126 IIISTOEY OF CALIFORNIA. 



close of the Convention, Avas the most exciting theme. 

 The point of dispute was the eastern boundary line. 

 The Pacific formed the natural boundary on the west ; 

 the parallel of 42 degrees, the boundary on the north, 

 and the Mexican line, run in conformity with the 

 treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the boundary on the 

 south. The discussion, reconsideration and voting 

 upon the various propositions occupied nearly two 

 days. Finally, the line detailed in the Constitution 

 was adopted. 



The discussion upon the adoption of the Great Seal 

 for the State was amusing. Eight or ten designs were 

 offered, and the members from the different districts 

 were all anxious to have their particular district repre- 

 sented. The choice finally fell upon one offered by a 

 Major Garnett. The principal figure is Minerva, with 

 spear and shield, emblematic of the manner in which 

 California was born, fidl-grown, into the confederacy. 

 At her feet crouches the grizzly bear. Before him is 

 the wheat-sheaf and vine, illustrating the agricultural 

 products of the country. Near them is the miner, 

 with liis implements. In the distance is the Bay of 

 San Francisco, and beyond that, the Sierra Nevada, 

 over which appears the word "Eureka." The closing 

 scenes of the Convention are described in graphic and 

 vivid colors by one who was an eye-witness to them, 

 and recorded them upon the spot.* 



" The members met this morning at the usual hour, 

 to perform the last duty that remained to them — that 

 of signing the Constitution. They were all in the 

 happiest humor, and the morning was so bright and 

 balmy that no one seemed disposed to call an organi- 



* Bayard Taylor, El Dorado, or Adventures in the Path of Empire. 



