Description

Parry’s California Notebook 1849-51 transcribed by James Lightner includes notebooks and letters of scientist Dr. Charles C. Parry.  As he understood the sciences well, observed nature keenly, went fearlessly into the wilderness and possessed passion for the diversity of terrestrial life.  Parry was a veritable 19th century naturalist!

Features:

• The Torrey Pine and dozens of other native plants.
• The U.S.-Mexico Boundary survey, California segment.
• Observations of geology, botany, Native Americans, and Army life.
• The Emigrant Trail from the Colorado River to San Diego.
• El Camino Real, day by day from San Diego to Monterey.
• The ascent of Otay, Cuyamaca, Palomar and other prominent mountains.
• San Luis Rey in fall 1850 and winter 1851, with Parry’s map.
• Visits to numerous ranchos, including Santa Ana del Chino.
• Includes selected herbarium sheets, showing Parry’s specimens. Twelve-page index for easy reference.

In exploring so extensively and keeping such consistent notes, Parry became the first American to paint a comprehensive picture of the natural environment of the San Diego Region.  It’s a great companion for discovery!