FEDERAL AND STATE RESERVATIONS 233 
Board of State Commissioners, who are represented 
on the spot by the Guardian of the Valley. Although 
the Yosemite Region is the best known of the Sierras, 
the Great Sierra Reservation abounds throughout in 
the grandest kind of scenery. It averages in eleva- 
tion from 8,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level, with 
many high peaks. 
The following in reference to the Yosemite Val- 
ley is copied from Whitney’s guide-book: 
“The principal features of the Yosemite and 
those by which it is distinguished from all other 
known valleys are, first, the near approach to ver- 
ticality of its walls; second, their great height, not 
only absolutely but as compared with the width of 
the valley itself; and, finally, the very small amount 
of talus or débris at the base of these gigantic cliffs. 
These are the great characteristics of the Yosemite 
throughout its whole length, but besides these there 
are many other striking peculiarities and features 
both of sublimity and beauty which can hardly be 
surpassed, if equaled, by those of any mountain val- 
ley in the world.” 
Near to the Yosemite Valley is the famous Mari- 
posa Grove of Big Trees. This is only one of several 
groves and the only one which is surely protected. 
It is so called because it is situated in Mariposa 
County, the home of the Mariposa or “ butterfly ” 
