trict high schools. Nine miles north from Napa is situated the Yountville National Soldiers' Home, of which an extended article will be published later in the Overland Monthly. The grounds of this institution comprise many hundred acres, and the cost of maintenance of this institution is in the neighborhood of $150,000 annually.

St. Helena is another representative Napa County town. The assessed value of property in the town approximates $1,250,000, and the tax rate averages about 60 cents. The Free Public Library contains 2,500 volumes. The city is incorporated under the general law as a city of the sixth class. It has a sanitary sewer system, a gravity water works, and gas and electricity for lighting. There is no malaria or other climatic disease, and the town has never had an epidemic of any kind.

The space allotted me will not allow an extended description of the merits of the various localities in Napa County, for that would mean the publication of a large book devoted to this purpose alone. Regretfully, therefore, do I close this article, as I should like to tell more of the hundreds of delectable spots for recreation, the veritable ideal rest spots of the world, of the wonderful vineyards, and of the big fruit ranches and the olive orchards. Space and time forbid, so you, dear reader, who have followed me so far, and would have more, do you but write to the Napa Chamber of Commerce and ask for the specific information desired.

The citizen of the Napa Valley is a patriotic individual, and his own evidence as to the productivity of his soil is better than that of the bird of passage such as I am, and, in closing this article, I would like to quote from a contented man, a setler of early days in that blessed valley. He is writing to a stranger, and the stranger has written him for information. Here is what he says:

"*** You are no doubt aware that Napa Valley is considered by all to be one of the most beautiful valleys in the State, from a scenic standpoint. It is also one of the most fertile; there is not a better fruit growing district in California than here. The principal varieties are peaches, cherries, pears, plums, prunes, apricots

and apples. All of these attain perfection without irrigation. The fact that all these fruits are grown successfully here, without irrigation we believe to be a decided advantage over the localities where irrigation is necessary.

"The grape-growing industry is wellestablished here, some of the finest dry wines of the State being produced in this valley. Besides the fruit growing and grape growing, dairying and diversified farming of all kinds is carried on successfully.

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"Napa County has very good roads, and the best bridges of any county on Pacific Coast. Practically all our bridges are of stone, are very artistic, and while it costs more to build them than it would to construct wood or steel bridges, they are much more durable and are a great economy in the end.

"There are many mineral springs in the county and several finely equipped. summer resorts. There are many beautiful homes throughout the valley, some of them being the residences of wealthy San Francisco people. Napa, St. Helena and Calistoga are the towns of the county, each one having its own particular charms and advantages, which you will find described pretty well in the books I have sent you.

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"Napa now has a population of about seven thousand, and is enjoying a steady and substantial growth. There is considerable manufacturing here. The largest glove factory west of Chicago is located here, and the largest tannery Pacific Coast, that manufactures light leathers for gloves and shoes is located here. There is a large and successful shoe factory, two shirt factories, and a number of smaller manufacturing industries.

"Our manufacturing facilities are excellent; there are two steam railroads into the valley, giving us connections with all outside points. One reaches San Francisco by Oakland, and the other by Sausalito Ferry. One of the best equipped electric roads in the State runs through the valley and connects at Vallejo, with fast steamers for San Francisco. There are also daily freight and passenger steamers on Napa River, which is navigable to the City of Napa. These various lines of transportation afford very low rates, and quick service.