Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-03-08
LOS ANGELES.
A Former Rock Island Lady Writes of the
Beauties of California.


A Former Rock Island Lady Writes of the
Beauties of California.
Los ANGELES, Feb. EDIToR
ARGUs.-So much has already been
said and written of the glorious eli
mate of California that it hardly
seems necessary for me to dwell upon
it, only that it is indeed one of the
most delightful climates. Let me
speak of the beauties that have fallen
under my observation. On walking
through many of the streets in the
City of Angels my attention was
drawn to what is known in California
as the pepper tree. This tree some
what resembles a weeping willow,
save that its sombreness is relieved
10y innumerable clusters of scarlet
berries. 1t is used largely as shade
tree, and at times when the berries
drop off and are stepped upon bv
passers by the air is filed with the
Ipungent odor of Ceyenne pepper.
The umbrella tree with its uniform
branches and leaves also forms a use
full as well as ornamental shade tree.
Smilax, which is so highly priced,
grows out of doors to a height of
seven or eight feet, and when COW
cred with tiny white blossoms sends
forth delicious odor resembling
that of apple blossoms.
Looking up Main street on a clear
day the Sierra Madre mountains may
be seen distinctly outlined, with
here and there fieecy cloud hanging
on their sides. The food hills are
now green, and the famous Califor-
mia peoples are just beginning to lift
their golden heads.
The Chinese New Year.
While in Los Angeles l have wit
messed what was to ME an unheard of
novelty, the celebration of the Chi
nese New Year. On this occasion
the Chinese are very hospitable, and
the doors of Chinatown are open to
all visitors. Entering their places
of worship, known as Joss houses,
one is almost overpowered by the
smell of burning incense and Chi
nese lilies. l can give no better de-
scription of the Chinese lily than
that given to me by an old Mongo-
liam, ..lill white flower, heap big
smell" Some exquisite Chinese
embroidery.on silks was here dis
played, also some very odd looking
cakes, candy and nuts, imported
from China. Strangers are often
presented with candy, of which CO.
coanut dipped in sugar seems to be
the favorite. Fire-crackers are used
in celebrating. and on this occasion
the Chinaman throws off all stingi-
ness, and frequently lights from 40
to so lunches.
! Beautiful Pasadena.
A half-hour's ride through beauti-
full mountains with here and there a
prosperous ranch or orange orchard
nesting in the valley, brings us to
Pasadena. Here it is that one learns
to fully appreciate California in its
beauty. Nearly surrounded by
mountains, Pasadena is somewhat
warmer than Los Angeles. Driving
through almost any part of Pasa-
dena one may see orange orchards
with their dark, glossy-leaved trees
bent with golden fruit, and inhale
the faint. sweet odor of orange bios
SONS. Here also is the home of the
rose. The rose carnival held in Pas
adena two months ago, where roses
were seen in such profusion and var
iety, fully verifys this statement
Driving up Colorado street stately
mansions are seen such as even Chi
cago cannot boast. For those who
are seeking a beautiful spot where
they can enjoy natures beauties,
Pasadena is the place, but thoseilwho
prefer the hum of the city must Jour
ney to San Francisco or Los Angeles.
| A Sleepy Spanish Town.
/ CHANGED not long since to have
the opportunity of staying for a few
days in the sleepy, little Spanish
town of Ventura. Ventura. being
on the coast, has damp climate in
which flowers flourish exceedingly
well. and hardly cottage but what
has its hedge of Gala lilies or hell
otrope.
A great part of the population is
Spanish, or of Spanish descent, and
nearly all are Catholics. The old
Mission OF San Buenventura stands
facing the ocean, and is made of
adobe, as are some of the dwelling
houses. On Sunday attended the
mission, and listened to a sermon
preached in Spanish. To Judge from
the interested countenances of those
about ME, it was good sermon.
The Los Angeles mission is also
an interesting place, and contains
some fine old paintings of bible his
tory. The country for miles about
Ventura is devoted to bean growing,
and fruit is not raised SO abundantly
here as elsewhere. Ventura also
boasts good tomato makers, but un-
less your great grandmother or
frther were Spanish, l advise you to
let tomales, even good ones, alone.
| AM h