impossible but very difficult. This is because of the
gravelly nature of the soil and because several ditches would
have to be constructed to regulate the floods, and in case these
occurred annually a dam would have to be built. Following the
arroyo farther down, we saw where the water disappears, perhaps
a quarter of a league from the hills. At a distance of a league
the water comes out again. In all this stretch [p. 198] the bed
of the river, or arroyo, is deep and the removal of water
impossible. In this locality the arroyo is covered with a dense
stand of woods: cottonwoods and willows. A short section through
which the river flows is reached by the tides of the bay.

24th day: We left for the north, staying close to the hills.
There are very fine plains and very good pasturage. We
encountered several water holes where cattle might drink.

From the Alameda, which is called San Clemente, to the first
arroyo northward, which is called San Juan de la Cruz, the
distance is about three leagues. The latter creek has little
water and a few cottonwoods. We followed along the hills until
the Mission of Our Father San Francisco came into view. At this
point we turned around; the plains run to the parallel of the
presidio. After eating, we surveyed the shore of the bay where,
after about a league with no water, we came upon some salt
marshes which without doubt are those which Sergeant Amador
mentions in his diary. At the present time they do not contain
salt, from which I infer that they are marshes like those of San
Mateo where in dry years the salt crystallizes out.

25th day: We returned [p. 119] to the first watering place,
called San Francisco Solano, at which it is possible to
establish the mission, although there is likely to be much
damage inflicted by the horses of the town. A cross was placed
on a small hill, for in all the region we covered there is no
place more suitable. The unconverted heathen are fairly
numerous, according to the many trails which are to be seen. In
the same plain there are three moderate-sized rancherias.

The above is what I consider adequate for the information of
your reverence. If anything be lacking you will advise me so
that your reverence may form an appropriate opinion.

The itinerary may be followed with reasonable precision. The journey