I30 THE UPPER YUKON 



we could see, the sight was a most beautiful 

 one and long to be remembered for its gran- 

 deur. 



Over the summit of a certain mountain to 

 the left a snow storm was tearing along at 

 high speed. On the opposite side of the can- 

 yon the sun was brightly shining and a rain- 

 bow could be seen in the distance. Where 

 we lunched the sky was clear and everything 

 was pleasant. Such are the vagaries of this 

 marvelous land. 



We were told that but fifteen miles away 

 was the Alaskan boundary and some tall peaks 

 which were pointed out a little to the left of 

 the streaml were in Alaska. The air was 

 clear, with a gentle breeze blowing in our 

 faces as we commenced the descent. On the 

 left side of us was a long and savage range of 

 mountains covered with huge broken black 

 rocks, the slopes carved into canyons and 

 precipices. I did not dream when I first saw 

 it on that day, that I would have to climb it 

 two days afterwards, as it seemed almost Im- 

 passable. Here were spiral peaks with 

 patches of snow, and as the sun shone on the 

 massive accretion of scattered rocks and tall 

 pinnacles, the variegated colors caused by the 

 bright light falling upon such a conglomera- 



