56 WILD FLOWERS OF TIIL PACIFIC COAST. 



their worship, what could be more grand in nature than 

 these ?" 



The tallest big tree yet discovered measures three hundred 

 and fifty-two feet in height. The circumference of the largest, 

 near the ground, sometimes reaches nearly one hundred feet ; 

 many are over fifty feet in circumference at six feet above the 

 ground. 



The cones of the big trees are small, some of them only 

 one or two inches in length, but very regular and handsome. 



We spent the first night out at Washburn's. The start in 

 the morning was at four o'clock. As we reached the top of the 

 first hill the sun was just coming up, and a more glorious sight 

 I never expect to witness. The grand forest on one side, with 

 its branches garlanded with golden moss, glistening with the first 

 rays of the rising sun. On the other side the valley below us, 

 with the sun shining through the rising mist. The spirited 

 horses seemed to feel the inspiration ; the leaders turned the 

 sharp angles in the most graceful manner. There were but two 

 passengers this morning, and we both had the box seat. 1 he 

 horses seemed to fly over the ground, up hill and down. We 

 held our breath for fear ; yet what seemed to us its element of 

 danger made the drive so much the more exciting. 



We were told the railroad would soon reach Washburn's. 

 It will perhaps make it more comfortable for timid passengers, 

 but for me give me the coach-and-six. I would not exchange 

 that morning's drive for a ride in the finest palace car across the 

 Continent. 



