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Kimes Entry Number
026
Original Date
6-1-1874
Publication
The Overland Monthly, v. 12, no. 6
Page/Column
pp. 489-500
Recommended Citation
Muir, John, "Studies in the Sierra. No. II - Mountain Sculpture. - Origin of Yosemite Valleys." (1874). John Muir: A Reading Bibliography by Kimes (Muir articles 1866-1986). 81.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/jmb/81
William and Maymie Kimes Annotation
""All the valleys and canons of the western flank of the Sierra, between 36 and 39 north latitude, naturally classify themselves under two genera .... One genus comprehends all the slate valleys; the other all that are built of granite. All of the valleys of both genera are valleys of erosion.� In a description of the Merced Yosemite Valley, Muir discusses the ""exceptional creation"" theory, emphasizing its errors. He then gives a detailed description of the formation of the Yosemites, both large and small, by glacial action. Particular attention is given to the formation of the Kings, San Joaquin, and Merced River Yosemites. Illustrated with Muir's pen sketches.