The weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1878-1881, 1881-04-05

oranges from the grand old trees, one of
which was planted twenty-five years ago.
This was an unexpected treat and will long
be remembered by the happy individuals who
took part in the subsequent proceedings, The
party next stopped at the cozy house of Mr..
Waters, where scenes of similar re,elry fol-
lowed. Speeches of thanks were given a:
both places, and the fragrant wine of San
Bernadino was sampled by the visitors.
From this point eastward towards Crofton
Retreat, the land possesses many capabilities
for citron culture, and opportunities for
planting orchards, there being water for irri-
CATION If well handled Crofton is lovely
summer resort, and here the people of the
whole valley assembled in an informal, pri-
vate good fellowship and greeting under the
wide porches, shaded and breezy, were long
| tables spread, groaniDg with the gastronomic
luxuries of life. Sitting here, the party looked
down the fairvalley, and upon orchards of
shining oranges. The atmosphere of the
place was one unstudied, spontaneous well
come to the wanderers in the house, where
tht news folks signed their names, even the
emblens of the craft, the paste-pot, scissors,
pen, inkstald, ETC., all done in evergreen
work.
Leaving Crofton the tourists passed
through the region known as Lugonia. 1t is
thought to be raisin-grape section, and DIR.
j. D S. Stillman and others are planting
vineyards. Water is abundant and the soil
is of fine quality. In some places the citrus
fruits thrive. There are numbers of small
farms where orchards are being planted, but
much land is as yet unused aud left for cacti
clumps and scanty pasturage. The prospects
of the orchards already set are promising.
From Lagonia towards San Bernadino the
character Of the soil changes. 1t is noster and
richer. Diversified crops are here possible. The
soil is of good quality about the latter place;
water is near the surface, artesian wells are
obtained, and many of them can be seen
flowing and keeping alfalfa green, or supply
ing carp ponds. Here, the resources of the
community seem abundant, and with prop
er energy large growth may be confidently
expected. Bricks predomlnate in San Ber-
nadine town, the county seat. Cottonwoods
line the streets, and furnish much of the fire
wood. The land here lies too low for success
with oranges though the Cotton Land and
Water Company have groves on the terrace,
or MESA, west of the town.
Friday night, there was local entertain
ment in San Bernadino, and those ofthe press
who attended were gratiied by display Of
some very creditable musical and dramatic
talent.
Saturday morning the party were again
carried to Cotton in carriages, and took the
train for San Gabriel, where carriages again
awaited them, and the view of the orchard
powered homes of San Gabriel, Liena, Madic
and Pasadena followed.
Leaving the luminous heights of San Ber-
nadiao far to our right, and facing the chill
SHOWS which cleaned above the blue Sierra
ridges, with glmpses of the villas, the costly
houses, the engineering of reservoirs and
pipes, the vineyards of o. r. Shorb and L. j.
Rose, the large groves and stately avenues,
golden-frllited, the groves of roses, and gar
dens Of fragrance, climbing past hedges Of
lime and orchards oflemon and pomegranate,
to the beautiful Sierra Madc villa, We caught
the healthfuneSs and charm of this southern
the hour. We visited the wine cellars of L..
J. Rose, and took dinner at Sierra Made,
and stopped al Lucky" Baldwins costly
place. where some Of his favorite horses were
exhibited. Then the party wandered across
the slopes towards The Pasadena settlement,
where men are making homes, and the low
lest of gardens will sometime be in this
) gress is being shown, and it is pleasant,
, heallhful, cheerful community. They grow
, good oranges, apricots and many other fruits.
, The settlement is Supplied with water from
an iron pipe laid to the source in the hills.
5 There is no more land for sale at first hands
f in the colony, but an additional tract will
probably be sub-tirided.
Saturday afternoon the somewhat tired
t travellers reached Los Angeles, and were
A greeted ami made at home there. The new
. club rooms of the Los Angeles Club-com-
: posed OF the leading gentlemen of that city,
Y and presided over by Judge Sepuloida-were
c rendered to the eXcursionsts during their
:: stay. Meanwhile preparations were being
D made for grand banquet in honor of our ar
: rival, at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, on the
: Monday evening following, At Los Angeles
n the party virtually disbanded, to go as they
pleased, and from Sunday morning until the
time of our departure, it was one round OF
f pleasant sightseeing in the orange groves, al
the Horticultural fair. and around the envi-
: rons of the beautiful city of the Angels.
I CABLE.
BERKEIY, Alameda Cal, March 22, 81.