AZALEA. 



It was while visiting the Mariposa grove of big trees I 

 found the azalea: a fine shrub growing from four to six feet high, 

 and bearing a blossom large, and rich in color, from pure white 

 to a deep pink ; I am told the red and crimson are found, 

 but I did not see them. 



This little bunch I have given you in my sketch I prized 

 above all others I saw while in the valley. 



We were on our way to the grove. The horses were 

 walking, and we were admiring the beautiful scenery, when suddenly 

 we heard a " Hello!' and the echo answered "Hello!!" The 

 driver stopped his horses and looked back. " Oh, it's old 

 Rippen," and he called, "Come on, I'll wait for you." 



An old man came panting up the hill. 



" I knew you would, Jim. I thought this was your day. 

 Load light or heavy ? " 



" Neither ; but room enough for you. Take the back seat." 



As he climbed in I saw in his hand a bunch of azaleas, the 

 most beautiful blossoms I had ever seen. He saw me looking 

 at them, and said, "Fine, ain't they? You'd see nothing like 

 them in the valley. I went out of my way purpose for them. I 

 press flowers, madam, and there ain't much in the valley but 

 what I have in my collection. Have you noticed the trees ?' 



" Yes, I have, and greatly admired them." And I soon 

 discovered that this old man possessed a knowledge of the trees 



