376 
VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAP, resemble clouds. Among the marshes there were also a great many 
storks and cranes, which in San Francisco have the reputation of alFord- 
Nov. ing a most delicious repast. 
Travelling onward, the hills on their right, known in that part as 
the Sierra del Sur, began to approach the road, which passing over a 
small eminence, opened out upon a wide country of meadow land, with 
clusters of fine oak free from underwood. It strongly resembled a 
nobleman’s park : herds of cattle and horses were grazing upon the 
rich pasture, and numerous fallow-deer, startled at the approach of 
strangers, bounded off to seek protection among the hills. The resem- 
blance, however, could be traced no further. Instead of a noble mansion, 
in character with so fine a country, the party arrived at a miserable mud 
dwelling, before the door of which a number of half-naked Indians 
were basking in the sun. , Several dead geese, deprived of their entrails, 
were fixed upon pegs around a large pole, for the purpose of decoying 
the living game into snares, which were placed for them in favourable 
situations. Heaps of bones also of various animals were lying about 
the place, and sadly disgraced the park-like scenery around. This spot 
is named S4n Matheo, and belongs to the mission of San Francisco. 
Quitting this spot, they arrived at a farm-house about half way 
between San Francisco and S4nta Clara, called Las Pulgas (fleas) ; a 
name which afforded much mirth to our travellers, in which they were 
heartily joined by the inmates of the dwelling, who were very well 
aware that the name had not been bestowed without cause. It was a 
miserable habitation, with scarcely any furniture, surrounded by decay- 
ing hides and bones. Still, fatigue renders repose sweet upon what- 
soever it can be indulged, and our party were glad enough to stretch 
themselves awhile upon a creaking couch, the only one in the hut, not- 
withstanding that the owner had a numerous family. Here, had there 
been accommodation, and had the place not acquired the reputation 
its name conveys, they would willingly have ended their day’s journey; 
but the idea of las pulgas, sufficiently numerous in all the houses of 
Cahfornia, determined them to proceed as soon as they conveniently 
could. The plain still continued animated with herds of cattle, horses, 
and sheep grazing ; but the noble clusters of oak were now varied with 
