SJcelch of the Life of Mr. David Douglas. 275 



occasion was an uncharitable word directed to me. Wlien there 

 I was under no restraint ; my time was entirely my own, feast 

 day and fast all the same, the good men of God gave me always 

 a good bed, and plenty to eat and drink of the best of the land. 

 A more upright and highly honorable class of men I never knew. 

 They are well educated ; I had no difficulty from the beginning 

 with them, for saving one or two exceptions, they all talk Latin 

 fluently, and though there be a great difference in the pronunciation 

 between one from Auld Reekie, and Madrid, yet it gave us but 

 little trouble. They know and love the sciences too well to think 

 it curious to see one go so far in quest of grass." 



'^ The Mexican territorial government as applied to California 

 is abominable, and that is the mildest word I can use. The 

 secular part of the community is sot so, some good and many bad. 

 The ladies are handsome, of a dark olive brunette, with good teeth, 

 and the dark fine eyes, which bespeaks the descendant of Castillo, 

 Catalan or Leon. They (sweet creatures) have a greater recom- 

 mendation than personal attractions. They are very amiable* 

 On this head I must say. Finis, otherwise you will be apt to think, 

 if ever I had a kind feeling for man's better half, I left it in 

 (Calida Fornax,) California." 



" What a fine country for geology, finer than for botany. 

 Perhaps I may at a future time discuss this matter, as well as 

 give a treatise on the geographical distribution of plants indi- 

 genous to North America generally. This will occupy a consider- 

 able time, if ever I complete it ; at all events much material in 

 many departments is now in my possession as a ground work. 

 But, great as is certainly this field for the naturalist, the Sandwich 

 Islands, are, from their position on the earth's surface, their 

 origin, and their great altitudes, still more interesting ; and this 

 interest is not diminished, from their having been the theatre of 

 the tragic death of the illustrious Cook, and by the now well 

 known good disposition of the natives. 



" You may be aware that on Owyhee, on the lateral banks 

 of Mouna Roa, or the Big, there is the largest volcano in the 

 world, the mouth of which is nine miles in diameter, at this moment 

 throwing out rivers of liquid fire. I cannot attempt to describe 

 the sensations felt, the even fearful excitement experienced during 

 my visit to this place. We have the trees of the world, the 

 orange, lemon, coffee, banana, and tropical tree ferns, which cha- 

 racterize the features of warm countries, about the level of the 



