. Annual report. 1st-12th, 1867-1878. Geology. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES. 117 Figure 9 forms an excellent rock study, and it is a fine illustration of the style of weathering of the feldspathic granites. These massive piles, like the ruins of old castles, are scattered all over the summit of the Laramie range, and the difference in texture of the rock is such as to give a most pleasing variety, hardly any of these piles being alike. These rocks were once angular masses, probably nearly cubical blocks, and they have been rounded to their present form in the process of dis- integratio
. Annual report. 1st-12th, 1867-1878. Geology. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES. 117 Figure 9 forms an excellent rock study, and it is a fine illustration of the style of weathering of the feldspathic granites. These massive piles, like the ruins of old castles, are scattered all over the summit of the Laramie range, and the difference in texture of the rock is such as to give a most pleasing variety, hardly any of these piles being alike. These rocks were once angular masses, probably nearly cubical blocks, and they have been rounded to their present form in the process of dis- integration by exfoliation. Nature seems to abhor all sharp corners or angles, and with her the curve is the line of beauty. Time wears off all the sharp points in thin, spherical layers year after year. Skull Rock is another example of the tendency to wear into singular shapes. This rock, whieh has given name to one of these striking rock masses, has been peeled off, coat by coat, by the fingers of Time until it presents a very close resemblance to a human cranium. If we were to descend the beautiful valley of Dale Creek we should find the scenery even more romantic, and the granites worn into more fantastic forms. There is one portion of this valley which has long been celebrated for the beauty of its scenery, and known to the country as Virginia Dale. The SAviftly-flowing stream winds its way through the over-hanging rocks, which sometimes run up a thousand feet or more, with nearly vertical sides, and among these massive granite piles are grassy, oval, park-like areas, which must become at some future period favorite places of resort! The character of the scenery and the style of weath- ering of the rocks are well shown in Fig. Granite Rocks, Sherman Station, Laramie Mountains. Sherman Station, situated on the summit, is well known as the highest point over which the railroad passes between Omaha and Salt Lake Val- ley, and appropriately bears the honored name of the Commander-in
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