DAWN AND THE DONS 114
rancher made his way, and to which foreign navigators and traders paid their visits. Life was one continuous round of hospitality and social amenities, tempered with vigorous outdoor sports. There were no hotels in California. Every door was open, and food, lodging, a fresh horse and money even
were
free
to the
guest,
whether
friend or stranger. No white man had to concern himself greatly with work, and even school books were a thing apart. Music, games, dancing and sprightly conversation, these were the occupations of the time, these
constituted education. Also, men and women were much in the open; all were expert horsemen, could throw the
lasso and shoot unerringly, even the women, accomplishments that fitted their type of life, and made hunting a general pastime. When foreign ships came, there were balls and the gayest of festivities; nor were these visits the only occasions for that type of entertainment.” The inauguration of a Governor was a highly ceremonious affair, quite in harmony with the spirit of these ceremony loving people. Richman has given us some of the details of the inauguration of Governor Sola at Monterey in 1816, from which the following is quoted: “It opened in the plaza with a military display under the flag of Castile. Next came a reception at the casa real—royal house. Twenty beautiful senoritas advanced, and kissing the hand of the Governor in the names of their respective families—Estudillo, Vallejo, Estrada
