324 Beyond the Sierras. 



found its last refuge when Fremont and Stockton and Sloat, with the flag of 

 the United States over their heails, came in, {lell-mell, as explorer?- and con- 

 querors. 



On our return to the city of San Diego on this Saturdaj- evening, Feb- 

 ruary 11, what was still worthy to be called our California excursion came to 

 its finale. After that night the break-up was complete. A part of the company 

 remained in the city for some days afterward, but the remainder took to 

 the outgoing trains and made for the north. There were hand-shakiogs and 

 farewells, and I do not know but that a few tears were dropped here and 

 there on this sandy southwestern shore of the United States. As for myself, 

 I can not take leave of the place without a final stroll incugnito through the 

 streets. I went into Chinatown, along the shore of the bay, through the 

 streets where citrus fruits are packed and transported, and down the track 

 toward National City, some three miles away. On one of the street corners 

 I was much amused with the antics and foot-races of a half-dozen grey- 

 hounds that had their maternal abode in a yard near by. They were by far 

 the handsomest fellows that lever saw; of a dark mouse-color, trim and 

 fine as to their delicate limbs and head ; all chest and spine ; agile as gazelles. 

 There are four California animals that compete with each other for the first 

 rank in swiftness of foot and flight. These are the greyhound, the deer- 

 hound, the deer himself, and the Marquis of Leap. It is sometimes a little 

 difficult to determine which of the four is the most expeditious on his go- 

 ings forth, but on the whole the palm belongs easily to the greyhound. With 

 a space of ten rods between him and the Marquis of Leap he can catch him 

 in three-quarters of a mile— that is, he can run over him, for the Marquis 

 doubles and goes back. In a quarter of a mile the greyhound runs over 

 him again, and on the next turn picks him up. So, likew'ise, the deer has 

 no escape from his pursuer except by eluding his sight. The nose of the 

 greyhound is an aesthetic organ rather than an instrument of utility. He 

 sees, but smells not. The deer-hound has less speed than his rival, but can 

 overtake his game by scent. As to the Marquis, his great organ is the ear. 

 It is a great auricular trumpet set up to gather all sounds of danger, and to 

 indicate the direction of approach. 



On our leaving Riverside a considerable number of our company re- 

 mained at that place, and, presently, crossed the country by way of Colton, 

 on a visit to San Bernardino. Before leaving our homes a formal invitation 

 had been extended to the Secretary of the Society, and the invitation was 

 repeated before the adjournment at Riverside, to visit San Bernardino, and 

 the call was now accepted. Straggling members from San Diego joined the 

 party en route, and the San Bernardino excursion proved to be one of great 

 interest and profit. The young city to which the company turned its course 

 lies but a short distance to the east of the line of the Southern Pacific Rail- 

 way, and immediately on the line of the Santa F^ Railroad. Colton is the 

 nearest station on the former road. The town is situated in the upper \yxri 

 of the Santa Ana valley, and the region is one of the most productive and 



