APTER VIII.

CATCHING UP ON THE KITE-SHAPED TRACK.

Not the kite-shaped track of new-made trotting records and pneumatic
tires, but a track upon which you may pass a pleasant day riding after
the iron horse.

The route extends easterly from Los Angeles to San Bernardino _via_
Pasadena. Beyond San Bernardino is the "loop," which will take us twelve
miles farther east to Mentone, and around an oval curve back to San
Bernardino. Thence we kite down to Riverside, then southwesterly to
Orange, and so up to Los Angeles. Leaving Los Angeles at 9 A.M. you may
return by 4 P.M., with time for dinner at San Bernardino.

Taking the traveller back and forth across the central part of Southern
California as it does, the kite-shaped trip is naturally a favorite
with tourists, and, as its "catchy" name indicates, it caters to that
element of travel. One always sees also anxious and eager "prospectors"
or expectant settlers, who lose no opportunity to inquire all about
citrus and deciduous fruits, and prices of land and of water for
irrigating the same. This excursion will show you the heart of the
orange belt or belts of Southern California, especially on the northern
and eastern sides of the "kite."

The schedule of trains allows of convenient stop-overs, and several may
be made to advantage.

Pasadena and Riverside of course must not be passed by. A short stay at
Orange or Anaheim gives an interesting glimpse of a region where orange
culture is combined with that of other citrus fruits, as well as the
grape and olive.

Aside from these points, the most interesting feature of the trip is the
"loop" beyond San Bernardino. The town of San Bernardino is a thriving
business centre. Perhaps it is on this account that its appearance from
the car window is not as attractive as that of Riverside or Pasadena,
which from all points of view seem peacefully embowered in half-tropic
foliage. But away from the railroads San Bernardino also has its
charming residence district, with the same general characteristics as
its sister towns.

Upon the "loop" a stop should be made at Redlands, an interesting spot,
where the successful culture of oranges is carried on at a much higher
elevation than was thought possible until a few years ago. There is
never any frost there to injure the fruit. The Hotel Terracina, on the
heights, has a wondrous view, and the Smiley brothers, of "Lake Mohunk"
celebrity, have fine grounds and homes on Canon Crest,