San Andreas independent., 1858-07-17
LETTER FROM STOCKTON.
Correspondence Of the Independent.

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Correspondence of the Independent
STOCKTON, June 9th, 1858.
Mr Editor w neither it is, or is not,
a transgression of Legislative decree-a
civil iniquity deserving apprehension, to
write letter on Sunday, is a matter in
volving little dread of danger on my part,
although it is a question which has not
yet been decided by the Supreme Court
"Sabbath was made for man and not
man for the Sabbath" therefore, in COM
pliance with the inofensive liberality of
natural law, we are free from fastidious
compunctions in scnbbling to-day, as that
beautiful young woman is of indulging in
hearty laugh; that bird in singing its
morning song, or the free and uninter-
rupted utterance of ear-splitting music
rolling through the canon Of the lungs Of
that sleek-skinned calf All this, and
much besides, is here perfectly natural
| would be pleased to see the many nat
ural advantages Of this city and the sur
rounding country accurately described
For me, so short resident Of the place,
to attempt the task, would be preposter-
Gus. | am not even acquainted with the
names of but few of the owners and oc-
cupants of the many beautiful gardens
and residences within the limits and upon
the outskirts of the city proper. That
shady retreat on the side of the slough,
directly opposite the steamboat landing, is
the we'll known residence of Mr. Weber.
| have just strolled round this gentleman
grounds and INDUCED in the small vice
of smoking cigar in the arbor" |
have been told that as much as fifty
thousand dollars has been expended by
that gentleman Oh his grounds. There
is, in my opinion, greater evidence of ex-
penditure than happy arrangement here
An attempt at elegance ought never to
be made at the expense of natural har-
mony In the laying out of extensive and
ornamental gardens. The difference be-
tween aach1card confusion and charming
confusion, to me, is here apparent The
sombre weight of the former affects the
eye unpleasantly, while the latter is pleas
ing and attractive. While, in laying out
ornamental gardens, it is of importance to
make the grounds appear larger than their
actual size, 1t is not necessary, in good
taste, to have walks or drives a mile in
length to gain furlong in distance But
certainly great credit is due Mr.. Weber
for the acquisition of so many valuable
plants and trees. ''No Admittance" on
the gate prevented my entrance into the
enclosure Immediately surrounding the
dwelling; but a peep through the fence
afforded satisfactory view The largest
plants we have ever seen of Lemon Yer
bena (Aloysia Citriodora,) are growing
here. Grapes and peaches are the prin
cipal fruits, although figs, apricots, &C.,
are plentifully present. The leaves of the
grape appear " fabby," and seem as though
they got too much water The fruit has
evidently commenced its second swelling.
Peaches seem to suffer, from what partic-
ular cause [ know not The fruit seem
unusually small, and the leaves are tinged
with a sickly yellowness. Whether this
is caused by atmospheric influence, unfa
vorabe elements in the soil, sourness of
subsoil, or any of these causes, | have no
means of ascertaining.
There is dense belt of forest trees and
towering shrubs along the southwest,
west and northwest sides of the grounds,
too dense to make the tout ensemble ex-
traordinarily pleasing.
A passing glance at several of the prin-
cipal gardens around the hesuburbs of Stock
ton, convinces me that the mode Of treat
ing plants and trees is very different with
different individuals. An extensive or
chard of peach trees-the property of
Judge presents very healthy
appearance; but those approximating near
est to my idea of right, are the grounds
of DR.. Holden. The doctor uses the knife
freely, yet not indiscriminately. His
peach trees present avery neat and healthy
appearance indeed. His grape vines are
bueao. This extensive garden only re-
quires AGE to make it excellent. Great
expense has evidently been incurred in