216. JUNE RAMBLES IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS. 
foot, not even of an Indian, had ever trod before us, we are sur- 
prised all at once to meet with a veritable log cabin. It stands 
under the spreading branches of a giant fir-tree, and covers an 
area just about large enough to furnish lodging room for two per- 
sons. From the earth floor to the flat roof of hewn timbers, the 
height is not more than six feet. A large fireplace has been dug 
in the bank immediately in front of the broad doorway. Such 
were doubtless the winter quarters of some hermit hunter and trap- 
per. 
Finally, we reach the comparative level of the mountain top, 
and find ourselves at once in a pleasant grove of stately pines. 
Several hours have passed since we left the bridge, and now we 
can only hear a soft deep breezy murmur from the torrent. far be- 
low. The number of flowers has gradually diminished from the 
gay profusion of the lower part of the cañon, until on this cool and 
airy height, we find but a single species. It is Erigeron composi- 
tum, a pretty little alpine composite, with white, daisy-like flowers. 
We have not met it before, though here it is abundant. 
` But the day is fast declining, and we must seek refuge from the 
chill dews of approaching night. The monotonous din of a cow- 
bell assures us that we are not far from the haunts of men, so 
we may yet take a little time to admire the scenery of this new 
place. Passing from the pine woods we enter upon the most beau- 
tiful of pasture lands, where a numerous herd are grazing and 
slowly wending their way along what seems their homeward path. 
Little groves of birch and aspen scattered here and there, are re- 
joicing in their young and tender foliage, while amid their branches, 
a harmonious choir of robins warble their vespers. 
But how shall pencil trace, or pen describe the glory of this sun- 
set? A line of snowy peaks, canopied by clouds of purple 
tinged with gold, extends along the western sky, while southward, 
all seems an undulating sea of rich dark forest. The plains below 
are already darkening in the shadows of the mountains. To them 
the sun is set, and we must hasten to the nearest * ranch ” and se- 
cure lodgings for the night. 
