Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-07-08

will leave on Thursday afternoon by way OIL
Baltimore and Philadelphia for Louisville VI
they pass directly through, ths-Tenalns will
reach Philadelphia by midnight.
vAIIgEsrF SAN JOSE.
The followingS from one of Mr.. CFocKETr's
letters-writth at San Francisco:
Our party7cOnsisted Of number Of ladies' and
gentlemen from this city, amongst whom were
Judge David Chambers and his lady. On the
morning after our arrival, we set out in buggles
and carriages on an excursion TO the Almeden
mines," which are the famous quicksilver mines,
situated about twelve miles south Of the town Of
San Jose. Our read lay Immediately down the
valley, on the verge Of which the mines are sit
uated. As we proceeded we were charmed and
astonished with the magnificent landscape, which
was constantly varying its beauties before u.s.
The plain is even as floor, and appears to-
decline slightly from the centre toward the
sides. On either side Of us was q lofty noun
tain range, from which speers now and then
project into the plains, forming the most beau
Itiful coves imaginable The soil Of the valley
is rich, black loan, several feet in depth, and
is fertile almost beyond belief. The whole plain
as far as the eye could reach, was covered with
wild flowers, Of great variety of colors, many
Of which are very beautiful, whilst at intervals
are found patches of wild oats, thousands of
acres in extent. These oats grow to the height
of several feet, though as general thing, they
are not sohigh. They stand very thickly upon
the ground; have fine, full heads, and appear to
be precisely Of the same species with our do
nestle oats. They are now in the green state,
and as seen upon this immense plain, present a
most beautiful appearance, and impress one
forcibly with the conviction, that in no other
country does nature yield spontaneously such
rich rewards to the husbandman. While the
whole valley is thus covered with flowers and
verdure, interpreted in the most beautiful vari-
ETY., nature as if to complete the landscape, has
scattered over the whole, clumps Of forest trees,
chiefly Of q species resembling the live oak,
with wide-spreading tops, and beautiful foliage.
To render the picture still more perfect, the
herds Of cattle which roam over these plains,
have cropped the lower boughs Of the trees, so
that on the under side, the branches are about
of uniform distance from the earth. Indeed,
they have thus been trimmed off with marvel
bus regularity, and looked as if the pruning
knife had been most dexterously used upon them
| l have never seen an English nobleman's park
but from the descriptions have heard Of them
! am satisfied they cannot excel in pastoral beau.
| ty, the delightful valley of San Jose. In addi+
ton to the incidents have mentioned, there are
several beautiful and never failing streams
which meander through the valley, whilst water
for domestic uses can be obtained anywhere, ht
a depth Of ten or fifteen feet below the surface.
The climate of this valley is perpetual spring.
1t is exempt in great measure, from the chilly
sea-breeze which prevails al this city in the af-
ternoon, throughout the year, and especially in
the summer moths; whilst at the same time ii
is never oppressivcly hot. The temperature
therefore is not only mild and uniform, bat the
atmosphere is so very pure, that sickness is al
most unknown. am assured by persons who
have resided there for many years, that It'll one
OF the healthiest spots they have ever Known.
The autumnal fevers which prevail on the'IVest-
ern prairles, are unknown here, and ii the ro-
bust appearance of the population be alS indi-
cation OF good health, San Jose may be set down
as one oil the most favored portions Of the earth
IN this respect. There are already many extern
siVe farms, or as they are termed here Franch-
es," in the valley, and | saw many fields Of
wheat and barley, which far excel a1N that |
ever saw before; and was assured fiat these
We're the second crop from the same lowing.-
When we take into account, the sdi1bFity and
mildness of the climate, the astonishing fecundi-
ty OF the soil, its perfect adaptation 10 agricul-
turai and horticultural pursuits tn, beauty Of
The surrounding scenery and its neir vicinity "a
tins city, the great commercial mait OF the Pa
cific, il is evident that nature coii have done
no more than she has done for thi5fayored SPOT.
1t is in sober reality, as near an APPROACH TO Tie
Arcadia, Of which poets have wftten and en-
thusiasts have dreamed as perhois win ever be
YouchS6Ied TO man. | am well aware that in
this glowing account Of the valy, Lam expo
sing myself to strong suspicio3, that have be-
come infected with that tendencJto exaggeration.
which has been supposed to behnseparable from
California letter-writers. Bui at The hazard .of
mourning this imputation, / must and will pivs
my honest impressions of the country; and The
picture | have drawn, instead Of being oyer-eol.
ored is in truth much below the reality. tits
supposed that this valley is apsble of maintain.
ing in comfort more than htf a million OF popu-
lation, and do not doibt Ne fact. Indeed The
time is near at hand, wheneyery acre of it will
be under cultivation, and fen years hence, it
will resemble vast gardh, embellished with
art in addition to its natuhl beauties, and will
Afford TO the man Of opul4ce, as delightful re
treat as can be found on he continent.
About three miles dgtant from the town of
San Jose, is the old mission of Santa Clara. -
Here also is considerable village and the old
church, bailt by the Missionaries many wears
ago, is still standing All occupied Tor woyship
by the native population. | saw there hul one
priest, and the church tdifce aud adjacent b6lI
lings are considerably dihpilsted From s3nI