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lake. This lake and its surroundings are of the 

 highest alpine order. Snow-line and tree-line are 

 just above it. Several broken and snowy peaks 

 look down into it, and splendid spruces spire 

 about its shores. Down to it from the heights 

 and snows above come waters leaping in white 

 glory. It is the centre of a scene of wild grandeur 

 that stirs in one strange depths of elemental feel- 

 ing and wonderment. Up between the domes of 

 one of the mountains is Gem Lake. It is only a 

 little crystal pool set in ruddy granite with a few 

 evergreens adorning its rocky shore. So far as I 

 know, it is the smallest area of water in the world 

 that bears the name of lake; and it is also one of 

 the rarest gems of the lakelet world. 



The tree-distribution is most pleasing, and the 

 groves and forests are a delight. Aged Western 

 yellow pines are sprinkled over the open areas 

 of the park. They have genuine character, marked 

 individuality. Stocky and strong-limbed, their 

 golden-brown bark broken into deep fissures and 

 plateaus, scarred with storm and fire, they make 

 one think and dream more than any other tree 

 on the Rockies. By the brooks the clean and 



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