INTRODUCTORY NOTE 



THE Pacific Coast region of the United States 

 contains many distinctive natural features and 

 much unique material for scientific research. 

 Many of the problems presented here are peculiar 

 to the West, but in their larger aspects they have a 

 significant bearing upon fundamental questions of 

 world-wide concern both in the field of natural sci- 

 ence and in the relation of these problems to the 

 affairs of men. However interesting western mate- 

 rials may be, the traveler wishing to know of them 

 has little time for study, and sources of information 

 which might be used are frequently scattered or 

 inaccessible. 



Recognizing the need for ready information on 

 nature and science in the West, the Pacific Coast 

 Committee of the American Association for the Ad- 

 vancement of Science has considered it desirable in 

 this year of the two expositions celebrating the 

 opening of the Panama Canal to bring together in 

 hand-book form concise data upon matters of gen- 

 eral interest for the use of travelers in this region. 

 A special committee was appointed to assemble the 

 material and to enlist the assistance of men well 

 informed upon the subjects to be discussed. The 

 descriptions contained in this book have been pre- 

 pared with care by specialists, and the volume is 

 addressed to all travelers in the West who wish to 

 know the significant features of the land through 

 which they pass. 



The sub-committee charged with the preparation 

 of this guide-book desires to express its sincere ap- 

 preciation of the generous aid of the contributors. 

 To many others who have assisted by supplying 

 illustrations, maps, and information upon facilities 

 for travel, the committee is also greatly indebted. 

 Only wide co-operation such as has been accorded 

 could make possible the completion of an under- 

 taking of this character. The volume is presented 

 with the hope that it may increase the value of the 

 journey for those who visit the Pacific Coast for 

 the first time and that it may be of service also to 

 the people residing within the region which it 

 describes. 



Sub-Committee in Charge: 



John C. Merriam, Chairman, 

 H. Foster Bain, 

 Victor H. Henderson, 

 Vernon L. Kellogg, 

 March 20, 1915. Joseph Grinnell, Editor. 



