Adobe days : $b being the truthful narrative of the events in the life of a California girl on a sheep ranch and in El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles while it was yet a small and humble town; together with an account of how three young men from Maine in eighteen hundred and fifty-three drove sheep and cattle across the plains, mountains and deserts from Illinois to the Pacific coast; and the strange prophecy of Admiral Thatcher about San Pedro harbor

"Adobe Days" by Sarah Bixby-Smith is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative chronicles the life of a California girl growing up on a sheep ranch during a time when California was still in its formative years, detailing experiences alongside her family's migration to the Pacific Coast amidst the greater context of America's westward expansion. The opening of the book immerses the reader in the rich tapestry of Bixby-Smith's early life, beginning with her upbringing on a sheep ranch in California's San Benito Valley. She intricately describes the surrounding landscapes, the dynamics of her family, and the daily activities on the ranch. The narrative sets the scene for a blend of personal and historical storytelling, revealing how her family's journey from Maine to California shaped their lives amidst the backdrop of significant societal changes, including railroad development and the decline of the Gold Rush era. The author emphasizes her deep connection to the land and the arts of ranch life, while also hinting at the larger cultural and historical events that influence her personal narrative.