'44 VOYAGE TO THE 



blackbirds are almost equally numerous, and in their 

 distant flight resemble clouds. Among the marshes 

 there were also a great many storks and cranes, 

 which in San Francisco have the reputation of afford- 

 ing a most delicious repast. 



Travelling onward, the hills on their right, known 

 in that part as the Sierra del Sur, began to approach 

 the road, which passing over a small eminence, opened 

 out upon a wide country of meadow land, with clusters 

 of fine oak free from underwood. It strongly re- 

 sembled a nobleman's park: herds of cattle and 

 horses were grazing upon the rich pasture, and nume- 

 rous fallow-deer, startled at the approach of strangers 

 bounded off to seek protection among the hills. The 

 resemblance, however, could be traced no farther. 

 Instead of a noble mansion, in character with so fine a 

 country, the party arrived at a miserable mud dwel- 

 ling, before the door of which a number of half-naked 

 Indians were basking in the sun. Several dead geese, 

 deprived of their entrails, were fixed upon pegs around 

 a large pole, for the purpose of decoying the living game 

 into snares, which were placed for them in favourable 

 situations. Heaps of bones also of various animals 

 were lying about the place, and sadly disgraced the 

 park-like scenery around. This spot is named San 

 Matheo, and belongs to the mission of San Francisco. 



Quitting this spot, they arrived at a farm-house 

 about half way between San Francisco and Santa 

 Clara, called Las Pulgas (fleas) ; a name which af- 

 forded much mirth to our travellers, in which they 

 were heartily joined by the inmates of the dweUing, 

 who were very well aware that the name had not been 

 bestowed without cause. It was a miserable habita- 

 tion, with scarcely any furniture, surrounded by 



