PACIFIC AND BEERING'S STRAIT. 39 



presslon, until they approached the padre, when the 

 ploughman gave the necessary inclination of the hand, 

 and the share got hold of the ground. It would have 

 been good policy for the padre to have moved gradu- 

 ally along the field, by which he would have had it 

 properly ploughed ; but he seemed to be quite satisfied 

 with the performance. Several of the missions, but 

 particularly that of Santa Barbara, make a wine re- 

 sembling claret, though not near so palatable, and 

 they also distil an ardent spirit resembling arrack. 



In this part of California, besides the missions, 

 there are several pueblos, or villages, occupied by 

 Spaniards and their families, who have availed them- 

 selves of the privileges granted by the old govern- 

 ment, and have relinquished the sword for the plough- 

 share. There are also a few settlers who are farmers, 

 but, with these exceptions, the country is almost un- 

 inhabited. Perhaps I cannot convey a better idea of 

 the deserted state of the country, or of the capability 

 of its soil, than by inserting a short narrative which I 

 have compiled from the journals of three of my offi- 

 cers who travelled over land from Sdn Francisco to 

 " the famous port of Monterey." 



I have already stated that it was found expedient to 

 make this journey to learn whether any supphes could 

 be procured for the ship ; and in consequence Mr. 

 Collie, the surgeon, Mr. Marsh, the purser, and Mr. 

 Evans, who was well acquainted with the Spanish lan- 

 guage, were requested to proceed on this service. As 

 it was of importance that no time should be lost in 

 acquiring this information, they had very little time 

 allowed them to prepare for so long, and, to seamen, 

 so unusual a journey ; but as the mode of travelling in 

 that rude country admitted but few incumbrances, the 



