SOCIETY. 21 



mode of life. They live for enjoyment, and expect to expend 

 most of their money as it comes. They have traveled enough 

 to know how to entertain, and how to accept entertainment. 

 C. L. Brace, in his New West, says : " The great virtues of Cal- 

 ifornian society are its intelligence, its energy, and above all, 

 its generosity." 



26. Luxurious Living. The enjoyment of life is a 

 prominent purpose of Californian society, while religion, social 

 display, and the accumulation of money are less noticeable than 

 in most other countries. The prevalent mode of living is luxu- 

 rious, and the habits are extravagant. While many fine for- 

 tunes have been made in the State, in comparison with the 

 number of inhabitants, yet a large proportion of those having 

 excellent incomes save relatively little, preferring to enjoy 

 their gains as they go along. The houses generally are fur- 

 nished elegantly ; the tables are supplied with a variety of the 

 best kinds of food ; and the clothing is of costly material. 

 The traveler observes that the dresses of the ladies on Kearny 

 Street are richer in stuff and color, and less pretentious in their 

 cut and trimming, than those of Broadway. When people 

 come to California they expect to better their condition, and 

 they are not content to live as they lived before coming hither. 

 They are often extravagant, and seldom miserly. 



27. Social Equality. In no place is society more free and 

 cordial, and ready to give a friendly reception to a stranger, than 

 in California. The new-comer is looked upon with favor ; no- 

 body cares whether he belongs to a distinguished family, has 

 moved in a fashionable circle, or possesses wealthy or influential 

 friends or relatives. The great question is, " Is he or she well 

 educated, polished, and entertaining ? " Of course, Californi- 

 ans are not entirely above such considerations as govern soci- 

 ety elsewhere, but they are influenced by them far less than 

 people in other States. The course of business is such that no 

 profession has all the wealth. There are rich men of all oc- 

 cupations, and some of the mechanical trades are now as profit- 



