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THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY 



Characteristic View of the Momave Desert in the Vicinity of the Fossil Beds. 



4 Photograph by C. L. Bakei-.) 



not alone for the desire of gain, but because the fascination of the desert 

 always increases. The traveler is inevitably deeply influenced by the 

 uncertain magnitude of distance, by the silence, and the unusual forms 

 and brilliance of the landscape by day and night. Once an acquaint- 

 ance is formed, distrust and fear are replaced by reverence of the quiet 

 strength of nature exhibited here in factors which are too large or too 

 elusive to be fully comprehended. 



The Mohave lies in the middle of the southern half of the state of 

 California, the desert proper being situated in the angle where the 

 Sierras turn west to meet the Coast Eanges. The western limits of the 



Characteristic View of the Mohave Deseut ; sbovving at this hieality au umisuul 



abundance of vegetation, consisting of creosote bushes and Joshua 



trees. (Photograph by C. L. Baker.) 



