, of that city, author of
"Life in California."
The climate, judging from the indications while we remained here, must
be delightful, even in winter. With the exception of one day, which was
tempestuous, the temperature at night did not fall below 50 deg., and
during the day the average was between 60 deg. and 70 deg. The atmosphere
was perfectly clear and serene, the weather resembling that of the
pleasant days of April in the same latitude on the Atlantic side of the
continent. It is a peculiarity of the Mexicans that they allow no shade
or ornamental trees to grow near their houses. In none of the streets
of the towns or missions through which I have passed has there been a
solitary tree standing. I noticed very few horticultural attempts in
Santa Barbara. At the mission, about two miles distant, which is an
extensive establishment and in good preservation, I was told that there
were fine gardens, producing most of the varieties of fruits of the
tropical and temperate climates.
Several Californians came into camp and offered to deliver themselves
up. They were permitted to go at large.
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