Handbook of Yosemite National Park: a compendium of articles on the Yosemite region by the leading scientific authorities

INTRODUCTORY NOTE - Yosemite National Park needs no introduction to the American public. Much has been written in appreciation of "The Valley Incomparable" and of the eleven hundred square miles of scenic High Sierra which have been set aside as a playground for the people. Men like Le Conte and Muir were as "a voice crying in the wilderness" telling the outside world of the wonders of the region; others have written of its trails and its scenery; there still remains the task, however, of satisfying the thousands who now ask for definite information concerning the history, ethnology, botany, geology, camp- and trailcraft, natural history, and related subjects so well exemplified by the Park. Obviously no one may can be a master of all these branches of knowledge, so the Editor presents this collection of articles, each by an eminent authority. Acknowledgment and sincere thanks are due to the scientists whose coöperation has made this volume possible. These contributors are so well known in their respective fields of science that they need no introduction. The Editor is indebted to many others who have supplied photographs and to Messrs. Herbert Maier and Duncan Dunning whose drawings appear as chapter headings. This little volume is offered with the hope that it will point the way to the better understanding and the fuller enjoyment of the Yosemite region. - ANSEL F. HaLL