The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-07-08
CALIFORNIA.
Some or the Interesting Scenery and Wonderful
Sights Comrades Visiting the Eneampment VIII

Some OF the Interesting Scenery and Wonderful
Sights Comrades Visiting the Encampmeut VIII
See.
To THE EDITOR: After weary ride through
the hot and dusty deserts of Nevada, the
tourist awakens 70 find himself in the beauti-
ful and fertile valleys Of California The ride
from that time on until reaching the city of San
Francisco fa!ly recOmpenses for the dreary and
uncomfortable journey Of the preceding day.
From dry and blistering climate the fatigued
traveller is transported, while asleep, to a mild
and agreeable temperature, which is rendered
doubly delightful by comparison with that of
the alkali deserts Of the State Of Nevada.
Shortly after crossing the boundary between
the two States the tourist encounters the snow
capped Sierras. No scenery more grand or beau
tiful can be imagined, than that of this range.
Cape Horn" particularly deserves special
mention. From the platform, the passenger
looks down the face OF seemingly perpen-
dicnlar preeipice, and one is apt TO feel little
creepy" in spite Of the assured safety of the
train. IL is most enchanting sight 10 cross
this range my moonlight. Rocks and trees are
magnifed to twice their size, and occasionally
a glimpse is caught Of a Lake glistening in the
moonlight.
From the mountains to Oakland the course
is through magnificent grain country, and
upon every hillside are orchards and vine
yards in prOfusiOn. Farm-houses and ranches
of every station is heaped high with boxes Of
fruit.
The tourist passes through this kind Of
scenery until arriving at Sacramento, the Capt.
tai Of the State, where the call 30 minutes for
breakfast " is heard.
After his first California meal, the traveller
resumes his seat in the cars, and the agricul-
tural scenery continues.
The air now begins 20 grow salty and ride
Of about Is miles is made through "tule"
marshes. These tules are long bulrushes, from
five TO fifteen feet high. Soon Port Costa is
reached, and il becomes necessary to cross San
Pablo Bay, the northern arm of the Bay of San
Francisco. In order 70 avoid the confusion of
changing cars, the Central Pacific Railroad
Company built a steam ferry boat which is
named the "SOlano." This ferry-bOat is said
to be the largest afioat and will accommodate six
| trains Of cars. About 10 minutes is occupied
in crossing the bay at this place, giving the
passengers ample time to examine this NAM
moth steamer. Landing on the other side, a
view may be had of the town of Benecia, once
! the Capital Of the State, and of Vallejo and
/ Mare Island Navy Yard.
From Port Costa to Oakland the route is along
/ the shores of the bay. The country begins to
\ look more settled, and houses and farms be-
/ come more numerous. After short ride the
suburbs Of Oakland are reached, and ferry
/ tickets 10 San Francisco are distributed. The
/ tourist after a ride Of two miles over the Cen
/ trail Pacific Railroad COmpanys wharf boards
| the ferTyboat 10 San Francisco. During the
/ passage across the bay the Golden Gate can
be plaiEly seen, and the view OF the beautiful
/ Bay Of San Francisco, the water front, and the
shipping of that city is exceedingly interesting
/ Twenty minutes is consumed in crossing the
/ bay.
/ We viii suppose that the traveller Is com
| radei and arrives in San Francisco on Monday,
Aug. 2 1856 Details from all the Posts in tho
city will meet visiting comrades at the ferry,
and escort or direct them 70 their hotels.
ON this day the several headquarters Of the
| Posts located in the city are opened, and con-
tinue open day and evening during the week
This day might be spent in going the rounds Of
| these headquarters, and in the evening at 8
| o'clock review Of the Second Brigade Ma
| tional Guard of California, rendered to the
| Commander-in-Chiefa and the Grand Army OF
the Republic, takes place. TO be followed by a
reception and grand ball 20 officers and dele
gates OF the National Encampmeut, GAR,
and Of the National Convention of the Wonian's
| Relief Corps.
The grand parade takes place the next day
at 10 a. m, but will probably DO concluded in
time for a trip 10 the park one OF the cable
lines. This ride is over the finest system Of
street Tailroadng in the world. The Market
Street Railroad Company consists Of five
branches, namely, the Valencia, Haight, Meal
lister, Market, and Hayes street lines, aud runs
nearly 200 cars. To reach Golden Gate Park
either the Haight, Hayes or McAllister street
branches are patronized. These roads run
steadily at a rate OF eight miles an hour, aud
about 30 minutes is occupied in going from
Kearny street TO the park. This park is three
miles lOBg and about half mile wide. About
three-quarters Of this is cultivated, and the rest
is occupied by sand dunes All Of this park was
once dreary waste OF sand. and considering
that every spear Of grass and every tree and
shrub had 10 be planted and watched, the re-
salt Is almost incredible. As it is, Golden Gate
Park is said TO be the most beautiful in the
world. A conservatory erected there at a cost
OF $4,000 was partly destroyed by fire, but Mr..
Charles Croker generously rebuilt il in 1853.
Ia honor Of the Encampment, the extensive
lawns are now laid out with Grand Army de-
signs and corps badges in flowers, and on every
Saturday and Sunday afternoon the Second
Regiment Band plays selections. After doing y
the park il would be pleasant little trip to the
Cliff House. This celebrated resort is reached
by the Park and Ocean Railroad. The ride rs
about two and half miles, aud is parallel 10
7 the park.
You arrive on the magnificent beach of the
Pacific Ocean, where easy walk Of about five
minutes takes you 10 the Cliff House, where
seats are provided within easy view OF the cele-
bTated Seal Rocks and the motions Of their am
phibious occupants can be plainly observed
, The bluffs above the Gill House have been con-