San Andreas independent., 1857-06-13


est living wonder of the world, is almost within
the centre of our principal richest mining
camps. 1t is chosen spot, where during the
summer months thousands from the Cities and
the Plains of California can meet for relaxation
from the dust and turmoil of the crowded
thoroughfares, = the parched plains and the
cares from business. The air of quiet serenity
in which the whole landscape reposes, (dis-
turbed only by the moaning pines or the distant
laughing shout of the leaping water fall in
vesting it with charm eminently desirable to
those, who, for so many months of the year.
are crcumscribcd by high walls cf brick and
stone, that reflect only the glare and heat of
the burning sun, and who are compelled to
breathe so long the confined air of the Babel
around them. No wonder the weary votary of
care, and mammon, and pleasure, is glad to
throw off the thradom of business and city life,
and inhae for a while once more the balmy air
Of mountain forests, rcdolent with the sweets
ofnatures choicest aromatcs. These mountain
and suburban retreats arc inviting oasis in
the track of human care and glorious restora-
tives to the worn and exhausted energies, so Sc
verely tasked in the eager pursuits of life The
proximity of such an Eden of beauties and WON
ders to the great business world, congregated
in the cities and plains, and mines of Califor-
MIA must be of satisfaction. OF the
advantages of the locality of the Big Trees, we
would add n word The surface of the noun
tain is gently unduating and agreeably diyersi-
fled with fruits and flowers and evergreen
shrubbery; the soil is rich and generally good
for cultivation; while it has the advantage of
nearness to the mines for a market for such
produce as may hc raised. Mountain streams
abound filled with brook trout) in the valleys,
while game, wild fruit, and thousand other
rare and choice blessings adorn the hil-sides
on every mountain peak fine prospect may be
obtained, which can be enjoyed with little eff
fort to attain it, embracing the wide and deep
cxpanse, "speakng from the mountains to the
sea "a scene extremely grand and beautiful
here exhausted natures sweet restOrer" a
pure atmosphere, tempered with an all-exhilera-
ting breeze freshly waiting the Ir treasures
of eternal snow-felds furnishes a e.ything re-
treat from the pcrils and vicissitudeS of bust
ness lfe where many care-worn, worn-out
wight may find all that is needed to recupcrate
the inward man and the outward estate. One
can hardly look on the map pictured below, and
feel . that American scenery is altogether mo-
notonouS," as has sometimes been said.
The expanse of forest is spread out in the
background, enivencd here and there with
mountain streams, water bitches, saw-mills,
railroads, and all the paraphernala of a pro-
gressive and entcrprising people; while, anon,
are seen rising hills, rearing noble forests of
sugar-pine that gently ascend from the road,
furnishing alike ii landmark and n protection
to the tribe of migratory Digger Indians en-
calnpeG at the base Embosomed in the foli-
age skirtng the road and the margin of the
Union Water Company's Ditch is pleasant
landscape, in the foreground, which forms a
picture varied enough to captivate any eye
But on these ever enduring and renewing beau
ties, it is useless to dwell, TO be appreciated,
they must be seen.
The Big Tree Hotel is situated at the western
end of the valley and the grove; it is a fine, ca
pacious building, supplied with all the market
afords-cqual to the best hotels in the State.
The table will always be provided with the
best. Sleeping apartments (sufficent to furnish
accommodations for sixteen ladies', are always
in perfect order for permanent boarders or tran
sient visitors the indoor and culinary arrange
mentS are under the supervision of the land
lady (Nlrs. Bishop, who will pay particular at
tention to lady visitors. The Billiard Saloon
Ten-pin Alleys, Bar and Stables are under the
supervision of the gcntlemanly major domo
(Mr. Beach,, who will ever be ready to accom-
modate his friends and patrons with anything
in his line. The bar will always be stocked
with the best liquors that be found in the
State, and the stable will be attended to with
great care by experienced hostlers.
Two large ice houses. filed with glitter
ing treasure are located near the Big Tree
Grove. Nearly every camp in Calaveras coun-
ty will be furnished with ice during the pres
ent summer, from these reservoirs.
AtMurphys the arrangements for furnishing
travellers and others visiting the Mammoth Tree
Grove, with facilities to aid in their purpose,
comfort and pleasure, arc most complete One
fIaE E,o IIofoI md a
Livery Stable supplied with first-cass Stock
and the latest STYLES of Buggies and other con-
veyances will always be found. Foremos' VIZ
would direct attention to the Ilotei.
Sperry'S Hotel.--This comior1aDe, p:,a;a aoan-
modious, Fire-Proof, Two-story Stone Building,
Murphv's. has been elegantly furnished through
out. after the most approved style, and is now
ready for the reception OF guests. farlors and