TRAVELS IN THE CALIFORNIA S. 
401 
and Lupinus, which sometimes cover an immense extent of 
land. The Arbutus is also abundant in similar situations. 
The large species, A. procera, is a fine shrub, frequently at¬ 
taining a growth which entitles it to be called a tree. The 
A. uva ursi is found in almost every part of the colder sec¬ 
tions of the country, and its berries are frequently eaten by 
the natives, and even by travellers. A very useful plant to 
the natives is the Helonias tenax , the fibres of which are 
* stronger than any hemp. Cords made of this are used by the 
Indians for the purpose of snaring deer and other animals; 
and one the thickness of the little finger is so strong as not 
to be broken by the largest elk. 
The Gooseberry grows in Upper California, and bears plen¬ 
tifully. The sand-hills and moors are covered with a great 
variety of Syngenesious plants, and on the more fertile and 
humid soil grows a gaudy-flowered Currant-bush and a pretty 
species of Honeysuckle. Perhaps the most remarkable shrub 
here is the Yedra, poisonous plant, which, however, affects 
some particular constitutions only. By contact with the skin, 
it produces tumors and violent inflammation. It is a slender 
shrub, preferring cool and shady places, and bearing a trefoil 
crenated leaf. Two roots—the plants of which I have not 
seen—are used by the natives for soap : these are called 
Amole and Samate. On the rocky coast south of Monterey 
are immense collections of sea-weed— Fucus pyrifornis — 
which are said to have gathered there in such abundance, as 
to have saved several vessels from splitting on the rocks, when 
driven on them by the tempest. 
Minerals.— The mineral wealth of the Californias has 
not been examined by persons capable of forming a correct 
idea of its nature and extent. The imperfect observations of 
travellers, embellished by the eager love of the precious 
metals, are not to be relied on. Some facts, however, exist, 
which, having been well and often observed, may be men¬ 
tioned. 
