The morning call., 1893-05-28
SHASTA, THE SUPERB.

AS the eye sweeps the State its survey Is
early arrested by the elevation of Mount Shasta
Isolated, symmetrical. with .snow-capped
peaks towering sOemny among the clouds
Shasta presents an aspect OF unique and ire
sisiibe Interest.
Moreover. into the composition of this magi-
cal fascination undoubtedly finer element
EN- ers than mere spectacular wonder.
California has almost IA uniform width of 200
miles, and it, chief physical feature is a great
central valley. parallel TO the nend OF the
coast, inclo>ed by the Sierras the east and
the Coast Range on the west. The southern
limit OF this valley is near Tejou Pass and the
northern near Shasta City, close to which
Mount Shasta forms the crest of the Sierras.
The great mountain thus stand as our north
ern guard, mighty sentinel commanding the
approach to the thousand maryels within the
State borders.
Along the line Of railroad between San Fran
cisco and Oregon 1t can be seen for 200 miles,
and It's grandeur Is one Of the first objects to
Impress visitors entering the State by the
northern route.
Another claim to distinction vindicated by
Shasta Is geological one.
The real birth aud abiding glory of California
may be traced TO It's volcanic origin. aud This
mountain represents picturesque and srrik-
ing triumph OF tie Titanic upheavai which
opened up natures stores OF precious minerals
and made the sublime almost q commoupI are
In California scenery.
Ihe entire mass of the mountain is of VOL
caDic origin, the base consisting of tracbltic
lava and the more elevated portion of basaltic
roek there being but little scuria ashes or
other loose material 10 be seen, except near the
summit, where there is heavy bed CT volcanic
Dfeceia. That this. however, as we'll as the ad.
Jacent cone and Many other peaks scattered
try tn fha
cantc origin, having been erupted from crater
like orifce. admits of no doubt
Situate in the SOU hwestery portion OF Siski-
you County. Mount Shasta reaches an altitude
OF l4,44l feet, or nearly three miles.
For 1000 or 5000 feet below its summit il IL
covered WIN snow all The year around-this
being the only mountain IN the State that re-
mains snowclad Tor any considerable distance
below lis summit throughout the entiie wear.
Lassens Pea, the Downievlle Butt and an
The more lofty points in the sac losing thrm
snow late In the summer. except where IL has
drified into deep ravines or lies under the
shadow oil cliffs on their northern slopes
lhe base OF the noun ain is covered except
on the north. TO the height of between 1000 an
5000 teet, with heavy forests OF sugar aud pitch
pine.
On Its northern slope. owing to the poverty OF
the soil. the only trees found consist of stunted
cedar and oak.
Scattered through the higher portion of this
timbeF-belt occur patches OF chaparral. which
being indicative OF barren soil, are locally
known as the "devips acres"
Up to an altitude OF 1000 feet the trees are Of
the usual dimension; at 5000 feet forest trees
DISAPPEAR entir. ly, Il few stuaieu and hardy
SHRUBS su Juggling Tor Xistence up To the height
OF about 5000 feet, between which aud thu line
oil perpetual snow scaic cey moss or lichen Is
To lie seen.
Above the latter point aud reaching TO an
altitude OF 10000 feet the only sign of life met
with Is low 20 III OF vegetable of vermillon
color, which, generated in aud staining The