Records of the number of visitors to the Yosemite down to and inclusive of 1875, show that in 1852 Rose and Shurban were murdered by the savages3, while their companion, Tudor, though wounded, escaped. The next year, 1853, eight men from the North Fork of the Merced, visited the valley, returning unharmed. Owing to murders of Starkey, Sevil and Smith, in the winter of 1853-’4, as it was believed, by the Yosemites, no visitors entered the valley during the summer of 1854. In 1855 Messrs. Hutchings, Ayers, Stair and Milliard, visited it without being disturbed by the sight of any of the original proprietors4, either Indians or grizzlies5. Mr. Hutchings, on his return to San Francisco, began to draw the attention of the public to the Yosemite, through his magazine and otherwise. Notwithstanding the ample means afforded by his magazine, and his facilities as a writer, Mr. Hutchings found it difficult to bring the valley into prominent and profitable notice, and few Californians 344 could be induced to make it a visit. A peculiarity6 of those days was a doubt of the marvelous, and a fear of being “sold.” Any statements of travelers or of the press, that appeared exaggerated, were received by the public with extreme caution. Not more than twenty-five or thirty entered during that year, though Mr. Hutchings’ efforts were seconded by reports of other visitors.
The following season, 1856, it was visited by ladies from Mariposa and San Francisco, who safely enjoyed the pleasures and inconveniences of the trip; aroused and excited to the venture, no doubt, by their traditional curiosity. The fact being published that ladies could safely enter the valley, lessened8 the dread9 of Indians and grizzlies, and after a few brave reports had been published, this fear seemed to die away completely.
From this time on to 1864, a few entered every season; but during these times California had a wonder and interest in its population and their enterprises, greater than in any of its remarkable10 scenery. Everything was at high pressure, and the affairs of business and the war for the union were all that could excite the common interest. In 1864, there were only 147 visitors, including men, women and children. The action of Congress this year, in setting the Yosemite and big trees apart from the public domain11 as national parks, attracted attention to them. The publicity12 given to the valley by this act, was world-wide, and since 1864 the number visiting it has steadily13 increased.
According to the Mariposa Gazette, an authentic14 record shows that in the season of 1865 the number was 276, in 1866, 382, in 1867, 435, in 1868, 627, and increasing rapidly; in 1875 the number for that year had reached about 3,000. The figures are deemed reliable, as they were obtained from the records of toll-roads and hotels. They are believed to be very nearly correct. 345
The Gazette “estimates the proportion of eastern and European in the total number to be at least nine-tenths,” and says: “It is safe to place the Atlantic and European visitors for the next ten years at 2,000 per annum.”
I have no doubt the number has been greater even than was estimated, for improved facilities for entering the valley have since been established. Seven principal routes have been opened, and a post office, telegraph and express offices located. A large hotel has been built by the State, the trails have been purchased and made free, and the management is now said by travelers to be quite good. There is no reason why still further improvements should not be made. A branch railroad from the San Joaquin Valley could enter the Yosemite by way of the South Fork, or by the Valley of the Merced river. Mineral ores and valuable lumber15 outside and below the valley and grant, would pay the cost of construction, and no defacement of the grand old park or its additions would be required, nor should be allowed.
With cars entering the valley, thousands of tourists of moderate wealth would visit it; and then on foot, from the hotels, be able to see most of the sublime16 scenery of the mountains.
If horses or carriages should be desired, for the more distant points of interest, they may readily be obtained in the valley at reasonable rates. At present, the expense of travel by stage, carriage and horseback, is considerable, and many visiting California, do not feel able to incur17 the extra expense of a visit to the Yosemite.
Visitors intending to see both the big trees and the Yosemite Valley, should visit the trees first, as otherwise the forest monarchs18 will have lost a large share of their interest and novelty. 346
The hotel charges are not much higher than elsewhere in the State, and the fare is as good as the average in cities. If extras are required, payment will be expected as in all localities. There is more water falling in the spring months, but the water-falls are but fractions of the interest that attaches to the region. Yosemite is always grandly beautiful; even in winter it has attractions for the robust19, but invalids20 had better visit it only after the snow has disappeared from the lower levels, generally, from about the first of May to the middle of June.
From that date on to about the first of November, the valley will be found a most delightful21 summer resort, with abundant fruits and vegetables of perfect growth and richest flavor.
All modern conveniences and many luxuries of enlightened people are now to be found, gathered in full view of the great fall and its supporting scenery. The hotels, telegraph, express and post offices are there, and a union Chapel dedicated22 at a grand gathering23 of the National Sunday School union, held during the summer of 1879, is regularly used for religious services. Those who may wish to commune with Nature’s God alone while in the Yosemite, will be in the very innermost sanctuary24 of all that is Divine in material creation for the valley is a holy Temple, and if their hearts are attuned25 to the harmony surrounding them, “the testimony26 of the Rocks” will bring conviction to their souls.
The unique character of Mirror Lake will leave its indelible impressions upon the tourist’s mind, and residents of the Yosemite will gladly inform him of the varying proper time in the morning when its calm stillness will enable one to witness its greatest charm, the “Double Sunrise.” That phenomena27 may be ascribed to the lake’s 347 sheltered closeness to the perpendicular28 wall of the Half Dome29 (nearly 5,000 feet high), and the window-like spaces between the peaks East and South, looked through by the sun in his upward, westward30 flight.
As a matter of fact, differing according to the seasons of the year, “sunrise on the lake” may be seen in its reflections two or more times in the same morning, and, if the visitor be at the lake when the breeze first comes up on its daily appearance from the plains, shattering the lake mirror into fragments, innumerable suns will appear to dazzle and bewilder the beholder31.
The wonderful scenery and resources of California are becoming known and appreciated. A large addition has been made to, and surrounding the Yosemite and Big Tree Parks, which in time may become one (see map); and another very large National Park has been established in Tulare County, to be known as the Sequoia32 Park, which includes most of the Big Trees of that entire region; but it is not so generally known in the Eastern States that there are such vast landed estates, such princely realms of unbroken virgin33 soil awaiting the developments of industry. Official reports of the California State Board of Equalization show that there are 122 farms of 20,000 acres each and over. Of these there are 67 averaging 70,000 acres each, and several exceed 100,000 acres.
These figures are published as official, and were well calculated to make the small farmers of the east open their eyes; they will yet open the eyes of the land owners themselves to the importance of bringing their estates under successful and remunerative34 cultivation35. This will have to be done in order that these acres may be made to pay a just taxation36. Thousands of acres that are of little use to the owners or the public—of no value to the state—can, by the 348 judicious37 introduction of water, be made to pay well for the investment. Irrigating38 ditches or canals from the Merced, one on the north side and the other on the south, a short distance above Snelling, in Merced county, were located by the writer, and soon after completion, the arid39 and dusty land was transformed into blooming gardens and fertile vineyards. These were the first irrigating ditches of any considerable magnitude, constructed in Mariposa or Merced counties, though irrigation was common enough in other parts of the state. The advance that has since been made in California agriculture is wonderful. New methods adapted to the peculiarities40 of soil and climate have been introduced, and new machinery41 invented and applied42 that cheapen the cost of production and lessen7 manual labor43 to a surprising degree: for instance, machinery that threshes and cleans ready for the market, over 5,000 bushels of wheat to the machine per day. Capital is still being largely invested in railroads, and in reclaiming44 the Tule (Bull Rush) lands.
These lands are among the richest in the world. They grow cotton, tobacco, rice and other southern staples45, equal to the best of the Southern States, with much less danger from malaria46. The valleys of the San Joaquin and Sacramento, which are simply local divisions of the same great valley, produce according to altitude, moisture and location, all the cereals, fruits and vegetables of a temperate47 clime, as well as those of semi-tropical character; even the poorest hill-side lands grow the richest wine and raisin48 grapes. The yield is so astonishing, as to appear incredible.
The raisins49 grown and cured in California are said to be equal to the best Malaga; while the oranges, lemons, olives, figs50, almonds, filberts and English walnuts51, command the highest prices in the market. Peaches, pears, grapes and honey, are already large items in her trade; and her wheat 349 crops now reach a bulk that is simply enormous.
The grade of horses, cattle, swine, sheep and wool, are being brought to a high degree of perfection; for the climate is most salubrious and invigorating. Her gifts of nature are most bountiful and perfect. No wonder, then, that the Californian is enthusiastic when speaking of his sublime scenery, salubrious climate and surprising products.
But I must no longer dwell upon my theme, nor tell of the fruitful Fresno lands, redeemed52 from savage2 barbarity. Those scenes of beauteous enchantment53 I leave to those who may remain to enjoy them. And yet—
El Capitan, I turn to gaze upon thy lofty brow,
With reverent54 yearnings to thy Maker55 bow.
But now farewell, Yosemite;
If thou appears not again in sight,
Thou’lt come, I know, in life’s extremity56
While passing into realms of light.
With reverent54 yearnings to thy Maker55 bow.
But now farewell, Yosemite;
If thou appears not again in sight,
Thou’lt come, I know, in life’s extremity56
While passing into realms of light.
THE END.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
chapel
|
|
| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
savage
|
|
| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
savages
|
|
| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
proprietors
|
|
| n.所有人，业主( proprietor的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
grizzlies
|
|
| 北美洲灰熊( grizzly的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
peculiarity
|
|
| n.独特性，特色；特殊的东西；怪癖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
lessen
|
|
| vt.减少，减轻；缩小 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
lessened
|
|
| 减少的，减弱的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
dread
|
|
| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
remarkable
|
|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
domain
|
|
| n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
publicity
|
|
| n.众所周知，闻名；宣传，广告 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
steadily
|
|
| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
authentic
|
|
| a.真的，真正的；可靠的，可信的，有根据的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
lumber
|
|
| n.木材，木料；v.以破旧东西堆满；伐木；笨重移动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
sublime
|
|
| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
incur
|
|
| vt.招致，蒙受，遭遇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
monarchs
|
|
| 君主，帝王( monarch的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
robust
|
|
| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
invalids
|
|
| 病人，残疾者( invalid的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
delightful
|
|
| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
dedicated
|
|
| adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
gathering
|
|
| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
sanctuary
|
|
| n.圣所，圣堂，寺庙；禁猎区，保护区 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
attuned
|
|
| v.使协调( attune的过去式和过去分词 )；调音 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
testimony
|
|
| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
phenomena
|
|
| n.现象 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
perpendicular
|
|
| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
dome
|
|
| n.圆屋顶，拱顶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
westward
|
|
| n.西方，西部；adj.西方的，向西的；adv.向西 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
beholder
|
|
| n.观看者，旁观者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
sequoia
|
|
| n.红杉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
virgin
|
|
| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
remunerative
|
|
| adj.有报酬的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
cultivation
|
|
| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
taxation
|
|
| n.征税，税收，税金 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
judicious
|
|
| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
irrigating
|
|
| 灌溉( irrigate的现在分词 )； 冲洗（伤口） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
arid
|
|
| adj.干旱的；(土地)贫瘠的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
peculiarities
|
|
| n. 特质, 特性, 怪癖, 古怪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
machinery
|
|
| n.(总称)机械，机器；机构 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
applied
|
|
| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
labor
|
|
| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
reclaiming
|
|
| v.开拓( reclaim的现在分词 )；要求收回；从废料中回收（有用的材料）；挽救 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
staples
|
|
| n.（某国的）主要产品( staple的名词复数 )；钉书钉；U 形钉；主要部份v.用钉书钉钉住( staple的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
malaria
|
|
| n.疟疾 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
temperate
|
|
| adj.温和的，温带的，自我克制的，不过分的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
raisin
|
|
| n.葡萄干 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
raisins
|
|
| n.葡萄干( raisin的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
figs
|
|
| figures 数字，图形，外形 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
walnuts
|
|
| 胡桃（树）( walnut的名词复数 )； 胡桃木 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
redeemed
|
|
| adj. 可赎回的，可救赎的 动词redeem的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
enchantment
|
|
| n.迷惑，妖术，魅力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
reverent
|
|
| adj.恭敬的，虔诚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
maker
|
|
| n.制造者，制造商 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
extremity
|
|
| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |