Snake River Valley was commenced. The party ascended the valley on the east side to the sources of Henry's Fork, thence to the sources of the Madison, where they crossed the divide to the head-waters of Snake River, and descended this river to Fort Hall. The great Teton range was minutely explored and located. Madison Lake, which has hitherto been regarded as the source of the Madison, has proved to be the source of Snake River. Many very important changes were made in the geography of this interesting region. The second party, under the direction of Professor Hayden, proceeded to Bozeman, Montana, and there commenced an examination of the Yellowstone to its sources. The Gallatin and Madison Rivers, with their numerous branches, were carefully mapped. The National Park, with its unique borders, was examined in more detail, and great numbers of sketches, photographs, specimens, &c., were secured. A great mass of observations in astronomy, meteorology, and topography were obtained, and the collections in geology, botany, and natural history were more extensive and interesting than those of any preceding year. The materials for a report, both of a practical and scientific character, exceed those of any previous season.
Besides the two parties mentioned above, there were five small parties making special examinations, under the auspices of the survey, in different parts of the West. The parties have all returned from the field, and are busily engaged in preparing their reports, to be submitted to Congress at an early day.
RAILWAYS.
The subscriptions to the stock of the Union Pacific Railroad Company amount to $36,783,000, of which $30,762,300 has been paid. The receipts for the year ending June 30,1872, from the transportation of passengers, were $3,067,808.17; of freight, $4,122,651.20; and from miscellaneous sources, $771,711.41; total, $7,962,170.78. The entire cost of the road and fixtures to said date, (unadjusted balances with contractors not included,) was $114,258.535.97. The indebtedness of the company at the same date amounted to $75,894,512, of which $27,236,512 is due to the United States.
The Central Pacific Railroad Company, by consolidation now embraces, besides the original company of that name, also the Western Pacific, the San Francisco and Oakland, the San Francisco and Alameda, and the California and Oregon companies. Stock to the amount of $59,644,000 has been subscribed, and $54,283,190 paid. The receipts for the year ending June 30, 1872, from transportation of passengers, were $3,620,510.33, and of freight, $5,753,246; total, $9,373,765.33. The expenses were $4,317,332.32, leaving net earnings to the amount of $5,056,433.01. At the close of said year the indebtedness of the company amounted to $80,900,132.37, of which $27,855,680 was to the United States.
The stock subscription of the Central Branch Union Pacific Railroad
