"Most of the matter in this book originally appeared in Hampton's magazine in the form of separate articles."

Prefatory anecdote.--The romantic history of the Dutch bondholders and the St. Paul and Pacific.--The romance of the Inland Empire.--The greatest melon patch in the world.--The romance of Death avenue.--Romantic days in early California.--Uncle Mark packs up the books.--Mr. Huntington writes to friend Colton.--Mrs. Colton learns about philanthropy.--Speaking of widow and orphans.--What the law does for us.--The story of the harbor fight.--The story of the lemon rate.--The story of the New Haven.