Stories of California
Ella M. Sexton
FOREWORD
CALIFORNIA'S NAME AND EARLY HISTORY
THE STORY OF THE MISSIONS AND OF FATHER SERRA
BEFORE THE GRINGOS CAME
THE AMERICANS AND THE BEAR-FLAG REPUBLIC
THE DAYS OF GOLD AND THE ARGONAUTS OF 1849
MINING STORIES
HOW POLLY ELLIOTT CAME ACROSS THE PLAINS
THE BUILDING OF THE OVERLAND RAILROAD
STORY OF THE WHEAT FIELDS
ORCHARD, FARM, AND VINEYARD
THE STORY OF THE NAVEL ORANGE
THE LEMON
FLOWERS AND PLANTS
THE BIG TREES AND LUMBERING
OUR BIRDS
OUR WILD ANIMALS
IN SALT WATER AND FRESH
ABOUT CALIFORNIA'S INDIANS
THE STORY OF SAN FRANCISCO
MEN CALIFORNIA REMEMBERS
OUR GLORIOUS CLIMATE
SOME WONDERFUL SIGHTS
FOREWORD
To recount in simple, accurate narratives the early conditions and subsequent development of California
is the purpose of this book. In attempting to picture the romantic events embodied in the wonderful
history of the state, and to make each sketch clear and concise as well as interesting, the author has
avoided many dry details and dates.
Several of the stories endeavor to explain the remarkable physical characteristics of California. The work
to this end was rendered lighter by the hope that the reader might find the book merely an introduction to
that larger knowledge of personal observation and inquiry.
But the writer's chief aim has been to interest the children of California in the beautiful land of their birth,
to unfold to them the life and occurrences of bygone days, and to lead them to note and to enjoy their
fortunate surroundings.
Among the many authorities consulted for the work, special acknowledgment is due to the historians,
Theodore H. Hittell and H.H. Bancroft.
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