74 
GEOLOGY. 
hedge of the gigantic prickly pear, about twelve feet high, and covered with partly-ripened 
fruit—the tuna, or Indian fig. A ladder was resting against the hedge, and the artist has 
represented the fruit as if collected hy hand ; a mode of gathering which seems rather incom¬ 
patible with its thorny nature. 
PRICKLY PEAR, NEAR SAN FERNANDO.. 
The peculiarly moist and balmy air which we experienced at this camp through the night, and 
the vegetation that indicated settlements and civilization, were delightful to us after travelling 
so long on the mountains and the elevated and arid surface of the Great Basin. 
SAN FERNANDO MISSION. 
Soon after leaving our camp under the fig trees, we found that we were entering a widely 
extended valley with a nearly level surface, without trees or verdure, and bounded on all sides 
hy distant ranges of mountains. On turning the point of a hill, we came suddenly in sight of 
the Mission buildings, which, with the surrounding gardens, stood isolated in the seemingly 
desert plain, and produced a most beautiful effect.—(See View VI.) The gardens were enclosed 
hy walls, hut the graceful palm rose above them, and groves of olive, lemon, and orange trees 
could he seen within. Outside of the walls the surface was barren and gravelly, and the fertility 
within is the result of irrigation. 
The bhilding presents an imposing appearance, having a long portico formed hy a colonade, 
with twenty arches, built of brick, or abobe, and plastered and whitewashed. The floor is 
paved with tiles, and a pleasant promenade in front of the edifice is thus afforded. The remains 
