PUGET SOUND 



fingers of the Sound, we are so completely in 

 land and surrounded by mountains that it is 

 hard to realize that we are sailing on a branch 

 of the salt sea. We are constantly reminded 

 of Lake Tahoe. There is the same clearness 

 of the water in calm weather without any 

 trace of the ocean swell, the same picturesque 

 winding and sculpture of the shore-line and 

 flowery, leafy luxuriance; only here the trees 

 are taller and stand much closer together, and 

 the backgrounds are higher and far more 

 extensive. Here, too, we find greater variety 

 amid the marvelous wealth of islands and 

 inlets, and also in the changing views de 

 pendent on the weather. As we double cape 

 after cape and round the uncounted islands, 

 new combinations come to view in endless 

 variety, sufficient to fill and satisfy the lover 

 of wild beauty through a whole life. 



Oftentimes in the stillest weather, when all 

 the winds sleep and no sign of storms is felt 

 or seen, silky clouds form and settle over all 

 the land, leaving in sight only a circle of water 

 with indefinite bounds like views in mid-ocean; 

 then, the clouds lifting, some islet will be pre 

 sented standing alone, with the tops of its 

 trees dipping out of sight in pearly gray 

 fringes; or, lifting higher, and perhaps letting 

 in a ray of sunshine through some rift over- 

 207 



