Page:Dawn and the Dons.pdf/139

DAWN AND THE DONS 117 The white population, small in number, peaceable and law abiding, were permitted to pursue their individual and community pleasures with a minimum of restraint; and the extraordinary work of the Missions made easy the control of the more numerous natives. California’s Governors performed their duties capably and with becoming dignity. Monterey loved to entertain. It was a part of her life. Social

pleasures,

both

indi-

vidual and community, they had in plenty, but they were not theluxurious indulgences, that lead to decadence and / racial decline. If they had ; their grand balls, they had also their festivals, and they

loved the more vigorous outdoor sports. They never flinched before the dangers of the hunt; and the wild, unbroken horse, saddled for the first time, had no terror for them. The men, as a rule, were brave men—and courteous. The women were vivacious—and fascinating. It will add to the development of the picture of that time, and give a more intimate view of these happy people, if we take note of how they dressed. Dana was an unusually close observer, and he had the rare faculty of describing accurately what he saw. The dress or cos-