212 
CALIFORNIA. 
over that last killed, and the ground around seemed alive with cranes, 
crows, &c., acting as scavengers, and disputing for their shares. 
There is no smell except that of raw beef; the climate is so dry that 
no putrid matter exists, but the sight is unpleasant enough to those who 
have not become accustomed to it. 
Previous to setting out, we provided our saddles with extra sheep¬ 
skins ; we now took leave of Don Miguel, with many thanks for his 
attentions, and a hearty shake of the hand. We soon found that our 
horses began to fag from the effects of our bad riding, and the fatigued 
and wretched condition they were in; and by the time we arrived at 
Las Pulgas, we found it necessary to change, and were glad to have 
a temporary relief from our saddles. Any one who has ever ridden 
upon a Californian saddle, with but a slender covering to it, will be 
able to understand our feelings. We were besides but ill provided 
for the trip, which our nags seemed not slow to discover. We had 
no well-armed heels, and were, besides, deficient in whips, both in¬ 
dispensable to a rider in California. The consequence was, that they 
could not be made to move along, without most laborious efforts of 
bodily strength. 
The country we passed through was at this time destitute of both 
water and grass, and the weather uncomfortably warm. In places 
we found it picturesque, from the scattered oaks, laurels, &c., though 
to all appearance entirely unfit for cultivation. Wherever there was 
any running water, a pond, or vegetation, large flocks of geese and 
ducks were seen. At four o’clock, we entered the estancia of Senor 
Sanchez, to whom Don Miguel had given us a note of introduction, 
desiring that he would aid us if we wanted horses. We had looked 
forward to this point with hope, in the belief that our troubles in riding 
such forlorn beasts would terminate, and that our bodies as well as 
our minds would be set at rest. 
The word estancia seems to give one an idea of something more 
extensive than a small farm : it sounds more noble and wealthy; but 
whatever had been our opinion before, the reality disappointed us. 
Senor Sanchez’s estancia at a distance was quite a respectable-looking 
building; the broad shadow cast by its projecting roof gave it a 
substantial and solid appearance; but a nearer approach dispelled 
these favourable impressions, and showed its uncouth proportions, as 
well as the neglect in which the whole was kept. The way to the 
house, which stands on a knoll, leads through miry places, and over 
broken-down fences, winding around dilapidated ox-carts, over troughs, 
old baskets, dead hogs, dogs, and fowls, all huddled together. Rude 
articles of husbandry occupied the sides of the building. Seeing no one. 
