Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1886-03-31
From the Land of Oranges.

EDITOR OF ARGUs.-I am sojourning
here for awhile, six miles from Santa
Barbara and about two thousand feet above
the level of the Pacific Ocean, and in full
view of that great sea.
These springs, of which there are six in
number, pour out of the ground at n tenn
perature of from 1902 to l20o-too hot for
bathing until one is gradually accustomed
TO it. The place is wild and romantic in
the extreme. 1t is situated about half way
up the coast range of mountains nearest
the ocean, in a delightful canon-the latter
filled with live oak, flowers of various hues,
and shrubs, the perfume of which is as rich
and acceptable as that of our clover fields
| in full bloom.
We have had most pleasurable time
ever since leaving Alpena, February LIST.
| The climate of southern California is SIM
ply perfect. Words fail to adequately dis
cribe it. One must have the experience to
| fully comprehend it. The mercury in the
thermometer ranges from coo to 75o du-
ring the day, and at night from 400 to 500.
One does not feel the heat here as in Mich
| igan, and ii is said that in midsummer the
nights are always cool. / arose this morn
ing at six o'clock and took climb to the
top of the mountain, 1000 feet, before
breakfast. 1t was a good appetizer.
Wild flowers bloom in profusion the
year round. The Alpena ladies would no
doubt be glad to purchase boquet such as
can be gathered freely here in few mo-
ments. Throughout our wanderings along
the slope in the cities, villages and on the
plains we noticed that flowers were also
extensively cultivated; and it is no unusual
sight to see the whole side of house COW
cred with blooming roses of every tint.
Nearly all tropical and semi-tropical fruits
are growing here. Oranges, lemons, lines,
figs, olives, guava and bananas are of COM
mon culture, while the apple, peach, pear
and apricot are raised in abundance. AS
to grain the staple is barley, though further
north wheat is raised to n large extent
The average yield to the acre is about
double that of Alpena county, yet the
quality is rot n whit superior. The cost Of
seeding and cultivating is about the same,
but the time much longer. They began to
SOW barley in December and are now finish
ing--nearly three and half months. 1t is
so with other grains. Fields of barley Just
headed may be seen along side of those Just
springing up. Thus far / have not seen
any forests. The whole country from
Louisiana, through which we came is tree
less. Some attention, however, is now
given to tree planting The Eucalyptus is
of rapid growth, and is most used. / have
seen trees of twelve years growth, thirty
inches in diameter and estimated one hun
bred feet in height. We expect, before re-
turning, to visit the Yosemite Valley, and
look upon some of the big trees"
The great question of the hour here is
the Cinnamon. That they must go, and at
once, and not stand upon the order of 60
ing, is the prevailing opinion expressed.
| think the opinion is raised and fostered
mainly for political purposes in the cities.
The farmers do not seem to Join in the cla-
mors very much. Labor issvery high, COM
pared with us, ranging from two dollars n
day upwards. If the Chinese were driven
out the present summer, labor wages will
range much higher, and it will be impos-
sible to procure necessary labor for several
years.
The grape culture takes prominent
place, both for wine and raisins. | have
seen and eaten the finest raisins. Wine is
largely manufactured, and is cheap. As a
result very little drunkenness is seen here.
| The tendency Of soil cultivators seems TO
be to small farms-say five to TWENTY-FIVE
acres, on which il is claimed an industrious
man may earn living and n competence
easier by raising grapes and other fruits.
For such lots Of land the price varies from
two hundred to five hundred dollars per
acre. A few Of the old Mexican grants are
still intact; the most valuable ones we have
seen are that Of Brian q Ollid, of upwards
Of twenty thousand acres, and Baldwin &
Rose of fifty thousand acres. The former
is mainly stock ranch, and is stocked as |
have learned, with $4,000 head of cattle.
$4,000 head of horses and mules. 10000
sheep and 10000 hogs In conversation
with Mr.. e. j. Baldwin he told me that the
gross receipts of his ranch last year were
S250,000. This ranch is devoted mostly to
grapes and oranges, though attention is
paid to raising blooded horses. Mr.. Bald
win employs the year round thousand
and fifty men.
While at San Diego, Mr.. Kantor and
took a run down into Mexico. A differ
ence is at once seen, and a person would
suppose something wrong did he not know
he was out of the United States. We visit
ed the custom house at La Punta and met
several Of the dignitaries, by all of whom
we were treated with the utmost courtesy.
My friend was somewhat nervous, and on
our return he said he would not 90 again
it was like taking ones life in his hands.
The Mexicans make good cigar, and re-
tail it at four cents. They had no ice but
keep the drinking water in earthen Jars of
Mexican make, which keeps the water sweet
and cool. We met our mutual friend, Hon.
j. G. Shields, at Los Angeles, who, with his
wife, were en- route to Prescott and Tuscon.
where he is to hold Court. Honors seem to
sit easily upon him. The Judge and his
wife have kindly remembrance of Alpena
people. | learned from number of per-
sons resident in Arizona that they both are
highly esteemed-the Judge for his very
able, legal and judicial decisions, and Mrs.
Shields for her pleasing social attachments.
We attended n Citrus Fair at National
City last week. The collection was re-
markablc, and the whole of it will be ship
ped to Chicago, and thence to Boston, in
both cities of which it will be exhibited in
turn.
If one half the advertising that is given
to California was done for Michigan, our
State would not have had standing room
long ago. OF course, in travelling, one sees
the best and the pleasant side, and one GER
tainly sees, in brief sojourn in this coun-
try a Gerry pleasant, almost fascinating side.
But with all her faults, prefer Michigan.
We may not have the enjoyable climate
and rugged, romantic scenery, but in every
thing else we are equal or we excel.
A. w. C.
March II, 1886.