Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 7.pdf/325

Rh the country, it is not in the least astonishing that they should be mistaken in making the necessary preparations to travel comfortably and securely through a region so unlike everything to which they had ever been accustomed.

The Northern portion of Western California, considered in comparison with the Mississippi Valley, like Oregon, contains a great deal less fertile land in proportion to its extent. Much of this portion of California, which is far superior to any other, is taken up by mountains or lands otherwise unfit for cultivation; whereas, in the Mississippi Valley, the whole might be brought into one vast fruitful and unbroken field. From this reason the Mississippi Valley must always be the most productive and wealthy country. But on account of the delightful mildness and uniformity Of the climate of California, it will forever be the most healthy and happy country.

Having spent some months in exploring the country and obtained a tolerably satisfactory knowledge of the greater part of Northern or Upper California, either from personal observation or by careful enquiries from such persons as had made themselves acquainted with the various portions of the country, we determined on leaving for the United States. After much trouble and exertion in raising a small company of fifteen persons, on the 12th of May, 1845, we left Capt. Sutter's on our homeward bound trip. We traveled