58 THE DESERT AND THE ROSE 



the basis of discussion, are prominent among the 

 yarners. 



"Would I were back with you !" writes one health- 

 seeker of the male sex, healthseekers being - wont to 

 flee from us the moment Summer shows her glow- 

 ing face — "You in New Mexico are fortunate in be- 

 ing spared our eastern "heated spell." Why did I 

 grumble and complain and ignominously take flight ? 

 Woe is me !" 



Did we of the Arid Belt possess but one tithe of 

 the boosting capacity exhibited by our Californian 

 neighbors, or rather possessed the million or so to 

 spend annually on a big Boost, such stuff as is used 

 against us would never reach a human ear or eye. 



"Isn't this a beautiful morning!" ejaculates your 

 Californian as he passes you, sitting shuddering in 

 wraps and praying the laggard sun to pierce the 

 clammy fog. 



If you are a moral coward, as most of us feel we 

 have to be in California, you take up the joyous cry 

 and pass it on. If you still retain some modicum 

 of self respect, or bear in mind that back in New 

 Mexico speech concerning the weather is very free 

 indeed and we abuse it when so disposed, you stand 

 pat ; or you retort that you love fogs — some people 

 do — or possibly venture timid disapproval and are 

 promptly squelched. 



For we of the Arid Belt — in which, by-the-bye, 

 the Government establishes its health and rest re- 

 sorts — are the champion grumblers of the United 

 States. The more calculating Californian keeps 

 his troubles to himself, or at least out of the news- 



