To the Memory of John Muir 151 



outline of his life. This he finally consented to attempt, dictat- 

 ing to one of Mr. Harriman's stenographers. The result formed 

 the basis of his autobiography, since published. 



While Muir was a man of marked individuality and pro- 

 nounced tastes, and while at one period of his life he was much 

 alone, he nevertheless prized congenial companionship and num- 

 bered among his friends men eminent in constructive enter- 

 prise as well as in art, literature, and science. His most intimate 

 friends perhaps, outside his own family, were the educator 

 John Swett and the painter William Keith. Keith, like himself, 

 was a Scotchman, and the two were great cronies. To hear 

 them spar in their native dialect was a real treat. 



How much Muir's life work was influenced by his family it 

 would be hard to say. His wife, who died a few years before he 

 did, was a woman of more than ordinary character and ability. 

 For years she relieved him of most of the cares of the home 

 ranch at Martinez and a thousand and one little things that 

 would have worried him or interrupted his work. She was a 

 clever and noble woman, but so retiring that she was known to 

 only a few. He owed much also to the sympathetic loyalty of his 

 two daughters, Helen and Wanda, who, like their mother, were 

 devoted to him and the work he was doing. 



Muir's influence has been a strong factor in the development 

 of our national parks and forests and in their utilization as 

 camping and recreation grounds, while to the people who could 

 not go his writings have brought from the trees and mountains 

 an inspiration and message of happiness. 



