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304 HOYT STREET PORTLAND,OREGON June 15,1912. Dear Mr.Muir:- I thank you for your kindly courteous letter granting
my request for an autograph inscription in my copy of My First Summer in the Sierra. The volume goes forward by today's mall.
Whatever you may write therein will be much prised and greatly appreciated,as it will give the book that personal touch which
I so value in the volumes I love best. I do not want to ask too much,but will say that you cannot make the note which you
may direct to me in the book,too long. Thank you for expressing the wish that we might sometime meet. I can imagine no more
delightful experience than to meet and converse with one who has for so many years lived in the very Temple of Nature and
stored his mind with memories of her wonderful,musical rites,I hope that you may find it some day necessary to come to Port
land, and that when you do, I may have the pleasure of having you with us for a time. I can sit on my porch and across ths
house-dotted Willamette valley see the mighty dome of Mt.Hood dominating the horizon,between tho folds of fir-clad hills that
fill my foreground and frame the mighty picture Words,written or spoken,cannot transfer to another the feeling which overcome
one's being at such a sight,no often how constantly seen,but I know that you will understand.Superlatives only are in any
way adequate,and they sound flat because cheapened by constant use on lesser things. 05211