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THE ROMANCE OF MONTEREY 129 Hives display of intricate military Panciverds the flag of Spain was saluted with due ceremony, and the cannon boomed an explosive farewell to the sun. Civil life was then resumed in the various patios, where wine, laughter and

gossip shared the hours with music and love making. Monterey was adjudged by the travelers of that day to be the most delightful, as well as the most civilized looking place in Spanish California. Her pueblo grant covered four square leagues, and the- pueblo proper, in accordance with the usual plan of Spanish architecture, was built around a central plaza, where were located the public buildings and the business section. But business to these pleasure loving Dons, whose money bags were but shining dreams, was a means rather than a pursuit.