57 



the comi)arative absence of fogs and 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, it 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 Eocky Mountains, 

 as follows : 



One of the principal eifects 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 : 



I send you a tabulated statement of the number of days on which we had rain or 

 snow for the years 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, and 1886 to June 1. 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 more than 5 or 10 miles away might be very different 



Castleton's or Baldwin's, 10 miles higher up our v-alley, would show, I think, double 

 the amount of rain or snow we have here, and still higher in the mountains the 

 amount of rain and si;ow 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 

 country, 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 laud we have to irrigate. 



The preservation of timber as affecting the rain-fall is not an important question 

 with us. We have alm.ost too much moisture. 



