Ebook In the Heart of the Sierras; The Yo Semite Valley, Both Historical and Descriptive

The inquiries made by appreciative and intelligent visitors to the Yo Semite Valley, have suggestively prompted the themes that should be descanted upon in this volume. The information desired I have endeavored to embody and present. In this labor of love my long residence, and many attendant circumstances, have been supplemented by valuable historic and scientific details, obtained from various sources. For early records of the Valley I am mainly indebted to Dr. L. H. Bunnell, who was not only one of its first visitors, and discoverers, but its earliest and principal historian; and through the kindness of Hon. W. J. Howard, of Mariposa. and Major James Burney, of Modesto. California, and others, I have been able to supply the missing links needed for the completion of the historical chain of events, so much desired, and so unavailingly sought after, by Dr. Bunnell, concerning some of the Valley's earlier history.

The designs for the embossed covers, in black and gold, are by Mr. Thomas Hill, the eminent and well-known California artist: who has also generously furnished other sketches for this work. To Mr. George Fiske. the resident photographic artist of Yo Semite. Mr. S. C. Walker. Tabe, and other photographers. I desire to acknowledge my obligation for many of the representative subjects here presented. And to those who by their financial aid have made the publication of this work possible. I gratefully tender my sincere thanks.

Xor would I forget the faithful Indian "Tom" who, no matter how biting cold the weather, or deep the snow in winter, not only brought us our letters and papers, but supplied us with much interesting data of his race in connection with the Valley and its primitive inhabitants, and I thank him.