TRAVELS IN THE CALIFORNIAS. 
22 1 
gether with the map and journal of his pilot, and Padre Sisti- 
aga’s account of his discoveries, to the Viceroy of Mexico, to 
be transmitted to the Court, for the information and action of 
the Government. Meanwhile the Padres turn their attention 
to the spiritual conquest of this wild country. 
CHAPTER XIII. 
A Mission Founded—A Tornado—Death—Another Mission Founded— 
A Vineyard—A Harvest—Indications of Trouble—A Murder—For¬ 
bearance—Three Murders—Measures taken for Defence—The Insur¬ 
gents Captured—A Trial—A Sentence—A Reprieve—Death of Padre 
Piccolo—A Visitor—Further Steps in the Conquest—A Voyage— 
Birds—Natives—Country—Islands—A Plunge—A Shark—Death. 
The Padres have lost none of their religious zeal while 
prosecuting these civil enterprises; and they have gained 
much topographical and other knowledge, which will be of 
general service in their future missionary labors. They have 
learned the practicability of extending their missions farther 
north. The country there is more fertile and better supplied 
with wood and water. The moral aspect too is more promis¬ 
ing. The natives in that quarter are much superior in intellect, 
more gentle and friendly, more honest and faithful; and in 
every way more inviting and promising than those in the 
south. There, is a rich field of labor opened to them. But at 
the same time the condition of the southern natives renders it 
more necessary that they should be formed into missions. 
They are treacherous, vindictive, bloody; and have many vices 
which are unknown among the northern people. The whole 
nation of Pericues wfith its several branches of Uchities, Guay- 
curos and Coras, are continually engaged in destructive wars, 
so that no security can be enjoyed by the missions or their 
