p. 42

1870 [not 1831].
-1339-
[403]

of the most intense interest. The clouds coming over the mountains, dropping down to their proper level far below the peaks, accumulating volume, before they pass off over the plains of the Great Basin to be dissolved. As they linger about the summits, they present the most grand and beautiful landscape.

We got specimens of the deposit it made by the boiling hot water of the Steamboat Springs and gathered several flowers that appear to be peculiar to the spot. A long narrow crack far down which we can hear the roar and gurgling of the boiling water and can hear and see the hot steam arising from it, is a modern example of the wat ancient mineral veins have been formed and filled. Since an eruption about a year ago these springs have not been as active; have not thrown the hot water and steam to as great an elevation as formerly.

I shall send home three boxes of specimens and things from here, but as they go by freight trains perhaps I may precede them home. I shall be able to accomplish all my undertakings and get home within the time assigned, say, by the last of this month.

I hope this will find you all well--for all is well with me.

Yours affectionately,

I.A. Lapham.

Julia A. Lapham.

---------

State of California,
Legislative Department, 18th Session,
Senate Chamber, Sacramento, May 3, '70.

My dear Son--

You may know by the above that I am in Sacramento, Cal., and that I have been at the capitol or State House, but do