SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. 
497 
There was a great abundance of ducks, pelicans, cranes, 
and other water fowl ; but I was so much exposed, 
that I could not get a shot. I now landed to try my 
chance from among the mangrove trees and jungle 
which grew on the banks. But here the difficulty of 
walking was so great, that it was at the hazard of my 
life that I attempted to penetrate the thicket ; and I 
was glad to get out as quick as possible, reach the 
higher and dry ground, and retrace my way to the 
village. Besides I felt that there was some danger in 
• exposing myself in so unhealthy a spot during the 
intense heat of noonday. This laguna had a most 
enchanting appearance. The exuberance of the nu- 
merous tropical plants which grew upon its shores, 
with the hills rising on every side, made it seem like a 
vast amphitheatre. 
I noticed on the rugged hills at the entrance of the 
bay a number of the petaJiaya^ or giant cereus, differing 
from the specimens of that remarkable plant which I 
had seen in Sonora, and which I therefore supposed to 
be another variety. These grew to about twenty or 
twenty -five feet in height, and had numerous and more 
slender branches. The rocks were so steep, and so 
thickly covered with cacti and dense shrubbery, that I 
made no attempt to approach nearer than to take a 
sketch of a perfect specimen, of which I had a fine view. 
January Tld. Towards evening when the sun had 
got behind the hills, I went to some rocks at the end of 
the village and took a sketch. The cargo having now 
all been taken out, the captain went on shore for his 
papers, leaving orders to get the vessel ready for sea, 
when another difficulty occurred. The officer affirmed 
VOL. I. — 32 
