and when they are well constructed, with the exception of their weight, are easy on the animal.
It is difficult to find a people, or even an individual, who has not some good trait of character; and even these Californians, with all their faults, are hospitable at their houses. If a stranger goes to one of their houses, he is made welcome to whatever it affords, and as comfortable as their limited means will allow; he must, however, furnish his own bed. It is always expected that a traveler in California will carry that article with him. When he departs, nothing is demanded and nothing will be received by them as a compensation; the almost universal and beautiful reply is, when payment is proffered, "No, God will pay."
There are now about five hundred foreigners residing in the country, and the principal portion are from the United States. Emigration from the United States is rapidly increasing, and it is probable that our citizens will possess themselves of this beautiful and healthy country, with its many vales of fertile land. They will soon outnumber the Spaniards, and gain the ascendency over them. The consequence will be to throw off their present form of government, establish a Republic of their own, and render this portion of our globe what nature has seemed to design it should be, a prosperous and happy country.
Grants of land are still obtained from the government of from one to ten leagues. These grants cannot, however, be had at all times or by all persons; only those who are in favor with the authorities are likely to get lands.
The duties on foreign imports are exceedingly high, and all foreign articles for which there is any demand bear a great price. Smuggling is common, and presents
