The Alkaline and Boracic Lakes of California

Immediately east of the range of the Sierra Nevada is an extensive region of alkaline lakes and hot springs, of which very large areas are almost totally barren, the only vegetation consisting of wild sage, yucca, a few cacti, and scanty tufts of bunch-grass. This district affords, in its many extensive craters and in its lavas, basalts, and obsidians, the most conclusive evidence of its volcanic origin, while its solfataras and boiling springs may be regarded as the last representatives of active volcanicity.

Although this region is one of great scientific interest, and may eventually become industrially important, it appears to be but little known in this country, and it has therefore been thought that a brief description of the district, as well as that of the borax lakes, lying on the western side of the Sierra, might not be without interest to English readers. The most remarkable of the alkaline lakes of this portion of California are Mono and Owens Lakes.