PART II. 
Dec. 
182G. 
CHAPTEK XIV. 
Observations on tbe Country of California and its Trade-Climate-MeteorologW Re- 
nratks- Short Account of the Wild Indians-Nalnral Product, ons-Montetey-M.ss.o. 
of San Carlos— Departure. 
The more we became acquainted with the beautiful country CH^ 
around S4n Francisco, the more we were convinced that it possessed 
every requisite to render it a valuable appendage to Mexico ; and it was Dec. 
iinpLible to resist joining in the remark of Vancouver, “ Why such 
an extent of territory should have been subjugated, and, after all the 
expense and labour bestowed upon its colonization, turned to no account 
whatever, is a mystery in the science of state policy not easily ex- 
plained.” Situated in the northern hemisphere, between the parallels 
of 22. and 39% no fault can be found with its climate ; its soil m genera 
is fertile, it possesses forests of oak and pine convenient for budding and 
contributing to the necessities of vessels, plains overrun with caUle, 
excellent ports, and navigable rivers to facilitate inland communication. 
Possessing all these advantages, an industrious population alone seems 
requisite to withdraw it from the obscurity in which it has so long slept 
under the indolence of the people and the jealous policy of the Spams 
crovernment. Indeed it struck us as lamentable to see such an extent 
of habitable country lying almost desolate and useless to mankind, whilst 
other nations are groaning under the burthen of their populatmn. 
It is evident, from the natural course of events, and fiom t e 
rapidity with which observation has recently been extended o tie 
hitherto most obscure parts of the globe, that this indilference cannot 
O E 
