Year: 1859

IN, it was determined to start Immediately
with the stock for the new valley. A party,
of whom our correspondent was one, was
fitted out in genuine pioneer style, each man
having his horse and blankets and one pack
animal carrying provisions for the whole
company. They were able to get but two
hundred of their cattle together on such
short notice, but with this number start
was made from the foot hills in Yuba coun-
ty. The first stopping place was near Grass
Valley. The cattle drove much better than
could have been expected, occasioning no
trouble exccrtwhen going through the town,
where they were annoyed by the barking of
numberleSs useless ours.


Ranches on the Way.


After good nights rest and two meals
devoured with great zest, the party proceed
ed, and at an early hour reach the Buena
Vista Ranch, about six miles above Grass
Valley, owned by B. Taylor. This is most
aesirably located, yields fine crop of grass,
which had just been moved. The haying
season is here some six weeks later than in
the foot hills, owing to the difference in al
titude. The ranch is surrounded by fine
cedar rail fence, and the proprietor has also
enclosed fine tract of timber which will be
very valuable in time. Attached to the
house is productive garden and orchard.
This is one of the oldest farms in the county,
ihaving been first located by S. p Storms, at
east ten years ago. Soon after leaving
Taylor's, writes our correspondent, we came
to the farm of Barker & Brothers. They
were finishing new house in the Gothic
style, and intend making their place sum-
mer resort or fashionable boarding house
for city ladies and gentlemen. The induce
ments are fine scenery, excellent water,
commodious house, beautiful garden aud
abundance of fruit"


Bear River and American River Ridge.


Aout noon" continues our correspond
ent, we arrived at Bear river, a small yet
beautiful stream running between picturesque
banks and high mountains. Here we rested
for lunch, after which we ascended the
mountain by circuitous road excayated to
the summit. 1t is a splendid highway, and
much credit is due to its proprietors, who
keep it in excellent condition. The only
fault We found was with the toll, against
which our party demurred, thinking it ex-
erbitant. Being weary and impatient it is
possible our dispute might have ended ia
anger if not in bard knocks, had not wo-
man opportunely restored quiet by disclos-
ing that she had third interest in the road
OF course we paid without more ado. Driv-
ing the cattle up the mountain was labor-
Gus task, and we were glad to arrive at
good camping place where we found plenty
of feed and water, and forgot our hard days
Journey in sound sleep. Next morning we
passed through Dutch Flat. This is plea
SAINT town situated in a rich mining district.
though there is not much doing there in the
way of mining at present, owing to the scar
city of water. The streets are wide, clean
anu kept well spTlnhleu IHeTe Is OUT one
brick building in the place. The inhabi-
tants were somewhat surprised to see so
large drove passing in the direction we
took. Leaving Dutch Flat and taking the
ridge road our troubles began in earnest
On each side of the road were dense thick
cts of plum and cherry bushes, as also a low
thorny shrub too mean to have a name. The
stock being hungry would wander from the
highway to pick what little green grass grew
amongst the bushes, and as it was next to
impossible to reach them with horses we
had to depend upon the intelligent activity
of our dog, large Scotch terrier, who
would seize the refractory animals by the
tail and compel their return to the road
We suffered some for water, having to travel
miles in the dust without any. About three
in the afternoon we were RECALLED with the
sight of lagoon, the water in which stood
about six inches deep with the green grass
JUST shooting through it. Here we camped
and remained until next morning. Some
persons had built house near by, which
was now in ruinous condition.. There.was
also an old hay press, the same party hav-
ing harvested and haled hay here long ago.


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