and if done by experienced persons, they will not vary more than an ounce in either direction from a pound. A portion of them, however, are weighed in order to maintain the average. Having been filled, a small portion of salt, accurately measured, is dropped in a dozen of them at a time, and the cans are passed to another group of operatives, who put on the tops and solder them. There are two methods of soldering. Where the tops are so flanged as to pass over the cylindrical body of the can, they are immersed in the melted composition, about ninety at a time, and thus simultaneously soldered. Where the tops are inserted into the upper portion of the can, they are soldered in the ordinary way, the operation being performed very rapidly. Next comes the testing, which is done by plunging the sealed cans into hot water. If there is a leak in any can, it will be indicated by bubbles, caused by the expulsion of the air contained within. Each defective can is taken out and returned to the solderer, who remedies the defect. The cans are held in large crates, constructed of iron, and are of sufficient depth to hold them. Each can is now punctured in the center of the top piece, for the purpose of allowing all the air to escape; and while still hot, the perforation is soldered, thus hermetically sealing them. They are then removed to the retorts, which are capable of receiving ten crates, or nine hundred cans. Here they are thoroughly cooked, by means of compressed steam, the operation requiring about one hour. The fish are now in suitable condition for consumption, and the remaining processes do not affect the contents of the can. Having been cooked, the cans are withdrawn from the retorts and placed in a lye vat, for the purpose of cleansing them of grease or dirt of any character that may have accumulated upon them during the previous processes. Having been thoroughly cleansed, they are immersed in a solution of yellow lacquer and benzine. This prevents them from future rust or tarnish, and at the same time imparts a beautiful, lightgolden finish to the outer surface. The cans are now ready for labeling. This work is done principally by girls, many of whom become very skillful. A dexterous hand will label from four thousand to five thousand cans per day, although from three thousand to three thousand seven hundred is a fair average. The next and last process is boxing. They are placed in wooden cases, each containing four dozen cans, and are then ready for shipment. There is scarcely a market in the world which does not furnish consumers for the Pacific Coast salmon, although the principal shipments from the canneries at Martinez are confined to Australia and the larger cities of the United States. New York, Chicago, Galveston, St. Louis, Boston and Kansas City are some of the points to which frequent car loads of salmon are sent. One noticeable feature of both Black's cannery and that of the Martinez Packing Company is the scrupulous cleanliness that characterizes their manner of handling the fish. The salmon, before cutting, are thoroughly washed, and the tables upon

which they are placed are kept constantly clean, as are also the crates, vats and retorts. The operatives are cleanly, and although the smell that necessarily pervades an establishment in which many thousands of fish are handled daily is not pleasant to persons possessed of sensitive olfactory nerves, there is nothing in any of the various processes through which each fish passes to offend the sight or smell of even the most fastidious. That the salmon canning industry in this State will in the near future assume still larger proportions than at present, is certain; and that Contra Costa county, by means of the vast fishing grounds bordering upon its extended water front, is destined to receive a large share of the pecuniary benefits to be derived from the industry, is still more certain.

SALMON CANNERY OF JOSEPH BLACK.-Was established January 1, 1882, in a building two hundred by eighty feet, where are employed from eighty to one hundred hands, who turn out eight thousand cases per month, each case containing four dozen cans, while each can holds one pound of fish. The goods are shipped to Europe, the Eastern States, Australia, New Zealand and Honolulu.

MARTINEZ PACKING COMPANY.-The process of canning salmon by this Company was commenced at Martinez in March, 1882. Sixty hands, mostly white labor, are employed, boys and girls doing the filling and labeling. It has a capacity of turning out three hundred and fifty cases per day, of four dozen cans each, which find a market in the Eastern States. The President of the Corporation is George Shiel, while F. I. Kendall acts as Secretary and Treasurer.

THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' INSTITUTION.-The largest and most important architectural recent improvement in Martinez or its vicinity is the handsome structure of the Christian Brothers, work on which was commenced in 1881, and completed in the Spring of 1882. Occupying, about half a mile south of the Court House, a commanding central position upon the slope of the semi-circular sweep of hills that wall the town around except upon its water front side, a fine prospect is to be had from the building over the town, the straits and bay, to the Coast Range and Sierra Nevada summits, while its fine, imposing proportions and situation make it a conspicuous object from many points of view. The order of Christian Brothers is organized, as we are led to understand, under authority of the Roman Catholic Church, for the instruction and training of teachers for its parochial and other schools. Those entering the order, after a novitiate term, are ordained for life as teachers, if found suitably qualified. The order has a membership of nearly fifteen thousand, engaged in its work over the world, with a Superior Director, whose residence is in France. The executive Principal of the establishment at Martinez is Brother Pirmian, whose gentle and parental kindness of manner makes a favorable impression upon all who

meet him, and is ealculated to gain him the confidence and affection of those who are committed to his charge for instruction and training.

Since the property here now occupied by them (comprising about seventy acres of what was formerly known as the Bush farm and homestead) came into possession of the Brothers it has been greatly improved in other respects, as well as by the grand new building. Fruit, ornamental trees and shrubbery have been extensively planted, several wells sunk, one of which, entirely in the sandstone rock, affords a copious and unfailing supply of fine water, which is pumped by windmill into a cemented rock cistern, excavated upon an elevated portion of the grounds, and drawn thence under large head pressure for the irrigating and domestic uses of the establishment. Advantage has been taken of the bold outcrop of a sandstone ledge along the side of one of the sloping ravines, to form several picturesque rustic grottoes, seated alcoves and rests, fronted by rock mounds, fountains, rough rock water pools, and other rustic fancies.

Besides the quite extensive original fruit orchard upon the place, some two or three acres have been planted in 1882 with choice peaches, apricots, apples, and other fruits. The roomy and convenient dwelling house on the place, since it came into their possession, has been renovated, and, in its fresh paint, made to harmonize with the improved surroundings. The new building, planned for the school purposes, stands upon ground sloping northward, the direction in which it fronts. It is of the best selected materials, faithful workmanship, and good finish in all details throughout. Its plan is that of two wings, each twenty by fifty feet, connected by a central section, the broad verandas and balconies of which extend its width to a flush line with the wings. The building is two and a half stories in height. The study room occupies the lower story of the west wing, and above that is the chapel, a beautiful room twenty by fifty feet in size, and twenty-one feet in height, with in-reaching cornice that forms a ceiling panel of fine proportions and effect. The lower story of the east wing, under which is a fine, dry cellar, its full size, furnishes a large dining room and pantry, above which are the neatly furnished and kept dormitories and wash-rooms. The central portion of the building affords a large library room, six or eight handsomsly finished office or recitation rooms, each furnished with marble mantel and fire place, and as many handsome bedrooms. The building is also well provided with conveniently situated water closets, bath rooms, and water supply pipes. A spacious and well-furnished detached kitchen stands about ten feet in the rear of the pantry and dining room section, and large sewer pipes carry the flush water and sewage to a cistern pit on a lower and distant portion of the grounds, where it can be composted and utilized for fertilizing purposes when desirable. In excavating for site of building, the material from the rear side hill slope was deposited in front, where it forms a broad level esplanade, beautified with

bordered walks, flowers, shrubs, and water fountain. For the purposes of the institution, the establishment seems now to be well provided in almost every conceivable particular; and it could not have found a more desirable location, so far as pleasant surroundings, facilities of communication, or pleasant and healthy climatic conditions are concerned. The present number of novitiate students is small, but is certain to increase to the extent of the large accommodations of the establishment.

CEMETERIES.-The "God's Acre" in Martinez is one of the most beautifully situated "Resting Places" in the State. Commanding a prominent position on a considerable elevation, here lie in peace many of the county's dead, whose headstones tell their tale, and whose well-kept graves attest the love which binds those remaining on earth to those who have journeyed to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.'

ALHAMBRA CEMETERY.-The Alhambra Cemetery was originally a portion of the town of Martinez, surveyed into town lots, and formed a part of the Pinole Grant of the Martinez heirs. Here, as early as 1854, was buried A. M. Holliday, and here, too, rests that venerable pioneer Captain Joseph R. Walker. Born, says his epitaph, December 13, 1798, he emigrated from Tennessee to Missouri in 1819; to New Mexico, 1820; to the Rocky Mountains, 1832; to California, 1833; camped at Yosemite, November 13, 1833; died October 27, 1876. In the year 1862 the open ground was enclosed by the people of Martinez and its vicinity, by subscription, and in March, 1869, the Alhambra Cemetery Association was incorporated, with the following Trustees O. C. Coffin, E. W. Hiller, Thomas A. Brown, L. I. Fish, Mark Shepard, C. C. Swain. Those at present serving (1882) are: W. M. Hale, President; G. A. Sherman, Vice President; L. C. Wittenmyer, Secretary; E. W. Hiller, Treasurer and Superintendent; M. H. Bailhache, and Dr. J. H. Carothers. The ground, which is five acres in extent, is supplied with water by windmill power and retained in a large reservoir for facility of distribution. The property is now owned by the Association, they having acquired it by purchase.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY.-Contiguous to the Alhambra, and on still higher ground, is the cemetery of the Roman Catholics. At one time the resting place for their dead was on the same hill as that of the protestants, but a fire having destroyed many of the monuments, they moved to higher ground. Here lie many of the early Spanish settlers and their descendants; underneath the high wooden-cross, which is to be distinguished from far and near, is buried one of the Briones family, while in close proximity to it is the chaste and beautiful tomb of the late respected and much regretted Supervisor John Tormey. This point commands an extensive view; below -at one's feet-lies the little town, nestling in its frame of hills, and sheltered by umbrageous trees; to the north we trace the bays and creeks of the

opposite shore of Solano, and its thriving town of Benicia. To the right rises Mount Diablo in all its beauty of shape and color; to the left in the blue distance we gain a peep of Mount St. Helena, at the head of Napa valley. Anon the shrill shriek of the locomotive is heard as it rounds the military lines on the opposite side of the Carquinez straits, its journey may be traced until it is swallowed by the capacious maw of the Solano, the leviathan ferry-boat which transports it to the shores of Contra Costa; we see the giant slowly leave her berth, and quickly traverse the intervening space of water, and safely glide into the slips at Port Costa, and off the cars rush for their destination. Again, as the sun sinks, the lengthening shadows of the trees warn us of approaching night. The air becomes chill, we leave the hallowed spot, having communed with nature and her "departed spirits."

PORT COSTA. This is the name given to the point whereat the Central Pacific Railroad Company land their trains from the East, en route to San Francisco. From its immense advantages as a shipping point, a number of vessels load wheat here every year for Great Britain and elsewhere, while the immense storing facilities, in mammoth warehouses, has earned for it a name, second to none, as a shipping center on the Straits of Carquinez. The Ferry-boat Slip was completed in the year 1879, and is a splendid piece of workmanship, while the Solano itself is one of these truly gigantic boats that have to be seen to be appreciated. So far, Port Costa has been purely a place for loading and discharging ships. It has no roads leading into nor out of it, while its situation at the foot of a considerable bluff precludes the possibility of its ever extending into a town of any magnitude. Of this rising little town the Contra Costa Gazette of June 24, 1882, says: “Although it is not yet two years since the first export cargo of wheat was loaded at Port Costa, it has already out-stripped San Francisco, Vallejo and Oakland, loading more ships during the grain year now drawing to a close than either one of those places; and within two years more, more than half of all the exported flour and wheat will be loaded at the wharves along the south shore of the Straits of Carquinez, between Martinez and Vallejo Junction. From the first of July, 1881, to Tuesday last, Geo. W. McNear had loaded one hundred and three ships at his Port Costa warehouses, and some eighty or ninety cargoes have been loaded there and at the California Grangers' warehouses, below, by William Dresbach and other shippers."

CROCKETT. The town of Crockett, upon the Straits of Carquinez, about six miles below Martinez, and named in honor of ex-Judge J. B. Crockett, late of the California Supreme Bench, has a pleasant bench location with a fine outlook over the San Pablo Bay to the Coast Range from Mount Tamalpais to those of Mendocino in one direction, and to the Sierra Nevada in another. The town site is laid out from the Edwards Ranch,