id red with Mice, eems nut a nges t lies ecta- 5 on nter- ‘ the ving unil- s its the low Hey, jged west and ,430 >t of ' vis- Sew mind ii de- Almaden, a description of which will be found in sub sequent pages. On this range of mountains is found the noted redwood which is used almost exclusively in • this valley for building timber. Passing to the north these mountains lose themselves in the distance. So intent has the spectator been in drinking in the beau ties of the distance, that he has entirely overlooked the attractions nearer home. To the west and north lies the beautiful town of Santa Clara, with its spires peeping through the dense shade of its surrounding foliage, whilst a verdant line from it to San Jose marks the course of the magnificent Alameda, the finest avenue on the coast. Between Santa Clara and San Jose is seen the new building of the University of the Pacific. Seven miles to the northwest, on the margin of the Bay, is the town of Alviso, formerly the shipping port of this valley. To the right of Alviso, and about the same distance from San Jose, is the village of Milpitas. The city of San Jose itself lies at your feet in all its wealth of nature and art, and excites the admiration of the most indifferent beholder. Directly under the north side of the Court House nestles the beautiful grounds of Mr. Wm. H. Hall. That building with the cupola and flag staff just to the north of First street, is the San Jose Institute and Business College. Beneath the spectator on the East is St. James’ Square. That large brick building fur ther to the South, with the lofty spire, is the Pres byterian Church; and the more humble looking
