Page:Pacific Monthly volumes 9 and 10.djvu/31

 Rh of it going out to sea, floating on the tides for weeks and months ere it finds rest on the bottom.

Snow seldom falls to any great depth on the lowlands, but in glorious abundance on the mountains. And only on the mountains does the temperature fall much below the freezing point. In the warmest summer weather a temperature of eighty-five degrees, or even more, occasionally is reached, but not for long at a time, as such heat is speedily followed by a breeze from the sea. The most charming days here are days of perfect calm, when all the winds are holding their breath and not a leaf stirs. Then the surface of the Sound shines like a silver mirror over all its vast extent, reflecting its lovely islands and shores; and long sheets of spangles flash and dance in the wake of every swimming seabird and boat. The sun, looking down on the tranquil landscape, seems conscious of the presence of every living thing on which he is pouring his blessings, while they in turn, with perhaps the exception of man, seem conscious of the presence of the sun as a benevolent father, and stand hushed and waiting.

Photo by Franch, Tacoma, Wash.

Photo by French, Taeoma, Wash.

puget Sound

liyZ^lLn. Stegfmdt

An adamant cup and a sapphire sea,

Deep glimmering depths of a liquid free;

And glittering riplets — golden, agleam;

High splendors reflected — a low sun- beam;

And a languid low murmuring, moan- ing the more

Where the tide breaks in wavelets and measures the shore.

A crystal, calm sea and an emerald bond

With hillocks of green and rivulets fond.

Where the wild, winding forests me- ander and meet

The sands of a seashore in union com- plete;

And the fresh berry-blossoms blithe waver and bloom

In the green darkened dampness of forests' deep gloom.

From sea to the hilltop, to mountains aloft, To the cragged high peaks with eider crowned soft; To the rounded calm sentinels, guarding secure These charms that of Paradise ever endure; To the azure o'erspreading and fleeciest cloud Rise wonders and praises half uttered aloud.