"The Mount Lowe Railway, which enables one to penetrate the very heart of the Sierras with entire ease and comfort, has no counterpart in the world, either to the originality of its conception, the solution of what has been heretofore considered impossible engineering problems, or the indescribable picturesqueness of the ever-changing scenery through which it passes.

"Any one who makes a single visit becomes full of enthusiasm, but mine has grown cumulative to such an extent that language seems utterly inadequate. As I have witnessed the results of Professor Lowe's great genius, enterprise, and perseverence, and have studied his personality, I am more and more impressed with the belief that he is an unique character, and one of the great men of this progressive age.

"It is a matter of intense surprise to me, and almost disgust, that so few of our own people right here in sight of our beautiful Sierra Madre, have availed themselves of the opportunities which he has opened for studying their more than Alpine beauties, their inexhaustible and intensely interesting geological and botanical resources, to say nothing of the benefits to be derived from the delicious mountain air, freighted as it is with sweet odors and buoyant exhilaration.

"These mountains are not, as many suppose, barren and bare. Vegetation extends to the very summit, more than 6,000 feet above the sea level, and the flora which abounds is a surprise, both as to its beauty and variety. The Alpine extension passes and repasses through delightful and romantic oak groves, and through forests of stalwart pines. Prof. Lowe's discovery of the existence of a quiet, steady, clear atmosphere suggested to him the idea of establishing in these mountains scientific institutions, especially astronomical and meteorological. The former science has already been installed in the splendid observatory, which is presided over by a distinguished astronomer, who nightly delivers free lectures illustrated by glimpses of the heavenly wonders through the great telescope. This observatory has already achieved a world-wide reputation, and from the superior conditions of the atmosphere in which it is placed, numerous discoveries have already been made, while other similar institutions have made no progress. It is said that for astronomical purposes, similar atmospheric conditions can scarcely anywhere else be found. These mountain peaks ascend almost abruptly from the ocean level, and in the great valleys adjacent the fogs and mists settle, leaving the air clear and transparent. The cool ocean breezes modify the effect of the sun's rays during the day and reverse the currents at night, whereby the atmosphere is, as it were, drawn from the desert over the higher ranges—nearly twelve thousand feet in height—having such cooling effects that the waves and tremors so annoying to astronomers in other localities are entirely absent.

"There exists in the minds of Eastern people an impression that Southern California is a hot climate, especially in summer. This impression arises from a variety of causes. Many assume that oranges grow only in hot countries. This is not necessarily true. They will not mature in cold climates, but they will thrive luxuriantly in mild climates. It is said that in Florida, where the summer climate is hot and sultry, oranges mature in six months, whereas a year is required in California. Another cause for the existence of a false impression as to our summer lies in the fact that heretofore some of our large hotels, which were owned by Eastern capitalists who control Eastern summer resorts closed their doors about the first of May, which is really just the period when our climate becomes the most delightful. Even when our inland districts become somewhat warm there is always delicious relief to be found at the seashore or in the mountains. It would seem strange to those not familiar with the fact that the mildest and most equable portion of our climate is found at altitudes of three to four thousand feet. Those who visited Echo Mountain during the last winter may remember that delicate flowers flourished, while at an elevation of a thousand or fifteen hundred feet above snow fell to a depth of several inches and remained in the bright sunshine but dry atmosphere several days without melting. This has made possible an interesting experience, by which within thirty minutes after leaving the beautiful flowers of Echo Mountain and the valley below one can enjoy a sleigh ride among the pines in the vicinity of 'ye Alpine tavern.' The mountain atmosphere during the full six months is so mild and dry and pure that one could sleep in the open air without the least danger of taking cold.

"I can guarantee that every person who goes over the Mount Lowe Railway from end to end will want to repeat the experiment and will urge his friends to go. The enterprise should have the hearty co-operation of all people interested in literary and scientific progress.

"The mountains of Switzerland, especially since the advent of mountain railroads, have made that country, with all its climatic drawbacks, a Mecca for tourists from all over the world. When the beauties and attractions of the Sierra Madre are fully made known why may not a large percentage of this vast tourist travel be attracted to our very midst?"