My First Summer 



be considered most wonderful in any other 

 part of the world. 



The Indians here, with great concern, 

 pointed to an old garden patch on the flat 

 and told us to keep away from it. Perhaps 

 some of their tribe are buried here. 



September 1 9. Camped this evening at 

 Smith's Mill, on the first broad mountain 

 bench or plateau reached in ascending the 

 range, where pines grow large enough for 

 good lumber. Here wheat, apples, peaches, 

 and grapes grow, and we were treated to 

 wine and apples. The wine I did n't like, 

 but Mr. Delaney and the Indian driver and 

 the shepherd seemed to think the stuff di- 

 vine. Compared to sparkling Sierra water 

 fresh from the heavens, it seemed a dull, 

 muddy, stupid drink. But the apples, best 

 of fruits, how delicious they were ! fit 

 for gods or men. 



On the way down from Brown's Flat we 

 stopped at Bower Cave, and I spent an hour 

 in it, - - one of the most novel and interest- 



[ 352 ] 



