PREFACE 



what airily, it is hoped that it will not be assumed 

 that they have therefore been handled carelessly. 

 Pains have been taken to verify all facts of which 

 the author has not personal knowledge. Certain 

 pages have required much delving in the dust of 

 forgotten records, both English and Spanish, all 

 but inaccessible to the general reader; and some 

 facts gleaned in this way are now, it is believed, 

 presented for the first time in a popular style. 



To the many friends and correspondents who 

 have in manifold ways assisted the author in his 

 pleasant labor, he takes this means of extending his 

 cordial thanks. Particularly does he desire to ex- 

 press his obligations to Miss N. M. Buss, Librarian 

 of the Pasadena Public Library, and to Mr. S. B. 

 Parish of San Bernardino, kindest of friends and 

 best of botanists. 



C. F. S. 



Pasadena, California, 1914. 



