The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-02-19
tFrom the California Start
The City of San Francisco.

Yerba Buena (San Francisco) the name of our
town. which means "good herb,' is situated on
the Southwest side of the principal arm OF San
Francisco bay, about five miles from the ocean, on
a narrow neck of land, varying from four to ten
miles in width-the narrowest place being sixteen
miles Southwest of the town 1t is in latitude 80
As N. This narrow strip of land is about sixty
miles in length extending from the point formed by
the bay and the ocean, to the valley OF San Jose.
The site of the town is handsome and command
ing-beng an inclined plain Of about mile in ex-
tent from the waters edge, to the hills In the rear
Two points of land-one on each side, extending
into the bay, form a crescent or small bay In the
shape of crescent, in 'front.' which bears the name
of the town. These points afford a fine view OF
the surrounding countryside snow-capped noun
tains in the distance-the green valleys beneath
them-the beautiful, smooth and unruftied bay In
front and ON either side, once burst upon the eye.
There is in front of the town small island, rising
high above the surface of the bay, about two miles
long and one wide, which is covered the greater
part of the year with the most exuberant heritage
of untrodden freshness. This little island is about
three miles from the shore. Between it and the
town is the principal anchorage. Here vessels OF
all nations rest in safety and peace, and their flags
are displayed by the aromatic breeze. Two hun
bred yards from the Shore there is twentyour feet
of water, and short distance beyond that, as many
fathoms. The beach Immediately In front OF the
now business part of town is shelving; but will,
no doubt, in short time, be filled up and become
Tic lllust VALUABLE part VI PidoO'
The climate here is, in the winter, which is the
rainy season, damp and chilly. During the balance
of the year it is dry but chilly, in consequence of
the continual strong winds from the north and
northwest. There is but little variation IN the at
mosphere throughout the year; the thermometer
ranging from fifty-fve to seventy degrees fahren-
het. Yerba Buena is one of the most healthy
places on the whole coast of the Pacific Sickness
of any kind is rarely known among us. The sau-
brity of the climate-beauty of the site of the
town-its contiguity to the mouth OF the daytime
finest harbor on the whole coast in front-the rich
and beautiful country around it, all conspire to
render it one of the best commercial points IN the
world. The town is new, having been laid OIL IN
1899 by Capt John Vioget; and notwithstanding
all the troubles in the country has gradually In
creased in size and Importance 1t now contains
population of about five hundred permanent cit
liens. Two years ago there were but about two
hundred. Three miles south is the Mission Dolores
on Mission creek, surrounded by small valley OF
rich and beautiful land. The water from this
creek can easily be brought by means of aqueducts
to any point to supply vessels For the supply of
the citizens the best Of well water is obtained In
every part of the town, by boring the distance of
forty feet
In going south from Yerba Buena, the traveller
passes over this narrow neck of land !; most de-
lghtfu region, interspersed with hills, valleys and
mOuntains-the valleys rich and beautliul-the
hills covered with tall pines, red wood and cedar,
that have withstood the tempests and whlrlwinds
of century, and the mountains rising in majestic
grandeur to the clouds In passing out, the valley
of San Jose opens to the view IN all the loneliness
of the climate of Italy and beauty of the tropics.
This valley is about sixty miles long and ten wide
The Pueblo, which means an Incorporated town, Is
the principal place of business for the valley and Is
about five miles from Santa Clara the landing, on
the bay, or, as it is termed here, the embarca-
daro' Passing on from here northeast, the travel
Ter in a few hours ride reaches the Straits, which
separate the Sussun Bay, formed by the confluence
of the Sacramento and the San Joaquin rivers,
from that of San Pueblo. Here it seems that the
/ accumulated waters of thousand years had sud,
| denly rent the opposing mountains asunder, ana
flowed with tremendous force TO the great bosom OF
the deep On the north side of the bay, from the
Straits to Sousto is one Of the finest districts of
country in Upper California. Next to 4erba Buena,
| Sousillto is the best point on the whole bay for
commercial town. Ii is seven miles little east OF
north from this place, the opposite side OF the bay
| and has long been watering point for vessels. An
attempt has recently been made to Law of and build
I'D town at the Straits, to supercede the two last
| mentioned places 1t will no doubt, however, be
| an entire failure San Francisco Bay being the
| safest and most commodious harbor on the entire
| coast of the Pacific, some point it must be the
| great mart of the western world. We believe 1erba
| Buena is the point, commanding il does now, all
| the trade of the surrounding country, and there
| being already large amount OF capital concen-
| trated here. The town of Ierba Buena is called
| in some of the old maps of the country san Fran
| cisco. 1t is not known by that name here, however
The town takes its name from an herb TO be found
| all around it, which is said to make good tea and
possessing excellent medicinal qualities it is called
] good herb, OR Yerba Buena