372 
VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAP, the patriarchal ages, and it is only a pity that a little of the skill and 
industry then employed upon them should not have devolved upon 
Nov. the present generation. It will scarcely be credited by agriculturists 
in other countries, that there were seventy ploughs and two hundred 
oxen at work upon a piece of light ground of ten acres ; nor did the 
overseers appear to consider that number unnecessary, as the padre 
called our attention to this extraordinary advancement of the Indians 
in civilization, and pointed out the most able workmen as the ploughs 
passed us in succession. The greater part of these ploughs followed in 
the same furrow without making much impression, until they approached 
the padre, when the ploughman gave the necessary inclination of the 
hand, and the share got hold of the ground. It would have been good 
policy for the padre to have moved gradually along the field, by which 
he would have had it properly ploughed ; but he seemed to be quite 
satisfied with the performance. Several of the missions, but parti- 
cularly that of S4nta Barbara, make a wine resembling claret, though 
not near so palatable, and they also distil an ardent spirit resembling 
arrack. 
In this part of California, besides the missions, there are several 
pueblos, or villages, occupied by Spaniards and their families, who have 
availed themselves of the privileges granted by the old government, and 
have relinquished the sword for the ploughshai’e. There are also a 
few settlers, who are farmers, but, with these exceptions, the country 
is almost uninhabited. Perhaps I cannot convey a better idea of the 
deserted state of the country, or of the capability of its soil, than by 
inserting a short narrative which I have compiled from the journals of 
three of my officers who travelled over land from S4n Francisco to “ the 
famous port of Monterey.” 
I have already stated that it was found expedient to make thi& 
journey to learn whether any supplies could be procured for the ship ; 
and in consequence Mr. Collie, the surgeon, Mr. Marsh, the purser, 
and Mr. Evans, who was well acquainted with the Spanish language, 
were requested to proceed on this service. As it was of importance that 
no time should be lost in acquiring this information, they had very 
little time allowed them to prepare for so long, and, to seamen, so 
