FLAG STAFF INN.

old rarely went from one house to another, no matter how short the distance, except on horseback.
   As to the riders themselves, there were probably no better horsemen in the world than the native Californians.
   On a fair spring morning in the month of May, 1850, a single horse, with two riders, might have been seen threading its way up the steep mountain trail leading from Bolinas to San Rafael. The bright, girlish face of the first rider peered wistfully from beneath the soft folds of her mantilla, while the young caballero, on the crupper behind, whispered to her in those sweet, melodious tones unheard save from a liquid Spanish tongue. Of the purport of their whispers we can but judge, for on arriving at the Mission they were greeted by a joyous peal of wedding bells.
   The groom was Francisco Sebrean, the bride the beautiful Senorita Maria Briones, daughter of the pioneer. This was the first marriage in Bolinas and the celebration which followed

SAND DUNES.

their return to the Rancho was the most notable ever witnessed in that region. Dancing, feasting, music and gayety continued until the gray dawn appeared to touch the surrounding hilltops and proclaim the approach of another day.
   Stopping at the home of the only remaining daughter of Don Briones, now a dignified, delightful, old lady, with the charming manners and graces of a true descendant of old Spain, we procured directions and soon found the oldest house in Bolinas. Although this

THE BREAKERS.

THE OIL WELL.

was not the first built there, it is the oldest standing, and was occupied by the Briones family, Don Gregorio dying many years ago, while his wife, the Senora Briones, lived there until 1903, reaching her one hundred and seventh birthday--which goes to prove that it is the simple, natural life which begets old age.
   If one is a good pedestrian and has a desire to get acquainted with nature untamed "without her hair combed" he should take the Lone Tree Trail leading from Bolinas over the hills, through

WHERE DON GREGORIO DIED.

the canyons and along the ridges back to the starting point, Mill Valley.