TOUR OF GRANGERS IN CALIFORNIA. 203 



The next morning, December 3, we reerossed the ferry and 

 taking the cars going north visited the famous orange groves at 

 Riverside. We found it a beautiful place covering an area of 

 25,000 acres. The orange groves and vineyards occupy the whole 

 place and the ver}' best care and skill are manifest everywhere. 

 The eitj' and county have a population of about 7,000. It is a 

 city of magnificent avenues and residences. The avenues are 

 tastefully planted with palms and pepper trees and nothing can 

 surpass them in their grace and beauty. 



After viewing Riverside and receiving the hospitalities of the 

 citizens, which were most generous, we reentered the cars for Los 

 Angeles, and on our arrival were quartered at the hotels for the 

 night. All were tired, and desired rest from the constant strain 

 and excitement of the ten days excursion and banquets, which 

 were kept up without any intermission. We needed to prepare 

 ourselves for the grand finale on the following morning, when the 

 tour of the Grangers over the State of California was to end and 

 the party to separate. The pleasant associations and incidents, 

 the hallowed memories, the dignified, graceful, and charming 

 courtesies we received during our absence from home and friends, 

 made the farewell truly heartfelt, and prompted the wish that we 

 might reciprocate such generous hospitality. We feel that hence- 

 forth our houses shall be open to tlie Californians if they ever 

 come to sojourn among us. We can only hope that we have been 

 worthy of the attentions which we received as visitors to their 

 glorious State, and we know and feel that their kindness must 

 ever keep a green spot in our memories while life lasts. The 

 final parting at the railroad station, where the larger part were 

 gathered to go eastward to their homes, was a scene such as the 

 most of us never before witnessed. An express wagon came 

 loaded with Navel oranges in baskets for our refreshment by the 

 way, supplemented with bottles of native wine, of which one was 

 presented to each member of the party. Governor Robie, of 

 Maine, mounted the wagon and made the parting speech, com- 

 mending the people for their generous hospitality ; praising the 

 great agricultural resources of the State, with its mountains, its 

 foot-hills, and vast valley's, and thanking all who had so gener- 

 ousl}' contributed to the welfare and pleasure of the party. All 

 was expressed with his charming felicity of speech, which flows so 

 easily upon every occasion. The cry, " all aboard!" was heard 



