56 



GLEANINGS IN BEE CULTURE. 



Jan. 15. 



is as faithful in his work, and as unfailing, as 

 the rays of the sun." 



As Fred walked down the successive terraces 

 with the doctor, his eyes took in all they could 

 of the surroundings. The forenoon sun lighted 

 up the obsidian cliffs, sending down scintillat- 

 ing reflections of various prismatic hues. Suc- 

 cessive terraces arose against the northern 

 wall of the valley, while upon the south side 

 there was a clitf a hundred feet in height. An 

 occasional live-oak of natural growth and 

 massive proportions lent picturesqueness to the 

 view, and the later-planted eucalyptus, fruit- 

 trees, and vines, were placed with a view to 

 artistic effect. Every unsightly object, and 

 even some of the highest-pointed cliffs, were 

 covered with various flowering vines. Fred 



three sat down together to partake of it, Fred 

 said, " Doctor, this beautiful valley has excited 

 my Yankee curiosity, and I hope you will ex- 

 cuse me if I ask what may seem impertinent 

 questions." 



"There is nothing to hide from you, Fred, 

 now that vou are inside the valley." 



" Well, then, doctor, do I understand that 

 you are the only white man living in this 

 valley ?" 



"The only one excepting yourself, Fred." 



"An' Sam Johnsing," said the latter, with an 

 appropriate grin. 



" That's so, Sam. We three," said the doctor, 

 emphasizing the words, " are the only persons, 

 except Indians, that live here or even have 

 knowledge of this valley." 



THE WONDERFUL VALLEY, CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN. 



was a great lover of the beautiful in nature, 

 and he exclaimed, " Doctor, you have made this 

 a veritable fairy-land." 



" I have tried to make it such, and I feel that 

 it is a beautiful valley; and when you consider 

 that those trees and vines, foreign to the valley, 

 have been planted only eight years, you must 

 know that this is the most fertile corner in all 

 California. But here we are at my cabin, and 

 your lunch will soon be readv." 

 TjFred found the doctor's cabin about as primi- 

 tive as his own; and smiling Samuel Johnson, 

 Sam for short, was the presiding genius and 

 cook. A simple breakfast of oatmeal mush, 

 honey, milk, and fruit, was served. As the 



"That is a mystery," said Fred. " I should 

 expect to see some enterprising prospector look- 

 ing looking down from the cliffs here at almost 

 any time." 



The doctor and Sam both smiled, and the 

 former said, " Well, seeing is the most convinc- 

 ing argument, and by and by we will show you 

 why it is that people do not look over the clitf." 



"But," said Fred, wonderingly, "I know 

 there is a passage into this valley, even if I did 

 come through it blindfolded; and even a narrow 

 passage would never have escaped the prying 

 eyes of the gold-hunters unless there is a per- 

 petual guard over it." 



" That is it exactly," said the doctor. " There 



