The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-10-24

lect spot in the rear of the mission Of
San Gabriel, where the flowers are Of
SO rich vernilion, as to be seen dis
tinctly from the ships place of anchor
age at San Pedro, from whence they
appear like a velvet covering to tho
earth. This is distance Of over thir-
ty miles, and it may seem to the reader
almost incredible; but neverthelessitis
truth, and may be witnessed, year af-
ter year, without any decrease in beau
ty. 4
The hills and the woods abound with
many kinds Of wild fruits, among which
are gooseberries, blackberries, whortle.
berries, and strawberries. The latter
vary in their appearance and aavorac.
cording to their locality; those found
in the northern parts of the country
being inferior in size, but sweeter,--
| Raspberries also TO be met with, in
quality equal to the English ones, but
the most abundant of all is the mora or
blackberry.
The soil of California is rich, and
aided by the mild temperature ofits
climate, extremely productive for all
kinds Of grain; admitting Of two crops
in one season. From the parallel OF
San Luis Obispo, northward the high.
lands are topped with pines. while the
green plains beyond them are plenti.
fully supplied with oak; the former, in
some sections of the country, growing
to an immense size, with long cones
hanging from their branches, containing
pinones or seeds, which are collected
4 by the Indians at their proper season,
and become an important article Of
their food. Other classes of trees are
4 found in the forests, Of which the ash.
beach, and maple, comprise the greater
portion. N
, The feature of the mountains extend
, ing through California gives dreary
aspect to the country, till arriving near
the confines Of Monterey, where they
are wooded, and less accompanied with
, volcanic appearances. Their average
; height is about twenty-five hundred
! feet, rising in some places almos. d.
rectly from the sea. SO as to leave but
! narrox strip between them and the
rivers and bays supply the inhabitants
with fish Of many kinds. ,
California, pie,rcd as maritime sta
tion, has not its equal on the ,chols Des-
tern coast Of America. Her principal
ports, which are San Francisco and
San Diego, afford the most secure an
chorage for the largest fleets, with ia.
cilities for establishing wharves, docts
and arsenals. The tormer harbor is so
situated rs to require but little labor 10
make it one Of the strongest fortified
i places in the world; for the rocky cliffs
. which form its narrow entrance, COM
bined with other prominent locations
within, seem as if intended by nature
for defence. There are numerous
small islands scattered about the bay,
and one of them affords an abundant
supply Of fresh water, and convenient
locations for heaving out vessels for
coppering or for repairs. The Bios
som, a British sloop-of-war, was ground
ed here some years ago, and thoroughly
overhauled. A harbor possessing such
advantages, must, or ought to, attract
the attention of the United States gov.
ernment; and If the importance Of her
4 commercial interest in the Pacific ocean
requires place OF shelter for her thous-
ands OF vessels, which are yearly float
ing upon those waters, then let San
\ Francisco be the one, in preference to
any other port! How can it be ac-
quired, will be the inquiry, or negotiat-
ed for, while we are, as it were, waging
war against Mexico, thus shutting out
all lmeans for negotiation? My answer
lis, that California will negotiate forher-
self soon, and perhaps ere now she has
dared to proclaim her Independence,
and NAV be at this moment prepared
4 for any arrangement with the United
States. Let our government look TO
this important issue, and secure, If pos
!, sible, such an acquisition as San Fran
cisco would become to our glorious re-
public.
Gold and silver mines have been
found in California, from which consid-
cradle quantities Of ore have been oh.
tanned; and recently, during the pres
ent year, one of quicksilver has been
discovered. The last is now worked
on small scale, and produces one-sixth
| Iof metal from the ore.
The arrival Of Captain Fremont in
!. California, must soon cuuse a vast
change in the commerce Of the coun-
+ fItry, and perhaps, ere long, our enter
Iprising Yankees will be focklng there
i in thousands with team loads Of nnef,
chandise. The captain has discovered
route which is eight hundred miles
"A ~, one a rnr,,,a II !, fro xrollad