The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-09-28

from shady recesses TO sunny hooks and
basky .glens. DiverRing pathways lead
through tangled vines and bushes to shady
dells under huge, moss- grown trees. In
their dark green branches, large ravens
croak in gutteral tones, as il in mockery of
the native jarRon, and their scolding man
ner seems resentful of our intrusion into
their forest home. Bright golden, red aud
growth that Aourishos everywhere in tropi-
cal luxuriance. Mosses aang lace-l like fes-
toons from lofty branches and cover with
soft velvety or feathery textures Of green,
brown and yellow decayin9 branches and
stumps. Every fallen log is clothed with
OF ferns. the latter hedge every pathway and
bank the open spaces with royal grace.
At evening We call at the house of Gov,
Napp and cordial family who occupy Q
quaint old Russian cottage. He shows us
with pride his thriving garden in which
small fruits. He speaks of the trials and
difficulties Of both domestic and official
life in Alaska consequent upon the made
quate legislation, illustrating the subject
by relating some rather humiliating ex-
periences. Mrs. Napp delights as with a
collection of charming water color paint
inRs made from the many beautiful flowers,
native to the vicinity of Sitka.
The long, soft twilight Is made musical
by band of Indian boys from the mission
who march down with other members of
the school, to the wharf, and serenade the
passengers of the Queen and Elder. Eyerv-
one IL astonished at the accuracy and facii-
lty with which they use their instruments.
Later We have some vocal and violin music
on board. the latter given by one of the
best Known unprofessional players in the
country. He is the son of a millionaire
Bostonian and had spent the summer in
looking after his fathers mining intereets
IN juneau. A dash Of western life had
added TO his Boston culture and foreign
university training just that touch Of west
made him the perfection of trav-
some precious gold nuggets Sp wS;cS I
he was carrying home as trophies of Alas /
kan wealth, and for sufferings at the shrine |
OF Boston beauty. How will You ever de:
circle Of your lady friends you will bestow
these tokens of esteem?" We queried. "Ob.o
with roguish twinkle, II shall have to hip
up penny, Of course"
Another interesting passenger who board
ed the steamer at juneau was Mr.. John w.
De left Helena to seek his fortune in Alaska
and has ey,nt more than a decade among
ito mines and forests. He is brimful Of
curious information regarding the country
and its natives. and delighted our passen-
gers BY the hour with his entertaining and
Conversation. One Of the thinQs
be particularly enjoyed was q description Of
Lieut.. Schwatka's appearance after an over
lose of Alaska medicine" and his conse-
luent ludicrous errors made in his letter.
70 New York papers.
Another gentlemen Who attracted the in
crest of all on board was Pr. w. H. Smith.
II st. Louis, who had made q trim To
Alaska twenty years before in COMPANY
With Secretary Seward at about the time Of
ts purchase. Though - years of ace. be
Vas az indefatigable in sight- seeing A ths
Youngest man Of the party. and together
nth his wife enjoyed the trip most heartily.
OF all the varied sights of this novel trin
he one which seems most nearly osleotial II
view Of 6itka and her beautiful harbor a. ] !
70 saw il in the soft radiance Of the linQer- !
ng northern sunset and twilight from the I
op Of tho old Russian castle. No one bat 4
poet could describe its myriad and ever h
aryine charms; the calm, blue harbor set I
nth picturesque, rock-bound islands, d
rowned with the dark green pines and bor- b
cred With fringes of yellow sea-wesd. IL d
urrouudiuQ peooipitOua mountain vnlla j =