NEW MEXICO ITS SOIL, CLIMATE, ETC. 495 



the extremes of temperature. But, with the exception of the 

 cold seasons of the higher lands at the north, it is temperate 

 and regular. The summer days in the lower valleys are quite 

 warm, but, as the dry atmosphere rapidly absorbs the perspi- 

 ration of the body, it prevents the debilitating effect experi- 

 enced where the air is heavier and more saturated with 

 moisture. The nights are cool and refreshing. The winters, 

 except in the mountainous portions at the north, are moderate, 

 but the difference between the northern and southern sections 

 during this season is greater than during the summer. The 

 amount of snow that falls is light, and seldom remains on the 

 ground longer than a few hours. The rains principally fall 

 during the months of July, August, and September, but the 

 annual amount is small, seldom exceeding a few inches. When 

 there are heavy snows in the mountains during the winter, 

 there will be good crops the following summer, the supply of 

 water being more abundant, and the quantity of sediment 

 carried down greater, than when the snows are light. Good 

 crops appear to come in cycles three or four following in suc- 

 cession ; then one or two inferior ones. 



" During the autumn months the wind is disagreeable in 

 some places, especially near^the openings between high ridges, 

 and at the termini of or passes through mountain ranges. 

 There is, perhaps, no healthier section of country to be found 

 in the United States than that embraced in the boundaries of 

 Colorado and New Mexico ; in fact, I think I am justified in 

 saying that this area includes the healthiest portion of the 

 Union. Perhaps it is not improper for me to say that I have 

 no personal ends to serve in making this statement, not having 

 one dollar invested in either of these Territories in any way 

 whatever; I make it simply because I believe it to be true. 



