Doc. No. 9.] 47 



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slope of the hills and the modifications of its temperature acquired in 

 its passage down the bay before reaching the northern portion of the 

 valley. So much is the temperature increased that an addition of ten 

 degrees is often acquireM in its transit from San .'Francisco to .the head 

 of the valley, a 'distance little rising fifty miles. This increase of tem 

 perature in the air is accompanied with an increase in its capacity for 

 moisture, hence it is usual to find a slight aqueous haze, which results 

 from the condensation of its moisture, hanging about this entire range 

 of hills during the summer months, and is usually seen early in the 

 morning. 



At this time and for a short time after sun-rise the leaves of plants in 

 these hills are covered with moisture, when no trace of this deposit is 

 observable on the plains. The foreign horticulturist seems to have 

 siezed upon the natural advantages which these mountains present for 

 the culture of the vine and other fruits, prefering these elevated situa 

 tions to the lower plain lands, the climate and soil being more congenial 

 to their growth. The altitude at which the first qualities of the grape 

 will flourish in these mountains (Monte Diablo Eange) is seventeen hun 

 dred feet above the sea, the fruit produced equals that grown in lower 

 situations ; the temperature at this elevation through the night is higher 

 than on the plains at their base and sufficiently comfortable to sleep with 

 out shelter. 



But a very few years will elapse before these "barren" mountains 

 will yield a handsome income to the planter, and a large revenue to the 

 State, from the taxable property that will be found in these mountains, 

 arising from the prodution of the vine alone ; some idea of the extent 

 to which it is now being propagated may be obtained when it is stated 

 that nearly two hundred thousand sets have been put into the ground 

 during the past year, and on one ranch alone over* twelve thousand new 

 sets were placed in the grdund last season, in addition to those already 

 in bearing condition on the same farm. 



The absence of timber in these mountains is one of the most serious 

 objections to the settler, if this objection can be removed there is no 

 reason to doubt but that large tracts of this fertile district would com 

 mand a population that would soon approximate that on the plains. It 

 would riot be difficult to produce a forest growth of trees upon these 

 mountains, one that would prove useful as well as ornamental, conduc 

 ing to health, comfort and luxury, as well as profit. The history of the 

 Guava furnishes us with some facts on this point that are well worthy of 

 notice ; the trci 1 is of rapid growth, spreading itself over large districts 

 in a very few years. In Mexico it attains a height of forty feet, and 

 grows at elevations of five thousand feet ; its wood is used for fuel and 

 many other purposes, and from its fruit the guava jelly is manufactured, 

 and forms an extensive article of commerce. 



Fifty years ago this tree was introduced at the Sandwich and Society 

 Islands ; it has in that short period of time formed one of the principal 

 forest trees of those islands, and reaches the summit of their highest 

 hills. A tree of this kind introduced into our timberless hill$ would in 

 a short time render the barren aspect they now present, more pleasing 

 and profitable as well as useful. There can be but little doubt that this 

 tree will flourish in this country, as it is found so to do in a climate 



