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107

The current is too swift to admit of remaining at ease on the bottom. and if I mistake not he will require attendants to supply him with air.

         Carter was telling one of the price of a Thanksgiving Dinner in San Francisco.  A party of 8 went into a Restaurant, took the private room - and ordered dinner.  One of the party suggested the propriety of asking the price ere eating.  They called the bar keeper, and received the answer of $28.00 each gentlemen.  Astounded they concluded Thanksgiving had better be left unhonored - and left the shop.
         At Fremont camp a few weeks ago - a grisly bear was killed weighing 540 lbs.  I am told hunters avoid them wisely remarking - if the bear is disposed to pass along peacably so are they.  It is dangerous contending with them, even six or eight rifles strong.  A man came down with some bear meat to sell.  I was sorry we were not in camp.  I should liked to have eaten of such game
         I heard a horrible roaring and howling over the river a few nights ago.  It was said to be caused by a bear.  Several men went over to hunt him.

Thursday February 7th 1850

Fair - Wind light - NW. Average of dirt 60 cts per bush.

         I was thinking while trading off some surplus soap for mashing of Prof. Lebrigs opinion - the amount of soap used in a community is a good index of their advance in refinement and civilization.  California tried by this rule would fall into the rank of barbarism.  Soap is a complete drug.  There has been total loss on all brought into this country.  It would make a soap handlers heart ache to pass through the mines and contract what a market for his production ought to be here - with what there really is.  Soap is offered for sale only incites a smile.  It could hardly seem more out of place - on the ocean's bed - than in this country.  Washing of clothes was once entirely obsolete.  Men wore their garments and then threw them away.  I have seen hundreds of such dismissed articles.