Water in numberless pleasing forms is one of the attractive features
of the Yellowstone Park. There are snowy waterfalls that leap in
glory. There are geysers--transient, towering, fluted--with white
columns draped with steam. Both the geysers and the waterfalls bring
the rainbow to them; or, the prismatic springs go to the rainbow for
their colors. The cascades have all the excitement of ocean breakers.
The lakes mirror the clouds, and their placid bosoms reflect the stars
that are "in the quiet skies." There are streams that wind and linger,
and brooks that go on forever. There are hot springs and cold, large
springs and small, each with its own attractive setting. Many burst
through the roofs of caves; others gush from grottoes; still others
pour forth from mounds and columns.
The quiescent springs and prismatic pools have a delicate, exquisite,
gemlike beauty unlike anything else in the world of nature or of art.
The waters are soft blue. Changing lights tinge the water with
iridescence; touch its surface with soft luminosity; give to moulded
and sculptured basins a refinement of coloring that transcends belief.