IN THE PACIFIC. 269 



killed from 150 to 160 deer in a week, and that 

 the air reeked with their putrefying carcases ; 

 I can quite credit this, from the quantity of 

 bones and horns which we found in all direc- 

 tions. San Joseph shows traces of mineral 

 wealth, and shipments both of gold and silver 

 have been made from this island to San Fran- 

 cisco. From thence we ran along the coast to 

 the northward, enjoying the pleasant breezes 

 and smooth water which prevail in the Gulf of 

 California during the fine season. The moun- 

 tains on the western shore of the Gulf are 

 destitute of vegetation, and of fantastic form, 

 showing unmistakable traces of some great 

 terrestrial convulsion of former times. 



Nearly abreast of Guaymas, is Mulege Bay, a 

 spacious harbour with plenty of water; but 

 there are several rocks about the entrance, 

 which are not marked on our charts ; they are, 

 however, easily avoided, as the sea breaks con- 

 stantly over them ; the rocks marked on the 

 chart are placed in a wrong position, and are 

 apt to mislead one. I was desirous of visiting 



