Let the diary tell the tale of the beginning of life in California: "Iarose about 4-1/2 this afternoon and went on deck. We sometimes were then in theGolden Gate, which is the entrance into San Francisco Bay. 0n each sideof us was high land. 0n the left-hand side was a lighthouse, and thelight was still burning. 0n my right hand was the outer telegraphbuilding. When they look at us they telegraph to another place, from whichthey telegraph all over San Francisco. When we were going in there was astrong ebb tide. We arrived at the wharf a little after five o'clock.The first thing which I did was to look for my portlyher. Him I did notsee."

Father had been detained in Humboldt by the burning of the connectingsteamer, so we went to Wilson's Exchange in Sansome near SacramentoStreet, and in the afternoon took the "Senator" for Sacramento, where myuncle and aunt lived.

The part of a day in San Francisco was used to the full in prospectingthe strange city. We strode its streets and climbed its hills, muchinterested in all we saw. The line of people waiting for their mail upat Portsmouth Square was perhaps the most novel sight. A race up thebay, waiting for the tide at Benicia, sticking on the "Hog's Back" inthe evening, and the surprise of a flat, checkerboard city were the mostimpressive experiences of the trip to Sacramento.

A month or so on this compulsory visit passed somewhat pleasantly. We foundfresh delight in watching the Chinese and their habits. We had neverseen a specimen before. A somewhat pleasant picnic and celebration on theFourth of July was another attractive novelty. Cheap John auctions andfrequent fires afforded amusement and excitement, and we learned todrink muddy water without protest.