354 Parks of Colorado. 
snows of each one descends some considerable river, as well 
within the park as outward down the external mountain bank, 
€ recognize, therefore, in the San Luis Park an immense 
elliptical basin enveloping the sources of the Rio Bravo del 
orte. It is isolated in the heart of the continent, twelve hund- 
red miles from the sea. It is morticed, as it were, into the midst 
of the vast mountain bulk, where, rising gradually from the 
oceans, the highest altitude and amplitude of the continent is 
attained. This park spreads it plain from 36° to 38° 30’, and 
is bisected by the 106th meridian. Its greatest length is 210 
miles; its greatest width is 100 ; lts aggregate approximate area 
is 18,000 square miles. : 
Such being the geographical position, altitude, and peculiar 
‘Unique configuration, these features suggest the inquiry into 
the continent expands toa width of 8,500 miles between the 
ns; the Cordilleras have diverged 1,200 miles asunder, 20 
the Plateau has widened the same dimensions. In ss 
with this great expansion of the continent are all the ene 
lis interior structure. The “Park of the City of Mexico” is & 
one-tenth in size and grandeur as compared and contrasted wit" 
Ve San Luis park. Of identical anatomy, the former is 4 pigey? 
the latter a giant. The similtude as component parts - aut 
mountain anatomy is in all respects absolute, as is also pene 
Bacar ae , Which occupy longitudinally the center © 
