Reports of explorations and surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean: Vol. 5, Pt. 2

METAMORPHIC ROCKS-BOTTOM-LAND OF THE FOUR CREEKS.
From the San Joaquin to Dry creek, about thirteen miles, the rounded hills were seen; and
at one place a distant hill presented the appearance of a succession of terraces, which, however,
may be the edges of a horizontal strata. In one of the hills limited outcrops of horizontal argillaceous beds and a conglomerate were found. The strata are probably similar to those underlying the lava at Fort Miller. The soil over the greater part of this distance was very good.
On arriving at Dry creek we met Senator Gwin, on his return from a visit, with several
friends, to the Tejon Pass. The bed of Dry creek is shallow and sandy, and was entirely dry
at the time we crossed; but it was evident that a strong current of water flows there at certain
seasons. A short distance south of this creek there is a fine view of a long, low, nearly horizontal terrace, appearing to flank a projecting spur of the mountains. This long terrace ap
peared to be composed of regular and nearly horizontal strata; but a near examination could
not be made. It is, doubtless, a portion of a former sub-marine slope.
King's River.-This stream, sometimes known as the Lake fork, flows down from the Sierra
just beyond the terrace above described. Its course over the plain was marked in the distance by
a long line of trees, just visible above the surface, the bed of the stream being sunk below it.
We reached the margin of the bottom-land about sunset, and encamped upon a low gravelly
spot which had recently been inundated by the stream. We here found a coarse swamp-grass,
sun-flowers, and willows. As the sun went down the Coast Mountains were visible in the west,
about sixty miles distant; and on the other side, the white, snow-capped suminits of the Sierra.
Many herds of antelope were seen during the day, and before dark one was brought in by our
hunters.
The bottom-land and timber of King's river is said to be five miles in breadth at several parts
of the stream after it leaves the mountains. A great body of water flows here, aud all the
sloughs are well timbered. It flows into the Tulare lake.
King's River to the Four Cree7cs, August 1, 40.4 miles.-We left the camp on the borders of
King's river and travelled along its right bank to Poole's ferry, twelve miles below. The river
winds about and appears to skirt the mountains, the banks becoming higher as we descend.
The elevation was, however, variable. The descent from the general level of the plain to a
running slough, near the first camp, was about eighteen feet; but at the ferry it was forty, and
divided into two benches or terraces. Their general character is represented in the annexed
section.
A short distance below the ferry this order is reversed, the single bank being on the opposite
side. These banks consist of regular layers of argillaceous sandstone and clay, which is hard
and rock-like when perfectly dry. The lowest stratum was principally of clay; and the whole
deposit had a modern and alluvial appearance.
From the banks of the river, at this ferry, there is nothing to obstruct the vision across the
whole breadth of the Tulare valley; and the Coast Mountains may be dimly seen rising above
the limits of the far-stretching plains. The Sierra Nevada, also, present a magnificent spectacle
from this place. The chain appears to reach a great altitude, and to rise abruptly from the surrounding subordinate ridges. It is probable that the condition of the atmosphere was peculiarly
favorable for viewing distant objects, as the outlines of the distant chain were sharply defined;
and the prominent peaks showed out boldly against the clear blue sky. Snow was resting on
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