Rambles of a Botanist Among the Plants and Climates of California; [Introduction by William F. Kimes] [Presented to the Roxburghe and Zamorano Clubs, September 1974 by William F. Kimes]

Los Angeles: Dawson's Book Shop [Grant Dahlstrom, The Castle Press, Printer], 1974. First Edition, 1st Printing. Near Fine. SIGNED by Kimes, Limited 700 copies, [8.75x5.75in], [10], 11-43 pp., [1], colophon, four images and illustration, including frontispiece, one double page map, chronology [of Muir's life, trips, and publications]; Olive green cloth covers with gilt lettering on spine, black ink illustration of Redwood tree branch and cone, all edges trimmed, unrecorded variant of colophon; Negligible shelf wear to covers, edges or corners, ink inscription by Kimes on front fly leaf "Best wishes in you pursuit of John Muir! Your Friend, William F. Kimes", [Kimes 439]. John Muir (1838-1914) was a well-known naturalist, preservationist, author, advocate, and founder of the Sierra Club. Muir was also a scientist in observations of a broad range of subjects - geology, glaciology, botany and zoology. His writings were poetic in the beauty of nature and compelling in preserving for the enjoyment of future generations. In the 1890's, the exploitation of the West's resources and use of Federal lands was a concern for conservationists (environmentalist today). Muir's many articles and books had a significant impact on the public and policy makers to expand protection, conservation, and preservation of forests and public lands. His first book, The Mountains of California, along with Muir's second book, Our National Parks, 1901, advanced his efforts to influence Presidents and generate public support have created National park system the United States and other countries have today.

This book is a collection of two published articles in 1872 and 1873. The first one is relating to a 1868 "ramble" from San Francisco to the Sierras and was the second article to be published in 1872. The second is from Muir's first excursion to the Hetch Hetchy Valley in the fall of 1872.