The Great Canons of the Colorado River. 311 



" Immediately above tlie river grew narrower and deeper, 

 and the hills crowded closely upon the water's edge. The 

 regular slopes gradually gave place to rough and confused 

 masses of rock, and the scenery at every instant became wilder 

 and more romantic. New and surprising effects of colouring 

 added to the beauty of the vista. In the foreground, light and 

 delicate tints predominated, and broad surfaces of lilac, pearl- 

 colour, pink, and white, contrasted strongly with the sombre 

 masses piled up behind. In their very midst a single pile of a 

 vivid blood-red rose in isolated prominence. A few miles 

 higher a narrow gateway opened into the heart of the moun- 

 tains. On one side of the entrance was a dark-red column ; on 

 the other a leaning tower of the same colour overhung the 

 pass, the ponderous rocks seeming ready to fall as we passed 

 beneath. Rich hues of blue, green, and purple, relieved here 

 and there by veins of pink and white, were blended in brilliant 

 confusion upon the sides of the canon, producing a weird-like 

 and unearthly effect, which the fantastic shapes and outlines of 

 the enclosing walls did not diminish. For six miles we 

 followed the windings of the river through this fairy-like pass, 

 where every turn varied and heightened the interest of the 

 pageant, and then the lines of cliffs stopped, and we issued 

 suddenly from the caiion into a comparatively open valley." 



Beyond this they came to the still more wonderful caiion 

 through the Mojave Mountains : — 



" A low purple gateway and splendid corridor, with massive 

 red walls, formed its entrance. At the head of this avenue, 

 frowning mountains, piled one above the other, seemed to 

 block the way. An abrupt turn at the base of the apparent 

 barrier revealed a cavern-like approach to the profound chasm 

 beyond. A scene of such imposing grandeur as that which 

 now presented itself I have never before witnessed. On either 

 side majestic cliffs, hundreds of feet in height, rose perpen- 

 dicularly from the water. As the river wound through the 

 narrow enclosure, every turn developed some sublime effect or 

 startling novelty in the view. 



"Brilliant tints of purple, green, brown, red, and white 

 illuminated the stupendous surface, and relieved their sombre 

 monotony. Far above, clear and distinct upon the narrow 

 strip of sky, turrets, spires, jagged statue-like peaks, and gro- 

 tesque pinnacles overlooked the deep abyss." 



Beyond this defile was the great valley of the Mojaves. 



" Our proximity to it was soon announced by a lofty 

 column of smoke that ascended from the summit of a little* 

 peak near the bank, where a watcher had been stationed to 

 warn the inhabitants above of our approach. In a few moments 

 a gap in the side hills revealed a glimpse of an open country, 



