cultivated. Large quantities of broom- | A NIGHT ON THE SACRAMENTO. corn have been raised during the past year, for which a ready market is found in San Francisco. The average yield of small grain per acre is from thirty-five to forty bushels, which can be disposed of to buyers on the ground, or transported to the nearest shipping point-Suisun city-which is eight miles from Vacaville-and thence shipped to San Francisco or Sacramento. The farmers are all flourishing, and the only possible drawback is the unsettled state of the land titles. Whilst these remain as they are, little or no permanent improvement can be made; the citizens being unwilling to risk the loss of their time and means in improving that land which they may not reasonably hope to obtain in any other way other than by the payment of exorbitant prices. The population of the valley proper is about three hundred; but within a few miles south there is more than double that number. If the population be judged by the number of Christian denominations, they can certainly at least be considered a church-going people; as there are Reformers, Methodists-North and South-Missionary Baptists, and Presbyterians. The churches are well attended. There are two public schools in the valley, in addition to the one at Vacaville; so that, amid the general prosperity, the intellect and education of the young are not neglected. In short, Vaca Valley is possessed of all the advantages which can be enjoyed by any other in the State. A line of daily stages passes through it from Napa to Sacramento, thus connecting it with all the points below and above. The salubrity of the climate and fertility of the soil, taken in connection with its other advantages, will continue to make it one of the most desirable localities in the State. Never wait to ask yourself the consequences of performing a good act-do it like a man, and leave the result itself to acquit or condemn you. It was about the middle of November, '52-how well I remember it. I was at the time a resident of San Francisco, and business calling me to the upper country, I bid my friends an affectionate farewell, and jumped on board-not the "telegraph"-but the good steamer A few taps of the bell-a few turns of the wheel, and we were off, bound for Sacramento. Steamboat traveling is sometimes pleasant, but often tedious-to be one of a mixed crowd; knowing no one, and no one knowing you-caring for no one, and no one caring for you—to be alone, yet not alone-and perhaps jostled upon every side, is any thing but pleasantand even if one feels disposed to sit aside and commune with himself, the confusion of many voices, mingled with the din of machinery, makes one nervous, and renders it next to impossible. Upon this occasion I worried the time away 'till past midnight, when I found myself one of about seventy-five in the lower cabin, the greater proportion of whom had "turned in;" of the balance, some were reading, and others enjoying a little game of—I think they called it "Poker"—and there was something said about a small aunty, but I did'nt see her. Near the table, and with a white apron tied around his little waist, his left hand resting upon his hip, while in his right he held a small silver salver, stood little "Bob." He was an attaché of the boat, and by his attentive and gentlemanly deportment, had become the pet of every one who traveled upon it. He would, I should judge, stand about four feet in his shoes, and it was said that he had seen the frost of thirty winters, and that he had a wife, and I don't exactly remember how many children, but I know that at the time the number struck me as being very large, for such a small man. It was about one o'clock, and all was still; an occasional murmur from some unhappy sleeper, such as might be supposed to issue from the lodging place of some restless swine, who dreamed of being strangled, was all that jarred upon the silence. night was favorable, and some one had just proposed to "freshen up," when Bob appeared, and voluntarily stated that the other berths were single, and that in unfortunate 49 was a mattrass which two days previously had been taken from another boat; and he was inclined to think that there were some of 'em on that boat. Other passengers who had been awakened by the fracas endorsed Bob, by stating that they were very comfortable, and their berths free from such annoyances, consequently we prepared to “turn in.” The last imbibation, together with the fumes of tobacco smoke, of which the cabin was full, produced a very deadening effect upon my nerves, and I was soon The literary portion of our party were apparently lost to all outside their books -the little game was very interesting; one of the players had just remarked that he would go "fifty better"-when, lo! both books and cards were simultaneously dropped, and every eye was turned towards the larboard tier of berths, from one of which was emerging the body of a gentleman whose countenance bore a strong resemblance to a cork-screw, and who, with voice immensely loud, and full of pathos, exclaimed "I shall die, I know I shall—Oh, my God!—it is dreadful-horrible-Oh! dear, dear, dear!" | asleep-asleep to dream, to dream—oh, "What's the matter?" exclaimed half-adozen at once. "What ails you ?" "Can't stand what?" "What are you making such a confounded noise about ?" "Matter!" shouted rather than spoke the man, "Matter! why, there's bugs there-the bed is full of 'em-I can't stand it, and, d-n me, I wont." Little "Bob" had remained a silent spectator, but he now ventured to ask if the berth was 49; the stranger groaned assent. "Well," said Bob, "I thought you could'nt stand 49, for 'twas only last trip that another man "-Bob could say no more; the man had seized him by the throat, and shaking him violently, exclaimed, "You infernal dwarf! how dare you! I'll shake your liver out." And I believe he would have done so had we not taken him off, and told Bob to "put." I think he did. The poor gentleman, who so nearly became a victim to the voracious appetites of hungry bed companions, completed his dressing, and left the cabin, muttering impreca-thought they meant me; that I had made tious dire. Order was again restored, but the charm was broken; the books had lost their interest, and the cards their fascination; already we imagined a peculiar stinging sensation spreading itself over our bodies, and we looked with inexpressible feelings of dread towards the berths designated for our individual repose. The prospect of sitting up all horrors! to dream of-well, you may guess what-innumerable, countless thousands; they took entire possession of my berth, and, Liliputian like, covered my body, secured my limbs, stopped my breath, and then, rallying upon the inside, prepared to roll me over and out of the berth. I was nearly out-already was I upon the edge of the berth-board. I tried to shout-to struggle-but my voice was speechless, my limbs paralyzed. I fellmy eyes were opened, and instead of finding myself as I expected, upon the floor, and in close proximity to several pairs of boots, I was in my berth, and indulging in a "free" perspiration. I thrust my head past the curtains of my berth for the purpose of ascertaining the time, and what do you suppose I saw ? why, nothing more or less than about seventy-five other heads, thrust from their respective berths, when all, simultaneously exclaimed, "What's that?" At first I some uncouth noise; and felt considerably cheap-but Bob put us all to rights by saying, "Nothing but the Hog's-Backshe's tetched." Immediately the heads withdrew, and now the spasmodic splashing of the wheels, as they endeavored to "back her off," or "force her over," was all that broke the silence. Again asleep, and when my eyes next opened it was morning, and I heard the familiar voice | heavens, and all their images still rested calmly in its calm bosom; but the pure form of the maiden seemed enfolded most tenderly to the lakelet's heart, and rested of little Bob, saying, ""Tis past eight! the passengers have all gone ashore, and we would like to make this bunk up." Here ends my story, and here say I good-most quietly in its sweet repose; I gazed It was midnight: A lakelet lay reclining in quiet beauty in a valley; the graceful willows near its brink stood like sentinels guarding its placid joys; the white lilies on its margin bent lovingly over it, and their images overshadowed by the willows, were seen clear and distinct, in its pure water below; the moon had sailed high up into the heavens, that its amorous rays might beam more directly down into its pure depths, and the lakelet welcomed the morn, and its image was also seen quietly reposing in the depths of its heart; the stars sent their bright rays into its placid bosom, and were seen like diamonds studding her fair breast. Just then a maiden came with faltering footsteps to the lakelet and stood upon its brink; she was robed in pure white, and the image of her fair and graceful form was seen enfolded in the crystal waters below; her face was pale; her eyes beamed with an unearthly radiance; her features were calm, but despair was in her heart; she gazed upward to the moon and the stars, and then down on the lilies; and then fixed a more in tense look on all so peacefully imaged in the bosom of the lake; a wild yearning filled her soul and the lakelet seemed wooing her to calm repose; she stepped to its margin and gently glided down into its pure depths; the bosom of the lakelet for an instant heaved tremulously with a new emotion, and then its waters closed quietly and lovingly around her fair and graceful form, which soon rested in its last peaceful repose; the willows still sentineled its brink, the lilies still bent lovingly over its margin; the moon and stars still gazed fondly down from the long and silently upon the scene with deep emotion, but at last suddenly rousing myself from my reverie, I reflected for an instant, and thought,-it is all moonshine. THE DESERTED WIFE. How dreary is the midnight, Johnny, Our little one is sleeping, Johnny, Unquiet in my arms; A weary watch I'm keeping, Johnny, Mary startles when I kiss her, Johnny, Her lips and cheeks are white; And it's very ill she seems, Johnny, O where is my pa'pa'? I look out at the window, Johnny, This night my prison bars; I only hear the wind blow, Johnny, I've listened long to hear thee, Johnny, It is to watch and wait. I've heard the clock strike one, Johnny, When you woo'd me for your bride, John- A. J. N. OLD BLOCK RESURRECTED; OR, A VOICE FROM BELOW. And pointing to the shanty, said he, "there is the Mausoleum which covers my earthly remains; I died there in '52, and my bones repose in the north-west corner. I went in on Quartz." Placerville Argus. held the honors of ownership, our men held the trumps, and while they filled their stomachs and pockets, we filled our heads with future hopes-good while they last, but meagre diet for the stomach, and absolutely depleting to the pocket. In this condition of things, I added to the business of mining, the study of Political Economy, and became intensely absorbed in the chapter on Ways and Means. I had but one red shirt left, and it became apparent one day, while I was washing it, that unless I struck a new lead soon, the threads of my shirt, as well as the thread of life, would not hold together long. What was to be done? Naked jects of contemplation, as cold weather approaches, and something is necessary to impart warmth to both. The wind howled mournfully one night through the gloomy pines; the clapboards on my weather-beaten cabin played a doleful yet clattering accompaniment, as the gust loosened them from their fastenings; the cayotes were singing an unearthly requi It is generally supposed "that when the breath is out, the man is dead," but there are exceptions to all cases. We have read of men being buried and rescued by those friends of mankind, the body-snatchers: the hangman, too, after having performed his arduous duty to the public, has lost the result of his honest labor through the meddling propensities of the thoughtless surgeons, who, under color of love of sci-ness of body and soul are cheerless subence, have restored the subject to life and turned him loose to prey upon the citizen of the world again: and how many, too, have taken the pains to place themselves in a comfortable trance, get nicely enshrouded for a nap in the spirit-land, and just before the coffin was lowered into its last resting-place, some inquisitive and curious individual would observe signs of life, and by restoration of the pulses, pre-em in the darkness without, as solitary vent the enjoyment, for a time, of ages of bliss in the elysium of Heaven. Is it strange, then, that hic jacet should be written upon my head-board while I was on a prospecting tour down below? True, the time of absence seemed long to those on earth, but philosophers in search of new leads in earth, "take no note of time," and if the man who placed "here lies," on my tomb-stone, meant I would 'lie" under ground, why, he himself lies above ground. and alone I spread my thin and dilapidated blanket in the north-west corner of my cabin to snatch a little rest from the labors of thought, and try in fitful slumber to forget the world with its cares, and hunger with its cravings, and dream, perhaps, of a rich strike in Massachusetts Hill, with no danger of any body's jumping my claim. It was a capital night to commit suicide. I thought of it; but then I thought there was gold in the hill, and if I gave it up somebody else would get it, and I resolved that if my stomach would hold out a little longer, I wouldn't waste the powder on my brains, for the benefit of another party, and so I eschewed self-destruction. At last tired nature yielded, and I sank to sleep. In 1852 I was a dweller in the mountains, with the reputation of being an honest miner. Honest I know I was, for others were so much smarter than I, there wasn't the shadow of a chance to steal, and the only alternative left me was to dig or starve-I did both. I dug first, How long I lay, I have no recollection. and as I had neither money or credit, II didn't even dream, but I have a vague, starved afterwards. I owned one sixth of Massachusetts Hill, at Grass Valley-a splendid quartz lode, which paid the workmen admirably the owners nothing. We indefinite remembrance of apparently passing downward through a dark, damp, narrow passage, and as near as I can judge, was prospecting for quartz at a he laughed, two rows of teeth that looked more like the incisors of some ferocious animal rather than those of a human being, while his chin seemed to fall away into a long, lank, and lean neck, which appeared to be rather stuck on to his trunk than forming a graceful component part of his body, while his hands looked more like the claws of an eagle than the digits of a man. He was dressed in a plain suit of black, fashionably cut, while behind dangled something which I could not exactly tell whether it was a tail or a Chinaman's cue. I had fallen from the ceiling through what appeared to be a trap-door; but notwithstanding I alighted, by good luck, upon my feet, in the centre of the room, the jar of the fall made me utter a loud "humph!" At the sound of my ejaculation the gentleman in black turned round, still holding his retort over the blaze, and with a smile which I cannot describe-a sort of a grin-exclaimed: great depth under ground. At times, | immense dimensions, and exhibited, when there was an oppression for breath, as if arising from the dreaded damps; then it vaguely seemed as if something was striking my head, as if clods and lumps of earth were falling on me from above. Still, I cannot remember with sufficient distinctness, to tell whether it was a dream, or the occasional flitting of thought as the senses became more or less oblivious to outward things. I suddenly came to my senses, by finding myself in a large, well-finished and furnished room, with immensely high ceiling, lighted with an unearthly glare, as it seemed to my eyes, unused to a strong light. Every thing around bore the marks of wealth and comfort; beautiful flowers in jars ornamented the windows, but their rich odors seemed strongly and strangely blended with sulphuric gas; huge pier-glasses adorned the walls, which reflected the image of somebody else beside your own; immense chandeliers were suspended from the ceiling, carved from blocks of brimstone metal, and burning without oil or camphene; sideboards made of quartz, richly covered with golden dishes laden with oranges and tropical fruits, which I subsequently found tasted strongly of the atmosphere in which they were grown. Altogether there was a display of wealth, ease and comfort that I had not seen for many a day, and contrasted strangely enough with my simple cabin which I had so recently left. On one side of the room was a large grate where a rousing fire of bright lumps of yellow coal was burning, with a strong odor, and leaning over it was a middle-aged man of small stature and a singular cast of countenance, who held over the blazing fire with his naked hand an open retort, as if he was in the act of retorting a lump of amalgam. He had a round, bullet-shaped head, entirely bald except a long tuft of stiff black hair, sticking straight from the crown; his eyes, full and glaring, seemed absolutely to stand out from their sockets; his nose, a long, sharp, hook-bill, protruded over his mouth, which was of "Hello! Old Block; come at last-I've been expecting you; you've been a long time on the road, but down here you are welcome!" "Where am I?" was my first and most natural inquiry. "Why, where should you be, but— down below?" he replied, with a significant leer, making a motion with his clawthumb. "You don't mean to say that I'm in""Pshaw!" he interrupted, "you might be in a worse place." "A worse place than!" He raised his finger in token of caution-" Walls have ears," he added; "speak not the name-let it rest in the shade. There's many a place worse than this." "Where?" I asked, in astonishment. "In California!" he added, significantly. "Your own experience should tell you that. You've lived in San Francisco and Grass Valley." "California, sir, is the finest country in the world; with such a climate, such a |