224 
NATURE FOR ITS OWN SAKE 
Sky lines. 
but the jagged, saw-like effect of the higher 
peaks is gone. The sharp diagonal and the 
perpendicular line give place to the horizon- 
tal and the rolling line. These mountains are 
worn smooth by the elements, all the surfaces 
are rounded, and timber and grass grow readily 
upon them. But the mountain silhouette is 
still apparent in clear-cut rim ; and everywhere 
trailing along the sky the eye mects the sweep- 
ing lines of ndge and promontory, or the bil- 
lowy roll of descending lines flowing down by 
terraces into the valleys. How very beautiful 
these are in their undulation, as they join ridge 
upon ridge in rhythmical sequence! They twine 
and intertwine, curve and intercurve, weave 
and interweave along the sky and through 
the valley, until the whole fabric of the hills 
seems like a precious decorative pattern of 
green and purple embroidered on a blue-gray 
ground. There are no lines in nature more 
beautiful (save only water lines) than those of 
the mountains and the hills—particularly the 
untimbered hills, for as we descend from lofty 
heights the forms grow more graceful and 
rhythmical at every step. 
And you who have, perhaps, lived for years 
with these mountains visible from your win- 
