Page:Field Notes of Junius Henderson, Notebook 4.pdf/89

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We measured the tree nearest the creek in the first section and found it 30 inches in diameter 4 ft. above ground. Age probably at least 300 or 400 years.

On the way back we noted the breezes blowing the light tufa dust about on the slopes. Probably the erosion id greatly aided by wind. The tufa contains myriads of small quartz crystals averaging perhaps 1/16 in. in diameter or less. In weathering out these crystals are preserved, the other material being reduced to a very fine condition and swept away at once and the quartz crystals, being also small, are easily carried away. Hence the deepening of the channel of the channel would progress more rapidly, except that the stream is so small and is kept overloaded during floods by debris swept in from the canyon walls. The stream at present can be stepped across easily.

Rained again at 5 p.m. Saw to date the following birds: Canyon wren Catherpes mexicanus 2 Arkansas goldfinch Carduelis psaltria abundant Mourning dove Zenaida macroura common