SURFACE AND SOIL. The face of the country presents, perhaps, a greater variety of topographical features than may be found in any one territory of like magnitude upon the whole earth. Several ranges of huge and lofty mountainsmany of their peaks of volcanic origin, ascending into the region of perpetual snow-extend through the central parts, and parallel with the sea coast of the state, from its northern nearly to its southern extremity. On the coast side of these ridges, as well as between them, the surface is greatly diversified, presenting many varieties of soil, thin and sandy in some localities, but in others abounding in the richest loam. Among the hilly regions, there are numerous valleys and plateaus, of different elevations, covered with a soil of good quality, which, wherever duly watered, is capable of being rendered highly productive. But these are frequently interspersed with large tracts of rough, broken, and apparently sterile territory, or intersected by deep and rocky ravines. Until within a very short period, the entire country, with the exception of a few widely separated spots, exhibited all the harsh and rugged characteristics of a yet unredeemed wilderness. The elevated lands, at certain seasons, are usually either denuded of vegetation, or partially overspread with stunted trees and herbage. But in places that are sheltered, and having facilities for irrigation, fruits and garden vegetables grow luxuriantly. Though few agricultural experiments on a large scale have yet been made, enough has been ascertained to show that the resources of the state, in this respect, may be advan tageously developed. Indeed, it is known that most of the cereal grains can be produced in quantities abundantly adequate to the wants of a numerous population. In most parts of the country the vine, fig, olive, and other valuable plants, both of the temperate and torrid zones, may be cultivated with great success. Springs of water abound in many districts, while in others the earth, for leagues together, exposes a naked and arid surface, which is only relieved by the periodical rains. Some few extensive forests, comprising, occasionally, trees of enormous magnitude, were met with by recent United States exploring parties; but large portions of the territory are very scantily wooded. This absence of trees, and the consequent want of moisture and of shel ter to the earth from the sun's heat, is doubtless a grand obstacle in the way of agricultural improvement; and years will probably elapse before any great measure of public attention will be directed to the subject. Among the forest trees most common in California are the oak, ash, beech, birch, elm, plane, red cedar, and pine of almost every description.* These abound more profusely near the Pacific shore, and in the vicinity of *Timber is scattered over several counties, and is quite abundant around Bodaga, San Rafael, Sonoma, Santa Cruz, and a few other localities. The red wood, or soft cedar, is most frequently met with in those quarters. It often grows to the circumference of forty feet, and to a height of three hundred. Near Santa Cruz there is one measuring seventeen feet in diameter. rivers communicating with that ocean, thus affording excellent opportunities for ship-building. AGRICULTURE. Although very little information is prevalent in the Atlantic States relative to the farming resources of this El Dorado, we shall show, by statistics and facts, that it is not excelled in this particular by any other member of the confederacy, and that agricultural pursuits are almost as lucrative, and attended with far more certainty of success, than mining for the "glittering ore." There were in this state in 1850, 62,324 acres of improved land, and 3,831,571 acres of unimproved land, in farms. Cash value, $3,874,041. In 1857 the number of acres of land improved was 400,000, and 10,000,000 acres of unimproved land, in farms. Cash value of farms, $15,000,000. Value of live stock, $8,000,000. The wheat crop last year was 300,000 bushels; Indian corn, 96,000; oats, 200,000 bushels; barley, 3,972,000; peas and beans, 16,000; potatoes, 1,000,000; sweet potatoes, 59,000. Value of products of the orchard, $100,000; value of products of the market gardens, $225,000. GOVERNMENT. The chief magistrate is elected for two years; also the lieutenant governor, who is ex officio president of the Senate. The legislature is composed of two branches -the Senate, consisting of not less than one third, nor more than one half of the number contained in the other house, elected by districts biennially; and the Assembly, chosen annually, also by districts, to comprise not less than twenty-four nor more than thirty-six members, until the population shall amount to 100,000, when the minimum shall be thirty and the maximum eighty. The legislature convenes annually in January. No lotteries can be granted, nor charters for banking purposes. The circulation of paper as money is prohibited. Corporations may be formed under general laws only. In legislative elections the members vote viva voce. Loans of the state credit are interdicted, and state debts exceeding a sum total of $300,000 cannot be contracted except in certain specified contingencies. The property of married women acquired before or after marriage, and a portion of the homesteads, or other estates of heads of families, are protected by law. The elective franchise is held by all white males 21 years of age, who are citizens of the United States, or Mexicans choosing to become citizens, under the treaty of Queretaro, and have resided six months within the state. Indians and their descendants are allowed to vote in special cases. EDUCATION. The constitution provides for the establishment and support of a system of free schools, in which instruction shall be given at least three months in each year. A rivers communicating with that ocean, thus affording excellent opportunities for ship-building. AGRICULTURE. Although very little information is prevalent in the Atlantic States relative to the farming resources of this El Dorado, we shall show, by statistics and facts, that it is not excelled in this particular by any other member of the confederacy, and that agricultural pursuits are almost as lucrative, and attended with far more certainty of success, than mining for the "glittering ore." There were in this state in 1850, 62,324 acres of improved land, and 3,831,571 acres of unimproved land, in farms. Cash value, $3,874,041. In 1857 the number of acres of land improved was 400,000, and 10,000,000 acres of unimproved land, in farms. Cash value of farms, $15,000,000. Value of live stock, $8,000,000. The wheat crop last year was 300,000 bushels; Indian corn, 96,000; oats, 200,000 bushels; barley, 3,972,000; peas and beans, 16,000; potatoes, 1,000,000; sweet potatoes, 59,000. Value of products products of the ma The chie the lieute |