became more general. There was a heavy dew, which glowed in the early sun. The sunrise had seemed different to me more mellow and rich in color, than it ever is up north. A species of feathery grass that was a vivid fiery pink in color. A few of the houses raised off the ground, after the southern fashion.
     Houston like a hundred other American cities - except that it was noticeably more summery, we might have been pulling into Buffalo.
     Met at the train by Co. chauffeur who conducts me to Mr. Maerckey’s office. A momentary greeting from Mr. Maerckey & we are off for the mines (which are 70 miles from Houston) The air is fresher then I had hoped for, my escort told me it was the aftermath of a “norther” of the day before.
     The country we went through was incredibly flat - not a ripple in the earth’s surface - what trees there were always seemed far away. My heart sank at the prospect of such monotony. But as we progressed, more trees and woods appeared. The Spanish moss was abundant everywhere, but I noticed it never appeared on any of the homes - always on trees such as oaks, elms, maples, pecans. A vivid picture at one place was a swampy place killed by oil residu (sic), a few gaunt dead trees still standing hung with Spanish moss, a tattered lugrubrious scene. A buzzard or two flying low.
     Before we got to the Texas Gulf mines, I saw the huge sulphur vats of another company, which amazed me by their size and extent.
     We go at once to the offices - a long one storied building in “rustic” style- Here I meet Mr. Treichlen (Gen. supt) and Mr.