122 MR. HAItTWEG'S JOURNAL OF A MISSION TO CALIFORNIA. 



The vegetation is in no respect different from that observed 

 on the descent to San Bias ; and the only object derived from 

 this excursion were an Epidendrum, an Oncidium, and another 

 orchidaceous plant resembling a Catasetum in habit, but pro- 

 ducing a flower-stem 8 to 10 inches from the apex of the pseudo- 

 bulbs, which at its extremity is much branched. This species 

 occurs exclusively on palms, and seems to flower during the 

 rainy season. - 



On the 7th of March, I despatched a tin case containing the 

 seeds collected about Tepic to Guadalajara, to be forwarded 

 thence by diligence to Vera Cruz. On the 9th I sent off to 

 Tampico the Orchids and pine cones, occupying two chests. 

 About the same time my luggage arrived from the city of 

 Mexico, where it had been detained a month from the want of 

 an opportunity, and the change of government, which took place 

 about the beginning of the year. On such occasions the mule- 

 teers contrive to keep out of the way from fear of having their 

 mules embargoed, or losing them altogether. 



On the 14th of March, I finally left Tepic for San Bias, 

 whither my luggage had preceded me, and embarked the follow- 

 ing day on board of a small schooner for Mazatlan, where I 

 arrived after a passage of five days. Mazatlan is now the most 

 important port on the west coast of Mexico, as the customhouse 

 officers are more accommodating than at San Bias or Acapulco. 



Upon making inquiries about merchant-vessels proceeding 

 soon to Northern California, I found to my consternation that no 

 opportunity had offered for the last six months, nor was it likely 

 there would be any for some time ; but that the United States 

 ship ' Portsmouth ' would sail in a few days for Monterey. The 

 day previous to her sailing I applied to Commodore Stoat 

 for a passage, backed by a letter of introduction from an influ- 

 ential house in Mazatlan, but I was told by him in very few words 

 that he could not serve me ; that under the present circumstances, 

 when a rupture between the United States and Mexico was hourly 

 expected, he could not let his movements be known : thus wishing 

 to keep the ' Portsmouth's ' destination secret — her purpose being 

 well known three weeks before she sailed. 



More successful was an application I made about the beginning 

 of May to Rear- Admiral Sir George Seymour of H.M.S. * Col- 

 lingwood,' who kindly allowed me a passage in H.M.S. ' Juno,' 

 then proceeding to Monterey. Towards evening of the 11th of 

 May, I went on board, and, sailing the following morning, we 

 arrived at Monterey on Sunday the 7th of June, after a passage 

 of twenty-six days. 



On the 8th I delivered my letters of introduction, and the 

 following morning I settled down in the quiet little town of 

 Monterey. 



