EIvDORADO 285 



fslcs arc passed and the bold rocky shores ol the 

 peninsula arc in continual view. Within a few days 

 after leaving Panama, tht therniometer falls from 95 

 degrees to 55 degrees, and such a change must have 

 an injurious effect if additional clothing is not i)ut on 

 to meet it. 



"The first portion of Upper California, or the 

 'Golden Land,' which presents itself to the voyagers is 

 the Coronados, two high round-topped rocks off the 

 port of San Diego. Then the beautiful semi-circular 

 harbor is entered, and if wanting, supplies are obtained 

 from the town. From the harbor of San Diego the 

 vessel proceeds along the coast of California and the 

 towering peaks of the Coast Range of mountains en- 

 gage the attention. The high promontory of St. \'in- 

 cent is passed, and then the open l)ay of Monterey is 

 entered, and passengers are either let oft' the steamer 

 or taken aboard as necessity may require. From Mon- 

 terey the steamer keeps along the coast, and mountain- 

 ous shores alone meet the view, until the voyagers 

 come in sight of the Farallones, two large detached 

 rocks at the southern side of the entrance to the bay 

 of San Francisco. Then the Golden Gate — as the 

 strait or entrance is called — is entered and the perpen- 

 dicular clift's and hills upon each shore afford matter 

 for wonder. The strait is about three miles long and 

 from one to two miles broad. As the vessel reaches 

 its terminus, the great bay of San Francisco opens to 

 the view, looking like a miniature ocean. Bird Island. 

 Wood Island. Angel Island, with the beautiful little 

 bay of Sausalito, successivelv meet the gaze, and very 

 soon the steamer is anchored, having reached her des- 

 tination. While longer than the overland route it oc- 



