Page:Dawn and the Dons.pdf/124



THE environment in which these early Californians lived was in perfect harmony with their pleasure loving and carefree spirit. A joyous lot, they loved the outdoors, and lived on horseback. The world never before saw, and has never since seen, such skillful and dashing horsemen. They were fond of music and dancing. Cupid was an exceedingly busy little person, and the spirit of the “Scarlet Letter” was confined to the Atlantic side of the continent. The noon-time siesta was universal, and midday and midnight were alike sacred to slumber. But they were not indolent. They shied at menial tasks, but were tireless in the larger activities of that period. These activities had to do mainly with stock raising, hunting, boating, fishing and flirting.