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[[underlined]] Chewaucan [[/underlined]]

ranging back and forth. The highest ridge is open & covered with sagebrush and is not more than a mile wide between points where Sonoran plants occur. The gulch, or open canyon below the first open valley would not act as much of a barrier. The sage brush slopes along the sides would carry valley species. At the same points the pine timber of the mountains west and of the Warner Range comes so close together and scattered trees range across that a free passage for timber species and even Boreal species exists between the Warner Range & the timber country extending west to the Cascades.

We followed the longest road around and struck Abert Lake Valley at the extreme south and where the Chewaucan River bends north to the lake. A good lengthwise view of the lake and the escarpment east of it was obtained and at the same time a view up the Chewaucan Marsh and through low gaps far to the north.

The valley is like that of Warner Lake, with sagebrush sides sloping back to lava "rim rock" No trees, save a few junipers on rocky slopes. The soil is generally mellow & loose, but in places is hard baked gumbo. The Chewaucan Marsh occupies the greater part of the valley as an immense tule swamp. Parts of it are dry enough for good hay land & much hay is cut for wintering stock. Some open sloughs and channels show in the marsh and attract water birds.