Connecticut western news., 1894-01-25
THE GOLDEN LAND.
Written for the CONNECTICUT WEsrHRN NEWS by Luella D. Smith, Hudson, N. r., Jan. III 1894

by Lucia D. Smith, Hudson, N. r., Jan. III
 1S94.]
 In olden times, California was called the Golden State because of the yellow metal hidden in her hills. Yet she de- serves the name more truly because of the golden fruit which gleams in rich abundance from her fair acres of orange groves It is indeed perpetual delight to be in such a climate and in such cline. The gerapiums sometimes meas ure twenty feet in height. The rose trees, often reaching third story win dows, bear bright roses throughout the year. There are fields of calla lilies. Our other we'll known flowers grow to large proportions. Everywhere irriga- tion makes flower gardens and fruit orchards. Everywhere the coming of water changes the desert to a garden and fulfiils the ancient prophecy, ..The will ,lerness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shsll re- joice and blossom as the rose" In the towns all have taken pains to beautifv their yards with semi-tropical trees and flowers. We see on all sides the broad ieaved fan-palms. the graceful date palms, the tall eucalypti and the drcop ing pepper trees. The pepper trees are especially beautiful with their white blossoms and bright red berries glisten- ing in the green foliage. There are cypress hedges with arches of Italian cypress. There are Norfolk pines fig trees and sycamores. Beyond the ga'- dens are the orchards, often surrounus d by cactus growths. Here we see lemons. lines and oranges. The trees are laden with the golden fruit Beyond the towns the wild flowers have dried away hut their roots are awaiting the showers of the rainy season, which will enable them to clothe all the fields and bills with renewed beauty. The yuccas show that their sweet, creamy blossoms have covered all the lower hills. Beyond all. 'eaching up into the sky, are the snow, mountain peaks. Winter there. is look ing down into the radiant loveliness; greeting Summer that lives perennial " beneath the glow of the smiling sun shine This is the golden land of sum- light-Southern California. We reach ed it by the Union Pacific Route, re- meining a week in Denver, the bustliDg capital of Colorado, It is five thousand feet above the sea. In its clear air the distant mountains are brought into near vision. There are many picturesque views of the city, surrounded by its ramparts. the hills of snow.
 Not far away is Colorado Springs. Here is the grave of tue Indians friend, Helen Hunt Jackson, beneath the shadow of the Cheyenne Noun ain, which she loved so well. In Colorado Springs are some friends of Canaan and of the NEWS, living where on one side they may look mp to Pike's Peak. rear ing its hoary head, sometimes among the storms of snow, sometimes against such skies as can only be seen here and in Italy-skies of the deepest, brightest, heavenly blue. On the other hand are the rich, red bonlders that form the Gateway of the Garden of the Gods They were formed in the Titanic age. and here the Titans lived. Beyond is Manitou. the smiling city nestled at the foot of the wondrous hills and receiving their waters of healing and of balm The beauty of Colorado Springs IS un- marred by saloon. A blessed fore- sight has saved this fair city forever from that sin with its accompanying sorrow, temptation, and crime. It is | therefore city of good order and of
 
 has recently given the equal ballot into | woman's hands; and many are hoping as one great result, that not in few cities alone, but in all this fair Centen- nial State as we'll, the saloon will be banished from the land.
 Our next visit was in Salt Lake City. Certainly from Fort Douglas it was a magnificent view, reaching over the | k,1A A1o1 1oly !, it's islands and their craggy peaks. To almost perishing in their hard journey over weary wastes, this city must have seemed at first sight, as Fair as the Garden of the Lord" Alasl that it brought to many dis appointment with its bright angel seemingly ready to blow the trumpet that should arouse Brigham Young from his grave up tue slope beyond, if indeed he sleep. We saw the Tabernacle which is so skillfully proportioned tbat whisper can be heard across its spacious room, which seats ten thousand. Its organ is one of the fipest. We saw the noted Eagle Gate and the Beehive. Amelia Palace has been converted. It Is now 8 home for the Keeley cure. Salt Lake City Is called the city of the Saints-Saints who laid its foundations on woman's slight ed affection and broken heart.
 We were few hours in Ogden and there enjoyed the beauty of the snow clad hills which furnish the water for the city.
 In San Francisco we found admirable weather. bright sunshine apd blooming roses. We visited the magnificent Golden Gate Park, and its large conservatory Near by we heard the sound of many hammers and saw the buildings rising for the Mid winter Fair. They will be very beautiful and we do not doubt that this Fair also will be a great achieve ment and grand success.
 We to- the delightful trip to the Seal Cliff. and Sntro H ights These seals are protected by prohibition that does prohibit, for DO one is allowed to molesi them, or indeed to fire a terrifying gun within five miles of their pleasant cliffs.
 We can hear their intonings from afal sounding like thousands of frogs sing ing a roundelay. As we approach, We see the seals clambering clumsily up the stones, sitting in the sun or peacefull, swimming in even lines between the cliffs and the shore. The Park of Sutrc Heights is very beautiful with its trees shrubs, plants, foliage. Welcome to Sutro Heights" and it's statuary. It i, the private property of Ar Sntro, which he generously throws open freely to al
 visitors Since we were there we have read of the death of Mrs Sutro..
 From San Francisco beautiful ride across the Bay brings us to Oakland
 and then day and night of pleasant
 journeying brings us into the fowery
 land and tn Los Angeles. the city dedi
 cated to the Queen of the Angels IL the Hallenbeck Hotel we found exhib ited fruitage and flowers of largest sig, and beauty-a sweet potato that weigh ed nearly nine pounds, beet nearly ,
 yard long. and squashes large enougl
 each one to fill an old fashioned tub
 T. m l