CALIFORNIA. 
177 
procure, I shall proceed to speak more particularly of our operations 
in the country, and intercourse with the inhabitants. 
On the 20th of August, Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold left the 
Vincennes with six boats, accompanied by Dr. Pickering, Lieutenants 
Alden and Budd, Passed Midshipman Sandford, Midshipmen Hatn- 
mersly and Elliott, and Gunner Williamson, with provisions for thirty 
days, accompanied by an Indian pilot. They first passed the islands 
of Angelos and Molate, next the points of San Pedro and San Pablo, 
and then entered the bay of San Pablo. 
This bay is of a form nearly circular, and ten miles in diameter; 
many small streams enter it on all sides, from the neighbouring hills. 
On the east side of this bay, the river Sacramento empties into it 
through the Straits of Kaquines. The land is high, and the sandstone 
rock on each side of the straits resembles that seen about the Straits 
of De Fuca. The hills are thickly covered with wild oats, which 
were ripe, and the landscape had that peculiar golden hue before re¬ 
marked. The contrast of this with the dark green foliage of the 
scattered oaks, heightens the effect, which, although peculiar, is not 
unpleasing to the sight. The trees all have an inclination towards the 
southeast, showing the prevalence and violence of the bleak northwest 
winds, producing on them a gnarled and mountain character. This 
feature is general throughout the coast of California, and gives the 
trees a singular appearance, the flat tops having the air of being cut or 
trimmed after the manner of box trees. The tops are bent to one side, 
and the larger branches hidden by the numerous twigs which compose 
the mass. The only place where a similar character was observed by 
us impressed upon the foliage, was at Terra del Fuego. 
After passing the straits, the delta of the Sacramento opened to view. 
The Tula marshes, which are overflowed by the river above, are very 
extensive, and are said to be the resort of a vast number of beavers, 
which, in consequence of the nature of the ground, are difficult to 
catch, many more traps being necessary than in other localities. 
The party took the southeast arm of the Sacramento, and proceeded 
up the stream for the distance of three miles, where they encamped, 
without water, that of the river being still brackish. The soil was hard, 
from being sunburnt, and the foot-marks of the cattle, which had been 
made during the last rainy season, still remained. 
In the morning, they discovered that they had taken the wrong 
branch of the river, for this led immediately into the San Joachim. 
They, in consequence, returned to the entrance, where they began their 
survey. On the 23d, they reached the residence of Captain Suter, and 
encamped on the opposite bank. 
VOL. v. 
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