d stand to-day as they have stood in massive grandeur
ever since the ancient days of their upheaval. Rugged and bleak they
tower high, or take the form of pillar, spire and dome, in some
seemingly well-constructed edifice erected by the hand of man. But the
mountains are not all barren. Vast areas of fertile soil flank the
bare rocks where vegetation has taken root, and large fields of forage
and extensive forests of oak and pine add value and beauty to the land.

The atmosphere is a striking feature of the country that is as pleasing
to the eye as it is invigorating to the body. Over all the landscape
hangs a veil of soft, purple haze that is bewitching. It gives to the
scene a mysterious, subtle something that is exquisite and holds the
senses in a magic spell of enchantment.

Distance also is deceptive and cannot be estimated as under other
skies. The far-off mountains are brought near and made to glow in a
halo of mellow light. Manifold ocular illusions appear in the mirage
and deceive the uninitiated. An indefinable dreamy something steals
over the senses and enthralls the soul.

Arching heaven's high dome is a sky of intense blue that looks so
wonderfully clear and deep that even far-famed Italy cannot surpass it.
The nights are invariably clear and the moon and stars appear unusually
bright. The air is so pure that the stars seem to be advanced in
magnitude and can be seen quite low down upon the horizon.

The changing lights that flash in the sky transform both the sunrise
and sunset into marvels of beauty. In the mellow afterglow of the
sunset, on the western sky, stream long banners of light, and fleecy
clouds of gold melt away and fade in the twilight.

At midday in the hazy distance, moving slowly down the valley, can be
seen spiral columns of dust that resemble pillars of smoke. They
ascend perpendicularly, incline like Pisa's leaning tower, or are beat
at various angles, but always retaining the columnar form. They rise
to great heights and vanish in space. These spectral forms are caused
by small local whirlwinds when the air is otherwise calm, and are,
apparently, without purpose, unless they are intended merely to amuse
the casual observer.

A cloudy day is rare and does not necessarily signify rain. Usually
the clouds are of the cumulus variety and roll leisurely by in billowy
masses. Being in a droughty land the clouds always attract attention
viewed either from an artistic or uti