of the height and boldness of the coast. On the Sonora side the water is very shallow, and the land cannot be approached by any vessel of great draught of water within several leagues. We had no means of ascertaining the elevation of the ridge of mountains on the California coast, but they may fairly be reckoned at from two thousand five hundred to four thousand feet, being much higher in some parts than others. They rise majestically from the water's edge in a very abrupt manner, and their summits display a thousand heads or peaks of very singular forms, and in some places complete table-lands, with fine slopes. In the morning, when the first beams of the sun glance on these mountains, they produce a magnificent effect, and in the evening after sunset, their rugged gloomy appearance is terrific, I doubt whether in any part they are passable even for a man on foot betwixt Cape Palmo and Loreto. There is a harbour above the island of Santa Cruz, which, I am told, is capable of receiving vessels of any draught of water, and is perfectly sheltered from all winds. I have likewise been informed, that a brig might enter the mouth of the river Mayo, the boundary of Sonora and Cinaloa, which is a very important point, being close to the celebrated mining district of Los Alamos, and the town of El Fuerte, the seat of the State Congress. The port of Loreto is surrounded by a fertile district, whose inhabitants possess large herds of cattle, and make excellent cheese and butter; they likewise grow good grapes, and very fine olives. It was the first settlement up the Gulf, and has been rendered famous by its pearl-fishery, which has produced some splendid fortunes. In the Gulf there are many whales of various kinds; large sharks too abound, to the great danger of the pearl fishermen, who always go down armed with a long knife. The manta, or blanket-fish, is also a very formidable enemy; it has two fins which appear like the arms of a man, and with which it seizes its prey. The shores of Sonora likewise abound in sea-wolves, but I do not know that they are sought after.
Guyamas is situated in latitude 27.40. North. It is an excellent harbour, secured from all winds by the elevated hills which surround the bay, and by Bird Island, which lies in the en-
