Here are resources for farming, stock raising, fuel, etc., in sight of present encampment, probably more than sufficient to sustain the present population of Rhode Island; and yet, not a domestic animal, except those of the passing traveller, or a human being, save the occasional savage in his wanderings, occupies any portion of this wide domain.
Crossing several streams in the same large valley, all bordered by lands, we at length left the valley and journeyed two miles over a hilly country, well supplied with cedar and shrub pines for fuel, and bunch grass for feed, but not well watered.
Thence a few miles over a worthless country to the Beaver River.
This is a large stream, swift and clear, running in several branches through a large and fertile bottom; the soil of which appears rich, but highly impregnated with saleratus, and the table lands, which surround it, barren or nearly destitute of pasturage.
However, I think the place worthy of settlement, and, probably, containing eight or ten thousand acres of land which may be watered and cultivated.
Leaving this place, we passed another long stretch of upland, destitute of all resources, except grass and fuel, which were abundant in places.
We were at length met by G. A. Smith and others, from Little Salt Lake settlement; and accompanied by them, we all arrived on Red Creek, in the same valley. Here the camp found water and grass to refresh themselves after so wearisome a journey.
April 10th.—Same evening I arrived in the fort, accompanied by the citizens, who came out to meet us. I found the inhabitants all well, and the settlement in a truly flourishing condition. Hundreds of acres of grain had been sown, gardens planted, etc., and the farming land nearly enclosed; together with a most substantial saw mill, and many houses of wood and of sun dried brick, built and in progress. Building materials consisting of timber of the finest quality, viz.: pine, fir and cedar, together with good building stone and brick, were scattered in profusion in every direction.
Water ditches were flowing for mills and irrigation purposes in many directions.
Mechanics' shops were in operation; such as joiners, carpenters millwrights, coopers, blacksmiths, shoemakers, etc.