

t HE story of California geology is the history of the Jartn 's'ince Jurassic 

 (time. Unique among all the states, great in area and with markedly out- 

 standing geological features, no other region offers a more fertile field for 

 the study of the many and varied problems of geology. In language tV~ 

 general reader can understand, Dr. Willard presents a fascinating pictu '';> 

 of the State; the marvellous scenery; the meaning of the varied land forms* 

 the remarkable coast line; the mountains, valleys, deserts and fertile lands, 

 and the eccentrically varied climate. Based upon extensive personal ob- 

 servations and studies in the field, and supplemented by valuable facts 

 gleaned from the vast literature of the subject, the book describes the im- 

 portant regions from a new angle, a fresh and human interest point of view. 

 The studies are so arranged that the reader will be able to carry them be- 

 yond the State as his interest may suggest. What is true of California is 

 also true of adjacent regions. In the geological story lies the explanation of 

 what may be seen, the key to the best development of our natural resources. 

 California has been, and still is, an important source of gold. It is one 

 of the leading States in the production of oil. Its climate ranges from that 

 of perennial snow to that of perennial balmy summer. It has an inexhaust- 

 ible potential wealth of soil. Agriculture is the greatest of the State's varied 

 industries. The great Sierra Nevada mountain range dominates the State. 

 The Coast Ranges determine the varied features of the ocean shore. Re- 

 gional topographic conditions determine the great Mojave and Colorado 

 deserts, and the fertile valleys. Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic Peak 

 have added a finishing touch to vast areas by their outpourings of molten 

 lava. Great rivers have serrated the landscape and deposited their burden 

 of erosional detritus over extensive plains which, in turn, have become broad 

 reaches of fertile agricultural lands. In pursuing their endless task of erosion, 

 and simultaneously with and following tremendous mountain upheavals, the 

 marvellous scenic features of the State have been developed. 



After discussing the geologic features and history of the processes in- 

 volved, the author gives a vivid description of what may be seen by the 

 traveler as he motors over the long highways to every accessible and some 

 almost inaccessible regions. 



438 pages 



#3.75 



