In the Sierra 



feet higher, on crumbling rocks, is broad 

 branching, with closely furrowed, reddish 

 bark, large cones, and long leaves. It is one 

 of the hardiest of pines, and has wonderful 

 vitality. The tassels of long, stout needles 

 shining silvery in the sun, when the wind 

 is blowing them all in the same direction, 

 is one of the most splendid spectacles these 

 glorious Sierra forests have to show. This 

 variety of Pinus ponderosa is regarded as a 

 distinct species, Pinus Jeffrey}, by some bot- 

 anists. The basin of this famous Yosemite 

 stream is extremely rocky, seems fairly 

 to be paved with domes like a street with 

 big cobblestones. I wonder if I shall ever 

 be allowed to explore it. It draws me so 

 strongly, I would make any sacrifice to 

 try to read its lessons. I thank God for 

 this glimpse of it. The charms of these 

 mountains are beyond all common reason, 

 unexplainable and mysterious as life itself. 

 September 14. Nearly all day in mag- 

 nificent fir forest, the top branches laden 

 [ 347] 



