CALIFORNIA. 



205 



and mats to shelter them. The latter are manufactured after the 

 manner that has been described as used by the Indians of Oregon. 



At the rancheria, the men are generally found engaged in various 

 games of chance, similar to those before described ; it is not believed, 

 however, that they carry their gambling propensities to such an 

 extent as to stake their liberty. On the women, all the drudgery 

 seems to be thrown. They were seen engaged in weaving water- 

 tight baskets : these are very neatly made, of sufficient capacity to 

 hold a bushel, and in these it is said they contrive to boil water and 

 cook their food. 



In the preparation of the acorn-bread all assist. The acorns are 

 gathered in very large quantities, piled in heaps, and spread in the 

 sun to dry. Both men and women are to be seen employed shelling, 

 pounding, and baking them into bread : the pounding is performed 

 upon a plank that has been hollowed out, with a stone pestle. To 

 reduce the large quantity to a fine powder, requires great labour. 

 This employment presents a busy scene, though the want of cleanli- 

 ness, I may almost say pig-like filthiness with which it is performed, 

 excites disgust. 



«/ 



,« i it- 



mi 



' -Is 



INDIANS POUNDING ACORNS. 



Around New Helvetia, although but a few days had elapsed since 

 their former visit, the country, if possible, appeared more arid ; it by 

 no means justified the high encomiums that we had heard bestowed 

 upon this far-famed valley. Our expectations probably had been so 

 much raised as scarcely to allow us to give it that credit it really 

 deserves. 



The valley of the Sacramento may include a space of one hundred 

 vol. v. 52 



