SETTLEMENTS OF THE PACIFIC CO A ST. 353 

 ABORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 



Br PAUL SCHUMACHER. 



IF we investigate the condition of the ground ivpon which we now 

 find the ruined settlements of a former people on this coast, it can- 

 not fail to convince us either that all such stations had been established 

 on sandy ground, or that the ground had been artificially changed bv 

 sand carried thither when it was rocky or hard. Sandy soil w r as a 

 necessity, that they might employ their rude and imperfect tools in 

 the erection of houses partially dug in the ground and surrounded by 

 embankments. It was also a requirement for cleanliness and health, 

 owing to its absorption of moisture in the rainy season. Overgrown 

 or firm sandy ground was preferable to bare, loose sand ; but even the 

 drifting dunes offered them a better choice than the dark humus in- 

 termixed with rock. Other requirements of a well-located rancheria 

 were : proximity of potable water, a commanding view, the outlying 



Fig. 1. 



rocks bearing eatable mollusks, fish in the adjoining kelpy w r aters, 

 and game in the neighboring country. Water in small rivulets and 

 springs was preferable to larger streams and rivers, unless these were 

 stocked with fish. A commanding view was subordinate to the con- 

 dition of the soil and the proximity of water, especially on the islands 

 in Santa Barbara Channel, where no surprising enemy was to be 

 guarded against; there a small boat-landing was one of the main con- 

 siderations, because the islander's sustenance was mainly derived from 

 vol. x. 23 



