9
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK.
and coloring, of the Grand Cañon of the Yellowstone.
By some who have seen this picture its coloring has been criticised, because
they could not realize that such a remarkable natural combination of colors
was possible. But in this respect the painter's tints cannot equal the
original. Mr. Moran has but approached it, simply for the reason that the
coloring of nature is more brilliant than painting can be. The picture
is in no degree exaggerated. It is the work of a very accomplished artist,
and reflects the highest credit upon his skill and accuracy. All who have
seen both the cañon and the painting will readily agree that in
grandeur, in coloring, in the number of its steam jets, and in its general
effect, it is not overdrawn. But this is only one of the wonders of that
great region of marvels. Could all be portrayed with the same faithfulness,
and made to adorn the wall of our Capitol, how greatly would they exceed
in grandeur and vastness our ordinary art decorations.
Nothing has been, nothing
can be said, to magnify the wonders of this national pleasuring ground.
It is all and more than all that it has been represented. In the catalogue
of earthly wonders it is the greatest, and must ever remain so. It confers
a distinctive character upon our country, greater than that of Niagara,
Yosemite, or Mammoth Cave, though each of these is, in itself, without
parallel. But here, the grandest, most wonderful, and most unique elements
of nature are combined, seemingly to produce upon the most stupendous scale
an exhibition unlike any other upon the globe. It should be sustained.
Our Government, having adopted it, should foster it and render it accessible
to the people of all lands, who in future time will come in crowds to visit
it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
N. P. LANGFORD,
Superintendent Yellowstone National Park.
Hon. C. Delano,
Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
S. Ex. 35--2
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