The Journal of San Diego History
SAN DIEGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY
Spring 1985, Volume 31, Number 2
Thomas L. Scharf, Editor

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Florence Merriam

Page 76

Florence Merriam, a determined young naturalist, in 1893, just before her second visit to Twin Oaks to gather information on its bird life.

Major Gustavus Merriam's homestead in Twin Oaks

Page 79

Major Gustavus Merriam’s homestead in Twin Oaks, north of present-day San Marcos, probably 1894. He and his wife are seated. Between them stands his brother Clinton Merriam, whose daughter Florence may be sitting on the horse at left.

 

hummingbird on her nest, drawn by Louis Agassiz Fuertes

Page 82

A hummingbird on her nest, drawn by Louis Agassiz Fuertes from a photo. Miss Merriam’s book, A-Birding on a Bronco, was Fuertes’ first commercial publication. He was to become the most famous bird artist

 

The Twin Oaks

Page 84

The Twin Oaks, still standing, after which Major Merriam named the area. His daughter Virginia ran a school for boys, some of whom are shown at their lessons.