[1852, Jan. 28]

Jany 28th. Early this morning we had rain which continued most of the
forenoon, the afternoon fair but cloudy. All the rain this season here that
has fallen is but little compared with some years, two or three days the
early past of Dec and Xmas week with this morning is about all.
I judge from the paper the southern portion of the state has had
more than this-the northern. Nore have we had much snow except on
the highest parts of the mountains. The weather as a whole has been
very pleasant, indeed delightful. It is one of the excellences of this country
and enough to ______ one for any other. The thermometer a little before
sunrise had stood about the freezing point not often lower during the
month, about noon and a little later it has ranged above 40 and towards 50.
But I ought to mention that the sun is not able to look on our camp till
about noon, the hill directly opposite intervening. So that the cool atmos-
phere lingers about us most of the day. Our camp is just above the river
for the sake of water. I see by a Meteorology table kept at San
Franscisco there is a difference of almost fifteen degrees between here and
there, the temperature there being higher. This ______ to the present and
past month. Summer and Winter seem to have made a compact
to dwell together most of the year. The mountain is cap't with snow
some feet deep, while its sides exhibit negation in a mature state,
and are so warm during the day. ______ only the shade is pleasant. England
farewell to such adn extent, that winter at any time seems almost an
illusion. On the ____ you have a bright emerald at your feet and in
every direction around, with countless flowers of every color, giving
their sweet _______ and bright smiles to the passing wind, while if you
look up there is winter with his silver locks; reposing, and evidently
in submission to the general relative. _____ such scenes (in February)
I _____ it pleasant to walk with my coat off, rather than on.