Beyond the West: containing an account of two years' travel in the other half of our great continent far beyond the old West, on the plains, in the Rocky mountains, and picturesque parks of Colorado. Also, characteristic features of New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho ... Oregon, Utah, Nevada, and ... California, the end of the West ... the great continental railroad, together with the ... most wonderful natural scenery in the world .../ by George W. Pine.

BEYOND THE WEST.
Previous to the Mexican war, we knew Galifornia
only by name-a far-off, unknown land; but little
this side of where the sun goes down in the great
ocean-which tribes of degraded Indians occupied;
while her great mountain ranges, with their majestic forests stood sentinel, while the extensive and
beautiful valleys were listening to hear the tread of
coming footsteps, from the East and the West, for another people were on the way, whose indomitable
energy would soon move out imbecility, and the
country begin the fulfillment of her destiny-but not
till fearful battles had been fought was the question
settled as to who should own the land of gold.
The American flag, as usual, triumphed, which
gave confidence and safety to all nations. Soon after followed the discovery of untold wealth. Excitement ran unbridled. Such a rush for golden
land is unparalleled. The new born had no infant
life or youth, but stood up full grown before Congress for admission as a State. California came-the
fairest daughter of the Pacific-with her garments
trimmed with gold; none could refuse her-not ore.
As the result, we soon have a full-grown State, not
fully developed, but meritorious, and the Republic
extended between the two oceans.
The wonderful productiveness of the mines gave
confidence arid held t'e Government steady, as her
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