12 



The Cascades are only seen to advantage during the early 

 spring and late autumn months, or during mild intevals in winter, 

 when melting snow and heavy rains have filled all the ponds and 

 streams among the hills to over-flowing. 



They are sometimes indescribably beautiful, and never more 

 so than during mild seasons in March, when the combined action 

 of sun and frost makes weird pictures of wonderful loveliness, 

 breaking their icy shields into grotto-like openings through which 

 the imprisoned water is seen reflecting back all the hues of the 

 rainbow, and the over-hanging sheets of ice, fringed with the 

 gleaming icicles, forming tassellted curtains etched with the ex- 

 quisite tracery of frost work and crystalized vegetation. 



But one must visit the Cascades early in spring to witness 

 such effects. Later on, as the snow disappears from the wood- 

 lands, other attractions allure the lover of Nature. The cheery 

 notes of the blithe song-sparrow heralding the coming in of the 

 vernal season, and the jovial call of the blue bird greet us. The 

 buds are unfolding and preparing to open out to the April breezes 

 the delicate blossoms and leaves that have been hidden away so 

 long. Great masses of snowy saxifrage replace the snows of 

 winter, and in the crevices of the rocks the columbines are get- 

 ting ready to bring forth their splendid great gold and crimson 

 chalices filled with nectar to welcome the coming of charming 

 May. 



From the top of the Cascade rocks, we have a fine view of 

 Black Rock toward which we are now hastening. What lovely 

 mosses are here; what luxuriant lichens all about us on rock and 

 tree, as we go on and up the path, or push our way through 

 thick brush, or climb rock after rock, until we reach the highest 

 point where we rest and feast our eyes on the surrounding land- 

 scape. 



Below us lies the pleasant valley, and gazing northward we 

 can see the beautiful town of Melrose, beyond which the valley 

 stretches away, until lost among the disiant hills. 



On the opposite side of the valley is Boston Rock, and Pros. 

 pect Hill, with the Pine Banks between, and the beautiful Pratt 

 woods stretching away in the distance, with the light playing 

 over and among the hills and pines, with wonderful effects. Here 

 are studies in light and shade to make an artist envious of Nature 

 and despair of his art. 



