El Camino Real i 97 



to be seen are remnants of the great tuna hedo- e 

 that once surrounded the Mission property an im- 

 penetrable barrier against enemies. 



The padre takes us into various rooms in the Mis- 

 sion, reverently displays the rich vestments and old 

 records in Padre Jose Maria Zalvidea's handwriting, 

 from which we learn that the first Indian was baptized 

 in 1771, and in the first twenty-five years of its history 

 over four thousand Indians were baptized there. San 

 Gabriel once owned hundreds of acres and vast herds 

 of cattle. The belfry is picturesque, and has four bells 

 which still call the faithful down the valley of San Ga- 

 briel. The old Mission was repaired by J. De Earth 

 Shorb, several years ago, and is still in use by the peo- 

 ple of the vicinity, who, despite the American invasion, 

 cling to San Gabriel and its memories. 



In all probability El Camino Real extended down 

 the San Fernando Valley to Los Angeles, from here 

 to San Gabriel, then possibly through the break in the 

 hills near Whittier, so leading to San Juan Capistrano 

 Mission. But the coachers propose to diverge and reach 

 Pala Mission by the mountain or upper road, regaining 

 the King's Highway upon the return trip along-shore. 



Down the valley, by Monrovia, Duarte, and Azusa, 

 the coach bowls, passing through a continuous garden, 

 stopping at Pomona for the night, then on by Ontario, 

 Cucamonga famous for its wine, to Colton and River- 

 side with its splendid vistas of orange groves, its long 

 rows of palms and magnolias. We tarry in this splendid 



