Daily Los Angeles herald., 1884-06-21
Los Amcslss AND VICINITY.
Pen Picture o. ..o- nern California
by the Talented Correspondent OF
the Hannibal Courier and Mis-
souri, Republican.

souri, Republican.
There are a number Of interesting
places along the coast, among which Is
santa Barbara, one Of the noted water
ing places OF California, aud South Los
Angeles, San Diego, the oldest town in
the State. The San Diego barbor is
considered by many to be second to none
in the State.
Santa Monica, about eighteen miles
west of Los Angeles, has very line
beach aud IL much irequented in sam.
mer by residents OF this city who enjoy
sea bathing and are fond of sailing and
fishing, 1t is pretty place. The y G.
turesque beach and long line OF breakers
make II very attractive spot in which
to while away summers day. Even
In winter the water il warm enough for
bathing, and the genial sun that sleeps
this semi.tropicai land in sunshine all
the wear round renders the cool breeze
very invigoraiing.
OF all the pleasant places in the region
OF Los Angeles, Riverside. think, is
the most beautiful aud interesting. Its
location is superb--a level valley sur.
rounded by emerald foothills aud purple
ranges of mountains among which gilt
tering snow.peaks lift their dazzling
heads ten thousand feet above sea level.
The elevation OF the town IL over 900
feet and the climate much drier than
that OF towns nearer the coast. Ii is
seventy five miles from the ocean.
Riverside is town OF beautiful rural
homes surrounded by fruit orchards and
vineyards that extend for miles into the
valley Of the Santa Ana On either side
as far as the eye can reach are groves Of
oranges interspersed with gardens Of sur
passing lovelness ard orchards Of deli
cious fruits. Through the town IN wide,
beautiful avenue lined with magDolias,
eucalyptus and pepper trees. Tits is
known us Magnolia avenue, and extends
for distance OF ten miles through the
country. Iii a feature of which the
inhabitants Of this lovely settlement
may well be proud.
Twelve years ago Riverside was
place unknown to the valley from which
II has since sprung, was simply barren
plain covered with sage-brush. II 1t
were not remarkable for nj, thing else,
it would certainly be for the rapid
growth which has distinguished 1t.
Pears, apricots, peaches, figs, plums,
grapes, limes, lenons and pomegrtnites
are all grown here, besides all kinds Of
berries. Strawberries can bo had the
year round. Oranges, OF course, are the
staple fruit, and nowhere in the state
are they more beautiful or clear skinned.
sThey are large aud luscious and of
most delicious flavor. Grapes, too, are
raised in great quantities. The land IL
irrigated by two canals
But one cannot linger in this city of
orange groves forever, though the ipeli.
nation is almost irresistible to do 80,
and know Of no more charming place
in which to spend the winter. than in
the most beautiful town of Riverside.
II may certainly be said to resemble
paradise. As some writer has truly
said; "Angels here might fold their
wings, to rest in the garden OF the
West"
Los Angeles has great number of line
public buildings which, were they all in
one locality, would make n most impos-
ing array. The unpretentious structures
of earlier days are fast giving way to the
more substantial affairs Of the later era,
aud 1t will not be long doubtless. ere the
streets will be grand by symmetrical
beauty of architectural art.
There is one feature of the city which
is particularly beautiful-the ga, den that
surround almost every home. The house
without garden is an exception, one
can scarcely resist the temptation to
stop at almost every step and admire the
gorgeous array OF flowers. Rows OF
stately calla lilies line the walks, and
roses Of every hue make the air redolont
with sweet perfume. Flowers that we
nurse at home in hot houses grow here
in luxuriant profusion, and rare blossoms
that must be daintily nourshed, grow
in unframed hardihood. Violets, sweet
harbingersof spring in tho Eastern Slater,
are seen here all winter long, and it is
not uncommon to see helotrope and
fuchias growing over the doorways To
eastern eyes this is marvellous. In the
midst OF this luxuriant bloom, it is al.
most impossible to imagine the bleakness
OF northern winter.
Nuestra Sonora la Reyna de Los An
geles (Our Lady, the Queen of the An
gels) found fitting resting place when
she folded her wings over this peaceful
spot. From mountain to sea II subtle
perfume floats, waited from orange
groves, white with snowy blossoms, and
countless gardens, brilliant with flowers
of every shape and hue. The glorious
sun-laDd lies at peace under II golden
sun, and the shadows that veil the pur.
pie mountain peaks-may they not
shadow the peace and prosperity that in
future years is yet to come
The people of this far west are gener-
GUS and hospitable in the extreme. No
where in all my travels have ! met with
more cordiality and kindness than has
been shown me in this gem Of city.
To the members of the press am par.
ticularly indebted for many courtesies.
In this fair southern land the hand of
welcome is extended to oil strangers, and
they who cannot enjoy its wonderous
beauties of cline and soil must be very
exacting indeed, though sunshine and
shadow it is passing into grand future
which will make it one OF the most
beautiful of all lands under the sun.