San Andreas independent., 1857-05-02

DO big Tree 10 -
Thus it will be seen the locality of this great
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 thor
oughfares, the parched plains, and the cares
from business-and the air of quiet serenity
in which the whole landscape reposes, dds
turbed only by the moaning pines or the distant
laughing shout of the leaping water fall,) in
vests it with charm cminently desirable to
those, who, for SO many months of the year,
are circumscribed by high walls Of 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 votarv OF
care, and mammon, and pleasure, is glad to
throw off the thraldom of business and city life,
and inhae for a while, once more the balmy air
of mountain forests, redolent with the sweets
ofnature choicest aromatics. These mountain
and suburban retreats are inviting oasis in
the track of human care ; and glorious restora-
tivcs to the worn and exhausted energies, 80 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, congregatcd
in the Cities and plains, and mines of Califor-
nia must be source of satisfaction. Of the
advantages of the locality of the Big Trees, we
would add word: The surface of the noun
tain is gently undulating and agrecably diycrsi-
fed with fruits, and flowers, and evergreen
shrubbery the soil is rich, and generally good
for cultivation; while it has the advantage of
nearncss to the mines for market for such
produce as may be raised. Mountain streams
abound filled with brook trout; in the valleys,
while game, wild fruit. and q thousand other
rare and choice blessings adorn the hill-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
expanse, speaking from the mountains to the
sea "a scene extremely grand and beautiful
here q exhausted natures sweet restorer." a
pure atmosphere, tempered with an all-ehiera-
ting breeze, freshly waiting the richest treasures
of eternal snow-felds, furnishes soothing re-
treat from the perils and vicisstudes of busi-
ness life, where many care-worn, worn-out
hulk, may find all that is needed to recuperatc
the inward man and the outward estate One
can hardly look on view like that below, and
feel that American scenery is altogether mo-
notonous," as has sometimes been said.
The expanse of forests spread out in the
background, enlivened here and there with
lS.
railroads, and all the paraphernalia of a pro-
gressive and enterprsing people; while, anon,
are seen rising hills, rearing noble forests of
sugar-pine, that gently ascend from the road
furnishing alike landmark and protection
to the tribe of migratory Digger Indians en-
campeG at the base. Embosomed in the foli-
age skirting the road and the margin of the
Union Water Company's Ditch, is a 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 dwcll-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
affords-equal to the best hotels in the State
The table will always be provided with the
best Sleeping apartments Sufficient to furnish
accommodations for sixteen ladiesl, 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 (Mrs. 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 gentlemanly 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 can be found in the
State, and the stable will be attended to with
great care by experienced hostlers.
Two large ice houses, now 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.
At Murphy's the arrangements for furnishing
travellers and others visiting the Mammoth Tree
Grove, with facilities to aid in their purpose