TO SAN DIEGO. 73 
on the ocean opposite to, though far outside of, Point 
Pinos, and not visible from the town. The houses are 
of two classes; first, those of adobe, belonging to the 
old town. These are large and well built, many being 
of two stories, with projecting eaves to protect them 
from the sun. Those of wood are of recent erection, 
‘and have not the substantial appearance of the adobe 
buildings; these latter have very thick walls asa secu- 
rity from the earthquakes, which, though not severe, 
are quite common here. An old church stands alone 
upon the plain east of the town, which appeared to be 
in a ruinous condition. Beyond this is a lagoon, said to 
separated from it by a sandy beach, and a grassy mea- 
dow, about a quarter of a mile in width. The old pre- 
sidio, or garrison, is on an elevation back of the town, 
towards Point Pinos, and is now occupied by United 
States troops. 
Monterey has always been noted for its excellent 
society; and although the Americans have monopo- 
lized every other town in the State, it still preserves 
much of its original character. The old Californian or 
Castilian families are still in the ascendancy; but the 
young Americans and other foreigners are making ter- 
rible inroads upon them, and carrying off their fair 
daughters. Many officers of the United States army 
have married in California; and from what I heard, 
here and at other places, others intend following their 
_ example. The young sefioritas certainly possess many 
attractions; and although shut up in this secluded 
_ part of the world, sitlsot the advantages of a good 
» education, or of ais with refined society, they — 
7 . have been formerly connected with the bay, but now , 
* 
