. Shoshone, and other western wonders. e. In many cases the rootsare exposed, and may be seen penetrating thenow solid rocks. The wood is often perfectlypreserved. One tree particularly noted by was covered with bark four inches thick,and retaining its original deeply lined outer sur-face. The strata inclosing this trunk containedmany vegetable remains, — branches, rootlets,and fruits; and one stratum of sandstone wasfilled Svith a great variety of the most perfectlypreserved leaves. In many instances the pet-rified wood is completely opalized or agatized,and its cavities are filled
. Shoshone, and other western wonders. e. In many cases the rootsare exposed, and may be seen penetrating thenow solid rocks. The wood is often perfectlypreserved. One tree particularly noted by was covered with bark four inches thick,and retaining its original deeply lined outer sur-face. The strata inclosing this trunk containedmany vegetable remains, — branches, rootlets,and fruits; and one stratum of sandstone wasfilled Svith a great variety of the most perfectlypreserved leaves. In many instances the pet-rified wood is completely opalized or agatized,and its cavities are filled with beautiful crystalsof quartz and calcite. ^ The silicifying agentshave been so active in these strata, writes , that not only are all organic remainsthoroughly silicified, but all cavities in theloosely bedded rocks and all fracture-lines inthe strata are filled with chalcedony or otherforms of quartz. Fossil trees are found at aheight of three thousand feet above the level ofthe river, and are supposed by Mr. Holmes to. A ./^ ^y CLIMBING THE TERRACES. HOMEWARD BOUND. 253 exist in the conglomerates that reach and formthe loftiest summits of the range. Slightly to the northeast of the Grand Canonis the Washburne Range, containing twenty-fivedifferent summits ranging in height from 9,000to 10,000 feet. The two highest peaks are MountWashburne, 10,346 feet above sea-level, andDunravens Peak, 9,988 feet high. The formeris quite easy of access from the falls. The trailextends along the edge of the Canon, and crossingthe mountains continues to the Hot Springs ofGardiners River. Before the completion of theGovernment road the Mount Washburne routewas the only one by which the Grand Canoncould be reached, and is still used by thosemaking the tour of the Park on view from the peak is unequalled for extentand variety. The broad expanse of the greatcentral plateau, with its forests, lakes, and deepwinding canon; the distant summits of themountains beyond Yello
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Keywords: ., bookauthorrobertse, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, bookyear1888
