Includes index.

"Shoe String Press book."

Bibliography: p. 333-346.

Life in mining camps and mining towns: Behrins, H. F. Reminiscences of California in 1851. Ballou, M. "I hear the hogs in my kitchen." Mansur, A. Ms. letters written to her sister, 1852-1854. Haskell, R. "A literate woman in the mines."--Life on farms and ranches: Ivins, V. W. Pen pictures of early western days. Compton, H. P. Mary Murdoch Compton. Teeples, Mrs. C. A. "The first pioneers of the Gila Valley." Hafen, M. A. Memories of a handcart pioneer.--Army wives: Boyd, Mrs. O. B. Calvary life in tent and field. Biddle, E. M. Reminiscences of a soldier's wife. Summerhayes, M. Vanished Arizona.--Working women: Wilson, L. S. Luzena Stanley Wilson, '49er. Churchill, Mrs. C. N. Active footsteps. Mathews, M. M. Ten years in Nevada. Doyle, H. A child went forth.--Life in the growing cities: Larowe, Mrs. N. C. An account of my life's journey so far. Ackley, Mrs. M. E. Crossing the Plains and early days in California. Saxon, I. Five years within the Golden Gate.--Childhood and adolescence in the West: Bixby-Smith, S. Adobe days. Hopkins, S. W. Life among the Piutes. White E. Memories of pioneer childhood and youth in French Corral and North San Juan, Nevada County, California. Kitt, E. S. Pioneering in Arizona.--Life in the West as seen through the eyes of travellers: Bates, Mrs. D. B. Incidents on land and water. Leslie, M. F. California. Adams, E. H. To and fro, up and down in Southern California, Oregon, and Washington Territory.