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\ THE CAMDEN JOURNAL, , i '* i.. wet VOLUME 3. CAMDEN, SOUTH-CAROLINA, MARCH 30, 1852. NUMBER 26J . ^???? 1 THE CAMDEN JOURNAL, ; PUBLISHED SEMI-WEEKLY AND WEEKLY BY THOlSftS J. WABill. TEHitlS. The Semi-Weekly Journal is published at Three Dollars and Fifty Cents, if paid in advance, or Four Dollars if payment is delayed three months. The Weekly Journal is published at Two Dollars *pnoia in Twn TVOlars nnd Fiftv Cents if pay merit bo delayed threo months, and Three Dollars if not \ paid till the expiration of the year. ADVERTISEMENTS will be inserted at the following terms: For one Square (fourteen lines or lees) in the h*c?*i-weekly, one dollar for the first, and twenty-five ocents for each subsequent insertion. In the weekly, ^ seventy-five cents per square for the first, and thirtv-se? ven and a half cents for each subsequent insertion. Sinr glo insertions one dollar. Semi-monthly, monthly and ' quarterly advertisements charged the same as for a single insertion. fg-The number of insertions desired, and the edition to be published in must be noted on the margin of all advertisements, or they will be published semi-weekly until ordered discontiued and charged accordingly. From the International. CRADLE AND COFFIN. Two receptacles awaiting Meet the needs of human kind; k Each with its appropriate freighting. Each with garlands intertwined; Cradle where the child reposes? Coffin which the dead encloses. Cradle, placed in marriage chamber, Swaying, swaying to and fro; Up its sides the children clamber, Toiling in a rosy glow : Whispering angel 3 oft descending, Sweetest dreams the child ere lending. Coffin, midway placed, and dreary, Cold, funereal, draped and still; And its tenant resting weary, With the death-damp stealing chill Shrinking shapes, grief-struck weeping, Round the couch are vigils keeping. Cradle?coffin?intervening, O! the long and aching years! ? ? 1 t A? 1 1-1. ooui, Slow learning nrae s nam meaning, Eyes out-looking through their tears: Kindly, seems the death cold stillness, Genial seems the rest and chillness. All the nooks where self has hidden Memory searches to the core; Till dark spectres come unbidden Through the lattice and the door; Come upbraiding our omissions? Self-convicting our commissions. * Loving deeply, fondly, truly, We infinitude demand; ; Yielding up, spontaneous, duly, Free-wilt offerings, heart and hand; Hence this anguish is but telling Of the depth whence love was welling. HEART WISDOM. BY VINCENT LEIGH HUNT. Tis weak to pine for pleasures past, or scorn To hoard their leaves stiil green in memory. ; Our-happiest days, like frailest flowers must die The winds that take the blossom, leave the thorn; E To some hard trouble all of us are born. Blessed the day that's passed without a sigh; I Blessed a day tfith sighs?if we can dry The the tears of those who Jiave a cause to mourn. How many hate, who might each other love, * Did they but judge the living as if dead? Stretched cold before thein with dim stony eyes! Diviner far than all the,stars above Is one forgiving word in kindness said? One loving look that in the memory lies! From the Muscogee Democrat. ELLEN LACJRENS: AN INCIDENT IN THE LIFE OF MARION. D Y S. D. CHAITER I. It was at the close of a spring day, in the year 17?, that two persons were walking together in one of the then extensive forests in the State of South Carolina. They seemed to be engaged in earnest conversation. The youngest and tallest was dressed in a hunting frockcoat, and his pants were confined by the tops of bis boots. ' Around his neck was suspended a handsomely worked powder horn, also a pouch. On his shoulder was a splendid looking rifle, and the shining barrel, and the absence of any of those marks which show ill-usage, made it evident that no small degree of care was taken in " 1 ?? ?^ A naiAn /tliAcitiiil I trie preservation 01 iu n. jjiui u.-iun ?i <.uv.->muv i ^ locks waved around as handsome a set of fea- ! tures as one could desire iu man. The small mouth, high forehead, and light bluo eye showed a becoming degree of firmness, resoluteness of purpose, and promptitude in action. His height was about five feet eleven inches, and was shown to the best advantage by his coat being buttoned up to the chin. Harry Singleton was about fivc-aud-twenty years of age, and a constant life in the open air l had hardened his muscles, and rendered him * fully capable of the life he had chosen, which was a determined resolution to opjiose the invaders of his country, and, if necessary, to shed the last drop of his blood in its cause. He was in affluent circumstances, and well acquainted with Marion and other patriotic men of his State.? His companion was oressed as a person who I* lived in the wood, and whose only means of suj>port was his rifle. His sun-burnt countenance, sandy hair, and rough manner of speaking, betokened a life Rpent in the woods. And from his manner of constantly searching the woods with hi* eves, it would seem that lie was not 5 * * only accustomed to be on his watch for game, 1 but also for any lurking danger, whether from < man or beast. Having been engaged in wars with the Indians, he imbibed their habitual cau- 1 tion, until ho became an equal if not an over- j 1 match for them, in all their cunning and wood- ( craft. v He, too, carried an old, heavy looking rifle, r which seemed to have a peculiar interest in his eyes. And from long companionship, he enter- s tained a kind of love for it, which was made evident by the respect which he seemed to handle j c it. 1 'And you really saw a band of Tories, on one of their usual expeditions of rapine and slaugh- a ter?' This was addressed to Joe Baker by his I companion. a 'Yes! Mr. Singleton, I seed 'em on the road that leads by Joel Bunker's. They were migh- t ty good humored some how or other, as if they a expected to have mightvgood luck about some- j -? -1? .L .. 1 k.,.,* ij?,w > I tiling. IV^CKOIl llltfy wjiiic uui iu iiuiitiuc * va. v Wonder they didn't bring any dogs. -Foxes are i cunning iniinals, and it ain't every dog that can s come up with 'em, any how. The way the lea- r der on 'em made the curses and oaths fly, is a } warning to morality. I felt main like sending 1 a ball through his head, only for Captain's \ 'spress orders.' 'Did you take any notice of their conversa- 1 tion V 'Why, not much, but they did seem as if they s were bent on catching somebody, and getting a \ big reward for 'em in Charleston.' 'Tell me all about it.' t 'Well, you see I was scoutin' along to see what T st.K.M fiiJ m foil Pantoin Vnn Irnnw hf> list g x wuiu aiiu iv ia/ii ? vm ?..v .. ? ~ j ?. got here last night, and is at 'Oak Spring,' waiting for Bill Thatcher to return from up the country, where he carried an old gentleman who was mighty fraid of the Tories, and wanted some men to 'comapany him. It must ha' bin mighty curious bisness he was about, or Captin wouldn't ha' gin him so many men. Well, as Captin told Bill to meet him at the 'Spring,' he is there now, waiting for him, and sent me out to pick up news. I was goin along, jist alongside the road, to keep from being too public, when I heerd horses trampling. I dodges behind a tree and looks up the road, and seed twenty or thirty of them traitor Tories coming along, bragging and talking as if on purpose to let every body know they was coming. They spoke of taking somebody, I don't know who, and chuckled mightily to think they was about to git somebody in their clutches. One said he meant to git 'roaring drunk, as they were paid.' I heard the Captin say 'she's devilish pretty, and once mine, I'll make her beud, for all she was so haughty awhile ago.' 'Yes,' says another, leftenant, I suppose, 'and you'll keep the father to make her more pliant.' 'Damme, if I don't I'll?' That's all I heerd, and I begun to think he meant Col. Laurens, and his daughter, Miss Ellen.' 'Do you think,' answered Siugleton, 'they would dare touch a hair of her head .'' 'They'd dare do anything. I know 'em well. < Any hody what would turn agin their country I wouldn't stop at murdering, or burning houses cither, if they could git money bv it.' - j 'By all that's true, they shall not. I'll go this ; minute to Col. Laurens and inform him of his danger, as I understand lie intends soon to visit his friend Joel Bunker.' 'Stop a minute, Mr. Harry, don't be in a hurry ; you'll ruin all the fun. llow would you ( like to take 'em V ^ < 'How! what do you mean ?' 'Why, I mean that we can and must take or j kill this whole band. Do you suppose 1 came i all the way here, purpose to see you, for noth- j ing ? If you prevent them from taking the , Kernel, they might 'tack his house and set it j afire afore we could get men enough to stop 'em. Don't be in such a hurry, and I'll explain.' 'Well, go on.' 'You go to Captin and tell him all I've told | you. You'll find him at 'Oak Spring,' about one mile, in a straight course in the swamp. Tell i him I'll come as %soon as I can, for the grass . shan't grow under my heels. I must go to look i for Kurnel, and maybe I can help him?-jist look what a beautiful shot.' i Ilarry Singleton lifted his eyes from the j ground, where he had kept them during the preceding dialogue, and followed the direction i J* j ? ? L; :?a ?i inuicaieu uv ins cuiujmiuuii a iiugei, <uiu uuuuiu a noble buck gazing steadily at them, at the distance of about two hundred yards. It was , only for a moment, for, giving a start, it bounded away and was soon out.of new. 'Ef I'd < have been hunting them 'old nation' would have 1 had her talk, before you could have hopped away that easy, old fellow.' And he stroked his gun, which he called by the familiar name of ] 'old nation.' 'Well, Joe,'said Harry, 'we must be moving; , it is no evening stroll from here to 'Oak Spring.' ] 'Good bye, then, and I hope to see you agin j soon.' They parted?each taking a different course. CHAPTER II. , It is to one of those noble southern mansions 1 that I will now take mv reader. Col. Laurens , was truly a southern gentleman. Hospitable, , friendly, and, moreover, a strong Whig. None were more willing to take up arms in their country's cause. He had already seen a good deal of ( service, both against the Tories and ludians, and had thereby gained the title of 'Colonel.' lie i had one child, an only daughter, whom he prized dearly. It were useless for me to attempt to ( describe her. To say that she was pretty, would L :?cbn u'uc liPnni'tfnl I IHJ SttVlIIJJ IW WMV ^ l?w uuvu a fair outline, such flashing eyes, such bewitching smiles, and such flowing curls, it is rarely al- ( lotted to man to behold. Her countenance was ] one on which you could never tire of gazing, and when she opened her mouth to speak?showing ( a set of pearly teeth ? her silvery tones enchan- ; ted you, and made captive the heart. Such a i ringing laugh had slu*, that it put all in a good ' luraor who heard it, and might have been call^1 innocence itself. It was on the morning after the meeting of larry Singleton and Joe, that CoL Laurens and jis daughter were sitting at the breakfast table liscussing the merits of the various dishes of vhicb it was composed. It was just as Ellen ose to retire that her father said to her? 'Well, Ellen, I hope you will soon be ready to et out. Have you made all your preparations'' . 'Yes, father, and will be ready jus soon as you lesire. I finished my packiug last night and lave only to change this for a travelling dress.'; 'That's a dejir girl; run, now, and get ready j us soon as possible. I am in a hurry to get oft". ; have been promising Joel a visit a long time, md mean to take him by surprise.' '13ut, father, are you not afraid of some of hose bjinds of Tories that do so much damage, ; ind kill so many innocent persons ?' '* ill /?_._? 1 ic t *1 1. l 4.1 i "1 WOUKl oe airaiu u 1 muugiii uicic was uuy : langer. But lie would be a tiend that would ' njure you, and it is only on your account that I mi fearful. If I atn informed aright, there are lone about at this time; so calm your fears, and >repare to start. I dare say you wish you could lave Harry as a guard. No doubt your journey j vould pass more pleasantly.' 'Now, father! how can you talk so? You; mow?' 'Oh, yes! I know very well how it is. lie is ' t truant knight, and you will have to scold him vhen you see him.' 'If he knew we were in danger, he would be he first one to fly to our rescue.' 'Certainly lie would. I know him very well, md I knew his father before him. He is a fine -oung man, and if the wind keeps fair, who mows what might happen ? He may take it nto his head that the marriage state would be j nore conducive to his happiness than the single. I 4 ...l.~ knt in Ilia Minim lip ! 1IIU WJAU MIIMM CUC, ill iiumiug tiiu ..? , night?whore to now, girl ? Off, like the wind, t's certain that she loves him, and as certain hat he loves her. But he is every way worthy >f her, and is the only one of my young acquainances whom I would be proud to call son-in- j aw.' Harry Singleton had graduated at a northern jollcgc. Often during his collegiate course did le picture to himself a fair form flitting among .he woods, plucking the wild flowers, or dashing ilong the road, as he had been want to do, in ler company, before his departure. How much e desired to be free to return home, can only be .old by how swiftly he sped on his way thither ,vhen the time of his emancipation camc. Sanguine as were his hopes, he was hardly able ,o realize the vision that burst upon his view, the irst time he saw Ellen. Just budding into wonanhood, she formed a fit object for his overflowng tide of affection. He did not endeaver to ; estrain himself in the least, but felt that he could >nly live for her?that she was indeed a prize j north striving for. lie became a constant visi- ; tor at her father's house, nor did he try* to hide I lis purpose. To say that she had forgot the j jne who climbed the high rock to pluck from thence the flower, growing in the crevice, or who J was ready at any time to scour through the fields m her company, where their light-hearted laugh inadp the woods ring again, would be saying more than was true. She waited, therefore, very anxiously for the j time of his arrival, for she felt as if he was her I brother. But instead of seeing him as her imagination pictured to her, she saw him a jK>rfect gentleman. Precious little sleep did she get that night. Was she in love ? Oh, no! Time passed on until at the period of the opening of thistale they considered themselves to be all in all to each other. Though he had not virtually offered himself, it was his intention to do so on an early day. It was about nine o'clock of the morning on which the previous conversation took place that a company was seen to depart from Col. Laurens's and take the road towards the left, and which led in a westerly direction. First came the Colonel, and by his side rode Ellen. Three servants followed behind, oue female and two males, who carried all the things necessary for a week's sojourn, except what was contained on [lie buck ot' the sixth horse, led by one of the negroes. It was one of those pleasant days on which all nature puts on a smiling aspect, and the birds carol their songs among the trees, as if in praise of their creator. 'Now isn't this pleasant ?' said Ellen. 'It puts me in ecstncics.' She could not keep from looking back and speaking to her maid, or calling her father's attention to some object which came into view.? Her very horse imbibed her spirit, and tossed his head as if lie would have been very glad to mend [lis pace. Tiiere was a proud, happy smile on her father's face, and as he answered her enquiries or spoke to her in any manner, he cast on her a look b Jatning with pride and parental affection?for she was a treasure to be proud of. It was towards three or four o'clock in the afternoon as they liegan to weary, that they passed a dark, swampy part of the road. On each side were thick bushes and vines intermingled. 1 hoy woreruling .suenuy aiong, expectingnaugm of evil, when suddenly a man stood before tliem on horseback. 'You are my prisoner, sir!' 'Not yet,' answered Col. Laurens, and was endeavoring to got his pistol. But the other quickly presented a pistol, and said? 'It is bettor for you to yield, us at one call I can surround you with my men.' Little did he think, that at that instant there was an unerring rifle, not seventy yards distant, which could have sent a leaden messenger of death tlirough his head before ho could have levelled his own j>istol. The Colonel yielded with a bad grace, and, casting one look of tenderness upon her who but a moment before had been all life, and who nowsat the picture of despair, be motioned to the Tory leader to proceed. Not a word was spo keu by any one, but the Tory Captain wheeled his horse and took the direction in which Col. Laurens and his daughter were proceeding. It was something strange to see horseman after horseman enter the road, as the cavalcade passed, and, forming a line, follow on in silence.? There was no visible emotion in Col. Lauren's face; only a slight movement of the nether lip showed how much he regretted the capture? not for his own, but tor his daughter's sake. How could she bear it ? What would befall her? were questions he could not answer. But her natural strength of mind had by this time gained the ascendancy ; and her calm features evinced a firm reliance on Providence, and a determination of baffling, if possible, a most atrocious scheme; for she easily recognized in her captor a former suitor for her hand, whilst sjlending the winter in Charleston. His suit had been modestly but firmly rejected. And he was told that she had no love to bestow on him, as her affections were pre-engaged. Bitter rancour took the nl.nrfl of love in his heart, and he vowed veil gounce for his supposed insult. Long had he meditated concerning the beat method of gaining his object, and many were the schemes proposed and rejected, until, for purposes far different, he obtained a company of soldiers, and set out for her father's residence. Chance put in his power what he intended to effect at any price. lie rode on before in moody silence, only now and 41. ~ ? mIahaa r\ fliof nil IVAM UlCll i\ gl.'UUTC UV1IIIIU IV cvv (ill nviv safe. ITc really liad great respect for Ellen's father, ami therefore did not intrude his company. He presently called one of the men to him, and after a few words turned and said to Col. Laurens? 'As our course lies somewhat different from your intended one, perhaps it would be better to quicken our speed, if you wish to have a pleasant place for your encampment; as I have the disagreeable necessity to inform you that wo will be obliged to camp out to-night.' Captain Branchville is aware that I have been accustomed to a soldier's life, and therefore it will not incommode vie in the least. But there wonc to whom the ground will be a hard bed, and canvass but a. slight protection from the night air. However, there is one who tempcreth the wind to the shorn lamb.' If it please you, we can easily move faster.' Giving his daughter one confiding look of affection, the Colonel spurred his horse on. and the whole company were soon going at a trot. Towards night they halted and encamped at 'Oak Spring.'' CHAITER 11 I. We now change the scene to Marion's camp. Perhaps no other person was as well fitted for the sort of warfare he engaged in, as was Marion. No one could tell the precise place he occupied, and at times, when the British thought him farthest off', he would pounce on them, and, committing great havoc among?if not cutting them to peices?would retire before they had recovered from their surprise. Enclosing himself within the swamps, he defied pursuit, and remained secure until another occasion offeror 1 f->r doing his country a service. It was from this that he earned and received the appellation of'Swamp Fox.' lie had, at the time we now speak of, only just arrived at [' Oak Spring.' lie had appointed this place as the one at which one of his Captains should meet him, who had been sent on a certain expedition. This was the day appointed for his return. Marion, as usual, had sent out his scouts, and waited impatiently for their return, for with his diminished forces he could not hope to fight to any advantage. One entering his camp would not suppose a human being to be in miles of liiin. A universal stillness reigned, and nothing was to be seen, as trees were the only tents used, and they were too careful with their fire to al low it to be seen. One tent formed of the branches of trees joined together, and concealed its much as (lossiblc, constituted Marion's 4 Oak Spring' abode. In this was seated Marion, enjoying a slight repast, when a man ushered in a visitor. 4 Ah P exclaimed Marion, 4 how are you, Singleton ? Happy to sec you. Take that stool, and help yourself to some of these baked potatoes. Any news ? You look as if you had something to saw' 4 And so I have, General.' And he forthwith repeated all that Joe had told him, and gave his own suspicions to add force to his story. Marion listened in deep thought; and at bust spoke. 4 May be it is not so bad. Wait until Joe comes, and we am tell what to do.' Very impatiently did he await the arrival of his most trusty scout, and often did he wish Thatcher would return, so that having a sufficient number of soldiers, he could attack and drive back the band of Tories; but being situated as he was great circumspection was necessary. Sometime before dusk, Joe returned with the intelligence of the capture. 4 Now listen P said Marion. 41 want you to go immediately to their camp. I am determined to get possession of this Tory captain. He shall commit no more ravages. Do you disguise yourself as a countryman, enter the encampment, be saucy, so as to be kept a prisoner, and endeavor "to arrange some method by which wc may know who is the captain, ilow will you J do it ? Joe studied a while and then said: 'I have it; you will know him by his feather/ 'Very well; take Tommy Tadpole with you; his 'gift* may be of sdrnc benefit. The attack will be made at 'the Walnut,' as they will probablv take the road to Charleston. Act according to circumstances, for I must have him prisoner.' Harry Singleton was also desirous to accompany Joe, but, his Marion would not allow, saying: 'You will have enough to do to rescue your intended, Harry.' It was dusk when two other prisoners were brought before the Tory Captain, who demanded who they were. 'Why, I'm myself, Capting, and I knows you well. I seeii yon often down at Charleston 'mong the Britishers. I'm jist from thar now.? I carried a whole lot of these to sell, and they took mighty well, I tell you. Every one Of'em has one o' these stickin' in his hat, and it loolre petty, too. I got a dollar apiece tor each one of them, but you may have that one for half a dollar.' And Joe displayed a handsome bunch of parrot feathers, looking as if made for a military hat. 'Let me see,' And the Tory Captain took it and placed it in his hat. 'Did you meet any body on the road? Anv of those d?d rebels?1 'No! I never seed a rebel? 'No impertinence, sir! Have you heard of the 'swamp Fox'?' 'No; we have 110 swamp foxes, that I ever heam of, but we have plenty of grey ones; and a deal of mischief they do among the poultry.' 'Sir, are yon making fun of me? I have but to say the word, and thy carcass will hang on yonder tree. Answer my question; are any of the rebels about?' Not as I know3 of, bnt they'd come mighty quick efsomebody could tell 'em you were here.' The tory cast one searching look in his face and said? 'Take them away and bind them; it will not do for him to escape.' 'My half a dollar, ef you please.' Til give you this!'said Branchville, as he made a lunge at Joe, which, luckilr he avoided. The Tory Captain replaced his sword in his scabbard, muttering? 'My booty is too precions to lose. Scorn, indeed! She shall soon know into whose power she has fallen.' It was very evident that his temper was soured. It was only a few minutes before, that as be had endeavored to catch Ellen's eye, he met there such a glance of withering contempt that roused the demon in himfhnd raised his passion to a pitch beyond his control. Joe and the other person, whom he called *son Tommy,' were taken away, and bound. Tommy stood staring at every thing he saw, like a perfect idiot. Pointing to a bayonet he asked 'what that wasi' Some one taking it and, by way of answer, touched him with it, causing him to give a cry of pain?after that he asked no more questions. CONCLUSION*. The following morning, though bright and beautiful, opened gioomilv on the prisoners. On that day they would be dragged to Charleston, and perhaps thrown into prison. A horrible 41 hi ! Tl?/? Ami + Vi/\ *r>oroll woo mifOY\ UIOUgHO J llic UIUCI IUI kUE lunivu nu g.. and all started for " Oak Spring" at a fast walk. The Tory Captain's hat shone from the effect of the feather, and his face shone from his anticipated triumph. It was about nine o'clock that they came to a long sandy stretch of the road, ; and they allowed their horses to walk more slowly. First came Col. Laurens and his daughter, riding with Branchville. Next came Joe and his " son Tommy," together with the servants. After them came the whole company of horsemen. They were just passing a large walnut tree (the Captain endeavoring to carry on a conversation with the Colonel, who was too downcast to talk much) when the report of a rifle was hoard and one in an bit the dust Then followed a volley from each side of the road and others tumbled from their horses. The rest, badly frightened, and being taken surprise, all took to flight. In the beginning of the affray, Tommy Tadpole dexterously slipped his hands from the cords and cut Joe loose in an instant. He, as soon as free, turned a somerset in the air, lit on the Tory Captain's horse, pulled him from the saddle to the earth, and before he could struggle had him tied on the ground, and stood over him in triumph.?Tommy, in the meantime, slipped into the woods and soon returned, bearing two rifles. lie handed one to Joe, who quickly raised I .- i.:? ol.Mil.lnr firpd the retreatinc crowd. 11 IU lll? nn/uiuvi, ? 0 - r and smiled to see one fall. At the s iund of the first shot, Col. Laurens had dismounted, and helped Ellen from her horse. She, who was calm and collected in danger, now gave way to a flood of tears, and her j strength failing her, she fell back into the arms of?Harry Singleton. Col. Laurens looked around, and seeing Marion by his side, grasped his hand. Being too much overcome to speak, he remained silent, until, finding words he said? 1 My best friend ! how can I repay thee V Marion, smiling, whispered something into his ear. Col. Laurens, turning round and seeiug the state of affairs, answered 'I will!' andgrasphis hand firmer than before. Six months from that time there was a great vedding. Many were the guests, and among ?ne rest were Joe and Marion. The bride, Ellen Laurens?the bridegroom, Harry Singleton. Col. Laurens gave away his daughter, and at the eud of the ceremony, turning to Marion, he " 1 1 v ? -"-I ' Vinva lyjrfnmiiwl mv limmiui ' sain, " 1UU PCC . * imiv |<viiui?uv? ...J pvmiuv. Marion nodded assent. Agricultural Prospects iic California.? The San Francisco He raid, of the 12th ull., says that ermgrantsjuow come to farm as well . work in tne mineSj^fhutHho^sands age forsaI king the mines and taking to the cultivation of the earth ; and that rapid progress has been made in the interior in the settlement of agricultural lands. In Yuba, Calaveras, Tuolumne and San Joaquin counties, which have heretofore been known only for the mineral treasures, an immense quantity of land has been taken up and improved. Farms of 160 acres each have * i_!J ?.4 ?nr./t fannul \rA?f farm oeen lain uui?unv>.w ....v ?^..v ...... houses are springing up in every direction, and nli the signs of an old settled and well cultivated country are fast making their appearance. An unprecedented amount of land has been put in seed: this season, giving promise tint California will soort ceaso to depend upon other countries fbf the produce of the soil.