Mozino was official ‘botanist—naturalist’ on an expedition of Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, sent to investigate the Spanish ‘Limits to the North of California’ in 1792 and to represent his nation in a vital confrontation with the English. Nootka Sound, a sheltered inlet on Vancouver Island, was the focal point of this excitement...Jose Mariano Mozino, an able scientist, Mexican born and educated, busied himself with a thorough investigation of the land and its people. WIth the aid of his assistants, he was the first to make an in—depth study of the language, customs, religion, and system of government of this region, and learned more about the way of life of these people than had anyone else...Dr Wilson’s...translation and notes are excellent, the numerous illustrations superb. In all, this is a beautiful book."
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American West
