Today we will be reading excerpts from one of John Muir’s most famous books, The Mountains of California. John Muir was one of America’s earliest conservationists. His writings influenced the preservation of Sequoia National Park and Yosemite Valley. He also founded the Sierra Club. The passage we will be reading is about a storm Muir witnessed in 1874.

When we are finished reading the excerpt as a class, please answer the following questions in your English Journal.

1. Select a quote from the passage that explains how Muir view’s nature. Copy and paste it in your EJ.

2. Explain why you choose the quote.

3. Think back to the other texts we have read (Native Americans, Byrd, Bradford, Thoreau). How do you think Muir’s view of nature is different than the other texts we have read? Explain your answer.

4. Do you think Muir made any assumptions in this piece? If so, where?