TOUR OF GRANGERS IN CALIFORNIA. 197 



ifornia. I was told that the fig produces three crops in the j'ear. 

 The stock of almond and English walnut and chestnut trees was 

 large and well cultivated, but the native forest trees were of the 

 most stateh' and gigantic growth. The live-oaks were immense, 

 with sturdy trunks and sj'mmetrical tops. AVe saw one gray oak, 

 the branches of which extended sixty-three b}' seventy-three feet, 

 and it was said that seven thousand men could stand beneath its 

 shade. We also saw well bred and well kept cattle and swine 

 in large numbers. In short this ranch was superlative in all its 

 features and appointments ; a truly grand spectacle both agricul- 

 turally and horticulturally speaking and such as the eye can 

 feast upon but is impossible fitlv to describe. 



Upon this ranch were mills for grinding grain, mostl}' wheat ; 

 establishments for canning fruits, and substantial stables for 

 horses and cattle. In every department excellent care seemed 

 manifest. 



A colony of Digger Indians having become civilized dwell on 

 this estate, and they are given employment in gathering fruits, 

 and performing other farm work. 



We next paid a visit to Vina, the plantation and vineyard of 

 Senator Stanford, of 55,000 acres. Here is a vineyard of 4,000 

 acres planted with wine grapes. In the vaults were stored 

 4,700,000 gallons of wine, contained in casks of two thousand 

 gallons capacity. The wines of California are in great diversity, 

 made from different varieties of grapes. Perhaps a dozen leading 

 sorts are largely exported and sent east. It may, however, be 

 termed the native beverage, and is largely used in the State. 



We next visited Woodland and there, it being Sundav, attended 

 church in the forenoon. In the afternoon we left for Santa Rosa, 

 passing through a very fertile vallej' about sixty miles in length, 

 where we saw great numbers of live stock. Large vineyards and 

 orchards and market gardens are seen along this route. Santa 

 Rosa is the seat of Sonoma County. It is situated in the valle}' 

 of Santa Rosa, one of the richest and most beautiful valleys, sixty 

 miles in length and sixty miles in width. The streets are well 

 paved and bordered with the eucalyptus and other trees. Leaving 

 early in the morning, we had but little opportunity to visit the 

 places of interest in which Santa Rosa abounds. 



On the way to San Francisco we 'ijass through a valley abound- 

 ing in agricultural wealth. We noted Jersey cattle on many 



