Originally published in 1838, this book provides a fascinating glimpse into the western United States during the early days of westward expansion. The author, a geologist and explorer, offers detailed descriptions of the land, climate, and natural resources of the region, as well as insights into the culture and daily life of the people who lived there. A must-read for anyone interested in American history or the natural world. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1838.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This encyclopedic yet easy-to-use 2-volume set covers 262 individual entries, including a full description of 451 species and another 361 plants compared as similar species, representing 63 plant families. 13 shortcut identification tables for groups that share similar, unusual, or relatively uncommon characteristics. 2 grass identification keys - a key to all characteristics including inflorescences and reproductive parts and a key to vegetative characteristics only. 67 tables comparing important characteristics of difficult-to-distinguish weedy species. Color photos of over 700 weeds including seeds, seedlings, flowers, and mature plants. Appendix of non-native plants rarely or occasionally naturalized in California. Glossary of botanical terms. Bibliography of some of the most pertinent publications. Index to common names, scientific names, and synonyms. Each entry describes the plant category, family name, common name, and synonyms along with a summary of the important aspects of the plant’s life cycle, size, growth form, impact, method of introduction, and toxicity. You'll also find a description of the seedling, mature plant, roots and underground structures, flowers, fruits and seeds, spikelets and florets, spore-bearing structures, and post senescence characteristics for each entry. Also includes a description of the habitat where each is typically found and distribution in California, other states, and worldwide, along with maximum elevation at which the species is found. Rounding out each entry is a description of the methods of reproduction, seed dispersal, germination requirements and conditions, seed survival and longevity, early establishment characteristics and requirements, cultural practices and management options that have proven effective or ineffective in controlling infestations, and a notation of the species' inclusion on federal or state noxious weed lists.