40 Sea-side Study on the Coast of California. 
In order to study the conformation of the coast of California be- 
tween Santa Barbara and the Bay of Monterey, and to form a judg- 
ment of the advantages of the several ports for natural history work, 
I took one of the smaller steamers of the Pacific Navigation Com- 
pany, which touches at the several landings. I did not dredge in all 
these places and my judgments may be more or less hastily made. 
They are thought to be of some worth. 
Gaviota seems illy adapted for surface work, as I am told that a 
= stiff breeze from the mountain pass almost continually ruffles the 
_ ea, As we approached the wharf at about nightfall a cold boister- 
» ous wind from the mountains seemed to prevent any night work 
-with the net. 
rh Harford seemed made on purpose for the study of marine 
y - The wharf i is well situated for landing with treasures, 
peser collecting ground for litoral animals. 
‘oat ng animals were observed in the neighborhood of the 
k little calculated for the purposes of the naturalist. 
probably a multitudious marine life in the water, no point seems 
adapted at present for the study without great inconveniences. It 
would be impossible to get boats and fishermen on this unknown 
coast. San Simeon is a dairy town and few fishermen are found 
there, although there is an easy communication with San Francisco 
and. other prominent ports on the Pacific, by means of the Pacific 
Steamship Company. 
Santa Cruz presents many conditions which render it a good place 
for the marine zoölogist to work. There are many fishermen and 
boats can be had at reasonable rates. It has good hotels and board- 
ing-houses contiguous to the landing-places. There is a good sandy 
beach and near by rocky cliffs both with characteristic life. The 
