[Entered according to Act of Congress, with the Librarian of Congress, 1870.] 
ACQUISITION OF CALIFORNIA. 
In 1846 the Mexican Province of California was annexed to 
the United States, and many people emigrated across the plains 
to that genial section of our country. Shortly afterward gold 
was discovered in various parts of that land in considerable 
quantities, and of such fineness as to attract ambitious men 
from other countries in search of sudden wealth ; in developing 
the gold fields the mountains have been washed, the hills dug 
up, and ancient rivers have been diverted from their time-worn 
channels. 
“ Gold — many hunted, sweat and bled for gold, 
And on its altar sacrificed ease, peace, 
Truth, faith, integrity, good conscience, friends, 
Love, charity, benevolence, and all 
The sweet and tender sympathies of life; 
Most for the luxuries it bought — the pomp, 
The praise, the glitter, fashion and renown, 
This yellow phantom followed and adored." 
— Pollock. 
Who can paint the hardships and privations which the miners 
endured ? How many bright visions came to untimely grief in 
that prolific land of the sham—roQk? How many devoted 
mothers and neglected wives have offered up their most earnest 
prayers to God in behalf of their cherished ones struggling and 
toiling in the sunset land ? 
The north-west coast* presents varied landscapes, bold, bleak 
headlands, broad tablelands, green valleys and sandy beaches, 
with occasional rocky reefs and ledges. The entire coast line 
has been explored; the sounds, bays, roadsteads and harbors 
have been minutely surveyed. 
Islands of different forms and elevations fringe several sec¬ 
tions of the coast, all of which may be seen in clear weather for 
