First Across the Sierra Nevada i6g 



the western mountains, but they were as innocent of posthumous 

 fame as the tribes of savage Indians whom they fought. It 

 now seems a pity that they did not have coursing in their veins 

 a few drops of New England blood, since a full narrative of 

 their journeys and achievements would fire the senses and stir 

 the imagination concerning a country which is still rich and 

 warm for detailed exploration. Such regrets regarding such 

 men are, however, idle. They lived, it must be said, in and for 

 their day, — for the pure zest of adventure and the pure joy of 

 exploration. 



