Sept 21. The large alkaline lake seen on the way out S of the track about 6. m. E of last nights camp now a dry mud plain with sparce growth of grass. The alkaline lakes occurring on the big valley crossed about 39. m. E. of Woody Mt now also for the most part dry, but showing a pure white surface of crusted salts. Long before arriving at the valley its position was made apparent by a great volume of white alkaline dust rising like steam in the air. The breeze on the upland prairie not strong, but appears to draw down the bottom of the valley & form eddies there raising the dust continually from the surface in more or less spiral columns. This must tend to prevent the excessive accumulation of the salts in the lake basins & to redistribute them over the country. The white drifting lake surrounded by patches of bright Salicornia &c greenish & yellowish tints of grasses in various stages of growth presents a most remarkable appearance. The crust of salt is only about 1/8 inch thick & rests on blackish grey soft continuous clay on which a horse easily mires.

Went this morning to visit some indians staged in trees, not far from the track. Found however that some passing parties had pulled the remains down.