The Idaho scimitar. [volume] (Boise, Idaho) 1907-1908, 1907-11-23
IdahO's fountain Scenery.

borders than is possessed by nine out of every ten
states of the Union, with more water power at its
command than is possessed by any other ten states
of the Union, and with greater possibilities for re-
search and development along all lines than is Of
fered by any other state, Idaho is today the most in
viting field for exploration and achievement to be
found within the Nations broad domain
Encompassed almost completely by lofty mountain
ranges magnificent in their natural grandeur; stud
ded in limitless profuson with towering peaks of
singular majesty and beauty, and traversed for a
thousand miles by wonderful river that falls in its
tortuous course through every-varying panorama
of timbered mountains and rugged canyons, vast
reaches of desert waste and broad of producing
land the state Of Idaho offers to the nature lover
to the farmer and to the captain of industry field
for the indulgence of their proclvities unexceed IN
the North American continent.
The captain of industry, with instructive foresight
has awakened to this fact and with characteristic
energy is claiming the waterfalls and wrlnging from
the forests and mines their rich treasures. The
farmer Also has grasped his opportunity and acre
by acre is retaining the desert land But the equally
important work of advertising to the world Idahos
scenic splendor remains practically untouched.
This condition is perhaps natural in new state
like Idaho, but it is the less to be deplored
and should be remedied with as much expediency
mountains is of course recognized to a certain ex-
tent by the citizens of the state but probably state
has done so little to let the outside world know OF
the splendid spectacles it has to offer
This condition arises largely from the fact that
Idaho has names for only few of its scenic won
ders, and has never given any particular attention
to the matter Of naming them. Summer after sum-
ner the people of the state have Journeyed to the
cool shades of the mountains to escape the heated
term and to enjoy the abundance OF sport offered to
the hunter and the fisherman, but general thing
these pleasure seekers have taken the trouble
to advise the world of any particular camping spot
they have found and in only few instances have
regular resorts been established. Thus only few
of the mountain peaks and smaller ranges have re-
ceived names, while many streams OF size that
would entte them to be called rivers in most states
are known in Idaho, if at all, only by names given
them by prospectors or trappers for temporary use
in directing others to them
And this is so all over the state Everywhere
find mountains rivers, valleys and canyons without
names of any kind or with such common names as to
be confusing instead of enlightenng. There are in
BALD" mountains High" and Round"
valleys. "Wilow" Sage" and Cottonwood" creeks
all so called because the need of some name was
and those who gave the either paid
little heed to the matter or had not the Imagination
o do better Many of these places have magnificent
scenery to offer and visited every year by hum
1reds of resident pleasure seekers but outside the
state their names carry significance whatever.
There are few resorts in Idaho, it is true, whose
names do carry such signi6cance-like the Payette
axes, Occur d'Alene lake. Lake Waha, Lake Pend
pOreille, the HALEY Hot Springs and others-but
ven these have never been advertised to nearly the
xtent they deserve.
SC
triking to one who investigates the matter. The
o;+, of tho ctate for instance nestes at the foot