"The Bath," a dripping spring in Kanab Cañon. Temperature, 69° Fahr, No. 9 from the series "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian"

In this striking stereo albumen print, a natural spring emerges from a rocky overhang in Kanab Cañon, its waters cascading into a pool below. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the cool, damp environment, with the rough textures of the rock face clearly visible. This image was part of a series documenting the "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian," a significant scientific and military expedition in the American West. The photographic survey aimed to map and record the landscape, its geology, and potential resources, serving both scientific inquiry and the expansionist ambitions of the era. The inclusion of the water's temperature, 69° Fahrenheit, highlights the scientific rigor of the expedition, transforming a beautiful natural scene into valuable data for a growing nation.