of the Rocky Mountains. 7 
Farther observation will be required, to show how far the 
accumulated snows of winter may offer obstructions to a through 
route, accessible at all seasons. The practical difficulties inter- 
1ese mountains send dei into the plain below, numerous 
spurs, heavily timbered with a magnificent rowth of s ruce, 
Abies i 
collect the tributary streams, forming the head waters of Gran 
River. The projecting mountain peaks on this side do not 
attain the height of those met with on the eastern slope, but the 
general surface is more elevated; the lowest depressions, occur- 
ring in the basin of Muldle Park, ‘being ype oat higher = 
corresponding points on the great plains to the eastward. Hen 
he streams are less — and the vegetation indicates a wie 
and more humid clima 
Here during the rainy season, in the months of omy and 
August, the different surface exposures give rise ariable 
Here in fact may be studied to the best advantage, (though not 
always under agreeable circumstances), the formation of chi 
in their endless variety of shape, density, and progressive devel- 
e pment. These at times may be seen gradually accumulating 
ut the summits of snow covered peaks, thence 
ate the horizon and extending to the zenith, causing a regular 
steady rain; while at other times a sudden gust calls atten- 
tion to a rapidly eae angry cloud, which sweeps over the 
gee in a well defined path, scattering rain, hail, or snow in 
its 
The regular ymin. bowers Ww which occur on the eastern 
soon as the a: is gre sag the rain passes off, anda 
sky more or less clear succeeds, followed almost aivarisbly b 
clear — and iehin mornings. This series of phenomena, 
often ucceeding with remarkable regularity from one day to 
