when "the young adventurer" was published, a year since, as the initial volume of the pacific series, it was announced that the second volume would be "the young pioneer." this has been changed to "the young miner," in order to avoid confusion with a book bearing a title somewhat similar to the one first proposed.

those who were interested in tom nelson's trip across the plains will find in the present story a record of his adventures in the land of gold. though his prosperity was chiefly due to his own energy and industry, it is also true that he was exceptionally lucky. yet his good fortune has been far exceeded by that of numerous adventurous spirits in colorado, within the last twelve months. some measure of prosperity generally awaits the patient and energetic worker, and seldom comes to those who idly wait for something to turn up.

new york, oct. 1, 1879.