Historic spots in California: The southern counties,

Chronologically, the work covers a period of more than 350 years, from 1542 down to the latter part of the nineteenth century, and includes, also, many of the prehistoric Indian sites which abound in certain sections of the state. The subject matter touched upon is greatly varied: old trails of explorers and immigrants; Franciscan missions and Spanish pueblos and presidial towns; vast Spanish and Mexican ranchos, with their romantic adobe casas and lordly haciendas; the thrilling and adventurous gold days; the heroic marches of covered-wagon immigrants, picturesque stagecoaches, and daring Pony Express riders; pirates and trading ships; battles and fiestas; bandits and vigilantes.