CHAPTER V.

Start for the Mines--The Sacramento River--American river-steamboats in California--Natural facilities for inland navigation, and promptness of the Americans in taking advantage of them--Sacramento City--Appearance of the houses--Street nomenclature--Staging--Four-and-twenty four-horse coaches start together--The plains--The scenery--The weather--The mountains--Mountain roads and American drivers--First sight of gold-digging--Arrival at Hangtown, 94-111