More and more it becomes apparent to me that the Climate of California spoils one for any other in the world. If Californians ever doubt that their winter weather is the finest in the world, let them try that of sunny Italy. If they have ever grumbled at their gentle rains, brought on the wings of mild winds from the south, let them try the raw rain, hail, snow, and sleet storms of sunny Italy. And then forever after let them hold their peace.

JEROME A. HART,
in Argonaut Letters.

JANUARY 16.

I see thee in this Hellas of the West,

Thy youngest, fairest child, upon whose crest

Thy white snows gleam, and at whose dimpled feet

The blue sea breaks, while on her heaving breast

The flowers droop and languish for her smile,

Thy grace is mirrored in her youthful form,