CALIFORNIA. 191 



quent in large numbers. Their cry or whistle is at times very shrill, 

 and may be heard for a great distance. 



At the junction of the Feather river with the Sacramento, the latter 

 increases in width to nearly double. It was found just below the 

 junction to be from twelve to fifteen hundred feet broad, forming a sort 

 of bay, but it soon again contracts. They encamped about ten miles 

 below the confluence of these streams. 



Whilst the men were employed in pitching the tents, Dr. Pickering 

 strolled up the bank, to see what he could find in the botanical way, 

 without arms. On his approaching the bushes, a huge grisly bear 

 made for him, and so close was he that it was necessary for him to 

 make all the exertion he could to effect his escape from so dangerous 

 an adversary. He gave the alarm, and every one was running for 

 his arms, but before these could be prepared, this inhabitant of the 

 forest made a precipitate retreat, and was soon beyond the reach of 

 the rifle. 



On the 4th, they had returned to Captain Suter, where they found 

 that a small Russian schooner had arrived from Bodega, bringing the 

 governor of that establishment, who was about delivering it up to 

 Captain Suter. The vessel was understood to have been built at 

 Sitka, and was of only thirty tons burden, very much resembling an 

 English vessel of the same class. 



For a boat they use a skin " badaka," that is admirably adapted for 

 the seas and weather they have to contend with. When the persons 

 are seated, and the opening closed, with a skin dress they more 

 resemble an aquatic animal than any thing else. 



The morning after their arrival, Captain Suter paid his men their 

 weekly wages, in cloths, calicoes, vests, shirts, and pantaloons. The 

 whole was arranged through their chief, who spoke a little Spanish. 

 The labourers are obtained from the different rancherias, and some 

 from the vicinity of the mountains. It was observed that the larger 

 portion of the labourers were young men and boys ; no women were 

 employed, and as yet their services are not needed ; but it is the Cap- 

 tain's intention, as he informed our gentlemen, to have employment for 

 them in a year or two. 



Several Americans from the United States are beginning to settle in 

 this part of the country, and it will not be long before it becomes in 

 some respects, an American Colony. 



Although it was late in the season, a few salmon were caught at the 

 fishery ; they were not to be distinguished from the Columbia species 

 of the first run. 



