
the comparative absence of fogs ane rain, and the prevalence of sun- 
shine, have conduced to render the atmosphere of this region dry, rare- 
fied, and wonderfully clear. Through its medium distant objects are 
seen with surprising distinctness. Its curative properties have made 
it a famous resort for health-seekers and tourists. 
Again, if should be noted that the climatic conditions of different 
parts of the mountain region, though having common characteristics, 
vary in degree one from another. The great extent of the region, its 
varying altitudes, its irregular outlines and configuration, combine to 
produce in the various sections diverse atmospheric conditions. Hence 
the flora of the country is varied, and in connection with differing soils 
the productive capacities of its several parts vary in kind and degree. 
A friend notes the difference between the climatic and forest conditions 
of the eastern and those of the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, 
as follows: 
One of the principal effects of the main mountain range is to cause a much greater 
precipitation of moisture, in the form of snow or rain, upon the western than upon 
the eastern slope. Within such areas of greater precipitation the forest growth is 
denser and the trees larger and better developed than upon the eastern side. The 
streams are larger, the water-flow more evenly distributed throughout the year, vege- 
tation more luxurious, and the natural pasture of native grasses is maintained until 
late in the year or until snow falls. Upon the eastern side there is greater necessity 
for a rigorous enforcement of the laws to save the few remaining forests. 
The following communication, lately received from Mr. George Corn- 
wall, of Gunnison, Colo., is of interest, as showing the comparatively 
humid conditions which prevail in some localities upon the western 
slope of the mountains: 
Isend you a tabulated statement of the number of days on which we had rain or 
snow for the years 1882, 1885, [R34, 1885, and 1886 to Junel. This statement is taken 
from the diary kept on my ranch, in the valley of Ohio Creek, 7 miles north of Gun- 
nison, elevation 8,000 feet above sea level. The rains and snows come mostly in 
showers—very few all-day or all-night storms. We are not in a stormy belt. Please 
remember that any report from any portion of Colorado, except the plains, is a local 
report, and another report of no nore than 5 or 10 miles away might be very different. 
Castleton’s or Baldwin’s, 10 miles higher up our valley, would show, I think, double 
the amount of rain or snow we have here, and still higher in the mountains the 
anount of rain and sow would again be doubled. 
‘The climate of this western slope is moist. The prevailing winds are from the 
west, starting perhaps from the Pacific Ocean, and, passing over a vast extent of 
conntry, when they reach the’ western slope of the Rocky Mountains they precipitate 
their moisture. Evaporation at our elevation is of course rapid, but on our bottom- 
lands we grow all vegetables and grains without irrigation. For grasses we irrigate, 
thoroughly. Mesa land we have to irrigate. 
The preservation of timber as affecting the rain-fall is not an important question 
with us. We have almpst too much moisture. 

