
HApirat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. Ff. V. Hayden, represented by one
specimen only, in a good state of preservation.
12. SABAL GRAYANA, Lesqx.
Trans. Am. Philsoc., vol. xiii., p. 412, T. xiv., figs.4—6.
Frond apparently large, represented by fragments only; rachis flat,
elongated linear-acuminate, six to eight inches long, enlarged at its
base and rounded on both sides; rays numerous, gradually enlarging
upward, half to two and one-half centimeters broad, marked with dis-
tant and distinct slender veins. The characters of this species have
been described in detail as quoted above. The species is always easily
identified by its slender though distinct and equally distant veins.
HABITAT.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
13. DRYOPHYLLUM CRENATUM, sp. nov.
Leaves oblong, lanceolate, abruptly oblique to the petiole or subtrun-
cate; borders deeply, regularly crenate; substance of the leaves some-
what thick, subcoriaceous; surface rough ; nervation pinnate, middle
nerve flat and broad, lateral veins diverging sixty to sixty-five degrees,
flat, distinct, slightly curving in ascending to the borders subecampto-
drome, the veins forking up under the sinuses of the teeth, and a branch
passing up along the borders from the point where the veins enter the
teeth ; nervilles thick, in right angle to the veins, forming, by subdivision
and anastomosis, a square or indistinctly polygonal areolation.
Of all the species described of this genus, none is comparable to this
one, which is especially distinct by its broadly obtusely dentate borders.
It is represented by two fragmentary specimens.
Hapitat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
14. DRYOPHYLLUM SUBFALCATUM sp. nov.
Leaf subcoriaceous, linear-lanceolate, acuminate or sharply pointed ;
borders regularly serrate with short blunt teeth turned upward ; lateral
veins parallel, diverging thirty to forty degrees, straight to the point of
the teeth; fibrille close, thin but distinct, simple or ramified in the
middle, the upper ones joining nearly in right angle, a branch veinlet:
which passfrom near the point of the lateral veins under the sinuses, and
follows along and close to the borders.
There is only a fragmentary specimen of this species, the upper half
of a leaf. By its form and nervation, it seems at first referable to the
genus Castanea, and, truly, it would be easy to find leaves of the present
C. vesca apparently perfectly similar to this fossil one. There is, how-
ever, a difference in the areolation, or in the arrangement of the tertiary
veins. In these primary types of Quercus and Castanea described under
the name of Dryophylium, the upper branch of the secondary veins
passes from near the point of the vein under the sinuses and closely
follows the borders, which thussometimes appear narrowly marginate,
and is joined nearly at right angle by the upper oles This charac-
302 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
ter, though still indistinctly traced in the leaves of Castanea, and of
some species of chestnut-oaks, is far less regular, the upper branches
which follow the borders being of various sizes, not so exactly parallel
to the borders, and not in close proximity to them. This new species 1s
intimately related to Dryophylium Dewalquet Sap. & Mer. (flor de Ge-
linden), especially to the fragment figured in Pl. Ill, Fig. 2. It differs
only by the shorter, less acute teeth of the borders, the slightly faleate .
form of the leaf, and the close thin fibrille.
Hapsrrat.—Point of Rocks, Wm. Cleburn.
15. POPULUS MELANARIA, Heer.
_ Leaves with a long, slender petiole; deltoid, subtruncate at base;
borders acutely serrate; primary basilar lateral nerves emerging from
above the border base of the leaf, with a pair of thin marginal veinlets
underneath.
Considering what can be seen of this leaf from the fragment which
represents merely its lower half, with the long, slender petiole, the dis-
tinct nervation, and a few of the border-teeth, it exhibits characters in
accordance with those described above, and translated from Schimper’s
Vegetable Paleontology, and especially with the figure given of this
species in Flor. Tert. Helv. (Pl. LIV, fig. 7). Professor Herr remarks,
that it essentially differs from Populus latior, var. subtruncata, by the
position of the lateral primary nerves at a distance from the border-base
of the leaves. In the leaf figured as indicated above, this distance 1s
still greater than in that in the Flor. Helv. Heer remarks also that
he has seen a large number of specimens of the same species, but that
in all except one, which he has figured, the upper part of the leaves
was destroyed, as it isin ours. He mentions as distinctive characters,
the acutely serrate borders of the leaves, and the middle nerve thicker
than the lateral ones, the same as seen upon our specimen. I have,
therefore, no doubt about the relation of this leaf to the Huropean
species.
HABITAT.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
16. POPULUS MELANARIOIDES, sp. nov.
Leaf subcoriaceous, nearly round, subtruncate at base, long-petioled ;
borders undulate; nervation ternate from above the base of the leaf,
secondary veins two pairs, at a great distance from the primary ones,
these much branched outside; the others simple, all the divisions pass-
ing to near the borders, where they become effaced in the areolation ;
nervilles thick, flexuous, in right angle to the veins, forming by rami-
fication at right angle square polygonal meshes.
By the subcoriaceous substance, the long slender petiole of the leaves,
this species is referable to the section of the Trepide (Trembling Pop-
lars). Asin Populus tremulafolia, Sap. (Et., 3, 2, p. 26, Pl. III, fig. 4),
to which this species is allied, the veins and their branches pass through
the areas to very near the borders, which they seem to reach. The
American form differs merely by less-distinctly undulate borders, the
distance of the primary lateral nerves above the base, and by the great
distance of the secondary veins. These two last characters are, how-
ever, of no moment for the specification of poplar-leaves, as can be re-
marked in the examination of a few leaves of the too common Populus
alba. In fossil species, Populus Massiliensis, Sap. (Et., 3, 2, p. 30, Pl. II,
fig. 6), is represented by three leaves, each of a different character of |
nervation. The relation of this species with that of the Tertiary
LESQUEREUX.] FOSSIL PLANTS FROM POINT OF ROCKS. 303
(Miocene?) of Provence, described by Saporta, may be therefore more
intimate than it appears from the comparison of a single leaf. Our
species is also comparable to Populus heliadum, Ung., by its form, and
to P. melanaria, Heer, by its nervation.
HAgiratT.—Point of Rocks, Wm. Cleburn.
17. FICUS ASARIFOLIA, Htt.
Leaves petioled, broadly reniform, subcordate or subpeltate, very
obtuse, small, with borders crenulate ; primary nerves palmately five
to seven; middle nerve straight; upper lateral ones strong, curving
inward, branching and anastomosing with the upper secondary veins;
veinlets transversal, their ramification forming a protuberant, or em-
bossed, very distinct, polygonal areolation.
Though this species has been already briefly described from speci-
mens found at Golden, in Dr. F. V. Hayden’sreport for 1872 (p. 378), it
had as yet not been figured, the fragments of leaves being generally
too incomplete. It is, however, easily recognized by its peculiar nerva-
tion, forming small, elevated, polygonal areole, an areolation like an
embossed checker-board, resembling that of Asarum Huropeum. The
fragments of Golden seem to be part of much larger leaves than those
of Kttinghausen, who described the species in Bilin Flora (p. 80, Pl.
XXYV, figs. 2-3). These per contra, from specimens of Point of Rocks,
are perfectly welland entirely preserved leaves, rather smaller, except
one, than the leaves of Bilin. They are also slightly more expanded
on the sides, or reniform, and the crenulations less distinct, but these
border-divisions are, for their size, related to the areolation, which is
wider in proportion of the size of the leaves. Our leaves, also, are
evidently peltate, at least in two of the figured specimens. One only
has the position of the thick petiole marked similarly to that of the
European leaves; but even the representation of the species by the au-
thor seems to indicate peltate leaves, whose borders are erased at the
base or at the point of attachment of the petiole. The differences are
too unimportant to be considered as specific characters. These leaves
merely represent a local variety, or a var. minor. This species appears
to be rare in the Tertiary of Europe, as it has till now been seen only
in the plastic clay-beds of Bilin.
HaApirrat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden, Wm. Cleburn.
18. Ficus DALMATICA, Ett.
Leaves narrowly ovate, obtusely pointed, narrowed to a short petiole;
middle nerve thick toward the base, thinning upward; basilar lateral
nerves, from above the border-base of the leaves, thin, ascending at an
acute angle of divergence of thirty degrees to the middle of the leaf;
secondary veins more open, equidistant ; nervation camptodrome, joined
by transverse nervilles.
In considering the figure by the author in Flora Promina (Pl. VII, fig.
11), there is no difference whatever between the Huropean form and
ours; but the description says that the secondary veins are branching
at the point, and there is no trace of divisions of veins observable upon
our specimens. As, however, the figured single leaf shows merely trans-
verse nervilles and not real branches, and as these nervilles are also
visible on the American form, it is apparently identical. One of the
leaves represented in our plate seems rounded at the base. This is
caused by its reversement into the stone, the upper part cf the leaf be-
ing flat and the lower curved down in entering the stone where the
extreme base and petiole are imbedded.
Hapirat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
304 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
19. Ficus PLANICOSTATA, Lsqr.
Dr. F. V. Hayden’s Report on the Geol. Survey of the Terr. 1872, p.
393.
A small leaf in a perfect state of preservation represents this spe-
cies very common at Black Butte. It is easily recognized by the broadly
ovate, thickish, entire leaf, slightly pointed or obtuse, rounded or sub-
cordate at base, short-petioled, three-nerved from the top of the petiole,
Se.
HABITAT.—Point of Rocks, Wm. Cleburn.
20. Ficus TILI FOLIA, Heer.
Like the former, it has been described previously in Dr. F. V. Hay-
den’s Report for 1871, p. 287, from specimens of Washakie station ;
mentioned in supplement to this report, p. 12, from Evanston; p. 6,
from Placiére anthracite; in same report, for 1872, p. 375, from above
the Gehrungs coal, near Colorado City ; and p. 393, from Black Butte
station. We have also specimens from Golden and other localities; for
here, as in the Miocene of Europe, this fine species, so easily identified,
is distributed through the whole thickness of the Lignitic, excepting,
however, the upper stage, that of the Green River group, where it has
not been found as yet. I have figured it from specimens of Point of
Rocks, not merely because it is there clearly represented, but to show
more evidently the relation of this locality with the Tertiary Lignitic.
Hasirat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
21. FICUS IRREGULARIS, Lsqx.
This species was published under the name of Ulmus: ? wrregularis, in
Dr. F. V. Hayden’s Report for 1872 (p. 578), the generic reference being
then uncertain. Numerous specimens obtained later from Black Butte,
where the species is common, shows a thick inflated leaf-stalk, a char-
acter which indicates the relation to Ficus. The specimen of Point of
Rocks is like the counterpart of one already engraved from Black Butte
Specimens; the identity of characters is unmistakable, and therefore it
was figured also as another record of identity of the flora of both local-
ities.
HABITaT.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
22. TRAPA? MICROPHYLLA, sp. nov.
Leaves small, round, or broadly oval, obtuse, rounded to a short peti-
ole, with borders denticulate from below the middle, three-nerved from
the top of the petiole, or irregularly pinnately nerved ; lateral veins at
an acute angle of divergence, fifteen to twenty degrees, flexuous, with
dichotomous branches, all craspedodrome ; areolation by subdivision at
right angle, polygonal, distinct.
These leaves vary in size from a little more than one centimeter long
and nearly as broad to about two and a half centimeters long and nearly
two centimeters broad. They are generally oval-obtuse, somewhat en-
larged toward the round point ; the borders are minutely dentate except
at and near the base, rounded to a comparatively long and slender peti-
ole, the only one of the leaves where it is preserved being eighteen milli-
meters long, and its petiole nine millimeters. The areolation is peculiar,
in square or polygonal areole, formed by close, thick nervilles, anasto-
mosing with veinlets parallel to the veins and their divisions, the areola-
tion being clearly defined, and the parietes as thick as the veins. The
same kind of areolation is remarked upon the lower surface of the leaves
LESQUEREUX.] FOSSIL PLANTS FROM POINT OF ROCKS. 305
of Trapa natans, which, though comparable to the fossil ones by the areo-
lation, has its borders deeply toothed and a much thicker consistence.
In this species, the leaves appear membranaceous and as pellucid, so
distinctly marked in black appear the nervation and the areolation
upon the yellowish substance of the leaves. These leaves are mixed with
the filaments or rootlets described with Lemna? bullata, and represent
evidently a kind of water-plant. No fossil leaves published as yet are,
to my knowledge, comparable to these, except those described by Pro-
fessor Newberry, in the Report of the Colorado Exploring Expedition
by Lieut. S.C. Ives (p. 131, Pl. LU, fig. 5), under the name of Neuropteris
angulata. ‘The outline or general form of the slightly dentate leaves, the
pinnate nervation, and the remarkably acute angle of the secondary
veins are characters common to both species; even the irregular though
00 o bscurely marked division of the secondary veins seems to be of the
same kind. lt may be remarked that Professor Dawson has observed
and described a fruit of Trapa found in connection with his Lemna seu-
tata; therefore in cireumstanees similar to those where these leaves,
referred to Trapa, are found.
HaBitat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden, Wm. Cleburn.
23. LAURUS (PERSEA) PRZESTENS ?, sp. nov.
Leaf coriaceous, large, broadly lanceolate or elliptical, narrowed up-
ward to an acute point, and downward in the same degree to a thick,
short petiole; middle nerve thick; secondary veins strong, parallel;
_hervilles distinct; areolation very small, lightly marked.
The very fine and well-preserved leaf is sixteen centimeters long from
the base of the thick petiole, which is one centimeter long, five centi-
meters broad in the middle, where it is the widest, and has thick sec-
ondary veins reguiarly branching, with distinct nervilles and the areo-
lation of a Laurus. The foliaceous substance of the lower part of the
leaf is destroyed, but the middle thick nerve and the petiole are pre-
served, as well as the outline-borders. By its nervation, this species is
allied to Persea speciosa, Heer, differing by the form of the leaf aud the
thick middle nerve. By these two last characters, it is comparable to
Laurus princeps, Heer (Fl. Tert. Helv., Il, p. 77, Pl. XC, figs. 17-20),
differing, however, by the secondary veins somewhat thicker and slight-
ly more distant. It is most closely related to the present Laurus Can-
ariensis, Sm.
HABsirat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
24, VIBURNUM ROTUNDIFOLIUM, sp. nov.
Leaf nearly round, small, surrounded by a black border, slightly and
distantly denticulate by extension of the borders at the point of contact
of the secondary veins and of their branches, all craspedodrome ; sec- |
ondary veins open, diverging fifty to sixty degrees, equidistant, paraliel,
the two lower pairs ramified, the upper ones only forking near the bor-
ders; areolation distinct, from parallel distant fibrille, branching aud
anastomosing in large equilateral meshes. ©
The black borders of the leaves, the general characters ef nervation,
and the facies are the same as in the other species of Viburnum pub-
lished from Black Butte. This leaf differs especially by its nearly round
form, the base rounded to the petiole, the secondary veins more open,
and especially the very small, slightly-marked teeth of the borders. But.
for this last character, this leaf could be referred to Viburnum platanoides,.
Lsqx., as represented by the small leaf of Pl. XX XVIII, fig. 10, of the:
20 H
306 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
ined. Lignitic Flora. In this, the secondary viens are, however, more
oblique and more distant. {t may be a mere local variety.
Hapsirat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. FP. V. Hayden.
25. VIBURNUM WYMPERI, Heer.
This species has been described in Dr. F. V. Hayden’s Report for 1873,
p. 382, and referred, with some doubt, to the Greenland species described
in Arct. Flor. (II, p. 475, Pl. XLVI, fig. 1”). The secondary veins in our
species are more distant and less regularly parallel. Though its rela-
tion to the arctic species is somewhat doubtful, it does not show any
difference whatever from that of Black Butte.
Hapirat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
26. VIRBURNUM MARGINATUM, Lsqx.
The specimen is fragmentary, but the species, very common at Black
Butte, is recognizable.
HABITAT.—Point of Rocks, Wm. Cleburn.
27. DIOSPYROS BRACHYSEPALA, Al. Braun.
Described already in Dr. Hayden’s Report for 1872 (p. 394), from spe-
cimens of Black Butte, and in Report for 1873 (p. 401), from specimens
of Sand Creek, Colorado, a locality identified with Golden by its flora.
But none of the leaves found as yet are as well preserved and as well
characterized as that of Point of Rocks, which is especially comparable
to the leaves in Heer’s Fl. Tert. Helv. (Pl. CII, fig. 2). The species is
not rare in the Miocene of Hurope, especially in the lower groups, and
appears equally widely distributed in our Lower Tertiary.
Hapirar.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
28. GREVIOPSIS CLEBURNI, sp. nov.
Leaves of medium size, subcoriaceous, ovate, rounded, and narrowed
by an inward curve to the short petiole, sinuato-denticulate, three-nerved
from above the base; primary veins thick; secondary veins, two or
three pairs, distant from each other, and also from the primary nerves,
all branching outside with subdivisions or veinlets entering the teeth;
nervilles in right angle to the veins, flexuous, simple, or branching in
the middle; areolation obsolete.
This fine leaf, about five centimeters long (the point is broken), four
centimeters broad in its widest part, below-the middle, is so remarkably
similar by its form, the denticulate borders, and the nervation, to Grevi-
opsis orbiculata, Sap. (Sezane FI., p. 411, Pl. XI, figs. 11 and 12), that its
generic identity is positive. It specifically differs by its larger size, the
more distant veins, and the double ramification of the primary nerves.
This ramification is more distinct and more generally multiple, the
branches forking before reaching the borders and curving along them.
The leaf has, like those of the European species, a subbasilar margin
veinlet, which follows the borders, and is united by nervilles in right
angle to the primary lateral nerves above.
HABITAT.—Point of Rocks, Wm. Cleburn.
29, RHUS MEMBRANACEA, sp. nov.
Leaves small, membranaceous, thickish, oblong, obtusely-pointed,
rounded or subtruncate at base, irregularly ‘coarsely duplicato-dentate ;
lateral veins open, the lowest decurving to the middle nerve, craspedo-
drome, more or less ramified.
LESQUEREUX.] FOSSIL PLANTS FROM POINT OF ROCKS. 307
Of this species, there is the point of a leaf, and another one nearly
entire, though somewhat lacerated, about two and a half centimeters
long, including the petiole (three millimeters), and one and a haif
centimeters broad, oblong or lingulate, with borders cut from the base
in comparatively large, pointed teeth, either simple or with small pro-
tuberances on the back of the largest ones; nervation craspedodroine,
the secondary veins entering the large teeth, and more or less irregu-
larly and obscurely dividing in very thin branches, joined in the middle,
and forming a large, scarcely distinct areolation. By the form of the
leaves and the border-divisions, this species is comparable and closely
related to Rhus Pyrrhe, Ung., as figured in Tert. Flor. Helv. of Heer
(Pl. CX XVI, fig. 20), which has leaves, round truncate at the base, and
short-petioled, as in one of our specimens. Like Rhus Pyrrhe, it is also
comparable to Rhus aromatica Ait., @ very common species of our pres-
ent flora. This has also generally doubly dentate teeth, and, in southern
specimens, a thickish, membranaceous consistence.
HaxpiratT.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
30. JUGLANS RHAMNOIDES, Lsqx.
A small leaf of this species, which is not yet, however, definitively lim-
ited, as seen from the description in Dr. F. V. Hayden’s Report for 1871
(p. 294), and which may be identical with Juglans Leconteana, Lsqx., and
Cornus acuminata, Newby. Though it may be of the value of the species,
the leaf from Point of Rocks is identical in all its characters, even
in its size, with some of those found in the burned beds of red shales at
Black Butte.
Hapirat.—Point of Rocks, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
The three following species have been sent also by M. Cleburn from
near the Alkali stage-station, on the Sweetwater road, about thirty
miles north of Green River station of the Union Pacific Railroad. The
proprietor of the specimens did not himself visit the locality, but
obtained them from another party, who did not give any details on the
relative position of the beds where they were discovered. They repre-
sent three species, all new.
The character of the leaves, as also the presence of remains of Palms
at the same locality, seem to indicate about the same station as that of
Point of Rocks or Black Butte. They are described, therefore, as of the
same group. z
1. ALNITES UNEQUILATERALIS, sp. nov.
Leaves thin, variable in size, broadly oval .or ovate-pointed, rounded
- to a short petiole; borders crenato-serrate; nervation pinnate; lateral
veins irregular in number and distance, curving in passing to the bor-
ders, at an angle of divergence of fifty to sixty degrees, and entering the
teeth by their ends or by small branchlets, when they pass under the
teeth and follow the borders.
These leaves vary in size from four to eight centimeters long and
from three to six centimeters broad, one of the sides measuring generally
one-fourth in width more than the other. The irregularity in the num-
ber of the veins is correspondingly great; one of the leaves, the smallest
for example, has, on one side, five lateral veins, the lower much branched
outside, and on the other, ten, all simple. The largest of the leaves —
of this species, which is represented by a number of specimens, is
related by form and nervation to Populus Lebrunii, Wat., which Saporta
308 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
considers as referable tohis Alnus cardiophylla. It is represented in the
Sezane Flora (Pl. XV, fig. 8). The general facies of the American leaves
is, however, different, the teeth being broader and more obtuse, the
nervation more distinctly pinnate, and the disposition of the veins to
enter the teeth by their extremity more marked; and compared to Alnus
cardiophylla, it is especially different by the constant inequality of the
leaves. This last character and the irregularity of nervation are not of
frequent occurrence inthe leavesof Alnus. Alnus viridis and A. serrulata
are, however, sometimes irregularly veined, and the inequality of the
sides is seen in a number of fossil species, Alnus cycladum, Ung., especi-
ally A. sporadum, Sap.
HABItraT.—Alkali station, Wm. Cleburn.
2. JUGLANS ALKALINA, Sp. nov. .
Leaves pinnately compound ; leafiets lanceolate, tapering upward to a
long acumen, either narrowed or rounded to a short petiole; borders
crenulate ; lateral veins distant, mostly alternate, parallel, separated by
short intermediate tertiary veins, curving in passing toward the borders
at an open angle of divergence, and ascending high along them in fes-
toons; nervilles in right angle to the veins, branching in the middle, and
forming, by subdivisions, irregularly quadrate or polygonal meshes.
This species is represented by four leaves, and its characters distinct.
It is comparable to Juglandites peramplus, Sap., and Juglandites cernuus,
Sap., both of the Sezane flora, partaking of some of the characters of
both. It is, however, -still more intimately allied to Juglans Bilinica,
Heer (Flor. Tert. Helv., III, p. 90, Pl. CX XX, figs. 5-19), from which it
merely differs by the position of the lateral veins at a more acute angle
of divergence following higher up along the borders, and by the thicker
and more numerous tertiary veins.
HaAbitat.—Alkali station, Wm. Cleburn.
3. CARPITES VIBURNI, sp. nov.
Seeds or nutlets cordate obtuse, five to seven millimeters long, three
or four millimeters broad, convex, grooved in the middle from the point
to the base, surrounded by a membranaceous pellicle, the remains of an
apparently fleshy outer envelope. They resemble seeds of a similar kind
which I have found in great quantity at Golden, and referred to the
genus Viburnum. Their form is like that of the seeds of Viburnum
Whymperi, Heer (Spitz. Flor., p. 60, Pl. XIII, figs. 22 and 27).
Hasitat.—Alkali station, Wm. Cleburn.
NEW SPECIES OF TERTIARY FOSSIL PLANTS BRIBFLY
DESCRIBED.
The following-described species have been discovered since the publi-
cation of the last annual report of Dr. F. V. Hayden’s Geological Sur-
vey of the Territories. They are represented by specimens sent from
different localities indicated, with each species, as well as the name of
the discoverer. All these species have been figured for the second
volume of the Contributions to the Fossil Flora of the Western Terri-
tories.
1. SPHERIA RHYTISMOIDES, sp. nov.
The spots formed by this small fungus upon the bark of some stems
and the leaves of a Myrica are composed of circular perithecia, placed
Lusguexeux.| NEW SPECIES OF TERTIARY FOSSIL PLANTS. 309
five or six in a cirele, forming thus a small crenulate ring. The
perithecia become connected sometimes, apparently by decomposition ;
they are, however, generally separated. The size of the spots varies
from one to two millimeters.
Hapirat.—Black Butte, upon Caulinites Sparganioides.
2. HYPNUM HAYDENII, sp. nov.
Stem rigid, sparingly divided in nearly opposite, short branches, in-
flated toward the top, or club-shaped; leaves closely imbricated all
around, lanceolate-acuminate or sharply pointed, concave. Comparable
especially to Hypnum Boscit, Schwgr., an American species of the pres-
ent time.
HABITAT.—South Park, near Castello Ranch, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
3. LYGODIUM MARVINEI, sp. nov.
A single leaflet of this fine species. It is simple, ligulate, obtuse,
serrulate above, hastate at base; middle vein and veinlets distinct ;
veins forking once or twice. Allied to the living Lygodium venustum
which ranges from Mexico to Brazil.
Hapiran, —Top of gypsum series, Grand Eagle junction, A. R. Marvine.
4, LyGODIUM DENTONI, sp. nov.
Leaflets bi-tripartite, with short, obtuse divisions and broad sinuses,
broadly triangular, rapidly narrowed to a subcordate or subtruncate
base, entire, bi-trinerved from the base; primary nerves distinct, like
the veins, which are forked once or twice, and become very close along
the borders.
HABITAT.—Green River group, near the mouth of White into Green
River, Prof. William Denton.
5. GONIOPTERIS PULCHELLA,? Heer.
An intermediate form, represented by mere fragments of pinne and
separate pinnules. The shape of the pinnules united to the middle
refers it to G. pulchella, while by the less pointed leaflets and the nerva-
tion it represents G. Fischeri of the same author.
HapBirat.—Golden, in sandstone, above coal.
6. ZAMIOSTROBUS ? MIRABILIS, sp. nov.
This species, whose reference to Zamice is not positively ascertained,
is represented by a fragment, the half cross-section of a silicified cone,
about fourteen centimeters in diameter. The outer surface is marked
by the rhomboidal obtuse top of black seeds, or stony fruits, surrounded
by a white vasculoso-cellular matter. In the cross-section of the cone,
these seeds, of an enlarged rhomboidal form, three to three and a half
centimeters long, six to eight millimeters broad, of the same size in
their whole length, or slightly narrowed to the base, appear fixed or
implanted into a zone of whitish, subpellucid mass of celluloso-vaseu-
lar filaments. Under this ring of white matter, one centimeter thick,
comes the central part, or axis of the cone, represented by mixed frag.
ments of blackish opaque matter, agglutinated and amorphous. The
fruits, or seeds, are represented by a black, compact, opaque silex, pierced
in the length by large pores or ducts passing from the top to the base
of the fruits. The intervals between them, nearly as large as the seeds,
are filled by the same whitish celluloso-vascular matter which com-
poses the white zone wherein the base of the fruits is embedded. The
310 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
figure only of the specimen can give a good idea of this fragment of
cone. It is distantly comparable, tor the form and the disposition of its
surface-scars, to Androstrobus, a genus established by Schimper for
some cylindrical cycadeous male cones, formed of imbricated scales bear-
ing sessile anthers on their lower surface. For the position of the fruits,
it has a distant relation to Zamiostrobus gibbus, Keuss., a cone which
shows, in its section, oblong seeds, in right angle to the axis, with their
tops appearing at the outside surface. Both these cones are figured in
Schimper’s Veget. Pal. (Pl. LX XII, figs. 1, 2, 14,15). There is, however,
a great difference in the very large size and in the characters of this
silicified strobile with those of a Zamia. It apparently represents a
peculiar genus of the Cycadinee.
HABITAT.—Found loose around Golden, Dr. Ff. V. Hayden.
7. SEQUOIA AFFINIS, sp. nov.
Branches long, slender, pinnately branching; leaves short, oblong,
imbricated and obtuse; or longer, lanceolate-acute, erect or slightly
refiexed; brancblets bearing cones, open; strobiles small, round-oval,
obtuse; scales large, rhomboidal, with entire borders, a central oval
mamilla, and wrinkles passing from it to the borders all around; mate
branches erect, with more acute and open leaves, resembling sterile
branches of Glyptostrobus Huropeus, with small, round catkins, covered
to the top by imbricated lanceolate leaves.
This species, of which we have numerous and admirably well-preserved
Specimens, is much like Sequoia Coutsic, Heer, of the Bovey-Tracy flora,
differing, however, from it by the more obtuse point of the scale-like
leaves, by more acute and longer leaves of the sterile branches, by more
slender branchlets bearing cones at their ends, by proportionally larger,
more oval cones (not globular), by the indistinetness of a middle nerve
on the back of the leaves, which appear merely convex or inflated, ete.
The seeds are of the same size as those of S. Coutsiw; they ditter also
somewhat by a cordate base and a mere trace of middle nerve near the
top, where it divides and passes on both sides, curving along the borders.
HABITAT.—Middie Park, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
9. SEQUOIA ACUMINATA, sp. nov.
The form of the leaves is about the same as in Sequoia longifolia ; they
are, however, generally shorter, narrower, less crowded upon the stems,
and especially distinct by the smooth surface of the leaves. In this
species, the denudated branches are striate, while, in the former, they
bear the sears of the base of the leaves. This difference, however, may be
merely the result of decortication in the specimens representing this last
species. |
HABITAT.—Black Butte.
10. SEQUOTA?, species.
Cones flattened, apparently long, linear-obtuse, marked at the surface by
shields of scales, (apophyses.) the only organs preserved. These aresepa-
rated from each other, not continuous nor imbricate, rhomboidal in outline,
with acute sides, and rounded top, bearing in the middle a round mamilla,
from which wrinkled lines are diverging to the borders. The specimen
represents two crushed cones, of which nothing can be seen but what is
described here.
Hasrrat.—Middle Park, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
LESQUEREUX. ] NEW TERTIARY FOSSIL PLANTS. 311
11. ARUNDO REPERTA, sp. nov.
Stem thick, articulated; surface striated, marked with round, abiuge
knots, either placed on the articulations or here and there upon the
stem, without normal distribution; ear of seeds crushed, representing
lanceolate glumes, sharp-pointed and rounded at base, and ovate-lanceo-
late-acute seeds, truncate at the base, with the center elevated or con-
vex, apparently covered with a coating of hairs. The glume is longer
than tke seeds, and nerved in the middle.
Hapirat.—Green River, west of the station, Dr. Ff. V. Hayden.
12. ARUNDO OBTUSA, sp. nov.
Though the specimen is not as well preserved as that of the former
species, the characters of the organs which it represents are discernible,
and indicate a marked specific difference. The striz or primary veins
of the small fragment of a branch are thick, more distinct, and evidently
separated by four or five thinner secondary veins; the glumes and pallets
are shorter, equally striate, without middle nerve, and the seed is much
shorter, broader, obtuse at one end,*and truncate at the other. The
fragment which I consider a pallet is slightly emarginate or truncate at
the point.
HAsBiITAT.—Golden, South Table Mountain.
13. PALMACITES GOLDIANUS, sp. nov.
Species representing a large fragment of a flabellate leaf with five to
nine rays on each side, of a flat, narrow, linear rachis. ays averaging
one and a half centimeters broad, marked by deep, narrow furrows,
without cost, joining the rachis in an acute angle of twenty degrees,
united to it by their whole undiminished base, without decurring along
it. Surface somewhat shining; substance thick ; primary veins distinct
at least in some places, where the epidermis is destroyed, two to two
and a half millimeters distant, separated by ten secondary veinlets, el,
but often discernible to the naked eyes.
Hspirat.—Golden.
14. SABAL COMMUNIS, sp. nov.
Leaves of medium size, borne upon a nearly fiat or merely convex
petiole, its top passing at the upper side into a short acuminate rachis,
while on the lower side it is cut horizontally or nearly truncate; rays
not very numerous, the lowest in right angle to the rachis, not descend-
ing lower than its base, rapidly enlarging, carinately folded near the
point of attachment to the rachis, becoming mostly flat or scarcely
carinate upward ; carine narrowly costate; primary veins broad, gen-
erally black when the epidermis is removed, one to two millimeters
apart; 1ntermediate veins thin and numerous, averaging twelve in the
large intervals of two millimeters. This species is closely related to
Sabal andegaviensis, Schp. of the Eocene of Angers, France.
HABitat.—Golden, where it is common.
15. Myrica Lupwiai1, Schp.
Leaves of middle size, subcoriaceous, oblong ‘or linear-lanceolate,
gradually tapering into a long entire acumen, distantly and deeply den-
tate along the borders ; middle nerve thick ; ’ secondary veins suboppo-
Site, open, parallel, curving in passing to the borders, camptodrome,
forking at the base of the teeth, the branches entering them, while the
top of the veins is curved along the borders.
ss r.—Green River group, near mouth of White River, Prof. W.
enton.
312 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
16. MYRICA INSIGNIS, sp. nov.
Leaf membranaceous, large, narrowly-oval or oblong acuminate, pin-
nately-lobed ; lobes short, entire, turned upward, triangular-acute; lateral
ueins open, slightly curving in passing to the point of the lobes; tertiary °
veins nearly as thick as the secondary ones, forking under the acute sinuses
of the lobes, the branches ascending along the sides; areolation large,
polygonal, formed by the anastomosis in the middle of the areas of
nervilles at right angle to the veins. There are of this beautiful species
two fragments of leaves, indicating the average size of ten centimeters
long and four centimeters broad. The point, as in the former species, is
entire, and still more rapidly and acutely acuminate; and the lobes,
alternate, short, equal and similar, give to this species a beautiful ap-
pearance.
Hapsitat.—Middle Park, Dr. F. V. Han yden.
17. MyricA ? LESSIGIANA, sp. nov.
This species is represented by nearly the half of the leaf, encrmous,
at leastif it belongs to this genus.” Leaf linear, oblong in outline, deeply
lobed ; lobes opposite, ovate-lanceolate, obtusely pointed, at an open
angle of divergence, entire, joined at a short distance of the thick mid-
dle nerve in obtuse sinusés; lateral veins thick, subopposite on an
open angle of divergence, ascending to the point of the lobes, rami-
fied from the middle upward in branches curving to and along the bor-
ders; tertiary veins, variable in thickness, relative position and direetion,
some forking under the sinuses, and passing up on both sides of it;
others traversing the large intervals between the base of the secondary
veins and the borders of the lobes, and following the borders in multiple
festoons; areolation of the same character as in the former species, the
large areole, however, being subdivided in very small meshes of the
same character.
This magnificent leaf seems of a pellucid texture, though thick; at
least, all the details of areolation and nervation are distinctly perceiv-
able in black upon the chestnut-color of the leaf. ‘Though the fragment
does not represent one-half of the leaf, the terminal leaflet being de-
stroyed, and the base also, still it is twenty-three centimeters long and
eighteen centimeters broad, each lobe being nine to ten centimeters
long from the middle nerve to the point, and seven and a half centime-
ters broad between the sinuses. It is doubtfulif this leaf represents, as
the former, a species of the section of the Comptonia. It resembles
Comptonia grandifolia, Ung., which was till now considered as the giant
. representative of the section, but whose leaf is scarcely half as large as
this. The nervation and areolation of this leaf are of the same char-
acter as that of Myrica, identical, indeed, to that of M. Matheroniane Sap.,
Ht. U, 2, p. 93, T. V., Fig. 7, whose lobes are also of the same form. It
18 much larger, however, too large it seems for a Myrica. By the form
of the leaf it is comparable to Araliu multijida Sas, Ht. 1,1, 7. XII, f.
1 and 1°, and also but more distantly to Cussonia polydrys Ung., Flora
von Huboea, p. 47, T XVII, f. 1.
Hapiratr.—Found in connection with a bed of lignite west of Denver,
Colo., and kindly communicated by Mr. W. H. Lessig, who discovered
it, and had tlie specimen framed in a bedding of plaster.
18. BETULA VOGDESII, sp. nov.
Leaves small, ovate, acutely-pointed, rounded, and narrowed to the
petiole, minutely serrulate, penninerve, lateral veins distant, opposite at or
LESQUEREUX.] “NEW TERTIARY FOSSIL PLANTS. ‘313
near the base, simple or rarely branching, passing up in an angle of
divergence of thirty to thirty-five degrees, nearly straight to the bor-
ders, craspedodrome; details of areolation obsolete.
Hapitat.—Near Fort Fetterman, in connection with a profusion of
remains of Taxodium distichum, Lieutenant Vogdes.
19. CASTANEA INTERMEDIA, sp. nov.
Leaves proportionally long and narrow, linear-lanceolate pointed,
narrowed to the base; borders equally and sharply dentate; teeth acd-
minate, turned upward; areolation and nervation similar to that of
Castanea Vesca. By its character it is intermediate between Castanea
Ungeri of the Miocene and C. vesca.
Hapirat.—Middle Park, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
20. CARPINUS GRANDIS, Ung.
This species, so common in the Miocene of Europe, is represented in
our flora by. a number of leavesidentical in all the characters.
Hapirar.—Near Florissant, South Park, Dr. Ff. V. Hayden.
21. QUERCUS HAIDINGERI, Ett.
Leaf ovate-lanceolate, narrowed to the base (point broken); borders
obtusely crenato-serrate ; lateral veins numerous, close, on an angle of
divergence of forty to forty-five degrees, rarely branching, camptodrome
and ecraspedodrome. ‘The leaf appears to be tapering toa point. It is
upon coarse sandstone, and the details of areolation are totaliy oblit-
erated. By its form, the divisions of the borders, and the nervation, it
agrees with the characters of the species, except that in this leaf the mid-
die nerve is not thick, as described by Heer.
HABITAT.—Green River, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
22, PLANERA UNGERI, Ett.
Leaves short-petioled, ovate, acuminate, narrowed to the base, simply,
coarsely serrate from the middle upward; secondary veins nine pairs, .
passing up to the point of the teeth in an acute angle of divergence. This
form, though represented by one leaf only, is in entire concordance of
chazaerers with those of this species widely distributed in the Miocene of
urope. be
HABITAT.—South Park, Capt. Hd. Berthoud.
23. FICUS OVALIS, sp. nov.
The only leaf repesenting this species is coriaceous, oval, entire, nar-
rowing in a curve to a long thick or flat broad petiole, grooved in the
middle penninerv; lateral vein alternate, camptodrome, curving along
the borders in festoons; tertiary veins short; areolation obsolete. The
upper part of the leaf is broken.
Hapirat.—Pleasant Park, Plum Creek, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
24, FICUS PSEUDO-POPULUS, sp. nov.
Leaves oval-pointed, narrowed to the petiole, entire, three-nerved from
the top of the petiole; lateral veins at an acute angle of divergence,
like the secondary veins, two or three pairs, the lower of which is at a
great distance from the primary ones, camptodrome; nervilles distinct,
in right angle to the midrib, crossed by oblique branchlets, forming a
large equilateral or polygonal areolation. A remarkable species,
314 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
resembling a Cinnamomum by the nervation of its leaves and a Zizyphus
by the form.
Hapirat.—Evanston, Dr. Ff. V. Hayden.
25. FICUS WYOMINGIANA, sp. nov. a
May be a variety of ne former, resembling it closely by the form of
the entire, long-petioled leaf. The difference is marked, however, by
the total absence of secondary veins; the middle nerve being joined
to the lateral ones by strong nervilles in right angle.
HApsitat.—West of Green River station, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
26. DIOSPYROS? FICOIDEA, sp. nov.
Leaf ovate, narrowed to a point (broken), rounded to the petiole,
thickish, entire, pinnately-nerved; midrib thick, deeplv marked, as also
the secondary veins, parallel, at an acute angle of divergence, all doubly
camptodrome ; fibrille thick, nearly in right angle to the veins, divided
in the middle; areolation square or polygonal; surface rough. The
generic relation of these leaves is not satisfactorily fixed.
HABITAT.—Black Butte.
27. VIBURNUM PLATANOIDES, sp. nov.
This species essentially differs from Viburnum marginatum by the less
numerous, more open, lateral veins, whose branches are more curved in
passing up to the borders, and especially by the enlarged truncate or
subtruncate base of the leaves. The direction of the veins along the
lower branches of the lateral veins is the same, and the borders are den-
tate in the same manner, though not black-margined -as in V. margin-
atum.
HAsrTatT.—Black Butte, mixed with Saurian bones, and as abun-
dant in that bed as is its congener, in the shale above the main coal
of the same locality.
28. CISSUS PAROTTILAIFOLIA, sp. nov.
Leaves ovate-subcordate or narrowed to tne base, gradually and ob-
tusely pointed, undulato-crenate, three-nerved from the top of the peti-
ole or from a little above the border-base ; lower secondary veins at a
distance from the primary ones, which are much divided ; all the branches,
like the secondary veins, craspedodrome; nervilles strong, in right angle
to the veins; areolation small, square, by subdivision of veinlets.
The species is represented by a few leaves, one of them, fragmentary,
_ has a cordate, unequal base, and may belong to a different species.
Habirat.—Green River, west of the station, Dr. f. V. Hayden.
29. RHAMNUS RossmMAssLERT?, Heer.
Leaves oblong-obovate, Bheasel y pointed, entire, narrowed to the base,
penninerve ; secondary veins close, parallel, passing to the borders nearly
straight and curving along them ‘in festoons. These leaves are small ;
one only is preserved entire; their specific relation is not fixed.
HABiItAT.—Black Butte.
30. PHASEOLITES JUGLANDINUS?, Heer.
Leaflets of an apparently compound leaf, oval-oblong, obtusely pointed,
rounded to a short petiole, entire, subcoriaceous, penninerve; lateral
veins parallel, distinctly camptodrome, and following the borders i in fes-
toons; ultimate areolation small, irregularly quadrate.
LESQUEREUX.] NEW TERTIARY FOSSIL PLANTS. 315
The species may be different from the European one bearing this
name, but it appears to differ only by more open secondary veins.
Hapirat.—Green River group, near mouth of White River, Prof.
Wm. Denton. .
31. LEGUMINOSITES ALTERNANS, sp. nov.
- Leaflet lanceolate, narrowed to the sessile base (point broken), appa-
rently tapering and acute; borders entire; secondary veins close, nu-
merous, fifteen pairs in a space of two and a half centimeters, with in-
termediate shorter tertiary veins anastomosing by crossing veinlets ;
areolation obsolete. This leaf is comparable to a Dalbergia or a Podo-
gonium by its nervation; its form, especially the narrowed base, is com-
parable to Cassia.
HABitat.—Near mouth of White River, Prof. W. Denton.
32. SAPINDUS DENTONI, sp. nov.
Leaves lanceolote, gradually narrowed to a long acumen, unequilat-
eral and rounded at base to a short petiole, entire or slightly undulate,
thick; secondary veins close, parallel, diverging forty to fifty degrees,
thick, straight to the borders, where they abruptly curve, and which they
closely follow.
Species allied to Sapindus falcifolius, Heer, but remarkably distinct
from this and other congeners by the thick, close, lateral veins straight
to the borders, where they curve so abruptly that they appear at first
sight as craspedodrome. The areolation is of the same character as
that of S. falcifolius.
HABITAT.—Green River group, near mouth of White River, Prof. W.
‘Denton.
33. LOMATIA MICROPHYLLA, sp. nov.
Leaves very small, thick, coriaceous, linear-lanceolate, gradually nar-
rowed to a point, and in the same degree to the base; secondary veins
simple, thin, in an open angle of divergence, connected to a marginal
vein. We have two leaves of this fine species. It is comparable to
Lomatia firma, Heer, of the Baltic flora, but very small and thick; the
surface mostly covered by a coating of coaly matter.
HAsirar.—Same locality as the former, Prof. W. Denton.
A large number of fruits and seeds, considered under the name of
Palmacites, Carpolites, etc., have been figured for the Lignitic Flora. As
the characters of these organs cannot be represented by mere description,
they are not mentioned in this short synopsis.
A REVIEW OF THE CRETACEOUS FLORA OF NORTH AMERICA, |
§1.—GENERAL REMARKS.
The formation known under the name of Dakota group is positively
determined as Cretaceous by the animal-remains profusely embedded
into the strata overlying it. This fact has been repeatedly and clearly
exposed in the former reports of Dr. F. V. Hayden. As this formation
rests immediately upon thick limestone beds of Permian age, its flora,
which is mostly represented by dicotyledonous leaves, has apparently no
ancestors in this country. In Europe, the dicotyledonous plants of the
Cretaceous epoch are scarcely known, or, at least, they have not yet
been satisfactorily studied and described. The more recent and impor-
tant publication on the subject refers to the Cretaceous of Greenland,
and exposes the specific characters of a proportionally large number of
Cryptogams and Gymnosperms, Ferns, Conifers, Cycads, with few Dicoty-
ledonous. Three of these only are represented in the flora of the Dakota
group. There is, therefore, from antecedents or from contemporaneous
floras, no points of comparison to which the character of the plants of this
group might be referred. For analogies, we have to look to spe-
cies described from more recent epochs. And, in these researches,
the paleontologist is met with another kind of difficuity. The strata
where the dicotyledonous leaves are found in Kansas, Nebraska, Dakota,
&ec., are separated from the Lignitic-Tertiary formations by a few thou-
sand feet of measures, mostly shale and sandstone, all of marine origin,
with animal fossil-remains denoting an uninterrupted series of Creta-
ceous types. These strata are generally overlaid by heavy beach-sand-
stone lovally interspersed with fucoidal remains, extremely abundant in
some places, or with a mass of crushed, half-pulverized fragments of land-
plants. Over this, the Lignite beds come to view, with their accom-
panying shales and sandstones, wherein vegetable remains are found
sometimes in profusion and in a beautiful state of preservation. Here,
then, we should expect to recognize forms of leaves or species, if not
identical with those of the Dakota group, at least showing, as probable
offsprings, some affinity of characters with them. This as yet is not
the case. The typical forms of leaves of the North American Creta-
ceous are not at all repeated in the Lower Lignitic flora of the Rocky
Mountains, not more than they are in the Lower Eocene of Europe.
With the exception, however, of the peculiar type of oak and chestnut,
Dryophyllum, which originates in the Middle Cretaceous of both con-
_tinents, is recognized in species of the Lower Kocene of France, Sezane
and Gelinden, as in that of Point of Rocks, in Wyoming, and leaving
some of its representatives in all the geological series, passes to the
flora of our time. Some few more leaves of the Dakota group have a
relation to species of Evanston, especially to those of Miocene of Car-
bon, in the same proportion, about, as they have to Miocene species of
Europe; more still are closely allied to species of the Pliocene of Cali-
fornia; but the analogies become far more evident and marked, also, by
316
LESQUEREUX.] REVIEW OF CRETACEOUS FLORA. 317
more numerous points of similarity, in the present vegetation of the
Atlantic slope of North America.
This absence of related forms in the nearest geological series of the
Cretaceous, the re-appearance, also, of Cretaceous types in more recent
formations, and especially at this time, are perplexing, indeed, to the
querist, surrounding the study of this flora with a great deal of uncer-
tainty and of difficulty. Who can believe that the dicotyledonous plants,
which were destined to take such an immense predominance in the vege-
tation of the world, were, from the beginning, the same as they are now ?
How suppose that, after their exclusion from the floras of long geo-
logical epochs, a number of them have re-appeared anew, with their
original characters? This would seem an anomaly, in contradiction to
what is known, or, rather, generally admitted in regard to the succession,
themultiplication, and the improvement of types, in following the ascend-
ing grade of the vegetable reign in its development. Do we not mis-
take in recording, as evident and close points of affinity, what may be
mere illusional appearances? Questions of this kind give to the study
of the North American Cretaceous flora a higher degree of importance, _
but, at the same time, force the paleontologist, who is trying to decipher
the ‘hieroglyphic records of the old floras, to pursue his researches with
the greatest caution, reviewing again and again the forms which he con-
siders as specific, comparing them from as large a number of specimens
as may be obtainable, especially studying their relations with the veg-
etable contemporaneous types recognized in the same formations, or in
those of another country. This renders the acquisition and the study of
new materials constantly desirable, and, therefore, subject the conclu-
sions arrived at to possible modifications. For this reason, the first
volume of the Cretaceous flora of the Dakota group should be considered
as an incomplete memorial, to which successive supplements have to be
added by every one who, engaged in paleontological researches, is in
position to get specimens of fossil plants from this group. The present
review is one of these supplements, demanded for the reasons alluded
above; first, by the discoveries in the Cretaceous formations of new and
important materials, modifying, by their characters, generic divisions
fixed from insufficient specimens, or adding new species or new types to
those which were already known; and, secondly, by the critical notices
of learned friends, at home and abroad, who, sensible to the importance
of the data offered to science by the first exposition of the flora of the
Dakota group, have urged me to pursue the work merely begun, and
to bring forth, without delay, the results obtained by these new re-
searches. .
There is, however, still another and more forcible inducement to re-
view successively the data procured by new researches and discoveries,
in addition to our knowledge of the North American Cretaceous flora.
It is the insufficiency of the materials obtainable for the comparison and the
determination of specimens of fossil plantsin thiscountry. Messrs. Debey
and Kttinghausen began the study of the Cretaceous flora of Belgium al-
readyin1843. After spendinga few yearsin exploring the Cretaceous for-
mation in its geological and stratigraphical distribution and in collecting -
specimens, having, as they supposed, about three hundred species to an-
alyze, they published, in 1848, an abridged synopsis or general review of
the Cretaceous flora of Belgium, describing then only a new genus of
Conifers, and a few species referable toit.* In 1849 they still published, as
*Ubersicht der urweltlichen Pflanzenreste des Kreidegebirges iiberhaupt, und der
| MACheDET Kreideschichten i im Besonderen, in Verh. des nat. Vereines d. preus. Rhein-
ande, 1848,
318 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
evidence of the progress of their researches, a catalogue, names only, of
seventy species of their Belgian Cretaceous plants. But after they had
enlarged their collection of specimens, and pursued their work of compar-
ison, they were soon called to review their first determinations and to
acknowledge that very few of their former specifications could be pre-
served, as they had to unite in one species a number of forms which were
first considered as different, or to separate some others which they had
formerly admitted as identical. In 1850 the great herbarium of the
Botanical Garden of London was opened to them, and they had free ac-
cess to the immense materials, especially exotic species of plants of the
present time, which they wished to have for comparing the vegetable
forms of the Cretaceous. In 1851 the celebrated authors published an-
other short general review of the Cretaceous flora of Maestrich. These
were merely introductory memoirs to the work which they had under-
taken, and for which they acknowledge the assistance received, not only
by direct communications of the greatest botanists and paleontologists
of the time, Brongniart, Decaisne, Hooker, &c., but also by the freeuse
of the largest botanical and paleontological collections of Europe, and
of scientific libraries, where they could study, from its origin, the lit-
erature referable to vegetable paleontology; all the papers, even the
most unimportant, which have been published on the subject. It was
only, in 1859, and after nearly fifteen years of study, that the first
and second parts of their work were published. The first, concerning the
Thallophytes, describes and represents, in three plates, eighteen species
of Kucoids, or marine plants, four species of Fungi, and one Lichen.
The second part, on the Acrobriz, describes, with figures, forty-one spe-
cies of Ferns, and two species of doubtful relation to this family.
Since then nothing more of this work has been published, and we know
the dicotyledonous leaves, whose remains are said to abound in the Bel-
gian Cretaceous formation, merely by some generalities related to their
classification and a few generic names.
The work of the European authors is certainly of the highest scien-
tific order, and might be taken as a model to be followed for proceeding
in paleontological researches in our cotintry. But who could work ten
to fifteen years In preparing the publication of a report, when in his re-
searches a naturalist does not find any materials for comparison. We
have, as yet, no valuable collections in vegetable paleontology, and it is
especially because the first materials have to be carefully prepared for
institutions of this kind, that the paleontologist is called to review and
correct his determinations as fast as new materials are prepared for ex-
amination.
The plants of the Dakota group, as known mostly by detached
leaves, are striking by the beauty, the elegance, the variety of their
forms, and of their size. In all this they are fully comparable to those
of any geological epoch as well as to those of our time. From entirely
developed leaves, less than one inch in size, they show all the gradations
of size to one foot, even to one foot and one-balf in diameter. The
multiplicity of forms recognized for a single species is quite as marked
as it might be upon any tree of our forests. And to expose the admira-
ble elegance of their forms, it suffices to say that, at first sight, they
forcibly recall those of the most admired species of. our time: the tulip-
tree, the magnolia, the sassafras, the sweet-gum, the plane-tree, the
beach, the aralia, &c. The leaves of Protophyllum Sternbergii have the
size and the facies of those of the catalpa, one of our finest ornamental
trees. Those of Menispermites obtusiloba, of Protospermum quadratum,
represent in the same manner some of the rarest shrubs, Menispermum,
LESQUEREUX. ] REVIEW OF CRETACEOUS FLORA. 319
Ferdinandia, &e., carefully raised in conservatories for the grace-
ful forms of their leaves or the richness of their vegetation. It is
indeed the first impression received from the beauty of forms of the
leaves of the North American Cretaceous, and the evident likeness
of their facies to that of the finest vegetable types of our time as we see
them around us, which strikes the paleontologist and may lead him into
error, in forcing upon the mind the belief of a typical identity where,
possibly, there may be a mere likeness of outlines, a casual similarity
of forms in the leaves. For, really, when we enter into a more detailed
analysis of these Cretaceous leaves, we are by and by forcibly impressed
by the strangeness of the characters of some of them, which seem at
variance with any of those recognized anywhere in the floras of our
time, and unobserved also in those of the geological intermediate
periods. Not less surprised are we to see united in a single leaf, or
species, characters which are now generally found separated in far dis-
tant families of plants. The leaves of Hremophiyllum, so striking by
the peculiar appendages of their borders; those of Anomophyllum, refer-
able to planes by one half, to oaks by the other; those of Platanus
obtusiloba, half Acer, &c., are of this kind. On another side, the charac-
ters of some of the Cretaceous species are sometimes of such a transient
or indefinite order that it is scarcely possible to take hold of them and
to expose them with a degree of reliance. At first sight they seem
very distinct, but, in comparing a number of specimens, the differences
dwindle by unmistakable transitions, and disappear. In other leaves,
on the contrary, visibly identical by their outlines, the nervation is so
different that they are forcibly separated and referred to far distant
generic divisions. Hence, this flora does not leave any satisfaction,
any rest, to the mind. Even the most clearly defined types become
doubtful in regard to their integrity when we see others, which at first
were recognized as positively fixed, manifesting instability and pointing
to diversity of relations by the discovery of new specimens. The
leaves considered first as Sassafras seemed evidently referable to this
genus; but when leaves of the same type were found with dentate
borders, though bearing besides all the characters of a genus which
belongs to the Laurinee, a family where, as yet, no representative has
been found with dentate borders of leaves; when others were obtained
with subdivision of the lower lobes in two or three, thus showing the
palmate shape of Aralia leaves, the confidence in the value of the char-
acters at first recognized had to be abandoned.
This revision bears, therefore, on the degree of relation, or of generic
identity, which may exist between the leaves of the Dakota group and
species of plants living at our time in this country or described from
intermediate geological periods; on the degree of persistence in the
characters which have been, or should be, considered as specific in the
determination of these leaves; on the essential types of the Cretaceous
flora considered as original, derived, or ancestors. These questions
cannot be examined in the order where they are presented above; but
they may be touched upon, as far as opportunity is offered, in remark-
ing upon the different vegetable groups represented in this flora.
It is remarkable that though the Dakota group formation is recog-
nized as marine by the presence of marine fossil mollusks, no remains
of marine plants have been to this time found in any part of its strata.
Divers reasons may be suggested in explanation of this fact; the coarse- .
ness of the matrix, for example, wherein the vegetable fragments were
imbedded, and where mere cellular and soft plants could not be pre-
served. The fossilization of the leaves in the red ferruginous shale of
320 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
the Dakota group is not a true petrification. The forms or casts only
are left after the total destruction of the substance. This may explain
how most of the leaves which have been obtained from this group of the
Cretaceous are of a coarse, thick, coriaceous texture. The delicate or-
gans of plants, like thin leaves or sea-weeds, may therefore have been
totally destroyed. If it is so, we know from this flora a part only, the
one which is represented by leaves of a hard tissue and by some fruits
and stems. At different places and horizons of the formation, especially
near the upper part and at the base of the measures, one finds thin beds
of black, plastic, soft clay, where remains of plants could be preserved
in their integrity even with the epidermis of the leaves. A single leaf
has been found of that kind near Sioux City; it is referable to one of
the species most commonly represented in the red shale, and therefore
does not afford any point of comparison. The other deposits of clay
have been found either barren of vegetable remains of any kind, or,
also near Sioux City, mixed with decomposed, undeterminable frag-
ments, especially of leaves of Conifers and of rootlets of water-plants,
Asitis the case in thered shales of the other formation to which this one
has been compared—the Upper Devonian, the Lower Permian *—thin
layers of coal or coaly matter have been deposited here and there in the
so-called sandstones of the Dakota group. They are no coal-beds, how-
ever, but mere attempts or premises, and preparatian also, of a future
Carboniferous formation. In the strata related as synchronous to the
Dakota group, in Canada, New Mexico, New Jersey, &e., no workable
coal-bed has been discovered till now. Some, which may be compared
to the subconglomerate coal-beds of the Carboniferous, have been appa-
rently formed near the end of the Cretaceousepoch. As yet, their fossil
flora is unknown. In connection with the thin layers of coaly matter in
the shale of the Dakota group, no specimen of fossil plants has been
discovered till now.
Toward the end of the period of the Dakota group and in the upper
beds of the formation a rapid succession in the elements of the com-
pounds, mixed in various ways, in the size of the débris, ete, indicates a
new influence, the introduction of deep marine water by slow submer-
sion or subsidence of the land. It is after this, or in the Niobrara group,
that the only species of marine plant described in the Cretaceous flora .
has been found. This Zonarites digitatus,t though similar in its char-
acter to the species published under this name by Brongniart and Geinitz,
has its relation contradicted by the great difference between the geolog-
ical periods where the remains have been found in Hurope and in
America, and still more perhaps by the difficulty of identification of ma-
rine plants whose characters are represented merely by a vague likeness
of outlines. It would have been advisable, perhaps, to leave out without
description a vegetable of that kind, not even referable to the Dakota
group, and to leave also. without even a mention mere fragments like
those described as Ligodium trichomanoides, Abietites Haydenii, Flabel-
laria minima, ete., whose characters and relation are too vaguely indi-
cated. But as the Cretaceous plants of this and other countries are
scarcely known, it seemed proper to represent by drawing all the dis-
cernible fragments, leaving to time an opportunity of confirming or
refuting by better specimens the first determination. Even small frag-
ments may become valuable as complement of other specimens which,
fragmentary also, may be defined by those which have been published
before, and which, for the same reason of defectiveness, should be left
* Cretaceous flora in Dr. F. V. Hayden’s Report, vol. vi, pp. 26, 27.
t Cretaceous Flora, p. 44, Pl. I, Fig. 1
LESQUEREUX.] REVIEW OF CRETACEOUS FLORA. 321
aside as rubbish. Anemidium Schimpert, Sphenopteris grevillioides, etc.,
of the Cretaceous Arctic flora of Heer, are not more subject to satisfac--
tory determination than Lygodium trichomanoides or Pterophyllum Hay-
denti. Moreover, this last species, though imperfectly represented, indi-
cates a point of relation between the Dakota group flora and that of the
Cretaceous (Quadersandstein) of the Hartz Mountains in Germany.
Fragments of this kind are, therefore, doubly interesting by botanical
and “geological affinities.
Betore entering farther into the discussion and comparison of generic
and specific types of the North American Cretaceous flora and of their
relation with vegetable forms described from Cretaceous formation of.
other countries, I have to add a few remarks more on the third volume
of the Arctic flora of Heer, which was in publication at the same time
as that of the flora of the Dakota group, and of which I could give
only a short mention (p. 40), from a general synopsis formerly published
by the celebrated author. The Cretaceous flora of Greenlaud, which
constitutes the essential part of this third volume,* is in two parts.
The first describes seventy-five species from four different localities of
the north side of the peninsula of Noursoak, North Greenland, repre-
senting a lower stage of the Cretaceous. Of these, thirty-eight belong
to Ferns,t four to Lycopods and Equiseta, eight to Cicadex, sev-
enteen to Conifers, six to Monocotyledons, and one to Dicotyledons.
This flora is, therefore, composed of fifty-six per cent. of Acrogens,
Ferns, Lycopods, and Equiseta; twelve per cent. of Cycadex; twenty-
two per cent. of Conifers; eight per cent. of Menocotyledons ; and one
per cent. of Dicotyledons. In the Ferns, the genera Aspleniwm,
Pecopteris, Gleichenia, are predominant, this last genus especially, which
is represented by thirteen species. In the Cicadex, the Zamites, five
species; in the Conifers, the Sequoia and Pinus, the first with five spe-
cies, the second with four.
The second part of the Greenland Cretaceous flora describes remains
of plants, especially found in the southern part of the same peninsula.
Considered as Upper Cretaceous by the author, it has in sixty-two
species, thirteen Ferns, two Cycadez, ten Conifers, three Mono-
cotyledons, and thirty-four Dicotyledons. The relative proportion of
these plants is therefore far different, as here, fifty-five per cent. are
Dicotyledons. In regard to their generic distribution the predominance
is marked, in the Ferns by Pecopteris and Gleichenia, in the Coniters by
Sequoia and Pinus, and by Populus, Proteoides, Chondrophyllum, and
Magnolia, in the Dicotyledons. And in considering the general character
of the land vegetation of North Greenland, at the Cretaceous epcch, and
as far as it is known for the present by counting together the species of
both stations, we find it represented by a percentage of thirty-seven for
the Ferns, three for the Lycopodiacee and Equisetacee, eight tor the
Cycadee, ‘nineteen for the Conifers, six and a half for the Monccotyle-
dons, and twenty five for the Dicotyledons, which therefore represent
only one-fourth of the whole.
The first exposition of the Dakota group flora shows four species of
Ferns and six species of Conifers only. To this small number we have
*A number of the Cretaceous plants of Cape Staratschin, Spitzberg, are also described
in this work. They represent five Ferns, one Equisetum, nine Coniters, and one Mono-
cotyledon, or sixteen species. The predominance of Conifers is remarkable as well
as the absence of Cycadez and of Dicotyledons. Of these species, three Ferns and
three Conifers are identified with the lower Greenland flora, and five Conifers with the
upper, indicating an equal relation to both or an intermediate geological station.
Bya misprint in the above exposition given in Cret. Flora, p. 40, the word Fucoids
is written for Ferns.
1H
oe GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
added in this review one species of Gleichenia and five species of Conifers.
The specific value of some of the vegetable remains referable to this last
family is, however, doubtful, especially for those which are represented
by cones only, Abietites Hrnestinw, Sequoia formosa, Sequoia Reich-
enbachi, and the fragments described as Inolepis, all which, however,
though uncertain their specific or generic relation may be, are evidently
representatives of some species of Conifers. The fragments referable
to this group are of a difficult determination ; for the organs represented
upon the coarse shale or hard ferruginous sandstone of the formation,
merely expose some outlines of their forms by the same kind of fossili-
zation or molding, remarked already for the leaves. We do not find,
therefore, any flattened cones with the scales, any flattened branches with
leaves, but impressions only, more or less deeply carved into the
stone, the cones even passing through the shales and showing the space
originally occupied, as a mere cylindrical hollow, around which the forms
of the scales are more or less clearly engraved. The numerous leaves of
Pinus spread upon the surface have dug in the same way and by their
hard substance, narrow linear channels, representing the back of
these leaves, with an indistinct midrib, and the branchlets of Sequoia
also are seen as longitudinal grooves, bearing on both sides the same
impressed form of their leaves. This cannot be considered a very dis-
tinct representation of characters, the minute details desirable for an
exact determination being more or less obsolete.
Among the specimens recently examined, a fragment has been found
geferable to Phyllocladus; the presence of this genus in the Cretaceous
flora is thus sufficiently ascertained. We may, therefore, record as
recognized in the flora of the Dakota group, for the Ferns, the genera
Lygodium, Sphenopteris, Hymenophyllum, and Gleichenia, the three first
by each one species, the last by two; and in the Conifers, Sequoia,
by three species; Pinus, by one, and Phyllovladus by one, leaving out
as of uncertain generic relation with the cones mentioned above,
Glyptostrobus (?) gracillimus, which is perhaps identifiable with Sequoia
condita, or with Frenelites, and Geinitzia (?), known merely by the im-
pressions of some detached seales. To this should be added Araucaria
spatulata, described in extinct floras of North America by Dr. New-
berry, from Nebraska specimens.
A fine plant, doubtfully described with the Ferns in Cretaceous
Vlora, p. 48, Plate X XIX, figs. 1-4, under the name of Todea (?)
saportanea, has tobe eliminated from this family. For, though the
shape of the leaflets, their mode of union to the rachis, the position
of parallel equal branches are, by similarity, comparable to leaflets and
- to divisions of fronds of ferns, the areolation of the leaves, which has been
studied from better specimens and figured here again, Pl. VI, fig. 2,
more positively relates these vegetable fragments to a peculiar section
of the Proteacee or to Lomatia, a genus especially represented in Aus-
tralian Islands and on the southwestern coast of South America, Chili,
and Peru. For this. separation I readily submit to the opinions of
learned friendly critics. But I cannot consider the glumaceous leaf and
tubercle described as Phragmites cretaceous in Cret. Fl., p. 55, Pl. I,
figs. 13, 14, and Pl. XXIX, fig. 7, as a species of Draccena or Yucea, &e.
The tubercle represented (tig. 13) is really similar to organs of the same
kind found attached to Rhizomas and to stems of fossil Phragmites and
Arundo. And for confirmation of the warranted reference of these
fragments, we have now in Arundo greenlandica, Heer. FI. Arct., VILLI,
p- 104, Pl. XX VIII, figs. 8-11, leaves which, though narrower, have the
same form and the same characters of nervations as those of the Dakota
LESQUEREUX.] REVIEW OF CRETACEOUS FLORA. a20
group. In the Kansas specimens only the epidermis of the leaf is
destroyed at a few places where the veinlets become perceptible. Gen-
erally, however, as in the specimens of Greenland, the primary veins
only can be seen.
Of the fragments doubtfully referred to Flabellaria? and described
as F'. minima, Cret. FI., p. 56, Pl. XXX, fig. 19, nothing more has been
discovered in regard to their relation, which has to be considered as
unknown as yet. The same may be said of the peculiar vegetable form
described in Cret. Fl., Pl. 1, fig. 6, as Pterophyllum? Haydenti, which
was supposed to represent some kind of Cicadece. It differs from any
species known of this family by the broad stem and short leaves, nar-
rowed to the point of attachment, and from these characters Professor
Heer thinks it referable to Conifers.
Now, counting the leaf described as Dioscorea? cretacea, whose generic
reference may be doubted, but which evidently represent a species of
the Dioscoree or a monocotyledonous, and also the fragments reterable to
Conifers in the description, we have to this time, in the flora of the Da-
kota group, and exclusively of the dicotyledonous, sixteen specific forms,
representing the cryptogamous acrogens by five Ferns, the phoenogamous
gymnosperms by nine Conifers, and the monocotyledonous by one glu-
maceous and one petaloid species.
The first dicotyledonous leaves described in the Cretaceous Flora,
under the name of Liquidambar integrifolium, have been considered by
some authors as uncertain in regard to their generic relation merely on
account of their entire borders. The form of the leaves, however, espe-
cially as figured (PI. Ll), with the lobes slightly enlarged above the
sinuses, and then gradually narrowed to a slightly obtuse point, and
the nervation also, have the same character as those of the living Liqut-
dambar styraciflua. It is true that the four species of this genus known
in the present flora have serrate borders of leaves. But three fossil
species represented by leaves with entire borders have been described
as Liquidambar from the Tertiary of Europe; and, though this reference
is more or less hypothetical and controversed, it shows, however, that
botanists of high standing—Unger, Watelet, Massalongo—have con-
sidered as probable, at least, the relation of leaves with entire borders
to this genus. It is easily seen that the leaves of Aralia Towneri, de-
scribed in this paper (Pl. IV, fig. 1), have a relation of shape or general
outline to those of Liquidambar integrifolium ; and this apparent simi-
larity can but suggest the possible reference of all these and like forms
to the genus Aralia. I may admit this reference as probable for the two
leaves figured in Cret. Fl., Pl. X XIX, figs. 8 and 9, which are compara-
ble, by their primary nervation, to those of Aralia conereta, sp. nov.,
Pl. IV, figs. 2 and 3. But though we have now a large number of speci-
mens referable to divers araliaceous types, there is none as yet with
leaves divided into lanceolate acute lobes like those which are figured
in Pl. II, Cret. Fl. The reference of these leaves to Sterculia has been
proposed also, from analogy of forms to some species of this genus.
The presence of one well characterized species of Sterculia in the Creta-
ceous flora of New Jersey, where it is in connection with numerous
leaves of Magnolia alternans, seems to give a kind of support to this |
proposition. But in this case, also, I find too evident a difference in the
characters of nervation of the palmately-nerved leaves of Sterculia with
those referred to Liquidambar. Even taking as evidence of possible affin-
ities the distribution in the same formation of leaves referable to allied
genera, we could just aswell admit the presence of Liquidambar species
in the Dakota group, by the reason that other forms of Hamamelidea,
324 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
a family to which this genus belongs, are recognized in the same group.
From these considerations, I persist in regarding as ancient, primitive, or
derived representatives of a species of Liquidambar the fossil leaves de-
scribed under this generic name, until other specimens, if any are found,
may point, by a variation of characters, to another more evident rela.
tion.*
A number of vegetable remains of the Cretaceous are evidently
referable, by their characters, to Populus. The only dicotyledonous
leaves recognized by Heer, in the specimens which he studied trom the
Lower Cretaceous formations of Greenland, represent a Populus, appropri-
ately specified by the name of P. primeva. From a higher stage of the
samme Cretaceous formation of that country, the celebrated Swiss pale-
ontologist has described three other species of Populus. In his Phyl-
lites Crétacées du Nebraska, and from specimens of the Dakota group,
he has recognized Populus litigiosa, Populus? debeyana, and another
species still, P. cyclophylla, described in the Proceedings of the Academy
of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Professor Newberry, in his paper
on the later extinet floras of North America, has described, also, besides
the doubtful P.? debeyana, three new species: Populus? cordifolia, P.
elliptica, and P. microphilla. The specification and the interrogative
punctuation applied to some of these hames show that the authors them-
selves do not consider the generic reference as definitive, the character
of some of the Jeaves being somewhat in disaccord with those generally
recognized in species of Populus of our present time. Indeed, species
of this kind, like the present P. alba, for example, have such multiplied
and diversified forms of leaves, such great variability in their nervation,
the mode of attachment of the petiole, &c., that they readily offer, by
comparison with fossil leaves of obscure relation, some points of affinity
which, being not found elsewhere, have to be considered by the authors.
Hence the doubtful references which may be, and are often rectified by
subsequent discoveries, as is proved by the great proportion of synonyms
appended to the enumeration of Pupulus species. To obviate this incon-
venient multiplication of fluctuating species of Populus, I proposed a
new generic division, under the name ot Populites, for the classification
of those Cretaceous leaves, numerous indeed, which, partaking of some
of the characters of Populus, are nevertheless removed fren this division
by some others, as remarked in the memoir.j Populus lancastriensis —
was considered as a legitimate species of the genus, and in the new
division were described Popuilites elegans, P. ovata, P. quadrangularis,
P, fiabellata, and P. salisburiefolia, with P. cyctophylla, represented by
leaves which I considered as answering to the description of this species
by Heer.
This first memoir on some Cretaceous fossil plants from Nebraska
had to be prepared, at a short notice, from a limited number of speci-
mens. Since its publication, I have had opportunity to study the
specific forms of this Cretaceous flora by comparing a very large number
of specimens, and have thus recognized a more evident affinity of some
of those leaves referred to Populites with other generic divisions. The
only Populites lancastriensis and P. elegans which Schimper considers as a
true Populus are preserved in this genus, while Populites cyclophylla and
P. ovata, appearing rather related by their characters to the Ampelidec,
are deseribed under a new generic division. The leaves represented by
these species have, indeed, by their craspedodrome and subpalmate ner-
*Fraements of leaves closely allied to this form are vesoualen as Phyllites in Reuss,
Verstein, Pl. LI, figs. 4 and 5.
t Am. Jour. Sci., Yol. xlvi, July, 1868, p. 93.
LESQUEREUX. ] REVIEW OF CRETACEOUS FLORA. 325
vation, and by their base narrowed to the petiole, a more evident
affinity to species of Cissus, or Vitis, than to those of Populus.
In regard to the distribution of Populus, to which is referred the most
ancient dicotyledonous leaves known as yet, that of the Lower Creta-
ceous of Greenland, it has, as said above, three species known already in
the Upper Cretaceous of that same country, and five or six in the
Dakota group. It has, however, not been remarked in any Cretaceous
flora of Europe. It is not mentioned in the review of the genera repre-
sented by the, as yet, undescribed species of Aix la Chapelle, and no
form even distantly related is described in the Lower Paleocene flora of
Gelinden. It has, however, one species in the Eccene flora of Sezane,
and increases in the number of its representatives in all the stages of
the Miocene. As far as we know it, till now, it has few species in our
Lower or first American Tertiary group, the Hocene; a large propor-
tion, eight per cent. of the species, in the second ; sti!l more, or tweive
per cent., in the third; and is scarcely present in the fourth, the Green
River group.
The presence of willows, species of Salix, in the flora of the
Dakota group is not controverted; the reference of leaves by which
the genus is represented in this formation is evident. As it is seen
in Cretaceous Flora, p. 60, Pl. V, figs. 1-4, I have described as refer-
able to one species only, a number of leaves somewhat different in their
size and their shape. As the specimens representing them are from the
same locality, and as I recognized upon some of them fragments of leaves
with all differences of size, forms, and even consistence and color,
I considered them as mere variations of leaves of a same tree. Dr.
Newberry has from the same formation four species which, he says, he
has chosen to regard as distinct, for geological convenience. No salix
has been recognized as yet in any stage of the Cretaceous of Green-
land; but one species, Salix Hartigit, Denk, is from the quader sand-
stein of Germany, and another, Salix Goetziana, Heer, from Quedlin-
burg. The genus is therefore sparingly represented in Hurope and
North America in Cretaceous floras which are considered as nearly
synchronous. The other genera of the Amentacee, Betula, Alnus or
Alnites, Myrica, Quercus, Fagus and Ficus, to which leaves have been
referred in the Cretaceous Flora, do not require any observations. In
this case, as in all the determinations of fossil plants, the characters cf
the species are not always satisfactorily established, but the generic
affinities have been recognized or passed without any marked criticism.
The generic relation is especially positive for the remains referable to
Myrica, which was already represented in the Cretaceous Flora by one
fragmentary leaf and by seeds, and to which a fine new species is added
in this memoir. It seems equally so for Quereus or its peculiar division,
. Dryophyllum, of which we have two new species, and for Ficus, to which
one species is added.
Specimens of leaves referable to Platanus have been found in moder-
ate proportion both in Nebraska and Kansas. The first was described by
Heer, in the “ Phyllites du Nebraska,” as Platanus Newberry?, trom avery
incomplete fragment. The accuracy of this determination was, however,
subsequently testified by the discovery of more complete leaves figured
in Cretaceous Flora, Pl. VILL, figs. 2 and 3, and Pl. IX, fig. 3, which show
the narrowed base descending along the petiole lower than the point
of union of lateral primary veins, and also the tendency to a three-lobed
division, characters which were not observable in the fragment which
Professor Heer had for his examination. To this fine species have
been added: Platanus primeva, described from leaves so remarkably
2
326 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
similar to those of P. aceroides, of the Miocene, that I was at first
disposed to consider them as identical; then, P. Heerti, rare, like the
former, and found as yet only along the blufis of the Salina River; P.
obtusiloba, from a number of somewhat fragmentary specimens from
Beatrice, Nebraska, all representing leaves of about the same size and
of the same characters; P. affinis, P. recurvata, and P. diminutiva. All
the species are described and figured in Cretaceous Flora. The last one
as remarked in its description may be a dwarfed form of P. prameva or
P. Heerii. The leaf appears as gnawed along the veins by insects or
perhaps by a parasite fungus. Its specification is not positive and is
subject to criticisms. ‘The base of the leaf is rounded to the petiole,
a character as yet unique for a species of this kind. PP. recurvata
should, following the opinion of my honored friend Count Saporta, be
referred to the Aralicese by a more intimate affinity to Araliopsis
species; and Platanus affinis seems now, after the examination and
comparison of a number of specimens from Kansas, more evidently
referable to the Ampelidew than to the Platanee. Therefore these two
last species are now eliminated from this generic division. I persist in
considering P. Heerti and Pl. obtusiloba as two different species, though it
has been suggested that the last was probably a mere variety of the
first. The identity is denied not only by the facies, and the nervation
of the leaves, but especially by the thinner texture of those of P.
obtusiloba. The fact, that the numerous specimens representing it are
all from the same place in Nebraska, and that P. Heerit has not been
found in this State till now, confirms this separation. In regard to this
last species, Professor Geinitz has remarked in the Isis, 1875, p. 558,
that paleontologists might perhaps recognize in it a Credneria. There
is some similarity in the general outline of the leaves, indeed. But this
might be said of many of the generic forms of the Cretaceous, which seem
to refer to a few different types, or to present in one leaf the characters
which we now generally find isolated in separate vegetable groups.
The genus Credneria, known as it is to me by what is described in the
vol. V, of the Paleontographica, by Stiehler, includes species with cord-
ate or subcordate leaves (none narrowed to the petiole), and bearing
above the base two or three true secondary veins in right angle to the
midrib. In P. Heerii, the leaves are cuneate to the base, even gradually
narrowed or decurrent to the petiole, which thus becomes slightly winged,
and the veins under the primary nerves are mere marginal veinlets. Per-
haps the relation of this species is more marked to the genus Ltting-
hausenia, which, I regret to say, is scarcely known to me except by
OChondrophyllum grandidentatum, as represented by Heer in the Creta-
ceous Flora of Moletin, and by Phyllites repandus, Sternb., two forms
which have no affinity to Platanus.
_ In regard to its geological distribution, this genus is truly remark-
abie. No trace of it is recorded as yet in the Cretaceous of Kurope, not
even in the Paleocene and Eocene of France, so rich in fossil vegetable
remains. Its first appearance in Europe is in the Upper Miocene of
OCeningen, and of Austria and Italy, where it is represented by two
very similar forms, Platanus Guillelme and P. aceroides. These two
species are present in the same tormation from the northern parts of the
Arctie lands to Italy. It is followed in the Upper Tertiary or Pliocene
of this last country by Platanus Academie Gaud, related as originator,
perhaps, to the living P. orientalis. I have remarked above that the
relation of leaves of the Dakota group to Platanws has been considered
as doubtful by some European paleontologists. This doubt may have
been induced by the understanding of the total absence of Platanus
leaves in the Cretaceous and Lower Tertiary of Hurope. If so, it is cer-
LESQUEREUX. | REVIEW OF CRETACEOUS FLORA. 327
tainly removed by the presence in our lignitic Eocene of some very
beautiful and well characterized species of this genus: Platanus
Haydenti and P. Reynoldsii, Newby. Tuese species, discovered first in
the Tertiary cf the Upper Missouri River, near ort Union, are predom-
inant at Golden, Colo., by the number of specimens which represent
them, and are also found at Black Butte. The third Tertiary group,
that of Carbon, has, fcr the more numerous representatives of its flora,
leaves of Platanus Aceroides and Pl. Guillelme. No species of this
genus has been described from the Green River or fourth group ; but
we have from the Upper Tertiary (Pliocene) of California very fine
specimens of leaves of two species of Platanus closely related by their
characters to the living Platanus occidentalis. Therefore, and consider-
ing the geological records, we may trace the origin of Platanus as far
down as the North American Cretaceous, and follow its development
through nearly all the stages of the Tertiary to our present time, by a
number of closely-allied intermediate forms.
Coming now to the Lawrinew, I have to remark somewhat more defi-
nitely on thé Cretaceous species referred to this family. The relation
of some of them to the genera to which they have been referred is gen-
erally acknowledged, and the presence of the Laurinee in our Cretaceous
flora receives a kind of historical authority by that of a Sassafras in
a Cretaceous formation of Greenland; of three species of Daphno-
phylum in that of Moletin, and of Laurus cretacea, Daphnogene
primigenia, Daphnites Gopperti, in that of Niedershoena. Of the
species which have been described formerly in the flora of the Dakota
group, Laurus Nebrascencis is related to Daphnophyllum ellipticum and
D. crassinervium of Heer, while Cinnamomum and Oreodaphne cretacea
are comparable to Daphnogene primigenia of HKttinghausen. Persea
Sternbergvt is also evidently of the same family, and the two leaves,
described here below under the name of Laurus protecefolia, are indeed
allied to species of Laurus or of Persea by their nervation, especially
by the more acute angle of divergence of the lower veins, though they
show in the grooved middle nerve a character often remarked in species
of Ficus, especially Ficus protogea Heer, of the Greenland Cretaceous
flora. Moreover, the fruit described (Fl. Cret., p. 74) as Laurus macre-
carpa satisfactorily completes the evidence afforded by the leaves, of
the existence of species of Laurine in the vegetable world of the Cre-
taceous epoch. We have, however, to eliminate of this family Lauro-
phyllum reticulatum, which appears more properly referable to Ficus.
its nervation, and especially its areolation, formed of square or irreg-
ularly polygonal meshes by the interposition of tertiary veins between
the secondary ones and parallel to them, and the rectangular subdi-
vision of its branches, are of the same character as in Picus Geinitet,
Ett., Ficus protogea, Heer, and many species of this genus now living
in Cuba, even Florida, like Ficus suffocans, F. lentiginosa, L. pertusa,
FI. dimidiata, etc. Numerous specimens recently found in Kansas repre-
sent this fossil species in characters more precise than formerly, as seen
in its more detailed description under the name of Ficus lawrophyllum.
But if the reterence of some of the above-mentioned leaves to the
Laurinee is not contested, it is not the same in regard to those which,
at first appearance, were considered as more positively related to it,
and which have been described under the generic name of Sassafras.
The question of the relation of those leaves which, by their number,
seem to be the essential components of the North American Cretaceous
flora, has been already touched upon.* But since, I have obtained
* Cretaceous Flora, p. 77.
328 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
from divers localities a large number of specimens representing all
the forms described as species in the same work, and I have now
some more data to offer to the consideration of paleontologists on
the subject. From historical documents the presence of Sassafras
species in the flora of the Dakota group is as legitimately presumable
as that of species of Laurus or Persea. In his Flora Arctica, Heer
has described as Sassafras arctica a leaf which, by its form, is similar
to those described as Sassafras creiaceum, as remarked by the author,
differing merely by its base somewhat less narrowly tapering to the
petiole. The nervation is of the same character. Count Saporta
considers this Greenland leaf as a true representative of Sassafras. He
has himself published in the Sezane Flora,* as S. primigenium, two
fragmentary leaves whose base, more narrowly tapering, is similar to
that of our S. Mudgei, as well as the lobes which, enlarged in the mid-
dle, have that ovate-lanceolate shape so distinctly marked in the present
8. officinale. There is also no appreciable difference in the nervation.
The lower secondary veins of the middle lobe ascend a little higher in
the leaves of the Sezane flora, and unite with those of the lateral lobes
somewhat nearer the borders of the sinuses. But in some of the speci-
mens of Kansas the same appearance is remarked also, and the difference
between the more or less distance which separate from the sinuses the
branch which unites the upper division of the secondary veins, is ob-
servable upon leaves of S. officinale, this vein being sometimes mar-
ginal, sometimes curving one to three millimeters lower than the border
of the sinuses. Comparing leaves of Sassafras officinale with those rep-
resented by Count Saporta in the Flora of Sezane and the specimens of
S. Mudgei from Kansas, itis impossible for me to recognize any charac-
ter, even any specific difference by which these leaves could be sepa-
rated. It is, therefore, not surprising that Dr. Newberry first, and after
him Heer and Schimper, did consider Cretaceous specimens of this kind
as representing species of Sassafras. In the last volume of his superb
work on Vegetable Paleontology.t Prof. W. P. Schimper, speaking of
leaves of Sassufras cretaceum, of which I had sent him photographical
designs, remarks, ‘* That those leaves, very variable in size, present such
a remarkable likeness to those of S. officinale, now living in North Amer-
ica, that one would be disposed to consider them as belonging to an
homologous species.” He rightly adds that the only difference seems
to be in the thicker substance of the fossil leaves. Even on this point
I have from Texas specimens of the present S. cretaceous, whose
leaves appear of a consistence nearly as thick as those of the Dakota
group seem to have been.
But now, and on another side, no species of the Lawrinee family living
at our time is known with dentate leaves ; and it may be remarked, from
the figures, that the two leaves described as Sassafras Oretacewm (Cret.
Flor., Pl. XI, figs. 1 and 2) have the borders of the lobes somewhat
dentate, and some of the secondary veins running into the point of the
teeth or craspedodrome. This’ character is still more marked in S. mi-
rabile, loc. cit., Pl. XII, fig. 1, a form extremely common in Southern Kan-
sas, and represented in very numerous and remarkable varieties. In
some of the leaves the secondary veins are all camptodrome, and there-
fore the borders of the lobes are entire. In others, as seen, Pl. XI, fig. 2,
the outside lateral veins are craspedodrome, and thus the borders den-
tate, while on the inside they curve along the borders, which are entire.
*P. 366, Tab. VIII, figs. 9 and 10.
+ Traité de Paleontologie végétale, vol. iii, p. 598.
_ LESQUEREUX.] REVIEW OF CRETACEOUS FLORA. 329
In the fine complete leaf, fig. 1 of the same plate, the middle lobe has the
veins all camptodrome on the left side, while on the right one a few of
them, one or two, reach to the border, which has, therefore, one or two
short undistinct teeth, and the lateral lobes are clearly dentate on the out-
side only. This evidently shows such a disposition to variations of
nervation and border divisions, that I did formerly consider as unjusti-
fiable a specific, and still more a generic division between the leaves of
Pl. XI, figs. 1 and 2, and those of Pl. XII, figs. 2-and 3, of the Cret.
Flora. When, therefore, we find the same differences between the
leaves which represent S. mirabile, Pl. XI, fig. 1, it seems that the same
conclusion should follow. But in this case, with the more generally
predominant character of the indentation of the leaves, which, in some
larger specimens than the one figured, are more deeply cut by divisions,
like pointed lobes, there is still another one, remarked on a specimen
recently discovered, which seems to more forcibly separate these forms
from the Lauwrinee, and indicates a more evident relation to the Aralia-
cee. The specimen communicated by M. Chs. Sternberg, to whose
careful and zealous researches the flora of the Dakota group is indebted
for many important discoveries, represents a large leaf which, by its out-
lines, the nervation, and the dentate borders of its lobes, is exactly like
our S. mirabile of Pl. XI, fig. 1. The leaf, which is much larger, how-
ever, the lobes measuring ten centimeters in length from the point of
union of the primary nerves, greatly differs by the forking of the lateral
nerves, from a point two and one-half centimeters above their base, and
thus forming, of course, a subdivision of these lobes into two equal parts,
or a palmately five-lobed leaf. Among the innumerable varieties in the
shape of the leaves of the living Sassafras officinale, we see a constant
and gradual mode of division passing from a round or oval and entire
shape to a bilobed and trilobed one; but, as yet, I have been unable to
observe a single case of subdivision of the lateral lobes, or to find a
palmately five-lobed Sassafras leaf. This character is, on the contrary,
far more generally seen in the Araliacee of our time than in the trilo-
bate form of Sassafras. But in this section of Araliacec, the Hedera,
which may be compared to our leaves, I do not know any with trilobate
leaves. Hedera turbascens, H. discolor, H. argentea, H. aurifolia, H. ja-
tropefolia, have leaves five to seven palmately lobed, or, when occa-
Sionally trifid, their segments are narrow and acuminate, of a type
related to that of Aralia tripartita of P1. I, fig. 1, of the memoir. The ref-
erence of these leaves to Araliacee is, therefore, apparently obscure or
uncertain. And still,on another side, comparing the beautiful Aralia
saportanea represented in this memoir, fig. 2 of the same plate, we
See in its nervation, as well as in the indentation of the borders, &c., a
remarkable identity of characters with those of the five-lobate leat’ of
Araliopsis mirabilis. Thus we have about the same degree of evidence
in regard to the relation of these fossil leaves to Aralia or to Sassafras.
Going further into this kind of investigation, we are met by a new
difficulty in the appearance of another modification in the characters of
this peculiar type of leaves. In examining the first specimens of the
species represented, Pl. II, fig. 1, I could but consider them as repre-
senting either Sassafras (Araliopsis) obtusum, or S. mirabile, for, the
specimens being fragmentary, had only the lobes or part of them.
As long as the auricled and peltate base was unknown, the reference
of the specimen could not be different. The nervation, the form of the
lobes, their size, all is of the same character as in S. mirabile. But
in the peltate base of the leaves, which is figured from a leaf pre-
served entire, Pl. IT, fig. 1, and from fragment of much larger ones,
330 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
fic. 2, we have another character which presents the union of leaves
of this kind either with the Laurinee or with the Araliacea, and thus it
is necessary to admit a third generic division for the classification of the
vegetable remains of this new and remarkable type, which adds to its
affinity to Sassafras and Aralia a character which relates it to Platanus
and Credneria, by the basilar appendage of the leaves and its nerva-
tion. We have thus already in those leaves Sassafras, represented by
S. Mudgei, and less positively by S. acutilobum, S. cretaceum, and SW.
cretaceum var. obtusum, which, as seen by the desernption, has to be
considered as a specific form. To Araliopsis are referable S. mirabile,
with the dentate S. cretacewm and Platanus recurvata; and to the
new generic division, under the name of Aspidiophyllum, those leaves
which, either Aralia or Sassafras by their upper trilobate part, are
forcibly separated from these genera by their auricled peltate append-
age. Still, the subdivisions in the classification of these peculiar and
so-called Sassafras leaves, have to be pursued farther, for by degree and
by the gradual obliteration of their lobes, they become round or truncate,
or broadly pointed at the top, preserving more or less the narrowed base,
tapering to a long petiole, and the trifid craspedodrome nervation from
a distance above the borders, and thus they become more evidently
related to other vegetable orders. One species is a true Hedera,
another goes to the Hamamelidee, and a number have their affinity
with the “Ampelidece.
The characters of the leaves of this order, especially those of Cis-
sus, are somewhat obscurely represented in Sassafras Harkerianum,
Cret. Flor., Pl. XI, figs. 3 and 4; Pl. XXVII, fig. 2, and in S.
obtusum, Pl. XIU, figs. : 2 to 4; more distinctly in Cissites acuminatus,
aru. VILL, ite, Jk and C. Heerii, Pl. VI, fig. 3, two new species de-.
scribed in this’ memoir. They appear to constitute an indivisible
group with the two former ones. Some of the leaves formerly de-
scribed as Populites are also referable to this section, or to another
less exactly defined ; Ampelophyllum, allied by some of its characters
to Hedera, by others to Credneria ; thus intermediate to the Ampelide
or the Tiliacee; by the areolation to Greviopsis, and also more distantly
to Chondrophyllum of Heer, as remarked in the description. From this
it is perceivable that this Sassafras type, which at the beginning
was regarded as simple, well defined, and limited in its character, is, on
the contrary, multiple and representing forms which, as far as the re-
searches increase the discoveries, indicate affinity to a number of differ-
ent genera or orders of the vegetable reign. Considering for example
Sassafras acutifolium of Cret. Flor., Pl. XIV, which, from specimens
representing intermediate forms between fig. 3 and fig. 4, I was disposed
to consider as a mere variety of S. Mudgei, and passing to fig. 7 of PI.
XXX, evidently of the same generic type, and then to fig. 1 of Pl. VIII
of this memoir, where is the difference or the point of separation to be
marked? The type of Ampelide is quite as distinct as that of the
Araliacee in this peculiar group; but both are recognized it seems
merely in the extreme and opposed limits of their modifications.
The same remark is applicable just as well to the leaves which have
been described in the Cret. Flora under the generic name of Protophyl-
lum. The disagreement in the affinities of its species has been exposed
in the remarks following the description of the genus. I have now to
add still to this division two leaves recently communicated from Kan-
sas, represented, Pl. III, fig. 1, and Pl. VIII, fig. 4. They fully confirm
the former observations. By the outline of the leaves, their craspedo-
drome nervation, and the presence of two pairs of secondary veins
LESQUEREUX.| REVIEW OF CRETACEOUS FLORA. 331
under the primary ones and in right angle to the midrib, they represent a
species of Protophyllum; but the border base of the leaves is truncate,
not subpeltate, and by this difference the leaves are rather referable to
Oredneria, from which, however, they differ by the veins all craspedo-
drome as well as their divisions, and by the truncate, not cordate, base
of the leaves. I have formerly published a short description of these
leaves under the name of Credneria ? microphylla. It now seems that
by their evident relation to Protophyllum quadratum, they have to be
admitted in the generic division, an optnion which may be put at naught
by the discovery of specimens pointing to another reference for these
leaves.
We have, also, an addition of three new species to the group of Cre-
taceous plants described under the genericname of Menispermites. In this
case, however, there is no difficulty whatever in conformably uniting into
a definite group the characters of the leaves which, round, ovate, or oval,
with borders entire or undulate, have a common generic affinity, indi-
cated by their nervation. In order to more clearly bring into view
the relation of the undulate-lobed forms of leaves described in Cret.
Flora, Pl. XX, figs. 1-4, and Pl. XXV, fig. 1, I have represented, Pl.
VII, fig. 3, of this paper, a finely and wholly preserved leaf of Menisper-
mites obtusiloba, which, though small, is easily identified with the large
one of Pl. XXV, fig. 1. Now, comparing it to figs. 3 and 4 of the
present Pl. V, the identity of nervation is defined by the five basilar
veins, with a thin pair of marginal veinlets underneath; and by the up-
ward direction of the internal lateral veins, which, in fig. 3 of Pl. VII,
ascend to above the middle, pass still higher in the short oval leaf,
Pl. V, fig. 3, and reach nearly to the obtuse point in fig. 4. The subdi-
vision of the tertiary veins is in all the leaves of the same type, and the
shape of the leaves or their outlines are mere modifications, depending
upon the direction of the veins. The leaf, Pl. VI, fig. 4, is peltate
from the point of attachment of the petiole near the middle. The char-
acter of the nervation remains, however, the same. It is somewhat ob-
secured in the figure, from indistinctness of the specimen. But a larger,
finer leaf of the same species, has been more recently procured by Mr.
H. C. Towner, of Clay Center, Kansas, another of those proficient ex-
plorers whose researches have greatly increased the materials for the
elucidation of the Cretaceous flora. This leaf, preserved in its whole
is nearly round, with slightly undulate borders, and the nervation
is marked by three pairs of primary veins, on each side of the mid
rib, and under them by one pair of true marginal veinlets curving on
each side toward the borders. Comparing, therefore, this peltate leaf
with that of Pl. V, fig. 3, the position of the petiole is the only notable
difference. The peltate form of these round leaves might perhaps sug-
gest the fitness of some slight modification in the characters assigned
to the genus Pterospermites, in the Cret. Flora, p. 94, the leaves being
here rounded or subcordate at base. The difference is immaterial, and
is remarked even upon leaves of the same species of Menispermum of our
epoch. These round peltate leaves, for example, are so much like those
of living species of Cissampelos, that they rather prove the adaptation
of this generic division to all the Cretaceous leaves which I have referred
to it.
The Magnoliacee, an order of the same class, are equally numerously
and definitely represented in the North American Cretaceous flora in
about the same proportion as they are in that of Europe. Magnolia al-
ternans and M. Capellini have been described by Heer in his Phillites
du Nebraska; and since, these two species have been recognized over
332 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
the whole explored area of the Dakota group, as also in the lower stage
of the Cretaceous of New Jersey, and in the Upper Cretaceous of Green-
land. Two other species have been described from the Dakota group:
one, M. obovata, by Dr. Newberry, in his Ancient Floras; another, J.
tenuifolia, in Cret. lora. In Europe the leaves referable to this
genus are of a different type than ours, larger and more beautiful. Two
species—M. amplifolia and M. speciosa—are described by Heer in the
Flora of Moletin, there represented by leaves and fruits. Count Sa-
porta considers also as a Magnolia Phyllites plagiaus, Ung., of the flora of
Gosau.
To the same order belong Liriodendron, so easily recognized in the
peculiar form of its leaves. Its Cretaceous origin, or rather existence, is
marked in the Dakota group by a number of specific representatives
locally and distantly distributed. At least, though the first lot of Cre-
taceous specimens sent from Nebraska and Kansas for examination had
many fragments of the species described in Cretaceous Flora, I have
since received only a small leaf found in Kansas by Dr. Mudge, refera-
ble to L. Meekii. This genus is not as yet represented in the Cretaceous
floras of Europe, nor in that of Greenland.
To the class of the Columniferee, taking altogether the three orders,
Sterculie, Buttneriacew, and Pterosperme, are apparently referable the
forms described under the generic name of Protophyllum, as well as the
true Oredneria. The Sterculiacee are more distinctly represented by a
leaf described in this memoir as Sterculia cretacea. Though the nerva-
tion is obsolete, the mode of division of the leaf in equal linear diverg-
ing lobes is like that of species of this genus, which has also a well-de-
fined species in both stages of the Cretaceous of New Jersey. To tke
Tiliacee, the leaves described as Greviopsis Haydenii have an evident
affinity of characters.
The relation of Cretaceous species to the following and last classes of
the vegetable reign is not very clearly defined. To the Acerec is retera-
ble Negundoides acutifolius of the Cretaceous Flora. The leaf, however, as
seen from the figure and description, is too fragmentary for a satisfactory
determination of its characters. Acer antiquum is described by Htting-
hausen in his Cretaceous Flora of Niedersheena. But even from the
opinion of the author the reference is uncertain. The leaf rather resem-
bles a deformed form of Quercus or of Liriodendron. Heer has trom
the Upper Cretaceous of Greenland a Sapindus prodromus, represented
by one leaf only, which, however, has evidently the character of the
genus. To the Rhamni, the leaf described as Rhamnus tenax, in
Cretaceous Flora, is probably related, and this relation seems con-
firmed by the presence of Celastrophyllum and Ilex species in the
same formation. Count Saporta, however, considers this leaf as show-
ing more affinity. of form and nervation to Salix. To the Anacardie,
we have probably to refer as Rhus debeyana, that species described as
Populus and as Juglans, as seen in Cretaceous Flora, p. 110. I have not
obtained from the Dakota group any new materials comparable to this
form, especially common in Nebraska. But I have seen -a very fine
specimen got out of a deep tunnel in Oregon, presenting upon its sur-
face, with the details of nervation and areolation, some punctiform small
protuberances, apparently oily glands, like those remarked upon leaves
of the living Rhus aromatica and other species of this genus. A
species of Rhus is described from the Cretaceous of Greenland by
Heer, while considering historical authority, we have the same evidence
in favor of Juglans, by a species of this genus in the Cretaceous flora of
Moletin. Of the Rosifloree, we have from the Dakota group one leai and
LESQUEREUX.] ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 333
one fruit described as Prunus. Ihave recently received from M. Towner
a fruit of the same character upon a specimen bearing leaves of Aralia
Townert. The Myrtifiore, as well as the Leguminose present by a nun-
ber of species in the Greenland Cretaceous, have not been till now posi-
tively recognized from Kansas and Nebraska specimens. The few
groups not considered in this review have been remarked upon already
in the Cretaceous Flora, and the former views, in regard to the leaves
referred to them, have not been modified either by the remarks of Eu-
ropean authors or by the discovery of new materials.
§ 2. DESCRIPTION AND ENUMERATION OF GENERIC AND SPECIFIC
DIVISIONS.
With the descriptions of the new forms illustrated by the plates,
this part of the memoir contains an enumeration of all the species
established till now from the vegetable remains of the Dakota group,
with remarks suggested by the examination of the materials discovered
since the publication of the Cret. Flora*. In order to give to this
enumeration the value of a synopsis of this flora, I have added to the
specific names short descriptions, either copied in full or somewhat
modified from those of the same volume.
For the discovery and the communication of the new materials, all
coilected in Kansas, the thanks of paleontologists are due especially to
Messrs. Ch. Sternberg, of Fort Harker, H. C. Towner, of Clay Center,
and also to Prof. B. F. Mudge, of Manhattan.
CRY PTOGAMOUS.
THALLOPHYTES.
AZONARITES DIGITATUS, Brgt., Cret. Flor., p. 44, Pl. I, fig. 1.
Frond flat, membranaceous, dichotomous, branching in an acute angle of
Miveryence; divisions as broad or broader than the main axis, linear, entire,
obtuse, slightly enlarging upward.
The reference of this species to that described by Brongiart from the
Oolithe is contested especially by reason of difference in the geological
station.
FILICES.
LYGODIUM TRICHOMANOIDES, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 45, Pl. I, fig. 2.
Pinna linear, from the truncate base to the middle, enlarged and lobed
upward by the forking of the middle nerve; veins broadly oblique, distinct,
siinple or forking from the base.
HYMENOPHYLLUM CRETACEUM, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 45, Pl. I, figs. 3, 4.
Frond subcoriaceous, pinne linear oblong, pinnately divided into oblan-
ceolate or cuneiform oblique pinnules, decurring to the convex, slightly
winged rachis, more or less deeply bi-trilobate; lobes obtuse, simple-nerved.
This, like the former species and Sphenopteris corrugata, Newby., are
contestable on account of the deficiency of the specimens.
PECOPTERIS NEBRASKANA, Heer. Cret. Flor., p. 46, Pl. X XIX, fig 5.
Pinnee coriaceous, linear-lanceolate obtuse, alternately equally lobed ;
lobes more or less disjointed, turned outside, obtuse ; middle vein thin, wn
dulating ; divisions alternate, ascending to the borders. i
* Report of the United States Geological Survey of the Territories, by Dr. F. V. Hay-
den, vol. vi, Cretaceous Flora (1874).
334 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
GLEICHENIA KuRRIANA, Heer., Cret. Flor., p. 47, Pl. I, Figs 5-5°.
Frond pinnate ; pinne long, linear, pinnately equally lobed ; lobes nearly
ot right angle to the rachis separated to near the base ; medial nerve thick,
pinnately branchiug, veins forking at the middle.
GLEICHENIA NORDENSKIOLDI, Heer, Flor. Foss. Arct., p. 50, Tab. IX,
figs. 6-12.—PI. LL, fig. 5.-
Frond slender dichotomous, bi-polypinnate; ultimate pinne alternate,
rigid, open, linear, parallel; leaflets free, oblong obtuse, rounded at their
buse, inclined upward, coriaceous ; secondary veins few, three or four patrs,
the lower forking, the wpper simple.
This species is very distinct from the former, and the differences in
the characters easily seen even in our fragmentary specimens. In the
one figured here, the pinnules are separated to their base, and not mere
lobes as in the former; they are turned upward, and by the upper basilar
border they compress the rachis, which becomes evidently flexuous, in
our specimen, at least ; the veins, also, are more distant, or less divided.
The fructifications of this fine fern are marked upon the specimens of
Greenland by two large round sori on each side of the middle nerve,
near the base of the leaflets. There is no difference whatever in any
of the characters of the Kansas specimen with those of the Greenland
form. Even the undulation of the primary rachis distinctly remarked
in Tab. IX, fig. 7, of Heer’s flora, is equally distinct in the primary
rachis of the fragment figured here. This species has been observed on
specimens from the Lower Cretaceous of Greenland only, wherefrom
Professor Heer has described thirteen species of Gleichenia, while only
two were found in the specimens of the Upper Cretaceous of the same
country.
Hapirat.—Near Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
PHANOGAMOUS.
CYCADE A.
4
PTEROPHYLLUM (7?) HAYDENII, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 49, Pl. I, fig. 6, 6°.
Frond linear, simply pinnate ; rachis rugose, half an inch broad or more,
marked by circular dots in vertical rows, and regularly placed about half a
centimeter distant, apparently scars of the points of attachment of the
pinne; pinne (or leaves) entire, oblong, oval-obtuse, slightly arched on
the lower side, flat, attenuated at the round point of connection to the
rachis, regularly and narrowly striated lengthwise.
Of this peculiar organism, no other part has been discovered except
the fragment figured. Professor Heer regards it as unreferable to the
Cycadec, on account of extraordinary broad stem, and supposes that it
should rather be considered as a Conifer, of the section of the
Araucarites. This opinion seems confirmed by the presence upon the
same specimens of the cone described here below as Abietites Hrnestine,
both cone and branch being originally described as representing a
same species related to Pterophyllum Ernestine of Stiehler, described
from similar fragments in the Paleontographica.
CONIFERS.
ABIETITES ERNESTIN&, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., Pl. I, fig. 7.
Cone oblong, abruptly narrowed to a short pedicel, scales broad, truncate,
appressed and vmbricated.
LESQUEREUX.] | ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 335
SEQUOIA FORMOSA, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 50, Pl. I, figs. 9 and 9%.
Cone spindle-shaped, tapering upward from above the base and more
rapidly narrowed to a short petiole ; scales closely appressed and imnbri-
cated, rhomboidal, margined.
SEQUOIA REICHENBACHI?, Heer, Cret. Flor., p. 51, Pl. I, figs. 10, 10°.
Cone small, oblong, oval ; receptacles oval, pointed at both ends; foliaceous
scales crumpled, deeply embedded into the stone; seeds small, oval-oblong.
In comparing tbis cone to the figures given of the species by Professor
Heer in his Moletin flora, the reference was made especially to fig. 3 of
Pl. I. Professor Heer remarks rightly that there is no relation between
these cones of Moletin and the one of Nebraska, the former being much
larger and the scales therefore longer, and that though representing ap-
parently a species of Sequoia, the specific name should be left undeter-
mined until better specimens have been discovered.
SEQUOIA FASTIGIATA? Sternb., Heer, Mol. Flor. p. 11, Pl. I, figs. 10,
13.—PI. ILI, figs. 2 and 8.
Branches erect, slender ; branchlets filiform, fastigiate, crowded ; leaves
loosely imbricated, short, decurrent at the base, broadly lanceolate, acumi-
nate, subfaleate, or more or less curved upward ; nerved.
We know of this species only what is seen in the small branch figured
-8 and 8°, for the cones of the same plate, fig. 2, though observed upon
specimens of the same locality, have not been found in connection with
the branches bearing leaves. The leaves appear of the same form and
characters as those represented by Heer in his Moletin Flora, loc. cit., and
as those from the Greenland Upper Cretaceous flora by the same
author, p. 102, Pl. XX VII, figs. 5 and 6, merely differing by the presence
of a middle nerve recognizable upon the specimens of Kansas, and which
is not seen upon the leaves of Greenland and Europe. This mode of
division of the branches is the same, and in comparing the cones of our
fig. 2 with those figured by Heer from both Greenland and Moletin
specimens, the likeness appears very great indeed. As the leaves of
this species are very variable in size and the middle nerve generally
perceivable with great difficulty, I am not disposed to separate it from
the only difference of the more distinct middle nerve of the leaves, and
I consider it as very probably the same as that of Moletin. Heer re-
marks a character also recognizable upon the fragment from Kansas,
viz, the difference of the size of the leaves upon different parts of the
branches.
HABITaT.—Kansas, Clay Center, H. C. Towner.
SEQUOIA CONDITA, sp. nov., Pl. IV, figs. 5-7.
Branches rigid, pinnately divided ; branchlets slender, filiform, open or
oblique; leaves either short, oblong pointed narrowed to the decurring base,
appressed to the stem, or longer, subulate acuminate, open and slightly fal-
cate, nerveless ; cone small, oval-oblong, scales rhomboidal, acutely mam-
millate.
After briefly describing this species Sp the Bulletin No. 5, second
series of the Geological Survey of the Territories, I received from Clay
Center a number of fragmentary specimens satisfactorily showing its
various characters. They prove that the fragment, Pl. IV, fig. Ce
which I had considered as representing a different species, and deser ibed
as doubtfully referable to Sequoia subulate, Heer, of the Greenland
Cretaceous flora, belongs to the same species as the fragment, fig. 5.
336 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
In this one, the leaves closely appressed to the stem, either imbricated
or distant, two millimeters long, one millimeter broad in the broadest
part above the middle, have an oblong, elongated rhomboidal form, with
a short, acute point, and gradually taper from above the middle to the
decurrent base. In other specimens they are, as in fig. 7, linear, acu-
minate, or subulate, four to five millimeters long, less than one millimeter
broad, decurring at the base, more generally half open and straight,
sometimes, however, slightly falcate. Passing downward upon the
same branches, these leaves become shorter, more closely appressed to
the stem, the point only being turned outside, and they then are similar
to those of the enlarged fig. 5, differing merely by the size. A num-
ber of fragments of cones, also, one of ‘them preserved nearly whole,
and still attached to a branch, prove that fig. 6 represents rather al
unopened young. fruiting catkin of the same species than a male one,
as [ supposed at first. The ripe cone is fourteen millimeters long, five
millimeters broad, cylindrical-oval, with scales deeply impressed into
the stone, and the apophyses three to four millimeters broad and nearly
as long, rhomboidal in outline, acutely narrowed on both sides, bearing
in the middle or a little above a pointed (?) mammilla, marked by a small
hole in the stone. Another cone, cut in its length exposes the thick,
smooth (not crumpled) foliaceous appendages, and the receptacles of
the seeds, which are large and similar to those of the cone described in
Cret. Flora, Tab. I, Fig. 10 and 10°, as Sequoia reichenbachi. Indeed,
the form of the opened cone is the same; this last one appears only some-
what longer. All the fragments representing this species are, like the
cones, deeply impressed or molded into the stone, even the leaves,
which often penetrate it by their points. They appear thus of a thick
coriaceous consistence. Their outside surface is, of course, the only
-part whose impression is represented. It is half-round or slightly chan-
ueled; the inside surface, if exposed, could perhaps show a middle nerve.
This species is distantly related to Sequoia fastigiata, Sternb., described
above, differing by the pinnate mode of division of the branches, the
form of the leaves, etc. The fragment, fig. 7, has a likeness to the one
represented by Heer in his Flor. Foss, Arct. IIL, Pl XXVII, fig. 9°, as
Sequoia rigida, a species, however, far different by the visible nerve of
its leaves and by the large size of its cones.
HABrratT.—Fort Harker and Clay Center, Chs. Sternber: g, H. C.
Towner.
PINUS QUENSTEDTI, Heer, Moletin Flora, p. 13, Pl. LI, figs. 5-9, and
Pab. LII—Pt. LI, figs. 6, 7.
Leaves by five, very long and slender, linear, deeply nerved, the base in-
closed in o long cylindrical sheath; cones cylindrical, very long, scales with a
broadly rhomboidal shield (apophi yse) acute on the sides, 2 manmillate im the
center.
The specimens representing this species are numerous, but all
more or less fragmentary. The attachment of the base of the leaves by
five is more or less distinctly marked by the long sheaths forming deep —
holes into the stone, the oritice of which has remains of leaves ;. these
are very numerous, always seen by their deep impressions, half cylin-
drical on the back, channeled and deeply nerved on the inside, as
marked in the enlor wed figure 77. The length of these leaves is not rec-
ognizable from our specimens, which have mere fragments, five to eight
centimeters long; but Prof. Heer, who had complete splendid speci-
mens for his description, gives the measure at twenty centimeters;
their width being scarcely one millimeter. The cylindrical cone is
LESQUBREUX.] ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 337
twenty-two millimeters broad, gradually tapering to the base, and from
what is seen from large stones perforated by its impressions, its length
was at least fifteen centimeters. Most of the specimens whereupon it
is represented show it curved or paltate. It is the only difference
remarked in comparing it to the cones, represented by Heer, from the
Moletin flora, and which are straight. In the flora of Gelinden, by
Saporta aud Marion, the authors remark, p. 19, that this species does
not differ in any character from the living Mexican Species, with qui-
nate leaves, which now compose the section of the Pseudo-strobus.
Hapirat.—Mostly and more generally found near Fort Harker, by
Chs. Sternberg ; some leaves are mixed with the specimen of the former
species sent by H. C. Towner from near Clay Center.
GLYPTOSTROBUS GRACILLIMUS, EST Cret. Flor. p. 52, Pl. I, figs. 8,
‘-11.
Branches fastigiate, very slender, thread-like, much divided; leaves
imbricate, appressed, embracing the base, linear-lanceolate, more or less
abruptly pointed; cone narrow, cylindrical.
No new specimens of this remarkably fine species of Conifers has been
found; its reference is therefore still uncertain. J consider it, from the
affinity of its characters to those of Frenelites reichti of Ettinghausen, as
identical with this species. Butits trne relation, even if identity was
positive, is not the better ascertained for that. Schimper admits* this
Frenelites as a synonym of Sequoia fastigiata, Sternb. The presence of
both these species in the Cretaceous of Kansas would perhaps give to
this opinion a kind of authority. But it seems contradicted by tne great
difference in the appreciable characters of these remains as far as they
are known. We can, however, say nothing in regard to the affinity ot
this Glyptostrobus or "Frenelites, as long as its cones are unknown. If
the scales found in connection ‘with the branchlets and figured in Cret.
Flor. Pl. I, fig. 8 (enlarged), belong to it, they rather resemble those of
the cones of “Sequoia condita, which, however, are longer, narrower, and
of a different type than those of S. fastigiata.
INOLEPIS? species. Pl. IV, fig. 8.
Cone or fruit globular, jfive-costate, attached to a branch mixed with un-
determinable remains of conifers.
The specimen is distinctly represented in the figure ; it shows the
deep semi-globular impression of an apparently unopened fruit, marked
in the length by five obtuse cost or narrow ribs coming together, and
disappearing below the top. ‘The other fragments attached to the stem
above this impression appear like the scales of an opened cone or fruit
of the same species. I tind nothing to which this can be compared but
the cross-section of a cone of Inolepis imbricata, Heer., Flor. Foss. Arct.,
Pl. VXI, fig. 16, supposing that the impression of our specimen repre-
sents the outside surface of a cone of this kind deprived ofits scales. This
affinity is indeed a distant one, and the comparison is acceptable merely —
on account of the connection of this vegetable organism with a mass of
decayed and broken remains of Conifers.
PHYLLOCLADUS SUBINTEGRIFOLIUS, Lesqx., Cret. Blor., p. 54, Pl. I, fig.
—Tab. IL, fig. 4
Leaf coriaceous, Pee tapering a below the middle to a short
thick petiole; undulate toward the top and abruptly rounded ; middle nerve
* Paleontologie Vegetable, vol. ii, p. 316.
22 I
338 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
narrow and scarcely distinct except near the base where it becomes inflated;
lateral veins close and thin, a few of them more prominent and thicker, all
running to the borders in an acute angle of divergence and nearly straight.
The fragment figured here is the second specimen of a leaf of this
kind observed in the Cretaceous. Its relation seems authorized.
MONOCOTYLEDONUS.
GLUMACE A.
PHRAGMITES CRETACEOUS, Lesqx., Cret. Fl, p. 55, Pl. I, figs. 13 and
14; Pl. XXIX, fig. 7.
Leaves and culms of various size, the leaves gradually narrowed to an
obtuse point, doubly veined ; primary veins thickish or inflated by the epi-
dermis, under which only the intermediate secondary veins, three or four,
may be discernable.
The reference of the fragment of stem and the knot, Pl. I, figs. 13 and
14, and of the leaf, Pl. X XIX, fig. 7, of the Cret. Flor., has been contested
as very uncertain. The exactness of the determination, however, is
rendered probable, at least, by the presence of fragments of the same
kind in the Upper Cretaceous of Greenland, and described by Heer, loe.
cit., p. 104, Pl. XXVIII, figs. 8, 11, as Arundo grenlandica. The leaf, fig.
11, and its point, fig. 11°, have the same form as that of our fig. 7. Ihave
more recently still received a number of fragments of small culms, one to
one and a half centimeters, representing still more clearly the characters
of the species. The distance between the primary veins is variable.
DIOSCORE Ai.
DIOSCOREA? CRETACEA, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 56, Pl. XXVIII, fig. 10.
Leaf coriaceous, entire, nearly round, slightly emarginate at the potat,
broader than long, rounded or truncate at the base; veins apparently all
from near the base, the outside ones curving parallel to the borders and
sparingly branching ; the other parallel to each others, simple, curving in
the same way in ascending, connected in the upper part by arched nervilles,
- the inner ones acrodrome.
PALMA.
FLABELLARIA? MINIMA, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 56, Pl. XXX, fig. 12.
Rays narrow, splitting in lacinie ; veins prominent, parallel; intermediate
space concave, marked by indistinct veinlets parallel to the primary veins.
The reference of these small fragments to the Palm family is gen-
erally contested.
DICOTYLEDONOUS. APETALE.,
ITEOIDE 4.
LIQUIDAMBAR INTEGRIFOLIUM, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 56, Pl. IL, figs.
1-3; Pl. XXIV, fig. 2.
Leaves coriaceous, variable in size, deeply five-palmately lobed ; divisions
ovate lanceolate, obtusely pointed, entire, separated by obtuse sinuses ; infe-
rior lateral lobes in right angle to the midrib ; nervation camptodrome.
LESQUEREUS. ] ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 339
POPULITES LANCASTRIENSIS, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 58, Pl. III, fig. 1.
Leaf large, coriaceous, broadly cordate, apparently pointed, entire or with
slightly undulate borders ; nervation pinnate, subcamptodrome.
According to Schimper, this species is a true Populus.
POPULITES ELEGANS, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 59, Pl. III, fig. 3.
Leaves broadly oval or nearly round, narrowed by an abrupt curve to @
long, slender petiole ; borders entire, undulate ; nervation pinnate, subcamp-
todrome, the lower primary veins joining the middle nerve a little above the
border-base of the leaf.
SALIX PROTEZFOLIA, Lesqx., Cret. Flor. p. 60, Pl. V, figs. 1-4.
Leaves lanceolate, gradually tapering to an obtuse point, largest at or
more generally below the middle, narrowed toa short petiole ; coriaceous,
surface polished.
AMENTACE Zs.
BETULA BEATRICIANA, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 61, Pl. V, fig. 5; Pl. XXX,
fig. 4.
Leaves small, rhomboidal-obovate in outline, cuneiform from the middle to
the petiole, rapidly tapering from above the middle to a point, simply dentate
in the upper part, entire to the base ; nervation pinnate, craspedodrome.
In his critical notes, Count Saporta says that these leaves might be,
perhaps, detached leaflets of some species of Cissus or Araliopsis, the
presence of Betula leaves being improbable in the Cretaceous.
MYRICA OBTUSA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 63, Pl. X XIX, fig. 10.
Leaf thick, coriaceous, shining, linear, obtuse, entire; medial nerve thick ;
secondary veins thin, nearly at a right angle to the middle nerve, curving
near and along the border in marginal festoons, anastomosing, from the mid-
dle or above, with the branches of intermediate short veinlets.
MYRICA CRETACEA, sp. nov. PI. III, fig. 4.
Leaf linear lanceolate long (point broken), gradually narrowed to a thick
petiole; minutely denticulate on the borders, secondary veins parallel, dis-
tant, at an acute angle of divergence from the flat broad middle nerve, camp-
todrome; tertiary veins short, anastomosing with branches of the second-
ary ones.
The figure shows the only fragment known of this species. The sub-
stance of the leaves is subcoriaceous, rather thick, the surface smooth
or polished; the borders, slightly reflexed, minutely denticulate,
evidently so, but not quite as deeply as marked upon the figure;
from the broad middle nerve, the secondary veins, irregular in distance
and branching, ascend, in an acute angle ot divergence, about 30° to near
the borders, which they closely follow by ramifications. The areolation
is not distinguishable. .
The leaf is comparable to Myrica (Dryandroides) Zenkeri, Ett., Kreide
Flora von Neidershoena, p. 23, Pl. III, figs. 1, 3, 11, which is also publish-
ed by Heer from Greenland, in the Arct. Flora. Though our leaf is
larger and the denticulation of the borders of a different character,
in right angle to the borders not as pointed and turned upward as in
the European species, these differences might be merely local and the
species identical. A close comparison is not possible, from the absence
of the characters of the secondary nervation, on the specimens of
Europe and of Greenland. EHttinghausen, however, remarks that the
teeth of the borders are minute and acute, or slightly obtuse and close, as
340 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
in our leaf, but adds that the secondary veins are very slender (tenu-
assimi), while in ours they are thick and distinct.
Hapsrrat.—Near Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
MyRICA SEMINA, Cret. Flora, p. 63, Pl. XXVII, figs. 4 & 4°.
Seeds obovate, a l ittle more than two millimeters in the upper part, poinicd
at the other side, bordered by a narrow margin.
CUPULIVIER A.
DRYOPHYLLUM (QUERCUS) LATIFOLIUM, spec. nov. Pl. VI, fig. 1.
Leaf large, oval, obtuse at the top and base, sinuate or obtusely dentate ;
lateral veins on an acute angle of divergence, str raight to the borders, branch-
ing once or twice.
This fine leaf is coriaceous, twelve centimeters long, nine centimeters
wide below the middle, its broadest part, obtuse at the point and base,
deeply undulate, or, rather, obtusely dentate at least in its upper part.
The nervation is thick, the secondary veins pass up at an angle of diver-
gence of 50° to the borders, and enter the teeth, while the upper division
or veinlets pass under the sinuses and follow the borders, a marked
character of the species of this section; the nervilles are distinct though
thin, in right angle to the secondary veins, distant and disconnected ; the
ultimate areolation is obsolete. The leaf resembles somewhat by its
form Quercus Olafseni, Heer, of the Flora Arctica.
Hapirat.—Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
DRYOPHYLLUM (QUERCUS) PRIMORDIALE, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 64,
Pl. V, fig. 7.
Leaf subcoriaceous, narrowly ovate-lanceolate, equally gradually tapering |
from the middle upward to a point and downward to a short petiole, sharply
equally dentate; nervation pinnate, simple, craspedodrome.
DRYOPHYLLUM (QUERCUS) SALICIFOLIUM, sp. nov., Pl. VIII, fig. 2.
Leaf linear lanceolate, rounded to the base; borders acutely denticulate,
with small tecth turned outward in the lower part, upward in the upper part,
lateral veins numerous, parallel, subeamptodrome.
The fragment represents a slightly faleate leaf, rather membranaceous
than coriaceous, with a narrow middle nerve and close parallel second-
ary veins, most of them ascending to the teeth and passing under the
sinuses by an upper branch, or some of them curving along the border
and reaching the teeth by a small division. The areolation is not dis-
tinct; only in the upper part of the leaf the nervilles, in right angle to
the veins, appear ramified in the same way, ending in square or polygo-
nal areole.
This species is comparable, and, indeed, eae related to Dryophyllum
lineare, Sap., Sezane flora, p. 350, Pl. IV, fig. 6
HABITAT. ” Near the San J uan River, at | a higher Cretaceous station
than the Dakota group, Southwest Colorado, W. H. Holmes.
QUERCUS HEXAGONA, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 64, Pl. V, fig. 8.
Leaf rhomboidal ovate, tapering from above the middle to an acute point,
narrowed, wedge-form to the petiole, irregularly broadly dentate in the upper
part only, nervation pinnate, simple craspedodrome.
QUERCUS? ELLSWORTHIANA. Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 65, Pl. VI, fig. 7
Leaf subcoriaceous, oblong oval, point broken, narrowed in a curve to the
base; borders undulate; nervation pinnate, camptodrome.
The relation of this fragment is as yet uncertain.
ee a ee ee
LESQUEREUX.] ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. eee
QUERCUS? PORANOIDES, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 66, Pl. XXX, fig. 9.
Leaf broadly oval or nearly round, point.broken, truncate at the base, wi-
dulate on the borders, middle nerve thick, lateral veins thin, subopposite, at
an open angle of divergence, curving to and along the borders, camptodrome.
The reference of this fragment is as uncertain as that of the former.
FAGUS POLYCLADA, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 67, Pl. V, fig. 6.
Leaf ovate, oblong, cuneate to the base, short petioled; borders entire,
undulate; middle nerve straight, secondary veins close, numerous, simple,
parallel and craspedodrome.
PLATANEZS.
PLATANUS OBTUSI LOBA, Lergx., Cret. Flor., p. 69, Pl. VII, figs. 3, 4.
Leaves small, not thick, palmately irregularly trilobate; lobes obtuse, short
with regularly undulate borders, nervation 3 to 5 palmate from a distance
_ above the base of the long petioled leaf.
PLATANUS PRIMA@RA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 69, Pl. VII, fig. 2, and Pl.
XXVI, fig. 2.
Leaves large, coriaceous, palmately trilobate, with short, scarcely dis-
tinct lateral lobes, broadly deltoid, deeply, distantly dentate to the point ;
nervation three palmate, coarse, platanoidal.
PLATANUS HEERH, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 70, Pl. VIII, fig. 4, and PI.
IX, figs. 1 and 2.
Leaves round or broadly rhomboidal in outline, palmately three obscurely
lobed; lobes short, obtuse ; borders entire or undulate broadly wedge-form
at base and more or less decurrent to the short petiole.
We have of this fine species a specimen representing a small leaf
nearly entire on the border and with the trilobate form scarcely defined.
The supposition that these leaves could be referable to Credneria is
contradicted by the short petiole, besides the other differences indicated
in the introduction.
PLATANUS NEWBERRIANA, Heer, Cret. Flora, p. 72, Pl. VII, figs. 2, 3;
Pls Xe) fie. 3.
Leaves of medium size, thickish, palmately three-lobed, cither tapering
to a point from the lateral lobes upward, or without lobes and ovate ; taper-
pointed, broadly cuneate to the base, equally dentate ; nervation trifid from a
little above the base ; secondary veins close, numerous.
PLATANUS DIMINUTIVA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 73, Pl. VIII, fig. 5.
Leaf small, thick, half round from the middle to the base, narrowed to an
obtuse. point ; borders entire, undulate ; nervation trifid from above the
base ; nerves thick and irregularly inflated.
As remarked already, this may be a diseased leaf of one of the for-
mer species.
URTICINEA. MORE.
Ficus HALLIANA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 68, P]. XXVIII, figs. 3 and 9.
Leaves subcoriaceous, very entire petioled, broadly lanceolate, gradually
narrowed to a long acumen, more rapidly narrowed and rounded to the
petiole, nervation pinnate; lateral veins close, straight on an acute angle
of divergence, parallel, numerous.
342 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
FIcUS LAUROPHYLLUM, sp. nov. Pl. V, fig. 7.
Laurophyllum reticulatum, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 76, Pl. XV, figs. 4,5.
Leaves coriaceous, entire narrowly lanceolate acuminate, gradually taper
ing to a short, thick petiole; nervation pinnate, middle nerve thick, grooved,
secondary veins close, open.
A large number of specimens have been obtained of this fine spe-
cies. Though generally more or less fragmentary, they indicate, by
comparison, the essential characters of the leaves. They vary in size
from one and one-half to four and one-half centimeters broad in the
middle, and from ten to eighteen centimeters long. Their form is like
that of Pl. V, fig, 7, of this memoir, which is an exact likeness of the
only leaf seen preserved in its whole. The secondary veins are always
open, nearly at a right angle to the very thick, broad, and grooved or
rather channeled middle nerve. The areolation is by fibrille at
right angle to the secondary and intermediate tertiary veins, forming
irregular quadrate or polygonal loose meshes. ‘The secondary veins
curve along the borders, and, connecting with those above, form a kind
of margin, very undistinct, however, to the leaves. These characters of
nervation and areolation more evidently refer this species to the Ficus
than to any division of the Lawrinee. They are the same as in the
leaves described as Ficus protogec, Weer, in Flora Arct. II, p. 108, PI.
XXX, figs. 1-8 of the Upper Cretaceous of Greenland. Some living
species, especially of Cuba, have the same type of nervation and areo-
lation. The relation of these leaves is also marked to species of Nerium.
FICUS DISTORTA, Sp. nov., Pl. V, fig. 5.
Leaf coriaceous, entire, obovate, unequilateral, pointed or acuminate,
apparently gradually narrowed to the base (broken); nervation pinnate,
secondary veins thick, parallel, equidistant camptodrome; nervilles in right
angle to the veins, areolation irregularly quadrate or polygonal.
This fragment as figured here is the only one seen of this species, and it
is not sufficient to positively indicate the relation of the species to Micus ;
the unequilateral shape of the leaf, its nervation and areolation seem to
authorize its reference to this genus.
HapitatT.—Near Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
LAURINE.
Laurus Nebrascensis, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 74, Pl. X, fig. 1, Pl. XXVIII,
fig. 14.
Leaves thick, coriaceous, elliptical oblong or narrowly lanceolate, obtusely
pornted, tapering downward to a short, thick petiole; middie nerve thick,
half round; secondary veins alternate, at an acute angle of divergence, camp-
todrome.
LAURUS MACROCARPA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 74, Pl. X, fig. 2.
Fruit round, oval; nut surrounded by a thick pericarp; pedicel club-
shaped.
The fruit may belong to the species represented by the leaves of
Laurus Nebrascensis.
LAURUS PROTEZFOLIA, sp. nov., Pl. V, figs. 1 and 2.
Leaves subcoriaceous, broadly lanceolate, gradually narrowed from below
the middle into a long acumen, more rapidly narrowed to the base ; middle
nerve narrowly grooved and comparatively narrow; lateral veins oblique, slen-
der, curving to and along the borders, parallel, except the lower pair, which
as more oblique and ascends higher. -
LESQUEREUX.] ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 343
These leaves, of which we have a number of specimens, the two best
ones figured here, vary.in size from two to three and one-half centime-
ters broad in the widest part, far below the middle, and twelve to six-
teen centimeters long. By their shape, the long narrowly tapering and
slightly faleate acumen, they closely resemble Proteoides daphnogenoides,
Heer, as represented in Cret. Flora, Pl. XV, figs. 1 and 2, differing,
however, by the broader middle nerve and the distinct, equidistant and
parallel secondary veins. These, at an acute angle of divergence of
ubout thirty degrees, are somewhat curved in passing toward the bor-
ders, where they become effaced ; the lower pair is at a more acute angle
of divergence and ascends higher in following the borders; tbe areola-
tion is obsolete, the surface appearing punctulate or closely dotted by
small convex areolz, like the leaves of some species Laurus or Persea.
Hapiratr.—Near Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
PERSEA LECONTEANA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 75, Pl. XXVIII, fig. 1.
Leaf large, oblong-ovate, lanceolate pointed ; borders undulate, nervation
pinnate ; lower secondary veins distant, at a more acute angle of divergence,
curving near the borders and ascending te the middle of the leaves ; upper
veins shorter, parallel.
The character of the nervation is the same as in the former species.
The relation of this leaf is, however, contested, on account of its size
and shape, which seem more like those of a Magnolia.
PERSEA STERNBERGII Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 76, Pl. VII, fig. 1.
Leaf large, thick, coriaceous, entire, broadly oblong, oval, or obcvaie,
obtusely pointed ? (point broken), gradually narrowed in a curve to the base ;
nervation pinnate, very distinct, camptodrome.
DAPHNOGENE CRETACEA, Sp. DOV.
Cinnamomum Scheuchzeri, Heer, Cret. Flora, Pl. XXX, figs. 2, 3.
Leaves coriaceous, polished on the upper surface, elliptical or ovate-lanceo-
late, pointed, narrowed to a short petiole ; slightly undulate on the Lorders,
and triple-nerved from a distance above the base; middle nerve and lateral
veins thick, the lower primary ones ascending along the borders as high as
the lower secondary veins, which they join by ramifications.
To Professor Heer, the reference of these leaves to Cinnamomum
Schenchzeri seems very hazarded, for though the form of the leaves is
mucb the same, the middle nerve is too thick for that species, especially
toward the point. Count Saporta is also of the opinion that the presence _
ot C. Scheuchzeri in the Cretaceous is very improbable, as this species in
Europe is essentially of the Upper Miccene. I have accordingly changed
the name of this species, which, though positively referable to the
Laurinee, is as yet uncertain in its relation. The genus Daphnogene,
Ung., less definitely limited, is appropriate for leaves of this kind, to
which the following species is also referred. These two leaves are dis-
tantly related to Cinnamomum Mississippiense of the lignitic.
DAPHNOGENE HEERII.
Cinnamomum Heerii, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 84, Pl. XXVIII, fig. 11.
Leaf thickish, subcoriaceous, entire, ovate, taper-pointed, rounded at the
base, three-nerved ; lateral veins ascending higher than the middle of the
leaf, branching outside.
OREODAPHNE CRETACEA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 84, Pl. XXX, fig. 5.
_ Leaf coriaceous, elliptical, gradually curving to an obtuse point, narrowed
am about the same degree to the base ; middle nerve thick, secondary veins
thick and opposite, three or four pairs, inflated at the axils.
344 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
SASSAFRAS.
The remarks in the introduction expose the opinions of paleontologists
and the discussion upon the species referred to this generic division
from the specimens of the Dakota group. They prove that, though the
number of these leaves is very large, their generic reference is still very
uncertain. Leaving aside for the present the task of deciding on the
evidence in regard to the degree of their relation to Sassafras or Aralia,
I shall here describe them provisionally under the generic name of Sas-
safras and Sassafras (Araliopsis), placing this group altogether at the
end of the Laurinee until we get some more positive information on the
subject.
SASSAFRAS MUDGEI, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 78, Pl. XIV, figs. 3, 4; Pl.
XXX, fig. 7.
Leaves proportionally long ; primary nerves narrow, at an acute angle of
divergence ; middle lobe twice as long as the lateral one; all ovate-lanceo-
late obtusely pointed ; base of the leaves narrowed, acutely cuneate to the
petiole ; surface of the leaves polished.
SASSAFRAS ACUTILOBUM, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 79, Pl. XIV, figs. 1, 2.
Leaves subcoriaceous, of the same consistence as the former species; lat-
eral lobes lanceolate, sharply pointed, entire, middle lobe twice as long as
the lateral ones, which diverge nearly at right angle; base of the leaves
narrow and tapering.
The leaves of this and the former division are rare among the speci-
mens furnished tome. This so-called species is perhaps a variety of
the former. Both were found at the same locality.
SASSAFRAS (ARALIOPSIS) CRETACEUM, Newby., Cret. Flora, p. 80,
Pi. XII, fig. 2.
Leaves comparatively of small size, with diverging, obtusely pointed, short
lobes, enlarged toward the broad sinuses ; broadly cuneiform, and decur-
ring to the rachis, long petioled ; border entire.
VAR. DENTATUM, Cret. Flora, Pl. XJ, figs. 1, 2.
Differs by the lobes more or less aalaie on the borders, and the secondary
veins subcamptodrome or mixed.
SASSAFRAS (ARALIOPSIS) CRETACEUM OBTUSUM, Lesqx., Cret. Flora,
p. 80, Pl. XII, fig. 3, Pl. XIII, fig. 1.
- Leaves of various size, some of them very large, with short obtuse entire
lobes, the lateral diverging in an obtuse angle and the nervation coarse and
very deep.
From a number of specimens examined, this form appears truly dis-
tinct by its peculiarly broad nervation. Even in the smallest leaves the
primary nerves are twice as thick as in the leaves described as Sassafras
cretaceum. This character is well marked upon fig. 3 of Pl. XIL espe-
cially. It cannot be considered as a modification resulting from the
different face of the leaves preserved by the specimens, as some of these
in the collection are double specimens, representing both faces, where
the same difference is distinctly remarked. I have also not seep any
leaves of this coarse nervation with dental borders; the lobes are always
entire. To this division are referable some leaves evidently of the same
type, but entire, or not lobed. One of them has been described in Cre-
taceous Flora as Sassafras? subinteyrifolium, p. 82, Pl. III, fig. 5, which
is apparently abnormal or distorted by compression. A number of better
specimens represent leaves of this kind nearly entire or broadly oval, with
one obscure lobe on one side, or none, and the deep, coarse, broad nerva-
LESQUEREUX.] ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 345
tion which is a character of this so-called variety. I will further remark
that specimens of both the entire and trilobate leaves were found at
the same locality.
SASSAFRAS (ARALIOPSIS) MIRABILE, Lesqx., p. 80, Pl. XII, fig. 1.
Leaves thick, coriaceous, large ; lobes broad and short, the lateral ones on
a broad angle of divergence, with borders dentate or deeply, undulately lobed ;
secondary veins mostly craspedodrome.
A remarkable modification of the character of this species is observed
upon a fine leaf still much larger than the one figured in the Cretaceous
Flora. It is twenty centimeters broad between the points of the lower
lateral lobes; about, fifteen centimeters long from the top of the petiole
(lower part of the leaf destroyed), divided by the forking of the lateral
primary veins in five equal aud equally sinuate dentate lobes, with the
same character of nervation as in the normal form. The lobes also are
of equal length and width ; the middle one fifty-seven millimeters broad
and scarcely sixty millimeters long, with the lower secondary veins
camptodrome and the upper ones craspedodrome, and entering the teeth.
As l have remarked it already, this subdivision in four lobes tends to
show the reference of those large leaves to Aralia rather than to
Sassafras. But it may be also an exposition of that disposition to poly-
morphy so remarkably evident in the leaves of our living Sassafras offi-
cinale. As these generally tripalmate leaves pass to an entire oval shape
sometimes, they subdivide more or less in the same way. One of the
largest specimens of 8. mirabile, lately received from Mr. Towner, of
Clay Center, Kansas, has one of the lateral primary nerves twice as
thick as the other, and its base is higher. One of its lobes is, therefore,
much longer, fifteen and one-half centimeters, while the other is only ten.
SASSAFRAS, (ARALIOPSIS,) RECURVATA.
PLATANUS RECURVATA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 71, Pl. X, figs. 3-5.
Leaves three to five palmately lobed ; lobes nearly equal in length, the mid-
dle one broader, lateral nerves curving downward, simple or forking above
the base; borders of the lobes entire or sparingly coarsely dentate.
This form is still more uncertain, and, so to say, transient in its char-
acters. By the decurrent base of the leaves descending to the petiole,
lower than the point of union of the primary veins and also by the trilo-
bate division, it is a Sassafras. The irregularity, however, ot the lobes, ©
the nervation and the double divisions in lobes or teeth refer it to Pla-
tanus ; the tendency to become five-lobate by the forking of the lateral
nerves is a character of the Araliacew. This disposition to a subdivis-
ion or multiplication of lobes is seen in fig. 3, where the lower branches,
though thick, do not diverge widely enough for modifying the borders
ot the leaf, but are curved inward and join the secondary veins at the
base of the lobes; but in fig. 4, which represents a fragment only, the
subdivision in five lobes is evident. It is still more marked upon a leaf
recently found and figured by Mr. H.C. Towner. In this one the cuneate
base of the leat descends far down, two and one-half centimeters lower
than the point of union of the primary nerve; the lateral ones divide
in two branches from below the middle, and curving backward they form
well-defined ovate pointed short lobes, and thus a palmately five-lobed
leat of the Aralia type. This leaf, without the petiole, which is broken,
is twelve centimeters long, and as wide between the points of the lowest
lateral lobes, which are only oue and one-half centimeters long ; the oth-
ers, as also the middle one, are three centimeters long and about as
wide, being half round, cuspidate, and separated by narrow obtuse si-
nuses,
346 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
PROTHACEA.
LoMATIA? SAPORTANEA.
TODEA? SAPORTANEA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 48, Pl. X XIX, figs. dee
Pl. VI, fig. 2 (enlarged).
Leaves coriaceous, pinnately laciniate; divisions entire, narrowly lan-
ceolate, pointed, connected by the decurring base, which forms a more or less
broad and nerved wing to the rachis ; primary veins thick, ascending to the
point ; secondary veins distinct, at an acute angle of divergence, close, par-
allel, curving up in passing to the borders and following them in simple fes-
toons; 3 areolation mixed by tertiary veinlets and their branches in various
angles of divergence.
The fine specimens figured in the Cret. Flora, as quoted Dre repre-
sent the essential characters of the leaves; the branches parallel and
distichous? along the primary stems, a disposition similar to that of
the fronds of a number of species of large ferns by parallel open pinne.
The point or upper part of three of these dissected parallel leaves is -
represented in fig. 1; this division is by more or less distant segments,
which, opposite or alternate, are of various size, narrowly lanceolate
pointed, decurrent at the base, and thus connected by a wing along the
rachis. As seen at the base of the segments of the middle leaflet of
fig. 1, the wing along the borders is nerved like the divisions or leaflets.
The middle vein of these segments is thick; the secondary veins close,
parallel, turned up in passing to the borders, simple, but joined in vari-
ous directions by oblique nervilles, forming a mixed, angular, square,
or polygonal areolation. The nervation and areolation were exactly
copied for fig. 2 of Pl. VI of this memoir, but the wood-cut does not
expose it in its details. Some of the specimens show the upper part of
three parallel leaves whose tops are on aright line and more exactly
like the upper pinne of a fern than the specimen figured in the Cret.
Flora.
My first opinion in regard to the relation of these remarkably fine
vegetable remains was that they represented some kind of an old ex-
tinct type of Filices. I even supposed that, considering the peculiar
disposition of the leaflets and their nervation, we had here something
like a transient form between the ferns and plants of a higher order. The
sections of the leaves are similar to those of some species of fossil ferns,
Stenopteris desmomera, Sap.,* for example, which, from the remarks of the
author, is without relation to any living fern; also like the fragment
described by Debey and Ettinghausent under the generic name of Mon-
heimia, which not only have a similar division of leaves or pinne, but,
as seen in fig. 6, a nervation of an analogous character, the numerous
parallel secondary veins curving up along the borders, some of them
united by oblique veinlets. A mere sketch of one of my specimens sent
to Count Saporta gave him the same impression in regard to its refer-
ence to ferns. But the areolation was not represented upon it, and the
characters of the areolation especially remove the species to another
order of vegetables, the Proteacew. Indeed species of Lomatia have the
leaves pinnately laciniate, with the divisions alternate, decurring along
the middle nerve or rachis, and a nervation and areolation somewhat com-
parable to those of the fossil species. I have therefore abandoned the
first reference, and, following the opinion of the celebrated author from
* Plantes fossiles des lits de poissons de Cerin, by Count Saporta, p. 22, Pl. XIV.
t Urweltlichen Acrobryen, p. 33, Pl. IV, figs. 1-10.
LESQUEREUX. | ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 347
which this species is named, I have placed it with the Proteacew. Iam,
however, still uncertain in regard to the true relation of these rewarka-
ble remains. ‘There is, as said above, in the position and the subdivis-
ions of the leaflets a remarkakle affinity with those of some species of
ferns, and at the same time a discrepancy with what is remarked in the
segments of the leaves of Lomatia and other species of laciniate Pro-
teacee. In the fossil plant the decurrent base forming a wing of the
rachis, has the same character of nervation as the leaflets, while in the
basilar segments of the Proteacew the winged part is generaliy without
visible veins, or rather veined lengthwise. Moreover, there seems to be
a kind of anomaly in the presence of plants of the so called Australian
types in a vegetable group where the characters of the present American
fiora are so predominant, or in connection with species of Fagus, Lyrio-
dendron, Platanus, etc. The leaves described under the name of Prote-
oides are as yet not positively referable to the Proteaceae, their nervation
being still unknown; and thus we should have to admit this Lomatia ?
as the only representative of an Australian type among a large number
of forms of different affinities.
This species has been found originally in very fine specimens by Prof.
B. F. Mudge, in Southern Kansas. I have lately received a small frag-
ment only trom Mr. H. C. Towner, found near Clay Center, Kansas.
PROTEOIDES DAPHNOGENOIDES, Heer, Cret. Flora, p. 85, Pl. XV,
figs. 1, 2.
Leaves ovate-lanceolate toward the base, gradually tapering upward to a
long scythe-shaped acumen, entire, smooth and coriaceous; middle nerve
narrow ; secondary veins obsolete, few, ascending at a very acute angle from
the middle nerve and following the borders.
PROTEOIDES AcuTA, Heer, Cret. Flora, p. 86, Pl. XV, fig. 3;
Pl. XXVIII, fig. 13.
Leaves coriaceous, linear-lanceolate, narrowed to the base and gradually
so to a scythe-shaped point ; borders undulate ; middle nerve strong, sec-
ondary veins obsolete.
PROTEOIDES GREVILLE ZFORMIS, Heer, Cret. Flora, p. 86, Pl. XX VIII,
iene
Leaf coriaceous, small, enlarged above the base, linear-lanceolate, flecuous ;
borders entire ; middle nerve thick ; secondary veins alternate, thin, acro-
drome, ascending nearly parallel to the borders and slightly curving
inward.
EMBOTHRITES ? DAPHNEOIDES, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 87, Pl. XXX,
fig. 10.
Leaf coriaceous, polished, oblong, narrow, gradually narrowed downward
and decurrent to the enlarged middle nerve; borders slightly reflexed ; nerva-
tion pinnate ; lateral veins opposite, close, at a very acute angle of diver-
gence.
This fragment of leaf is of an uncertain attribution.
ASARINEA.
ARISTOLOCHITES DENTATA, Heer, Cret. Flora, p. 87, Pl. XXX, fig. 6.
Leaf nearly round, thickish, split from the base of the petiole to the
borders, undulate-crenate, three-nerved ; secondary veins curving and anas-
tomosing in large, oval, angular meshes.
348 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
GAMOPETALE A.
BICORNES.
ANDROMEDA PARLATORUL, Heer, Cret. Flora, p. 88,-P]. XXIII, figs. 6-7;
Pl. XXVIU, fig. 15.
Leaves lanceolate, narrowed to the base and decurring along the petiole by a
narrow border, entire; middle nerve thick; secondary veins at an acute
angle of divergence, parallel, camptodrome.
ANDROMEDA AFFINIS, sp. nov. PI. III, fig. 5.
_ Leaf thickish, narrowly lanceolate, narrowed to a long acumen, gradually
decreasing toward the base; borders entire; middle nerve comparatively
thick ; lateral veins close, parallel, subequidistant, in an acute angle of.
divergence ; areviation minute.
The leaf five and one-half centimeters long, eleven millimeters broad
in its widest part, the middle, is gradually equally narrowed down to
the petiole and up to a long narrow acumen, and entire; the secondary
veins are numerous, simple, at an angle of divergence of 30°, parallel,
rather obsolete, though thickish, scarcely curving in ascending close to
the borders, camptodrome; the areolation is in round or quadrate-polyg-
onal minute areole. It is closely allied to the former species, if not a
variety of it.
HABITAT.—Spring Cation, where it is mixed with fragmentary leaves
of Andromeda parlatorti ; the horizon of this locality is not geologically
determined, Dr. F. V. Hayden.
DIOSPYROS AMBIGUA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 89, Pl. VI, fig. 6.
Leaf coriaceous, narrowly oval, narrowed near the point into a short
slightly obtuse acumen; borders entire; nervation pinnate, camptodrome.
DIOSPYROS ROTUNDIFOLIA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. $9, Pl. XXX, fig. 1.
Leaf subcoriaceous entire, nearly round, pinnately nerved; secondary
veins parallel, camptodrome; surface undulate, polished.
POLYPETALE.
UMBELLIFLOR &.
ARALIA TRIPARTITA, spec. nov. Pl. I, fig. 1.
Leaf small, three palmately divided to two-thirds of its length; lobes
equal, linear obtuse, entire ; secondary nervation obsolete. .
The leaf is seven centimeters long, six centimeters wide between the
points of the lobes, which diverge in an angle of 25°; cuneate to the
base, which apparently descends a little lower than the point of union
of the primary veins, where it is broken; lobes four and one-half centi-
meters long, one centimeter broad, nearly exactly linear, abruptly
rounded at the point, with perfectly entire borders and obtuse sinuses ;
primary nerves thin but distinct, secondary veins totally obsolete. The
surface is smooth and the consistence of the leaf coriaceous.
This small leaf appears like an original simple representative of a type
of Aralia predominant in numerous diversified forms in the Dakota
group.
Hapsirat.—Near Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
LESQUEREUX.] ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. | 349
ARALIA CONCRETA, spec. nov. Pl. IV, figs. 2, 3,4. Cret. Flora, Pl.
XXIX, figs. 8, 9.
Leaves small, very thick, coriaceous, palmately five-lobed to below the
middle, cuneate and curving to the petiole; very entire; primary veins
three, from the top of the petiole or from a little above the border base of
the leaves, the lateral ones forking ; all thick, flat, and deep, preserving the
same size to the top of the pointed lobes.
These leaves vary in diameter from five and one-half centimeters
to eight, across the point of the lobes, not as long as broad; cuneate
to the thick petiole, which they reach by a more or less abrupt curve;
divided to below the middle in three to five equal oblong lanceo-
late-pointed or obtusely-pointed lobes, separated by narrow sinuses
and very entire. The primary veins are very thick and flat, the lateral
ones forking above the point of union, as it is the case in all the forms
of this type; the secondary nervation is totally obsolete, as in the
former species. This, however, differs from it, not only by the subdi-
vision in five lobes, but also by the remarkably broad middle nerve.
I had originally separated as a different species, the leaf, fig. 4, under
the name of Aralia semi-orbiculata, on account of its remarkable halt:
round base; of the difference of size of some of the lobes and of the
acute sinuses. As the primary nervation is the same and the secondary
one as obsolete as in the other leaves, the coriaceous consistence being
also a common character, I regard it as probably a mere variety. This
appears the morerational, as all these leaves come from the same locality.
HABITAT.—Clay Center, H. C. Towner.
ARALIA TOWNERI, spec. nov. PI. IV, fig. 1.
Leaves large, coriaceous with polished surface, five-lobed to below the mid-
dle; lobes oblong, obtuse, or obtusely pointed, entire; primary nerves three
JSrom the top of the petiole, the lateral ones forking above the base ; second-
ary veins on an open angle of divergence, camptodrome.
This fine leaf of which a part only is figured, is, as seen from another
Specimen, fifteen centimeters long, from the top of the petiole, and
twenty to twenty-four centimeters broad between the point of the lobes
which, descending much lower than the middle, are seven to ten centi-
meters long and three to three and one-half centimeters broad. The
primary nerves are comparatively narrow, not half as thick as in the
former species and gradually narrowing to the point; the form of the
lobe is oblong, the point slightly obtuse, the sinuses also obtuse. The
secondary veins, distant and on an open angle of divergence pass toward
the borders in curves and follow them in festoons, anastomosing by nery-
illes with those above; they are generally separated by tertiary shorter
veins, forming by their ramifications in more or less oblique directions
square or polygonal angular large meshes. Though the general out-
line and the division of these leaves are similar to those of the former
species, they evidently differ, »y narrow, primary veins, less coriaceous
substance, polished surface, and distinct areolation. The type is, how-
ever, the same.
HaBITAT.—Same as the former, H. C. Towner.
ARALIA QUINQUEPARTITA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 90, Pl. XV, fig. 6.
Leaves membranaceous, three-nerved from a distance above the base ; five-
lobed by the forking of the lateral primary nerves ; lobes oblong or obiance-
olate, somewhat narrowed downward, distantly dentate toward the point ;
base of the leaves deltoid cuneiform.
We have now of this species, described in the Cret. Flora from a mere
fragment, a far better specimen. It represents a leaf sixteen centime-
350 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
ters long from the point where the base joins the petiole to the top of a
large lateral lobe preserved in full; its base narrowed in a curve, and
decurrent. It is deeply divided in six narrow oblanceolate lobes nar-
rowed toward the sinuses, dentate from the middle upward, the lower
lateral ones nearly entire; the middle ones twelve centimeters long,
two centimeters broad in the middle, and only one centimeter near the
sinuses. The distance between the points of the external lobes is nine
to ten centimeters. The primary lateral nerve on one side forks twice
and therefore forms three divisions or lobes, while on the other side it
forks once only, and therefore has two divisions, and thus the leaf is
six-lobed, though the normal division of the leaves is by five. Though
thickish, they are of a rather membranaceous consistence and smooth.
The lateral veins, though obsolete, appear very thin, distributed about
as in the following species, but on a broader angle of divergence and
more curved in passing up to the borders. From the base of the lobes
downward no trace of nervation is observed.
Hapsrrat.—Near Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
ARALIA SAPORTANEA, sp. nov. PI. I, figs. 2 and 22.
Leaves palmately five-lobed to above the middle, narrowed in a curve or
broadly cuneate to a long, slender petiole, fan-shaped in outline; lobes of
different size, lanceolate, obtusely pointed, distantly dentate; nervation
craspedodrome.
The leaves are variable in size, from nine to eighteen centimeters long
without the petiole, and from nine to twenty centimeters broad between
the points of the external lobes; lobes lanceolate, gradually tapering to
an obtuse point, distantly obtusely dentate; the lateral ones gradually
shorter than the middle one, which, in the largest of our specimens, is
twelve centimeters long from the point to the obtuse sinuses; leaves
three-nerved from the base; lateral nerves forking once, and lateral
lobes oblique at an acute angle of divergence. The nervation and areo-
lation are perfectly distinct in all the specimens, and its characters
identical; the secondary veins, at an acute angle of divergence of thirty
degrees, curve in passing up to the borders, where they enter the teeth,
and are then craspedodrome, while the lower ones more generally follow
the entire border base of the lobes; the nervilles are strong, nearly
continuous, branching at right angle, and forming by this kind of divi-
sion small square or equilateral areole.
The leaves which represent this species are of a beautiful and elegant
pattern; the small ones still more finely shaped by the distribution of
the lobes, which are acutely pointed, and at a more open angle of dis-
tribution toward each other. They represent, perhaps, a different
species; but I could not find a persistent and distinct character, neither
in the form nor in the nervation, to separate them. By the texture,
which though tbhickish is not membranaceous, by the form of the
broader lobes not narrowed toward the sinuses, by the distinct nerva-
tion, the point of union of the primary nerves at the non-decurrent base
of the leaves, the species is evidently different from the former, though
found at the same locality. The relation of these Aralia leaves to the
Sassafras (Araliopsis), especially to S. mirabile, is easily remarked ;
there is, however, a great difference in the characters of nervation and
areolation, clearly perceivable in comparing our fig. 2? with the leaves
in Cret. Flora, Pl. XI, fig. 1, and PJ. XII, fig. 1. The habitat of these
Aralia species shows once more the peculiar grouping of leaves of
same or analogous characters in a same locality. Aralia quinquepartita
aud A. Saportanea are from the south of Fort Harker, Kansas, while the
LESQUEREUX.| . ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 351
two species with entire leaves, A. Townert and A. concreta, were found
near Clay Center, except A. tripartita, which also is from Fort Harker.
These five new types of Cretaceous plants proves the richness of this
remarkable flora, and their local distribution assures for future explora-
tions a rich field for new discoveries.
HABITAT.—South of Fort Harker, Chs. Sternberg.
HEDHRA OVALIS, Lesqx,, Cret. Flora, p, 91. Pl. XXV, fig. 3, and Pl.
. XXVI, fig. 4.
Leaves coriaceous, entire, oval, rounded at the point, narrowed to
the base, pinnately nerved ; middle nerve thick; secondary veins alternate,
irregular in distance, more or less numerous ; areolation in large irregular
meshes.
These leaves have an evident relation to those published by Professor
Heer under the name of Chondrophyllum Nordenskioldi and C.orbiculatum,
from the upper Cretaceous of Greenland Foss. in his Flor., Aret., III, pp.
114 and 115, Pl. XXXII, figs. 12 and 13, reconstructed from fragments.
When the specimens are compared, they may prove to be the same spe-
cies, for, though I have formerly considered the leaves as representing
one species only, for the fragments show a great diversity in the charac-
ters of the nervation, there is, however, too great a difference between
the multiple much-divided secondary veins on a broader angle of diverg-
ence of Pl. XXV, fig. 3, and the more simpie nervation of Pl. XXVI,
fig. 4, to permit considering them as representing the same species.
HEDERA SCHIMPERI sp. nov. Pl. VII, fig. 5.
Leaf subreniform, broader than long, rounded at the top, abruptly nar-
rowed or nearly truncate to a short petiole, three-nerved from above the
base; lateral veins curving in various directions toward the borders,
anastomosing by thick branches and nervilles with the divisions of the short,
distant secondary veins, curving along the borders and entering by short
veinlets the distant, slightly-marked denticulations of the borders.
A fine leaf of coriaceous substance, six centimeters long without the
petiole (which is only seven millimeters long and enlarged at its base),
six and one-half centimeters broad, with borders minutely denticu-
late, the teeth at different distances and of various size, and a trifid
nervation from a short distance above the border base of the leaf; the
lateral veins curve, the one inside toward the middle nerve, the other
outside toward the border and branching nearly at right angle, they anas-
tomose with nervilles or divisions of the secondary veins and form an
areolation irregular and mixed with angular, square, or polygonal
meshes. This areolation partakes of the characters of that of the former
species. It is somewhat analogous to that of Greviopsis tremulefolia,
and of Cissus ampelopsidea Sap., and recognizable also in the following.
HABItatT.—South of Fort Harker, Chs. Sternberg.
HEDERA PLATANOIDEA, sp. nov. PI. ILI, fig. 3.
Leaf small, broadly ovate, truncate at the base, round at the top, short
petioled, entire ; nervation trifid from a short distance above the base; pri-
mary veins craspedodrome.
This leaf five centimeters broad, four and one-half centimeters long
without the short evlarged petiole, has its borders entire, though
the primary and secondary veins reach to the borders and enter them ;
the two lateral primary nerves force the border slightly outside, and the
leaf appears thus sublobate or enlarged in the middle; the lower branches
B52 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
of the lateral nerve follow the borders in festoons along the base of the
leaf, and, as in the former species, there is a pair of marginal veinlets
under the primary nerves, and at right angle tothe midrib. The areola-
tion is mostly in square or angular large meshes, less irregular than in the
former species. From the form of the leaf, the short inflated petiole, and
the character of the areolation, the leaf appears referable to the same
generic division as the former. It differs, however, by the primary and
secondary veins joining the borders, and not curving inside of them.
These two leaves appear to be transitional in their characters between
the Araliacew and the Ampelidee.
Haprrar.—South of Fort Harker, Chs. Sternberg.
AMPELIDEA.
CISSITES, Heer.
Under this generic name, Professor Heer has described in the Phyl-
lites du Nebraska, p. 20, Pl. Il, figs. 3 and 4, fragment of a leaf which
seem to have a close affinity to those which I describe under this same
division. These leaves, enlarged on the sides and above the middle
by the extension of primary lateral veins, are either deltoid, pointed,
or round, or lobate at the top. and broadly rounded and attenuated to
the base. Their primary nervation, trifid from above the base-
border of the leaves, is of the same type as that of the Sassafras
(Araliopsis), and the secondary veins, all camptodrome, curving along
the borders in successive bows, have also an undeniable affinity with
the same group. But they evidently differ by the less distinct trilobate
division of the leaves, the broader base, the smaller size, and the general
facies. It is evident, however, in comparing the leaves described under
this generic name, that closely relatedws they are between themselves,
they are altogether allied by some of their characters to the Aralicee.
CISSITES HARKERIANUS. PI. VII, figs. 1 and 2.
Sassafras (Araliopsis) Harkerianum, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 81, Pl. XI, fig. 4.
Teaves coriaceous, round in outline, subtrilobate, broadly cuneate to the
base; nervation trifid from above the border base; lateral primary veins
branching outside ; secondary nerve ELS, distant, mostly opposite campto-
drome or craspedodrome.
The two leaves figured here are smaller than that of Plate XI, fig.
4, of the Cretaceous. Flora ; but there is not any marked difference in the
outline and the nervation ; we have, moreover, specimens showing
leaves of intermediate size. The nervation is more or less pronounced,
according to the face exposed by the specimens. This and the following
form might be indifferently referred to Sassafras (Araliopsis) or Cissus.
CISSITES AFFINIS.
Platanus afinis, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 71, Pl. IV, fig. 4, Pl. XI, fig. 3.
Leaves coriaceous or subcoriaceous, round, polygonal in outline, subtri-
lobed, rounded and narrowed to the petiole, broadly deltoid to the point ;
borders undulate; distantly short dentate; nervation trifid from the base
or from a little above the borders.
From the comparison of a numberof specimens, and especially from
the discovery of one representing, by the splitting of the stone, both
sides of the leaf, I have ascertained that the one represented, Plate IV,
fig. 4, whose veins are thin, and the surface scarcely furrowed by the
|
LESQUEREUX.] | ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 353
nervation, is of the same species as that of Plate XI, fig. 3, whose sur-
face is deeply cut by broad nerves and secondary veims. In this form,
the secondary veins are sometimes all craspedodrome, sometimes mixed.
CISSITES ACUMINATUS, sp. nov., Pl. VIII, fig. 1.
Leaf deitoid from the middle to the acuminate point, rounded and sub-
truncate to the petiole, subtrilobate, entire Ger taceotss nervation trifid from
the base.
This fine leaf, though of the same type as those described under the
two former specific divisions, differs evidently by its form, its entire
borders, and its secondary veins parallel, close to each other, all campto-
drome. Itis about eight centimeters long without the petiole, which
was apparently long and slender; seven centimeters broad between the
two points of the primary lateral nerves, where it is enlarged into a
slightly marked acute lobe, and wheretrom it is broadly deltoid to the
acuminate point. Comparing it to the fine small leaf of Sassafras
Mudge in Cret. Flora, Pl. XXX, fig. 7, we easily recognize a likeness
of characters in the form and the nervation, which proves also the rela-
tion of this Cissites to the Sassafras or the Araliacec.
HaApirat.—Near Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
CISSITES HEERII, sp. nov. Pl. VI, fig. 3.
Leaf fan-shaped in outline, rounded and cuneate to the base, enlarged
above the middle, divided in the upper part into five acute nearly equal lobes;
nervation trifid from above the base; lower secondary veins ascending to
the point of the intermediate lobes, the others all camptodrome like their
divisions.
The base of this leaf is destroyed; but its outline is clearly defined
by the border of the preserved part, and the direction of the lateral
primary vein. The leat broadly ‘cuneate toward the base, is slightly
contracted a little above, and hence is rounding to join the petiole ; the
two lateral primary nerves ascend to the point of a lower acute lobe,
as also the lower secondary veins, appearing, with the middle nerve, like
five branches of a five-lobed fan-like leaf. The lobes are equal, separated
by halt-rounded sinuses, and acutely pointed. Except that the two
lower secondary veins ascend to the points of two lobes, the nervation
is of the same type exactly as in the former species. ‘he affinity of
these two leaves is therefore evident. It is, however, certain that this
one cannot be now compared to Sassafras (Araliopsis), nor to Aralia,
and it therefore authorizes the separation of this group, which by its
characters, seen in this last species, is allied to the Ampelidew, espe-
cially to Cissus.
Hapsirat.—Near Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
CISSITES CYCLOPHYLLA, Lesqx.
Populites cyclophylla?, Heer,—Cret. Flora, p.59, Pl, IV, fig. 5, and Pl. XXTV, fig. 4.
Leaves round, entire, subcoriaceous, with slightly undulate borders, round
or truncate to the long slender petiole; nervation subtrifid or pinnate from
the base; lateral veins straight to the borders, craspedodrome, the lowest
branching.
I am not positive in regard to the specific identity of the two leaves
referred to this species. ‘Fig. 5 of Pl. IV has the veins on a more acute
angle of divergence, it being less enlarged on the sides; fig.4 of Pl.
XXIV, has under the lower pair of lateral nerves a thick marginal vein
in right angle to the mid-rib; in both, however, the veins and their divis-
ions enter the borders, and the nervilles, which join them in right
23
304 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
angle, are thick, undulate, at equal distance, and generally simple. It
has been remarked already, that the characters of the veins, all craspe-
dodrome, favor a separation of these leaves from the genus Populus,
though the round form and long slender petiole give them the appear-
ance of poplar leaves.
CISSITES OBTUSUM.
Sassafras obtuswm, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 81, Pl. XIII, figs. 2-4.
Leaves thin, long petioled, flabelliform, three-obtusely lobed, entire or
undulate on the borders, broadly cuneate or narrowed to the petiole, three-
nerved from a little above the border base; secondary veins parallel, camp-
todrome. ;
If the relation of these leaves to the Araliacee is marked by the three-
lobate form and the nervation, their affinity to the Ampelidec is indicated
also by the thinner substance of the leaves, and the long, slender peti-
ole. Like many other Cretaceous leaves, they are of a mixed character,
and their reference uncertain. Except by their thin substance and long
petiole, they are indeed very similar to fig. 4, of Pl. XI, of the Cret.
Flora, representing Cissites Harkerianus. By the other characters they
relate to the following generic division. é
AMPELOPHYLLUM, Lesqx.
Leaves ovate or obovate obtuse entire, narrowed to a long petiole or sub-
cordate; palmately three-nerved from above the base; nervation craspedo-
drome.
AMPELOPHYLLUM ATTENUATUM, sp. nov. PI. II, fig. 3.
Leaf broadly obovate, enlarged upward from the cuneate base, rounded
at the top, entire, subcoriaceous ; lateral primary nerve from a distance
above the base flexuous, branching outside and inside, ascending to the bor-
ders.
This fine leaf is six and one-half centimeters long without the petiole,
nearly six centimeters wide above the middle, rounded at the top, un-
dulate by the slight protuberance of the veins, three-nerved from a
distance (one centimeter) above the narrowed base, with two pairs of
distant alternate secondary veins, reaching the borders like the pri-
mary nerves, either directly or by their branches. Connected by ner-
villes at right angles, and also divided in very oblique veinlets, they
form irregular quadrate large meshes, and pass up in right angle to
the borders. There is under the base of the primary nerves one or two
pairs of marginal veinlets in the same degree of divergence as the other
veins, 40° to 50°. |
The form of this fine leaf and its nervation also are peculiar, and of
a character analogous to that of some leaves described under the ge-
neric name of Greviopsis in the Sezane Flora by Saporta; there is,
however, a marked difference in the primary nervation and in the
entire borders of the leaves. The two lower pairs of veinlets give also
to this leaf an affinity with Credneria, and especially with the small en-
tire leaves of Platanus Heerti as figured in this memoir, Pl. VIII, fig.
5; The secondary and tertiary nervation are, however, of a different
character.
HABitaAt.—South of Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
vEesquerEUX.] © ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 395
AMPELOPHYLLUM OVATUM.
Celtis? ovata Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 66, Pl. IV, figs. 2, 3.
Leaves thickish, membranaceous, obtuse or truncate at the point, gradually
enlarged toward the truncate or subcordate base, abruptly curving to a long
petiole, borders entire, undulate three-nerved from the base, secondary veins
two or three pairs, ata distance from the primary ones, all craspedodrome.
These two leaves evidently represent the same species, but their refer-
ence to this division is not positive. As in the former species, the lower
veins are irregularly divided, the fibrillz distinct, at least in fig. 3, which
has also one pair of marginal veinlets; the subdivision of the veins along
the borders is, however, obsolete, though the veinlets appear to pass up
into them.
HAMAMELITES KANSASEANA. Pl. VII, fig. 4.
Alnus Kansaseana, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 62, Pl. XXX. fig. 8.
Leaves membranaceous, oval or obovate rounded or subcordate to the base,
obtuse, undulate, pinnately nerved ; veins parallel, ascending to the borders
inan acute angle of divergence, branching outside, cruaspedodrome except the
lowest, which is more open and curving along the borders.
The specimen figured here is more complete than the one described
in the Cret. flora. No traces of denticulation are observable along
the borders, but regular deep undulations, which neat the point pass to
obtuse teeth. Except the two lower pairs of veins, all the others and
their divisions reach the borders; they are parallel, under an angle of
divergence of 40°, equidistant and deeply marked. In this specimen
the middle nerve passes under the border-base of the leaf, which is
rounded; while in the other fragment figured in Cret. Flora, the border
base is cordate, and curves on both sides to the middle nerve.
From the opinion of Saporta, the author of the genus in the Sezane
flora, the reference of these leaves to the Hamamelites appears legiti-
mate.
HapiratT.—Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
HAMAMELITES QUADRANGULARIS.
Alnites quadrangularis, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 62, Pl. IV, fig. 1.
Leaf subcoriaceous, smatl, broadly rhomboidal in outline, with obtuse
angles ; borders entire, undulate, rounded to a short petiole (broken); nerva-
tion pinnate ; veins parallel, craspedodrome, except the lower pair mere mar-
ginal veinlets.
The leaf, whose areolation is not distinct, has apparently the same
characters of nervation as in the former species, differing merely by its
shape and its size. ‘Though the veins are thicker it may represent the
same species.
POLYCARPIC Zi.
MAGNOLIA TENUIFOLIA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 92, Pl. X XI, fig. 1.
Leaf large, oblong, rounded upward to an obtuse point? (broken), nar-
rowed in a curve to a short slender petiole ; middle nerve straight, narrow ;
lateral veins alternate, on a broad angle of divergence, slender, undulate,
deflexed near the point of insertion to the middle nerve.
MAGNOLIA ALTERNANS, Heer, Cret. Flora, p. 92, Pl. XVIII, fig. 4.
Leaves subcoriaceous ovate-lanceolate or elliptical, obtusely pointed, entire
356. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
tapering to the petiole ; secondary veins numerous, parallel, alternately
shorter and longer, camptodrome.
The specimen figured in the Cretaceous Flora is poor. Until recently
I had not seen any better, neither of this nor of the following species.
Both have been more commonly found in Nebraska than in Kansas.
MAGNOLIA CAPELLINI, Heer, Phyllites, p. 21, Pl. III, figs. 5 and 6.
Leaves coriaceous, broadly oval, very entire; secondary veins at an acute
angle of divergence, curving to the borders, camptodrome.
Specimens referable to this species were received with others of
M. aliernans from Mr. Sternberg; they are all more or less undistinet
and fragmentary. The two forms seem to pass from one to the other by
intermediate degrees, especially in the width of the leaves, so that it is
difficult to find the point of separation between them. ‘The State cabi-
net of New Jersey has a large number of specimens representing both
species, some of them appearing indifferently referable to the one or to
the other. But here, also, all the specimens are more or less fragmentary
and indistinct.
LIRIODENDRON MEEKII, Heer, Phyllites, p. 21, Pl. IV, figs. 3 and 4.
Leaves panduriform (violin-shaped), emarginate at the top, bilobate, lobes
obtuse, secondary veins branching.
This species is rare in the Cretaceous, at least in Kansas. This year
I have received, for the first time, a small specimen discovered in that
State by Professor Mudge. The leaf is of a thin texture, oblong in out-
line, short petioled, deeply emargined, the upper part of the leaf being
thus bilobate; lobes oblong-obtuse, one centimeter broad, separated from
the lower lobes by an obtuse narrow sinus scarcely four millimeters broad;
lower lobes eighteen millimeters long from the berder of the sinus, ob-
long obtuse, diverging nearly at right-angle; base of the leaf rounded
tothe petiole. Considering that in the leaves of the present Liriodendron
tulipifera the emargination of the leaves and the lateral lobes are very
variable in size, it is proper to refer this leaf to the species described by
Heer, for, except the length of the lobes, it has the same char-
acters. The small leaf is without the petiole, thirty-eight millimeters
long, and just the same width between the top of the lateral lobes.
LIRIODENDRON INTERMEDIUM, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 93, Pl. XX, fig. 5.
Leaf large, trilobate ; upper lobe deeply emarginate-lobed, secondary veins
thin, simple, parallel.
Since the deseription of this and the following species, published in
1868, I have not found and not received any specimens referable to
them. They would be very acceptable, for we know these fine species
merely from fragments.
LIRIODENDRON GIGANTEUM, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 93, Pl. XXIII, fig. 2.
Leaf very large, bilobed; upper lobe deeply emarginate, segments oblong ob-
tuse, with four parallel secondary veins.
This mere lobe of a leaf is about twelve centimeters long, and, there-
fore, would indicate a leaf at least twenty-four centimeters broad be-
tween the points of the upper divisions, or nearly one foot broad, and as
long. Liriodendron tulipifera has in favorable localities leaves as large
as those indicated by this fragment.
MENISPERMITES OBTUSILOBUS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p.94, Pl. XXV, figs.
1, 2; Pl. XXVI, fig. 3.—PI. VII, fig. 3.
Leaves coriaceous, large, broadly deltoid, either shorter, nearly round in
LESQUEREUX.] ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 357
outline, or longer, narrowed to an obtuse point, peltate from near the base,
subtrilobate, five-palmately nerved, deeply undulate.
The fig. 3 of Pl. Vil of this memoir has been given here on account
of the good preservation of the leaf clearly exposing the. characters of
the genus. Comparing it with the figures of the same species in the
Cret. Flora,its characters appear evidently identical. Krom the large
leaf, fig. 1, Pl. XXII, it differs in no manner whatever except by its size,
showing, therefore, that this fine leaf is, as remarked, a mere variety of
the normal form. But more than this, by comparison of the distribution
of the veins and of the essential characters of the nervation in the fol-
lowing species, it proves their relation to this generic division, which
has two definite sections, represented one by lcbate, the other by en-
tire leaves.
HApBiratT.—Clay County, H. C. Towner.
-MENISPERMITES SALINENSIS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 95, Pl. XX, figs. 1, 4.
Leaves thickish, membranaceous or subcoriaceous, triangular in outline,
deeply undulate-lobed, or palmately five-lobed from the border base, which is
enlarged and truncate.
MENISPERMITES ACERIFOLIUS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 96, Pl. XX, figs.
2 and 3.
Leaves small, triangular in outline, palmately obtusely three-lobed, wedge
form, or abruptly narrowed to the base ; nervation three-palmate.
MENISPERMITES POPULIFOLIUS, sp. nov. Pl. V, fig. 3.
Leaf broadly ovate, obtuse, subcordate at the base, five-palmately nerved
Srom the border base, primary nerves in an open angle of divergence, dividing
on the lower side, like the secondary veins, all camptodrome.
The leaf is broadly ovate, perfectly entire, coriaceous, five and one-
half centimeters long, and as broad below the middie, where it is some-
what enlarged; five palmately nerved from the base, the lateral veins
diverging about equally in an angle of 30° from each other, so that the
inner one ascends to the two-thirds of the leaf, the second to below the
middle, and the basilar veinlets are in right angle to the midrib. The
primary veins branch on the outside, anastomose with nervilles, and
the exterior ones curve along and follow the borders; the secondary
veins are at an open angle of divergence of 60°, separated by strong
nervilles at right angle to the middle nerve. The areolation is obsolete.
HABITAT.—South of Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
MENISPERMITES OVALIS, sp. nov. Pl. V, fig. 4.
Leaf narrowly oval oblong, obtuse rounded at the base; jfive-palmately,
nerved ; lateral veins on an acute angle of divergence, the inner ones as-
cending to near the top, branching outside ; branches numerous, parallel,
curving along the border in multiple festoons.
This fine leaf, preserved nearly entire, is subcoriaceous, seven and one-
half centimeters long, three and one-half centimeters broad, nearly exactly
oval-oblong, perfectly entire and rounded to the base. The palmately
five nervation is less definite than in the former leaf; the two internal
lateral veins are as strong as the middle nerve, curve gradually in the
same direction as the borders, and, near the top, join the branches of the
midrib, with which they anastomose in curves; the outside lateral veins
are thinner and shorter; they ascend nearly parallel to the borders, but
disappear in the middle of the leaf in anastomosing with branches of the
inside primary veins. In comparing this nervation with that of the
358 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
former species and also with that of the other leaves referred to this
division, its identical type will be easily recognized and its reference to
this genus found appropriate.
Under the name of Daphnogene Kani, Professor Heer has published in
the Arctic Flora, 1, p. 112, Pl. XIV, from the Miocene of Greenland, leaves
which by form and nervation are closely related to this Cretaceous
species. In the flora of Gelinden by Saporta and Marion, fragments of
leaves of the same character are referred to the Menispermacee and
described under the generic name of Cocculus. The Cretaceous form
here described is intermediate between the Tertiary species and those
described here from the Dakota group.
Hapirar.—Near Clay Center, Kans., H. C. Towner.
MENISPERMITES CYCLOPHYLLUS, sp. nov. PI. VI, fig. 4.
Leaf subcoriaceous, entire, nearly round, peltate from near the middle,
deeply concave, palmately five nerved; inner lateral veins curving inside
toward the point; the outer ones open nearly at right angle to the middle
nerve, all dividing by open straight branches ; basilar veinlets thr €€, PASSING
down and curving along the borders.
The first of these leaves figured here is not quite as well preserved as
a larger specimen obtained lately. The essential characters are, how-
ever, distinctly marked. Excepting the modification in relation to the
form of these leaves, and the point of attachment of the petiole, the
nervation is of the same type as in the former species As observed
upon the larger specimens, three or four veinlets pass downward from
the lower part of the point of attachment of the petiole, curving on
each side and following the borders in festoons, like marginal veinlets. _
The tertiary nervation, which is distinct and as marked upon the upper
part of the figure, is exactly of the same type as in the former species,
the veinlets nearly at right angle or slightly oblique to the secondary
veins, forming a double series of outside curves like superposed arches,
the last row following the borders in festoons. The leaf figured as
marked above is concave to the round point of attachment of the peti-
ole, which passes down into the stone, leaving an opening like the pipe
of a funnel. In the larger leaf, which is ten centimeters broad and
eight long, the depression is not as marked and the surface is nearly
flat. On this specimen the primary veins and their branches pass up to
near the borders before dividing, and thus have a nervation remarkably
similar to that of Menispermites Salinensis, as represented in Cret. Flora,
Pl, XE, fig.
Hapirar.—Kansas, near Fort Harker, the first leaf, Chs. Sternberg.
Near Clay Center, the largest specimen, H. C. Towner.
MALVACEA.
STERCULIA LINEARILOBA, Sp. nova.
Leaf truncate to a short thick petiole, large, divided to near the base in
five linear-entire, narrow, obtusely-pointed lobes about equally diverging,
from acute sinuses.
I know this fine leaf only from a sketch communicated by the owner
of the specimen. It is seventeen centimeters broad between the points
of the lower lobes, which are in right angle to the middle one, eleven
centimeters long from the top of the petiole to the point of the middle
lobe, which is eleven centimeters long from the sinuses; five-palmately
nerved from the base; lobes nearly linear, narrowed into a short point,
LESQUEREUX.] ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 359
entire; nerves very thick, secondary veins and areolation obsolete.
This leat may be referable to Aralia, but it appears more evidently
related to Sterculia by its truncate base and its narrow linear lobes.
HABITAT.—Near Clay Center, H. C. Towner.
TILIACH A.
GREVIOPSIS HAYDENII, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 97, Pl. III, figs. 2,4; Pl.
XXIV, fig. 3.
Leaves large, broadly ovate, tapering up to a point, more or less abruptly
narrowed to the base ; borders equally denticulate from below the middle ;
nervation irregularly pinnate or abnormally five-palmate, craspedodrome.
In regard to these leaves, whose attribution is not positively known,
Count Saporta remarks that by their facies they resemble leaves. of
Corylopsis, a generic division of the Hamamelide, especially represented
in the Japan flora; the attribution would be therefore a natural one.
These leaves, however, appear equally related by some of their vharac-
ters and by their facies to the Tiliacee.
- ACERACE 2.
NEGUNDOIDES ACUTIFOLIUS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 97, Pl. XXI, fig. 5.
Leaves irregularly cut ; leaflets thin, lanceolate-pointed or enlarged lobate,
with acuminate lobes, pinnately veined ; veins camptodrome.
No other fragments referable to this have been discovered. The true
character of the leaves represented by the fragments is uncertain.
CELASTRACE AL.
CELASTROPHYLLUM ENSIFOLIUM, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 108, Pl. X XI,
figs. 2, 3.
Leaves very thick and coriaceous, linear, abruptly contracted to the base
by a round curve, broadly deltoid-pointed, borders undulately crenate or.
merely undulate; nervation pinnate, secondary veins close, parallel camp-
todrome, diverging in acute angle from the thick middle nerve.
AQUIFOLIACE Ai.
ILEX STRANGULATA, sp. nov. Pl. VIII, fig. 3.
Leaf coriaceous, narrow, panduriform or strangled in the middle to a
small angular lobe ; rounded and narrowed to the petiole, entire toward the
base; upper part enlarged oval (point broken), borders irregularly, dis-
tantly, obtusely y dentate, secondary veins close, nearly at right angle to the
middle nerve, irregularly camptodrome.
This leaf is about five and one-half centimeters long without the
petiole, which measures one and one-half centimeters; its broadest part
above the petiole, as below the point, is not more than twelve milli-
meters, and in the middle, where it is contracted, two millimeters only.
Its texture is thick; the surface rugose; the secondary veins generally
very open, though variable in their direction; curve near, and along
the borders, forming a more or less distinct narrow margin. The
areolation distinct only at one place, where the epidermis is destroyed,
is in small angular generally square areola. The deformed shape of
this leaf, its border, its thick texture, and nervation, indicate its relation
‘to this genus.
360 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES. Bas
HABITAT.—Same as Dryophyllum salicifolium, in connection with eoal
strata of Southwest Colorado, at a higher stage of the Cretaceous,
H. Holmes.
These two last-named species have no relation known as yet with
any of the Dakota group, and none also with species of the Lower
Lignitic or Hocene. Their affinity appears to be with a group of plants
known from specimens of tbe upper stage of the Cretaceous of New
Jersey. Indeed, the two horizons where fossil leaves have been found
in this State, represent, by the lithological composition of the strata,
their relative distance, and the characters of their fossil leaves, a striking
affinity with what is seen in the stratification, the composition, and the
plants of the formation referred above and reported by Mr. Holmes.
The Lower Cretaceous of New Jersey is composed, as tar as I could
judge from the specimens which [ examined, of sandy, white, or reddish
coarse shale, wherein the plants are imbedded in profusion, but in a
poor state of preservation. These represent many species identical
with those of the Dakota group, or at least evidently related forms.
Both Magnolia Capellint and especially Magnolia alternans, are among
them. The upper group, on the contrary, has scarcely any identical
species with those of the lower, though the intervening space is not
more than one hundred feet; its types appear generally different, and
as the vegetable remains are found in a soft clay, the leaves are far
better preserved. Among the species of this Upper Cretaceous group,
one is apparently closely related to the Dryophyllum deseribed from
Mr. Holmes’s specimens.*
FRANGULACE AE.
PALIURUS MEMBRANACEUS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 108, Pl. XX, fig. 6.
Leaf small, membranaceous, oval, obtuse, entire, palmately three-nerved
from the base; lateral veins thin; nervilles distinct, in right angle to the
veins and joining them.
RHAAMNUS TENAX, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 109, Pl. X-XI, fig. 4.
Leaf entire, lanceolate-pointed or acuminate, narrowed by a@ curve to a
short petiole ; lateral veins close, numerous, thin, parallel, camptodrome.
TEREBINTHACE 43.
JUGLANS? DEBEYANA, Heer, Cret. Flora, p. 110, Pl. XXIII, figs. 1-5.
Leaves coriaceous, entire, broadly ovate, obtuse, or with a short obtuse
point, rounded-subcordate at the base, or narrowed by a curve and slightly
decurring to the petiole; middle nerve thick ; secondary veins numerous,
open, camptodrome.
It has been remarked, in the introduction, that these leaves may be
referable to Rhus. Count Saporta remarks that if there is among these
leaves a proportionate number of them with unequilateral base, like figs.
4 and 5, they may indeed represent a Juglans or a Juglandites.
* These specimens were received after my return from New Jersey, where, by the
kindness of Dr. G. H. Cook, the director of the geological survey of that State, I had
the privilege of examining the numerous materials of the State collection. I have not
had yet opportunity of comparing the specimens of Colorado with those of New
Jersey, and speak therefore from memory.
LESQUEREUX.] © ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. o61
PHYLLITES RHOIFOLIUS, Lesqx., Cret. Flor., p. 111, Pl. XXII, figs
5 and 6.
Leaves coriaceous, lanceolate penninerve, irregularly obtusely dentate ;
middle nerve thick; secondary veins parallel, caomptodrome, deeply marked.
PRUNUS? CRETACEUS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 111, Pl. XXIII, figs.
8 and 9;— PI. IV, fig. 9
Drupe ovate, obtusely pointed, grooved on one side to the middle, notched
at the enlarged obtuse base.
Nothing new has been elicited in regard to the relation of this fruit,
though another specimen has been found apparently representing the
same species. As seen in fig. 9 of Pl. LV, it is exactly of the same size
and form as the one in Pl. XXIII, fig. 8, of the Cret. Flora. It is
upon the surface of a large flat fragment of sandstone, where it is im-
bedded to the middle of its thickness, the part figured being very dis-
tinct. From the remnants of a thin coat of matter similar to a sheliy
envelope, it seems to have been surrounded by a coriaceous pericarp.
The same specimen represent a leaf of Aralia Towneri.
HABITAYT.—South of Clay Center, Kansas, H. C. Towner.
INCERT Ai SEDIS.
ASPIDIOPHYLLUM, Lesqx.
Leaves large, triangular in outline, palmately trilobed, truncate and
auricled at base; nervation coarse, primary nerves three from above the
peltate top of the petiole; secondary veins close, parallel, camptodrome or
craspedodrome.
The essential difference separating the leaves of this new division
from those of Sassafras (Araliopsis) is the broadly peltate and auricled
base. As seen from Plate II, fig. 1, the lateral veins are very open,
nearly at aright angle with the middle one, and therefore the lobes
have the same direction, and the leaf has nearly the appearance of a
cross; these short broad lobes, either obtusely dentate by the extension
of the point of the secondary veins entering them, or entire whenever
these veins curve along them, are remarkably similar to those of S.
Harkerianum. The secondary nervation, however, is of a somewhat
different character, the veins being more curved in passing up to the
borders, and also at a more obtuse angle of divergence. The rounded,
more or less elongated auricle is nerved by the downward continuity of
the secondary veins, or, as seen in fig. 2, by two pairs of secondary
veins in right angle to the middle nerve, and two pairs of marginal
veinlets from the top of the petiole. This disposition has analogy to
the basilar nervation of Credneria leaves, with the difference, however,
that in Credneria all the lower secondary veins are at a right angle to
the midrib. The same kind of affinity is still more marked with species
of Protophyllum, as for example P. multinerve, Cret. Flor., Pl. XVIII,
fig. 1, whose leaves, however, are not lobed, and whose upper nerva-
tion is of an entirely different type. We have therefore still in these
leaves a union of different characters separately and distinctly recog-
nized in other groups of this remarkable flora.
ASPIDIOPHYLLUM TRILOBATUM, sp. nov. Pl. II, figs. 1, 2
Leaves large, coriaceous, triangular or rhomboidal in outline, more or
less deeply trilobate, broadly cuneate to the base, enlarged into an half-round
auricle, three-nerved from above the peltate base of the thick middle nerve.
These leaves vary in size from ten to twenty-four centimeters long and
362 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
from twelve to thirty centimeters broad between the points of the lateral
lobes ; these are turned upward in the normal form, the angle of diver-
gence of the lateral veins being 40° to 50°, with a very deep coarse
nervation. The borders of the lobes are more generally dentate, and the
veins, therefore, mostly craspedodreme.
I was disposed to consider as a separate species the leaf represented,
fig. 1, greatly differing by its diminutive size, the direction of the lobes,
and the still broader nervation. These leaves, of which we have two
specimens, have the surface runcinate, or appearing as if they were not
fully unfolded; they represent probably a peculiar form or variety of the
same species, for, except this difference, the characters are the same.
Hapirat.—South of Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
PROTOPHYLLUM STERNBERGII, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 101, Pl. XVI;
Pl. XVIII, fig. 2.
Leaves large, coriaceous, peltate entire, rounded or cordate at base, grad-
ually narrowed up into a slightly obtuse point ; basilar veins one or two pairs.
PROTOPHYLLUM LECONTEANUM, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 103, Pi. XVII,
fig. 4; Pl. XVI, fig. 1.
Leaves coriaceous, round, more enlarged in the middle, entire; middle
nerve thick, lowest secondary veins much divided, basilar veins in right
angle to the middle nerve proportionally thick.
PROTOPHYLLUM ? NEBRASCENSE, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 103, Pl. XX VII,
fig. 3.
Leaf small, subcoriaceous, oval-oblong, abruptly narrowed to the petiole ;
borders entire, middle nerve thin, secondary veins close, parallel, all under
the same angle of divergence.
This leaf is by its character referable to the generic division of the
Hamamelites, and clearly related to the leaf of our Pl. VII, fig. 4.
PROTOPHYLLUM QUADRATUM, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 104, Pl. XIX, fig. 1.
Leaves thickish, subcoriaceous, round-square in outline ; truncate at the
base and subpeltate, deeply undulate, obtuse; nervation thick, secondary
veins straight to the borders. “
PROTOPHYLLUM MINUS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 104, Pl. XIX, fig. 2;
Pl. XXVII, fig. 1;— Pl. V, fig. 6.
Leaves small, coriaceous, broadly ovate, truncate or subcordate at the base ;
entire or slightly undulate, subpeliate.
These different forms of Protophyllum are clearly defined and preserve
their characters in the numerous specimens which [ have had for exam-
ination. PI. IV, fig. 6, shows a very small leaf of this species, repre-
senting in miniature the large forms described in the Cret. Flora.
PROTOPHYLLUM MULTINERVE, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 105, Pl. XVIII,
fig. 1.
Leaves of medium size, coriaceous, oval-oblong, round-truneate at the base,
peltate, middle nerve thick, secondary veins close, numerous, in an open
angle of divergence, the lower ones in right angle and deflecting downward,
borders entire or undulate.
PROTOPHYLLUM RUGOSUM, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 105, Pl. XVII, figs. 1
and 2; Pl. XIX, fig. 3.
Leaves deltoid-ovate, rounded and subpeltate at the base, borders entire ;
nervation coarse, surface rugose, secondary veins irregular in distance and
direction.
LEsQuEREUx.] © ENUMERATION OF CRETACEOUS PLANTS. 363
PROTOPHYLLUM HAYDENI, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 106, Pl. XVII, fig. 3.
Leaves small, coriaceous, smooth, oblong-ovate, pointed, deeply irregularly
undulate-lobed, abruptly rounded to the base, subpalmately three-nerved ;
secondary veins parallel, straight to the borders, basilar veins two or three
pairs at right angles to the middle nerve.
The basilar nervation of this species, as also of the following, is of the
Credneria type.
PROTOPHYLLUM CREDNERIOIDES, sp. nova. Pl. II, fig. jae Ae Se
fig. 4.
Leaves small, nearly round, truncate at the base, long petioled ; borders
entire, undulate ; nervation obscurely trifid ; secondary veins on various
angles of divergence.
These leaves, of which we have many specimens, vary in size from six
to eight centimeters, and are as broad as long; they are more or less
deeply undulate, but the borders are entire, though all the veins and
their divisions pass to the borders; the petiole is comparatively long
and slender and the secondary veins more or less open, according to
their position, being at a right angle to the middle nerve near the base
and at an acute angle of divergence near the top. As in the former
species, the leaves are obscurely tripalmately-nerved, the lower lateral
primary veins above the borders being underlaid as in Credneria by two
pairs of thinner veins in right angle. In this case, however, as these
lower veins branch, and have the same direction as those above, they are
rather secondary veins, like the others, and the nervation should be
considered as pinnate.
HaApirat.— Mostly found near Fort Harker, Kansas, Chs. Sternberg.
PROTOPHYLLUM? MUDGEI, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p, 106, Pl. XVIII, fig. 3.
Leaf thick, coriaceous, ovate-obtuse, enlarged and truncate at base, equally
denticulate ; middle nerve very thick ; secondary Beins alternate, mere or less
branching, craspedodrome.
The leaf, the only fragment of which is figured, is of uncertain refer-
ence.
ANISOPHYLLUM SEMI-ALATUM, Lesax., Cret. Flora, p. 98, Pl. VI, figs.
Leaves thick, coarsely veined, ovate or obovate in outline, either abruptly
narrowed, subtruncate and subcordate to the petiole, or rounded wedge-form
_to the base, irregularly lobate on one side, deeply undulate on the borders ;
ner vation irregularly three to five palmate from above the base of the leaves ;
primary veins much dinided.
| EREMOPHYLLUM FIMBRIATUM, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 107, Pl. VIII,
fig. 1.
Leaf peltate, kidney-shaped, with an entire broadly truncate base; bor-
ders dentate by equal hastate or auricled, and pointed teeth; nervation
seven-palmate. ,
VEGETABLE ORGANISMS OF UNCERTAIN AFFINITY.
PHYLLITES BETULZFOLIUS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 112, Pl. XXVIII,
figs. 4, 7.
Leaves small, mostly in fragments, round-ovate, truncate at the top, nar-
rowed to the base by a rownd curve; borders dentate; nervation pinnate,
irregular, craspedodrome.
364 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
PHYLLITES RHOMBOIDEUS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 112, Pl. VI, fig. 8.
Leaf rhomboidal, broadly cuneate to the base, more obtusely narrowed and
undulate from the middle to an obtuse short point ; nervation five-palmate
From the base, the two inner lateral veins curving up at a very acute angle
of divergence and acrodrome or nearly reaching the point of the leaf, branching
outside, the external veins following the borders up to the middle of the leaf,
where they anastomose with branches of the first pair.
PHYLLITES COTINUS, Lesqx.
BUMELIA MARCOUANA, Heer (Lesqx.), Cret. Flora, p. 90, Pl. XXVIII, fig. 2.
Leaf membranaceous, broadly oval, entire, emarginate, rounded downward
to a long slender petiole, penninerve.
From information received of Professor Heer, this leaf positively
differs from the one which he examined and which is figured in
Dana’s Manual of Geology. Though the likeness of this leaf to those
of Rhus cotinus is marked, its relation is not definite.
PHYLLITES VANONA, Heer,—Cret. Flora, p. 113, Pl. XX, fig. 7; Pl.
XXVIII, fig. 8.
Leaves small, ovate-lanceolate, pointed, cuneiform to the base ; borders en-
tire, middle nerve thin, secondary veins few, scattered, camptodrome.
PHYLLITES UMBONATUS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 113, Pl. XIX, fig. 4.
Leaf quadrate in outline, truncate at the base, deeply notched at the top by
the splitting of the thick middle nerve, trregularly broadly undulate on the
borders ; secondary veins few, at irregular distances, nearly at right angle to
the middle nerve, camptodrome.
PHYLLITES AMORPHUS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 113, Pl. XXII, figs. 3, 4.
Two fragments of coriaceous, obovate, entire leaves, narrowed to the base
(broken) ; middle nerve deep and narrow ; secondary veins either in right
angle to the middle nerve or curved downward, or passing up in an acute angle
of divergence, branching and anastomosing in varions abnormal ways.
PTENOSTROBUS NEBRASCENSIS, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p.114, Pl. XXIV,
dyad
Cone oblong, cut in tts length ; seeds oblong-oval, lenticular, obtuse at one
end, pointed at the other, winged, wings oval oblong, striated.
CAULINITES SPINOSA, Lesqx., Cret. Flora, p. 115.
Stems or branches cylindrical, with rough surface marked by irregular,
close dots, or small cavities resembling the impressions of scale ; bearing long
spines at right angles.
CARPOLITHES ?, Cret. Flora, p. 114, Pl. XX VI, fig. 5, Pl. XXX, fig. 11.
Fruit ? large, oval-pointed at both ends, costate, marked at the lower end
by a small hollow surrounded by small semi-globular bolsters corresponding
with the end of the coste.
The bodies represented by the figures are doubtfully referred to some
_ vegetable organism.
It would, perhaps, seem advisable to close this review by a table of
comparison, exposing the relation of the species of the Dakota group
with those of the Cretaceous floras of other countries. A table of this
kind, however, would not offer any valuable information, and could be
of little interest, on account of the scantiness of the materials available
for comparison. The few points of affinity between our American Cre- ~
4
LESQUFREUX.] REVIEW OF CRETACEOUS FLORA. 365
taceous plants and those of Europe have been remarked in the Cretaceous
Flora, and, since its publication, no other werk has appeared on the same
subject but the third volume of the Arctic Flora, where, as remarked be-
fore, Professor Heer describes the species of fossil plants from two stages
of the Cretaceous of Greenland ; a lower one, that of Come; an upper one,
that of Atane, and an intermediate small group from Spitzberg. With
the species of the first division, the Dakota group flora has Gleichenia
nordenskidldi, identical and none related; with those of the second, it
has two Coniters—Sequoia fastigiata and Pinus Quenstedti. This last has
been described also by the author, trom Spitzberg, and formerly from
Moletin. In the monocotyledonous, our Phragmites cretaceous seems
identical with Arundo greenlandica, Heer, of the same upper stage, and
in the dicotyledonous, Myrica cretacea, Lesqx., is comparable to M.
zenkeri, Heer, which is represented by a fragment only. There is still
an evident relation of the leaves described by Heer as Chondrophyllum
orbiculatum and C. nordenskioldi with those of Hedera ovalis, ot the
Dakota group. We have also Andromeda Parlatorvi, Magnolia Capellini,
and M. alternans present in both floras. These three species are appa-
rently extensively distributed in the Cretaceous.
Without taking into account the more or less acceptable modifications
of generic and specific forms proposed in this review, we have here an
addition to the North American Cretaceous flora of twenty-four species,
mostly clearly defined from very fine specimens. This contribution, the
result of the discoveries made during one year only, by two zealous
young naturalists who have explored merely an area of small extent in
the counties where they live, shows what abundant materials are still
left in the strata of the Dakota group to reward future researches. It
exposes, also, with more evidence the riches and the diversity of the
vegetation of the Cretaceous period, manifested as it is by the distribu-
tion of the dicotyledonous leaves in the three great divisions of this
class of plants; by the numerous, clearly-limited, generic groups which
they represent, as well as by the multiplicity of specific forms referable
to some of the genera. The species of Menispermites and of Protophyl-
lum, tor example, are as distinctly separated by the characters of their
leaves, though preserving the unity of their generic type, as we see
them at the present time under analogous climatic circumstances.
These facts tend to confirm the general conclusions briefly exposed in
the Cretaceous Flora concerning the origin and the distribution of the
dicotyledonous species, a question to which the history of our present
North American flora is interested in the highest degree.
ce
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EXPLANATION OF PLATE I.
Fig. 1. ARALIA TRIPARTITA, sp. nov., page 348.
Fig 2, 28, ARALIA SAPORTANEA, sp. nov., page 300.
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EXPLANATION OF PLATE I.
Figs. 1, 2. ASPIDIOPHYLLUM TRILOBATUM, sp..nov., page 361.
Fig. 3. AMPELOPHYLLUM ATTENUATUM, sp. nov., page 304.
Fig. 4. PHYLLOCLADUS SUBINTEGRIFOLIUS, Lesqa., page 337.
Figs. 5, 5%. GLEICHENIA NORDENSKIOLDI, Heer., page 334.
Platell.
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EXPLANATION OF PLATE III.
Fig. 1. PROTOPHYLLUM CREDNERIOIDES, sp. nop., page 363.
Figs. 2, 8, 8*. SEQUOIA FASTIGIATA, Sternb., page 335.
Fig. 3. HEDERA PLATANOIDAA, sp. nov., page 351.
Fig. 4. MYRICA CRETACEA, sp. nov., page 339,
Fig. 5. ANDROMEDA AFFINIS, sp. nov., page 348.
Figs. 6, 6%, 7, 79. PINUS QUENSTEDTI, Heer., page 336.
Plate lll.
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EXPLANATION OF PLATE IV.
Fig. 1. ARALIA TOWNERI, sp. nov., page 349. i
Figs. 2-4. ARALIA CONCRETA, sp. nov., page 349.
Figs. 5-7. SEQUOIA CONDITA, sp. nov., page 335.
Fig. 8. INOLEPIS ?, species., page 337.
Fig. 9. PRUNUS ? CRETACEA, Lesqx., page 361.
SHE ODKG A805 4 LONRATONT aungal .g Sas C eot
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EXPLANATION OF PLATE V.
Figs. 1 and 2. LAURUS PROTEZFOLIA, sp. nov., page 342.
Fig. 3. MENISPERMITES POPULIFOLIUS, sp. nov., page 357.
Fig. 4. MENISPERMITES OVALIS, sp. nov., page 357.
Fig. 5. FICUS DISTORTA, sp. nov., page 342.
Fig. 6. PROTOPHYLLUM MINUS, Lesqz., page 362.
Fig. 7. FICcUS LAUROPHYLLUM, Lesqx., page 342.
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EXPLANATION OF PLATE VI.
Fig. 1. DRYOPHYLLUM (QUERCUS) LATIFOLIUM, sp. nov., page 340. |
Fig. 2. LOMATIA SAPORTANEA. Lesgz. An enlarged leaflet, page 346.
Fig. 3. CISSITES HEERI, sp. nov., page 353.
Fig. 4. MENISPERMITES CYCLOPHYLLUS, sp. nov., page 358.
dea
EXPLANATION or PLATE Vu
Figs. 1and2. CrSsITES: HARKERIANUS, Danae. page 352.
Fig. 3. MENISPERMITES OBTUSILOBA, Lesqx., page 356.
‘Fig. 4. HamamMetires KansaSeana, Lesqit., paeee 355.
Fig. 5. Igoe SOMGM oO 8p. HEE BAB Bol
rae,
Pedi
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EXPLANATION OF PLATE VIII:
Fig 1. CISSITES ACUMINATUS, sp. nov., page 355.
Fig. 2. DRYOPHYLLUM (QUERCUS) SALICIFOLIUM, sp. nov., page 340.
Fig. 3. ILEX STRANGULATA, sp. nov., page 39.
Fig. 4. PROTOPHYLLUM CREDNERIOIDES, sp. nNov., page 363.
Fig. 5. PLATANUS HeEs#Rtt, Lesqz., page 341.
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REPORT OF W. H. JACKSON.
367
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Plate I.
ANCIENT RUINS IN SOUTHWESTERN COLORADO.
By W. H. JACKSON.
In the extreme southwestern corner of Colorado Territory, west of the
one hundred and eighth degree of longitude, are groups of old ruined
houses and towns, displaying a civilization and intelligence far beyond
that of any of the present inhabitants of this or adjacent Territory.
We will endeavor, in the few pages following, to describe these with:
as much minuteness and circumspection as a very hasty trip enabled
us to observe; depending more upon the pictorial illustrations accom-
panying this article for clear exposition of the subject than upon any
choice of words.
Although ruins in considerable number and importance were said to
exist along the Rio Las Animas and San Juan, we did not think it best
to spare any of the little time at our disposal for their investigation.
Our object being to find those in which the picturesque predominated
and were the least known, we directed our course to the westward, hav-
ing obtained reliable information of the existence of some which would
come up to our anticipations. ‘The Rio Mancos, one of the western trib-
utaries of the San Juan, rises in two principal forks among the western
foot-hills of the Sierra La Plata, flows southwesterly through fertile and
beautiful valleys to a great table-land, known as the ‘ Mesa Verde,”
and entering, flows directly south through it to the valley of the San
Juan, and then turning west again joins that stream near the crossing
of the boundary-lines of the four Territories.
Commencing our observations in the park-like valley of the Mancos
between the mesa and the mountains, we find that the low benches which
border the stream upon either side bear faint vestiges of having, at some
far-away time, been covered with dwellings, grouped in communities
apparently, but now so indistinct as to present to the eye little more
than unintelligible mounds. By a little careful investigation, however,
the foundations of great square blocks, of single buildings, and of circu-
lar inclosures, can be made out; the latter generally with a depressed
center, showing an excavation for some purpose. The greater portion
of these mounds are now overgrown with artemisia, pifion-pine, and
cedar, concealing them almost entirely from casual observation. We
found the surest indication of their proximity in the great quantity of
broken pottery, which covered the ground in their neighborhood, the
same curiously indented, painted, and glazed ware found throughout
New Mexico and Arizona. It was all broken into very small pieces,
none that we could find being larger than a silver dollar. We had no
opportunity to make any excavations about these old mounds; but such
little scratching around as we could do developed nothing new below
the surface, all the pottery which covers the ground having been broken
and scattered since the, demolition of the homes of the makers. No-
where among these open-plains habitations could we discover any ves-
tiges of stone-work, either in building material or implements. It is
369
24 0
370 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
very evident that the houses were all of adobe, the mound-like charae-
ter of the remains justifying that belief.
The “‘ Mesa Verde” extends north and south about twenty, and east
and west about forty miles. It is of a grayish-yellow Cretaceous sand-
stone, with a very nearly horizontal bedding, so that the escarpment is
about equal upon all sides, ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet in height.
The capping or upper strata are generally firmly and solidly bedded,
retaining a perpendicular face of about 200 feet, with a succession of |
benches below, connected by the steep slopes of the talus. Side-cafions
penetrate the mesa, and ramify it in every direction, always presenting
a perpendicular face, so that it is only at very rare intervals that the
top can be reached ; but, once up there, we find excellent grazing, and
thick groves of cedar and pifon-pine. From the bottom of the cation
up, the slopes of the escarpment are thickly covered with groves of cedar
and pifion, gnarled and dwarfed, but sucking up a vigorous livelihood
from the cracks and crevices of the barren declivities. Below, the cot-
tonwood and willow grow luxuriantly beside the streams, while dense
growths of a reedy grass tower above our heads as we ride through it.
Throughout its entire length, the cafon preserves an average width of
‘about 200 yards, sometimes much wider and again narrower. The
stream, meandering from side to side, frequently interrupted by beaver-
dams, cuts a deep channel in the friable earth which characterizes all
the valley-lands of this region, while the banks upon either one side or
the other are perpendicular, so that it is an extremely troublesome mat-
ter to cross. Added to the difficulties of getting in and out of the
stream is a thick-matted jungle of undergrowth, tall, reedy grass, wil-
lows, and thorny bushes, all interlaced and entwined by tough and wiry
grape-vines bordering its banks upon either one side or the other. The
current is sluggish, and the water tinged with a milky translucency,
gathered from the soil.
Kintering the cafon at its upper end, we strike into the old Indian
trail which comes over from the head of the Rio Dolores, and, passing
down this cafion a short distance, turns off to the left and goes over to
the La Plata. About a hundred Indians had just passed over it with
their horses and goats, so that it was in most excellent traveling order,
although winding in and out, and over and among great blocks of sand-
Stone and other débris from above; the encroaching stream, too, fre-
quently forcing the narrow pathway high up on the slopes of the pro-
jecting spurs, the treacherous character of the banks of the stream for-
bidding the crossing and recrossing usual in-such cases. Grouped along
in clusters, and singly, were indications of former habitations, very
nearly obliterated, and consisting mostly, in the first four or five miles,
of the same mound-like forms noticed above, and accompanied always
by the scattered, broken pottery. Among them we found one building
of squared and carefully- laid sandstone ; one face only exposed, of three
or four courses, above the mass of débris, which covered everything.
This building lay within a few yards of the banks of the stream; was
apparently about 10 feet by 8, the usual size, as near as we could deter-
mine, of nearly all the separate rooms or houses in the larger blocks,
none larger, and many not more than 5 feet square. The stones ex-
posed are each about 7 by 12 inches square and 4 inches thick, those in
their original position retaining correct angles, but, when thrown down,
worn away, and rounded by attrition to shapeless ‘bowlders. Being so
exposed to the elements, the cementing material which bound the ma-
sonry together is entirely worn away upon the surface; but, upon puil-
ing away a few courses, it was found binding the rocks together quite
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JACKSON. ] ANCIENT RUINS IN S. W. COLORADO. eal
firmly. It was not, however, anything more than an adobe or clay-
cement.
As we progressed down the caiion, the same general characteristics
held good; the great majority of the ruins consisting of heaps of
débris, a central mass considerably higher and more massive than the
surrounding lines of subdivided squares. Small buildings, not more
than 8 feet square, were often found standing alone apparently ; no trace
of any other being detected in their immediate neighborhood.
We now commenced to note another peculiar feature. Upon our right,
the long slopes of protruding strata and débris formed promontories,
extending out into the cafion. Upon these, and not more than 50 feet
above the stream, we found frequent indications of their having been
occupied by some sort of works, the foundations of which in every case
were circular, with a deep depression in the center, and generally occur-
ring in pairs, two side by side, ranging from 10 to 20 feet in diameter.
There was no masonry of any kind visible, but thickly strewn all about
any quantity of broken pottery. Above, were indications of habitations
in the face of the cliff, but not marked enough to warrant further search.
At those places where the trail ran high up, near the more precipitous
portion of the bluff, we found remnants of stone walls, inclosing spaces
of from 5 to 12 feet in length, in the cave-like crevices running along
the seams. They were pretty well demolished, the stones undressed
and imbedded in mud mortar. In many places, little niches or crevices in
rock had been walled up into cupboard-like inclosures of about the size
of a bushel-basket. We searched them eagerly, but they had all been
despoiled before us. Nothing of any greater importance was found up
to the time we made camp at night-fall. All that we had seen during
the day was of exceeding interest, but came far short of our expecta-
tions.
Our camp for the night was among the stunted pifions and cedars
immediately at the foot of the escarpment of the mesa ; its steep slopes
and perpendicular faces rising nearly 1,000 feet above us. Quantities
of broken pottery were strewn across the trail, to the edge of the stream,
and as ruins of some sort generally followed, close attention was paid to
the surroundings; but, with the exception of a small square inclosure
of rough slabs of stone, set in the earth endwise, and indicating, possi-
bly, a grave, nothing was found to reward our search. Just as the sun
was sinking behind the western walls of the cation, one of the party de-
seried far up the cliff what appeared to be a house, with a square wall,
and apertures indicating two stories, but so far up that only the very
sharpest eyes could define anything satisfactorily. We had no field-
glass with the party, and to this fact is probably due the reason we had
not seen others during the day in this same line; for there is no doubt
that ruins exist throughout the entire length of the canon, far above
and out of the way of ordinary observation. Cedar and pines also
grow thickly along the ledges upon which they are built, hiding com-:
pletely anything behind them. All that we did find were built of the
same materials as the cliffs themselves, with but few, and then only the
smallest apertures toward the cafion; the surface being dressed very
smooth, and showing no lines of masonry, it was only upon the very
closest inspection that the house could be separated from the cliff.
The discovery of this one, so far above anything heretofore seen,
inspired us immediately with the ambition to scale the height and
explore it, although night was drawing on fast, and darkness would
probably overtake us among the precipices, with a chance of being de-
tained there all night. All hands started up, but only two persevered
372 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
to the end. The first 500 feet of ascent were over a long, steep slope of
débris, overgrown with cedar; then came alternate perpendiculars and
slopes. Immediately below the house was a nearly perpendicular
ascent of 100 feet, that puzzled us for a while, and which we were only
able to surmount by finding cracks and crevices into which fingers and
toes could be inserted. From the little ledges occasionally found, and
by stepping upon each other’s shoulders, and grasping tufts of yucca,
one would draw himself up to another shelf, and then, by letting down
a stick of cedar, or a hand, would assist the other. Soon we reached a
slope, smooth and steep, in which there had been cut a series of steps,
now weathered away into a series of undulating hummocks, by which
it was easy to ascend, and without them, almost an impossibility. An-
other short, steep slope, and we were under the ledge upon which was
our house, (Fig. 12, Plate III.) It was getting quite dark, so we delayed
no longer than to assure ourselves that it was all we hoped for, and to
prospect a way up when we should return the next morning with the
photographic outtit. “eis
Bright and early, as soon as breakfast was dispatched, we commenced
the ascent. Mexico, our little pack-mule, with the apparatus upon her
back, by sharp tacks and lively scrambling over the rocks, was able
to reach the foot of the precipice of which I have spoken above. Up
this we hauled the boxes containing the camera and chemicals by the
long ropes taken from the pack-saddle. One man was shoved up ahead,
over the worst place, with the rope, and tying it to a tree, the others
easily ascended.
The house stood upon a narrow ledge, which formed the floor, and
was overhung by the rocks of the cliff. The depth of this ledge was
about 10 by 20 in length, and the vertical space between ledge and
overhanging rock some fifteen feet. The house occupied the left-hand
half as we face it; the rest being reserved as a sort of esplanade, a small
portion of the wall remaining which cut it off from the narrow ledge
running beyond. The edges of the ledge upon which the house stood
were rounded off, so that its outside wall had to be built upon an incline
of about forty-five degrees; the esplanade, too, had been extended by
three abutments, built out flush with the walls of the house, upon the
steeply-inclined slope, and giving support probably to a balustrade.
The house itself, perched up in its little crevice like a swallow’s nest,
consisted of two stories, with a total height of about 12 feet, leaving a
space of two or three feet between the top of the walls and the over-
hanging rock. We could not determine satisfactorily whether any other
roof had ever existed or whether the walls ran up higher and joined the
rock, but we incline to the first supposition. The ground-plan showed a
front room about 6 by 9 feet in dimensions, and back of it two smaller
ones, the face of the rock forming their back walls. These were each
about 5 by 7 feet square. The left hand of the two back rooms projected
beyond the front room in an L. The cedar beams, which had divided the
house into two floors, were gone, with the exception of a few splintered
pieces and ends remaining in the wall, just enough to show what they
were made of. We had some little doubt as to whether the back rooms
were divided in the same way, nothing remaining to prove the tact,
excepting holes in the walls, at the same height as the beams in the
other portion. In the lower front room are two apertures, one serving
as a door, and opening out upon the esplanade, about 20 by 30 inches
in size, the lower sill 24 inches from the floor; and the other a small
outlook, about 12 inches square, up near the ceiling, and looking over
the cafion beneath. In the upper story, a window corresponding in
‘SOONVI, HHL FO NONV()) AHL NI ‘SN OH-SAITO
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Plate 1V.
JACKSON. ] ANCIENT RUINS IN 8. W. COLORADO. . = 373
size, shape, and position to the door below, commands an extended
view down the canon. The upper lintel of this window was of small,
straight sticks of cedar, of about the size of one’s finger, laid close
together, the small stones of the masonry resting upon them. Directly
opposite this window is a similar one, opening into a large reservoir, or
cistern, the upper walls of which come nearly to the top of the window.
This is semicircular, inclosing the angle formed by the side wall of the
house against the rock, with an approximate capacity of about two and
a half hogsheads. From the window, and extending down to the bot-
tom of the reservoir, are a series of cedar pegs, about a foot apart,
enabling the occupants to easily reach the bottom. The entire con-
struction of this little human eyrie displays wonderful perseverance,
ingenuity, and some taste. FPerpendiculars were well regarded, and
the angles carefully squared. The stones of the outer rooms or front
were all squared and smoothly faced, but were not laid in regular
courses, aS they are not uniform in size, ranging from 15 inches in
length and 8 in thickness down to very small ones. About the corners
and the windows, considerable care and judgment were evident in the
overlapping of the joints, so that all was held firmly together. The
only sign of weakness is in the bulging outward of the front wall, pro-
duced by the giving way or removal of the floor-beams. The back
portion is built of rough stone, firmly cemented together. The mortar
is compact and hard, a grayish-white, resembling Jime, but cracking all
over. All the interstices between the larger stones were carefully
chinked in with small chips of the same material. The partitions were
of the same character as the smooth wall outside, both presenting some-
what the appearance of having been rubbed down smooth after they
were laid. The apertures, from one room to another, are small, corre-
sponding in size and position to those outside. Most peculiar, however,
is the dressing of the walls of the upper and lower front rooms, both
being plastered with a thin layer of firm adobe cement of about an
eighth of an inch in thickness, and colored a deep maroon-red, with a
dingy white band 8 inches in breadth, running around floor, sides, and
ceiling. In some places it has peeled away, exposing a smoothly-dressed
surface of rock. No signs of ornamentation, other than the band al-
luded to, were visible. The floor, which was covered to a depth of 2 or
3 inches with dust, dirt, and the excrement of small animals, had been
evened up with a cement resembling that in the walls. The back rooms
were half-filled with rocky débris from roof and cliff.
While busied with my negatives, the others had prospected the ledge
in opposite directions, coming upon ample evidence of its having been
quite thickly peopled. Ruins of half a dozen lesser houses were found
near by, but all in such exposed situations as to be quite dilapidated.
Some had been crushed by the overhanging wall falling upon them, .nd
others had lost their foot-hold and tumbled down the precipice. One
little house in particular, at the extremity of this ledge, about fifty rods
below the one described above, was especially unique in the daring of
its site, filling the mind with amazement at the temerity of the builders
and the extremity to which they must have been pushed. Careful
views of this having been secured so as to show as well as possible its
almost complete inaccessibility, we felt impelled to hurry on to new
developments. Apparatus was carefully lowered to the patiently-wait-
ing mule, and adjusted to the pack-saddle, then, mounting our own
animals, we pushed on down the cafion, which now opened out into
quite a valley, side cafons opening in from either hand, adding much
to the space. Every quarter-mile, at the most, we came upon evidences
374 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
of former habitations, similar to those already described; tne greater
majority occurring in the level bottoms and on the low spurs of the
escarpment.
Two or three miles below the house in Fig. 12, we discovered a wall
standing in the thick brush upon the opposite side of the river. Con-
siderable difficulty was experienced in crossing; in some places having
to cut our way through the entangling vines with our belt-knives, and
then, when the bed of the stream was reached, had to follow it some
distance before an opportunity occurred to emerge.
The walls before us were a portion of an old tower, (see Fig.1, Plate _,)
in the midst of a group of more dimly marked ruins or foundations,
extending some distance, in each direction from it. As seen in the
figure referred to, the tower consists of two lines of walls, the space
between them divided into apartments, with a single circular room in
the center. The outside diameter of all is 25 feet, that of the inner
circle 12* feet, and as the walls were respectively 18 and 12 inches in
thickness, left a space of 4 feet for the smal! rooms. This outer circle
was evidently divided into six equal apartments, but only the divisions
marked in the diagram could be distinguished. In the places where
they should have occurred, the walls are so broken down and covered
with débris as to render all details indistinguishable. Where the walls
are standing, they show small window-like doors opening into the inner
circle. The highest portion of the inner wall is now not more than 8
feet, and of the outer about 15. From the amount of débris, it could
not have been much higher—not more than 20 feet at the most. The
space between the walls is filled with débris, while outside there is very
little, except where the wall is totally ruined.
The stones of which this tower was constructed are irregular in size
and shape, but with the outer face dressed to a uniform surface, and of
the same average size as those already described. The mortar and
“chinking” had been worn out entirely from the more exposed portions,
giving the wall the appearance of having been dry-laid; but upon pull-
ing away some of the stones to a little depth, they were found to have
been well cemented. ;
Passing on down the cation, not stopping now to notice the more ordi-
nary forms of ruins, we passed the mouths of numerous side-cafions,
down which come great freshets during the rainy season, gouging out
deep arroyos, and strewing the surface with the collected débris of pition
and cedar, sage-brush and cacti. About the mouth of Coal Caiion, par-
ticularly, the whole surface of the “ wash” was covered with lumps of
fine-looking bituminous coal, as though a thousand coal-carts had trav-
- eled that way with their tail-boards out.
We camped at sunset at what our guide called the Rattlesnake Bend,
within a half dozen miles of the outlet of the canon. We had not dis-
covered any more of the high cliff-houses during the day; but there is
no doubt that, if we had had a good field-glass with us, many more might
have been found along the crevices near the summit of the escarpment.
To have verified our .suppositions by a personal inspection would have
involved a great deal of labor, and more time than we could have spared
from our very scanty store. In the vicinity of our camp, the caton
changed much in appearance; instead of the long slope of talus capped
* These dimensions were estimated from the photograph after leaving the locality,
not having the time or appliances for accurate measurement while there. The same
ruin has since been examined by Mr. Holmes and accurately measured, with the follow-
ing results: Diameter over all 43 feet; of the inner circle, 25 feet. Mr. Holmes also
makes out ten apartments instead of six. Bulletin No. 1, vol. 2, p. 11.
Plate V.
JACKSON. ] ANCIENT RUINS IN S. W. COLORADO. 375
by a perpendicular ledge, we have here a perpendicular ledge first, of
200 or 300 feet, and then a long receding bench, back to the higher mesa
beyond.
Close to our camp was one of the little towers that occur quite fre-
quently, about 10 feet in diameter, and now some 8 feet in height, with
the inside half-filled with the debris from the walls. Half a mile below,
in the vertical face of rock, and at a height of from 50 to 100 feet from
the trail, were a number of little nest-like habitations. Fig. 5, Plate I,
illustrates one of them, and their general character. Communication
with the outside world was from above to a small window-like door, not
‘showing in the sketch. Two small apertures furnish a lookout over the
valley. The walls are as firm and solid as the rocks upon which they
are built. The stones are more regular in size than any noticed here-
tofore, but smaller. The chinking-in of small chips of stone is notice-
ably neat and perfect on the inside. This is not a commodious dwelling ;
15 feet would span its length, and 6 its height, while in depth it is not
more than 5 feet. Near by, upon a low ledge, and readibly accessible
from below, is a string of five or six houses, evidently communicating,
mere kennels compared with some others, made by walling up the deep
cave-like crevices in the sandstone. The same hands built them that
lived in the better houses; the masonry being very similar, especially
the inside chinking, which was perfect, and gave the walls a very neat
appearance. Fig.8 of Plate II is an example of the tenacity of the mor-
tar; the view being of one of the line of little houses just spoken of.
In this case, a portion of the ledge upon which the house stands has
-become separated from the cliff, carrying a portion of one of the build-
ings with it; and although torn away from the remaining wall, and
thrown over ’at a considerable angle, yet it remains perfectly firm and
unshaken.
Scratched into the face of the cliff which contains these houses are
various inscriptions, one of which is depicted i in Fig. 6 of Plate I. As
they are not cut in very deeply, and in some places mere scratches, it is
very doubtful whether they are COs ONE neous with the houses them-
selves.
Two or three miles farther, and the cafion changes in feature again ;
the highest level of the mesa coming forward and towering over the val-
ley with a thousand feet of altitude; the bottom-lands widening out to
a half and three-quarters of a milein breadth. Cottonwood and willow
fringe the meandering stream in pleasant groves, while the dead level
of the valley is heavily carpeted with a dense growth of artemisia and
cacti. Everything is dry, dusty, and barren; the stream itself losing in
volume, and becoming more turbid. Fig. 13 of Plate III represents in
outline the characteristics of the canon, or valley rather, at this point.
In the high bluff, on the right hand in the sketch, are some of the most
curious and unique little habitations yet seen. While jogging along
under this bluff, fully 1,000 feet in height, and admiring its bold outlines
and brilliant coloring, one of our party, sharper-eyed than the rest,
descried, away up near the top, perfect little houses, sandwiched in
among the erevices of the horizontal strata of the rock of which the
bluff was composed. While busy photographing, two of the party
started up to scale the height, and inspect this lofty abode. By pene-
trating a side-cafion some little ways, a gradual slope was found, that
carried them to the summit of the bluff. Now, the trouble was to get
down to the house, and this was accomplished only by crawling along
a ledge of about 20 inches in width, and not tall enough for more than
a creeping position. In momentary peril of life, for the least mistake
376 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
would precipitate him down the whole of this dizzy height, our adven-
turous seeker after knowledge crept along the ledge until the broader
platform was reached, upon which the most perfect of the houses alluded
to stands. The ledge ended with the house, which is built out flush
with its outer edge. This structure resembles in general features the
cliff houses already spoken of. The masonry is as firm and solid as when
first constructed, the inside being finished with exceptional care. In
width it is about 5 feet in front, the side-wall running back in a semi-
circular sweep; in length 15, and in height 7 feet. The only aperture
was both door and window, about 20 by 30 inches in diameter. In Fig.
7 of Plate II, is a desigh of this aerial habitation as it appeared from
below, its uniqueness consisting in its position on the face of the bluff.
To the casual observer, it would not be noticed once in fifty times in
passing, so similar to the rocks between which it is plastered does it
appear from our position on the trail. A short distance to the right,
and on the ledge above, is another building of somewhat ruder con-
struction, but with corners square, and the walls truncated.
Referring again to Plate Ill and Fig. 13, the position of these houses,
and also of the one in Fig. 12, can be seen in the dark heavy lines near
the summit, just above the most precipitous portion of the bluff, gener-
ally at a height of from 600 to 800 feet above the level of the canon.
This was the last cliffhouse we noticed in this canon. From the first
to the last, all that were upon an elevation, however slight, were on the
western side of the cafion, with either doors or windows facing east,
overlooking the opposite bluffs. We could not find even the faintest
vestige of ruins or houses upon the eastern side. Those built low down
on the level land did not hold to the same rule, being scattered indis-
criminately upon either bank of the stream.
Proceeding down the broad open cafion over the now very easy trail,
we espied upon the opposite side of the stream a tower of apparently
greater dimensions than the ones noticed above. The crossing was
execrable; but, forcing a way through the tangled undergrowth to the
stream, a way was found out of it to the ruin some forty rods back;
(see Figs. 2 and 3.) The tower only remained; this is circular, 12
feet in diameter, and now about 20 in height, the wall being about 16
inches in thickness. Facing the valley northward is a window-like
aperture, about 18 by 24 inches in size; the lower lintel some 7 or 8 feet
above the base. The stones of which it is constructed are uniform
in size and angle. Being so entirely exposed to atmospheric influences,
the mortar has worn away entirely from between the outer layers. In-
side, the débris was heaped up nearly to the window. JBy referring to
Fig. 3, it will be seen that a rectangular structure, divided into two
apartments, each about 15 feet square, joins thetower. Only one corner
of three or four courses of masonry remains, Shown in the sketch by the
shaded lines ; the rest being indicated by mound-like lines of loose débris,
in which but few stones remain; from which fact, and also that the
center of each square is considerably depressed below the surrounding
surface, it is probable that they are underground apartments, their
roofs not reaching the window midway in the tower. It would be ex-
tremely interesting to excavate upon these old foundations; for there
is no doubt that many interesting relics, and possibly some clue to their
manner of life, might be found. Our time, however, was too limited to
admit of the experiment, much as we desired the information it might
furnish.
In the same neighborhood stands a corner and a portion of a doorway
of a house, (see Hig. 4), showing considerable care and skill in its con-
‘OWTOW WHL 10 NONVO AHL NT ‘SONTITHMA HAVO
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i
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i
2
ah
i
Plate VI.
‘
:
"JACKSON. ] ANCIENT RUINS IN 8S. W. COLORADO. Blut
struction, and what we had not noticed before, the doorway facing east
is a little over 6 feet in height, tall enough to enable a person to stand
up in it.
With these, we finished our observations of the ruins in the Catton de
los Mancos. We were now at its mouth, the mesa ending as abruptly
as it began: the river turning well westward and following approxi-
mately the course of the San J uan, joins it near the south western cor-
ner of the Territory, at the foot of El Late.
Striking off to the right from the stream, and following close under
the bold escarpment of the mesa, we could still discern, aS we bore
away, group after group of standing walls and mounds, extending down
the valley into the broad open plain of the San Juan. It was with
many regrets that we turned our backs upon these relics of a forgotten
race. Our trail now lay over the peculiar marly earths lying under
the sandstones of the table-land, soft, friable, and dusty, without vege-
tation, our mules’ feet sinking into it to the fetloeks at each step. At
our right, portions of the mesa have become separated and weathered
into peculiar pinnaeled turrets. One particularly stands out detached
some fifty rods; the trail passing between it and the mesa, forming an
old and well-known landmark on the old Spanish trail from Santa Fé
to Salt Lake. A little farther on, and to the right, is another mass,
bearing a curious resemblance to a matron standing with a child beside
her, the alternating bands of red and white strata marking off the fig-
ure into its different proportions and into flounces and trimmings.
Away to the south and west, over the broad plains of the San Juan,
where roam the great flocks of ‘sheep and goats belonging to the Nava-
jos, the Callabassas Mountains rear themselves into distinct view ;
while between them and the river, a great cristone thrusts itself up out
of the earth to a height of at least 2,000 feet, as veritable a needle as
was ever christened such.
Striking into this old trail, we bore around to the western side of the
Mest, and, near nightfall, arrived at the extensive group of ruins about
“Aztec Spring s,”” lying out upon the northeastern flanks of El Late,
and close upon the divide between the waters of the Mancos and the
McElImo. It was our intention to have camped here and worked up
the surroundings at our leisure; but, very much to the surprise of our
guide, the spring was perfectly dry, not even the least moisture remain-
ing to tempt us to dig for it, for others before us had dug to the depth
of three or four feet with no reward for their labor. At its best, it
could have been but a very insignificant source of supply; the surplus
oozing away through a few yards of wiry grass into the dry sand. The
basin of the spring lay in quite a depression, that had evidently been
excavated for the purpose. A well may have existed; for it cannot
be reasonably supposed that the very large settlements which at one
time existed in the neighborhood were supplied from it in anywhere
near its present condition. The nearest running water was 12 or 13
miles away, and none of the surroundings indicated that this spring
ever had any very considerable volume of water. Immediately adjoining
the spring, on the right, as we face it from below, is the ruin of a great
massive structure of some kind, about 100 feet square in exterior dimen-
Sions; a portion only of the wall upon the northern face remaining in
its original position. The débris of the ruin now forms a great mound
of crumbling rock, from 12 to 20 feet in height, overgrown with arti-
misia, but showing clearly, however, its rectangular structure, adjusted
approximately to the four points of the compass. Inside this square is
a circle, about 60 feet in diameter, deeply depressed in the center. The
37%8 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
space between the square and the circle appeared, upon a hasty examin-
ation, to have been filled in solidly with a sort of rubble-masonry. Cross-
walls were noticed in two places; but whether they were to strengthen
the walls or divided apartments could only be conjectured. That portion
of the outer wall remaining standing is some 40 feet in length and 15 in
height. The stones were dressed to a uniform size and finish. Upon
the same level as this ruin, and extending back some distance, were
grouped line after line of foundations and mounds, the great mass of
which is of stone, but not one remaining upon another. All the subdi-
visions are plainly marked, so that one might, with a little care, count
every room or building in the settlement. Below the above group, some
two hundred yards distant, and communicating by indistinet lines of
_ débris, is another great wall, inclosing a space of about 200 feet square.
Only a small portion is well enough preserved to enable us to judge,
with any accuracy, as to its character and dimensions; the greater por-
tion consisting of large ridges flattened down so much as to measure
some 30 or more feet across the base, and 5 or 6 feet in height. This
better-preserved portion is some 50 feet in length, 7 or 8 feet in height,
and 20 feet thick, the two exterior surfaces of well-dressed and evenly-
laid courses, and the center packed in solidly with rubble-masonry, look-
ing entirely different from those rooms which had been filled with debris,
though it is difficult to assign any reason for its being so massively
constructed. It was only a portion of a system extending out into the
plains, of much less importance, however, and now only of indistin-
guishable mounds. The town built about this spring is nearly asquare
mile in extent, the larger and mere enduring buildings in the center,
while all about are scattered and grouped the remnants of smaller struc-
tures comprising the suburbs.
It was sunset by the time we had secured the photographic views
necessary to illustrate the leading features of this group. A camp had
to be found, a thing very easily done in most localities, but here one very
important constituent was wanting. Sage-brush and grass abounded,
but water was sadly deficient. However, by good luck, as we might
call it, a few pools of the grateful fluid were found in the nearly dry bed
of an old stream, about four miles distant from the ruins. This pretense
of a stream known locally as the McElmo, flows westwardly into the
San Juan; and is for the greater portion of the year but a deep dry
gulch.
A short distance above our camp, and upon the top of the mesa,
which, at this point, is not more than 25 feet above the valley, we
found a tower very similar to that on the Mancos (see Fig. 1), but con-
siderably larger, and surrounded by a much greater settlement. It is
about 50 feet in diameter, and, like the Mancos one, double-walled, the
space between the two about 6 feet in width, and subdivided into small
apartments by cross-walls pierced with communicating doors or windows.
Immediately surrounding this tower is a great mass, of which it is
the center, of scattered heaps of stone débris, arranged in rectangular
order, each little square with a depressed center, suggesting large sub-
divided buildings, similar to the great community-dwellings of the Pue-
blos and Mogquis and the old ruins of the Chaco. Upon the southeast
corner of this group, and upon the very edge of the mesa, are the re-
mains of another smaller tower, and below it, founded upon the bottom
of a small cafion, which ran up at right angles to the McHImo, is a
portion of a heavy wall rising to the base of this lesser tower. This
group covers a space of about one hundred yards square; while ad-
joining it on the mesa is group after group upon the same general plan,
Plate VII.
x
WatTCH-TOWER, IN THE CANON OF THE MCELMO.
JACKSON. ] ANCIENT RUINS IN S. W. COLORADO. 379
a great central tower and smaller surrounding buildings. They cover
the whole breadth and length of the land; and, turn which way we
would, we stumbled over the old mounds and into the cellars, as we
might call them, of these truly aborigines. The same painted, glazed,
and otherwise ornamented ware, of which I have spoken, accompanies
each settlement, and we were continually picking up new designs and
forms. |
Starting down the cafion, which gradually deepened as the table-land
rose above us, we found upon each hand very old and faint vestiges of
the homes of a forgotten people, but could give them no more atten-
tion than merely noting their existence. Half a dozen miles down,
and we came upon several little nest-like dwellings, very similar to those
in Figs. 5 and 7, but only about 40 or 50 feet above the valley. Two
miles farther, and we came upon the tower shown in Fig. 9, standing
upon the summit of a great square block of sandstone, some forty feet
in height, detached from the bluff back of it. The building, upon its
summit, is square, with apertures like windows upon two faces, looking
east and north, and very much ruined, but still standing in some places
about 15 feet above the rock on which itis built. At the base of the
rock is a wall running about it, a small portion only.remaining, the rest
thrown down and covered with débris from the house above.
About here we crossed the boundary-line into Utah, and then, two
or three miles farther, we came upon a very interesting group. The
valley, at this place, widens out considerably, and in the center stands
a solitary butte of dark-red sandstone, upon a perfectly bare and smooth
floor of the same, dipping down: to the center of the valley at a slight
inclination. The butte, a remnant of a former mesa, worn down by
time to its present dimensions, is about 100 feet in height and 300 in
length; an irregular mass, seamed and cracked, and gradually going
the way its former surroundings have traveled. Running about its
base, in irregular lines, are remains of walls, but whether for defense or
habitation would be hard now to determine. Af the back of the rock,
a view of which is had in Fig. 10, are the remains of two quite consid-
erable walls, one above the other; the lower portion—one corner only of
a square building, all traces of the remaining portions having entirely
disappeared—seemed to serve as a sort of approach to the larger build-
ing above, the top of which came up nearly to the summit of the rock.
It is about 18 feet in length and 12 feet in height. Portions only of the
side-walls, connecting it with the rock, remain. The stones of which it
is built are very uniform in size, angle, and finish, more so than any yet
seen, but, like all similarly-exposed buildings, the mortar is washed or
worn away entirely from between the outer layers; farther in, it is
intact as usual. In front is a single aperture of about 18 by 24 inches,
whether for door or window would be hard to guess. The only access
to the top of the rock was through the window of this house. On top
are evidences of some sort of mason-work, that covers it from one end
to the other. All the irregular gaps and crevices have been walled up,
probably to make an even surface. But few of the stones remain in
position; in one or two places, three or four courses, all the rest are
thrown down and scattered. 3
In the rear, about fifty yards removed, are other ruins belonging to
the group, surrounding the rock. The better-preserved portions consist
of a square tower, with one round corner, about 12 feet in Ciameter, and
upon the lowest side—which stands in a dry run—about 20 feet in
height. The walls are 18 inches in thickness with no signs of apertures.
Adjoining this ruin is another, but so much thrown down as to be almost
380 GECLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
unrecognizable ; and between these and the rock were circular depres-
sions of some considerable depth, indicating either subterranean apart-
ments or reservoirs. No water could be found anywhere in the neigh-
borhood. The dry bed of the McElmo was fully a mile distant, in which
water occurs during the winter and spring only.
Aside from the interest attaching to the ruins themselves, there are
thrown about this rock and its surroundings the romance and charm
of legendary association. The story runs thus, as given us by our
guide, and very excellently rendered by Mr. Ingersoll, in his article to
the New York Tribune of November 3:
Formerly, the aborigines inhabited all this country we had been over as far west as
the headwaters of the San Juan, as far north as the Rio Dolores, west some distance
into Utah, and south and southwest throughout Arizona and on down into Mexico.
They had lived there from time immemorial-—since the earth was a small island, which
augmented as its inhabitants multiplied. They cultivated the valley, fashioned what-
ever utensils and tools they needed very neatly and handsomely out of clay and
wood and stone, not knowing any of the useful metals; built their homes and kept
their flocks and herds in the fertile river-bottoms, and worshiped the sun. They
were an eminently peaceful and prosperons people, living by agriculture rather than
by the chase. About a thousand years ago, however, “they were visited by sav-
age strangers from the North, whom they treated hospitably. Soon these visits
became more frequent and annoying. Then their troublesome neighbors—ances-
tors of the present Utes—began to forage upon them, and, at last, to massacre
them and devastate their farms; ; so, to save their lives at least, they built houses
high upon the cliffs, where they could store food and hide away till the raiders
left. But one summer the invaders did not go back to their mountains as the people
expected, but brought their families with them and settled down. So, driven from
their homes and lands, starving in their little niches on the high cliffs, they could only’
steal away during the night, and wander across the cheerless uplands. To one who
has traveled these steppes, such a flight seems terrible, and the mind hesitates to pic-
ture the suffering of the sad fugitives.
At the cristone they halted, and probably found friends, for the rocks and caves are
full of the nests of these human wrens and swallows. Here they collected, erected
stone fortifications and watch-towers, dug reservoirs in the rocks to hold a supply of
water, which in all cases is precarious in this latitude, and once more stood at bay.
Their foes came, and for one long month fought and were beaten back, and returned
day after day to the attack as merciless and inevitable as the tide. Meanwhile, the
families of the defenders were evacuating and moving south, and bravely did their
protectors shield them till they were all safely a hundred miles away. The besiegers
were beaten back and went away. But the narrative tells us that the hollows of the |
rocks were filled to the’ brim with the mingled blood of conquerors and conquered,
and red veins of it ran down into the cafion. It was such a victory as they could not
afford to gain again, and they were glad, when the long fight was over, to follow their
wives and little ones to the south. There, in the deserts ‘of Arizona, on well-nigh un-
approachable isolated bluffs, they built new towns, and their few descendants, the
Moquis, live in them to this day, preserving more carefully and purely the history and
veneration of their forefathers than their skill or wisdom. It was from one of their old
men that this traditional sketch was obtained.
The bare floor of nearly white sandstone, upon which the butte stands,
is stained in gory streaks and blotches by the action of an iron constit-
uent in the rocks of another portion of the adjoining blufis, and this
feature probably gave rise to the legend. Half a mile back, or north
from this historic butte, is a group of small cave-houses. A long bloff
line, about 100 feet in height, of alternating bands of red and white
sandstone, has, along a line of its upper strata, quite a number of shal-
low caves, in which are snug little retreats, securely walled in, the
masonry perfect and substantial. Along the top of the bluff are traces
of old walls, but now well-nigh obliterated.
While passing the mouth of a wide side-cation, coming in from the
right, a tall, black-looking tower caught our eye, perched upon the very
brink of the mesa, overlooking the valley. Tying our riding-animals at
the foot, and leading the pack-mule, with photographic kit, we soon
-
Plate VII.
|
\
i) pail
a
tCINS IN TITEH CANON OF THE HoOvVENWEEP, U7TAH.
JACKSON. ] ANCIENT RUINS IN §. W. COLORADO. 36k)
struck into an old trail, worn deep into the rocks, winding and twisting
among great bowlders, and overgrown and obstructed with rank growth
of sage, cedar, and cacti. In its day, the trail had been a good one;
now it was anything but such. Bad as it was, however, it was the only
way to the summit, and we were thankful for it. Skirting the edge of
the mesa a few yards, we came to the tower, the trail passing back of it
and on up toa higher level. A huge block of sandstone has rolled down
from the escarpment of the mesa above, lodging upon the very brink of
a bench midway between top and bottom, and upon this the tower is
built, so that from below both appear as one. They are of the same
diameter, about 10 feet, and some 18 feet in height, equally divided be-
tween rock and tower. In construction, it is similar to those already
described, of single wall. It was evidently an outpost or watch-tower,
guarding the approach to a large settlement upon er beyond the mesa
lying above it. From this point we now struck out for another group
of ruins lying upon a nameless stream, some eight or ten miles farther
west. Four or five miles we followed the McElmo down, the trail good,
the whole surface covered with a dense growth of artemisia and groves”
of cedar and pifion, with cottonwoods fringing the dry stream. Branch-
ing off at right angles, crossing the heads of two cations which opened
out quickly into great gorges, and then descending into a valley densely
covered with greasewood, we came upon the ruins we were in search of.
Through the valley ran a "deep gulch, a narrow thread of warm, brackish
water appearing at intervals in its bed, and gathering into pools in
basins a short distance below the ruins.
In Fig. 11 of Plate III, is a sketch of a ground-plan of the “ city,”
showing its general arrangement. The stream referred to, and shown —
in the sketch, sweeps the foot of a rocky sandstone ledge, some 40 or 50
feet in height, upon which is built the highest and better-preserved por-
tion of the settlement. Its semicircular sweep conforms to the ledge;
each little house of the outer circle being built close upon its edge. Be.
low the level of these upper houses some 10 or 12 feet, and within the
semicircular sweep, are seven distinctly-marked depressions, each sepa-
rated from the other by rocky débris, the lower or first series probably
of small community-houses. Upon either flank, and founded upon rocks,
are buildings similar in size and in other respects to the large ones on
the line above. As paced off, the upper or convex surface measured 100
yards in length. Each little apartment is small and narrow, averaging
6 feet in width and 8 feet in length, the walls being 18 inches in thick-
ness. Thestones of which the entire group is built are dressed to nearly
uniform size and laid in mortar. A peculiar feature here is in the round
corners, one at least appearing upon nearly every little house. They are
turned with considerable care and skill, being true curves solidly bound
together.
With this last our observations of these interesting relics came to an
end. Our trip was short and rapid, and instituted in the first place, as
I have said, in quest of the picturesque, ‘and we found it. For a much
more complete and faithful exposition of this interesting subject, the
reader is referred to a series of photographic views from which the ac-
companying illustrations are drawn.
I cannot close without extending thanks to Capt. John Moss, of La
Plata, our volunteer guide, who accompanied us over the route compris-
ing the ruins. To his accurate knowledge of their locality, and the best
way to reach them, as well as of the language of the Indians, is due much
of the success of the trip.
t)
He
Re
ee ted no
a ay
Pate
ZOOLOGY.
REPORT OF ERNEST INGERSOLL.
383
pe
ie
a0
REPORT ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES
GEOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRI-
TORIES, 1874.
By ERNEST INGERSOLL, ZOOLOGIST.
New York, March 1, 1876.
Siz: I herewith forward the subjoined report of zodlogical work done
during the season of 1874 in connection with the survey under your
direction, a preliminary account of bien, was published by you in the
Bulletin of the Survey, second series, No. 2, under date of } May 14, 1875;
and I remain, with high respect, yours, ete.,
ERNEST INGERSOLL,
Zoologine
Dr. F. V. HAYDEN,
U. S. Geologist, Washington, D. CU.
The material herein reported upon consists of two collections, chiefly
of mollusks: one made by Mr. E. A. Barber, of West Chester, Pa., in the
northwestern part of the Territory ; and the other made by the writer
ip connection with the Photographic Division of the Survey during July,
- August, and September of 1874, in which he was assisted by Master
Frank Smart, of Washington.
Mr. Barber was attached to Mr. Marvine’s Topographical Party, and
collected plants and shells in North Park, along Bear and White Rivers,
and at the White River agency, where he was engaged in making baro-
metric observations for several weeks. His collection is not large, but
is interesting in that it exhibits several species which, I did not find,
and also includes additional examples of the new Microph ysa, Which was
described by Mr. Bland from my specimens.
My own route lay from Denver west into Middle Park, thence south
up the valley of the Blue to Hoosier Pass, leading the party into South
Park, from which we crossed over to the Arkansas, and thence through
Poncha Pass into San Luis Park, and across to Saguache. From here
the road led west to the Los Pinos Indian agency, and then southwest
through Antelope Park to Baker’s Park, in the high mountains.
At this point, the camp was stationed; and leaving Mr. Smart to col-
lect here, 1 accompanied Mr. Jackson on a side-trip of nearly three
weeks’ duration, made southwest into the valley of the Rio San Juan,
at the extreme corner of the Territory. On our return trip from Baker’s
Park, we followed the Rio Grande to Del Norte, thence struck across
the San Luis plain to the “ sand-hills,” through Mosea Pass, Huerfano
Park, Wet Mountain Valley, and Oak Creek, and pay came to Canon
City, where I left the party.
Collections were made at nearly every camp on ile whole route, and
that they do not make a greater aggregate is due to the inexperience of
the writer, the haste with which the party moved, and not a little to the
comparative scarcity of those objects in which he happened to take the
most interest, and most desired to have completely represented. In
such cases, in the absence of specimens or affirmative evidence, a cer-
385
25 :
386 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
tain amount of negative evidence appears, which may be of value in
future deductions. J append a list of the localities, remarking upon ele-
vation and so forth, at which collections were made. The absence of
any camp, as Nos. 12 316, from this list, does not necessarily imply that
I was idle, but that nothing of importance reached home from that
locality.
LIST OF LOCALITIES FROM WHICH SPECIMENS WERE BROUGHT HOME.
Camp 9: Hot Sulphur Springs, Middle Park, July 31 to August 5. Ele-
vation 7,125 feet. A broad, open valley, containing hot and cold
springs of various mineral- waters.
Camp 9-10: Grand River Valley, August 5. About ie 500 feet. Grassy
prairies and river-terraces of coarse gravel covered. with sage-brush,
with but little timber, except along some portions of the river- banks.
Camp 10: Mouth of Blue River, August 6-8. About 7,500 feet. High
river-terraces. Cottonwoods and “alders along the river and about
springs in the neighboring hills.
Camp 10-11: Blue River Valley, August 8. 7,500-8,500 feet. Same
general characteristics.
Camp 11: Ute Peak, Blue River Valley, August 8. About 8,500 feet.
Springy ground by a cold streamlet, with abundance of small timber
and luxuriant herbage. Many shells were collected on a wooded hill
2,000 feet higher than the camp.
Camp 17: Head of San Luis Valley, August 14. About 8,000 feet.
Luxuriant grass and herbage; large pines and spruces. Water in
plenty.
CAMP 17-18: San Luis Valley, August 15. 7,600-7,200 feet. Distance
thirty miles, mostly Artemisia plains, very dry and dusty. The weather,
which had been rainy, now began to be clearer, with hot noondays
and cool nights. .
CamP 18: Springs, Saguache, August 16. 7,700 feet. Edge of dry plains.
The springs come copiously from under a volcanic bluff, and flow into
a marsh, which drains into Saguache Creek.
Camp 19: Saguache Creek, August 16. 7,748 feet. Five miles beyond
Camp 18, on the banks of the above stream, which is a tributary of
the Rio Grande and waters a fertile region. Thousands of cattle are
herded hereabouts.
Camp 20: Twenty miles west of Saguache, August 17. About 9,000 feet.
Volcanic caion.
Camp 21: Los Pinos Indian agency, August 19-24. 9,290 feet. A fer-
tile plain watered by two creeks, and surrounded by hills, affording
plenty of rain. Thecamp was placed among a grove of various trees
by a little rocky stream. We remained a week at this point; but my
time was largely occupied in studying the traits of the Ute Indians,
whose southern agency is here.
CAMP 22: White Harth Creek, August 24. About 8,000 feet. A deep
ravine, which had been recently burned over.
Camp 23: Timber-line; divide between the Gunnison and Rio Grande, Au-
eust 25. About 10,000 feet. Timber mostly small; no pines. Found
many mollusks in the deep wet grass early in the mornin g.
Camp 24: Clear Creek, August 26. About 9,300 feet. A tributary of the
Rio Grande, emptying in Antelope Park. The banks were here cov-
ered with a riotous growth of brush and weeds.
Camp 25: Jennison’s Ranch, August 27-28. About 9,600 feet. On the
Rio Grande, between Antelope and Baker’s Parks. Fertile alluvial
INGERSOLL.] ZOOLOGY—LIST OF LOCALITIES. 387
bottoms, with plenty of timber on the hills. Clear, with frosty
nights.
Camp 26: Howardville, Baker’s Park, August 29-September 23. 9,700
feet. A deep valley among immense trachyte mountains. Abundance
of timber (spruce and the like, and aspen), bushes and plants. Frosty
nights, and snow toward the last of our stay.
Cunningham Gulch is a deep caiion near by, on the high, perpendicular
side of which, along trails leading to silver-mines, I found active mol-
lusks and insects at an altitude of fully 11,000 feet.
Camp D: Cascade Creek; head of the Animas Valley, September 3.
About 8,000 feet. Southern slope of high sierras. A beautiful region
in all respects. This and the four following localities were on the
_ side-trip into the San Juan Valley.
Camp HE: Animas Park, September 4. About 6,600 feet. Lower down
the river, where the broad bottoms are somewhat cultivated.
Camp H-F: Between the Rio Animas and Rio La Plata, September 4.
$,000 feet. Half-way we passed a great pond, surrounded with rushes;
the resort of innumerable wild fowl, and inhabited by a great variety
of fresh-water life. Observe the note to Helisoma trivolvis,
Camp F: Rio La Plata mining-camp, September 5-8. About 7,500
feet. Collections made in dense damp groves of evergreen and de-
ciduous trees.
Camp K: Hovvenweep, Utah, September 13. About 4,500 feet. A low, |
dry ravine some twenty miles into Utah, in a desolate mesa country,
named by us Hovvenweep, from two Indian words meaning deserted
canon. Only gnarled cedars, sage-bush, and greasewood grow there.
The valley must be subject to floods.
Camp P: Head of Mineral Creek, September 19. About 10,000 feet. The
sources of a mountain-torrent draining into Baker’s Park.
Camp 28-29: Saint Mary's Lake, Antelope Park, September 25. 9,300
feet. A beautiful lake without inlet or outlet, cn the northeastern
- Side of the park, surrounded by rocky cliffs. Inhabited by some pe-
culiar shells and hosts of water-fowl, while its shores are the resort of
large herds of antelope.
Camp 30: Rio Grande above Del Norte, September 28. 7,560 feet. The
camp was ina low spot by asluggish stream.
Camp 32: Lakes, San Luis Valley, September 20. About 7,500 feet.
These lakes are most of them dry in September, and all! the shells I
found were dead on the beach. They are frequented by innumerable
wild geese and ducks, which are tormented by the many large gulls
which make the lakes their home. The waters are alkaline, and the
whole region is white with saline deposits and nearly barren.
It will be observed that all of these localities are in Colorado except
Camp K.
GENERAL ACCOUNT OF THE WORK.
Attention was chiefly given to fresh-water invertebrate life, though
the results were not very satisfactory.
At the springs near Saguache, leeches were found, pronounced by
Prof. A. E. Verrill to be Aulostomum lacustre, var. tigris, Verrill, and
Clepsine modesta, Verrill, both of which have been found heretofore in
the same region. A more thorough search, had it been possible, would
probably have revealed additional forms, as the locality was extremely
- favorable.
For crustacea a sharp lookout was kept, but only the following spe-
cies were certainly seen: two amphipods, Gammarus robustus, Smith,
388 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
and Hyallela inermis, Smith, both of which were described in the Report
for 1873, which inhabited the above springs in great abundance. From
the pond mentioned between camps E and F a small crab was brought
home, which Prof. S. I. Smith pronounced to be a true marine form, be-
longing to the Astacidow. That this is a survivor of the period, probably
comparatively recent, when this pond was a salt-water marsh, is sup-
ported by the astonishing fact that two specimens of a young Trun-
catella and well-preserved fragments of an Arca were found on the
muddy shores. It would be ‘of great interest to know whether the
exuberant vegetation of the pond retains any traces of marine plants.
The insects were not methodically collected, and but few, chiefly my-
riapods, which are very abundant in the mountains, were brought home.
A small collection of spiders consists of ten species of ARANE At (Dras-
side 2, Lycosa 5, Attus 1, Thomisus 2) and four species of PHALANGE At
(Phalangein 3, Gonyleptes 1). All of these species are believed by Mr.
HE. H. Emerton, who has examined them, to be undescribed, though in
part identical with forms previously collected in Colorado. "A descrip-
tion is not attempted herewith, because the material is not at hand for
proper study and comparison. Further collections and observation in
this branch of entomology are particularly desirable from the mountain-
ous regions of all the Territories.
Land and fresh-water shells comprise the largest part of the material
brought home. They were made a specialty; and the fact that next to
nothing of this class had ever been reported from Colorado, and but lig-
tle was ; known at all-of the Mollusea of the Rocky Mountain region, was
deemed a sufficient excuse for what might seem too exclusive attention
to this department of natural history, which does not present to the
careless mind such striking attractions as the study of the higher ver-
tebrates.
No fishes were collected, although numerous aulempts were made.
The majority of our time was spent where they seemed to be entirely
absent, or So extremely scarce that, although all were interested in the
capture of certain species, not a trout eraced our table during the
whole trip.
Some snakes and frogs were secured at Hot Springs, Middle Park,
and a number of Amblystoma seen for the first and last time. Reptiles
were. taken wherever they occurred after this, also, except upon the
long side-trip mentioned above, where it was impracticable to preserve
anything greater than could be put in a pocket-bottle of alcohol. The
marsh between the Animas and La Plata was a fine locality for batra-
chians. South of the mountains, lizards began to appear in great num-
bers and variety, and increased as we got farther out upon the dry
plains. Camp 20 furnished us our only rattlesnake, and I do not
remember any other camp at which we were even suspicious of their
presence.
Such large suites had already been secured of the mammals and birds
of Colorado that it was not deemed advisable to spend time in a syste-
matic collection of them. Some skins were obtained, and observations
recorded, but little worthy of special mention. Birds were nowhere
seen so abundantly as in Berthoud Pass and on the Arkansas below
Granite. The former locality, being easily accessible, ought, before
many seasons, to yield a rich ornithological harvest.
In conclusion, I wish to express to Mr. Wm. H. Jackson, director of
our party, the appreciation I have of his hearty co-operation and genial
sympathy, through which he not only afforded me opportunities I would
not otherwise have had, but added immensely to my personal enjoy-
ment of this delightful trip.
SPECIAL REPORT ON THE MOLLUSCA.
The collection of Mollusks fairly represents the land and fresh-water
families, aud comprises many additions to the fauna of Colorado, as well
as the following six species, believed to be new:
Limax montanus, Ingersoll.
Limaz castaneus, Ingersoll.
Microphysa Ingersoll, Bland.
Pupilla alticola, Ingersoll.
Helisoma plexata, Ingersoll.
With respect to their distribution, it will be seen that none were found
on the eastern slope of the range, although there is no conclusive evi-
dence that they do not exist there; that there was a marked increase
as we advanced south; that altitude seemed to have little influence
upon their range so long as other favorable conditions were present ;
and that some species (as of Helisoma) had a very local distribution.
The genera Zonites, Vitrina, Vallonia, Pupa, Succinea, and Pisidium
were wide-spread. Among the Helices, Patula Cooperi only occurred in
broad open valleys; Patula striatella and Cronkhitei were found together
over the northern portion of the district traversed, but in the south the
latter replaced striatella. The little Microphysa, occurring abundantly
on the cliffs in Baker’s Park up to 11,000 feet, and in the Animas and
other valleys draining into the Rio San Juan, was also found in the North
Park by Mr. Barber, but his examples were less robust. All the other
species of this genus belong to Florida and the Gulf coast. The Pupe
were perhaps the most common forms, increasing as we went south,
where specimens of Vertigo californica and Pupilla alticola were numer-
ous everywhere on the mountains as high up as timber grows. Pupilla
Blandi, heretofore known only as a fossil in Missouri River Drift, was col-
lected alive in considerable numbers.
In order to make this lst as far as practicable a statement of our
present knowledge of the Mollusea of that portion of the United States
lying between the Rocky Mountains on the east and the Sierra Nevada
on the west, designated, by Mr. W. G. Binney, The Central Province
(Bulletin Mus. Comp. Zo6l., II], ix), I have inserted in their proper system-
atic place the names of such mollusks as I could ascertain to have
occurred within that region, distinguishing those species which form
my own list by the black head-letter type. A brief mention of the
range extralimital to the scope of this paper is added to most species.
There seems some reason to doubt whether the limits assigned by Mr.
‘Binney in his Geographical Catalogue, above referred to, cireumscribe
a true zoological province, considered with reference to the Mollusca;
but I have contented myself with carefully tabulating such observations
as I had access to, leaving to others such deductions as the facts may
warrant. Enough is presented, however, it seems to me, to show that the
- Central Province, so-called, is not so deficient as has been supposed,
either in the number of species or in representatives ot adjoining faunas.
The impression that this inter-montanic region is unfavorable to the
development of Pulmouates also seems wrong, except in respect to the
scarcity of lime, to which cause we may probably attribute the fact that
the more minute forms are in large majority. A further discussion of
the geographical and hypsometric distribution ot the Moilusks of the
389
390 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Rocky Mountains may be found in an article by the author in the Popular
Science Monthly for May, 1876.
It gives me pleasure to acknowledge my indebtedness and tender my
thanks to Messrs. Thomas Bland and W. G. Binney, Dr. James Lewis
aud Prof. Edward S. Morse, for much kind help and good counsel, both
before and after the completion of this manuscript.
VEOLELUSCA.
- Class GASTEROPODA.
Order PECTINIBRANCHIATA.
Family VALVATIDZ.
Valvata sincera, SAY.
takes a Samy tims Valleys occ elie es eerie 1 specimen.
Reported also from Salt ‘bales (Hemphill). Inhabits the Western
States.
My single shell was found dead upon the beach. It is typical, except
in size, which exceeds that of any other specimens I have seen. I agree
with Mr. W. G. Binney that I have never seen ‘‘ specimens referred to
this species that can easily be distinguished from carinate forms of
V. tricarinata.”
Valvata virens, Tryon.—Cceur @Aléne Lake, Montana (Hemphilt );
Pacific coast.
RISSOID i.
AMNICOLIN Aa.
Tryonva clatharata, Stm.—Colorado Desert (Blake).
Tryonia protea, Gld.—UColorado Desert (Llake.)
Somatogyrus isogonus VAR. subglobosus, SAY.
makes san Tumis Walley 32 sie miigeee vei ustee oe 5 specimens.
Northwestern part of the Union (Say).
All my specimens were dead. My time was so limited at this inter-
esting point that I could not search the deep water for living mollusks.
Amnicola turbiniformis, Tryon.—Crane Lake Valley and Surprise Val-
ley, Northeast California (Gabb); near Fort Hall, Idaho (Reid); Truck-
ee, Nevada (Carlton). California.
Amnicola longinqua, Gld.—Colorado Desert (lake).
Fluminicola Nuttaliana, Stm.—Warm Springs, near Salt Lake, Utah»
(Reid); Upper Des Chutes River, and Klamath River, Oregon (New-
berry). Oregon and California.
Fluminicola seminalis, Stm.—Salt Lake, Utah (Reid); Oregon and
Washington Territory (Newberry).
Fluminicola Hindsii, Stm.—Salt Lake, Utah (Reid); River Kootanie
and stream at foot of Rocky Mountains, 4,626 feet, British Columbia
(Lord).
INGERSOLL.] ZOOLOGY——-MELANIIDA.—PULMONATA. 391
The last two of these three species are considered identical with the
first by Mr. Binney and some others; their range seems to be co-exten-
sive.
Fluminicola fusca, Hald.—Shores of Lake Utah (Burton); Sacramento
River, California, to Green River, Utah (Cooper).
POMATIOPSIN Ai.
Pomatiopsis intermedia, Tryon.—Owyhee River, Southeast Oregon
(Gabb); White Pine district, Nevada (Hemphill). Pacific coast.
MELANIIDA.
Goniabasis plicifera, Lea.—Rivers of Washington Territory (Cooper).
Pacific coast.
Goniabasis silicula, Gld.—Usually regarded as a variety of the above.
“ Quoted from Washington Territory ; Oregon; Hell-Gate River, Mon-
tana; and the Missouri above the Falls (Cooper). Pacific coast.
— Goniabasis Newberryi,. Lea.—Upper des Chutes River, Oregon (New-
comb). California.
Goniabasis nigrina, Lea.—Clear Creek, Shasta County, California.
Pacific coast.
Goniabasis Draytoni, Lea.—Walla Walla, Oregon; Clear Creek, Shavic
County, California. Pacifie coast.
Leptoxis fusca, Hald.—Shores of Lake Utah (Burton). Pacific coast.
Order PULMONATA
PUPIDA.
PUPINA.
Cionella subcylindrica, LInN.US.
Camp 24> Clear Creek tac ecrs tenia. oe ok ace neal 3 specimens.
These three were found in wet grass and bushes, some 8,300 feet above
the sea. Though I searched particularly for them afterward, no more
were obtained. It is a circumpolar species.
Pupilla muscorum, LiNN US.
Camp wi) Blue River Walleye. 24. sos sone sale oan. 1 specimen.
Cannprzile: os Pinos Aweney icc snc eyes = Oo specimens.
Canada; Hastern States; Europe.
Pupilla Blandi, MORSE.
Campa. Clear Creek. 2 Segre mal rise yey ie) oiepe ay eee 2 specimens.
Camp 26e, Cunningham Guleheees soo -\2,.44seoae 40 specimens.
Camp Oe Aninas Valley isn oee to ee rh ee ee 1 specimen.
Camp E); Rio la Plata... 22732... 2. se Re oleae hae ae 1 specimen.
Sub-fossil in Drift on Missouri River near Fort Berthold.
Pupilla alticola, SP. NOV.
Animal not observed.
_ Shell perforate, straight, two and one-half times as long as broad, densely
striate, subtranslucent, chestnut-brown ; apex obtuse ; whorls 6 or 7, convex,
392 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
the middle three of the spire equal, causing a parallelism in the sides of the
shell, the last noticeably greater, expanding toward the aperture, not closely
appressed to the body-whorl; suture deeply impressed ; aperture small,
oblique, subtriangular, marg gins connected by a thin deposit, without internal
processes ; peristome simple, somewhat reflected over the umbilicus. Length,
22 mm. ; diameter, 1 mm.
Camp 263) Cunnineham Gulch ssa case ce ae eee ee 25 specimens.
Camp F: Rio La Plata... ....-.- ICT RI Re ny aE 5 specimens,
It will not be difficult to recognize this species by its parallel sides,
base-like expansion of the last whorl, coarse incremental lines, and eden-
tate aperture. It seems to be an essentially alpine species, none having
been found at an elevation less than 8,000 to 9,000 feet. It was plenty
in the localities mentioned above.
Leucochila arizonensis, Gabb.—Fort Grant, Arizona (Horn); Pike's
Peak, Colorado (Tryon); White Pine, Nevada (Hemphill). California.
Leucochila hordeacea, Gabb.—Fort Grant, Arizona (Horn).
VERTIGININ As.
Vertigo californica, ROWELL.
Camp! Blaeikiver Walley... 2 ssc eee ae ee . 15 specimens.
Camp 21) Los Pinos agency +4. 25,2522 -2 eae 3 specimens.
Camp 23: Divide southwest of Los Pin@S cases eee 3 specimens.
Camp 26; Howardvilles 2:05.72. jase ee eee 50 specimens.
Camp D: Animas Valley..........-.--.. See eee 2 specimens.
Gamprkie Rio Wa. Platac. 25%. © aks o2 eee eee 4 specimens.
Pacific coast.
Vertigo corpulenta, MORSE.
Camp 2: Los) Pinos agency Ste... ee ea eee .. 2.Specimens.
Camp 23: Divide southwest c* Los Pinos .......--..-. 1 specimen.
astern slope Sierra Nevada (Stretch ; Hemphill).
Vertigo ovata, Say.—Fort Grant, Arizona (teste Binney). HKastern
United States.
HELICID A.
VITRIN 2.
Macrocyclis vancouverensis, Lea.—Idaho; west side of Coeur d’Aléne
Mountains, in forests of Conifer (Cooper); Sumass Prairie, Fraser River
(Lord). Pacitic coast. >
Zonites arboreus, SAY.
Camp: 9: Hot, Sulphur Sprimes2ee Soosn eee ee eee 3 specimens.
Campull: Bine River Valleyai.. 4-543 Sa. eee 13 specimens.
Camp 26: Howardville, Baker’s Park.......-..-..-.-. 22 specimens.
Camp is) RiouwlaP lata ce eee. 2 ees eee ine bee 3 specimens.
North Park (Barber) .......-- LA a tare A UR ET A zi 2 specimens.
INGERSOLL.) ZOOLOGY—HELICID&. 393
“Damp bottom-lands along the Jower valley of Hell-Gate River, Mon-
tana” (Cooper); Washoe County, Nevada; Montana; Rio Chama, New
Mexico (Binney and Bland). United States generally.
Zonites viridulus, MENKE.
Waray) Mes blue boiy er Veillle yarns ssc ce 4,0 aor s mayer nate _ 2 specimens.
Camp lose sacuache: Creek eros es-: -o- «s,6)14)- ‘... 12 specimens.
Camp 20: Twenty miles west of Saguache .... .....-. 1 specimen.
Camp D: Cascade Creek, Animas Valley. ........--. 3 specimens.
Cannel: Lode, Platay.c emery sce siciee 25's oan 4 specimens.
I find no other localities for this mollusk recorded in the inter-montanic
region, except that Mr. Lord mentions finding a ‘ Zonites like electrina,
Fort Colville, Columbia River”; and Mr. Binney accredits it to the
Central Province. All my own localities were at the foot of mount-
‘ains, and in each case the animals were found in the wet shaded ground
beside running water. In the valleys of the Animas and La Plata, they
were very abundant underlogs. Itisdistributed over the United States
generally, except on the Pacific coast.
Zonites indentatus, Say.—Accredited by Mr. Binney (Bull. Mus. Comp.
Zool., Ui, ix, 202) to the Central Province (Utah) as having been de-
rived from the north. Eastern North America.
Zonites nitidus, Miill.—Colorado (Carpenter). Europe, New York,
Ohio, and British America.
Zonites Whitneyi, Newe.—Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada, 6,100 feet
(Cooper); Truckee, Nevada (Carlton).
Zonites Brewert, Newe.—Truckee, Nevada (Carlton); Lake Tahoe
(Newcomb). California cgast.
Zonites minusculus, Binney.—Accredited in Binney’s catalogue to the
Central Province; Fort Grant, Arizona (Horn). All of North America
and the West Indies,
Zonites conspectus, BLAND.
Camp 26: Cunningham Gulch, altitude 11,000 feet...... 1 specimen.
No mention has been made of tbis species that I am aware of since
its description by Mr. Thomas Bland (Ann. N. Y. Lye. N. H., VIII, 163),
who quotes San Francisco, California, as its habitat.
Zonites fulvus, DRAPERNAUD.
Campo 9: lot Sul phiwreSpringse pac mers of Smith’s Borkee-ees teers tees eeeee eae see eee eeeee 7,500
Mouth of branch a of North Fork .....-- 1g tend Gaby eed Shee Shc oe Se aBOE DOSE Ee 5, 500
Mownioigoname hub) ot,€ calli reekaaeeriseee eee tans ae ae aoe anes Bele sei ae 7,077
WiC OF InrAMCN TOT IM OREIK Sooo bene sone 5 cocdceassose sede eseEre ened asec 6, 000
MIG HID OF |RMACIN OK INO < OIREE)K caccco 5565a0 Beauanscos sebeeuesemas beeeen seis 7, 100
Monthrofioranchyeot Rock Creeks smeeeetesce ease cisecae = eee ce saat 8, 400
Moutinomnnanehy pe latedul Cneeksen-s cmer nase -iys nea wsleeie see - cic =e ee SOS
Mouth of branch g Plateau Creek
Monthyotmbranchya: Plateau Creelanesareee eyes ets sells) «eee e-leiner eee oeels 5, 580
28 H
TOPOGRAPHICAL REPORT OF NORTHERN DIVISION, 1874.
By Story B. Lapp, M. E.
WASHINGTON, D. C., June 1, 1875.
Sir: I have the Mons to submit to you the {opoor yphical yonunt of
the northern division of the United States Geological and Geographical
Survey of the Territories, to which I was assigned as topographer, for
’ the season of 1874.
The party, in charge of Mr. A. R. Marvine, geologist, left the ren-
dezvous camp, near Denver, on the 20th of July. A camp was made
for three days near Golden City, and a detailed survey made of the
country between Ralston Creek and Mount Morrison. We crossed the
Front or Colorado range by Berthoud’s Pass, and traversed the Middle
Park to our field of work north of the Middle Park.
The first station was made on the Ist of August, and the last one on
the 20th of November. The wagon-road from the White River Indian
agency to Rawlings Springs was taken, and Rawlings was reached on
the 28th of November, and Denver, by railroad, on the 30th.
Mr. Wm. 8. Holman, jr., took the supplies for the party, and a mercu-
rial barometer to the White River agency, via Rawlings, and the
wagon-road from that point. The barometric station which he estab-
lished there is the base on which the majority of our altitudes depend.
The plan of the topographical work is exactly the same as used the
year before, and as adopted by the other parties.
Very respectfully, yours,
STORY B. LADD.
Dr. F. V. HAYDEN,
United States Geologist, in charge of the United States
Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories.
REPORT.
The country assigned to the northern division, to be surveyed during
the season of 1874, is north and east of the Middle Park, in Colorado.
The northern limit was north latitude 40° 30’ and the ‘southern the
Eagle River from its source at the summit of the Mount Powell range
to its junction with the Grand River, and then the Grand. On the east
the work was to connect with that of the previous year on the western
and northern sides of the Middle Park, and to the west the work was
to be continued as far as the season would allow.
The most western point reached was nearly to longitude 108°, though
_ the average limit is about 107° 45’. This arrangement gave us a narrow
strip north of Middle Park, covering the southern end of the North
Park, of an average width of about eleven miles, and extending from
435
436 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
the summit of the Front or Colorado range north of Long’s Peak, west
to the Park range, which is the eastern limit of the bulk of our ‘work,
and has a trend of north 25° west from Mount Powell. The disposition
of the country made it desirable to commence at the eastern end of the
North Park district, and to extend the work to the west toward our
supply depot at the White River Indian agency, and when, early in
November, we reached the country between the Mount Powell range
and the headwaters of the Eagle, the storms and the clouds that hung
constantly around the mountains made it impossible to continue the
work, and we were obliged to leave that portion for another season.
The total area surveyed is about four thousand one hundred square
mniles of mountain country, interspersed with a few wide, open valleys.
The methods of working are the same as adopted by the other parties.
A line of primary triangulation stations bordering the country on the
east and south and Dome Mountain near the center of the district, lati-
tude 40° 00! 57.45, and longitude 107° 04/ 40,46, (approximate,) were
the points with which the secondary triangwation joining all the topo-
graphical stations were connected. Highty-six principal stations were
made, together with some minor compass stations along the lines of
travel. The average distance of the stations apart was 6.84 miles.
A barometric station was established at the White River Indian
agency, commencing on the 17th of August, and a meteorological record
has been kept from ‘that time to date. “Different members of the party
were observers while the party was in the field, and sinve then the
observations have been inade by Mrs. E. H. Danforth.
A portion of the party was encamped at the mouth of the Hagle
River for twenty-six days, and a barometric record was kept there
during the time, which gives the elevation of that point very accurately.
The station at the agency is the base used in the ealculation of the
majority of the heights; for the work done while the small side-party
was at the mouth of the Hagle, that base was used as being much
nearer, and the work done in the North Park previous to the establish-
ment of the White River base depends upon the bases at Fairplay and
Denver.
The southern end of the Medicine Bow Mountains, which border the
North Park on the east, forms a high, precipitous, granite range be-
tween the valley of the North Grand and the Park. Mast of the North
Grand. rise the mountains of the great Front range, of the same gene-
ral character as they are to the south, sharp, serrated summits, with am-
phitheaters on either side. The highest points of these ranges rise to
a little over 13,000 feet, but the general elevation is 12,500 feet. To
the north the Front range loses its rugged Alpine character and changes
to a high, heavily-timbered platean range, separated from the Medicine
Bow by the Big Laramie kiver, and drained on the east by the Cache
la Poudre. The range in the other direction bears south 40° east, and
culminates in the highest mountain of the whole northern district,
Long’s Peak. The valley of the North Grand is narrow and close, ex-
cepting a portion of its lower course, where it widens into a broad
beaver meadow.
Crossing the Medicine Bow range, we descend by long, broken spurs
to the broad open prairie-like basin of the North Park, drained by the
North Platte River. Across the Park rises the Park range, a broad,
rounded’ mass, heavily timbered, about twelve miles in width, and with
an elevation of from 10,000 to 10,500 feet. The range retains this
character for fitty miles to the south, and then rises to the very rugged
precipitous range of Mount Powell. To the north, for ten miles, it re-
mains the same, and then changes to a more mountainous type, but not
LADD. GEOGRAPHY—GENERAL FEATURES. A37
as rough a one as to the south. The divide at the head of the Muddy
Creek ot Middle Park is very low, but 8,772 feet elevation; while at
no point is the Park range lower than 9,000 feet, except where the
canon of the Grand cuts through it. So, if this caion did not exist, the
entire drainage of the Middle Park would flow through the Muddy Pass
into the North Platte River.
The main spurs or ridges between Park View Mountain and the Park
range, which, to the south trom the divides between the Troublesome,
the west iork of the Troublesome, and the Muddy, have a northwest
and southeast trend parallel to the range.
Considering thé country west of the Park range as a unit, the main
topographical feature is the White River plateau, a lava capped mesa,
irregular, and cut by deep cadons and valleys, which often nearly sub-
divide it.
This western district comprises about three thousand five hun-
dred and twenty square miles, and the drainage is divided into three
systems, the Yampah or Bear hiver, the White, and the Grand. The
Yampah drains nearly the northern half of the distriet, the White the
western central, about one-quarter, and the Grand the southern third.
The Yampab has a northeasterly and northerly course from its source
on the eastern side of the mesa, which, situated in the center, is a point
from which the drainage radiates, till it reaches the Park range within
a mile of our north line, when it makes a sharp bend and holds a course
due west till it joins the Green River.
The White River drains the heart of the plateau, and the main stream
has its source in Trappei’s Lake, which nestles in one of the deep-cut-
ting valleys close under the cliffs. The South Fork of the White, head-
ing near Shingled Mountain, cuts a deep precipitous cafon through the
center of the plateau.
The Grand River, which issues from the Middle Park through the
canon in the Park range, flows through a broken series of gorges for
ninety miles, opening out occasionally into a small valley of from one to
five miles in length, but for the greater part of its course in rough, often
impassable canous. The Eagle flows through an open sage-brush val-
ley. jor twelve miles and then through a narrow valley for five miles
before it joins the Grand.
From the White River plateau, the surface of which is irregularly
rolling, there rise a number of isolated mountains, Shingled Mountain,
station XLI, and point 17-—XLI, from 500 to 1,000 feet elevation above
the general surface. These made excellent topographical stations. The
eastern edges of the spurs, as well as of the main plateau, are the high-
est, sloping on the west to the edges of the mesa, and falling off on all
sides with abrupt, high cliffs, to the long, sloping spurs below. ‘To the
east there are a number of ridges partially detached from the plateau,
and the highest points of these are the mountains that show so promi-
nently from the east, Dome Mountain and Mount Ornuo, which stand
just south and north of the head of the Yampah, the highest mountains
west of the Park range in this district.
The Dome Mountain ridge is entirely separated from the plateau, and
the Mount Ornuo mass is connected by a narrow wall of rock, some-
what higher than the plateau at either end, in places but 3 feet in width,
and a sheer precipice on both sides of from 700 to 800 feet. To the
north lies the valley of the Williams Fork, a large tributary of the Yam-
pah ; to the south the headwaters of the Yampah itself. Standing near
the center of this wall, which is 125 feet in length, with outstretched
arms, and dropping a stone from each hand simultaneously, they fall
for 100 feet before touching the sides of the cliffs. It was very much
438 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
cracked and shattered, and another winter will probably demolish this
natural causeway. .
The eastern edges of the plateau and the main spurs and ridges have
a northwest and southeast trend, parallel to the*Park range.
West of the Park range and parallel withit is a broken range, about
ten miles distant from the axis of the main one. Starting as a spur
from the Mount Powell mass it forms the high ridge of station LX XXI,
reaching to 11,000 feet. The Grand has cut a canon through the ridge,
leaving a detached mountain, station LXXX, north of the Grand.
North of station LX XX there is quite a low saddle ; then it rises again
to station LX XVII. To the north the Yampah has cut a small canon
through the range, but it there becomes lower, and soon falls off to the
broad, low ridge of station XV. West of this range, and between it
and the spurs from the plateau, lies Kgeria Park, drained by the Yam-
pah, the Chimney Fork, a tributary of the Yampah, and Bayard Creek,
a branch of the Grand. It is an open, terraced basin, about twelve
miles long from northwest to southeast, and trom one to four miles wide.
The divide between the Yampah and Grand River waters is only a very
low gravel terrace, scarcely noticeable.
The valley of the Yampah, between stations XVII and XV, forms a
small park about ten miles long and from one to three wide. Below
the great bend of the Yampah, near station XV, tor seven miles the
valley is a wide, open bottom ; it then closes into a canon for nine miles,
and then widens out into another rich and fertile bottom, extending
almost continuously for eighteen miles down the river, and bordered on
the north and south by low, rolling hills. It is in this valley that the
new settlement of Haydenville is started, the beginning being made in
November last.
Near the lower end of the bottom the wagon road from Rawlings’
Springs on the Union Pacific Railroad to the White River Indian agency
crosses the Yampah, and a small Indian trading-post, now kept by Mr.
Morgan, is located there.
The valley of the Yampah is the finest and most promising of the
whole district. This river is bordered by a growth of large cottouwocds,
and the soil appears to be very tertile and productive. It has an eleva-
tion of from 6,200 to 6,800 feet. The only valey that rivals it in the
least is that of the White River at Simpsou’s Park, where the agency
is located; this, however, is on the Ute Indian reservation. Coal is
found in a number of localities along the Yampah, between it and the
White, as well as north of it, and although it has not been thoroughly
explored and tested, yet it promises to be very abundant and of good
quality, equal to any in the Territory. The Steamboat Springs are
located right at the bend of. the Yampah, on both sides of the river, and
close to the bank on the north side. The water is lukewarm, of trom
70° to 72° temperature, and is strongly saturated with sulphur.
At the head of a small stream, a tributar), of the Wagle, draining the
valley southwest of station LX XXII, there are a few quite small sul-
phur-springs, and on the banks of the Grand River, two miles below the
mouth of the Eagle, there is another set of sulphur-springs on both sides
of the river. A short distance below these springs there is a very large
one that gushes forth close to the edge of the river, so that in the spring,
at high stages of the river, it 1s entirely submerged. This spring has
very little, if any, sulphur, though it probably has some salt, with possi-
- bly some other ingredients.
North of the White River plateau the country is mountainous and
irregular, with no distinct, well-defined system. :
The continuation of the spur, of which 6-XLI is the highest point, |
- LADD.] GEOGRAPHY—ROADS AND TRAILS. 439
forms the dividing range between the White River and the Williams
Fork and Waddle Creek tributaries of the Yampah. It is a broad,
rolling, heavily timbered range, with several prominent cone- ‘summits,
as Pagoda Peak and point 9-X XIX, and has three easy passes. An
old trail crosses between Pagoda Peak and the plateau from the Wil-
liams Fork to the White; a good trail crosses between Pagoda Peak
and point 9-X XIX from the main branch of the Williams Fork to the
White, at an elevation of 8,300 feet, and the Government wagon-road
crosses through Yellow J acket Pass, west of station XX XI, at an eleva-
tion of 7,493 feet.
The plateau continues to the southwest, forming the divide between
the White and the Grand Rivers, but it loses the distinctive mesa char-
acter to a great degree, and becomes more like a high, roJling range;
the streams flowing south cut deep, profound canons, while to the north
sloping spurs and hog-back ridges divide the tributaries of the White.
ROADS AND TRAILS.
There are two roads that penetrate this country, the Government
wagon-road from Rawlings’ Springs,on the Union Pacific Railroad, to the
White River Indian agency, and the one known as Berthoud’s Salt Lake
wagon-road.
The first, starting from Rawlings’ Springs, crosses the old stage-road
to Salt Lake City just west of Bridger’s Pass, then following the valley
of the Muddy, crosses the Little Snake at the settlements, and, cross-
ing to Fortification Creek, follows that for most of its course, and fords
- the Yampah River just below the mouth of Elk Head Creek and half a
mile east of Morgan’s trading-post. It then follows a nearly straight
course, crossing the Williams Fork and the Waddle, through Yellow
Jacket Pass to the agency.
The second, which is a road surveyed by Capt. E. L. Berthoud, in
1861, from Golden City, Colo., to Provo City, in Utah, via Berthoud’s
Pass and the Hot Springs, in Middle Park, crosses the Park range at
Gore’s Pass at an elevation of 9,590 feet; then through the small group
of meadows drained by Stampede Creek, across a low divide to Sarvis
Creek, and down that valley to the Yampah. For the last few miles it
leaves Sarvis Creek and follows down a small side-stream. Within a
few years, since the discovery of mines on the Elk and Snake Rivers, a
number of teams have been through by this route, and they have broken
a road from Stampede Creek through to Egeria Park, and that is now
the passable route, the former one down Sarvis Creek being but a trail. :
Passing through Egeria Park and down the Yampah for seven miles,
it follows a nearly straight northwesterly course across to Oak and
Sage Creeks, then bearing to the west across a low divide east of sta-
tion XXIV _ to Skull Creek, and once more meets the Yampah, which it
follows down till it joins the Rawlins road. This is the route that is
now used, but Captain Berthoud’s surveyed road divides on Sage Oreek,
one branch passing up Sage Creek and across to the Williams Fork,
and the other leaving the present road at Skull Creek, passing up Skull
Creek to the Williams, where it joins the other branch, then across the
hills to the range east of Waddle Creek, where it joins the present road
to Simpson’s Park and the agency. This portion of Berthoud’s road ©
from long disuse has become nothing more than a trail.
From Simpson’s Park the road follows down the White to the june- .
tion of the Green, then up the Uintah River and the Duchesne Fork,
and down the Timpanogos to Provo City, Utah.
440) GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
The country is traversed by a great many well-defined trails in all
directions. The principal ones across the Park View mountain-range,
from the Middle to the North Park, are through the Willow-Creek Pass,
east of Park View, at an elevation of 9,683 feet, and one across the low
divide at the head of the Muddy Creek at an elevation of 8,772 feet.
This is the pass crossed by Frémont, in 1844, on his return journey, and
he speaks of it as one of the most beautiful passes be had ever seen,
A fair trail crosses the Park range about tive miles north of Rabbit
Ears, a mountain near the Muddy Pass, capped with two sharp points
of lava rock, to the valley of the Yampah, just above the great bend.
The most important trails in the western district besides those men-
tioned in connection with Berthoud’s Salt Lake road are those leading
to and from the Indian agency. A large Indian trail to the Cochetopa
agency runs almost south from the White River agency, crossing the
Grand at the mouth of Divide Creek, thirty-seven miles below the
mouth of the Eagle, and then south up Divide Creek. A trail to the
mouth of Hagle River follows up the White for five miles, then ascends
the rolling plateau and crosses it in nearly a straight line to the june-
tion of the Eagle and Grand, passing down the long spur west of Cafon
Creek. The trail then follows up the Eagle River for twenty-one miles,
and ascends the steep sides of the canton of the Hagle to the valley
southeast of station LX XI, the highest point between the Nagle and
the Grand. It crosses this valley and the ridge dividing it from the
. Piney River, and passing along the steep mountain-sides on the east of
the Piney and south of the Grand, it crosses the valley east of station
LXXXf and the Park range through a pass 7.5 miles south of the
cafion of the Grand and just north of point 5—XLI, and joins the Blue
River trail in Middle Park.
The greater part of the whole country is abundantly watered, and the
streams, with but few exceptions, are large and full. On the western
edge the country becomes drier and more barren, and soon merges into
the sterile, desolate region of Western Colorado. Longitude 108° is
about the eastern limit of the barren waste. The country to the west is
broken by low mountains, ridges, and terraces, but there are no com-
manding points, and away from the Yampah, White, and Grand Rivers
water is very rarely found. Careful measurements were made of the
Grand and Yampah Rivers so as to give the amount of water carried
by them. This is an important question in case the country ever be-
comes settled enough to require irrigation, in order to utilize for culti-
vation the dry plains, especially on the Blue and Muddy in the Middle
Park and along the Yampah, though there is ne doubt that the sup-
ply is ample for any possible demand.
The Grand River was gauged at the hot springs, in Middle Park, on
July 31. The river at that point was 84 feet in width, with a small side
run 12 feet in width, and the greatest depth was 3 feet. The maximum
velocity was 8 feet per second, and the amount of water 802 cubic feet
per second. Early in November the river was gauged again at a point
ninety miles beiow the springs, and just below the mouth of Eagle
River, but the Grand is so much Smaller at that time, it being at its
minimum, that no direct comparison can be made between the two
results.
The Blue, the Muddy, and the Kagle add their waters to the Grand
between these two points, besides a great many smaller streams, yet the
river measured only 871 cubie feet of water per second. The small
amount is due to the lateness of the season, the river being then at its
very lowest point. The width of the stream was 198 feet, the greatest
depth 3.7 feet, and the maximum velocity 3.4 feet per second.
LADD.| GEOGRAPITY—ELEVATIONS. 441
The Yampah was gauged in the middle of November, near the ford
where the Rawlings wagon-road crosses, and this result also gives the
minimum amount of water in it at any season of the year. The width
was 156 feet, the deepest place 2.5 feet, the maximum velocity 2.4 feet
per second, and the amount of water 364 cubie feet per second.
In the spring these rivers are very high and impassable until nearly
July, and the Grand below the Blue is “not tordable till August, and
then only in a few places.
Plenty of water is naturally accompanied by an abundant growth of
timber, and about one-half of the whole area is so covered, though a
great deal of it is small, and of no value as lumber.
The Park range is covered with good large timber, similar to the
Front range, mostly pines, but with aspens and small low trees along
the lower edges. The Park View Mountain range and the Medicine Bow
are the same, the hillsides well covered with flat areas, arms of the North
Park, clear and open. ‘These flat areas are covered with the lake deposits,
and wherever these basins exist, as in Egeria Park, and the parks along
Yampah, they are free from timber, with the exception of the cotton-
woods bordering the streams.
The long sloping spurs trom the White River plateau and the heads
of the valleys draining it are well timbered, especially on slopes facing
the north.
From the southeastern corner of the plateau, near station XLVIT, and
the long ridge that, starting at this point, runs southwesterly from this
point around to the east and north to the mouth of the South Fork of
the White, and beyond it to station LV, the country is well, and in
places even heavily, timbered, covering about 700 squaremiles. Thebest
timber, pine and spruce, grows on the heads of the White, Williams
York, and Yampah Rivers, and on the top of the plateau between Shin-
gled Mountain (station XLII) and station LIX. The spruce-trees grow-
ing on the top, at an elevation of from 10,500 to 11,000 feet above the
sea, are large and fine, often reaching 3 feet in diameter.
A list is given of the elevations of the principal points and. places.
A few are calculated trigonometrically and those are marked with a ¢,
and a few that are dependent upon an aneroid barometer are marked
with an a; the rest are all obtained from a mercurial barometer.
List of elevations.
MOUNTAINS.
Elevation,
feet.
SAMOnp Ml ront: TAN Mes Woe wees ia etre ache ee Shetae 0) Ue 8) Dib 12, 000
Seauroni Wi Me4(TrODM 133) is eh aN rete oe rete ore Pee es Lene 12, 513
Sieyos 0 (A MedicmesBow rangers Ses: ES 761
RSUReR UBIO LTE geet 2:0" i ctot a) DARIAN a atten ey A nee ICRP NON Cmca t13, 060
FecaTe ley ote Wis et( TOT, Fed) 5 5S
BSc | = E = ce | 62 | ee
oh o v d 5 5 5
Q fae a FS oO iS) iS)
Campi2ieeeereeee 7p.m---.| Ang. 7, 1874 | 19. 667 19. 00 18.70 | 17.90 667 SOT 1. £67
Station 9). ..:.--.. 8a.m.-- | Ang. 8, 1874] 18.039 | 17.47 Serer 16. 40 DUDW everett 1. 639
Station 10)--- =.=. 1p.m.--.; Aug. 10, 1874 | 18 657 NOW |adsea. 35 Soros (HS Necese oc 1. 200
9.30 a.m | Aug. 11, 1874 | 21.200 }.---..-- 19.95 ON Onl eee Sae2 TS 250k eee ne
Camp teeensee ee 7a.m-.--.| Aug. 11, 1874 | 22.133] 20.18 | 21.09} 20:37 953 | 1.043 1. 863
Station Mle = 2-. UP Sooaee ATG IZ Nee || BOGGS |} 119), 70 |lcsceece |lasevouc coil need] REESE see
Camp 25.---..... 7p.m.-..} Ang. 12, 1874 | 21.€93 | 20. 7 20.57 | 19.90 9639)" 15123 1, 793
@ampeonee-eeese Ta.m.-- | Aug. 14,1874 | 21.579 | 20.60 | 20.52) 19.82 979 | 1.059 1. 759
sxe) (1S) s45-56- 2p.m..../ Aug. 14, 1874} 19.017 MER GW), NoSs6oesellacosoase Ola ome se | Sasuicce
Camp ieee. ee 7a.m.-.-.| Aug. 15, 1874) 20.876 | 20.00 | 19.80} 19.05 876 | 1.076 1. 826
Station 14.....-- WTO: Wilsase|| Amey, 1, AI Meh PRY A NT, BS) ecco aclleoseoace 663) | 5 4 en| Sere
Camp 28... ...-. 7a.m.--.| Aug. 16, 1874 | 20.465 | 19.09 } 19.33] 18.68 779 | 1.185 1. 7185
IERISS) eoasouuaeuee 9a.m-.--.| Aug. 16, 1874] 19.210 18. 40 1x. 10 17. 40) 810 1. LL0 1. 810
ZTMIMEIS pooscoooe 21d Wooo) Auer, 1G G4) || C10) OVS cee ocleen c oe Web a) ocecessoljooscca +: 1. $62
Station 16 ....... Ti, SO) a, sok | ALO, 17, USA || ME BB |) TB osccose |lecesoncs OQ: tae ve nr eee
Camp 29> .-- =. Go 8i0) jos to || ANoyen, Ph aig) BS BOT \ecaasce|[easecsne IQA) occococsllecosose 1.907
Passos 11.30 a. m | Aug. 18, 1874 | 19.461 |.-.--.-. HES ae We aa: |e Seeeoes 1.091 1.701
Camp 30.......-. 6a. m=-2 || Nae! 19) 187412199247) 19S 09) eee see 2 US AD |leoascecs|oacs a+ 5- 1.724
@zmpyo lees 1D Woes || Aes IG, UTE | PO. EG eotoce 22) so25e8- GEE GS Spe ekelleisoee 1,736
Camp 3l.-....-.- 7a. m.-..| Aug. 20, 1874 | 20.203 19.30 } 19. 06 18. 46 - £03 1. 143 1.743
Campissee-seeeee 7a.m.-.-.| Aug. 22,1874} 20.502 | 19.60 ; 19.42] 18.72 902 | 1. 082 1. 782
Stawon2ieereeas- 1p.m-....| Ang. 22,1874 | 18.343 |.-..-..- 17. 14 MSP} oocssese 1. 203 1.823
@ampresee eee 7 a.m....} Aug. 23, 1874 | 20.514 19. 38 IQS Isuscce ec 1. 134 TAN9 4 Rares
Camp 34......... 7a.m-.--.| Aug. 24. 1874} 19.919 | 19.01 | 1820] 1812 909} 1.119 1. 799
Jaap HIele Sasccee 7a.m.--.| Aug. 22, 1874 | 19. 906 19. 04 13. 73 18. 04 866 1. 176 1. 866
Camipreceaeeee eee Tp. m.-.-.| Aug. 29, 1874 | 21.594 | 20.54 |........ ORS ae aoe 2) ecient 1. 784
Silvertone. -=- 6p. m.--.| Aug. 31, 1874 | 21.518 | 20.50 |... ... |-------. TORS ote ss Sellvcc= ae s<
Camp 39.......-. 6 p.m..-.| Sept. 2,1874| 21.307] 20.31 | 20.10 i9. 56 oO tl PAT 1. 747
Stationi29 esa. 2 pl mes! Sept.) 41747 USS 6SSi ie Lei G0) |) S28 eee eae A ite) obo bows sleeccass
Camp 41........ 6a.m... | Sept. 5, 1874} 20. 816 19. 88 19. 61 19, 11 - 936 1. 206 1. 706
IPMS shissasoadee 9.30 a. m_| Sept. 5, 1874} 20.202 | 19.30 | 19.07] 18.47 .903 | 1. 153 1. 733
@amp 39.2.2... 1p.m..-.| Sept. 5, 1874) 21.345 | 20.29 | 20.10 | 19.54] 1.055 } 1.245 1. 805
Camp 42.......-. 7a.m....| Sept. 6, 1874] 21.146 | 20.15 19. 94 19. 43 996 1. 206 1. 716
Station 30)..---.. 2D Wesael| Seyoe G, Wee) We NOS | W745) ioe sto e-cllessccses HAS: 2A ae Nees
Camp) 43/225. .-\-- 7a.m.-...| Sept. 8, 1874] 20.424] 19.48 | 19.20] 18.56 944 | 1.224 1. 804
San Miguel Lake} 12 m...... eyo | teh WeZh) A WGP ceceascladscoce. 1D A ell see tek 32 2,58 1. 962
Campa eeeeee 4p: m=. sept. 8) 1874) s21 ean Pees eee JOOS Oe LOO Ag aaa see 1.211 1. 901
Camp 45......... 6 p.m....| Sept. 9, 1874] 20.663 | 19.70 | 19.44 | 1885 963 | 1.223 1.813
Station 33 ....... ii. 52 || Seyoirs WO, WI) Wea |) UPEPM eo te se lessee sac o (165) leepecaealiaesese
Camp46. 22.222. Glazrmee a Sept loa Ba) S21 Oisn paee eel eee ee ONO Bia Seacrest oe 1. 933
Station, 35:--..-.- 2105 Woe || RS]DUn Leh Tesh alee ailliey Pa WO oe ee cee 16. 04 CUS ins seeeee is)
Campaite--ee-e 6a. m....| Sept. 14, 1874 | 20.397}... .-. NO) Oy NS OE |lscsece cal) Th iy 1. 757
Stationtaveeasee- 1p. m.-.-.| Sept. 15, 1874 | 19. 008 18.13 17. 79 17. 20 878 1.218 1. 808
Camp 48.......:. Za.m....| Sept. 16, 1874] 20.686 | 19.64] 19.50] 18.49} 1.046 | 1.186 1. 796
PASS sesh tae ee 2p.m....| Sept. 19, 1874 | 20.576 19. 56 19. 37 18. 71 1. 016 1. 206 1. 866
Station 38 ....-.- 2p.m..../ Sent. 20,1874] 18.663] 17.85} .-..--.),--.--- o Gils} IS ouaaee pecdead os
Campio2aeeeeseee 6. 30 a. m_} Sept. 21, 1874 | 20. 977 19. 90 19. 80 19. 10 1. 077 1.177 1.877
Campinsaee eee 8. 30 a, m_! Sept. 22, 1874 | 21.879 | 20.73 | 20.63 19.98 | 1.149 1.249 1.899
Camp 54...-...-. 4a. m:--. | Sept. 23) 1874 |) 123. 557))|/ 22545) |) 22: 49), 21.72) a0” 1. 067 1. 837
Station 40 ....--. 1D Tails Seuss Sept. 235 1874) 22.106 |) 20569 |) 22 22 ae: iy O20 Weekeness|Sesesas.
Campos eee 3) D> Wo coe | Sejorm Sey NECN) CBE GUS foc cocs|| s2.-- = PGT | og es sollogaeane. 1.918
Campporreeeneer 7a. m-...| Sept. 24, 1874 | 23.725 | 22.70 | 22.72 | 22.95) 1.025 | 1.005 1.775
Campisbee-e sees Va: m._-.] Sept. 26, 1874) | 23) 452)... .-- - CRAG Ih CG OB Ns cee 1. 062 1. 792
Station 44....... 17; Wacoal Sern Oe, sel) BESO | NS ee ce ecaoscee TUB Ml eeeaeerellaraeas aoe
(Chyna) Bissscaccce 6.30 p.m | Sept. 27, 1674 | 23.927 |.-..--- PPE || BRL Ike} |. s-s5ese 997 1. 747
@amipioi(e--22a--- 6.30 a.m | Sept. 28, 1874} 24.006 | 23,00 | 23.02) 22.35 1. 006 936 1. 636
Station 47...._.. Min Wisse | Soho Qh WI PN, BHO | BOs Ioseesoe Wee Geeulescescen|acosece |) Bonccce
@ampioseeeresa ae 6. 30 a. m.| Sept. 29, 1874 | 23.123 | 22.13 | 22.16) 21. 49 . 993 963 1. 633
Campo oer: 6a. m..-.| Sept. 30, 1874 | 22.577 | 21.60 }. 21.59 | 20:80 O77 987 1.777
Station 50 -.....-. WEE S10) os tate} Ole, | Ty REN) Be. eve) | PIL EO eaG 255 Jocee-e5- HON SS|pcieee Se. | Sie oe
CampiG0i==2a--- @a.m.-. | Oct. 2, 2874) 21.453) |) 20:43 | 20: 31 19. 76 1. 023 1. 143 1. 693
Station 51 ..--.-- 10.30 a.m-_| Oct. 6, 1874) 19. C65 Ite Sao esas llooacos acini Saereeee [bapbogos
Station 53 ....... 10 a.m.--.| Oct. &, 1874] 20. 874 ISO W essces |loosodese ote e eaceBor|baocacda
Station 54 .....-. 2.30 p.m | Oct. 9, 1874} 19. 088 RE Qt bwaely feraioet| terete ODS) |e reticle ay aac
Station 58 ....-- lamers Oct. 12,1874] 22. 271 UN eeoerioems| | memocee OO seseeese|eeaeecacc
Station 62 ....... Ll a. m._-.] Oct. 15, 1874 | 22. 021 ROE) | Ssesessliaccasd. lg ULM eoeenertn Gedoacae
Station! 63 sess. Ze Ayo) aay |) OYehe, ANG akeiab yh Palle tee) |) PAO fe) |) sees Wocecccon BROAD Es =< 2 Ss S| eee
@Campyisseeee eee Ta.m.--.| Oct. 17,1874) 24.854 | 23.31 PR CU Nacedoase 1, 044 130549 | S2eeene
By Station 64....) 9a.m.--.| Oct. 17,1874 | 23.646 | 22.60 |..-.... | -..--2. LL WHO oerepsenysaccsaee
Camp aes 6p. m....! Oct. 18,1874) 24.633 | 23.62 |..--.--- Py Ga) |) IONS) Iemsaae a. 1. 713
WILSON] DISCUSSION OF ANEROIDS. 449
2o= : Wie 2) o
ESei a. 8 a. &
o's ae ee Se os
See | Se Ge cl ies sl
Location. Time. Date. Bes | ae che |e tees ia
Sen | PS ese role Po
= Efo boa) ume) RS Zo
Bae Sg i Wine aie
cs a fa S) Ss)
6 p.m. | July 3, 1873 | 24.371 24. 01 23. 10 . 361 1, 271
6 a.m. | July 4, 1873 | 24. 496 24.17 Zon eo . 326 1, 266
6 p.m. |July 4,1873| 22.951 | 21.94] 2Q1a1] .311| 1741
6 am. |July 5, 1873) 22.254 21. 96 21. 10 . 294 1, 154
7 p.m. | July 5, 1873) 22.200} 21.¢0) 21.04 . 3C0 1.160
6 am. |/duly 6, 1873 | 22.237 | 21.95] 21.10 otis yh, lesz
6 p.m. | July 7, 1873) 21.181 20.83 | 20.06 onl 1.12
6 am. |July 8, 1873 | 21.035 | 20.70 19. 90 . 300 1.135
7 p.m. |July 8 1873) 21.250 | 21.43 ].-...-- OR ena sae
Cam piBe te satesea cece = ces sole eae 6 a.m. | July 10,1873 | 24.347 | 18.41 | 22.02] 4.937 1. 327
Stations Sees ee hse see 1 p.m. | July 10, 1873 | 21. 260 16.25 | 20.07} 5.010 1. 150
@ampiecoene eee eet adecs SA eee 6 p.m. |July 10, 1873 | 22.733 | 17.70 | 21.40 | 5.033 1. 333
Camps. geste abet ae se eines 7 p.m. | July 11, 1873 | 22. 625 17.55 | 21.25 | 5.075 1.375
CAMP Ret ere se eco ee cee es heii ee 5 a.m. | July 14, 1273 | 23.515 18. 14 22.13 dD. 375 2385
Oa eee sane ete cioc ee cies 7 p.m. | July 14, 1873 | 23.288 | 17.90 | 21.89] 5.38 1.398
Campi eecnericee aseecliecie cee eee 6 a.m. | July 16, 1873 | 23. 447 18.30) 22.08 | 5.347 1. 367
@amipisseer tye -nsa Seecioce sis sereeeey: 5 a.m. | July 17,1873 | 24.611 | 19.21] 23.14 | 5.401 1.471
@amipysscecistee eeceiessiseis ce cee eee 7 p.m. | July 17, 1873 | 25.036 | 19.60) 23.62 } 95.436 1. 416
(OR OMA G SNH NAB APE Amen A 5 a.m. | duly 18, 1873 | 25.062] 19.61 23.68 | 9.452 dl. 352
Campeaescece seioasenes se ceien se. 7 p.m. | July 19, 1873 | 22.813] 17.30] 21.55 | 5.513 1. 263
Wampysiain sassee a aisee ese.5 cco Meee 6 a.m. | July 2!, 1873 | 22.527 | 17.10} 21.29 | 5.487 1. 297
(Seay a eae ee RD DY i 6 p.m. | July 22, 1873 | 92.673 | 17.15 |..-..... 5 5PB loos sons
(CELT D cae See a ae ca 7 p.m, | Aus. 3, 1873 | 22.007: |.--..._. 20050) eee 1.507
OAD Peer cdlacis ose misie ses Heese ae Guam PAT esos 1SW3) 5220539) eee ae ZIG OY Kocbsaoe 1. 519
(CAI Se 5coosha Bsseseespogesacoessas 6 p.m |) Aug. 8) 1573)) 227038 |/---- <2. 20s 5) icsbadse - 1. 638
Camp eeeercine cee le ee eats See 7 p.m. | Aug. 11,1873 | 20.542 |... .... IGEID oscssose 1. 442
Si OSLOL) (Usb oes esse em aRene ore Sess 12 m. Septs O,18io) |) 194766) ses sees ED EW) | cacacaa: 1. 376
SLavloniGMe ees ee ase dee Se See 9 a.m. | Sept. 11,1873 | 21.375 | -..---. POE OO Iconcce 1.3735
DUAGOUMONee eect se Smee see teeeeeers 9 a.m. | Sept. 14, 1873 | 22. 689 |..-..--- QTLON ea see IL asi)
SUOMI OP ee iat 3 so ie eee Tih Mai, | Seyoe. 17 MS |) a sy |e soe. TEED No ssdeas > 1. 242
STATLODES (ese inne! soles eae tee 6 p.m- | Sept. 25, 1873 | 22.096 |.....--. PAD aL as iets . 526
Waa ester eine Sin wieie a crete estore ee eee T Boia, | Srojori, Sa, Weis} || Pe. EST eee oe QO Os en ee ae i, Sey
Station 89 5 p.m. | Sept. 28, 1873 | 20.509 |.-..---. 1G), US) |oosedes 1. 329
Station 90 2 p.m. | Sept. 29, 1873 | 21.094 |.-....-.- ITD |iseccoos 1. 394
Station 94 10 a.m. | Oct. 2, 1873) 21.117 |_--..--- TOM Oa Reeeaees 1. 367
Station 95 3) joie, || Oyen, 2 sels} |) Bap, Os) Woo se ae a Uy UO Ne pees. 1. 529
2 ~ 2 a n Oo oc
Soe | Ss & a Sal |S os
OSS Sol Eero. le ole oul ree
Location. aes | aa aS LA SA | Sos eA
ale deci yal ELS heh 1 peel | 2 ict
8a poi! A Pans 33 Re SoS
OB. | ae & Sa = || je Bm
pald) 3 2 3 Sj ° &
(a 4 4 6S iS) D D
@ama pyaar scsise cc ae ence eee mereraete 21.103 | 20. 94 20. 59 20.95 | .163 | .513 . 153
SPaGlOD peer ee re nscr nance ye Deitel sere ee 20. 629 | 19. 775 19. 39 18.94 | .244 | . 639 1. 089
STQMON se oa ac aie vice Weems ba eon 7.946 | 17. 74 17. 28 17. 04 206 | . 666 . 906
CAM ee ae oe seis «ej obese aes sens 20. 064 | 19.55 19. 18 18. 81 514 | . 884 1. 254
SLOPES sie es wiec dic cs sie Seem enieet eee 19. 798 | 19.45 19. 06 18. S7 348 738 1. 122
Stamommeace semi. slenibinjcm aie storelmiclarsieettee ee 18. 127 | 17. 89 47. 35 17.14 | .237 | 2777 . 987
Cam piece. = f EB UGS OORO OOFeicmeosoo a5 20. 724 | 20. 20 19. 81 19.3 524 914 1 304
SUMO Ee) te sal: aa a's viel apes ate aie nramiae epee 18. 658 | 18.30 17. 79 17. 53 |-, 358 | . 868 1. 128
Carpe nec: coaaals via znainis eainisies biesinicie elas aes 2), SD || A010 Neacne se INO: Bh 1 AB esc ee- No. 3.
ED Ope art a= 5M iio > ts. aaids eee 20. 283 | 19. 89 19, 49 19599 | = c93 7193 - 333
Stationecnees se eres. tow eee aes 1€.114 | 17. 775 17. 29 18. 02 | . 339 824 . 094
(CERN) cciocd onoca doe CRrEaeenese ean eas AD VAG | OLB 1G) eee eae oaee Asi) | SEBO oosomescessc
Scatronjen operas seven sccincisars cen Raocacteoade 1%, 424 | 18.99 Heb) lo eceodace . 434 BAN eee eteatetets
ACAD Py Selene ain als 52s waieielneaend sien its 1¢248) 1 PUL) el ees ae al Renee CO Eee See cane omic
SPalOm era teem eae acre sor dia sain evap ete nat OFAC MUON OSM Reem hae ole | 889 |.----.|------nn-eee
' | !
29 i
REPORT ON THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE SAN JUAN COUNTRY.
By FRANKLIN RHODA, ASSISTANT TOPOGRAPHER.
In the following report I have adopted the very common system of
describing the country in the order of our travels through it. The
system is a very faulty one, but seemed to be the best possible under
the circumstances. In describing a river or a simple range of mount-
ains, the order of sequence is laid down in nature; all you have to
do is to commence at one end of the line and follow it. The mount-
ains in the so-called San Juan country, however, are very compli-
cated, and present no definite lines that may be followed in a descrip-
tion without leaving much untold. They appear, not in a single range,
nor in a suecession of ranges, but aS a great mass. It was thought best
to intersperse here aud there in the description of topography such
personal adventures of members of the party as might throw light on
any features of the country or its climate.
We started from Colorado Springs on the 14th of July, 1874, taking the
road leading up the Fontaine qui Bouille, and over Ute Pass into South
Park. It would have been much shorter to have gone to Pueblo by rail,
and thence on horse or mule-back around the southern end of the Green-
horn Mountains, through Huerfano Park and Mosca Pass, and across
San Luis Valley to Del Norte. But at this time of the year we knew
that along the low plains the heat would be intense and the grass and
water scarce. As it was we bad a delightfully cool trip all the way,
with plenty of grass for our animals. Onur road lay across South Park,
thence down the Arkansas River and across the range at Puncho Pass
into the San Luis Valley. Wereached Saguache on the 24th of July, and
made inguiries of different persons as to the nature of the country for
which we were bound; but although they were all deeply interested in the
prospects of the new mines, nobody could give us any definite information.
We could not even find out whether the country was made up of rugged
mountains or only high plateaus. Two days after leaving this place we
reached the Los Pinos agency, where the Southern Utes receive such
supplies as are apportioned to them by the Government. This point
was in the extreme southwest corner of the district surveyed in 1873,
and was the point of beginning the past summer.
Our first station was made ona peak which had been occupied in
1873 as station 34. It is a low point, a few miles northwest of the
agency, and is less than 12,000 feet in elevation. Having a most beauti-
tul day, and plenty of time at our disposal, we found it very pleasant to
study the country that appeared in the southwest, in which our sum-
mer’s work was to be. We could see none of the very rugged masses
of wountains which beset our path and taxed our energies in the months
fellowing. What did appear to us was as follows: A little to the west
of south, and not more than fifteen miles distant, rose up the high group
in which station 53 of 1873 was situated, and containing several peaks
ranging in height from 13,500 to near 14,000 feet. Farther around to the
west, but much more distant, appeared a high pyramidal-shaped peak,
451
452 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
which is situated south of the Rio Grande, and is marked on the map as
Rio Grande Pyramid. A little farther to the right, and still more dis-
tant, was a double-topped peak, afterward occupied as station 25, and
named Mount Oso. Still farther around, another distant, high peak
appeared to be the culmination of a high mountain mass; this is Mount
Aiolus on the map. Nearly in the same «lirection, but much nearer,
there appeared a high plateau, extending over many degrees of the
horizon. Being more than twenty miles distant from us, and lying
wholly above timber-line, it was a very interesting feature in the land-
scape. At our distance it seemed to be covered with grass; but this we
afterward found was not the case. Our subsequent experience showed us
that in this part of the country these bigh super-timber-line plateaus are
very common. Immediately beyond this area was a high mass of red-
colored mountains, afterward the scene of some interesting electrical
experiences. A few miles northwest of this group Uncompahgre Mount-
ain appeared, presenting on its north side the peculiar precipice which
distinguishes it from all the surrounding peaks. North of this a series
of ridges and plateaus extends from the high mountains to the Gunnison
River.
Having made profile sketches of the mountains and drainage sketches
of the water-courses in the vicinity, and having taken angles to every
prominent peak, bluff, and stream junetion visible, we started for camp.
The next morning found us on our way to the great San Juan country,
of which we had heard so much and found out so little. Our course at
first lay to the southwest, alovg the Ute trail, which leads from Los
Pinos over to the Rio Grande. We ascended one of the peaks in the
small group containing station 33 of the previous season, and had a
good view of the deep and rugged canons leading outward from the
center of the mass. In the several succeeding days we made stations
3, 4, and 5 on the high plateau already mentioned. From this plateau
we got the grandest view of Uncompahgre obtained from any station
during the summer. The full height of the great precipice stood out in
clear profile. Its striking resemblance to the profile of the Matterhorn
gave us a wholesome dread of it, for as yet it had never been ascended
by any one, and we felt that to reach the summit might be beyond the
range of the possible. The plateau upon which we stood ranges in ele-
vation from 12,400 to 12,700 feet above the sea, and covers an area of
about fifteen square miles. We rode‘over it on our mules, to make the
station, and found it covered with loose rock, which in some places was
so rough as to necessitate long detours in going from one point to
another. As in many other cases which occurred subsequently, we
found this plateau covered with puddles of water, and wherever there
was soil it was always boggy: On the west and north sides it was ter-
minated by bluffs, ranging in height from 1,000 to 2,500 feet, the last
200 to 500 feet being nearly vertical. On the west side of the plateau
the bluff terminates below in rolling, timbered land, which extends a
little over a mile to the bed of Lake Fork. The total fall from the top
of the bluff to the streAm is 4,000 feet, in a horizontal distance of one
and a half miles. .
Having finished this part of the country, we traveled down the White
Earth to the point at which it emerges from tbe upper canon. Here
the new road from Saguache crosses it at a small angle, and, swinging
far up to the north to avoid the high bluffs, it finally turns up Lake
Fork ata point about twelve miles from the crossing of the White
Earth. Thence our course lay up stream, and we traveled along just
west of our plateau stations and nearly under the blufis. From a camp
RHODA.] GEOGRAPHY—SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS. 453
just below the junction of Godwin Creek and Lake Fork we made sta-
tion 8 on a point about five miles east of Uncompahgre Peak. The next
station to be made was on tbe great peak itself. In order to accomplish
this, it became necessary to move with our pack-train about five miles
up Godwin Creek, to a point where it is joined by a small stream com-
ing in from the north. Leaving the train at this point, and taking an
extra mule with us to carry our blankets and food, we rode with great
difficulty up the side gulch, and camped at an elevation of 11,900 feet,
near the timber-liue. We started out early the next morning, expecting
to have a very difficult climb. We were terribly taken aback, however,
when, at an elevation of over 13,000 feet, a she grizzly, with her two
cubs, came rushing past us from the top of the peak. Contrary to all
expectations, we found the ascent very easy, and arrived on the summit
at 7.30 a. m., having been two hours and a halt in climbing up 2,400 feet.
We found that the bears aforesaid had been all over the summit of the
peak, though how they got up over one or two short but steep passages
in the ascent, puzzled us nota little. The summit of the mountain is
quite smooth, and slopes from the brink of the great precipice toward
the south. It is composed of several successive flows of lava, in hori-
zontal position, which gives it a stratified appearance, and causes the
slope to the south to appear terraced in profile. On the north the edge
is sharp and definite, and the precipice so perfectly vertical, that by
dropping a stone a few feet from the edge it fell 1,000 feet before strik-
ing an obstacle, as we determined by timing the descent. The bluff
surrounds the peak on all sides except the narrow strip on the south end,
and is about the same height all around, but not so nearly vertical as
on the north side.
From here, for the first time, we were able to see the great massive-
ness of the mountains in our district. To the south the peaks appeared
in great numbers, and in the distance appeared a group of very scraggy
mountains, about which the clouds were circling, asif it was their.home.
Subsequently we found that they were most of the time thus enveloped.
The high mountains near us covered the horizon from the east around
by the south to the west. Nearly due west of us appeared a very high,
sharp peak, which was afterward ascended as Mount Sneftels, and just
to the south of it another high mass, bearing in its center a large, flaring
patch of snow. The culminating point of this was, later, station 35, or
Mount Wilson. Southeast of us, and about eight or ten miles distant,
was a mass of peaks, filling the whole space between Lake Fork and
Godwin Oreek, all of a bright red color. The highest of these points is
over 14,000 feet above the sea. Ten or fifteen miles to the southwest
was another smaller mass of lower peaks of the same color, while in
various places appeared mountains of white, yellow, and biue, all the
colors being very well defined and clear They were caused by the oxi-
dization of iron and other ingredients of the rocks. Tothe north the
mountains fall very suddenly down to the bed of the Gunnison ; in fact,
the peak is situated on the extreme north line of the Uncompahgre
Mountains. Just before we left the summit, clouds came along, and we
were soon enveloped. It was at this time that we experienced, for the
first time in the season, the electrical phenomena which later iniertered
so much with the topographical work. As at this time these phenom-
ena were not very marked, and as our experience on all the peaks was
very similar, the detailed account of them is reserved for another place.
We made the entire descent that evening from the summit to Godwin
Creek, where the pack-train had left us, getting the benefit of a rain be-
fore reaching camp. Up to the second day before this the weather had
1
454 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
been very fine, but from this time till fall, rain commenced early every
afternoon, and continued into the night. Moving up Godwin Creek,
Dr. Endlich made a special examination of some of the highly-colored
peaks already mentioned, while Wilson and I rode up to the head of the
canon and out upon a high and pretty extensive plateau, which extends
from a high, sharp pinnacle a few miles west of Uncompahgre Peak
around the heads of Godwin Creek and Lake Fork to the head of the
Animas. It forms the divide between these three streams and the Un-
compahegre River. An area of fifteen or twenty square miles is above
the timber-line. Ten or fifteen square miles have an elevation of over
12,000 feet. The timber-line here ranges from 11,500 to 11,900 feet
above the sea. This whole area is covered with a very short growth of
grass, which is almost entirely unfit for feed for animals. This is com-
mon with all the grass growing high up on the mountains; it is not nu-
tritious. Unlike the plateau east of Lake Fork, this is not surrounded
by bluffs. Instead of being smooth and nearly level, like the former, it
is rolling and cut up by gulches. The slopes down to the surrounding
streams are steep, but bluffs are very rare. The ground is not very
rocky, but like all the soil at this elevation, is very damp and boggy. A
number of small lakes are dotted here and there over it, and in many
places springs of ice-cold water gush out from the rocky prominences,
ted by the banks of eternal snow which are scattered about in consider-
able numbers. In crossing this elevated region a strong west wind was
blowing, and, the temperature being below the freezing- point, riding was
very disagreeable both for our beasts and ourselves. Under these cir-
cumstances we were not so observant as we should otherwise bave been.
Still, there were so many new and interesting things about us that we
could not fail to notice some of them.
The eastern half of the plateau drains out through a canon leading
northward and westward into the Uncompahgre River. We crossed its
head on our tramp, and noticed that it feli very suddenly, till within
about two miles of us it became a deep, narrow canon, at which point
the stream turned abruptly to the west. From this fact we were ena-
bled to get a good broadside view of the north bluff of the cation, and
we saw it weathered out most curiously, being worn into almost all con- -
ceivable fantastic shapes, the general appearance being that of a great
wall covered with niches and statuary. Time would not permit us to
go closer and make a more careful examination; so we had to content
ourselves with a distant view. From the headwaters of this creek we
crossed a divide running laterally across the plateau, and for some dis-
tance the drainage was into Godwin Creek, until, near the peak upon
which we made our Station, the water again flowed to the north. From
station 10 the caion of the Uncompahgre River appeared in all its rug-
gedness. From here we got a fine view of Mouut Sneffels and its sur-
roundings. We could see no possibility of ascending the peak from the
east side, as it was cut up by rugged caiions and innumerable blufis and
pinnacles ; these latter ornamenting all the ridges leading down from
the great peak and its near neighbors.
In some places numbers of the pinnacles massed behind one another
presented the appearance of church-spires, only built after a much grand-
er style of architecture than most of our modern religious edifices. In
some places two systems of vertical pillars were separated by a narrow
strip of horizontal lava-flow, and served to heighten the fantastic appear-
ance of the rock-forms. The fact that we stood on a peak four or five
miles distant from the scene described, will give some idea of the great
size of these pinnacle-forms. A month later we had another much nearer
RHODA. | GEOGRAPHY—SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS. 4545
and finer view of this same curious group from a peak several miles
southwest of us. Beyond. this we saw nothing of interest that cannot
be better described in the sequel.
The next day found us retracing our steps down Godwin Creek.
Aiter camping a night at the junction, we moved up Lake Fork, making a
station by the way on a low point near the stream. ) a Get Teh ee
cad i emilee.) Eo Nee
sag |Sa° |ags | ad | 78
Name of station. GEN oes) ea St zalel il) ige ‘sR
5 2S egod] 8 = 8 So
AOS | Sak] 8] 12 5
a UB oyld || S83 BBY
Wncompalhiore se eal) a2 pese eenie elaine 14,235 | 38 4 21
dS) Ie a ncaa are pa Ef ee 2 a ee ga Ae 13,670 | 38 6 27
SM eesU Nr ati Lp Rs Sot aye sa oils, a 13,080 | 38 7 21
West of Baker’s Park.
(o) / 4
PO eI REMAN o/h ate Rune nee ee tars es eee ua eee a tetaNo 13,120 | 37 44 54
RO ems Moh Alan toi ce At Meni eeina/ eine ciemareie 13,740 | 387 45 27
Cot Nee aOR Se tr J eg RA OC 13,697 | 37 46 00
PO aie er al Nearest eb Sate ces le nein ee 13,377 | 37 46 6
DOSES as Wale se he Re eae ale el pasate 13,420 | 37 46 15
DOES (iis Stk arses SE RI SL Elites ae a Une ke 13,730 | 37 46 47
eee OP Rae SSE ARIE ete eM a AAR Bn en Ue rs 13,180 | 37 47 42
Station 30...... A PN ol a a SL a cae a ae USh te Bir eS
Ge feet ae MU 22a pee 13,760 | 37 49 28
MOTT IAIN Bcisre Ses epeu See eae Disa leeic eile - Tle) | 37 49 Be
Fa 7 NRE SO as eR eter NISRA Pea Oa Se pe BRAS Te A 13,400 | 37 49 34
(Mizamdshile nde sins oe aie Suk a ee oe ee 13,160 | 37 50 13
Lizard’s Head, base of column ....-...-.-.-. 12, 868 ditto.
Ue Od fos = ae alco s pe aap at eM ie era a ES 13,400 | 37. 50 16
Mo mimG) Wilsomie tase ye ieee 14,280 | 37 50 28
Tha TS) 5 PRI oo AN Ps MOSS eat car a 14,195. | 37 50 25
A SS Ta ot GNA AU ee J 14,050 | 37 51 40
fe 7/1 GUA DUNES a NM cd nea i Al nae 13,650 | 37 51 50
Seer OP At eae cle tae tele m echoed 13,690 | 37 52 27
BAO) RS ts AA oe AO ed Ne 13,480 | 37 52 46
CPT NN are ca re SE la 2 yee PO A a 13,470 | 37 53 27
OIC ehey eta Sw Sas SCs Se gee OG TB 50) || Se GB) Biz
SGalbro mts SMe eC Rha Be fo ose QO SR dao ceel
AER he Ua et ates os BG cer sr et 13,590 | 37 58 33
1D) ae ASE Mea A Meets Com Se a eens 13,810 | 37 59 20
AD MA AE eye U STIR Soe e UNI, he Wane Sake 13H 750) 3759) 26
1 AS Uae ape Ee te ge een ee Ne nee Ue ar aN TB} eX) || ey/ BY sts}
Mount Sneffels) {oss eon nee See eel ae 14,158 | 38 O 17
GE DP) Peg See ST SR oe Ue 13,500 | 38 40 36
Sablon os esses socom este ere ciolae tani ower 12,997 | 38 1 54
Longitude.
Oy.
107
107
107
107
107
RHODA.] ELEVATIONS. 495
Quartzite Peaks, south of Baker’s Park.
Name or number of peak. Helene arene Latitude. | Longitude.
ie} U a [e} / “a
StatiomyAge ss seas ses sos Sas can eee eee ae 12,305 | 37 29 20/107 35 56
Fai A SL 2 a a RM 13,650 | 37 34 55 | 107 28 42
ee sa since ee eects ce 2s s'so amie wn enemas 13,000 | 37 34 57] 107 40 18
10 DB eeu esas diced Sameer SAUCE ees SHIN, IS C75 | a7 sh 12 | ide 2O 6
1 ee A 55 See AMY Ea Ra ISILON Sa so 4S 107 sO lS
CS DR ea Ieee) ar Vas ey iOy Bo 2
Mount! Osoeceeceseesenoee gees BAe LONGUE HURL 13,640 | 37 36 29] 107 29 25
Ge Ole oes Nee Meee eas anemmaiaiseisws aaa 133,630) | 37°36 31) 107) 34) 24
TSR se Le UN eC Ss eee prurient. 13,180 | 37 36 41 | 107 27 25
1 ee te ae en ce AE AE 13, 800 | 37. 36 48] 107 34 44
ee Bate nee eee eine ja eememociniceem una: 13,580 | 37 37 9 | 107 32 59
Tee SP eet a suis > moa ld einen ane oeeesinmeeiae 14,054 | 37 37 21 | 107 35 21
Mountr Alolushes cat.s oloce sac cene s asces eee 14,054 | 37 37 «(24 | 107 137 12
BO) a al cy eG ama RS 14,033 | 37 37 43] 107 35 32
HAS OVE Perm aR ANT IS A aL Pd ee, 13,728 | 37 37 43) 107 38 16
Pidgconisvebeake.- oe sdsa ese eased cacenae 13,928 | 37 38 2/107 38 36
10—21 ....-. TAD MN SE ran en RCH tela 13,746 | 37 38 40 | 107 37 27
1S Seeet eo SAGE Canes PRE UAS Sac seen aare 13}783) | 3738 49) 107 34 5
Aree Seem ions oes oes te oan eete oes oeereen 13,560 | 37 39 52) 107 32 14
See eee eee cea eae erage ane nen Maye 13,680 | 37 39 52) 107 35 18
SS ee eels as ele ais o oreraicic tote mel eieteialmna arate tas 13,100 | 37 39 54] 107 43 22
SITS a ne OE (pO 13,600 | 37 40 18} 107 34 36
Tl Aegan Ft Se A ARN eR A 13,580 | 37 49 19] 107 32 42
ACE Atm setme nyo! Sh NOR Le lea eS Ld ae 13,650 | 87 49 27 | 107 34 00
elt meee mh OF. 5 elles NAR a ee era 13,700 | 37 40 43} 107 33 24
ieee AM ee Es ey enka oe ae aN A re 13,800 | 37 40 52] 107 35 18
OM Cee eee oer errs ere dy cna a men 13,750 | 37 40 57 | 107 34 47
TCG yn ee I ER ee 13,730 | 37 41 12] 107 25 22
Fir Al aye ipa 0s Ah a A Rt 13,831 | 37 41 27 | 107 35 56
ESTAS Ce eee re eae a BOI Nalini ce 13,800 | 37 41 42) 107 36 25
CTL ooo ee a ane Sa ys SU a 13,540 | 37 41 56) 107 33 18
FSAI IG)LOIC: C1 1c pay amen IRE eRe nes a TS fn ak 13,046 | 37 41 59} 107 41 20
Southeast of Baker’s Park
1 Sreteriay
(e) / M7 ce) / Wi
Station se.) 2. oo he so eee ee on: 12,536 | 37 29 52) 107 22 24
Stir bromp Oma). ou ee Joe ates 13,020 | 37 36 61] 107 23 48
SNe pe ar 2 Bintan dicta attests IS Sta ela sleet ale 133,080 ae a sis pile ZO qual
(CSA 77 2 Rn pe A 13,200 | °7 40 38] 107 29 40
ETT i ta Ns AROMA Re SAS Fo lla ra 13,170 | 37 40 39] 107 30 15
Rio Grande PS FE eA Soa ee 13,773 | 37 40 50) 107 23 21
SoS at seals 2s uel de fw ge eee aie se ticisheree 1220 Woe Ala cde i hO Mien 2 rea
pre a age mare oso Sees eae erin ize 13,090 | 37 41 20] 107 29 57
RS UAIELOU vee ies ois arate ceca ere repo oerera ae ore are 12,957 | 37 41 461} 107 29 55
Df, ae oe Spams ese Mr sea te Meee 13,210 | 37 41 55] 107 21 56
Wire Heese ec Seiuis sicieis wee leeee eae see ete <= 13,310 | 37 42 141107 28 38
epee USE: 2 os Lesa ae aap era seca a 13,260 | 37 42 16] 107 29 29
DATA Bate ies au uk eaaane ce tele a sisielc merle 13,430 | 37 42 47 | 107 27 18
496
Miscellaneous elevations.
Name or number of peak.
NSU AU UT O Tas rat os ae et PER id Ll
RS GarGRO MRS yA sas a BN a aga aN Le LO aN
SG arb T ei eee ea es On ae Sagal AE RG
Engineer Mountain .-.--..----.------------
SEabIOT SOie be OO eee a oer eee as eer
SEation! Ses ee oes ken Nel ee IE ene LI ST
WS Gen tro nA Ee eee aes LS erga Meat Alcea
DUAbIOMMaGs Eee sane Ll a Re anno
SUELO MAGE erie Nee ean Miles he Oy ss ae ais cepa
STVETCO Mee so sete Lae Ca dese 2 CL Ser des
Lake Fork Pass*......--.- X
CunninghampPassie ses. Gase yes ows see, J).
Pass east of Sultan Mount*............----.
Pass west of Sultan Mount* ....-........-..
Pass at head of Mineral Creek* ....-....---.
BearmCreek Pass \(a))-ek So 424.265. e-5 o)sbe eee
WreminuehewPRass* sone ee an
Height above
the sea.
13, 560
12, 670
9, 100
12,971
12, 554
12, 648
10, 613
10, 580
8, 100
8, 300
8, 930
12,800
9,700
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES.
Latitude.
Longitude.
ecco ce cone conse
The star denotes points whose heights depend on a single reading of mercurial barometer.
(a) Height determined by aneroid barometer.
NOTES USEFUL FOR THE LOCATION OF MINERS’ MONU-
MENTS IN BAKER’S PARK.
Sultan Mountain is the peak at the south end of Baker’s Park. In
the following notes the monument built by this party on the southern
_knob is used as the station. Station 16 isa high massive peak, two
miles northwest of Howardville, but not quite visible from the town;
it may be seen from a point a little up the side of Galena Mountain.
On the summit we left a small monument of stones. The latitude of
station 16 is 37° 51’ 30”.5, and its longitude 107° 37/9”:8. The latitude
of Sultan Mountain is 37° 47’ 15”, and its longitude 1079 42/ 1.5; at
station 16, Sultan Mountain bears south 42° 11’ west; at Sultan Mount-
ain, Station 16 bears north 42° 8’ east. The distance between the two
points is 6.60 miles. By using this asa base any engineer can locate ac-
curateily a monument at any point visible from the two stations. Silver-
ton and the whole lower end of the park are visible from both points,
as well as points on the side of Galena Mountain, and also others near
Arastra Gulch.
Declination of magnetic needle.
——
Locality. Declination. Date.
1874.
IS CeM GT ra RUD ae aa Le ee Sur ea gM le eee Ed NN E. 15° 15’ | August 12
ioGrandeyPyramid soe ee cs vane ee eee ee eee E. 12° 56’ | August 22
PSG ULOM SO rae Bees tee ile LU Nees Ae a eased th pet ed OA E. 8° 59’ | September 6
ibnoineen Mountains seeeeeeee cena ee eee ee eee eee KE. 13° 56’ | September 7
SCALTO ME SOs ee EEN ier ek) NaS aL tea aed E. 15° 59’ | September 9
IS Gert Oa SAS SO EE ik eos a SAU ae OL A RN RSI AL E. 16° 55’ | September 11
Mowat Willson sais Soe oes Gane nL AALS E. 13° 8 | September 13
SOROS PION: SAN oy ala area yes UN at NDE SSO WV RN ON E. 16° 15’ | September 14
ESK ATE D0 ayuda GT VAIN MC DIMA NNEC Oy Rey CATH EK. 14° 23/ | September 15
GENERAL INDEX.
JN,
Page.
PAN cailieeliancl Sieeerre <2 5 oo aerate eemnne weer CCI) Ne Sa Rites estate re er yarer ees ay at ies 260
NIWOT ATTEN AM AO ye TNS) DEC USY Eee FRM a es i I ee a em er A 256
Anmphigheatrey Moun tains. saem sissies cee elem aa alent aleema ia acie eee 70
INO AISSES. OIL COA Seq BBeS BERS OOLG o BOSCES SECO AB SOs Gee SESE OR eo Eee oars ae 175, 176, 177
ROeSSid OPOBIISemeeree a celateeeiaiaenioinsesee wee sons aoe aac eawe 246
MISSOLUEL iverrise din eMmbienccese ss eaten ys Sun see lps ero ee anh ome Die
soulsvots Nebrasapanesryelesseeesitere ce srencalt ye sercpeci-re sine cise emmmnvee eee 258, 261
Anerentwlake-pasinsof tlremWiesteemar cn camincie ce cicleirce tecnica aie Sen pees 47
TUM Sin SOmbbyesteunn © OlOnAd Omemeee ane Some ee ee eee eee see 369
JN INCU REN Gy LEAEOT lid Oigte) Binet la 5 a sh WM ee hr PU ade Oe TR CHRD Me De 279
PATINA Sim © AM OME = 22 1a) he Os ae een mn reese Se MRE cedars 26 ETN pate a tee ae 486
City oes oe eee SAO CEC OE DOCS SSeS Sle eee ene me aa st 486
PROB KS oJ AAEM a naee am mirre aie fase Le Lyte a tle ANG 8 2 py teed 999
12200 RAE en MOSS CAS HICE OOS Sora ER Ee ae tee ee emacs aaa ae 219, 476, 486
RIVED. iss ee cere ea Ee eee es eatin einai ela. AC. Mal 8 206, 369
fall of, from divide to lower end of Animas Park.............. 446
ANAT: ODD, LE ee aes ie es ad be eg eM 199
Anthracite coal ....-... Pe SAS os 1S aa aa ee AS Cee Re ate Uo ae 67, 176, 177
Creclko secu cea peepee Aen ene ae eitain sins cise er mates seve BOBO AIR BRG
Arastra Gulch... .- Sat Coe EOS Fass BOS o DOE Ase icy teiapaaisiote a oreyretrmena ee 230, 466
PAmeh ee aAnerLOcks Of bag leladwelp meena ase ssc is alc c/acsa cis clemia sie ais oulecaaie sileecsic 106
(GRA RINGIe SSB SGA Ue eee eee igre nS er Ryn CYR sae cn aman ae 107
Gummi SomBruinve ree reseeet tee ose eee Ae AD) Oe ey aA 107
ANSP OVERS) SATEEN NS erage ey chsh Gey lies ONO pei Pt Oe Ce cern a 52
URIVEL! Joc 2s See eee ye Pa (tegen a atay nia ladc ean scieierets eve ee arate arate mien 47, 48
MOTAMMNAMECe POSUUS peer nee ela elo nlela laa atedbrers a 1S) cise .cta ape nicicieeite AT
ASCOMP OLS VIO UNL) See Serre ete eee teeta one arora a ar teciay sine ne, Sera 479
ENS DE MMO REC Ke -i2,~)cc ac ae ee ee eT Reem ones cera Mien ey PU Nr Se rales 66, 69
Aughey, Samuel, Ph. D. report on superficial deposits of Nebraska .......-.. 243
Avalanche Creek. PRs SOO S. SOOO Bea, BS CEOS eo EEE TLR RUE Ene ay as 62
AVVE CHS DOTINIE'S | 2 SS nay tepeetne aimemevepNeraren SacI See ts etal Cue oe 377
MELD DY OY desc ha co eG A as Ee A CLO UE oe OR a Y 378
B.
Badmandsroti Ne Draskalcemes meer tere ies were arses eae ayers crc ct iats ti ulate tae 261
BAkKeTapeabkes— So 5s 42 ey eee Raee er Seta Dolan on oh sia 206, 230, 464
TOC bamie- Ske Lees eyes cleft tod one ese sone chahs Belole Sareea Biya dior iae Ags
SBS All bie eee ete a5 220 Se ee eer eee meas atta aie Lae wid ee any 163, 198
PY US ED GT CROSS. scot oh arse ye ee Se enn Mens Ge Copy ates tide 0s Oh Rp a 178
IES Oe MI OLE © Kbit o's, 3 sinha AES vee pe Porat oeietate ine alae Se Seals .S a ammo ee 206, 217, 477
(PASS 1s css aoe OC ee ee FEI EI aR Ea ae A RE) AA NE A 477
ENV CIOL OP) 2s 's/> seit Save eee einen tem ae ek et 144, 145, 154
Belle vrem VG ui bait lays heats Scare ee een raat aioe REA LIES SEN Cle Pia 419
ERR ASI LOGE | oe orc clayey ee ne ee ape cee ene Net lc Ue oe ache 236
DESHRIESP CHET CMTE (SS Cots ec oscar nO AN I le AO ee gn ap TA Oe 145
Vea yol ke! TB Wii Ss enters aes Ss Ey CH eta ah TOD AE an LE RA 291
BY Nenicssn Oreeey el ke sR A a gee Ta ag is Ne Dn SR 97
DREN TENG Sap aH nese en le CHS Es oO SS a I er DARE! 85
VEO ET COOH Tes eee NS Bae UOC SS ALD SLA a Oe gE a Re ee pu, A gee NY) OE 193
irc Lay Aaa lees 9. ys se eer ener AE A ae TORRE CARIES 7 oon 111, 112
LETC) 3. oo Ses SOIT el NS SNS eis MECN oe Re ae DIE eS euranoe 156
UPC KOR ape gen ee > AOS Sho CHAS See aOR Ete CREE Pete ae eet se eme rsa 200
YeAWG ae) ot CARO De: aera hes Ree Ble Hic/s ype eC alan an a A ROA 140, 149, 156
JESSNSh Brea (2 ARR NE 0 Va TR AT 206, 469
498 INDEX.
C.
Page.
@alciferous mockee es setien S28 eee Seer one ete eee ee ee ee ean te eee Win
of Hacle Riverp2=sersee scek ag ook tee epee ee eee ete eee 113
Grand River soess see ees eee eae epee Nett
Canadiamepertod ise 2%). race semen cicteieva a wie fye ele ate Cte let mae ape riann ley ee Er 111
CanonyorWa gle i Ver jo cry. cores eee aie aes i ielaeeier tee eee ee en 81
Grand, of Gummisom |) 222i ccc en sistance ie cee eee eee ee cee See OAD)
WEED NS556e5 556 casos coss5e Nas008 Heeb Stenson Ses ScosecdscoRec oss] BA, dul
(Oh Origo eer Sue So ceasno noebria CooUna cobs ses 7 HeSancooSs caccodcs dose esesoos 55, 66, 417
Carboniferous age: 25 cS. oe an cee Ske cee ease a oe EEE ere orem 114
beds'and stwatar oc Beta cies case be ozs tise elas oe ee ee eine eee 64, 66, 81, 214
COAl=-MeASUTES hae 22 Selon Saale ee ies Seieice > See eee a ee eel peon
FOSS MOTaK. See Soa. oes i eh SP epee mye ei gs 278°
group-.- SS b000 CODSNs DOD000 S9e0 Sae5 DODDS KoaneD o6 42
rocks of Eagle ARivore fe sees ele) cul Week lene amen ea 114
Grand IVIVOL, cs Siea cle ee aie ee ohare ee ere ee epee ee ere 116
SCHON hottae co peces cose mse se oebes Soccer ReCeee eee ee ere 115, 116
@ascade:Creek saaua:tisc core ccses kis coe seat een nie l Soe e Soee eee ee See eee 215
Castle; Peal 20. cess gots Se te cise aotenie merece lee Seis pe see eee eee eee eee 66, 418
Catalogue of minerals: 2222 2... ee ca baese ashe cee em eee eer e tiene ere 178
TOCK She Soe Seces dae s, Ss cs mee ane eee eis otee A See eee eee eee 179
Cause of peculiarities of Loess deposits in Nebraska...-....--...-...--.----- 248
@ebollar@reek seek see eee Oe eee ee ae al neem ea 97
@Wedar Creek wale iis ks ensue Soys aetie seers Be Meals merece Sete al ere re le ey ero Sane i 103
Cenozoic formabionskes | sac.24 2. cas wees cel cear et ee ae Renee eee eee ae eee 140
Ghittendon, George Bey csc <5 cee cone toes Osean es we ee enicecis ee eee PEER e ee 5
Ginnamon Mountaime 23 332) 55204 aces hoc eae Soa eee ee ee eee eee 419
@litt-housesiab Rattlesnake Bend pees seeeceeee -seeeeseeeeeieeeeiee see eeeeseee 375
ini Mancos Canon. nsaee ac nisin saree eee eee eee Eee eee 371, 373
Coane esse esac eae eee cee cere hanno, oie lars Relais 67, 99, 139, 175
ATA] SOS OL 8 Sota os = astra S)noS ae ac cyajatal aps ar arcaettaleets Maal er 175, 176, 177
tableiof (comparisons ace soo eee eee ae eee eee eee 177
amt MBACTHOsrs's oe eae Be eye Se Sues See ils eel ener aera cal Ree ey a 67, 176, 177
beds}= Cretaceous 2 3 teehee ee rete a Sag Sy eet Py ee 226
CON 15) cee a ear yet) cere EI GO Erna Se AS en cs cm Soo OGG 99
measures, Carboniferous Jcinjsieis Sesnok eS cisialere! Sa niece ee ers See eee eee eee (17, 281
Cochetopa Creek Pe a Nat es eRe ahah rar ey array ce eV a) a at one Ome : 94
Colorads eroupss. 2 Sacss Jae ssn base See eto aie: ha lee npeee am ees ae 45
TANGO weateie clnisie eats asielersee cee sieeiee aise eee eee ae eee Eee Eee 37, 45
geology: (Of sac sot Sass ae ecere je eee as Eee eee eee 4l
Sprivgs, Peology .OL22 sso sa sain se sect ars ee isicrscioee = oe ee Cee 2 41
Comparisons of aneroids with mercurial barometer.-........-.-.------------ 447
Comstock-Jode ss ssa Nese ae 5 Bre Ne Se Seas cee cre Pe eee 234
Prof.yCheoen enc ceesse) oe oe ae osae ease ce IA See Banat: Bein 111, 124
(Ca) eid Opt ORR eee Es Pere Anne eae ens ae eee oie sa ae 13, 16, 145, 150
onthe wMioniticisroupssseee eee tesa ee ee eee eee ree 153
Monument) Creekyorouprecces eee ene en eee eee 37
EriassichinyNe ws Mexicons == sen eeieeies= seer eee ene ae 42
Creek, Anthracite.. ...... ER Se ee eee SESS UAE oo G coo son So00 SOAS 98, 99
ASMON SSeS Sos Beteidis Wise eles Sis eae el wiaitele se) owes bint aie eee eet Seater eee mt se 66, 69
A Violan Ghee cei sec wae cate k er rae cont foe eee pieise Sere Eee EE ee a nei 62
BOAT cfs 's Sate iciaivs ale everate’e esas i eis ereieie Ne Sealeceia ghee Se te tps, Syren nee mre 217
BBG Soe As ae re Se Be Slee eR ice) aeperavetedoyia erate aan apeccueye ae ete oe 97
GasGade ioe stele tele easels Oy ret shales creer ere Susilo oe Vegeta ote ee pete ts = (aye 215
@astlen oo ee ae ee re ea eS P eT f cg ee a 57, 60
(C2100)! Pe ape eerste prop aa ee ARN CoO O8 Osa OaaO 97
Cedars. cleo Dads SERS Sse Shoe deci estat Seles GR aC eee elope eee terete 103
Clearer ard ooh mcace sie apelin cie Wow sepals Ia ie oe seo Se Oe eee paieiererrers 52
OOall eee cee anc So SSS ae SER Se Ose Sree See ae ele re eee eee rater 99
Cochetopasecde cece eies Be meigere ee Seles ce ee oe ee Sere eee eter teens areca 94
ryder Parmer sala oS oi raiaqeiste alte ele beetle certo ee antsy eta eaennvererete eee eters 87
Godwitt ses SN ie Sos ee ls SIS PA eed See tera: circ ciate 204
a baye nH Kiser ian ene enna ae rE RH Ae et ME On on nG bon od Godeondy 221
(eatlam allay Pie see OS tr SUG St eI TS Ae Savat Ui setememee iain Sia’ 105
Lake... .- GS SORE ee aE Mae AAS Nicstic 6GOOoS CHORE A8
Doiie Soe Soe ee ale sss ate eb oie sia taco eisintig a efeitos okotee eterno aisra nisi 210
SAV Ee heCo Xa) a eR eas etwas ie GN eR om ie BER ET Be eo GaDe SOROS 57, 60
MGR mos wages sear es eo es See ene a saree 378
Messe oe ee Se oie ee SOE Sie etre et ee crete 91
INDEX. A99
: 7 Page
Ciraglk, Nila! - 55666 sono dodono aod pdas osaoSeon0 dood caso Labeoe Sone osoueone 217
VO UIE ATTN spare ee cls rato aire etaiarol ws ciacare es respecte eeu ep erere lo tee ik ta 97
NOLEN IMIR eee, Ga es es Sc oo ecn SE ON Sa SAC OE SEEDS GO eE to Goro oeIEeE 89, 90
Ob-be-joyful -... 2-2-2222 222 eee eee eee eens nee eee cee nee ween cee eee 176
OniOR eres oes betes bose em tie cerosicewierem oagemycar ae ee erehevceemaletaematete sla 94, 95
AE DTN OMe tetas aie a i rete Sis, ee Re ac fe vecre pretreat are alec Pe a re 22
IANTENY oo COSC AIBC BEG Coc OCDE CUO SHO UNL GOR ORUEEO Habbo jaa daoSscolecad
TEA T ED) ces See RE I RES SS eS RC gL ee nT er Pe es A 89, 91, 421, 423
RochesMoutonnée J. /scsse sees Re eT SEE ne SES Sen AA E ATE Seob 80, 81, 83
TRMOTOUES 5p SR Eo RAS PO ae a a eS 59, 61, 63, 65, 69, 88
TROUPE SCAU os SS ee Sere ee ee ane rere wie Si aeietene Seve rare a are ee 104
SO) SLES acd Bee E ect acce co ecod BECDOO DS OH ee ane Bos ipeuaoo roceedsooees 60
AREXO Ce I 2 RMR Rie SBE os iene Oe ESO oe aE meee aa eens 70
WM UREVGHTG)S Ses aN ee ee pees oh See ae Sa ici yey a IE 216
VAD LOG Tee ee eS SERS TSE eS Ok ie ae 3 cece aera a RE SS ae 202
(CREAGADUS NEC) 5 BAe Ss Gece coco coos noon cond cos Oa Bin (FD), (ONL OYE, GS), (19), feta}, (EW7/, S19), SO, Giz
GiiVAST OW Of Aor RENE Ree ive ret ctem ee te neds eae Ueki o cisie/ cma iayeaneeeere 128
OE A ee eee el ee PO eee ne Ome aR eee ates SCI Een 284
Of Greenland eee eee eal oe oe oe a isiek atic ee ws sein eee 321
NorthAmentcapesars se reccos ovcaa sectarian al see nicine eee 316
ONO UO) see eee sae iea ya atetetetastayeleletcheis aroleters)sisis elele eel cep vajeebcieicietet= 45, 128
TaN ey mY Ferg VXO Es KO Ke eer Sae CO OO Do Doo TOS Soa BUeoE nome ooee pees 129
IDON WG Bae wae iat Se SO EDA aC Oe CROCS Roe BOO e eS See Ae ees 128
TUSK eee a ee ea ee A rT ried aed pe a er A aera 135
No. 1 (see Dakota group.) -
FIN Oe ee ag Sore Le tre rep Uh = eA A anette 135, 224
INOS eset eh a ee AA ae Alen ee eee UNG R ier ena 135
AN sh A ops anal eee sapiens eilayata ts BS Pee ee See Iea PS Sg eye eae ky ace 137, 139
HIN Os, Sos 2 yar eae py RTA oe Keensy sy by A Ae we oe te Le EAL ee, Ae 137, 139
(Ciimmimalnnn Mem Olipeak a. 3a. C654 Sea ese a ea Bee Boras ee eee seinen 229
D.
Dakotayoroup esc ae eee ae 45, 64, 67, 69, 82, 87, 88, 96, 97, 101, 105, 128, 284, 292, 316, 321
CMMGIEMES) OH BGS Oi. sc04 boessa0sedo0beneed Hose oscoes Dagon SbeS 128
LUOASTUES OL WAS Sut SS aise cS DO SE OSC Mere eRe ese ieiriee ea sae aie Fae te 128
NG NEU ZINN So Sa hose Cola GRA Seam cree Airis ene aen teres carer Ragin eS 134
of Kagle River. .... CO EEO ROBE SOO SE Oe CIS ae em ee GEE A Sree 129
Giri Re rae eeetanee setreie eer ee oes Se aay a meee ce cee ee eaen 130
GUnMISOnMRNVeT Reeser ae ease eet Se ee reer eee Pres 130
SeCtiONS Of Maemo tee easter oe ae ess eet COPA Aner 131, 182, 133, 134
IDAINT, MIO MMPS S5 o5o6couenS couson Sood we SSee uucous DoSEEoUsoo eogucooESO.oUES 36, 418
Mawson, Ge Musso e cleme nts eta cence al cbeinaiaie inite recreate cence icine) Sew we kregielats 152, 286, 287
a Ji Wee ee re St aa oe ent a el ke ES 287
Declination of the magnetic needle -....-....---+-------------------+++---+ 496.
Description and enumeration of Cretaceous plants.........--..----..--..--- 333
DEeVvOMAM Age). 2c ca eee ee ern ere ois sienneaielars, fia iayaue Sine steynie cinch siete 114
fossil ALOT AS rer ee as Se oe ee i aes DEER a eae aemanee 277
Stlatasiciice seosse dees eer oee a= os eases ono see es ae ecm ocer con ablodaaae 115, 211
KOS Ree ie oo cis alae Se ee Re aaa ois is ata cools Gare sie a Ee ae eee 55, 99, 100
DISCUSSION: USC) Ol, ANCLOIUSPEEE eee este ee oe cle cone eee cine citaecleeee 447
Distribution: of veretationgeereeeeeesee eet ee oe eaiee ene ase epeemiee ic cea ance 428
Disinietassionedimiddlerdivistoneeer recreates ete ee ae lelare ei eee eee ele 415
Divide between Grand and Gunnison Rivers Ee ees Monk UI) By cy eee eee tee ee 92
PY OLORESMRIVEL 15 «jh .e bis eee Bete see ae metre etc a AL ee naa ay cette 206, 215, 370
IDOI Crt ge) Ce a ee Eee ee yO ee HOSOI RO RES En EE BES SER as 198 ~
Dey GEING OR IS eee os So SAS CSO OC HOO IO SO RC SRE ECR BaE Se One eet a es 243
E.
BEGG IRNVOR ISS Heo Beas sees oSnanS Haqo cnOSUolOonanuIeeoo nouns 79, 31, 84, 161, 171, 421, 433
ATCH BADNLOCK BO Lepesant ee sees caer ier Se EB sinnicin es wom eobeee 110
Wal ciferOns TOCKSOtiee et nee sei elee hee nete cant co ete sciee so bieieie, teleeee 113
CarhoniterouseLockSnoteeecera ce waiec ee eee wane isin cmineceeete eee 114
IDB OTEY AAO) CM sco qucheo abiseeTOodoso cadens ChorCo codoue osoo30 129
AUITASSTCHTOCK SiO lems e tree tee aia ore oes faeces 2 ea lova/e eels erericrone ieee 124
Middle: Cretaceous Ghee oes en cee k aueminwinieis ne Seine vee eet 135
PROUT AT ULOCK SO Lise aerate eas orera ciale oc cireldie a, wists ciaelclolera el tee clan etete 118
RERUTTOTG aur OC KAO te eee eee eee teehee wists al ne he shials Slarstevte:e Mista aioe 110
500 | | INDEX.
Page
Eagle River, Triassic TOOIRS Oil Sooo coooo9 secu can so5 soos seccon sano soSanodose 122
East dEUS) Be) Set AU I EN I ee eS eA RC ea ere ee sa ANS aL i ar eas 95
Heonomical geology -- 2 - =.= <6 pono 8 oe one a ee we nee wn oe 175
Hlectricalphenome nay ee eee ane ley ae elma oletmlelele| wielml= ale) aialoe) = sehen ein = A66
JDIW ANOS. .¢ J5s¢ Gosaho sesooe casecs gae506 soag bSeSo8 docu Ss Sosese 429, 492, 494, 495, 496
of junctions ofstreamssess 1). 11.0 ts ie) OUR oe ae 433
MVOUN GADDIS 2 seh SE SG EER Lee Ure Tg hE SL ce Cr gh Bay a MR 11
on ancient ruins in Southwestern Colorado.-.-...----..------- 369
ME POLE OL ee sae ere ete ee Meise eae NSIS heicicie oid ae Serene 367
Dieta onipv anni (CHAS LEC pce IM ep Me ees Tana ie A Ne ee RUE ME! © RIO Rye 221
AVON TT), LG GE SRI eae MT hl OR0 2 ph pai Sie ea te EAR NST RS AP ES A rt A Be 283
; GAHONING) 515 a ER =e iat Ce ROE et MBPS NEE era RUS a emma oe Be 44, 124
TOP His Moun tainse.se sis scssnkatse toa onan bietse cio spee aeeeta setae 57
THOUS | etsteg SSO AAA CST CE et SON BaP Oe ts ope Ae Peapod NE 60, 70, 97, 105
502 INDEX.
K.
: Page
Wahnahy@reek ste cos occ). eis sc cenes cre ea olaieicicicls = severe renee te rat ee eee oee 105
line AiClaxrence; wma Tererred sO) ee seneljsiao le ite cis ae ae eee eee eee 45
L.
Lacustrine deposits of Nebraska, origin of.......----..----.-.---- eee ee ---- 250
Mollnsks meee ccets cice a ener tee eee 266 .
Head ds Seer MiB“ Trenortvohees Aas secre tatesla cis aioais ae ates a eee ere eee 435
Lake Creek ..---. PNR Eset ala da atolatiave oral efeyets yeh oiare Serer opp are Ieee pepe cl rae ee 48
Pork of(Gunnison Riven eee aae-eeeeneenee soe ee eee eee eee eee 94
TateQi allot soos Seeciwce maar eiese sence cee 447
LOwerel win! Qosen so ectes Coe ee racic sade ese eee eb ere eisai ete AQ
San/@ristovalieee see Aes ese Scra cresic ister siete iste even tele ile eres 203, 455
SHIN WUE, Bess Boob easaeusoos onoo 46o5 Boos Suds Good HobeO6 Hea sound SSdo 228, 477
IVES IDNA) GROW Daasd. cote HGsd Sosb6oan GoGo 550d UbdOOd cbob05 F600 8646 Soba dbbe ona 208
atiti ales ees is aoe sleek ee Sie eters oaberatetctSio betel aes Stone Te bats eee Cece ely 432
OAC iia Baa ra a sic coe nie eialarele Sisto are wie tenia iacjatavats faye lato lona te tania ma latotetorerae ial ater aleve Reece 175
Deid ys Prole SOS Soe se sisiac ook Saacehteleiscanseite ise ies oneal ron see en eeneeee ele. 140
ILOGWA Oe IDOE ERs) Wal WIG, 6456 5555 5055 6600 ca55 9060 5055 On66 So se56 Soa6 253
Lesquereux, Leo ------.--- Pep oben been sooSde on sosna so Selksy mall, TS. IE) 1440)
Lesquereux, Leo, letter to Dr. “Hayden. BHE SGU dbao en oaeGed GabaGsseGa sa sona Gus 273
on fossils from Carboniferous strata from Canon City.----.. 42
NUS) COOL Aeeeh ee SH SIOsOroa Co pRecOnAsa tees o4ceco Casson ewass 271
Wether of ANG, Pealeto wr Veo Havdenwin scutes eae eee eee oan 75
JoTAMESH MinsRsrETOML HO IDES 1G \Wo Isle nyClei 56 sdb cha cscebs abn bose sense 385
F. Vv. Hayden to Secretary of the) Interiors. .4 9145 sane s aeeelee 1
Henry, Gannett torr) Be oVilayd emi cies) mele ee-)yeisiell eee cee 413
eo esquereux to Dr. F. V. Hayden. --- 5.2235 2---- 2-2-4 sees oe Dae
So 18 JUpMaKel io 1D ies 19S Wao lelenyGlem ss o6 Gcoauaceantoces sec reiterate eieteets as 435
Wioiels lator toy IDEs INS Wo Velenyelem 35555 4S ceebee cos Sd soncaccace cece 59
TotevotmMocssiageiniNebraskais = 21a tio ates alco emake) ates eae at eee 254
ILAGiNTe GiROMDS.56 Goode ss4ds segs oss asonse 20, 24, 26, 29, 30, 33, 34, 44, 140, “152, 275, 289
ab Canon ibys ase adclewe ate oneewicee ysis cree sie ise eee eee 28
conelusionshniresarditoneeneeeaeae eee eee EES Gone oo, 155
IOS IUIShO) PSS Ee SSG Se aaa c a BaD Soae Hue Se asa tea boos ese 32
histony) Ofc 2 seG cleo Seek lea diie utes See an ree ee ee ee 19
BECUIONS OL act: sacle citer ciielasaiate siste a aicreroin caine tence eee 30, 31, 33, 34
Meme @ reek ai. 2)5 ok jeisass apo iareters wie a! erancle oie ie Na miele isin cial eetotatedoe Bhete te ea eae eae eee 210
iistotauthorifies;onsMolluscasss seco eee ae eee eee eee eee eee eeeeee 407
localities: of Mollusca: <2 o.s-.'-cectecsclecicicice = is sieael-teeroce eee eee ee 386
WithleiGiantilode es ck hk Se ecw ioe wie eeiee ao eine dks Cam ein ele eee 235
Wi andUsvile ade): sos. ee a Nise ae eae hiaisie sis aee tc eee ntte eam ete 207, 476, 483, 485
Mode Bie CAasinO. ose. saciesie as Pos) see kie oe dies cwigle ae = wiasieee as See eee
(omatoclew ce th. es CT NSE 2 a a ak 234
TX COISLOE) ee iis cen eS Sere eee ee ce ee ce ee ere a ee ee ae 235
Green Mountains Wiz. seis cates ncsaeis soos be eiae ol steleiats tere eee ee 234
Fliohilan di Many. sown scm lsjescietenices ai cmearessictislechec ee et eee EEE ee 233
Mite (Guiambi aerate Gta cio wiclelere ce mre Ae Ie reales aaa RS ~ 235
OTA ee eevee ws crcln ties eetlars oun Wiceterwicih meke elisa SODOHORacnhO baSso6 Soames 236
ONC Ett is Sees See ee oo Sai i ee a Ie Lara ct Yee 236
ride totubhes Wiest snc8 oe eccinw ae Sikes tetney eee seme ee eee ee 234
IR NOSPO CHOP Ie sec ea oes ee ae Coats Sua ccie aho ce ie vee eR a 236
Robert Brace tic ehs Sees Ge 2 OR Ee Oat tee pee Se 234
GRC hi ae meen eer rie esha pe Pe Re AEa a PEM SE ko on 234
Od eSHAGOTOL s/s wal Seen ao cue eines eae ee St Aaaee ene EES eee ere 237
OCCUTRENCS OF 2. hie Se Bee area as nee cuosiie dee cee eee eens 232
OnUgIMNO RS Sc. fe Sues oe eh eye eta noone ete OE ee eee 238
Loess age, ‘length 0) Een a in Ae MMe rr MEME EMC Oc) cmos Sade 253
BREE (Cy hs eee eRe eee Marre pri ante Sout Gadode 204
depositsiofeNebraska, 22 ciccctac cesses Serene weno ce ne eee eee ees 245
analySes.Of: o.155).. Sete acne ae ee eee eee 236
Causes of peculiaritiesssee. ese ee eee eee ee eecte 248
FUT OMS See ee AO ee ee ees Sr 249
BCENELYVNOLs 32) 2 cee iciso cece ace or eee ee eet mee 250
Tromoitudess2 ooo eC ine nine bo See wlok ese mele Meee SS eee eee 432
Pospeinos indian acency: secs) eee cine eee See ae eee eee 95
DLO Mee cerca sees acai eie SIS ane ele yieinis So/e S Sea aie Sota a eae ee ey epereieestes) Neen 446
DLOWETiOTEUACCOUS A= lec o/s ee iE) ee ONE RI Pt Ae ea eae ee re 128
M.
Page
Mallett brotessonisaceic soccer a). teen momeele cree Sere ee ee meee oni cane 67
ANALYSIS DY ssa ce eae ad see ae eee ace soe coaeanes ce 177
Mancos! Canon cliti-hOuUSeS 1D’. 25.195 hsaeoees- Soaee ooo eee sein tee od oe 373 -
EMG Us «5s saiay clase) sa eietaer ety erates Sends pecee hess Coe 370, 373
bowerini sl. oe esse PS ot i eR IOI AN A AS Da ek RU ee 374
TRLORO PL OS raja. aso sje etea a ce arated ce otras Seatac ares elle NS ree Pete ae
VIIA O USE ae eet ne, c Sia aie oie Moa oe oS ETE RISES che ea eRe SRR ae ee
Milena Ibo NY Komitee eee ee Ns i a a eae Ce Se eee ee 99, 166, 420
Mia Comb yilleSpcemerstate ca od see hi ner Horenes aie ese en a eee aed ener 124, 127
INGNRO OT AY OTE 4A emer eo sees eee mee LE ONE ee Ree 66, 418
Mianvae yA menses op. ok wie Seer crs ee etnies 1, 83, 86, 87, 107, 111, 114, 120, 124, 139, 152
MOT IMOMC Lee keer. =o 2's alee eset ravers ae eval valet ak alluring ere Were 378
Means of communication between Denver and San Ju Uan Country------.----. 443
Medicines Bowe Mountains). sas co scceenc = cee ne eee does hos oe serene eesti sees 436
IWMEGIR Giaval TRENT GLC Ne ee Sep yrs Oe Ase boy ie che Au Se ae metiaie aU asia 285
Meekvandpllay denis). J. 2 -clesessaceerecse cee EE See mente ee elec Di 117
IMG) Ks 118.66 oso LAE ee eS Ee Sees HeSo ce roto BSGEDOESEp ene 15, 139, 145, 152, 212, Be
oneSilurian strata of Canon! Citye--2s 446 4- -eeee ese eee
IN UBS) CHAE oo Se ea eae te ecg geen as Oregano aru eA ey AUS at
\VGIRGIS, 3c) 6 SPERM te een ed senor tpttare el earl aa 8 See sieD LR en kd i Np pe 369, 370, 378
IMEROONG 10TH CERO wares ss BeeOomorbe Gaeo coded code besanaT Da Sets SRS RRS bier 121
WIGHORPO HNN GCE VE SEINOS Seco SSS e das So Shoe Goes Sacer Bae Ge ee ime ns Sole 187
EO CIS Ser ee cee Nate ea ea N a ap a Veep i a aloes I a 106
Methods used in determining elevations of points in San Juan district...--.... 488
MYC eR OTe tar COO US iai-'- lagers aleiere Seer ehe ee cyetor a iaiote cre ele ei aia cismiarele Sroka fin stays 135
SECHLONSRO fee ete ape Sete erence te Py memes mctreteataoene 136
MiddleyPark=-....... - Pop area er eR ae env are ae Hel Sy Site | isn LC Satta ae aur ane 85
BIE tiene mmletined @nyaS -(t eee a ate a a Nene Lie eralate (aya SsU Numa meat nial aiaereiaie eye 34
IeIGTURIDCRR SSS epee aS SSS CAO RE ee Oe ere ae Gee irs moray eae 33
Nelitvevgecll Corners) Rete SiR aS Ne ne a i ta A ee Ue : 217
TROIS S BOAR Eekstaae iis SCI e occ Aes peeks nme a rene PA ete ol ESR ey ae 233
Mites, Sein OWE teats Gaae oSocr Se oaks a Oe Ce Ce eee tenet ae nes 229
Molingcamhist Ot, auuloribiesiOMese seas ccs meeins coe saace woe sees ce ceceee soars 407
SPecialereporb( Ome joes einen coche ae aie ania tice cel oaioere cn aleeeees 388
issu Lacustrine, deposits :: sie: 24 wives ences soso lato ss pee see eee 266
Mi MUMMeTI iLO TES yONOU) ye ce eel necks Sea etocisinariciataclonlisrstercle cl ale ales erosicele.s 36, 37, 150
MIGHENTES joe BE Gels Sse hd SH Ose ONO E I SESE eee nee ice eae ae Re ea eo 49, 51, 52, 53
Wh@muinik [Dells ees Sal ais 8 Se PI ae eS gee eR TR Ero a es epee peer Ue 66, 418
HGNC SSE eee ee Sy en es te ym er ROD, mag Me Aa oem pa ey 55
BIC One aes ers recede oars tenes Sc sete rae eee Cae a tas cael reese 48
EWE Ce TI apse pers ensues tay ate ates ee acon Res atoaramia were cise sueramyase 99, 166, 420
COS eee er ees rete ine ara a AE rea ya oe (apatite peta Mie Star ana retary eRe el etatarete eta erm creel 188
SCLC Sere eee eee pata ene ore Stain ayant era cata cs Sea bape aie rissa) Stara enero 205, 479
ASCOMUOL Ne aeons = Wes Coe Sus Sccte a eisieise Buia sins leis Gaia ncieboeete 479
WA TINStO ORs coe yeh, ete Ns re aa eee a ue aes Hope mig Seas einicibie Sei ee eases 207
Pi aMMENMMA TIP Mi Meab roca ce ci eens eeis aaa sttiomyee cee cate eeu eeCucemae 170
IB CLG Were eee nins fa sererse ine ini wit oe Sea Ree a Noelsieeterersmeiee Seer 419
Winn AMO ME Seba eee 2 isc tape be Sere ee See cei sin ee eieste clactoaeicter 419
Ome eles sears. slam ceee halle clsie mieten at atige a) See nye dalalen a lamieysene 97
COMTI GB Yeas et oat ate a eters m Sie Peer ionic la x! chara tes rar ci autora lore vavete er suerebe 193
EM OIN CCR eas reacts a slajyafoa Sasa a temo slstolsieeya) sais seekers eecs neesmeee 207, 217
(COGHT CER acsele sre seis cbr ote ioe aerate Dine lnte Si wise aie wien teres tsgaeee 55, 419
ET Oliv CLOSS Eos rahe aya e re aso S Sele cle ein ietarevoie sie cislelicjel eiapalerslapatnisa(etatale 54, 55
Mia OOM: Brees sete tre epee ee wa lacie > Seek cicletein miecaini 2m syereereeyereetee 66, 418
SiOww7 Masse ee iacicce Macine cannon temtereminas emiaeh Som wt) cceeinaecess 00300, 415
POUODU TPE a NE: Sea me eg Ie a refer caks Nee See ae ee Sto 217
SIR OG 2 erererey sie ee tate oie he Sige e ele chalercle mold a barmiapercie woe as eee 70, 419
HURT EUS WIT Ve ccte ae ks aie a teatro aa Slcrcts ie ise Io vcIl ela clea os iatel ois eats ia feictlaws ai 65, 419
VCS tier ir is eo rep ie EY yee ateia aterah sai ales gysiwreelsia ieee ON es Ne 65
Vine FROG Kies o> hayeicte oper etre aia diate teas lae iain Sele oneteisia suaysianete 55, 66, 70, 419
EO UGE BL es thse ovate ich 5 PR SN te nN nS Siena ae cle eaela’ 6 Sintsiate 54, 59, 92, 100
IMEC IO NI SOAR ee car soccme Son ion Oa oe eta ceo sad Heer Eee secs Secic 436
San Juan..---.- stat a Mee SP erate eight See Beat AST ane ore at aloe ce hpeneia 452
N.
MING DLAS Komment igilany Cs se )ayare Serolem sore wpetae oe ete oie es Sr lareias wrercep sintarolowaaisinveseceieyacine 260
badwlands cS 5622 .ctkeesc etme se RRR UA be Lee sacha se hanes aes 261
eant dl oie clamiecloeuels samiersots 332
NGianiities = Seee sees so 5 -ssk eee Pete ie ure iia caer RR es apg MeN ee Lae 78
ACSCUIISRAMblQUUGeR == cx cokmeat ce eee see een mercies hides ec kawtale ieictertotche kre 289
NOM OCHARU SPEER Ea == = tick claetsiias ce leeieime eRe eee inna reeiniaiscieine slant eepaepe eye 25
PANG TOP CERISE eee r= enn s = ela bjetaleisis fawie ofele/eletelenietmieeie e lelareicteneisieicie SHOSE50 joes 280
AMlinitespumite qnuillaibe ralisi 22 oe. cokes eecee wade alee eee Sltenclcine ok =e dereeeenm ate 307
Ainnspetersteimnmmes . 2 2vss cee eee ete eel ween ec s cee. Re we aagee 293
AMO NTACC Hu eee s ote cae bia keMe ei betiewc cies Be SSE eC or eee Aes men ec 339
PANTIE OMNES MA ee oe co tag oeIoN Ree LE eS rome Se Li eee cite Al Lope RN pa 29, 35, 56
HOW AUUS sie )- ou pctete meet te sere eerie lotatelcioaers oinia oka Wintel chara statale nee 30
EH CAriMabUs see ceerc mise etek miei eve feiereie = Ne aiale ee hele areas Sean 129, 134
ANSTOT GOUT DVS. 55 Bek ar ete cars ees ant dy Ys bse LIAN cee He ANC 390
Ampelidez ..---.. Sete me hein ar ee iellaye erates astete toler aha te enlace tere awieis ait eee ea ed 302
PATUT FO CLO PNM MULT: vores; pee afer ta let! oe a laps ie)a ye Silo tales nie epelolaiec maine siecstnieisieratars siceie teeta 354
BUCOUMA LUN Oe se ee ee eres SE he Ue pee et 304
OVALUMNE Soak Pee etn s cider nntaroteiehe Nara elepetctoheratciaeiasiaiay siemens SRSSRNE 355
/NFACL OHA CSTP TITY AR eS sees St chy ar Py ey lee LE Re ye YS ye eT 23, 25
PAN GUINEA yet) See rae lave ere See lcpeiereie myo Salter clsleinteya wisi ies uicieiee ero ee eames 405
PUNE Sy UTA CLUS) esin ieee tore fetus rs lavoro! arate te aicta lela oysielara ie’ State erejclateic/elala te cvereisansterereye ecto 405
PAMNGIONINE CaN LLIN LS': Speers ies AR meer ane cee eevee hc aA a 2 ha ee a 348
parlatorit) y34./ 2222 RIS eee a tele aly chars ciate (eevee Scene Malet ae een 348
AMUSO Ung uin: Semiie=all aml eres tyes ete eyaiaccs oi ays i ciaicio mere Sevan chostcerare cus ctl 363
ah SINT 1 iC SRR SO Sm LS ee IR ep 276
ANTOSTDIE) 5 SER AS oe a EROS heey Tee ANS aT totes Pa aa on Uy A Se ASS EP HAE SR 34
PNG MMOMAC EES. = eee eetee Ok See eee tomers aatoce ee peict ipa ieiuseectee svi rale tenant eer ae ee 309
ENTREE), ccs A RSP Ne eae cs te het a0 2 eg Gre lO Ve ng ae a 138
CONMCLO LA sehen Se es Se mie eine Sip ee a Se ere RAEI Ste OES ee 349
GQwing we partite Sees. yes ete s eee Soke see eneea nee testes ecsle seer 349
NSUEDpOXGRIN fey) RET NIA My Gera ort t pI eee a Sy mg I ae iDy Me MMM Ras ro Pte ya page A 350
WIRONVIIDO TLS oe ote ee emecte micas raree rnicicynia = tai ec ara pemicr\ Slate Neiaare Se Sere eee 349
EAPO MET Gee Spas we opty eer Sate Se ba miare so raeya ero vera rate otenarcie re wreunia sana sre nemte ee nS 348
ANGI NGO) OWT REO AHS SOP EERO yh yt ares maine agnmUa AN ia au ey LUST te adn 278
Aristolochites dentata ..--..-.---- Dae aise Soe eieasmee sbelslaaieie slo e oe eee 347
Arterophyllites gracilis .......... ee eiulls te Giaepe neta ietatie icin wins late celet tate cree a 279
ANHIOD AGING SAE BRE BUS Cs SOORCO Be ACOs NAR ee ese amen On ay aera a 37, 160
PASE LITUCLORO IME UUS E82) SF rere faye peers ate roe er orar ease witeibie Sieia a ieralein ce brates etauetee mien roreiate 311
MOWEL EH oiit-s sieve sec sil cislctes wie eseisa dems od ck cltachmemieaduioe LEO el ne cee 311
A\SEWD) DUNS) 55 SEES eee 9 eR een Ue eA Rt Ses Ua Se Ue 112
PNB UELING COMME es) S oe cpg Sree e ayaiaumaiars ciate a retainte) Slee eee a eondaieie wee sl aabitece see 347
Aspidiophyllum trilobatum...--....-... ae ath aifa Sel Sra ciate oe ere tae eRe ete eters eer 361 -
PNT HST ESM Oy Fah. im le re ae ee pe Rs i ALG re oe 2 de le 213
Sulbbtitlitais: 3. tsth on cess vscca ce aeccecastanciee Sm aecb ln seen oo aete mee ieeee 216
ASG) 35.23 55 Seep PA a Aas APRS) at Neer tn el ea Unae ted VOUEE Mel emilee gat aig R een Nee rae A Oe, anti 115
AMIN OM ALO LIMITS eter etl s ia, tt aa alah siar wera ay Aa itamictat rata cealciarah mimeo aha icieicters eters 137
PNG CMO EC UOTE a2 hse em eee ayaa eR ca aha fan oy aA ly ee psc Lappe PEA 115
aves: {SSS Ma ee SS stsete a hele ie 5 eek OP ae Sata area a ete ae Nag em ya RAC 9s 29, 35, 56
ONAGUSE acest cant ot ec ee seers s acne eieee mba cials Ss esewicime coms Seek 30
A KeVellinpees mee Me sche Ae haere hme ne AREAL Neh alae MC MeN ee Ue te Lee 115
IESE EUV RUE S Pee 2 cc eis Sc Re Sete aN RO OP De SS ome oe Sate 112
eM erowlonepsrcen ees sear ee cease Ree Sey eaiad Ce CL ine 20 a el 213
Bet abeaiMcialar 23
Wonehitenay Ses Sas eee eae as re See Nae ei atalala eiatg ae areca ee akelere ee erent ate te teers 406
Commies yo Si ee a ae Se nelaare Javan elem Go eee tes atte ge apc ro rettayetone 304
(COMOCOIAY ONE! Socooeeonucded one sou bHaddabe s5oo 65nd C655 Sedo Bou Dose soso DDN SS 112
@orbiculay. ye seberse Socata ak ee eels UN ASS ctee ae IE eerie Sree ea
Corbiculad sere 5 ose a eee oe DEE Ge Saas teres aotearoa meteorite ~ 406
Clommdleyiinas) jonni 38 565 So eso6 ehbodo ondoss codosacseg soso sueo so2cone5¢ 42
PLM OG S ee eae be yah che eee Se vee nctotale oheimioveres Se meres S53 SOROS 114, 211
@rocodilus eek < fos feAsee eee Eset oc detec esc Stone eee EEC eeEEE Cee 23, 158
(Conon linen) Sones aacoe anal cade cmepeoacidces sano code ooSsau oobaeS Sans an00e 340
GiyiCad esa see Boys is Nek oles toraiaia oan Howsisie veisjaiayciam nue ae oleic eee pa selene ee eRe ieee 283, 334
@yclopteris: (20.122 oohs Se lesen ee ea le ot sbemes 3d Seve seeeeene eee eee eee
Dapknogene cretacea ..---..-.--- AGOODD 800d ROS ang.cd00b55S00 CsonaD acces ORC 343
Heerii .---- HIB Sa DoW hae 2 si ncicind Salapaceisene See eee cae eee eer 343
Dichonematiabellatormersssreeaee ees ee ace eaesiseeen eee ee ee eee 276
IDNR EWE Saeko doo Gos aaocud sesadc Shae by Heo sHs boc IobecEa de Ooase0 ocoase Sous 4 406
IDNOSONyROS ANTM, Bo6 coScas bao Soe soedos Gann Soe 605 DoDCSs GodSESeDescs DN9526 348
brachysepala 22esenesrercor Seciee us see see ee ele ere eee 306
2 ALCOLMC AI alewrs Sm cava Sie leis tels en) Sloat creieinie areejeyaeetelay see tere ote eer 314
rotundifolia .c3.es . ooace ee eke coe tees aes Go ee eee EeEeee 348
Wiscorea, ?iCretacea; =4.< pieces LAS aaa wale aie ole eee ee ee eters eet Meese wie 338
DEG) (eRe Se Oe R ee eis er ae Sees OS a Cer aioe Oab Sac Soccddde 338
IDM OVOSNS OUMGUER co dno cosacd cb656s 6550 bhU50G sesh seDSeU C550 oS0008 Senses = 32
IDAVOVo Ty Whmrin GREAT oo56 o6aSo5 ce5e Sedolscoo capes Sse50nns ceoo nesses dase 301
(Qwenews)) ley .S sce acca 5606 So55 594555 Ghs0 se00 Coes Soee = ; 340
pLIMordialesece essen ease eee eee Oe eeeeeee oe 340
salicitolium.<.. coh 4s oe ets sey 340
subfalcabum si 22.3 222 sie eye nesters ways as oem eel ree ene er eerslene 340
USO sacadc dbo co adaods docund Seueus Sooccd duaoS bedava boon esos osuoss naedee 25
ANIMVETIC AMIS sees See sisciere Soe ee Seer cian ee et ee Cree eee rears 251
Bran oouloveiwsss Cy plu ONCES so S50 San sod SooSse dae coo cho nos Hons ne Do SSbs 300 2aEE 347
JB DSG6 Oe Goan Be ROS NEARS On SABA See MoM SES Santo amca cacacune oSocoS cddabe 23, 25, 158
ntelodoneeeee seers aes eee ula te leraue oleyeie se jena wineie! = ciel eteiat se oere Oetennelotete 25
IDUTUR EN SAP oS ec eM ener sen SAaeeRacesaEo so boobOe obo Guo ccon pseder osoSsud 216
IUD a Se SOA ce See eS oso CAA sees oN Saas Buco undo cass ddcnos oSsoa0 p85 23, 20
DES ADO O Ny louad isHeM) MEPIS 5 a Aoo Boo boS Soe S66 S660 5405 cs0sao 5208 Soosa9 Seasoe 363
IOWA DIAS < 55555 adooco ba sccs HoSdso. c5d506 Hobs asoson cnas SooSeU on soSSso ous 112, 213
IPMS) DOVOACh oo cas GoGnae Badoes sobe5e S605 b56des 6 bouode coauce Ns0505 oecaEC 341
TRG) Teer ne eee Ae ae ae eee a ema s HAe ec aero S55 GH Ob onda60 CSeeeS 23
Hermeaystermberoileeseeeeelecec ereie eset FE REE e AIS ERE ae So6n obo S-caeneo 139
Iniems asprenMOliege 5 doo506 soaoGo bacacos baG0 GOnoOnS Usbans coode9 cou So0Ge5 basaoe 303
Gallimati cae wae ae esc chaser eis naiteie es See eee eto See ee eee rereeenaia nar 303
GIST ODtay Fart aes ei oa cece bone e o cisies eetee Oe ceisler eee eee ieee 342
DE CMIDE hee Rene ne a Ee neem CRSA GG Oba KOGOED Gado cated 341
INDEX OF SYSTEMATIC NAMES. 5IL
Page
inicns lemon ilies seo seat eset Rese Bea ae CAS SA S25) Goes aoce ceemoTeerIES 342
OWVANI Se meee RE a 2 Sh oe i fara areneasfayermniodtictsrafates © ae ate Sh eS Aan, de ee a Mea 313
plamicostabapes= cece ys scsceel eee BESO Oe SUR Ges SME one SoU UCUCIEMae 291, 304
PREUCO HOMINIS 4s Bk eadeso 0505 6d6a60 docbon Abdo ceueso onde obo ada aoomae 313
(UBS ONEY cis Fee a eee ae ee eee eR ee Cae 32, 291, 304
Whyounlinanere) 233563650 354 esa5q5saoouadous paae ad Soeubaeoboe cece codece 314
JEINGSS 3 SASS des Sa ee a ee helio e Saris Heer oSOOS 333
Haat ell area tear UnTMMNe oko. 2 eee Oe ae eee ais Stam oie Sie ee etn Eicinioe ie hole cite a arama 338
SRO Re 2 52 2 46 SABA aR GSE SSBC nas Rae are Saas eel ebro oo 360
TP mews WMO 5 - 5555 64S S45 bb5e56 Ss645d so5eda dddses besde5cscons sosnSe sosces 296
Gamopetalespeereeice: = nice oor Gee terete tiene Abele ee ereticca ts Di Mra Be ohare 348
(Gascero POdapeepmeern: 4:2 Joh Mee ater neem mace mE ss Ses Bar ss eS S ac epee erase eimerel tote 22, 390
CieichentayKurmamal.2 22522025 aster Se NN uk eae ce ee oe Rott eRe eS Sale 334
Nordenskioldi .----.. Gee Rie BAM ee ears sai! 5 Mk ie SNe Neha marae neti 334
(GHIMTINEVORRS "Sei do dd SHR ae Oars te eens oa ae ee BNI SBI Sa tse 338
Giyptosthrobusforacillimusmasces cece esis ee see cece see els serne ier nleiaeiare 307
Goniopterisyoulchella:: 2: = =8eaaeee saess. sees eee e ace stn eeiee tees wane apereueals 309
Greviopsisy@leburmt . os 222 sae cares aser ae sierone crests aie cis teva Doavaeeieeheseinetels 291, 306
OWEN. 2:0 tance aes see ace Aas ste as Sacto aeetsice ee a Scots ieee 309
Ciaypleeagpibeiertyes: Lis sae eee aa tctiye sas seelsel ys seismic ae c seesiniataictele 129, 134, 224, 226
LAI IG ONES 5 SGaSa ORES e Ose anc rec eis SOG SOSe CEOS ESOS eS oerr See sans see ol
EIAMAM ee SPAN SASCANA fx ca ceesie pe cieeeiecicnlt ene Soe e sais oan se cieis ciel teens eteee 355
GME CINE MEBINS son cacees pnoboo cccueo sdobes dapeGo oseconecacose 300
TACHA CrATOW AUIS ee ac ees eee oe eee oa Ss Boe asa cae Shee Satis ones s ayes 3ol
Mlatan o1deap sca. saaes shee tase ee acarta ne Seer sees naar seamen dol
SOMUMPEL Se. thes tes see Eee een e ae eee ace octal ersateys 3oL
HeliGi ce peetete > < 5s Sas SANS Bas san Aeeaa aoe Segoe See Saas eee Moers 392
JEIGIGHNGD 5 53 RM eA eRe Oty ER SY a ii eS Ae pl nae eae ed 396.
EC MSOMCAMDI OX Lalas aaa. nsec es ke aa See eee oe nen Reo 8 ye eee oe Ru ae 402.
HMUVOlV IS Mae series a aa ee alo aa or Aas Rane ae era a alas, Hite) Gree 404
HO wanes se <5 /ase see ee a SELES Da ek ee Cel ai ee ee oe anaes 23, 25
AON 2 ciara cas AA ee ee eA iad e eientare Ae oes oe a we seecouare aaae sees 24
@Qiicrophysa)elnicersollivs pees ssa ec cne pe esine eee cies neeietie sees rasle 397%
ETI OROATIOWME Sc Set eee Sue ens sere eh Sea St Ree) Se kee ays NSS Naat eles 20,
ive nodonb Js) nese ssa a seae eee ease Saemee aa B eS ee Ones Seas ees eee oe 23, 20
hymen oply Mites sees corse sine spe heres canes = Ach eee neato eee ease cease 280)
Eivmenophy lium cretacemmiacs seceics oais aio csieyseer saece sets seiaealectemsie 333
JB ODO ANTS Se ee ec Reeorio Cage Gots ern eet a earic Paria ee esis aioe ys 25
Ely PAUL AV CEMUs Sets as g ete a occa e in oS aysises Wieiert. ie eiaeialle suse ele oie sisal elie aise 309°
TE RCOC OME <2. spas aae oacrahesia a Se acts Sela ecole saaicic sand ae Sos ane eAsieesce 25
SxS IMUM OM Ata ves ee ese evelsloiare slarae Scab attr Sata aU ear nc, tore Lenton ledans 309:
MnGCria® GCS Sis See See ee ee rey OCA Se sea Meee art een ea ee ee emmy a 361
IRMMO AIIM Slee Sessoweee, Stet peee hence ee hoe SRO oR ES Cie, eaten 29, 30, 35, 56, 136, 224, 226.
barabin aysastee veces Seiciet Sic cia el vatemstc Seale P aoe Seas eerie 137
CIS ile ape esis ore eect are eae Re ee ee aah a OS oR ee eat ee 129, 134
INRCIC ONS 305 SHER ORES Dep So CE AO Sen ety Beene EEE e rn ae nai rrer nek easter a ee! ; 337
SCI IRGMDY Sele 35 (Shoe waa Sate Ge eS Ace: DiS Sah on Ore ae em Beeesers 25
libeOrde reps - <. 5.08 hos Sees Saas BP SS Ae Hepat es eC SEL OE Ie aie awe 333:
SEN OA ue ESAUL TINA)» = Seva See ale cl Me Ie ee SUS en Sate ko a Ne AS Las se ae 308
IDOE Pee Sar Sar eae Aman nee ee Ea aE OS oy Sh ae RM aera STAN A 360
BINEVMNM OLS! Sse ayes ai2 ees aye ieee So AVN Se apeetat sie tap tates as Pte eRe Sree ee 307
TAN COSR 2 eee er SEB RE BES EOC IE Se EIS SEE eee aero eer e ecAape er 291
IMPOR SROCC Cen talismans ya norvers cere cectar cinch cial a asterc eae, nase eterereparcterers 86.
HMeurive Mik nan CMe bat faye Salers pete rove cla tet Notts stolen alae a satsan Rigas d oer ete treet 22
THB TOYS. eS Ip N78 3h a oe a ee age Ot eae ae ek eee 327, 342
EES MIT LC TO CAL Dili. aya sions Aveta sraeiete aie tapel Se eet cits usw citer aeeeawls saree ee eas TE 342
@Bersea)vpreestansy? Se aeete saecial taeise ar laasaisa octeicte none marae tial este 305
AOLOHE LOLOL A. eee etree tee nme ee sree Rime Nie ses bik hem ae alae anata 342
HAS OMUMIMO SIGE St AlLE LAT Slay rate ewe setae rma eee ane Naseer dood Tea 315
IL@tLO SOUMLHT. Bae Ge ees CED ASe SE DOSS ORE SOAS EEE Se SS EEE ees oe sean eet 287, 288, 300
Mapidonendromcarina hums seme seers ome eee ane, Gens anit ore, ues 279
MO GANG Ue tee aye eioeaetee sate e ek Saeise oe ees e naiek Sone 279
SLBYONOIONTEINS 3 cl ens Sov ene ee oe IT CIE Oe ee a A ao a ee 23, 24
LE iRMGliane Cee SOEs e Beebe on soeedoCSOd BOO SEO EHO at aan Bape omerSe rete Adac 25
eT Och Gams yee aiais ss era cnerre etre tee eater cies ae ine Meteo ke onic mee eee 25
IU CHONONEED TS oo Behe co SEO BOE EES SSAC BeBe O ACCS ee ee Sess Spe a 25
ILP iN CARIN GUE Baap eeoe toes < Cone Sad Ceo pOn ee ACBe ries Sees een Ee Bic 396
; RE OMA TUUTS tate fe che te eee o Sata ree ticteeeles 5 wise sie kneles SEGe She Le ECR eee 394.
JEM E Dy i526 oA o5 OER PERSO RE EES AOS Ses Ooh sen A lt eae ee ars ees gi eae tS 23, 20»
512 INDEX OF SYSTEMATIC NAMES.
Page.
MGS Tee nee ee ee ciara) ee ae Siac) ie ele Sr et tare ay re eeeiaray Nanp Oe eee un 405
bOI REE 5 iG de BRO ANE es Genes meaner CS OeConbies Sorc Hea Sl td Oe Read 112, 134
Ibn GWU So oe Sosa ness deeoes So09 poSsou Fo55 boda b8E5ES Sa50 soos CoN oaoo So ende 112
ILAG TUG EyeH HATE Tine CO TINS C54 Gaon on66 dodo Sued Hdodoo HAoO Baeeee aaa baede Sues 323, 338
Lonnie Tree OnE Sooke Rese he Gone cads opodad 6hn0 dASSh5 oSdas6 dabess soos 315
ISBAOO WIENIEE) Socooe Cheoh6 Sho choo soos ches oes S sos Sos cds one Seba ne ooes 346
ILATCIONMOWNe6SA68 So5650 n6eG00 abag cam obOls S455 soocce Sooo So osc sss bbe see sonas 290
lL ivexoghinion |e co5 boos secoeo ross cea5 coos Goda onadiboe scons ods Sob eesda- 309
IW EY ann ean Soe oo Per SEH Soe Senn Beam NaGoG Sheep oinad do 309
trichomanoidesy. = ja 26 soe cei era elaine ieee ee ere oe eee 333
IMPIGIMENWONTS 5455950650 S555 2655 sees scos egos SeScte oe o8 Go segs seca qe56ed6s¢0-- 23, 25
INBKO RY ENE pS Sencisooroa cooSU nba meso Sobaencaauso oSKsas see ads cooseouooosacss 35
MOLINOS Shen BoOUlbo0e Goud agadoN Sood dosods Book oS ous bes cacoog GoKea dace ' 30
Macon oliavalternmans). =<) esi le ale ei eee as)el PEER AAD GAO5 UpeMe Se Soe ae 355
Gee ses ities I AU SE RP A Pu a ea 306
; temurtfolian 22 WOR Ae se ee ee aie Gh Shear ee gaa ey Sa aS 355
Mla yennOlheveeks) 6565 56bnGoes 6moa Conn Sodo pdbGdo bono Kode sano soha56 os Sone Gees Gade 331
WIAI/ENOCED 56 oo56 5685 6505 Seen 5565 coon Coon beso ndeo oman as Koonce etbe sees Aa ae 358
IWIAISNOCIOM 56 Scho d6ou0s54 sosg pod Cogs dedc cade Gooe Heb Sado dd4 so sods odds once tee 23, 25
PANIVOTICANUG He ES 2 cee ee ele CN a ee aie pot aie etter cielo, 5 Oe ee te 251
MesaceralopsicOlonad OCNSISy eae sries eee ree else eter eee 150
MLSMIIOINGMS S565 5096 csod 6950 Go00 o8d6 Hens o558 Soo seU Coab on Sobo Saad seoos tas ie 20
Me Sal OPLCTIS ws am al csiele ae) avete a: Stoke ale core a alae Satan are al ye aval reer te nee ee a 279
NG Ae Me aa Wy AG tI SU aS a eM Se pe eR UR yak Oca Sh B2no
IGN aWUTG es) Ges Ee ea AAMC aren SNS eSe ea aad Sago oodemcoas 391
Mielaimp uses cise sees 6 keene Sale sejehecteiniate sa cial arc Steie tec eal atte sete estas eee reg 22
AVIGIMNIS; SIMO Gos oes cao scd sadeos tebdce cose o505e9 sacadosserssseosoee5 54555 331
ACETITOMUS eet ee Se Le ese Cee aL Ee ce ope eee 357
elycloply lus: sere se re Sree ia ee est ae eye - 398
obtusilobus. sos) 8 ees coho isamcee ais cee Sure One Renee eer ees 306
ONS S) Peewee WE ee SON ee Ces ie ee eee eae ate pe eee 357
wo pmlifolings se Ae ee ee ae ey Laie IAI a a a en 307
Halimensis: . 2200s ok seals See Mecca clare ie itil se ae ae 357
Mery Chippusi: iitic eae fee Ne eh tne eveseretece cei ers e/a eet a yee eae 25
Met COMOS see 52) eee SOS eel See aie aso rercta tee ee Oe 25
IVIOUETIS Gare e eye ie ee MS lar ee Sr ee Ne re eu Scr Sc oe 390
IMIG S Ne ee a ae eee ea Mea OEE Un Gat 341
Miytica icrevacea: 3. e ees teeta soe Shite ve eece Seelam eevee eee eee 339
AUN STMMIS ys eye eee eet meee wee a Rs See IR ol aera Pres Sees 312
PAIZESSIPIOM ALS see ee cae eee Souls oee otis adele eee 2 Ore ae 312
IDC VA CARAS Aamo Sane Eien DUN A On OE SN a eae 2 ees . 311
Obtusah le -wisees Soeeheckee eee Pes Set ce evacieeh eee Merete et es eee 339
SOMINA. Po aos ee ciceeec en clajeciciilee Ga cle cies Nerasan Se Meee Se Se eee 340
Neoundoidesiacutitoluses cre). oj. ce cis beintisjeesen leone sem etie Ae Cee meee 309
Neuropterisfasciculatus 2.5.2 5225 nosooe. 22 Sacco eme cease eee 279
IN@AGEGRININE) CASE eabge6 boo 56m Goas coo GGe te ico cle sisiparnsioicrects Becee ek Dees 78
OMbolus ness Cee als a aha ie Sr a ee Syne abe Seiale pare a st ae ee 112
VOdontoOpteres iss eos oe sia aitromvele iets or sins ate = Sissel eleier a eisleh se arcl ere ee 281
GLOMUS) ese Se NS Re Sek se eet Ut Sn Sd le,
Oro ula MeN alee Biers shee tanta ysnoe oe Waclseese bald SRA US a ee a 118
@Qreodaphne cretacea) $s. 22s ee eaos sates sade ere Seis lee a ene eee eee 343
OBC OG OI 2 ION ees) I RN yt at ay 0 eta a 23420
Orthisidesmopletira: 2 s2c2). oes oo see Raia Sno Seo Sake oo ae eee 112
OrbHoceras seu ees FS ee Lis Saye terete ciate osale yee otal et ane wr a ae ea a 213
Orthoromopterisssk oe sess eieere Moats ben ses Ane ee Sie ee eee 279
(DS Ge as roy eters EAU AN es SR UN rele 0 ae aL RU Pee se Meo: 20, 22, 23, 136
Ile I-56 so 656550 c0ce "Sia clase Sa es IOS oe ies eS a ye a gee 136
OstbGelita eAtmve rican eyo). a et ici ro Pape a Earp ea 300
Baloch emrushe cei atae seis nm Saloons eS eice leelese emes eye rsia ae eam eee Seyaeiseyeosib isis 25
BaleopterissBosGioscs 02 asses betes Gaels Oe as a Ee eee eeepc 278
1c (CVU UE) Cs ee arena eter ere ens ma ASI TN os Song ooak 278
ls y 102) Hep Cer epson ome ee memes apa AES Ee Se Genin do ociGadoe 278
Taeksomi Yes yes aN cu eae FPR ort pre neas MEerary uceya a 278
COLI Aen ae el eam Er AE EAMES aeRO oye 4 dS GASeEe 279
Roemerbs. Ce. So bd. Ste Se Wie ee erential Yaris 278
FGUIGTLS 6 ins SI aires VCR SS SIDI alia pe ecco Pn RT a 278
ungeq wilaberalisi cose. tek Des Is OR) SO everetararatiey tia 278
alin eee eee a Re ee Cee UM or Mase tage NECA Gt Bre 338
PAE US) WC ma TAMA COU ee S aca es eaves ee pea a a 360
INDEX OF SYSTEMATIC NAMES. _ 513
HOD TDOYSIINS) a SG Saree TS Ss CLO Eran en SIT ae Se 290
ipotocolapus: sSeeeioeins Meee secre cls cyeisioaras seein @locle ei Wicm mb nime REPENS OF Cg 25
RELI OL G Lt yy Syettepadeinraters taro = cate ceiera cvotaf=abre isieiaiatints ey meteletale elon a semen fale eect hars a 158
NRALAG OX OSH erates line ein! vlc eVeisiet so citin clans cict wise ieee ta mtaraate | aerate Pela ae vene Loic aie 112
eau OOpe Temmerete sare mn rs Lycee at Stra loiee ele ens ei sencta a ici te ie aie Sey iL 396
TRECODUSHS Jecass ctaées egeses Spee sae
Nebras kana aia neers. ae issisisasis asec eceeicioe Beeteees Hae Ne ee 333
BectimilbT ame hiatialmerce:s cece citer = = coat eters a) eneia nie ioleleiorelaiioyaieie ete sata cies Woes 5 390
Rersearleconteanaies =\2s' <2) leis | senelseaine ciniceie sos 1s tie clslsvcoels ae ss cenoceree tenes 343
Stermbeneie essay So Seeue kos eave its Ses oleae ec ac Eine ae 343
Bhaseolibes Melamed Mush ste) rie apse oiees coe letera) © ay ate ctowor Seaver eyecare eps ea 314
Pe MniGoO lt Mus esses se sss oe Saletan eae ote salsa cece acete awe ae ame meas ee oe ee 281
AAO MICE STELEVACEOMS)s.)-\ eer e ere ese aici ete alate Serene aioli ay eee erect 338
TNR CHS EH pA SNG ci CEERI eS he eames PsA Mies Se esa a Re of Apa. ee ya iy 25
MEL EROS ERGPIND oo curjem meal = tensa la rsatel ste heh se rayaiia aialisvta ovals cats ara ey eos ee 400
Fa layiS1 coveteenetaie oiais ate oie ciaiealene wiecio elec siaraapne eo ainniecniaatc ae eld aly algo aie areal 400
Binvgliitessamonpbous) =e csesce ee Saale ee eal eles Sabie casio cee le 2 Senate 364
pe tull Bs FO NS) 5 sean ens es Date ane Oa loaner Dh ial ar eae eh aa ee 363
NVAATO TIED Hoe) rege tare ce epee ne eer RRR AL 2S Cea Ul) AUP MREE 2G lea Sp 364
TETAS ai catch ne em fy re tt ed eee Ls eee eR eee Hes hee aU ig 15
DEMURE TSC CGT renee teu te eae a ena Ure ae pct nT NUE LSU ee NS) a as ee WOR ian 336
TE WSTGUIDIT et 6 Rien tol Scare ee ga Sy a a Dea co eteae RPI NALA Sea yn 22
RISC RCOGRUOAUA oo Aes. Sh Barca jess Sscietenste mule Sroloyelti ie elare ede tite Sas, Arsiays ee vs HIS IIS 287, 289
IN [ey SN ARR SENS eo iey e ste hs St aL 2 a ee Nese ene pede Meyer akc 289
Planera Ungeri ...--. ECCS SCSI E oe EASES PRE ees ered oe ERE Meme 5 313
TP UO OTNMES) | SRA a ial es UR Ae Cth Seen OS aes a a ee RoR OS Es OU 402
FEU TAXOTADIS:, Sefer Res et Teer REVERE) eee ies ae an tas a re Ce IU ie A ARLE 23, 25
BINS HOME MTG so sateen te yepaver vera ee Renn cee oe aie SW SEES Cah oe) Sea aa ees a ars 154.
IPs iniRCED See Bad abas caus tA sehe cia by eam be othe eta cee rer ear en oes 341
{icy HALTS a a aT a cag ea oh Serra ere 4 Se Dp Re a COV rem mI A Gh eq) at le
UC ET OG CS resp eres faerie eee REND a CHa RIN Lt eeu yet Jas Sy et ce ratataen a Sey ee ee 293
Biavdenineee..: ome OS yeas a oe pan ners Pre IOS AV" 32
TOWGYey ey Bis ot eee = ss a a ee ere RRR Ey NS RE Po aur 341
ING Wi DCTRIA DE 5 ye cere s teeters tere ty nis\S ee chav eral pees Gui oh Mor ate see ate 341
Obcusilobarchecsee sion seect ss stereos ce eee hole Sou ers ciala oie Saree 3AL
HOULNN SOTA ete ortrare ene ered e ete Terai eer erayat's Gelian sleearas car arc ieis¥eie oben Sree te ee nae 341
EMO DMOBUS).< 25 Cee a Seite ev ccn cy ee Wiccan Leis acials verare siereteraver te eee ooh 5 Malis
CUO GIT e WIEN sein ep rare tops eal atcate ie arene ral see cheney aia: host oie rer ay aversrcclensrayel Se Nee 25
Pare MME Rey <2 ea ciaie din eae ee cla ern anaes ae Sod Sue eae awl uo nolo oevncrasia see 309
FAO MAIO SINGS Sosa iaeee teers nie eloy tre serene ere Cure e Sh ybare eile eee ae eee 391
FZOREN LTO MOAN ED: Se operate eae ale atePe ai orclisrats wu raeie seinem c/ekaetiohiamhe © ieee Sener 405
HO MUNMUESNCLe CANS a knee ome etre seme em eM en en kes ok ci etevetat asaya aes 339
ANC AS ERUCTICNS ye vetoes bec crete ie teee ks hs pee ati Ue LTA ea RL oy are 339
JPEG cscs ene ae pee eet ich eM Ete OO Ries MN nNe Ona aaa Me ieee Beep eaea ee. 23
UL CLIGS h peees ts nl Ss ee EN a sn Ne Aes a eee 2 Sy RR Re) 293
TOONS IB TAYE WER RS cao Caches Bae ers ID = ar AAC hee me era Neen eee A ETL 302
MEV ALL OLUES Wasi es ee yar wees Saree netie ne, anaibae aie alene ie oy aiSeasiertvalaleba ea aera ae 291, 302
TORIES NTS es CSUR dee ois yt ae ey eR ea i eel Ste a a IN 291
GREMNU OVUCS Peete noe ete cesar e nica any etigie es ers crelel acinar cia ai ae oes 81, 86, 93.
JP Gi TOOT) 5 EES ARSC APU US Sr Lia an hep pes AS) i ORR A RNa Ramps Ay kt 2) hy 22
AOMOCY CUTS AW sy ONMING NSIS a emrersiaats cise cpetatere eceis fe Giapslomic rere eve oe Garena sere 136
LE SGC NTA VSLITIS) 5 eae aaah Cag SS ee Mey I dy yn Sega eg 25
JETRO EK OLDIS) oie Wage Dm RAT SAGE, aoe AU RE el ee ATO AAI Ica MA ro 114, 119
BEMIS HAUS ane oes kan ae Eps navies Rial Sere arse oe GL ee GME
SHELL NYA ORE See PLAS ag ee ay aU) SA aa cn eo cies aL 213
ODE ACE es aioe rma eae MRIs ie FP ol (epee IER Ne alts ee es aU 346
OPC OU ESRC UID ALE = ee ae ere ee eee pe eo ene era orem aad Oa Me NES 8 to) CN 128, 347
Maphnovenoldesran see emeise wine eet eee sen eee Secl e een 347
CrevillestOrmMige ese a Mier wba aac eiarar atl ew Va Ct pan a 347
TPICUU DLS, +a OSES CCE ES Nahe ad Mn aaa EEA rato ede Do 25
. Protophyllum crednerioides...-......--...--.--- RSE Shey Nah Thwatens Cu draenei 363
HEVeny VEIN seers me ete ae eee thee oe ei URN le ei on Swear 363
33
514 INDEX OF SYSTEMATIC NAMES.
Page
Propophiylium Jueconteanumy . 2) 0202 senescent Ug 362.
AUNIND ALS ei 2 Se ER SG UN chy STU oD TR UG 362
TOMI Oe ne Sees Aakcieras tale ( sel yee ete PS SPE ES Ar ile p Hat esa ILD Mai ea Le NAb 363
TNA Olsaos s5b0 ooe6 Caos EO aStu pe En ea ane ra ear a aa 362
4 WO MPSCONES Saasiee cost bose esdod PST AMES ESL TS As a ae DME RA 362
GWE KCU PRUE Bo Soeaeb honor oso oreanbos oFecee coca conunoseeoe 362
TUIGOSWN, soso cond cas cose02 boebec S500 sooo Sae0 bono seamSO DeTeeS 362
Stermberouiy. Soe sel sepa ce cee oieaio sale ice yee ster eet ae nea at er ma . 362
BASU SVATINEKL CAM Ayers eis ero cael eee Slee eee eae rep ARR SS UTS 10 eo 249
CHICIR AS Bye See Rear aye de Oe culo eee 249
Pi CTECACCUS i. Ke ate oie ce eoapers oy cele eter es eee Ste SE te ee try 361
MEMO s oh be edosboddeacn sens oboddooppeosee cSdenods thos edddcg adoac 249
IPS IO OU ON « 5 co5 cosbos Ss oSc0 dSa5 Gone88 does00 655550 900800 ce se55 be SSOn Sane 276
IPFEWOStLO DUS NEDVASCOMSIS soca s Sees este ee cee mee oe ee een 2 ae ana ee 364
Prana olonalhinan Yosby Clem (oS Se5 boo a ose4 peed eo sed a4 Hbed See eas Sone Bdsodo ene 304
(Pulmonatbaeis ooo eke Se ec ap Na hake re abst d erates es le (ale tare testo) ste ete a aN 391
JewONGES —46c6 55000 45 SeoSda ce SSo us bes5 655550 Sosnad one soa cseese dha shos nes 39L
TeTpori le AACE oo oe oc cho sao bases Godse s sobe4 34 Seto Seog sspses abesess- boos 391
TeTMpOMMNE) 5365 God cogabocd onaG occos Seo Beud sane deseases cant eneadadoudds=ccse 391
@ivene nis) alae emp a eteoe eo lee ele aceeee ee 86
SEE sworthianaes- eee eee eee eee ese ree ST LCN A 340
PUL GLINET- VAS ioe Se esas IN ee Lee Cn IE IEP GUST ER 2 Re CE 993
dae Uh aye EA CR AI UN PSNR Nn 313
IVESREO ia oocac soooge Seco ebaa coos HoEsad oSooRe CoSOSE bhSe Soso bnSEbe = 340
4 DOMINOS) So kess coe bed oe asa bse oco cess SHaseu comedo ddsa dso bossHe 341
RTARTA Sle es errs k cjaperal Gye Spare farce Siete in rel starete cave efaleye galerrote fia ete LNA ge a Bee 289
PEC ELINCTE VS eo ee Vee ears ae yey ae aT el ae a ete Nea Eo sans AT Sg 991
Rossmassleni tees soy cee a Seas aay aad SO SS Le OUR Ba EN DN 314
ATS) 0 eeepc a UHRA Sata ve ea se 2 (esinencee cee aera eee 360
TRIOVINOCCWOS soos 6556 cb00 boca cues Coes CoSeeN Loco bons HDS SHomSanaUeds Cescoo cess 23, 29
EUHUS ME MTDLAM ACE Ais sees ie ee Sens eee aS eee mise ee erate ee ore Reuter ta er ae ea Ra 306
TRIM MONE A o5 560 Seog shod ccs dees Soho cons bone Shed dosaseneias soso cece aShoe 211
1H a3 WY) tn esa ee en a a CO SL OE a a es no Godda 913
PISSOLC OO is Lis ah eietie pole ei tiwte reso s pe veeainy mimeo cteySletellecs alot wie Sraus oe he sevens to Rao Pe ee tee _ $890
Salball piiGlemenyenVes4 554 chou sos eco bend Buabine So sduce seq ouSsee oobo55 Sako cecnse 290
Camipbelli we Ssieicd Sess oS Aas Nolawc.ccelsaie cieeismuere ciate toa cin eA ore eee 32
GO MITT Ses ee Ee ae ere OG) Soe Va aces a ee ee Soca So) Sette SLE
(CRIA CaS e Selo ee SPAS SMG BA Cass MeO eOS SORE MAG Seman Son Seocieca soc 289, 290, 301
DRACO, Cho bSseeuseeons Saad Hoda ad Adee ese osSsonob oss Bae 2 Hache 290
SAMO We WES 50 555 os55 coasos coosedbbosce Soe cose bedssa deea essences 279
Elbe Pa ICE PIE hep Seo ee eines ita rey LECT U ee een NUN CRED Se EN 5 Bese 983
OLOLeDSLOlIAS scree Mews set cinie eine ei a saiatee ye eine iat yeradel rad ee nc eer te ee 339
Nalvaniavattenuatar.. 2c ceo ea SS Cee ee isles ie eae eee 296
SA TAGIMNG) NNT S 3 355566 odo Saad Sdde seneebe Secu ss eesaes se cee seebs os se coos ae 289
Mr OUD ee ee a AIS NSE AOU CSE ba 315
SaSsaritaseacemccemertecce sete NOEL Ne lal ks setie Arena lsuelainiaeteeha a teyelat ee ee 344
EV OTOUVU KOON CT Aas ao A ey BRE Re LANE Te See 344
(Aualiopsis)) cretace mine eee ee ee eee a ae ee eae 344
Wil. Oma teat Ue oe ere a 344
Cay OU RDEST DN 0 eyed eee a ogee 344
mirabile.) o5 oe ee ee al Sen Aa ee 129, 345
AR eCCLID SAT h Ips hee ON LT AIA ye a a i PS oe Go) Se 345
WOES Goo dba eo obo So seek Ghee baSe so Sab boss sess coo sec 2225005 344
SIGRID Saas SGAAE eas Bae es Bete ee odedadeasddderscs oscso sashes 135,
Wia rel lass ee eee en ee) Re oc ale ay eC gd ae 136
Sellaeivoveslilay }) iRWANE) 555 545 6555 coee bocede do bases S66 Geb asad d oso sosoosssee a2 297
Teen mn Tea Tea ees Se ST NEI rs SHA A A Ra 297
Sequoia acuminata..---..----. Pag eee NGS PU ENN tes Ae Ot i a ean 310
EQUATED espe es ee es NN SE ET Ae EL 80 a VCE SLO
yo ea SVE Spe RN LU UA eS a lhe 289, 290, 298
1 ap 75 5755 0) bz ees eee ee a re er IE HO TNL SS a a a ot Ba 289, 298
COM GIG aise oie ie Rr I SE UTR en EB 335
MERTEN S45 Sn Rese AB ROS beeen beside So 5500 e564 335
FOLIOS Bes ee See is hs SOs I FN UU eo aN 330
lepoyeshormttie ie SAN ee Chee ehh codoca bebe os sees dedses seesococrSeee 201
lhowyequgal bith 2 ioe RAB OR SR ARN ee ee oR eee Gost go cos sod suyadee 289, 290
Reich emi pelea e Sete ee kara eh sae siege ee ege ee els re Met eet are peek tate 289, 335
ae EyE oe on SUE ee ea ARERR ee oe eee Cac ode ocean hoes 289
Src lainey ee ee hee sua NA AAELINT Dae ENTE DB MERE agora Lr 289
INDEX OF SYSTEMATIC NAMES. 515
I Page.
SHepPWecdiaCAMAGSMSISw ee esis Mew Mare Le eG ie ie bai miaaneta Ue een al/ rc eam Us 249
re AUD nHe) GRABS Ca Oe Sui ee ee Oe ee oO ae ae Bea seme 280
NoOMaALo cy LUSKeSOSOMUGME Ee wees scene lesen ce-in ne cen Se Se SAAB CaS SSA eee ae 390
SPhREnoOpLerisneasees sosese ower ucaluarce ayecuciscicialelelee le sont erjetataeatefeln/=iciece 134, 278, 280
COREE SSE eS aa Re ea a Re ARES eS a ee 280
Hoenn hausilie asset = Cseccjcise is cccbielema amiss cis copes 980
RS) SUIT Sy HI sy eS I RR eh RI 114, 115, 119, 211, 216
SPUBTPS LIM ye ete la lm S/S aicl eteale aia cetera eta ponin ep atsteiattene ete keste eretelle oS ciera eearatemn vere eioietajters 115
SER CONDE eee cine occ) Save sew ninjalears cle wuelne mieote aisio eens ola ietevere ojerelaverieneetarets 25
SUSKCHUT ARN SATO Ae Saves ee sore a trey eter sere te deste lepe atte eh hence career Si a pte Renan ea 308
PS BRR RT ATE Sa ey npr ea 2) se BH SYN NE LRN VR EAS Neda OIC SP 279
TTDKEOTIOVES) <.c; HaeNeL SE ears aha nL LM) Ave en eeCnihe pap era nnn Meters Meaty mae 5,424 EY fe
rearing) ae sh a ah 8 I UP Ra lr em UN ea 399
ALE OGRE G TIE EY THVETEN ORIG VS ee ee Safe CU EE a 35
EPR eaoxcO CU CETIAY CLUB LOUD IN (renee ais eagle us Peale el ha 08 aE SL NL hea a de 293
ANGIE OSA NG CSES |G 5 RR ca a ali ON at Ge eee NE Shes eel 360
TGR TG CE GSE's 5 CURSE RSs CoE PIE UTE ae eae ela eS nt ao OS sR aI RE MM ons i 23, 24, 25
DIPALG INTIS soe coe SSosed coca eddeco cobocd bees cece bec6S5 doaeae Soddcg paSea ae 333
TIEN GSE Ge 05k INES SRR MS Sle 2 8 SUB BS al Pe eo Ee EMA ERS 359
“LECH TY CB YSN Ds Es IRR ae SS nat Sen ec a en US ROS ea ALT AS 2B
TYodea ? Saportanea...----.-.-- Rape ars houe Sera ier hyensa lay eemeane raph Sey eer electri 322, 346
REAP ANVOLE AMIS ejay iac)s) cere cheissieclereistelais wblalal=clseintaletaielpie alee ol dnie Relevere nm sle emilee a 289
THICTLOD My l apg sisete ole ere Bias seer nwins af cietsis wicinls 'wiciniaca veisiaia ieee eo 304
TRG HERVE Sc SEU a ee a re a SU Ae oC 23, 24, 158
COMERS SS SSG Cent Ey Ae Se Be PE CN iar es ran oe ge ea a ne eS PR reg aC ee RE Cet Lo 23
(Uftkoca kenaica beara Taam DISS SUS ee se AT a a etree kD Pao re eae PI ee Re AL 280
UADROS SE SSS Ce IR eo a ete Gos RE ees LO te es 22, 23
{pricey rn lice Pa i Sg yd eve Ree Mra naial nee etiam wks otal elciciovars aiare@imieye Merten Sere ee 407
ITE GLOBES a eee ees ea Ns I a ee eR Lago 341
BY Fea NCAT UR SMLY C0 Ure eee ieee pe Ep ta RL Ufc TC AEC peur heey LOL OV DVN SS RRR ey 390
Valvatide ...-. Hees ca was NCAA 1, FEE OR C2 ea ea a ea PEERY ee RU Sey EA 390
\ Orel a2 eo ho) Re = AU ce elt ay acento 1 eae ce NAT Ae Ga AU EN 392
Viburnum HT ATOOUT cb CME ae ene year feia inter sia aimee ata ee aren ene mea 291, 306
platanoides fs Sry aS NAA A aes sp Oe UTR UE rove LN Hae eee 314
GOULD NOYO LY OUST aM, 5 ay PA a ASIN AON GU Re Ag ID ay al Sea a ek 305
Why Melis aie sets sie eee eer See) py alates ate a aici ofA A cst ta 306
A VASGUS SURV EATS Aa iS ha ie Sa es a 21 CS Sp ECU el EU ae 249
Geri TA OM sy SN a I eS Os ARO et SS Ge a ce i ns Pa 249
iii eee HE EONNRENE, ARAN PeeWee eR Tea age Lene bie Ae Cie Up ye ee TS 392
Ar Inetience IIA ON Clay NG Bet eee NE Cie van rUete so Sie en ore cia silat S ciaicilnis siaivteveystelaiele sie 394
TYRES TERE UNG NOE Ve fe0 hI A iy a ad ay ey aa Ne biagataapiu lines at 394
NTR SENTRA Gis Si eee GE ee eo ee BR eRe Nc la 22, 23, Ba
(ROLE) EMH CY LOTTE) pe ea Ma I A en CO Ps ed es le eR eR ED Ear YS Ye at
Widdringtonia complanata .----.------------------------------------------ 299
PATRAS CEO USA: TUT ALVIS sete slctes tae ate es cerca Ne le ere cmiei dle aictelsvere epic esoutiarel sweater: 309
ZAOVRACCTOS) CSET H HD eee 25 ci ST EN a ag eg ee AR SRR Rel md 333
Zonites conspectus pa eerie rN ENO Sf De SEIT a a eae a Se A chads Se et 393
Ffiitllovill Seperep eee tney een Fhe eine ead UG EDN Ree Aue a cw /cmar eel UAE Ea yi Rp 393
TrID DAS NN a NA GS RJ DO ea BS BO A 393
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