52 WILD FLOWERS OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 



them worthy of being reflected on paper, and a pretty souvenir 

 of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. 



We continued our drive through the valley, and our guide 

 took us as far as " Inspiration Point." Words are too tame 

 and insignificant to describe the view from this point. 

 In front " El Capitan " stands in one magnificent perpendicular 

 line from base to summit, three thousand feet high, standing 

 guard over the valley broad. Opposite this mighty monster, 

 and falling at its very feet, as if doing homage to its greatness, 

 is the " Bridal Veil Falls." Beautiful, fleecy, swaying foam, 

 bounding through the air nearly a thousand feet, and casting 

 its spray like a blessing on all who pass it. 



Next is seen the Three Graces, with the soft purple shadows 

 thrown like garments about them, and then the ''South Dome," 

 and further on the summit of " Cloud's Rest ;" and now we are 

 in the valley, and driving quietly by the side of the lovely 

 Mercede River we pass the wigwams of some of the native 

 Indians who act as guides and fishermen in the valley. They 

 will catch the speckled trout when other fishermen, with their 

 fine fishing-tackle, leave discouraged. The women pick berries 

 and sell them at the hotels, and their bright and artistic dress 

 adds much to the beauty of the surroundings. 



Our guide takes us to see the site selected for the grand 

 hotel which is to be built ; then to our hotel where breakfast 

 awaits us : the spray of the Yosemite Falls cooling the air, 

 while we eat the trout caught by our guide in the early morning 

 before our start. 



