Norris Geyser Basin is clearly among the more recent volcanic developments of this region. Its rapid encroachment upon the forest growth, and the frequent appearance of new springs and the disappearance of others, indicate its relatively recent origin. Compared with the Firehole Geyser Basin it is of minor importance; but coming first to the notice of the tourist it receives a large amount of attention. It has only one prominent geyser, the _Monarch_, which throws a column about 100 feet high. The _Constant_ is visible from the roadway in the bottom of a large tract of geyserite which is unsafe for pedestrians. It makes up in frequency of action what it lacks in power. The most noteworthy feature of the basin has received the appropriate name _Hurricane_. It is a prodigious steam vent whose violent gusts bear a striking resemblance to the driving blasts of a tempest. It also discharges a large amount of water. The _Black Growler_, close by the road side, is a similar phenomenon. Among the less important features of this basin may be mentioned the _Congress_, _Constant_, _Arsenic_, _Echinus_, _Fearless_, _Pearl_, _Vixen_, _Minute Man_, and _Mew Crater_, all geysers; the _Emerald Pool_, a quiescent spring; and the _Locomotive_ and _Mud Geyser_, boiling springs. From the Norris Hotel a drive of three miles up the Gibbon River, on the cross road leading to the Grand Cañon, carries the tourist to _Virginia Cascade_, a unique and picturesque water-fall in a rocky cañon of considerable beauty. [Illustration: _Terry Engr. Co._ _Haynes, Photo., St. Paul._ Black Growler.] [Illustration: _Terry Engr. Co._ _Haynes, Photo., St. Paul._ Gibbon Cañon.] CHAPTER XV. A TOUR OF THE PARK. _Norris Geyser Basin to Lower Geyser Basin._ Distance, 20 miles. The road follows the Gibbon River to within three miles of its mouth, then crosses a point of land to the Firehole, and ascends the right bank of the latter stream to the Lower Basin. _Gibbon Meadows_ (3 miles) is a broad open bottom, sometimes called Elk Park, just at the head of Gibbon Cañon. The _Gibbon Paint Pots_ (4 miles) are on the left of the road, near the head of the cañon, and one-fourth of a mile away. _Monument Geyser Basin_ (4.5 miles) is on the high hill just west of the upper end of Gibbon Cañon. It is an interesting spot, but rarely visited owing to its inaccessibility. It was discovered and named by Col. Norris. The _Gibbon Cañon_ (4.5 to 10.5 miles) affords the tourist one of the pleasantest rides in the Park. The mountains rise boldly from the river on either side, and present several particularly fine views. The road lies close to the river's edge, and the stream is an important adjunct to the scenery. _Beryl Spring_ (5 miles) is close to the road on the side opposite the river. It boils violently and discharges a large amount of water. The steam from it frequently obscures the roadway.