88 RETURN FROM SAN FRANCISCO 
tected against south-east and south-west gales. The 
protection from the north-west winds would not be so 
good. One of these small islands was found to be 
covered with sea-lions, huge animals as large as an ox. 
The creatures were asleep when the party landed, and 
suffered themselves to be approached by the seamen, 
who for mere sport killed several, by knocking them 
on the head with stones. Some were believed to 
weigh as much as one thousand two hundred pounds. 
Some fine fish were taken by the boats; and all were 
again on board before dark. After starting on our 
return, the wind died away and left us becalmed, 
so that we did not reach San Diego until the follow- 
ing morning. The Coronados were discovered and 
named by Sebastian Viscaino, in the year 1602, 
when he entered the port of San Diego.* 
The harbor of San Diego abounds in excellent fish; 
but, owing to the deficiency of timber, there is but 
little game. Rabbits are plentiful, and occasionally a 
deer is brought in. On the hills near, and for many 
miles around, grow wild oats in great profusion, fur- 
nishing an excellent fodder for horses and cattle. The 
other productions are wheat, barley, maize, beans, and 
vegetables of various kinds. The climate is mild and 
healthy. During the months of March, April, and May, 
fogs are frequent in the morning; and up to the 
time when we left, there was scarcely a morning or 
evening when a little fire was not necessary. The 
atmosphere is at all times more moist, with much less 
heat, than at San Francisco and the adjacent country. 
* Torquemada, Monarquia Indiana, lib. v. Voyage of Viscaino. 
