expanding in every part and department, and yet with an overflowing treasury, demands it; and calls upon that government to make a mark upon its history's pages, by some grand physical achieve ment, that shall be in keeping with and worthy of the genius and ability of its people. HAPPY NEW YEAR. BY W. H. D. Let the joyous smiles play While we banish all sorrow and fear, And with kindly words greet The Past like a dream, To our friends we'll be true, On some fond bosom blest, Let kindness and love In all homes, like a dove, [revere, Bring the bliss that all hearts should And like sunshine and rain, Which forever remain, [Year! Crown with blessings the Happy New QUARTZ CLAIMING. "Sic iter ad-oro." I am not certain that the above phrase is entirely unobjectionable; indeed, I have an idea that, like our own English, it partakes of the medley of Babel. The sentence is rich in its signification, and will bear being Anglicized; which is, using a little freedom, "The route to gold is via quartz." Via! well, I won't trans late again. A little Latin is often considered effective; as, for instance, when Gen. Jackson, towards the close of a speech, electrified his audience by exclaiming, "Multum in parvo!” “E pluribus unum!" and using a few other common phrases from the dead tongue. Nor do I think the Latin can with propriety be called a dead language, when so much of it lives in the words of modern nations. Strip the Spanish of its Latin and Latin roots, and how much would be left? And the same question may be asked of the English, where the residuum would be Greek, Saxon, French, Spanish, German, and I had almost said ("hear me for my cause"), Hottentot; though by this I mean nothing disrespectful to our mother tongue. Language, like society, is progressive; and our own has been improved and rendered efficient, notwithstanding the variety of its ingredients. The gold mining of California has been transferred in a great measure from the ravines to the hills, where the gold lies deeply imbedded; and its further and ultimate destination seems to be to the quartz veins which abound in the gold regions. Recent efforts in this direction are unearthing some very rich deposits; and, as in 1852, an excitement is rife, which seems destined to more permanence. Now, as then, innumerable quartz veins are claimed and prospected, and many a castle has been erected in the air, when it has been impossible to erect its counterpart upon the ground. By the laws of this county, the discoverer may claim two hundred feet in length of the vein; and other persons, forming a company, one hundred feet each; but, by a species of shenanegin, the finder and a friend or two set up a claim for as many hundred or even thousand feet as their greediness demands. One sees in the notices of claimants, which are being multiplied, some interesting specimens of literature sometimes. Strolling out a few days since, my eye caught a notice on a tree near by; and curiosity led me to examine it. It read | dollars; but the cost of getting out the thus: "Notice is hereby given, that we the undersign Claim on this quartz lead ten claims of one hundred feet in length or square as the Case may be, with the dips and Angles thereto." This was written in a stiff hand, upon the upper part of a half sheet of post paper. The large space left below had moved some one to "caricature" it, and so we found underneath the following :"Notice is hereby given that the undersigned claim by location, on this quartz lead four miles square running North 2 miles, South 2 miles, East 2 miles, and West 2 miles from this tree; or at Right angles or tryangles as the case may Be: and we warn all men from locating or trespassing on said 4 miles of ground; for if we catch a man stopping or even wishing to stop, locate, or Buy, we the undersigned will consider it an insult to her Britannic Majesty." 66 The extent of the real claim indicated the desire of H. & Co., and the expression, or one thousand feet square, as the case may be," their utter ignorance of the position of quartz lodes; though it has the merit of being on the safe side. Another notice, found in a ravine, concludes with- "We also give notice that we claim the above described extend of this quarz lead, with all its dipths, angels and variations." All its dipths and angels! Rather a singular claim, but possibly an extensive one. A reader of this notice, possessing a poetic turn of mind, might suppose this to be a claim upon the nymphs, and that Naiads and Dryads who may hold their festivities in this mountain ravine were among the objects coveted. But stern truth makes sad work with such mythology, and reduces the angels to a misspelling of the word angles. While many have been successful in the quartz enterprise, more have failed to realize their desires. Not a half mile from the place where I am writing, a company sunk a shaft and took out ten tons, the yield from which was just six same, with cartage and crushing at the mill, exceeded one hundred dollars, leaving a large minus quantity. This dampened the ardor of the company amazingly; and the consequence was, the abandonnumber of "dips and angles," and casment of two thousand feet, with any tles in the air. One of them, however, was not so easily driven off. He by some means prevailed upon a couple of gintlemen to perform the muscular work while he supplied the head-work and a modicum of the muscular; and then sunk another shaft deeper than before. Arriving at the lode, some of the quartz was panned out, when the young man distinctly avowed that he saw a color, though he soon lost it. This induced the gintlemen to proceed in the enterprise. 66 A few days after, the young man passing near me, said: If y you know of any body that wants to buy a quartz lead, send him to me. We've struck it." "Ah!" said I, rather calmly, under the circumstances. "Yes; if everybody was like me, this country would be worth more than it is now. I have been at work on the lead more than two weeks, and haven't made a cent." I thought of his landlord, with some commiseration. He added: " I have a piece with me. Come and see it." "Bring it here, sir." Coming up, he said: "There, sir; there's gold;" at the same time handing me a piece of quartz and a lens, first taking the precaution to look at it once more himself. I looked rather hastily, ventured a remark which might be regarded as slightly unfavorable, though I am aware that any thing savoring of advice, under such circumstances, is of doubtful utility. His quartz yielded but a trifle more than before, so there has been a final abandonment of the enterprise; and the country is not much the better for it, after all. Other veins are paying largely; and we still venture to say: Sic iter ad-oro Nevada, Dec. 21, 1857. N. K. TEHUANTEPEC. NO. I. THE PIONEER VOYAGE. I promised to write you, on my arrival at this place, and tell you something about our trip, and about this part of the world. I am happy that I am now able, and have the opportunity; though there is so much here to divert and interest me, the scene so novel, and the disastrous termination of our pleasant voyage so annoying, still haunting me, I am fearful that I am not able to collect my thoughts sufficiently to give you a fluent and interesting description of OUR TRIP TO TEHUANTEPEC. On Monday, March 16th, 1857, we found ourselves embarked on the schooner Mary Taylor, in company with eleven other passengers, bound for the port of Ventosa (air-hole). As we parted from the foot of Long Wharf, loud cheers went up, encouraging the first vessel bound for the above-mentioned port, from those who came to see us off. With a sense of the enterprise at heart, our spirits were buoyant with hope and pride that we were the pioneers to this strange land: but we did not get out to sea that evening, for, on arriving opposite North Beach, we again dropped anchor, where we remained until the 19th March, much to our displeasure. This detention was caused by some negligence of the captain. On the 19th we again set sail. The morning being fine, and the wind favorable, we soon cleared the Heads, and were running along handsomely far out to sea. Towards evening the shores of California had gradually faded from view, and nothing broke the monotony of the vast expanse of waters, save a few Feligula Colimbos, and the graceful sailing, dusky albatros. As night closed around us, I retired below to think about the future, ponder on the past, and attend to my dear wife, who was very sea-sick. From this time forward we continued sailing beautifully before a fair wind and smooth sea. Each one had recovered from seasickness, and all felt as though on a pleasure excursion. Nothing of interest occurred, worthy of remark, until the 29th,` when we sighted Socoro Island, immediately in our course, and up to which we were making with a fair breeze. I had prevailed on the captain to permit some discovered; to capture turtles, and proof us to go ashore, to see what might be cure some game, if any could be found. As we neared its bold and rugged cliffs, upon with violence, we could distinctly discern the truly barren aspect of the island. No signs of animal existence could be seen. A few scrubby-looking bushes were scattered here and there, and its general appearance was inhospitable. Nature seems to have destined this lonely isle for the home and resting-place of the far wandering sea birds, numbers of which we saw resting upon its craggy rocks, and flying about its vicinity. A large school of porpoises came bounding and darting beside us, followed by a large troop of sea-fowls catching up the smallfry disturbed by them. Several largo old hump-backed whales were besporting themselves quite near the shore: the whole scene was exciting and novel. After sailing round a portion of the island, and finding no safe landing, we again stood out to sea, with a light breeze. The latitude of this island (according to the captain's chart) is 19°, longitude 111, altitude 200 feet, and is nearly opposite the Gulf of California. which the sea foamed and dashed sea. On the 30th we found ourselves all well and in good spirits, wafted along by a gentle and balmy breeze over a lake-like Several tropical sea-fowls came around us, many of which were strange to me, I shot one, which proved to be a frigate pelican. A porpoise was harpooned last night, and a Bonito was caught this morning with a hook, giving us a good fresh-fish breakfast. We were now truly in the tropics, and all felt and enjoyed the change. I never experienced such delightful nights; the moon eating, sleeping, and speculating upon what we would do when we arrived at our new homes. On the 8th, we were in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Unexpectedly, the gulf was smooth, the wind fair, and we sailed along in fine style. On the morning of the 9th we discovered land ahead, in which the captain said lay our port. As we neared the land, high and rugged old mountains began to rise up before us like spectres through the hazy atmosphere, lifting their stern old heads far above the clouds-in comparison to which our Cali shining brightly, the sea so smooth, the air just sufficient to move our little schooner along at a fair sailing rate, making it perfectly delightful. We had not the inclination to go to bed, so pleasant were those nights. On the 1st day of April we saw the British bark "Early Bird," from La Paz, bound for Panama. We passed quite near, and spoke her. The captain, a red-faced, fat-looking Englishman, answeerd our questions very politely; but we were provoked at his not asking us a single question. Therefore we had to tell him our vessel's name, where from, and a number of other (to us) in-fornia mountains, to appearance, are mere teresting facts, without being interrogated. Perhaps he was afraid of being April-fooled. On the 4th of April, in lat. 15.56, lon. 100.55, we passed over streaks of red water, about the color of brick-dust, and eighty or 100 yards wide, extending from north-east to south-west, which were perceptible a great distance off. There were no discernible particles in the colored water, and neither the captain or any of the crew had ever witnessed a similar appearance of the sea. We will leave this phenomena to be explained by Lieut. Maury; and will enjoy the sweet morning breeze, as it wafts us on to the happy land of our destination. Sunday, 5th.-Land in sight this morning, a little north of Acapulco. About noon we passed abreast the harbor. The land was scarcely discernible through the hazy atmosphere. Three beautiful tropic-birds visited us to-day. This being Sunday, instead of a sermon, we had a good lecture delivered by one of the passengers, (a young man from Missouri, a Mr. S-ls,) upon the pleasures of traveling, dwelling largely upon the comfort of sea-traveling in particular, and the great ocean in general. This was his first sea-voyage. This lecture, very well prepared, was received with approbation and close at tention, serving to while away the hours —and thus we passed the time, merrily singing, reading, jesting, telling stories, pigmies. Our pulses beat high with anxiety and expectation, as we neared the dark and frowning shores of Southern Mexico. My pen can not describe to you the terrible grandeur that Nature here presented to our view. You who are so fond and such an admirer of her works, can well sympathize with me, and can perhaps even feel as I did when I gazed with awe upon those stupendous works of God. Though you have seen wild places in California, they are but playhouse scenery, compared to these mountains-assuming every variety of form, with a dense chapparel from their tops to the sea-beach. No indication of a port could we find here, and, as it afterwards proved, the captain had made a mistake of a hundred miles in his reckoning! Consequently, with fair breeze we sailed along by the coast in search of Ventosa. This sailing was very pleasant, giving us a good opportunity of seeing the mountain scenery, which I never tired of looking at, through my glass. Running close to shore, we scrutinized every little indentation or bay, in hopes of finding the desired spot. At length, on the second day's coasting we discovered a small indentation, with a fine beach, upon which the surf was but lightly breaking. Our captain determined this to be the place, but we all felt otherwise, as appearances did not indicate a possibility of a pass through such high mountains as stretched along the coast in an unbroken chain, and which here presented themselves; but the captain was positive, and had the little boat launched in order to send ashore and ascertain: but when the boat was put in the water, it leaked so badly that nothing could be done with it: it was there fore hauled up again, and we went on our way, peeping into all the little nooks and corners for Ventosa,-the captain occasionally discerning large cities, which proved to be only rocks and hills,-and thus we sailed along with a pleasant breeze, enjoying the scene. invitation, glided over its quiet waters, and anchored within one hundred yards of the beach. The scenery around this elegant little bay was beautiful; with a large valley, covered with a forest, extending from the beach to the mountains, and about two miles in width, which gave it a charming aspect. A party of the boat's crew was sent ashore in the little boat, (which had been repaired), to seek for some one from whom we might inquire the way to Ventosa. After remaining on shore till dark, they returned without having discovered any person, or any signs of habitation. They reported having seen plenty of wild cattle and In proportion as we draw near to an object we have long had in view, its interest seems to augment. These unin-game, among which they said were wild habited shores along which we were sail- turkies; but these turkies afterwards ing, covered with forests, without memo- proved to be the Carasau, a gallinaceous rials of time past, the beautiful beach fowl, somewhat resembling the wild turextending for many miles, rendered doub-key, but smaller; the natives call them ly interesting, as it could not be far from our future home,-gave us a longing to be among them. The novelty of the seavoyage had worn off. The confinement upon our vessel was irksome, and the sweet breath of the forest increased our anxiety to arrive at our destination. When night came on, our little schooner lay to, within hearing of the breakers, in order that we might the more clearly inspect the shore in quest of our bay in the day-time. As day dawned we renewed our search for Ventosa Bay, sailing along the land as on the day previous. Towards evening we discovered quite a large indentation, into which we sailed; but discovering no indications of its being Ventosa, we tacked ship and sailed out again. This little bay contained a beautiful little valley with a fine beach, and cocoanut groves, among which we saw cattle standing, but no signs of habitation, and completely walled in by a dark range of mountains. After proceeding along the coast a few miles farther, we discovered another beautiful bay, whose open portals guarded on either side by two sugar-loaf shaped rocks, and its smooth appearance, seemed to say, "Come in." We accepted the "chachalaca.” We remained at our anchorage all night, and it was agreed that the gentleman from Missouri (he who gave us the lecture) and myself, should go ashore early next morning with our guns, and make further search, in hopes of discovering our whereabouts if possible; also, to shoot some game. Our fresh water, too, was requiring our particular attention, as that necessary article was about failing us, and the little that remained was intolerably putrid, it having been put up in lager-beer casks! without their being cleaned. Indeed, our hitherto pleasant voyage had become distressingly wearisome; impatience and discontent was stamped upon all, except the two that were going ashore. I had laid in a good supply of cider and claret, which I used as a substitute for water, therefore suffered less than the rest. On Sunday, the 8th, by early dawn, my companion and myself, together with a boat's crew, were embarked in the little boat, and a few strokes of the oar landed us safely on the beach. You are aware, I know, of the sensation one feels when first stepping upon a strange land; there is an indescribable |