little hunt. As we continued to climb
the grade we heard the report of their
gun every few moments, and every



86 Camping Out in California.

crack and reverberation seemed far-
ther away, until our ears completely
failed to catch the faint sound as it
came struggling up from the canyon
below.

As we were all suffering with thirst
and could find no water, we were com-
pelled to go on until night had over-
taken us on a strange and gloomy moun-
tain.

Here we paused and called first
"Will" and then "Ben," but received
no reply except the pensive sighing
and moaning of the wind.

Finally we resolved to travel on, and
down, down we went until we were two
or three miles from the summit, then
we distinguished a little, light away up
the side of the mountain, and nearly a
quarter of a mile distant.

The girls immediately seized the
bucket, and starting up the steep as-
cent said they would have some water
if they had to pay two bits a drink.

They soon returned, bringing a sup-



Snhbath on the Mountain. 87

ply which was not the best, but we
were so thirsty that we drank it with-
out waiting to complain of the quality.

When we had gone about another
mile and reached the foot of the moun-
tain, we came to a stream and suc-
ceeded in finding a level spot near the
road large enough for our tent.

With some difficulty we gathered a
few sticks, sufficient to make a little
fire, after which we prepared supper
thinking the boys would arrive by that
time.

Supper being over we became very
anxious and strained our eyes gazing
through the dim color of night, and the
girls said with tremulous voices, "Don't
you think you can hear them coming?
Certainly they ought to be here by this
time;" and Harry cried because he was
afraid an old grizzly had caught them.

Thus we watched and waited until
very late, when tired as we were, we re-
solved to go back and search for the
lost.



88 Camping Out in California.

As we were about to start we heard
a shrill whistle on the mountain side,
which was followed by the flash and
report of the shot-gun. "There they
come," shouted Harry. The girls
clapped their hands and said "Good.
We are so glad."

And while a thrill of joy entered
our hearts, and the pleasure of instan-
taneous relief fell like a benediction of
the night upon us, we took a long breath
in concert, and then welcomed the
prodigals, who came loaded with game.

It was past the hour of midnight ere
we fell asleep, and in the morning twi-
light our quiet slumber was disturbed
by the thunder of lumber wagons, which
were on their way from the mountain
mills to the railroad.

The mountains now subsided into
hills and about the middle of the day
we beheld just below us the thrifty lit-
tle village of Cloverdale. It is at the
end of a narrow but fertile valley with
mountains on either side which shelter



Sabbath on the Mountain. 89

it from the coast winds and fogs. It is
an infant city, slumbering in nature's
cradle, bathed in a flood of sunshine,
and adorned with richly colored and
sweet-scented flowers.

But it cannot long remain a babe,
for it is not only the terminus of the
railroad but also the starting point of
several popular stage lines.

The iron horse which comes every
day running up the valley, halts here,
as if afraid to venture farther on among
the mountains and canyons. A vast
amount of freight is shipped to this
town and then hauled on heavy wagons
into the mountains and valleys be-
yond.

The road along this valley was so
hard and smooth that it resembled a
city avenue.

The sun shone with midsummer
brightness and the air was so quiet
that there was not even the lightest
stir among the leaves or grass, and we
soon began to sigh for the pleasant and



90 Camping Out in California.

refreshing forest shade or the cool breeze
of the ocean.

It has well been said that in a few
hours 7 travel in California a person can
find any climate he desires. But one
could scarcely realize that a few miles
could possibly. make such a difference.
At the coast, only about forty miles
distant, ladies were wearing their win-
ter clothing and heavy cloaks, while in
this valley they were clothed in light
lawns and white dresses, and carrying
parasols and fans instead of wraps.

We reached Healdsburg a little be-
fore sundown and found a camping
place near the river.

It was a lovely evening and our
young folks greatly enjoyed a lively
promenade along the river bank, across
the long bridge, and through some of
the principal streets of this pleasant
village.

Hen and Harry found amusement
playing in the sand and skipping stones
on the water, where the silver ripples



Sabbath on the Mountain. 91

were dancing to the music of bees and
birds, while we who had traveled far-
ther on the journey of life were content
to sit within the tent door and enjoy
the enjoyment of the young.

Healdsburg is a thriving town con-
siderably larger than Cloverdale and
pleasantly situated in the broad and
rich valley.

Here the Seventh Day Adventists
have their stronghold. Disregarding
the sanctities of the glorious Lord's day,
they, like the Jews who do not believe
in the divinity of Christ keep Satur-
day instead of Sunday.

Next day we went to Santa Rosa, the
valley like a river still widening as
we neared the sea, and large vine-
yards and orchards appearing all the
way.

We reached Santa Rosa early in the
afternoon and had considerable diffi-
culty in finding a place to pitch our
tent.

While the boys were looking for a



92 Camping Out in California.

camping ground, we girls remained in
the wagon in one of the principal streets.

This was during the Fair, and crowds
of well dressed cheerful-looking people
were moving in every direction.

Our canvas curtain was rolled up
so as to afford us the benefit of the
breeze and also a glimpse of life as it
exists in this beautiful and enterpris-
ing city.

We had on our camping suits and
broad sun hats, and a thick covering
of dust. And judging from the side
glances, and mirthful looks that were
cast at us, we were taken for gypsies,
or way-worn emigrants looking for a
home.

After an hour had' passed during
which time we were a gazing-stock for
old and young, rich and poor, black
and white, our young and brave heroes
returned and we were quickly trans-
ferred to a comfortable camping ground
by the side of the stream.

After a liberal use of water and a



Sabbath on the Mountain. 93

little quiet rest, we all started out for a
walk.

Our attention was called to the Bap-
tist church which is probably the larg-
est house of worship in Santa Rosa.
It is ceiled throughout and we were
credibly informed that the entire
building including pews and pulpit
was built from one redwood tree, and
besides the material used for the church
there were eighty thousand shingles
sawn from the remainder of the tree.
As we had been through the*redwood
forest we did not think this the least
incredible.

We also noticed the Young Ladies'
Seminary, which is a beautiful build-
ing surrounded by lovely lawns, walks
and flowers.

We heard the ability and earnest
zeal of the sisters who own the Semi-
nary, mentioned by many in highest
terms. One lady said, "All the girls
who attend that school turn out well/ 1

The boys took us to see a large bal-



94 Camping Out in California.

loon that was struggling to get away
from the world. As we looked upon
the bulky but light and aerial structure,
swaying back and forth as if filled with
sensitive nerves, now settling down for
an instant in quietude as if exhausted
by its efforts for victory and freedom,
now rallying as with renewed strength
and springing upward like a chained
eagle endeavoring to break the fetters
that held it to the earth, we were forci-
bly reminded of many whom we knew
to be held down by the strong chains
of vice, struggling to get free but unable
to break the iron bands that held them
down.

It seems to me that if there is one
creature on earth more to be pitied
than another, it is a human being
made in the image of God, who is over-
come by temptation, and yet struggling
in vain to break loose from the strong
grasp of the vice which he knows to be
an oppressive tyrant.

Indeed it was not necessary to call



Sabbath on the. Mountain. 95

to remembrance those whom we had
known, for we were able even then to
look upon some whose very appearance
gave evidence of inward battles, heart
and soul struggles with evil.

It was only necessary for us to look
in the faces of many around us in order
to realize tha- "the flesh warreth against
the spirit and the spirit against the
flesh, and these are contrary the one to
the other."

When we returned to our camp a
gentleman told us that it was not safe
for us to remain there during the night,
that unfortunately we had located in
the part of town where all the roughs
were in the habit of passing from one
haunt of vice to another.

After the daylight had disappeared
and the full moon was shining upon us,
the boys harnessed our horses while the
girls packed the tent and bedding, and
then we rolled out to find a place where
we could sleep in peace and safety.

A fter % conti iiuing our journey about



5)6 Camping Out in California.

three or four miles we found a little
spot of gfass in a corner where two
fences joined, and there by the glow-
ing moonlight, we set up our tent, and
were soon peacefully at rest, while our
hearts were filled with thankfulness
and gratitude to God.

But we did not sleep much during
the night. Wagons kept passing until
nearly morning; also men on horse-
back, and on foot, several of whom were
under the powerful influence of alcohol.

One poor fellow was raving and curs-
ing like a mad man, while a woman, I
know not whether a mother, wife or
sister, followed the inebriate, sobbing
and crying piteously. Several remarks
were made concerning our tent but no
one interfered with our humble abode.

The next day we arrived at Petaluma,
another California village, that was
filled with California push and enter-
prise.

Here we also found it inconvenient
to secure a camping place. One kind



Sabbath on the Mountain. 97

gentleman gave us permission to pitch
our tent in a corral among the cattle ,
another said if it were not for the teams
coming and going, we could camp in
the lumber yard. Finally, some one
told us of a place outside the town where
the gypsies were in the habit of camp-
ing and we concluded to go there.

We found it a very good place but
almost impossible to secure wood
enough to make a fire. Will and Ben,
however, climbed some of the gum trees
and broke off dead limbs sufficient to
answer all purposes.

A few rods away and near the fence
there Vas a mound of fresh earth which
resembled a grave, and Will said he ex-
pected one of the gypsies was buried
there. The girls hastened away from
the grave and began to make objections
to camping over the Sabbath with a
dead gypsy. Little Harry, however, was
not so easily frightened. He said, "A
hundred dead gypsies could not scare me
if they were all buried in the ground."



*JH Camping Out in California.

After a while Ben said some of the
boys told him it was only a dog that
was buried there.

Then the girls' faces brightened up
as Eda remarked that she was not
afraid of a dog but she would be of a
gyps}^ dead or alive.

While in this town we visited the
woolen mills, of which we had heard
before leaving home. Here we watched
the wool from where it was emptied
from the sack, just as it had been shorn
from the sheep, dusty and matted, to
where it was picked, cleaned, carded,
spun, (three hundred and sixty threads
at a time by one man,) woven, dyed,
and hung on the line bright red, soft
flannel.

As we gazed upon the unclean wool
going in, and the beautiful cloth that
would honor a king's wardrobe coming
out by the hundreds of yards, we were
reminded of the long time ago when
the New England mothers and daugh-
ters persevered in their irksome method



Sabbath on the Mountain. 9

of cloth-making by hand. The wool
had to be washed, picked, carded and
then spun one thread at a time. The
weary house-wife would walk back and
forth, deftly handling the wheel with
one hand and the yarn with the other.

And then the slow process of weav-
ing by gliding the shuttle to and fro,
first with the right hand and then with
the left, while the blue-striped or plaid
web grew from one to six yards a day.
What would our great grandmothers
think, if they could stand for an hour
in this manufactory, and see the wool
going in and the cloth coming out?

The next morning it was the Sabbath
sun that smiled upon us again, but we
were about one hundred miles from
where we camped the Sabbath before,
and how vastly different were our sur-
roundings! Instead of nature's calm
and harmonious music, our ears were
greeted with the coarse voices of shout-
ing boys, the rattle of cow-bells, the
squealing of pigs and the sound of ham-



100 Camping Out in California.

mer and axe. But we had the oppor-
tunity of going to the house of God and
hearing a clear and forcible sermon on
the atonement.

On the following day we drove to
San Rafael where we met some kind
friends, who not only invited us to*
camp in their yard, but endeavored to
make it as comfortable and pleasant
for us as possible, even furnishing feed
for our horses and insisting that we
should eat at their table. Here we were
so comfortably and bounteously enter-
tained by such cheerful, refined and
Christian company that our stay was
somewhat prolonged.

San Rafael is a delightful little city
containing many elegant and costly
mansions. In front of these fine resi-
dences were beautiful lawns which were
bordered with the choicest shrubbery
and flowers, and shaded by handsome
trees, and kept green and flourishing
by the refreshing spray of many foun-
tains.



Sabbath on the Mountain. 101

Beneath these trees and in the midst
of dahlias, roses and other lovely and
odorous blossoms were bright-faced
boys and girls who were richly clad,
and as happy as the larks whose joyful
songs had cheered us during the day.

Beautiful children, with beautiful
homes in a beautiful 'city. Happy
children in a happy community, sur-
rounded by happy friends and asso-
ciates.

But in this town we also saw houses
that were far from being mansions.

Near these fine and decorated homes
were dwellings that were small and
somewhat dilapidated. In front and
around these humble abodes were also
lovely and merry children. Their
homes were far from being elegant,
their clothing was not fine, and we may
reasonably suppose that their fare was
very plain. But the greater and richer
blessings were theirs. The bird-songs
were for them, the sunshine was for
them, the pure atmosphere was for



102 Camping Oat in California.

them, the sweet perfume that came
from the gardens of their wealthy neigh-
bors was for them, and even that city
of glory where the girls and boys are
playing on the golden streets, is for
poor children as truly as for the wealthy.
"The rich and poor meet together;
the Lord is the maker of them all."



CHAPTER V.

SIGHT-SEEING IN SAN FRANCISCO.

Leaving our team in the care of our
friends we took the train for San Fran-
cisco.

Linriie had never seen the cars be-
fore. All her days had been passed
among the mountains. She knew how
to saddle and ride a horse, paddle a
canoe, row a boat across the lake or
shoot a deer, but the sharp whistle of
the engine and the running away of the
house on wheels, was more than she
had bargained for, but she could not
stop the iron horse by clinging to the
seat and saying barely loud enough to
be heard : "Wh-o-a, easy there, hold on
if you please."

After passing through a tunnel and
darting out into the light, the girl of
the mountains wore an expression of



104 Camping Out in California.

anxiety and although somewhat amused
at such innocence abroad, we hastened
to speak comforting words and assure
our young companion that her fears
were only imaginary.

When we stepped from the train
Linnie took a long breath like one es-
caping from prison, while Eda and the
boys could not suppress their feelings
of merriment, and thought it a bless-
ing that our ride in the cars was ended.

Now we passed from the train into
the boat, which to Linnie seemed like
a vast floating palace occupied by the
sons and daughters of a king. It is
very probable that those who are in
the habit of crossing the bay every few
days have become familiar with the
ever varying lights and shadows of the
clouds and water which make the bay
and surrounding shores a scene of
beauty and grandeur, so that they are
able to cross and recross without realiz-
ing the glory by which they are sur-
rounded.



Sight-seeing in San Francisco. 105

It indeed seemed not a little strange
that ladies and gentlemen could sit-
quietly poring over the pages of a daily
paper or love -sick novel, while thus
gliding over the eloquent tongue of the
continent within the veryllips of the
Golden Gate.

If ever we desired more than one
pair of eyes so that we could look in
every direction at the same time, it
was on that lovely and long to be re-
membered morning.

In one direction lay Oakland, "the
crowning city, whose merchants are
princes, whose traffickers are the hon-
orable of the earth." In another direc-
tion was America's broad and wonder-
ful gate, which was open for all who
desired to enter except the poor Mon-
golian. He is requested to turn back
on the cold wave. But if the gate of
this land of Liberty is closed to the
Chinaman, the golden gate of heaven
itself is not.



106 Camping Out in California.

" That gate ajar stands free for all

Who seek through it salvation ;
The rich and poor, the great and small,
Of every tribe and nation."

Stretching far away to the south was
an arm of the bay that blazed w r ith flash-
ing diamonds of the first water. And
then there stood the great sea goat with
his ponderous head above the surface
and all ready to butt any vessel that
might be foolish enough to venture too
near. White-sailed yachts and boats
were skimming over the waves almost
as lightly and swiftly as the white-
winged gulls. Steamboats were moving
speedily in various directions, while on
their decks were scores of men, women,
and children, who were fanned by the
ocean breeze and bathed in the morn-
ing sunlight. And then the large
ships that had come from different
parts of the world were lying at anchor,
rocking as gently as a family cradle,
while the forest of masts reminded us
of a New England cedar swamp a few
years after the fire had passed through



Sight-seeing in San Francisco. 107

it killing all the trees. And toward
that forest of dead trees, which swayed
back and forth with every wave, our
boat seemed to be swiftly moving.

When we reached the landing w r e
were borne along by the motley crow r d
until we found ourselves on one of the
principal streets of the great city of the
west. Here we beheld the surging
tide of restless humanity. Men, women
and children of different rank, color
and nationality, rushed hither and
thither with the speed of a belated
traveler in a wilderness, or one in search
of a lost treasure.

And we noticed almost immediately
that the vast crowds who were driven
along so swiftly by the city excitement,
Had a more anxious and careworn look
than those who live in the solitudes of
California hills and dales.

And although we failed to see the
calm serenity of countenance we had
noticed in the country, we beheld
many aged men and women who went



108 Camping Out in California.

bounding along with nearly as much
vivacity as that of the young.

In the metropolis we wished to visit
the most noted places, consequently we
took the street car for Woodward's Gar-
dens.

Here we were much interested in the
richly colored flowers which seemed to
fill the air with sweet perfume, appear-
ing in various shades and tints along
the walks and in many other places
throughout the entertaining and in-
structive garden.

We also passed through the aquarium
and examined the fish of different
species that moved slowly and grace-
fully through the water as if proud to
show themselves to visitors.

Our young ladies paid great atten-
tion to the birds which were arrayed in
garments of many colors and greeted
us in varied tones of expression, and a
diversity of voices. These feathered
songsters are numerous and ranged in
size, all the way from the tiny hum-



Sight-seeing in San Francisco. 1(M>

ming bird to the ostrich that was con-
siderably taller than Harry. This, how-
ever, was very small when compared
with some of which we have read. In
Africa they have been known to be
eight feet tall and to weigh three hun-
dred pounds.

As this monster bird stood still and
allowed the girls to stroke its glossy
plumage while it endeavored to pick
the buttons from Ben's coat we were
reminded of the proverb used by the
Arabs, "stupid as an ostrich."

The boys spent several minutes look-
ing at the alligators, which, as Ben said,
winked sideways because they couldn't
help it. They were lazy looking crea-
tures sluggishly resting on their stone
bed. We also looked into the home of
Mr. Grizzly and companion, the old
gentleman appeared very sociable, but
we did not fancy his looks ; he resem-
bled some old toper who in a drunken
row hard been unfortunate enough to
lose a portion of his nose.



110 Camping Out in California.

As this big clumsy looking creature
went springing up the frame that stands
in the center of the pit, Harry ran
away saying "He is after us, and he
will eat every last one of us if we don't
get away from here."

Harry, however, was not alarmed at
the young black bear which was in an
enclosure by itself, and was standing
erect flourishing its paws seemingly as
playful as a dog. He said "That little
bear wants to have some fun," and he
started to climb in to play with it. Eda
caught him, exclaiming "You foolish
boy, if you was in there the bear would
have fun, but it wouldn't be fun for
you."

We visited the happy family and
found all hands in a quarrel, "Happy
family I should say," exclaimed Linnie.

A poor kitten was endeavoring to es-
cape ffom a vicious little dog which
seemed determined to kill it if possible.
But when the dog would attempt to
bite the kitten a number of monkeys



Sight-seeing in San Francisco. Ill

would take him by his legs and draw
him away. Had not the monkeys
interfered the kitten would certainly
have been killed.

There was much scolding, threaten-
ing, boxing of ears and fault-finding
among the members of the happy
family.

We also called on Mr. Camel and
found him lying on his bed taking a
little rest. Will asked him to get up
and show himself, and he did so very
politely. He is a bony, hump-backed
and coarse looking fellow, with large
cushioned feet, and although not hand-
some, is very useful when on the des-
ert, as he can travel nearly a week with-
out water. We have read of camels so
strong as to be able to carry sixteen
hundred pounds, and some so swift
that they can travel one hundred miles
in a single day.

We were introduced to the king, who
is a powerful looking creature, with
long hair, heavy beard, and a strong



112 Camping Out in California.

voice. His name is Lion, and he is
well called the king of beasts.

As we stood before him he opened
his mouth and gave a fearful roar. The
girls were startled and stepped back,
and Harry said, "If he should break
out wouldn't we run?"

After passing from one object of in-
terest to another, carefully scanning
the tigers, leopards, hyenas and many
other beasts, and sailing a few times
around in the wheel boat, and examin-
ing many curiosities in the building,
we passed out and mingled with the
marching crowd.

As we had heard much about the Bat-
tle of Waterloo we concluded to visit that-
wonderful scene. After passing into a
large round building and through the
darkness up a flight of stairs we found
ourselves standing to all appearance
in the center of a vast battle field,
and surrounded by a raging tempest of
carnage. There, upon our right hand
and on our left, lay the ghastly dead



Sight- seeing in in San Francisco. 113

in the midst of the mournful dying,
mangled forms trampled and crushed
beneath the feet of the war-horse, and
arms dripping with blood. Soldiers
falling from their saddles and riderless