FROM PINE TO PALM. 273 
from Montana to Texas, in a climatic 
way. On the cumbra we jumped off 
from our mules and ran along by the half 
hour in the cool, fresh mountain air. 
Now five minutes brings out our hand¬ 
kerchiefs to wipe our perspiring brows. 
The northern cactus will soon mingle 
with the mesquite, and then the great 
pitahaya tells us we are on the verge of 
the tropics, while each tree in the orange 
orchard just below us can be made out, 
and after a few more turns on the twist¬ 
ing trails, even the yellow oranges on the 
bright green trees become distinct. 
Another half hour and we are on the 
level, while not that length of time has 
been added before palms are over our 
head, and the heat is almost unbearable 
to those who have been for weeks on the 
high mountain tops of the cool sierras. 
