Preface -- A glimpse of the land -- A nearer view -- The seasons -- Peculiarities of the seasons -- A winter stroll -- Game, fish, and camping -- The valley quail -- The mountain quail -- The mountain brook -- The sea-fishing -- The animals -- A glance at the birds -- The insects and reptiles -- Rural life -- The story of the plow -- The perfection of agriculture -- Production -- Will the climate cure me? -- Hints on coming to California -- The "drawbacks"