PS 19 .H56 ■.'■■.',. ■■.'.':' «5 °.: o > <. O . ,0 r»- ..^^ ^, --^ ■^bv^ V A* >' 't^o^^ A^ -> i§. 0-,- • : A o_ ,<• ,0 * - - • -\J U^^^ ' v*^^ '^A, ■J^ * o « 5°^ O, .^0' ,*^ ,<\ o V c^ ""V >; ,^-^ °^ /^ .^'% .V ,^ - ^ ,^''< a / oavcnir •^r (California ^•f- GLEANINGS FROM THE GOLDEN STATE ELVIRA H. HOLLOVVAY AUTHOR. GLEANINGS FROM THE Golden State -25 '• A Oue>^n beside the Western Sea Awaits a glorious destiny " ELVIRA HASKINS HOLLOWAY Author and Pubinhe PRESS OF h. s. crocker cumfanv San Francisco (, JL/^ 21 1893 77-. Copyright, by E H. Holloway, 1893. RESPECTFULUV DEDICATED Tib® Fi©ifi@t!fs ©f €mllf@fm^ AND OF THE GOLDEN WEST," BV THE AUTHOR. [■ reface, "tX the pages of this book, as the title indicates, are glimpses of the beautiful State of California ; glimpses of her sub- lime and picturesque scenery ; of her majestic mountains, her noble forests, her might\- cataracts, and natural wonders of the Yosemite Valley ; her beautiful lakes that gem the moun- tains, her mines of virgin gold, her grand and beautiful rivers, her magnificent harbors, her wide-stretching fertile valleys, her fruitful viiie\ards and her orange groves : her vast domain of everything lovely in Nature, where all the lints of the most beautiful skies that have ever been are seen ; the emeralds of all the seas, glorified with the silver light of celestial stars ; the glowing purples of all the hills, the exquisite radiance of Orient dawns, the magnificent splendors of golden sunsets, and the ten thousand rainbow glories of the beautiful flowers, strewn with a prodigal hand over this broad Empire of the " Golden West ! " Elvira H. Hollowav. I hanks. To the Overland Monthly, the Oakland Home Insuranck Co., and others who generously assisted the writer with illustrations for this volume, I desire in this public niatuier to express my earnest thanks and grateful appreciation. Also sincere and grateful thanks to Miss Baker for the figurati\-e, artistic design of the frontispiece. Very sincerely, E. H. H. ~5^^^r ■10-' QUEEN OF THE PACIFIC '"diueep of tl~|e pacific. A Queen beside the Western Sea Awaits a glorious destiny: Her sandals flecked with glistening spray, From white-caps tossing on the hay. Her face uplifted, like a star, Gleaming above the heights afar ; She guards the commerce of the .sea. And waits her glories yet to be ! Upon her brow a crown of gold That sunset rays with glory rolled ; Her purple garments trailing o'er The silver sands along the shore; Her vesture broidered o'er with flowers From nature's lovely fragrant bowers, She thus in proud array doth wait, Enthroned within the Golden Gate. From coffers rich at her command, Bestows her wealth with gracious hand; Where e'er distress is hovering nigh. Her golden eagles quickl)' fly ! While nations far and near, I ween, Paj^ tribute to Pacific's Queen. galif( ornici. Amid the beauty of the sunsets beside the Western sea, There is a land of glorious promise, — fair California! Where, with majestic grandeur mountains lift their summits high, Unto the azure realms of a peerless, sunlit sky; And purple walled they stand amid the sunset's golden glow, Looking down on grand old forests and the ocean far below. Looking down on wave-like hills, sleeping amid the dreamy calm Of the beauteous summer time, and on the stately palm. With green fronds rustling in the breeze wafted from o'er the sea. With balmy breath of odors sweet, from far off India ; — While Flora smiles with wealth of bloom, with grace and beauty rare. Crowning the hills and sunny vales with garlands fresh and fair. Her silken tresses rivaling the sunbeam's molten glow. Wreathed o'er with amaranths that bloom near mountains veiled with snow; With lilies of the valley twined with roses fair and sweet, And purple heather blooms from Diablo' s vine-clad feet; Her trailing emerald robe with meadow daisies starred; — She walks in sunshine o'er the hills, her banner crimson barred. Looking down on fertile valleys, over fields of waving grain. On golden-fruited orange groves that skirt her vast domain, On orchards with their scented bloom, and on the thriftj' vines That bear rich promise of the yield of sparkling ruby wines. On crystal streams that flow o'er gleaming golden sand. On singing rills and fountains that rejoice the grateful land. SANTA BARBARA, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. ^ J^ LICK OBSERVATORV ON MOUNT HAMILTON. ' Proud Science on Mount Haniilton has made her lofty home, Searching for unknown worlds of light through heaven's jeweled dome." Where Pomona walks with pride at the harvest's golden prime, Bestowing gracious gifts from this semi-tropic clime : With purple clusters of the vine, and orange blossoms fair, With olives green, entwined in her burnished nut-brown hair; Her silken banner waving through fields of tasseled corn, Festooned with garlands flamed with the orient beams of morn. Among the rocky battlements are gold and silver mines. Where the pioneer has wrought and dreamed beneath the swaying pines. Broad rivers from the canons flowing down to meet the sea, Bear ships and barges laden with the fruits of industry. Within these haunts' Pan trills his pipe amid the insects' hum. Where the pheasant wakes all living things, at daybreak with her drum. The "Sierras" guard in serried ranks the eastern gates of day. While Mount Diablo guards the west, three hundred miles away ! Proud Science on Mount Hamilton has made her lofty home, Searching for unknown worlds of light, through heaven's jeweled dome. Mount Tamalpais watchful stands beside the Golden Gate, And grand old vShasta, throned and crowned, gnaids all the vast estate ! MoUM iHA6TA. ' Grand old Shasta, throned and crowned. Guards all the vast estate ! " OLint (t)hasta Afft-'''' '^ ^torn^. The storm has passed, and swift clouds roll Vjy With graceful pennons through the wind-swept sky, Drifting fair and clear in billowy white. As the sun shines forth with mellow light. Like a gallant ship that outrides the storm, Shasta towers serene with majestic form, Her massive, snow-crowned, rock-heaved, shining crest Rising high above the ocean's billowy breast. Thus grandly sculptured on a colossal throne, Her summit tow'rs above the forest's verdant zone, With majesty sublime to the bending skies, — While far below the vale of summer lies. •Adnnission of (California TO THE ONION. SEPTEMBER 9, 1850. Rejoice ye sisters of the Stately band, Who meet in council at Columbia's knee, There cometh one, with wealth of golden land Washed by the billows of the sunset sea. In gala dress she comes, with hair of gold That veils her with its shining tresses o'er, Down to her jeweled feet of peerle.ss mold. With sandals wrought as Incas were of yore. She comes with gracious manners free from guile, Like Sheba's queen, across her fertile plains! With loyal heart and beaming, genial smile. Proffers rich gifts of ripened fruits and grains. With jeweled fingers proffers her red wine That all may drink to labor and success. Drink to the brotherhood of all mankind ! To love that wins them, and to deeds that bless. (jKolden I'oppies. (The Eschscholtzia.) Gay, satin blooms of lustrous sheen Garland the hills and meadows green; And dainty bits of color fling, As in the breeze they nod and swing, Above the greensward to and fro. While fleeting shadows come and go. Wild birds and bees and butterflies Sing o'er them low, sweet lullabies, Sipping the raindrops and the dew From out their cups of golden hue Lifted upon the mountain side, And o'er the green fields stretching wide. The floral emblem of the State That borders on the Golden Gate: Unfolding in the gleaming rays Of sunshine, crowning all the days Of summer's mellow atmosphere, A bright-hued, golden pioneer. t osemite V'^Tllt?y A beautiful valley, a wonderful land. That Nature has fashioned with masterful hand ! With sheer massive cliffs forming hish granite walls. With towering domes and magnificent falls ! With booming cascades that in swift torrents leap Over high battlements, down the rocky steep. Dashing and swirling, tossing glistening spray Of feathery foam. Lovely fountains at play, Liike the plumes of white clouds becalmed in the sky. When zephyrs float softly on noiseless wings by. There are beautiful rocks with turrets and spires. That are bronzed with the sunset's smoldering fires! And the river Merced with calm beauty fliows Through green groves and meadows, where shadows repose In the waters that mirror along the shore. With picturesque beauty green boughs arching o'er. There the robin's clear notes of sweet minstrelsy Are oft heard from each sylvan bower and tree. From the odorous pines on the woodland hills, And in fair, shady nooks by the laughing rills. Joined in mystic union the Three Brothers stand. In a vast mountain building that Nature planned ; And the faithful Guardsmen, with majestic form. Keep their silent watches through sunshine and storm, — Through the long summer's heat and the winter's snow. As the changing seasons ever come and go. And the circling years pass with a tireless pace; The lengthening shadows at eventide trace; The diurnal passing of Time in his flight. With the radiant sunsets, on w-ings of light The Great Architect with nniiiificence planned This beautiful temple, majestic and grand! And glorious anthems that quicken the soul, Through broad, winding aisles with sublime music roll To the high arching dome among lofty towers, And through leafy cloisters fragrant with flowers, — Where the beauteous wealth of the passion vine Around glowing altars their sweet blossoms twine, — While the faint heard chime of the distant cascade Tinkles gently afar through the sylvan glade. MrRROR LAKE. JVlirror \_s^^\{e Nature's beauUful mirror! When evening draws near, lu thy waters her radiant glories appear; On thy calm, peerless bosom fair Luna reclines. And the bright, starry bridge of the "milky way" shines With silvery ra^-s from the archway of heaven, And a glimpse of two worlds is in duplicate given. The calm "Breath Divine" o'er thy still waters flowing. Is borne on the zephyrs the soft winds are blowing ; And the crystal wavelets of thy glistening rings Are the moving circles made by viewless wings. When the spirits of Silence and Peace hover there, In the hush of the noontime of night in the air. As the silvery stars at the dawn's early gleam, From a clear, stainless sky o'er thy blest waters beam, The rock-ribbed summits of lofty mountains are seen Inverted below with the green woods between, Where soft zephyrs woo plumy boughs arching o'er With picturesque beauty, thy bordering shore. As the morning light dawns, a magnificent scene Is exquisiteh' penciled in thy crystal sheen ! And the great golden ball flushing orient heights. Shoots his ambushed arrows gilt with burnished lights. On the high fronting cliffs, while glowing tints and shades Are reflected through gorges and deep everglades. A beautiful halo, ineffably bright. Transfigures thy heav'n-painted canvas with light ! And the verdure-framed picture beheld with rapt gaze, Is aflame with the splendor of dawn's glowing rays — An exquisite painting that Nature has wrought. Resplendent with beauty the sunlight has caught. oLint T a ma I pa IS. With lofty grandeur Tamalpais Is looking down from high estate, Over the broad Pacific's strand And harbor of the Golden Gate. Upon a firni-lniilt, rocky throne, With triple crowns this monarch stands A sturdy bulwark b}- the sea, Guarding the realm of fertile lands. Holding the ocean winds at bay That lash with fury all the main ! Lifting its Ijeetling front to heaven That storms may never reach the plain. There, looking down from cloud-wreathed skies When winds are blowing wild and free. Fair vales in tranquil beauty lie Nestled within the sheltering lee. When waves roll high, with .surging boom Bold breakers climb its rugged breast. And round its base the tides make moan While balmy vales 'neath sunshine rest. No monarch guards a lovelier realm 'Neath brighter skies beyond the sea. Nor zephyrs whisper sweeter tones To flowers that gem the verdant lea. From winding paths on heights sublime The broad horizon meets the view, A panorama vast and grand Beneath God's canopy of blue. There through inunensily of space A vision greets the wondering gaze. That thrills the soul with reverent awe, And moves the heart with fervent praise. Three centuries of lime have passed Since the e.^plorers landed here — CabriUo, and Sir Francis Drake The first to find the harbors near. The first white men who trod the sands Of California's wave-washed shore! Who dreamed not of her wealth of lands, Or treasures vast of golden ore. And looking backward o'er the years, To me, the wondrous changes .seem As strange as those by fancies wrought. In Bellamy's romantic dream. For lo, the commerce of the world Finds entrance through the Golden Gate ! And Freedom's star-eyed priestess guards The helm that guides the "Ship of Slate.' F'ar in the west the sunset skies Gleam o'er the ocean's wide expanse, And crimson waves of sea and sky Do meet and mingle with the glance. In Nature's drama, Tamalpais .•Vets well a generous, noble part. Teaching that i;iea/nt'ss is endowed With gracious kindliness of heart. Pent R< eves - art) or ■y Three hundred circling years have passed Since first a Saxon crossed the sea, And anchored safely at Point Reyes, Within the harbor's sheltered lea. A hero from Great Britain's Isle, — A valiant man of noble birth. Who in the good ship Golden Hind "Did plow a furrow round the earth." Sir Francis Drake, who trod the sands Of California's wave-washed shore ; Who knew not of the fertile lands. Or bounteous wealth of golden ore. Who sailed away and knew not of The harbor of the Golden Gate; Nor dreamed he of the future fame, Or wealth, or grandeur of the State. [j-one (cypress ' 1 "ree. (Near Monterey.) On a rock in the ocean the lone cypress stands, Like the mountain that rises amid arid sands ; Like the fountain that flows with clear, singing rill, From the bare rock that gleams on the crest of the hill ; Like the stream that burst forth in the desolate wild, Where sad Hagar roamed with her innocent child. Like the love that survives neglect's blighting power. Like the friendship that lives through misfortune's dark hour Like the hopes that are born of the waves of despair, That green cypress tree is a harbinger fair ! Like an anchor it rests on the rock in the .sea, While the winds breathe around it their wild symphony. ^^Bf- -««f ■ 4^^^' w 1 ^JaMl i view OF MARKET STHILX. SA,-. rhA:.Ctbi^u IN THE DISTANCE. t..i^ TWIN PEAKS ' And glowing clouds Uie * Twin Peaks ' kiss When falls tlie curtain of the night." TWT\v,n Peab"of .Mt. FOolores. (San Francisco.) The mountain, with its verdant peaks, Stands sentr\' near the ocean shore : Guarding the vale where roses creep With clustering vines the lattice o'er. The feathery palm with beauty grows Among the roses sweet and fair. And lovely calla lilies bloom. With fragrance in the balmy air. By fresh'ning breeze from o'er the sea The plumy palms are gently fanned. When white-capped waves, with wanton glee, Toss foam-wreathed spray along the strand. At sunset's hour, bright golden rays Illumine vale and mountain height ; And glowing clouds the "Twin Peaks" kiss, When falls the curtain of the night. The w^atching stars are peeping through With twinkling smiles, that seem to say, " We saw the blushing clouds that passed Kiss verdant hills, then float awav." Tl"|e f5ur| beam's W 001 nq The sunbeam followed the moonbeam Through meadow, vale and glen, luto the darkling forest. Far from the haunts of men. The pale and trembling moonbeam Stole into the dense green shade, And through dim aisles and cloisters With wavering glances strayed. The sunbeam softly followed Into a vine-wreathed bower, Where the moonbeam's (luivering glances hell in a sih'er shower. The sunbeam caught the glances, And clasped in a warm embrace The lo\'ely trembling nionnbeam. As she hid her shy, ]>ale face. R sion l-joiores. A quaint adobe structure, built With an arched door of ancient style ; Tiled roof, and windows small and high — A rude, but reminiscent pile. High in the storied arches rang With vesper chimes, the "Mission bells;" And of the years, a century Of silver tones, the record tells ! A marble tablet bears the name Of one who near the ocean sleeps, The founder of this ancient church. O'er which the green-leaved ivj' creeps. Now silence reigns within the walls, Where voices chanted music sweet : But Mount Dolores guards alway This antique temple at her feet. GOLDEN GATE PARK. 'There in profusiou lovely flowers With fragrance scent the ambient air ' Giolden Incite r L Where sand dunes piled beside the sea, Drifted by winds and ebbing tide, A lovely park now meets the view. That is the city's boast and pride. There in profusion lovely flowers With fragrance scent the ambient air, And rare exotics breathe perfume In bowers wreathed with garlands fair. O'er feathery ferns and plumy palms, Bright fountains in the sunshine play ; And mosses cling round tropic vines. Beneath the iris tinted spray. And sculptured statues grace the scene. Wrought by the artist's skillful hand In memory of our honored dead — Brave heroes of this chosen land. One is the likeness of a bard, Francis Scott Key, the poet's name ; Our starry banner was the theme That won for him immortal fame. Another bears the honored name Of one who was our country's pride ; From duty's path he never swerved — The Nation wept when Garfield died. _irr Hnu-ifi and ^lal kjcks. " We stood on llic liLi;;hls in Uic Kloaming, (iazing out o'er the restless sea." Recoil Yy(^\'es. We stood on the heights in the gloaming, Gazing out o'er the restless sea ; Oh, what are the wild waves sa\ing?" A laughing voice whispered to nie. My dear, if you listen attentive, You can hear what the ocean waves say. As they break on the shore with low nutrmur, Or dance lightly in sportive play." The fair, glowing face was a picture. As she watched, with eyes opened wide. The white-capped waves that were dancing In the arms of the ocean tide. I can hear what the waves are .saying, As they bound o'er the waters free ; They bear from the mystic islands A sweet message of hope to me." MOUNT DIABLO. n the n^'iu'Tt^- The cool, salt air blew o'er their faces, As hand in hand they stood on the height Before them the throbbing waste of waters, And snnset sky of crimson light. A white .sail gleams in the far horizon, Where flaming sky and ocean meet ; Along the shore white waves are breaking Against the rocks Ijeneath their feet. The crimson waves of sunset glor^- Are fading over .sea and land ; The last bright rays the waves are kissing, The waves return and kiss the strand. Is it a dream that I remember, Those two, alone, in the waning light ^ The ocean waves and sunset splendor. Or gleaming sails of the ship in sight? crossing the Qay of %Q]} prancisco. (November ii, iSgo ) Small boats are gliding o'er the bay, And ships are sailing out to sea ; One with broad sails, like drifted snow, Is bound for far-off India. The wavelets dance with rii)pling glee To meet the sun's bright glancing ra3% And sea gulls whirl and circling skim The gleaming surface of the ba)'. The coast range in the distance lies, With outline of celestial blue ; And Fort Point, with its arsenal Of mounted guns, recedes from view. And out beyond the Oakland pier, The vernal hills among, Are tall church spires that heavenward point. Where golden clouds are hung. OAKLAND HOME INSURANCE CO. BUILDING. VIEW OF OAKLAND. 0akland. From Oakland's vernal, wave-like hills, Comes the breath of summer flowers ; Where sunbeams with the shadows plaj-, Through the fleeting, golden hours. The dreamy hills are sloping down, To meet the green fields stretching wide. Through glades of oak, round curving roads, Wind crystal streams with silver tide. The coast range girdles field and plain Outlined along the far confines ; Upon their rugged, craggy slopes, Soft breezes woo the dusky pines. The sun drops down, a golden crown, Upon the waters of the bay ; Then slowl}- sinks in crimson skies. As twilight dons her mantle gray. The cool, salt breeze from o'er the sea. Wafts echoes from the signal gun ; Now swallows to their nestlings fly. And dailv tasks of toil are done. " Nestled among Ihe dreamy hills The quiet waters slurab'rouslie.' L- ake JVleri^itt Nestled among the dreamy bills The quiet waters slumb'rous lie, With sunbeams flashing o'er the brim, From out the sapphire-tinted sky. The vernal hills, from grassy slopes. Reach down to where the wavelets leap To meet the light winds as they pass, And through the rustling hedge rows creep. White sail boats, with broad canvas spread. Over the gleaming surface skim Like white plumed birds, with graceful sweep, Circling around the silver rim. The wanton breeze ripples the leaves Of stately oaks, that skirt the shore ; And wild birds to their nestlings sing. High in the branches leaning o'er. SUNSET AT LAKE TAHOE. " And b\irnished rays witli splt-ndor crown Lake Tahoe as the sun goes dowu. Sunset at [j-ake lahoe. With twinkling light the vesper star Shone in the horizon, afar ; And glowing rays of mellow light Were streaming o'er the mountain height. The burnished arrows, darting through The lofty pines of emerald hue. Illumine dusky aisles that glow, Mirrored within the lake below. .A.nd. as fair evening nearer came. She threw her amber robe of flame O'er all she passed, till shore and height Were radiant with the crimson light. Now golden arrows flash and gleam, And o'er the crystal waters seem To shine with a resplendent crown Of brightness, as the sun goes down. Across the west, with gleaming hand She stretched a flaming purple band ; And all the glittering sand stained o'er With rainbow hues along the shore. Ere shadows make the twilight dim, Close to the water's azure rim There leaps a line of smoldering fire. That gleams like a cathedral spire. The bordering hills and mountains glow With brilliant hues, that flash below ; Their shaggy slopes, from tow'riug height, Transfigured with the golden light. Methinks I hear the vesper's chime. And see the altar's votive shrine ; Then twilight kneels devoutly there, And night ascends day's golden stair. She flings her mantle, gemmed with stars. Across the sunset's crimson bars ; And burnished rays with splendor crown Lake Tahoe as the sun goes down. pa Hen L't'cif' Li-ake. A lovely emerald lake, that nature's fairest mood With sylvan beauty framed, by mountain, rock and wood ; Where happy song birds chant their joyous, tuneful lay, And softly calls the wood dove in the twilight gray. When gentle zephyrs fan the mountain's rugged brow. And whisper through the pine tree's verdant, rhythmic bough. Li-otta 5 pountain. (Market St.. San Francisco.) The ancient storj- runs that once a man Who found a spring within a desert bare. Scooped out a well, and walled it in with care. And then, in furtherance of his kindly plan, A ladle wrought, and hung it on the brink. That from this well the thirsty traveler might drink. Thus, in our time, a woman's thoughtful brain Conceived a kindh', generous deed, to bless The passer-by, who with the throng might press Along the dusty street, intent to drain The cup at Lotta's fountain, flowing free To all who thirst within its boundary-. And oft beneath the noontide's glaring ray The passing stranger pauses there, to scan The handiwork of this most gracious plan To cheer the toiler on his weary waj' ; Meanwhile ascends a grateful blessing there For Lotta's generous gift on the city's thoroughfare. THE HIGH SIERRAS, WITH GILMOUR LAKE IN THE FOREGROUND. ' I "he Hicih (^le The vast Sierras, like an armed band, In long ranks guard a lovely, fertile land ; Their snow-crowned peaks, like watch towers gleam afar On purple heights, where glows the sunset star ! In burnished uniform at break of day. When morning sunbeams roll the mist away, And flaming banners wave athwart the sky With pageantrj' of crimson floating by ; Heaven's glorious signals of the dawn of light, Gleaming afar o'er vale and mountai): height I And oft at eve sublimer scenes unfold. When skies are flamed with amethyst and gold ! Mountains and forests o'er the wide expanse, With brilliant hues do meet the eager glance ; Ice polished glaciers glow with crimson light. And burnished battlements greet the dazzled sight : While lofty summits, with minarets of snow, Are radiant with the lovely alpen-glow ; An exquisite halo of the heav'nlj- dyes, Born of the splendor of the sunset skies. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. DEDrCATED TO THe .N^itive f^ons and 10auL]hteri OF" "THE goi_de:ivj NA/EST". Ill days of yore, the Ini.lian roamed With savage iustinct, fierce and wild, Through dense, vast, sunless forests, where. Amid the tangled, steep defile Of mountain pass, the grizzly bear Was hunted in his secret lair. Now, from the mountains to the sea, The sturdy pioneer has made A garden of this wilderness ; Admitting to the gloomy shade And fertile soil the sun's caress, Robing the earth with loveliness. The mellow sun and balmy air Ripens the fruits o'er hill and plain ; Flaming with ruddy glow the vines, Tinging wilh gold the waving grain ; While in the depth of secret mines With wealth of ore, the nugget shines. With lightning chained to progress' car. Across the prairies heralds fly ; The iron horse plows through the dome Of tunneled mountains, grand and high ; And with swift speed the coursers roam. While reapers gather harvests home. With grateful pride and fealty. The native sons and daughters wear. As an emblem of the "Golden West," A nugget, which the grizzly bear Hugs close to his broad, shaggy breast As California's proud cresl ! FOftTv-NlNER PROSPECTING. 'I 'he ['ioneers of (^alif( iTornici. From o'er the seas, brave argonauts and bold Sailed through the burnished highway of the State, In search of treasures deep in mines of gold, With varied plans, and hearts with hope elate. And others "crossed the plains," o'er arid sands. To reach the Eldorado of the West ! Encountered savage foes in hostile bands, And braved the mountain pass and rocky crest. In deep ravines, and leaping, singing rills, The river's bed, and on the winding shore. The miner wrought and tunneled through the hills, Then freely gave from out his golden store. The farmer tilled the soil with frugal hand, Where late had roamed the bison and the deer ; And reaped as he had sown — a harvest grand His faithful toil rewarding, year by year. Now Ceres guards, through autumn's mellow prime, The hills and valleys of this fruitful land ; From bounteous stores of corn, and oil, and wine. Pours out full measure with unstinted hand. And from the mountains to the sundown sea, Minerva's temples rise with lofty dome ; Her halls of science, art and learning free. To all who seek in this fair land a home. A heritage of grand and noble deeds Wrought by the bold, intrepid pioneer, Who wisely planned and built for future need.s — The argonauts whose memory we revere. DESCRIPTIVE NOTES. Yosemite. — The Yosemite Valley is a cleft or gorge in the granite peak of the Sierra Nevada, situated in Mariposa County, California, 150 miles nearly due east from San Francisco. The name Yosemite signifies " full-gro%vn grizzl3' bear." The floor of the Valley, from Mirror Lake to El Capitan. ranging from half a mile to a mile in width, is level and charmingly wooded, with stretches of meadow lands, and knolls of oak and maple. Through the center of this park, with many an eddying curve, runs the Merced River, a clean, pebble-banked stream, where cloud shadows from off the high domes love to linger. The Valley is seven miles long and a mile in height. Cloud's Rest is 10,000 feet in height ; the North Dome, 7.56S feet ; El Capitan, 7,300 feet ; Cathedral Rocks, 6,660 feet ; Three Brothers, 7,830 feet ; Yosemite Falls, 2,700 feet ; Bridal Veil Fall, 900 feet ; Vernal Fall, 475 feet. Tamalpais. — Looking northward from Telegraph Hill across the bay of San Francisco, Mt. Tamalpais is seen standing with bold front outlined again.st the blue sky, a majestic bulwark by the sea, rising 2,700 feet distinct and clear above the water. Its profile, which forms the sleeping beauty Elaine, extends along the entire coast of Marin County. This mountain sheltered the explorers Cabrillo and Sir Francis Drake, the first white men to approach the Golden Gate. Drake was the first Saxon to visit the shores of California. June 17, 1579, he sought shelter at Point Reyes Harbor, where he tarried thirty-six days, repairing and refitting his ship the Golden Hind, in which he sailed round the earth. Cabrillo landed in the same harbor in the year 1542. Lake Tahoe. — Tahoe is the grandest of all the Sierra Lakes, lying partly in California and partly in Nevada. It is twenty-five miles in length, and in some places is from twelve to fifteen miles in width. It has a depth of 1,700 feet, an altitude of 6,220 feet, and is surrounded by mountains, which tower above the lake from 2,000 to nearly 5,o o^^ .- -^^ ^.'^'■^%^/ -^^ > ^o ^^/ I,'- >>^. '^./y ^' ^ .<" 0^ -^o / : °^ 1 •.-\ .** ..•^ -^^ ^^■n^. • -^ \:.^ii/^/- .^^-^ "'-S- ^^'^ V'^^ ^ .^'% v^ o V ^> ■i~^ . •'k"?:- C" ^*^jr??^- "^ -•X,^V "-^ A^ J^% sr'<,^ -"y'% -•.^^.- /\ ' } 5>^ ' ^^\ ■•fw.-- ■»*'% ^ » . . .-^•^ .' ■.,^ ..-SVt %.^ f -r. ° ^"-n^ ,.-.' ,0^ -'^, - J> .. V ^^O^ -fU-o^ o > .*'■ o o " ° » ^ '> ■=^ ^;^^'^^ . . . ' A ^^^-V ■ "^^T^ V ^ oV -Si- ^'*- "•' A^ ^- %