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RANT, though one of the interior counties and not yet penetrated by railroads, offers inviting inducements to the homeseeker, since in its varied resources it "is one of the richest sections of Oregon. Notwithstanding its high altitude, the climate could hardly be surpassed. Extremes of heat and cold are of short duration, and blizzards never prevail. The mountain air is clear and healthful. The pall of smoke that beclouds other sections during the summer months is unknown here. While an abundance of snow falls in the mountains, which insures a goodly supply of water for mining and irrigating purposes, in the valleys it is light, and hillsides adjacent are bare most of the winter. Through numerous springs and streams the whole country is supplied with cold mountain water. Delightful resorts for health and pleasure abound in mountain retreats and at the various mineral springs—soda and hot sulphur.

Roads, good most of the year, make traveling throughout the county a delight, and the varying scenery a continual charm. One of its chief scenic wonders is the Balmoral Hills, around which like stripes of ribbon run most delicate grays and drabs or deepest reds and bronzes. These hills are situated near the sequestered little valley, Hamilton, itself a fair picture with its cultivated fields and pleasant country homes. In mineral richness Grant County ranks among the first in the state. From coal bed to gold deposit, both placer and quartz, there seem* no limit