^4 Kansas Academy of Science. 



the railway system naturally radiates. But the frowning bluffs seem to forbid it Grad 

 ually the bluffs melt away to fill the deep ravines. Easily-graded streets leave terraces 

 on either side, to be the sites of comfortable homes, while the crests, with finer view« are 

 crowned with mansions. We love homes lifted a little above the busy street on terraced 

 heights, surrounded with fountains and trees, fruits and flowers. Such homes are being- 

 built all along the Father of Waters- rural retreats of luxury, taste and culture 



_ To the great central plains of North America, the river bluffs are Nature's richest 

 gift. For ages Nature was slowly moulding them, and setting them as watch-towers 

 through all the land. They shield man from the elements which, unobstructed, would 

 desolate his home; they furnish the conditions of a higher rural life; they disclose rich 

 minerals, which Nature has stored in her secret chambers; they reveal the beauties of 

 Nature hidden in landscapes; they furnish sites for homes of comfort and luxury they 

 tend to lift a people, in a word, out of a dead level, giving the power of elevation from 

 which flows intelligence, culture, and true refinement; they open a fountain of livi^ig 

 waters to slake the thirst of coming millions. The gods dwelt in Mount Olympus we 

 are told, in the olden time; so here diviner forms seem to descend to dispense to men 

 their richest favors. Here are the lines of light that shall grow brighter and broader 

 we trust, until the whole land shall be enlightened and filled with true knowledge Here 

 shall the graces descend into human habitations, filled with sunshine and gladness, as long 

 as rivers flow murmuring to the sea. 



