In the Sierra 



some to most travelers, inflaming the skin 

 and eyes, but blends harmoniously with its 

 companion plants, and many a charming 

 flower leans confidingly upon it for protec- 

 tion and shade. I have oftentimes found the 

 curious twining lily (Stropholirion Californi- 

 cum} climbing its branches, showing no fear 

 but rather congenial companionship. Sheep 

 eat it without apparent ill effects ; so do 

 horses to some extent, though not fond of 

 it, and to many persons it is harmless. Like 

 most other things not apparently useful to 

 man, it has few friends, and the blind ques- 

 tion, "Why was it made?' goes on and on 

 with never a guess that first of all it might 

 have been made for itself. 



Brown's Flat is a shallow fertile valley on 

 the top of the divide between the North Fork 

 of the Merced and Bull Creek, commanding 

 magnificent views in every direction. Here 

 the adventurous pioneer David Brown made 

 his headquarters for many years, dividing his 

 time between gold-hunting and bear-hunt- 



[ 35 ] 



