The Channel Islands of California: A Book for the Angler, Sportsman, and Tourist

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Page 25 - While wintering in this Isla de Posesion (San Miguel), on the third day of January, 1543, departed from this present life Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, Captain of the said ships, from a fall which he had on the same island at the former time when they were there, by which he broke an arm near the shoulder.
Page 35 - ... inches] beam. Into their fabric enters no iron whatever, of the use of which they know little. But they fasten the boards with firmness, one to another, working their drills just so far apart and at a distance of an inch from the edge, the [holes] in the upper boards corresponding with those in the lower, and thro' these holes they pass strong lashings of Deer sinews. They pitch and calk the seams, and paint the whole in sightly colors. They handle the [boats] with equal cleverness, and three...
Page 257 - ... then crawling up by degrees, frequently reclining as if to sleep ; again, moving up or along the shore, appearing not content with their last resting-place. In this manner they would ascend the ravines, or "low-downs," half a mile or more, congregating by hundreds. They are not so active on land as the seals ; but, when excited to inordinate exertion, their motions are quick — the whole body quivering with their crawling, semivaulting gait, and the animal at such times manifesting great fatigue.
Page 26 - All their business and occupation is to fish. In each house they say there are fifty souls, who live very filthily, going naked. They remained at these islands from November 23 to January 19, and in all this time, almost two months, there was very rough wintry and rainy weather.
Page 33 - Indian women] who make the trays and vases of rushes*, to the which they give a thousand different forms and graceful patterns, according to the uses to which they are destined, whether it be for eating, drinking, guarding their seeds, or other ends ; for these Peoples do not know the use of earthenware as those of San Diego use it. The Men work handsome trays of wood, with firm inlays of coral or of bone ; and some vases of much capacity, closing at the mouth, which appear to be made with a lathe...
Page 20 - It is 34 1-3 degrees; and after anchoring in it, they went on shore, which had people, three of whom remained and all the others fled. To these they gave some presents ; and they said by signs that in the interior had passed people like the Spaniards. They manifested much fear. This same day at night they went on shore from the ships to fish with a net; and it appears that there were here some Indians, and they began to discharge arrows and wounded three men.
Page 23 - Saturday they continued on their course, and proceeded 2 leagues, no more; and they anchored opposite a valley very beautiful and very populous, the land being level with many trees. Here came canoes with fish to barter; they remained great friends. And the Sunday following...
Page 33 - They are up to 20 varas [55 feet] in diameter. Each House contains three or four Families. The Hearth is in the middle, and in the top of the House they leave a vent or chimney to give exit for the smoke.
Page 258 - ... Elephants come on shore for the purpose of "shedding," if not disturbed they remain out of water until the old hair falls off. By the time this change comes about, the animal is supposed to lose half its fat; indeed, it sometimes becomes very thin, and is then called a "slim-skin." In the stomach of the Sea Elephant a few pebbles are found, which has given rise to the saying that "they take in ballast before going down
Page 24 - Wednesday, the twenty-fifth of the said month, they departed from the said islands, from the one which was more to the windward; it has a very good port, so that from all the storms of the sea no damage will be suffered by those within its shelter; they called it La Posesion [San Miguel previously, with Santa Rosa, called Las Islas de San Lucas].

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