GRÜNEN MARKT.

WÜRZBURG, 20th October, 18--.

DEAR JOSÉ:

How dull life here is, I cannot bear to look forward to the time so far
ahead when I shall have done with the University, not that I shall be at
all unhappy to leave and return to my dear California, but the twelve or
sixteen months between now and then, make me shudder to think of.

My time is quite free now and I make many pleasure walks to Zell and the
Hochberg, while almost every day finds me at some time on the Nicholaus
Berg enjoying its ever lovely views of the green Maine valley, which
however is now taking on its first autumnal tints.

Today I come from the stone quarry, which lies on the road to the
Hochberg, where I have been chatting with the workmen and making a few
sketches to send home to Benicia; the day has been one of the
pleasantest I have known, just one of those mild autumn days we love so
much in Santa Clara when her hills are clothed in their warmest colours
and the big leaves are first falling from the fig trees. Ah, I did wish
to be back again to walk with you along the dry Francisquito and gather
the first golden poppies for Benicia's black hair. Yes, of course, I
should be contented with these world-known beauties which I have about
me, nevertheless, it is a pleasure to recall those happy days now that I
am here alone on the continent of Europe. The warmth of our Californian
sun must have entered our very hearts, for nowhere in all the world but