The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-07-08
OuR CAIIFORSIALRrTER.


CerIapondeloe q ths InteltglneG.
Having heard 80 much about the val.
uLEle property nov for sale 10 San Rs-
fael, We resolved to'take q fresh survey
Of that beautiful suburban town, and re
fresh our memory and body at the SAINT
time. Before We mention our trip VI
would make . brief description Of thu
town. II l. situated In Marin county
and about fourteen miles northeast Of
San Francisco. The frst settlement made
in Marin county was At San Rafael
which IL considered one Of the most lore
ly places in the State Of California. II
stands back from the water about two
miles, in 3 valley surrounded BY high
hills except towards the water. The
town L. protected from the bleak Windi
and fogI that sweep over the coast By the
hiRh-Wooded hills and heights that sur
round II, and 10 supplied with the purest
water from an artificial lake situated
midway up Mount TamAlpais, which
has height OF 1000 feet. Owing 70 ia
mild and uniform climate, 1t has become
the sanitarium Of the Pacific coast. Il
has 3 population Of fifteen hundred,
The principal Newspaper Is the San
Rafael Herald. Tso convenient routes Of
travel are opened to. this pleasant 70 90,
ferry connecting with 4 local line At Point
San Quentin and the North Pacific coast,
These routes afford quick passage 70 the
many business men who have made San
Rafael their home. There are several
excellent hotels, splendid court house
and an admirably conducted Orphan Asy.
lum. San Rafael was first settled in 1871
OUR TRIP BY WATER.
The splendid new steamer San Rafael,
IS feet As bird, comes merrily up to her
wharf and bends gallantly 10 her waiting
guests. The reception over, she ploWs
herself msiestieally out, and walks the
waters like 8 thing Of lits." The grandi.
DEE sea gulls sWoop and swirl in rhythmic
revolutions, as II weaving invisible pat.
terms into invisible fabrics. On we 20;
the waters OF the bay are in conyiyial
mood, the white crests Of the waves dane.
ing toward the shore like merry hearted
children, when suddenly assuming more
reyetent aspect,
hThsy Epesl upon the doping aud,
A bends he hunIn Lnes;
A BEAUTIFUL and ttrsItsI Sand,
The pie thOoi Of the sea-"
And now We are at the wharf. Fun.
ing impetuous cars, that snort and puff
like FESTIVE thorough. breds, catch up the
living freight and Whisk wildly on, obliv-
Gus 10 scenes Of enhancing beauty that
stretch out on every hand. Beautiful
homes look more beautiful than ever
amid their wilderness Of bloom. II the
whole year were one grsod opera, this
day would be the grandest aria In It
Earth, air and sky have formed q con.
spiracy for happiness; they are fairly e1.
ultant with joy. Nature animate, has
caught the inspiration, sud Is caressed
into gentle AffAbility and joy. The bird.
are riotouS with song, and pour forth ir.
repressible thrills in perfect abandon OF
rapture. No statute comes between Us
and the peryasiye fragrance. Expan.
sive homes breath free, and jocund life
abounds. They stretch themselves out 10
generous amplitude, munifeeut with
comfort. San Rafael Fair queen OF
suburban retreats-the futtering fringe
Of the busting city, combining ornamen.
tation with utility.
And now we have reached this noted
place only one hour from the city. What
beauty and variety Of landscape, and a
place for homesteads. In the distance the
grand old monarchs Of mountains rear
their msiestic heads, defiant alike Of sun.
shine and storm. TsmAlpais, sged, silver
headed old patriarch Of the family; 5 step
or two nearer come the reverential child.
rem, still grand and dignifed, but not
frosted with the SHOWS Of sge.
Then uncles, aunts, or cousins, grand
children and great-grand.ehildren, until
the proud old pstriarchs OF mountains
reproduce themselves in infAntile, grass.
covered hiilsideS, and finally spread them.
selves ont 10 soft, velvety lawns with q
mosaic Of flowers, musical with the mel
odies Of running brooks, from the noun
tain born, that go cArolling in their gam.
bols at our very leet, as II crazed with Joy
at their sudden emancipation. All about
we see the perfection Of architectural
beauty and skill in loving alliance with
nsture's most prodigal giits. Fertility Of
soil, abundance OF pure water, healthiul.
ness Of climate, beautiful surroundings,
choice population, easy accessibility, com.
bine 10 make San Rafael the place par
excellence for lovely homes. BE ia true
philanthropist who places such q home
within the reach Of every frugal and in.
dustrious man even Of limited income.
We were never one-hAlf 90 much in love
with Nature as on this rare day, when
San Rafael with benefesnt mood dis.
closes all her glories to us. Night creeps
on, and we still llnger around the en-.
chanted spot. The sun drops down in 4
glory Of rose and gold that Alshes sea
and shore, and "the tender twilight, with
a crimson cheek, leans on the breast Of
evening. T. MIG.
lSaa Faueisco, Jun. %. 1873.