UNTRODDEN WAYS 193 



When the Pass is surmounted, and you turn the 

 great flank of Mt. Washburne, you are in the most 

 beautiful part of the Park, httle known. Much 

 of the timber of the Park is lodge-pole pine. But 

 here magnificent forests of spruce and fir and pine 

 alternate with great meadows that stretch for 

 miles, clothed with the succulent gramma grass, 

 a paradise for ruminant animals. Before you 

 stretches the Valley of the Yellowstone; beyond it 

 the great range that bars the eastern approach 

 to the Park, and far to the northward another 

 great mountain chain. On either side, coming 

 into the Yellowstone, are gorges and cafions, 

 each a marvel in itself. 



A storm followed us a while, passed to our left, 

 in front, to the right, and vanished on Mt. Wash- 

 burne, actually traveling clear around us. As it 

 passed, it left the ragged clouds and mist wraiths 

 hanging far down the slopes of the hills till the 

 sun vanquished them. 



Nature was in her most theatrical mood, and 

 showed us every variety of storm and sunshine. 



