For parties of men going out, it would be well to haul their wagons, provisions, etc., as far as Fort Laramie, or Fort Hall, by mules, carrying with them pack-saddles and alforjases, or large saddle-bags, adapted to the pack-saddle, with ropes for packing, etc., when, if they saw proper, they could dispose of their wagons for Indian ponies, and pack into California, gaining perhaps two or three weeks’ time.

The provisions actually necessary per man are as follows:—­

150 lbs. of flour. 150 do. bacon. 25 do. coffee. 30 do. sugar.

Added to these, the main items, there should be a small quantity of rice, 50 or 75 lbs. of crackers, dried peaches, etc., and a keg of lard, with salt, pepper, etc., and such other luxuries of light weight as the person outfitting chooses to purchase.  He will think of them before he starts.

Every man should be provided with a good rifle, and, if convenient, with a pair of pistols, five pounds of powder, and ten pounds of lead.  A revolving belt-pistol may be found useful.

With the wagon, there should be carried such carpenter’s tools as a hand-saw, auger, gimlet, chisel, shaving-knife, etc., an axe, hammer, and hatchet.  This last weapon every man should have in his belt, with a hunter’s or a bowie-knife.

From Independence to the first settlement in California, which is near the gold region, it is about 2050 miles—­to San Francisco, 2290 miles.

The accounts that have been received and published in regard to the wealth and productiveness of the gold mines, and other mines in California, are undoubtedly true.  They are derived from the most authentic and reliable sources, and from individuals whose veracity may be undoubtingly believed.

When a young man arrives there, he must turn his attention to whatever seems to promise the largest recompense for his labour.  It is impossible in the new state of things produced by the late discoveries, and the influx of population, to foresee what this might be.  The country is rich in agricultural resources, as well as in the precious metals, and, with proper enterprise and industry, he could scarcely fail to do well.

Families, as well as parties going out, should carry with them good tents, to be used after their arrival as houses.  The influx of population will probably be so great that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain other shelter for some time after their arrival.  The climate of the country, however, even in winter, is so mild that, with good tents, comfort is attainable.  They should be careful, also, to carry as much subsistence into the country as they can; as what they purchase there, after their arrival, they will be compelled to pay a high price for.