188 ERYTHEA. 
realized that he might himself never return. He also sent 
directions as to the choice of an editor which is a model of 
its kind and might with profit be read to this day by editors 
of posthumous scientific works who have no clear conception 
of their responsibilities and duties. 
The journal, with the accompanying manuscripts and 
drawings, was published at Paris in 1797 in four quarto 
volumes. A wood-cut of La Perouse faces the title of volume 
one. Itis afair, somewhat rounded face, with arching eye- 
brows, high forehead, pleasant mouth, and just a trace of a 
double chin. Although we know the face belongs to one of 
high rank and long experience in affairs of state, inured, too, 
to wars and hardships, it is easy to detect, in addition, the 
natural vivacity of the southern Frenchman. Below the 
inscription reads: Jean Francois Galaup de la Perouse, Chef 
d’Escadre des Armees Navales né a Alby en 1741. 
The journal of this man is highly prized by Californian 
historians by reason of its accuracy and fairness in the 
discussion of political and church affairs at Monterey; nor 
in the brief time at the disposal of the gifted commander did 
he fail to record his impressions of the aspect of the country, 
its climate and resources, its animals and vegetation. His 
notes in regard to the last concern us only, and they are 
chiefly interesting as being the first made in regard to the 
plants of any part of California published in a scientific work. 
The traveler naturally viewed the vegetation and other 
resources from an economic standpoint. ‘The soil,” he says 
“is of inexpressible fertility, vegetables of all species sueceed 
there perfectly . . . The harvests of wheat, barley, corn, 
and peas can only be compared to those of Chili; in no other 
way can our cultivators form an idea of a similiar fertility; the 
medium product is sixty to one hundred fold Fruit 
trees there are still very rare, but the climate kis differs little 
from the southern provinces of France is exceptionally 
favorable for them; at least the cold is not so great and the 
heat of the summer is much more moderate caused by the 
prevalent fogs which procure for the country a humidity very 
