AIR. FORBES'S CALIFORNIA.

Tuts volume is an odd mixture of history, topography, statistics, indicative touches of the Indian and Creole character of New Spain and California, and speculations upon a very grand scale ; furnishing some curious intbrntation and some pleasant reading, amidst a good deal of vague or trivial matter.

Mr. Fos BES, the author, is a resident of Mexico ; where he seems to have employed his leisure in perusing, both in print and manu- script, missionary narratives of the settlement of the two Cali- fornias, and the conversion of the natives, varying this out-of-the- way reading, by such recondite works RS VANCOUVER'S and BEECHEY'S Voyages. He also procured some statistical returns re- lating to Upper California, we apprehend of very small pretensions to accuracy ; and picked up a variety of information respecting the country and its attitirs, from persons who had been there, and from occurrences passing around him. The materials thus collected he threw into the bookish form ; and some three years ago sent them over to his brother, Dr. FORBES, with optional power to publish or suppress. Whilst the Doctor was meditating upon the matter, several things occurred. Upper California, with a seabord ranging over some seven or eight degrees of latitude, an inland territory extending at its extremes over twenty degrees of longitude, and a population of five thousand Creole inhabitants, effected a revolu- tion, set up for itself, and threw off the Mexican yoke. Had they had them, a regiment of dragoons would have settled the affair ; but the Mexican Government were not in a condition to do more than publish proclamations ; and the five thousand Californians being let alone, divided into two hostile parties, one advocating total independence, the other a modified connexion with Mexico. In the mean time, the British interests in South America, and some merchants in London, projected a " Pacific Steam Navigation Company ;" and the Mexican Government having declined to ratify the negotiation of their agents, by which the Mexican Bonds were to be cancelled for land in Sonora, (an interior district,) and, God help the silly ones! in Texas, somebody seems to have hit upon the scheme that the State of Mexico should pay its debts by ceding California to the creditors,—a plan in substance just the same as if England had tried to satisfy her Fundholders by ceding to them the United States towards the close of the American war. With all these stimulants, Dr. FORBES at last determined to publish, bringing down his information to the latest date, either from letters of his brother or from other sources.

The subject of the volume, it will be seen, is threefold,—the literary character of the work ; California as a field of colonization; steam navigation in the Pacific. We will consider each in its turn.

The volume is a compilation, with only a few passages of ori- ginal observation; and, so far as the capabilities of the Californias are concerned, telling us little that was not known before. Most

people knew that Lower California was barren to the last degree; and that Upper California had several good ports ; that, lying to the northward of Mexico, and some ten degrees beyond the Tro- pic, its climate would be temperate and healthy, unless exposed to noxious local influence ; and that travellers have spoken in high terms of its soil and spontaneous productions,—though men from the dreary wastes of' the interior, or the confinement of the salt

sea, are apt to think any thing beautiful and fertile, even if their judg- ment of such things was sound. It was also known that there were large herds of wild cattle and horses ; that the natives were skilful in the use of the lasso; and that parts of the country were occupied ley a few scattered Spanish settlers. The account of the Missions,

by whose efforts both the Californias were first explored, has more of novelty than the topography ; and being drawn from original sources, possesses some interest. We catch an idea of the un- worldly devoted character of the Missionaries, as well as their

singular notions on the essentials of their faith ; and we find that, in spite of their efforts, the converted Indians dwindled in

health and diminished in numbers. Like animals that defy

all attempts at domestication in themselves or their progeny, they lost the hardy constitution and free character of the wild Indian,

without any qualities of civilization being imperadded. Reduced to the condition of bond slaves, they relied upon their spiritual fathers for every thing,—working, but working like machines ; and

when the Revolution came and they were declared free, they were

totally ignorant and helpless. The few who were set at liberty, in consequence of the Mexican decree, wandered from ,the. mis- sions, drank and gambled away all they possessed, and then turned thieves or vagrants : so this abolition was stopped, and, as it happened, in time.

The inference drawn froM the narrative or Mr. FORBES, is that the aborigines of America were incapable of being eiviliied, or suxviVingln civilization; and that the race has endured so bug be. cause the slothful and scanty colonization.• of the Spaniards has left large tracts of land as a roaming-ground for the Indians. At the same time, the'tcaching and government'of the Missionaries ivaB of such it kind, that it would not develop any better qualities, if they possess any. . In converting, they generally offered-together a mess of- pottage.and holy water ; the acceptance of' the latter being the condition of the former grant, and its reception a proof of faith. The Indians were summoned to prayers and to meals ; andoft.ht: was the good Fathers' notion of Christianity. " Of those who came oftenest amongst them was an Indian of about fifteen years' of age, who seldom let a day pass without coming; and he at last was Induced to eat whatever was given. lulu Ivithnut any fear. Our Father Joni- pent had a great desire to encourage lea, and to teach him something Spanish language, to see if by this means he could accomplish the baptism of any of the youths. After some time, and when the Indian understood a little of 'the language, the venerable Father desired him to try it' he could bring a little one with consent of its parents to become a Christian, and told him to inform them, that by allowing a little water to be put upon its head, it would become a son of God and of theFather Junipero, and also be of the kindred of the soldiers; that it would be clothed, and, in short, be equal to the Spa- niards. The young man seemed to understand what was said to him; and, OCT going amongst the Indians, returned, accompanied by as great many; one of whom brought a child in his arms, and made them understand by signs that he wished it to be baptized. Full of joy, our venerable Father gave same clothes to cover the child, asked the corporal to be its goilfitther, deAred the soldiers to attend the celebration of this first baptism, and also ordered that all the Indians should be present. When the President land finished the previous ceremonies, and was about to pour the water, the Indians suddenly snatched away the child, and immediately made of in great haste for their huts, leaving the good Father in amazement, with the water in his hands. ' Acre,' says the Father Palau, his prudence was necessary to enable bins to hold his peace under such a gross action ; and be was obliged to employ all his hat- ence over the soldiers to prevent them from taking -vengeance for the affront; but, on considering the barbarism and ignorance taking those miserable beings' it was deemed necessary to dissemble their chagrin' Father Palm adds, 'that the feeling of the venerable Father was such, seeing the baptism of this child so frustrated, that for ninny days the sorrow and pain which he suffered might be discovered in his countenance; his reverence attributing the conduct of the Indians to his own sins ; and many years afterwards, when he related this cit. cumstance, be had to wipe the tears from his eyes.' " Before the Revolution, the Missions had monopolized nearly the whole of the country along the coast, either in possession or in title ; and they received large pecuniary supplies from Mexico, partly a public allowance, partly derived from property left to them, and merged into one fund culled the " Pious Fund." Soon after the establishment of a Republican Government, all public payments were at an end; and they stopped in transitu the pro- ceeds of the " Pious Fund ;" but they sent a reinforcement "of eleven Franciscan Friars, with a new Prefect of the same order at their head."

" These friars," says Mr. Forbes, " were some time detained at Tepie, a town near San Bless, waiting for a vessel, where I had an opportunity of seeing them. They were fresh from a convent of Zacatecas, where the rules arc very

strict ; they all wore a habit of the coarsest gray woollen cloth, their COWII3 shaven, and sandals on their feet. They were totally ignorant of the world, and of every thing respecting the ce entry which they were going to govern. They brought to one's mind, in the most lively manner, the days of the pil- grimages ot the middle ages ; and if the anomalous nature of their destination could have been kept out of view, they would have formed an interesting group. As it was, it was impossible not to feel respect for their character, and a degree of veneration mixed with pity on thinking on their destiny and observing their very pious, humble, and meek demeanour."

What eventually became of them, when, after a series of mishaps, they reached their destination, does not seem to be known ; nor how the Missions have fitred during the late Revolutions of the five thousand.

Throughout the whole of the Spanish American countries, the laws, the arts, the institutions, and the capabilities of the people, seem to he in the lowest possible state : they are Spaniards many degrees degenerated ; and unless something like a miracle inter- vene, will be absorbed in some superior breed. The data on which this opinion is formed are scattered over a wide surface, but it receives some confirmation in the volume before us. The Edinburgh Review considered the absence of condiments as proof of a very slender advance beyond barbarism : the Mexicans possess these, but they seem incapable of manufacturing the raw materials of food in an advantageous way ; and are probably behind Negroes in the art of butter-making. After giving the statics of their flocks and herds, Mr. Foams goes on to say- " From this immense number of domestic animals little advantage is ob- tained beyond. the value of the hides and flit. The management of -the dairy is totally unkumvit. Time is hardly any such thing in use as butter or cheese, and what little is made, is Of the very worst description. It will no doubt ap- pear strange when 1 assert, that the art of making butter and cheese is un- known in all the ,Americas inhabited by the Spaniards and their descendants; yet, IN far as illy own experience goes, as well as my infinmation, this is is reality the case ; for although something under the name of hitter and cheese is generaliv to he found, yet they are made in a way entirely ditfrrent from that practised in the North of Europe, and certainly have but little resem- blance to those so mach esteemed aliments as there prepared. Both the butter and cheese, particularly the firmer, are execrable compounds of sour coagu- lated milk and its cream mixed together, the butter being made of the cream or top of the milk mixed with a large proportion of the sour coagulated part, and bent up together by the hand, and without a churn, till something of the consistene•,• of butter isproduced: it is of a dirty gray colour and ot a very disagreeable flavour, which in a short time is rendered still worse by its ten- dency to get rancid, in which state it is almost always found Retire it ;mina at the place of sale, and is of course intolerable to palates used to that pia better sort. The cheese is Made of the remainder of the sour milk, or sometitnei of the whole milk and cream ; ha either ease it is made up in small moulds con- taining eland half a pout nil, and undergoes no presstwe except by the hand; it is always mixed with -a largo proportion of salt, and is of a soft crumbling Con-

sistoney. s

" It is truly incredible that from such an immense number of cows as 13 cmntaitied in Upper California no attempt should be 'made to reap advantage from their milk. The produce of the dairy has always been an object of con- sideration and profit in all ages and in tall countries. It seems, however, that evea in Old Spain at the present day this branch of husbandry is much ne- glected; and it is well known that Cadiz and other maritime towns have always been supplied with butter and cheese from Holland and Ireland."

As a field for British colonization, Upper California is no doubt abstractedly a land of promise if settled upon a large scale. Acces- sible by the Isthmus of Darien, it would not, so far as time is con- cerned, be much further off than Upper Canada ; its position, mid- way between Europe and China, offers great commercial advantages to an enterprizing nation; it possesses immediate products in skins and wool ; its soil, according to all accounts, is well adapted for cul- ture of any kind, especially the vine ; and the general character of its commodities would differ from those of our other colonies. But, as matters are, it is idle to think about it. It is not ours ; and if we were inclined to found any title upon DRAKE'S taking possession. the Spaniards (though he knew it not) were there before him, and our claim, such as it was, is lapsed. It is not now Mexico's to cede, even if she were disposed. If the Californians would permit, for a consideration, a partial occupation of their soil, their laws and cus-

toms would oppose an insuperable objection. California, and Mexico to boot, we suspect, must be left for America in the fulness of time, or fbr Russia very shortly. About this power Dr. FonnEs and his friends seem much alarmed ; fbr Russia has already La Bodega OS' 19' North,) on the frontier of the territory of Cali- fornia, if not within it ; and the Emperor has "declined to renew the convention with the United States by which no Russian settle- ment was to be formed Southward of 50') 40' North." Into which- ever power it slumld finally fill, it would be no hurt, and perhaps much rain to us. In a commercial view, it would be better fill' the United States to possess. Politically, it would be desirable that Russia should settle California, if her subjects possess enough of the colonizing power to occupy the soil and turn it to account. A fiourishing, dependency of Russia, or an independent kingdom, would form a harrier against the United States, connect them more closely with European policy, and probably find them something to do Or think of at home.

The scheme of connecting the Western coast of America with Europe, by a well-arranged plan of steam navigation, is magnificent and practicable ; and even the crowning hope the speculators hold out, of steam trips to Australia, New Zealand, and China, is not impossible, with so many islands lbr stations in the South Sea. Taking England or Ireland as a basis, a steam voyage to the West Indies is not more difficult than the now common run to New York ; if' Jamaica be made the starting-point, the afiltIr is not much more than a trip to Hamburg. The Isthmus of Darien may be crossed from the Atlantic to time Pacific in two days ; but, from Panama to the Atlantic, the journey occu- pies only eighteen hours. Of this journey, twenty-one miles is by land, the remainder by water ; but if steam-vessels were intro- duced, the whole journey could be accomplished in eight or ten hours. Panama, so famous in the halcyon days of " Spain, with both the Indies," would again revive, as time station or starting- point front which all the communications with Europe would be disseminated to and from Mexico, Peru, Chili, and so torch.

this is not only practicable, but easy of accomplishment ; and the project is patronized by all the South American States, and said to be encouraged by time British Government. The question which arises is, will it pay ? Ifletters, passengers, and light goods are in sufficient number, or there are in those countries, al-J(1 the nrithlt interests connected with them, elements enough of this kind for opportunity to develop, the concern will be a profitable one : int has to rely upon the transit of heavy goods, its success will be doubtinl. Mr. Founts, writing in Mexico, in ignorance of the Company, but indulging speculations of his own, thus speaks ot' an often-br.mached subject—a canal across time Isthmus of Darien; and all the objections lie urges apply with greater three to any kind of road.

" Another consideration in my opinion is also indispensable to the success and utility of this undertakim!, viz. that the canal should be mole of a capacity sufficient to admit merchant-vessels to pass through without discharging their carpcs. To make as canal hur 1piats, or ota any 01her scale Illan to permit vcs- svk m pass Olt to the ulterior de,,! Mat ion or the goods, would be entirely nuga- tory : tho vsileilSe and delay of It:11Pporling the cargoes hy boats in tilleit oeintry c oast thromdt which the canal pm:ses, wean lie very great, and the periodical rains, robbery by an ill-regulated population. and a thousand cause,,, would counterbalance all other advantages; but the principal difficulty cud expense would be to procure vessels in the Pacific to prosecute the remain- ing part of the voyage. 011 this mean. at present, the freights paid for vessels are most exorbitant ; and from the nature of the countsin the neighbourhood of the canal. at hick arc all unhealthy, :111,1 unlit tin' the creation or maintenance of a marine, 110 improvement of consequence is to be ealle(qed. It would result ill the ease supposed of a mere boat canal, that after a cargo had been forwarded to the caster„ entrance of the canal, and transmitted. to the Pacific by boats, time time that v elapse hefore a vessel could be procured to proceed with this cargo to Chiaut or other destination, would be more and the expense greater, than if the original vessel had proceeded directly :mid the Cape of Gaud Rope. It has been lately much recommended to make a railroad from Portobello to Pannnut, or somewhere in that vicinity; but the f. ,regoing objections exist to this in all their force, as to it canal liar limits ; and I. should consider such an -undertaking utterly useless inn commercial point of view. It; on the contrary, the canal was 111Rde Capable of adMitting vessels to pass through with their car- goes. the delay would he very small and the expense trifling. Asia would be thereby brought by one-half nearer to Europe, and the passage to all the west coast of :uweica and the Pacific islands shortened in a still greater degree."

Whatever may be, time prospects of solid success fbr the "Pacific Steam Navigation Company,' we wish it well with all our hearts, were it only for its gigantic enterprise, and its forming a grand link in a project which many of onr readers may live to see realized. Already we can get to India by steam ; ere long, uo doubt, Macao,

if not the Celestial Empire itself, will be reached by a similar con- veyance ; the black funnel with- its standard 'of rolling smoke is already visible in the harbour of Sydney; and this Pacific Steam Company, if carried out, will carry us to the ports of Chili. It will then require but two stages more—from Chili to Australia, from Australia to China, and blues and dandies may circumnavigate the globe in the intervals of a London season, and with all the luxuries of London life. The old-fashioned query, "have you been out of town?" will be superseded by the demand, "have you been round the world?"