Fig. 1. University ok California. 



THE GARDENS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. 



rROM the summit of che Contra Costa range, 

 850 feet above the sea. level, there is afford- 

 ed an extensive view of the two hundred 

 acres comprising the grounds of the Uni- 

 versity of California, situated in the classic town of 

 Berkeley, on the borders of San Francisco Bay. 



The marine scenery, which furnishes so effective 

 a back-ground for this panorama, is worthy of more 

 than passing mention. Upon the western horizon, 

 ten or twelve miles distant, is seen the celebrated 

 Golden Gate, through which gallant ocean steamers 

 plough their way to the boundless Pacific ; and mid- 

 way in the channel lies the rocky islet upon which 

 is stationed the staunch little fortress of Alcatraz ; 

 flanked on the north by what is mysteriously known 

 as Angel Island, and on the south by that which 

 bears the less euphonious title of Goat Island. 



Behind the former rises the scarred, weather- 

 beaten peak of old Mt. Tamalpais, guarding the 

 pretty suburban homes of Sancelito and San 

 Rafael ; and beyond the latter appear the smoke 

 enveloped, roof crowded hills of the great metropo- 

 lis, its harbor bristling with the masts of many for- 

 eign nations. White sails glancing in and out 

 among the islands, and long flights of wandering 

 sea gulls serve to complete the pleasing picture. 



The heavy fogs and high trade winds, which 

 sweep with more or less regularity over this region, 

 are greatly modified before reaching the opposite 

 shores. Especially is this true of the site under 

 consideration ; the main college buildings occupying 

 a terrace three hundred feet above, and three miles 

 distant from the shore. The average temperature 

 varies from about 30° in winter, to 65° or 70° in 

 summer, the hottest day not e.xceeding 90°, and 

 the mercury seldom falling below freezing point. 

 The annual rain-fall is estimated at about 25 inches. 



Before the temples of learning stretches the wide 

 campus, of brightest emerald from November to 

 June or July ; the recreation-ground not only of the 

 students, but of numerous grey-squirrels, which 

 bound nimbly over its wide expanse, to disappear 

 among the wealth of blazing eschscholtzias, carpet- 

 ing the adjoining meadows. Dotted at intervals 

 upon the park-like lawns are ancient live-oaks 

 {Oiiercus agrifolia), which are indigenous to this 

 locality. 



The foothills are utilized in the culture of foreign 

 timber-trees, the most promising being the Austra- 

 lian gums, especially the eucalyptus, a hardy, rapid 

 grower. Beside these are the English oak (Qiw!'- 

 ciis penditnculata), and several species of acacia. 



