William Henry Holmes' life and work covers pivotal moments in scientific exploration across the United States and the development of the Smithsonian Institution.
This volume covers William Henry Holmes' time as artist for the Survey of the territories, directed by F. V. Hayden, during 1872, and as geologist during the subsequent survey in 1878. It contains segments from his original field notes (some of which are now lost) describing daily work, observations of wildlife, as well as original artwork and photography Yellowstone, including interpretations of the canyon geology.