The morning call., 1890-06-15
AN ISLAND FARM.
One of the Curious Places in the
County of SOnOma.

SSALIFORNIA is land OF wonders,
HRsSE once remarked a visitor from the
w East upon his return from the Big
Tree Grove, the Yosemite Falls, the Caves
and the Natural Bridge of CalaveraS County
and other places of interest. He spoke in
eulogistic terms of the vast ranches. the
great tracts of grazing lands, the broad
and fertile meadows and the grand scenery
that his eyes had rested upon, and expressed
establishment that the natural beauty ana
the mag nificence of the State was not set
forth with more minuteness than has been
done. why, there are thousands OF peo-
pie who cross the Atlantic yearly" said he,
"who 90 to see the beauties Of Alpine
scenery, who, if they knew how much
grander is the scenery of California,
would turn their steps toward the land OF
the setting sun and witness sights that are
nowhere else to be met"
While there are thousands of people in
America who have no ldea OF the magnln-
cence of the Golden State, there are many
in California who are ignorant of the large
number of beautiful places that are to be
found in various counties of our State, at
points off the usually travelled lines. A
few days since an acquaintance, In CONVEX
satiOn with the writer, who has been a
resident of the Bay City since 1.-THE days Of
old, the days of gold" suggested visit to
Tubbs Island.
"And pray. where is Tubbs Island?"
asked the writer.
The only reply was: meet me in the
morning and FL pilot you TO one Of the
curious places In Sonoma County"
Agreeable TO appointment there was
meeting at place designated, which was
followed by pleasant three hours ride
from this city to Sears Point
On the train we iell in with and the
~ I'M 70 Mr. II fEuhhz
a pioneer of California and prominent Citi-
zen OF Oakland, the owner of the place
which was the objective point of our visit.
In those parts he Is known as the " Prince
of the Island" and he did all in his power
to make the visit an entertaining and in
struetive one.
The island is tract of land Of about
1900 acres, situated some distance from
Sears Point, and cut off from the main
land by the waters OF Petaluma and
of Sonoma creeks. 1t is reached by row-boat
and viewed from craft of this character,
the sight of an island on which there is
nothing in the shape OF trees or verdure
other than that which has been produced
by the skill and patience OF man is 3
singular one. Once upon the island one is re-
minded of Robinson Crusoe's home, for
while there is on every side evidence of
comfort and prosperity. there is sense Of
loneliness by being cut off from the rest OF
the community, but the superintendent,
j. g. Stout, and his family and those who
work under him have the satisfaction of
knowing that, isolated as they are, they
need not, like Enoch Arden, watch day
after day for sail, but can, when the spirit
moves them, reach the mainland and min
gle with the people of the county of So
mona.
This island is to the owner what to many
on the mainland is country site, where he
with his family and friends can when
desired enjoy perfect rest from the
life of busy city. The dwelling
complete in all its appointments faces
the east and commands fine view of
the surrounding country, and from 1t may
be seen many small craft that ply up and
down the creek. The land, which has proved
that it is susceptible of the highest cultiva-
ton, is covered with acres of waving grain
and in one portion is an orchard in which
are to be found fruit trees, all in bearing and
of every variety. Some time ago there was
discovered on the place wells of natural
gas, and at present the product is used for
Illuminating purposes and is the only fuel
used for cooking and heating the house. 1t
is piped from one of the wells and held in
"a reservoir 1.-The discovery of this prod
ret Of the EARTH" said Mr.. Tubbs, while
showing his visitors the source of supply.
where lie threw a piece of lighted paper,
which ignited escaping gas and sent up
bright stream of flame, was an accident.
One of the men came across 1t while digging
for water. his ma mas proved Oh great
value and is proof to my mind that if ex-
listing at this point it must exist in other
parts Of the county,"
On the island were sunk six artesian
wells, out Of four of which flows gas. The
water which flows from these wells does
not appear to be affected by the gas, as the
cattle drink it. In another portion of the
island artesian wells produce excellent
water. The pride of the owner of this
island fam is the splendid collection Of
cattle aud poultry of the finest breeds.
The presence of people on this island and
the changes that have been made have not
driven away the foeks of wild ducks that
are in the vicinity. Through the courtesy
OF the owner, friends who are fond of sport
have been permitted to go on the island
and bag the tender teal and the luscious
canvasback.
This place, as was remarked, is a curious
one upon which to locate farm, but 1t has
turned out success in every way. 1t is in
a region where the climate is equable, and
there everything fourishes. On the beach
there are TO be found clans, and in the
creek the angler can fish to his hearts con-
tent This place proves what results can
be produced in desolate places and how,
with enterprise and energy, desert island
can be made to bloom like garden of flow
ers. MARGERY.-