YOURS SINCERELY

THE WEST WIND AND THE CHAPARRAL

A young and wayward, western wind came in one day from sea; he sat upon a mountain top, "I'll rest a while," said he. But as he looked across the land, he saw a scrubby growth that stretched for miles and miles and miles on hill and desert slope.

"I'll have some fun," he boldly cried, "with these low, gray-green trees. I topple pines and even oaks, just watch me wrestle these!" He swooped and roared like thunder on those low, dense forest lands, but, leaves and branches interlocked, they laughed at wind's demands.

"Now who are you," the wind then called, "to trifle so with me? I toss the desert dunes around and rile the mighty sea!" A patient voice then answered him, "We are the chaparral... It takes a bigger one than you to get to us, old pal."

"I'll get some help," the west wind howled, "I'll get the sun and rain!" "That won't do you a bit of good," the low voice said again. "We've held our own against you all, the storm, the heat, the cold... We're gypsy-born from mother earth, it's her strength that we hold."

The wind thought over what he'd heard; "You're right!" he said, "and pal, I've learned a lot from all of you about the chaparral. The sage, the manzanita, too, the sumac and mesquite are just the kind of hardy folk I'm mighty glad to meet!"

The wind then wandered back to sea, but as he left, he said, "It's great to lose an argument and find a friend, instead!"

OPPOSITE PAGE

Facade of Old Tumacacori Photograph By Darwin Van Campen

BACK COVER

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Wahweep Marina, center Photograph By Willis Peterson

Yours sincerely

FROM A GRATEFUL EDITOR

Are you not in error when you stated on page 47 and 48 (March ARIZONA HIGH-WAYS) that President Nixon's Inaugural Address was January 20, 1968? He was elected in 1968 and could not have given his Inaugural Address until Jan-uary 1969.

I enjoy your magazine.

I certainly was in error, Mrs. Fairchild, and I am grateful to you for bringing it to my attention. Believe it you are the only one who wrote to us about this error. No one has yet to write about my prize "goof-up." I stated that President Nixon wrote a letter to Pope Pius. Of course all Popes are Pious, however, President Nixon's letter was to Pope Paul VI, the present Pope.

MORGAN HORSE FARM

I read, with great interest, your last issue concerning the development of the horse in western America. I also noted that mention was made to the great Morgan horse, and that the Department of Agri-culture maintained a farm in the east for the development of this breed. I would like to point out that for the past several years the National Park Service has used the Morgan horse, and indeed does have a farm at Point Reyes National Seashore set aside for the raising of these horses. I have en-closed the dedication program for the Mor-gan Horse Farm, June 27, 1970.

Thank you Mr. Smith. The following is reprinted from the Dedication Program:

THE MORGAN HORSE

In 1795, a frail singing master, Justin Morgan, trudged the long lonely miles back to Randolph, Vermont, with a big 3-year-old gelding and small 2-year-old bay stud colt that he had received in payment of a debt. Later, much to everyone's surprise, the diminutive stud out-pulled and out-raced all other horses. As the fame of the stallion spread, he became known as Justin Mor-gan's horse and finally as Justin Morgan. Over the years, many mares were bred to the stallion Justin Morgan; and no matter what type of mare big or little, fat or thin, tall or short-the Justin Morgan horse left his stamp, for all of his offspring looked much like their sire. These offspring were destined to become the foundation stock of the Morgan Horse breed.

Today's Morgan Horse, America's first true breed of horse, derives its ancestry from Justin Morgan. No other breed of horse in the United States can lay claim to having one foundation sire for the entire breed.

THE LIVING FARM

In recent years, the National Park Service has made the living farm concept a vital part of the interpretive program. It is predicated on the belief that visitors should see and relive portions of their national heritage. Many children have never seen a horse or any type of farm; think, then, of a youngster feeling the soft muzzle of a colt or watching the horses being trained as mounts for park rangers. Now, thanks to the generosity of members of the Northern California Morgan Horse Association, the Morgan Horse Farm at Point Reyes National Seashore has become a reality.

UNITED WE STAND

Just a short note to inform you that I enjoyed very much your editorial in the March issue of ARIZONA HIGHWAYS. When a confirmed, if not dedicated, Democrat can write such an editorial it would seem that there is still hope for the United States of America.

FROM BEAUTIFUL DELAWARE

I love your hauntingly beautiful and ever-enchanting state of Arizona. When I was much younger my family and I (we lived in California) spent many summers hauling a real camping trailer up the Mogo-Ilon Rim to the White Mountains where we camped on a friend's cattle ranch way above Greer and at the foot of Mt. Baldy. It was sheer heaven. In the fall and winter and spring we also spent much time explor-ing the desert country and I fell under its spell completely. It is, I guess, my spiritual home.

With this background you can well imagine how much I enjoy each and every issue of ARIZONA HIGHWAYS. Lately there has been a wonderful new dimension added a feeling of the Presence of God. Your December issue was one of transcendent loveliness every picture and every word was filled with the awareness of God as Creator but most of all as God our Loving Father. The Holy Spirit is surely abroad in His world in spite of all the surface violence and upheaval and I feel that we as a nation are on the verge of something wonderful. People all over the world are becoming more aware of the reality that lies beyond our finite senses and can only be touched by Spirit. That Christ dwells within is the Chief Eternal truth.

Thank you for being obedient to your obviously God-guided privilege of being a channel for His Grace to pour out to so many people all over the world who read and love ARIZONA HIGHWAYS.

THE OTHER SIDE

I have enjoyed ARIZONA HIGHWAYS for several years.

I have not enjoyed the last two issues. I did not enjoy your editorial in the March 1972 issue, and I am not the slightest interested in your politics. I don't really care what you think about our presidents and their inaugural speeches. Let's stick to the subject which is Arizona Highways do you mind? I don't see this magazine as a medium to spout your political feelings and I do not care in the least what you feel is bigotry. That is not why I subscribe.