8. South Platte Crossing.--No wood all day. Good water and grass, with buffalo-chips. The river is about 600 yards wide, rapid, with quicksand bottom, but can be forded when not above a medium stage. It is best to send a footman ahead to ascertain the depth of water before crossing the wagons and animals. 19. Ash Hollow, at North Platte River.--Road leaves the South Fork of the Platte, and strikes over the high prairie for 16 miles, when it descends the high bluffs bordering the valley of the North Platte, and enters Ash Hollow, where there is a plenty of wood and a small spring of water. Half a mile beyond this the road reaches the river. Mail station and a small grocery here. 16-3/4. North Platte.--Very sandy road; no wood; grass and water plenty at all points; buffalo-chips sufficient for cooking. 17. North Platte.--Road sandy in places; no wood; good grass and water; some buffalo-chips. 16-1/2. North Platte.--Road good; no wood; good grass and water; cattle-chips in places. 18-3/4. North Platte.--No wood. Camp opposite "Chimney Rock," which is a very peculiar formation on the south of the road, and resembles a chimney. Grass good. Road muddy after rains. [Illustration: CHIMNEY ROCK.] 17-1/2. North Platte.--No wood; grass and water good. 16. "Horse Creek," branch of the North Platte.--In seven miles the road passes through Scott's Bluffs, where there is generally water in the first ravine about 200 yards below the road. The road then descends the mountain, at the foot of which is the Platte and a mail station. A little wood can be obtained at Scott's Bluffs; there is none on Horse Creek. 14-1/4. North Platte.--Road follows the river bottom all day. Wood, water, and grass on the river. 12. Fort Laramie.--Road rough and rocky in places. There are wood and water plenty, and before many trains have passed the grass is good above the fort. Mail station and post-office here, with a sutler's store well stocked with such articles as the traveler wants. 10. North Platte.--Road good, but hilly in places. Camp is in the river bottom, with plenty of wood, water, and grass. Hot spring two miles above here. 14. Bitter Creek.--There are two roads, both of which lead to Salt Lake. The upper or south road is best in the spring or in wet weather. I traveled the lower road. Wood, water, and grass are good. 17-3/4. Horse-shoe Creek.--Fine camp, with excellent wood, water, and grass. The road here forks, one passing to the left over the hills, and the other running nearer the Platte.