Coaching at Santa Catalina 283 



tion on the beach. Below the inn, at Little Harbour, are 

 several shell mounds left by the ancients in which have 

 been found many articles in stone, shell, and wood ; and 

 from here eight miles, to the Isthmus, there are many 

 evidences of similar remains. The stretch of road re- 

 maining is interesting as it plunges into the centre of 

 the island again ; now climbing the hills, passing through 

 groves of dwarf oak or by vast areas of cactus, yellow 

 with blossoms. Climbing the mountain slopes, the road 

 affords views of the Pacific to the west in the direc- 

 tion of San Nicolas and San Clemente; then suddenly 

 crosses the divide five hundred feet above the Isthmus 

 at Cabrillo, with its crescent-shaped beach, its groves of 

 palm and eucalyptus. 



Here the driver has a fine descending road in which 

 to entertain the lovers of fast driving. It happens that 

 all the passengers wish to be so entertained, and they 

 request him in a body to " let them out." To say that 

 he responded is putting it mildly. The old driver out- 

 does himself, and in a few seconds the fine team that has 

 been changed back at the inn is galloping down the 

 road at full speed. The skill of the driver, the manner 

 in which he sends the six running horses around impos- 

 sible curves, is beyond description. A moment ago we 

 were standing on the divide where we could almost toss 

 a stone into the blue water, five hundred feet below ; 

 now we are rushing down the incline and round up in 

 gallant fashion at Cabrillo. Tobogganing cannot be 

 had at Santa Catalina. but in this stage ride you have a 



