The silver of the river became blue, with a filmy gold mist spread over it by the rising sun.

High banks crested with green enclosed them on either side, and beyond lay higher hills, their slopes and summits all living green.

The singing of birds came from the bushes on the banks, and a sudden flash of flame told where a scarlet tanager had crossed.
The last house of Frankfort dropped behind them, and soon the boat was shooting along the deep channel cut by the Kentucky through the Bluegrass, then the richest and most beautiful region of the west, abounding in famous men and in the height of its glory.

It had never looked more splendid.

The grass was deeply luxuriant and young flowers bloomed at the water's edge.