"What you have said, sir, is very true," observed another gentleman present.  "Things, however, have somewhat mended of late.  Still, a gentleman has to lead little better than a dog's life in those regions. For my part, although I was what is considered very lucky, I soon sickened of it, and considered myself fortunate in being able to get away with my gold in my pocket and a whole skin on my back.  Still this is a wonderful country, and will become a great country some day.  I have travelled over a good deal of it.  Not long ago I travelled up one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.  At the bottom was a green grassy sward with a pure bright stream running rapidly through it, over a clear, pebbly bottom.  The hills on either side were clothed with trees of various descriptions, rocks here and there jutting out between them of many fantastic forms, while my ears were assailed with the cheerful sound of falling water, and my eyes gladdened by the sight of sparkling cascades flowing into basins, whence arose masses of white foam.  Further on arose, appearing at the end of the valley, range beyond range of mountains, the higher capped with snow.  Though the sun was hot, the air was pure and cool as it came off the mountains, tempered by the numerous cascades.  At length I reached a spot where the valley widened, and there, spread out before me, lay a blue shining lake fringed by lofty trees, with the hills rising gradually behind them, while the water seemed alive with fish, which leaped from its calm depths, and with the water-fowl which skimmed over its surface.  You'll all say that was a lovely spot."