The natives of the Sandwich islands (Kanackas, as they are called) are, without doubt, the most expert watermen in the world.  Their performances in swimming and diving are so extraordinary, that they may almost be considered amphibious in their natures and instincts.  Water appears to be as much their natural element as the land.  They have straight black hair, good features, and an amiable and intelligent expression of countenance.  Their complexion resembles that of a bright mulatto; and, in symmetrical proportions and muscular developments, they will advantageously compare with any race of men I have seen.  The crews of many of the whale and merchant ships on this coast are partly composed of Kanackas, and they are justly esteemed as most valuable sailors.

October 23.—­The damp raw weather, auguring the near approach of the autumnal rains, continues.  A drizzling mist fell on us during the night, and the clouds were not dissipated when we resumed our voyage this morning.  Passing through the straits of San Pablo and San Pedro, we entered a division of the bay called the bay of San Pablo.  Wind and tide being in our favour, we crossed this sheet of water, and afterwards entered and passed through the Straits of Carquinez.  At these straits the waters of the bay are compressed within the breadth of a mile, for the distance of about two leagues.  On the southern side the shore is hilly, and canoned in some places.  The northern shore is gentle, the hills and table-land sloping gradually down to the water.  We landed at the bend of the Straits of Carquinez, and spent several hours in examining the country and soundings on the northern side.  There is no timber here.  The soil is covered with a growth of grass and white oats.  The bend of the Straits of Carquinez, on the northern side, has been thought to be a favourable position for a commercial town.  It has some advantages and some disadvantages, which it would be tedious for me now to detail.

[Subsequently to this my first visit here, a town of extensive dimensions has been laid off by Gen. Vallejo and Mr. Semple, the proprietors, under the name of “Francisca.”  It fronts for two or three miles on the “Soeson,” the upper division of the Bay of San Francisco, and the Straits of Carquinez.  A ferry has also been established, which crosses regularly from shore to shore, conveying travellers over the bay.  I crossed, myself and horses, here in June, 1847, when on my return to the United States.  Lots had then been offered to settlers on favourable conditions, and preparations, I understand, were making for the erection of a number of houses.]