The Western World.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 14, 16 February 1870, Page 7

The Western World.

The completion of the railroad across America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, makes Americans calculate on a number of travellers to visit the wonders of that which is still the new world. One of the grandest sights on the Pacific side is declared to bo the valley of the Yosemlte, in the Sierra range, about 250 miles east of San Francisco. The first time a white map ever entered it was in 1848, and oven now the journey is “ somewhat hard.” The way from San Francisco is by way of Stockton, a town 110 miles due east, and this part of the journey is done by river steamers, the next hundred miles by stages, and the last forty-three by saddle horses, which in tWo days (the riders camping in the woods for the night) bring the traveller’s to Inspiration Point, where the whole magnificence of the Yesomite bursts upon the view. The valley is ten miles long and three wide. Its sides are granite walls, from 2000 ft to 4500 ft high. Great domes and pyramids rise above the deep hollow, at the bottom of which is a little lake and stream. A small river, 70ft wide, tumbles over on one side of the immense height, coming down in three falls, the first of them 1300 ft. In the valley are nooks and bits of scenery of rare beauty, contrasting almost strangely with the solemn grandeur of the surrounding walls and peaks. The, spot is more than a place for summer resort—it is one of the wonders of creation. It is boasted that no one ever made the trip and returned disappointed. At Stockton the tourist may turn aside, and a ride of 72 miles will bring him to the Calaveras grove of big trees. There are 92 trees, ranging in height from 150 to 327 feet, and from ten to 30 feet in diameter. Their age is supposed to be from 1200 t0'2500 years. There is another grove, only six miles from Mariposa, on the Yosemite route, containing 427 trees, the largest 34ft in diameter. The Geysers are another wonder of California. They are about 60 miles north of San Francisco. Hundreds of springs of all kinds, colours, and temperatures are to be seen, with immense deposits of sulphur, alum, magnesia, epsom salts, and other minerals. The puffing and roaring of the steam which issues from every crevice in the rocks, and rushes with great violence from “ Steamboat Springs," the dashing and surging of black boiling water in the unfathomable depths of the “ Witches’ Cauldron,” and the sulphurous fumes which fill the air, produce and an indescribable effect on the beholder.