The Atlantic to the Pacific: What to See, and how to See it

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Longmans, Green, 1873 - California - 293 pages
 

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Page 265 - The eastern coast of that part of California which I had a sight of, appears to be mountainous, barren and sandy, and very like some parts of Peru; but nevertheless, the soil about Puerto Seguro, and very likely in most of the valleys, is a rich, black mould, which as you turn it fresh up to the sun appears as if intermingled with gold dust, some of which we endeavored to...
Page 211 - I hear the tread of pioneers Of nations yet to be ; The first low wash of waves, where soon Shall roll a human sea.
Page 266 - ... we were a little prejudiced against the thoughts that it could be possible that this metal should be so promiscuously and universally mingled with common earth, yet we...
Page 244 - States, although with a declared intention to obtain a title to the same under the preemption laws, does not thereby acquire such a vested interest in the premises as to deprive Congress of the power to divest it by a grant to another party.
Page 148 - Yosemite throughout its whole length ; but, besides these, there are many other striking peculiarities, and features both of sublimity and beauty, which can hardly be surpassed, if equalled, by those of an}' mountain valleys in the world.
Page 267 - An act [to amend an act entitled an act] to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, and to secure to the Government the use of the same for postal, military, and other purposes, approved July first, eighteen hundred and sixty-two," approved July second, eighteen hundred and sixty-four.
Page 148 - The principal features of the Yosemite, and those by which it is distinguished from all other known valleys, are : First, the near approach to vertically of its walls ; second, their great height, not only absolutely, but as compared with the width of the valley itself; and, finally, the very small amount of talus or debris at the base of these gigantic cliffs. These are the great characteristics of the Yosemite throughout its whole length...
Page 266 - ... to cleanse and wash the earth from some of it, and the more we did the more it appeared like gold; but in order to be further satisfied, I brought away some of it which we lost in our confusions in China.
Page 245 - ... offered for sale in the usual manner; that is, the privilege to purchase them, in that event, in preference to others.
Page 102 - SERENE, indifferent of Fate, Thou sittest at the Western Gate; Upon thy heights so lately won Still slant the banners of the sun ; Thou seest the white seas strike their tents, O Warder of two Continents ! And scornful of the peace that flies Thy angry winds and sullen skies, Thou drawcst all things, small or great, To thee, beside the Western Gate.

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