A COLORADO SKETCH 21 



tropical life, but which never melts the virgin snow 

 whitening the hoary heads of the mountains that 

 for ever look down upon those smiling scenes. 

 Rich and extensive plains, tracts of inhabitable 

 land almost large enough to be the cradle and 

 home of nations, are included in the Rocky Moun- 

 tains. Among all the states and territories that 

 lie wholly or partially within the borders of this 

 vast, upheaved region, there is none, so far as I 

 am aware, more favoured by nature, and, at the 

 same time, more accessible to man, than Colorado. 

 It is easily reached from all the great cities of the 

 Eastern States ; its scenery is varied, beautiful, 

 grand, and even magnificent. Crystal streams of 

 pure, wholesome water rush down the hill-sides, 

 play at hide-and-seek in the woods, and wander 

 deviously through the parks. The cHmate is 

 health-giving — unsurpassed, as I beUeve, anywhere 

 — giving to the jaded spirit, the unstrung nerves, 

 and weakened body a stimulant, a tone, and a 

 vigour that can only be appreciated by those who 

 have had the good fortune to travel or reside in 

 that region. 



The parks of Colorado constitute its special 

 feature : there is nothing elsewhere on the American 

 continent resembling them in natural character- 



