48 WILD FLOWERS OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 



to feel the same quiet, and did not, as was often my experience, 

 ask questions. The longest remark put to me during that 

 beautiful twilight was : 



" If you think this is fine, get up at five o'clock to-morrow 

 morning. It'll pay you. The birds will keep you company 

 -plenty of music then." 



I took the advice, and, as has been said, " it paid me." As 

 the sun cast its glorious rays above the tree-tops, it seemed as if 

 thousands of birds sang to it their welcoming song. The fresh 

 morning air, laden with the perfume of the woods, with its 

 countless varieties of wild flowers, was so sweet and refreshing 

 I wished the whole world, or the people in it, could enjoy it. 



From this little station to Portland was just a day's ride. 

 The following morning found us gliding along by the side of the 

 Columbia River, whose scenery I consider far more grand 

 and beautiful than the scenery along the Hudson River. The 

 banks of the Columbia are covered with beautiful trees and 

 flowering shrubs. Waterfalls that resemble the falls in the 

 Yosemite meet the eye as we pass along. The river is as clear 

 as crystal, and the reflections of the mountains are so perfect one 

 can scarcely tell which are the real. 



Beautiful ferns and flowers are everywhere. Just before 

 reaching Portland and at the foot of the "Bridal Veil Falls," 

 I saw some ferns that surpassed in beauty any I had ever seen 

 under careful cultivation. Holding their stems up straight, they 

 came far above my head, and were as fine and delicate as the 

 " maiden's hair" fern. 



