Alonzo Delano was a well-known Californian humorist who satirized life in the Gold Rush years. This volume was illustrated by the illustrious Charles Nahl and the engravings were done by a Mr. Armstrong. Delano writes in his preface that few existing accounts of the gold mines are true to life, and that there are two types of miners: those who are industrious and sober, and those who pursue a course of indolence and vice.