In the Sierra 



never-ending source of admiration and won- 

 der. Their rhizomes are set in black mould 

 accumulated in hollows of the metamor- 

 phic slates beside the pools, where they are 

 well watered without being subjected to 

 flood action. Every leaf in the level whorls 

 around the tall polished stalks is as finely 

 finished as the petals, and the light and 

 heat required are measured for them and 

 tempered in passing through the branches 

 of over-leaning trees. However strong the 

 winds from the noon rain-storms, they are 

 securely sheltered. Beautiful hypnum car- 

 pets bordered with ferns are spread beneath 

 them, violets too, and a few daisies. Every- 

 thing around them sweet and fresh like 

 themselves. 



Cloudland to-day is only a solitary white 

 mountain ; but it is so enriched with sunshine 

 and shade, the tones of color on its big domed 

 head and bossy outbulging ridges, and in the 

 hollows and ravines between them, are inef- 

 fably fine. 



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