An Easterner's Impressions. 



2S7 



helped, and where every one wanted to do more than 

 his own share of the work ! It is all unforgettable ! 



The camp-fire was an interesting and enjoyable occa- 

 sion. The nightly gathering in the log amphitheater 

 around the blazing fire to hear the announcement of plans 

 for the morrow, or to listen to story and song, was 

 looked forward to with anticipation and pleasure. And 

 when we were all gathered in, and the great square of 

 illuminated faces appeared against the black background 

 of the forest, what a unique spectacle was presented! 



And such opportunities as there were for studying the 

 flora, fauna, and physiography of the region. The spe- 

 cialists could easily be forgiven the zeal with which they 

 pursued their special lines of research, and should not be 

 blamed that their enthusiasm became contagious and 

 infected the party so universally that tree-lore, glacier- 

 movements, and Nature's secrets generally threatened to 

 become the commonest kind of knowledge. 



A host of other things press forward for recognition: 

 The Yosemite, the Hoffman and Dana trips, the Mono 

 region, Tuolumne Meadows, the Hetch-Hetchy, the 

 trout-fishing, and so on through a long list, each one 

 adding its quota to make the month an eventful period, 

 unexcelled in mountain experience. But I refrain from 

 continuing, lest I tire the reader through my effusiveness. 



May we all meet again, 

 Where mountain, forest, waterfall, and glen 

 Of the Sierra call us from the strife 

 Of business and the petty cares of life. 

 Far from the noisy, restless haunts of men, — 



May we all meet again ! 



Burlington, Iowa, November 27, 1907. 



