might wade or swim according to depth and consist-
ence. But by the winter following some of the more
central streets were planked, and remembering their
former abasement horses and drivers became frisky as
the animals' feet clattered upon the firm thoroughfare,
and there were loud complaints against street-racing.
Not only equestrians dashed their horses up and down
the crowded streets at unlawful speed, but the buggies,
carriao:es, and even carts drove off at furious rates.
It was a difficult country for either animals or men
to keep quiet in.
Very different was the aspect presented by Califor- nia street in 1853 from that of 1873 after the banks, in- surance buildings, and Merchant's Exchange had been erected. At the former date the planked street was perforated with holes of various sizes and depths, some of dimensions sufficient to swallow a horse and cart, others aspiring to nothing larger than a man's leg. The occupants of the street, however, did not seem to take the matter much to heart. Many of the apertures were fenced in or covered and labelled. Over one was drawn a large picture, a caricature of the vicinity, representing the street with the surround- ing buildings, and a horse- and dray just disappearing through one of the openings, while another quietly stands by looking on. On the boards which guarded the way were placards and divers inscriptions, such as, "Head of navigation; no bottom," "Horse and dray lost; look out for the soundings." "Storage wanted; inquire below." "Squatters attention! Xji- ver's ranch." " Office to let in the basement; Wil- liam Diver, agent." "Good fishing for teal," and others of like import.
The winter of 1849 bore hard upon both merchants and gold-diggers. The season was very wet; the people were unfamiliar with the climate, and not well provided with shelter or clothing. There was the half- starved miner in his board house or cabin, the merchant shivering in his tent.
