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Lowdermilk: Maternity & Women's Health Care, 10th Edition
Chapter 08: Contraception and Abortion
Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A woman has chosen the calendar method of conception control. During the
assessment process, it is most important that the nurse:
a. Obtain a history of menstrual cycle lengths for the past 6 to 12 months
b. Determine the client’s weight gain and loss pattern for the previous year
c. Examine skin pigmentation and hair texture for hormonal changes
d. Explore the client’s previous experiences with conception control
ANS: A
The calendar method of conception control is based on the number of days in each cycle,
counting from the first day of menses. The fertile period is determined after the lengths of
menstrual cycles have been accurately recorded for 6 months.
Weight gain or loss may be partly related to hormonal fluctuations, but it has no bearing on
use of the calendar method.
Integumentary changes may be related to hormonal changes, but they are not indicators for
use of the calendar method.
Exploring previous experiences with conception control may demonstrate client
understanding and compliancy, but it is not the most important aspect to assess for
discussion of the calendar method.
2. A married couple is discussing alternatives for pregnancy prevention and has asked
about fertility awareness methods (FAMs). The nurse’s most appropriate reply is:
a. “They’re not very effective, and it’s very likely you’ll get pregnant.”
b. “They can be effective for many couples, but they require motivation.”
c. “These methods have a few advantages and several health risks.”
d. “You would be much safer going on the pill and not having to worry.”
ANS: B
FAMs are effective with proper vigilance about ovulatory changes in the body and with
adherence to coitus intervals.
Fertility awareness methods are effective if used correctly by a woman with a regular
menstrual cycle. The typical failure rate for all FAMs is 25% during the first year of use.
FAMs have no associated health risks.
The use of birth control has associated health risks. In addition, taking a pill daily requires
compliance on the client’s part.
Mosby items and derived items © 2012, 2007, 2006 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-2
3. A woman who has a seizure disorder and takes barbiturates and phenytoin sodium
daily asks the nurse about the pill as a contraceptive choice. The nurse’s most
appropriate response would be:
a. “This is a highly effective method, but it has some side effects.”
b. “Your current medications will reduce the effectiveness of the pill.”
c. “The pill will reduce the effectiveness of your seizure medication.”
d. “This is a good choice for a woman of your age and personal history.”
ANS: B
Because the liver metabolizes oral contraceptives, their effectiveness is reduced when they
are taken simultaneously with anticonvulsants.
Stating that the pill is an effective birth control method with side effects is a true statement,
but it is not the most appropriate response.
The anticonvulsant reduces the effectiveness of the pill, not the other way around.
Stating that the pill is a good choice for a woman of her age and personal history does not
teach the client that the effectiveness of the pill may be reduced because of her
anticonvulsant therapy.
4. A woman who has just undergone a first-trimester abortion will be using oral
contraceptives. To protect against pregnancy, she should be advised to:
a. Avoid sexual contact for at least 10 days after starting the pill
b. Use condoms and foam for the first few weeks as backup
c. Use another method of contraception for 1 week after starting the pill
d. Begin sexual relations once vaginal bleeding has ended
ANS: C
If contraceptives are to be started within 3 weeks after an abortion, another method of
contraception should be used throughout the first week to avoid the risk of pregnancy.
If contraceptives are to be started within 3 weeks after an abortion, another method of
contraception should be used throughout the first week to avoid the risk of pregnancy.
Additional forms of contraception should be used for 1 week after starting on oral
contraceptives.
If contraceptives are to be started within 3 weeks after an abortion, another method of
contraception should be used throughout the first week to avoid the risk of pregnancy.
Mosby items and derived items © 2012, 2007, 2006 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-3
ANS: C
Advantages of DMPA include a contraceptive effectiveness comparable to that of
combined oral contraceptives with the requirement of only four injections a year.
Disadvantages of injectable progestins are prolonged amenorrhea and uterine bleeding.
Use of injectable progestin carries an increased risk of venous thrombosis and
thromboembolism.
To be effective, DMPA injections must be administered every 11 to 13 weeks. Access to
health care is necessary to prevent pregnancy or potential complications.
6. A woman currently uses a diaphragm and spermicide for contraception. She asks the
nurse what the major differences are between the cervical cap and diaphragm. The
nurse’s most appropriate response is:
a. “No spermicide is used with the cervical cap, so it’s less messy.”
b. “The diaphragm can be left in place longer after intercourse.”
c. “Repeated intercourse with the diaphragm is more convenient.”
d. “The cervical cap can safely be used for repeated acts of intercourse without adding
more spermicide later.”
ANS: D
The cervical cap can be inserted hours before sexual intercourse without the need for
additional spermicide later. No additional spermicide is required for repeated acts of
intercourse.
Spermicide should be used inside the cap as an additional chemical barrier.
The cervical cap should remain in place for 6 hours after the last act of intercourse.
Repeated intercourse with the cervical cap is more convenient because no additional
spermicide is needed.
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Test Bank 8-4
ANS: A
Emergency contraception is used within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse to prevent
pregnancy.
The first dose of an emergency contraception should be taken within 120 hours after coitus.
Postcoital use of Ovral is 74% to 90% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The common side effect of postcoital contraception is nausea.
8. An unmarried young woman describes her sex life as “active” and involving “many”
partners. She wants a contraceptive method that is reliable and does not interfere with
sex. She requests an intrauterine device (IUD). The nurse’s most appropriate response
is:
a. “The IUD does not interfere with sex.”
b. “The risk of pelvic inflammatory disease will be higher for you.”
c. “The IUD will protect you from sexually transmitted infections.”
d. “Pregnancy rates are high with the IUDs.”
ANS: B
Disadvantages of IUDs include an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in
the first 20 days after insertion, as well as the risks of bacterial vaginosis and uterine
perforation. The IUD offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or
the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Because this woman has multiple sex partners,
she is at higher risk of developing an STI. The IUD does not protect against infection, as
does a barrier method.
Stating that an IUD does not interfere with sex may be correct, it is not the most appropriate
response.
The IUD offers no protection from STIs.
The typical failure rate of the IUD ranges from 0.8% to 2%.
9. A woman is 16 weeks pregnant and has elected to terminate her pregnancy. The nurse
knows that the most common technique used for medical termination of a pregnancy in
the second trimester is:
Mosby items and derived items © 2012, 2007, 2006 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-5
a. Administration of prostaglandins
b. Instillation of hypertonic saline into the uterine cavity
c. IV administration of Pitocin
d. Vacuum aspiration
ANS: A
The most common technique for medical termination of a pregnancy in the second
trimester is administration of prostaglandins.
Hypertonic solutions injected directly into the uterus account for less than 1% of all
abortions because other methods are safer and easier to use.
IV administration of Pitocin is used to induce labor in a woman with a third-trimester fetal
demise.
Vacuum aspiration is used for abortions in the first trimester.
10. A woman will be taking oral contraceptives using a 28-day pack. The nurse should
advise this woman to protect against pregnancy by:
a. Limiting sexual contact for one cycle after starting the pill
b. Using condoms and foam instead of the pill for as long as she takes an antibiotic
c. Taking one pill at the same time every day
d. Throwing away the pack and using a backup method if she misses two pills during
week 1 of her cycle
ANS: C
To maintain adequate hormone levels for contraception and to enhance compliance, clients
should take oral contraceptives at the same time each day.
If contraceptives are to be started at any time other than during normal menses or within 3
weeks after birth or abortion, another method of contraception should be used through the
first week to prevent the risk of pregnancy. Taken exactly as directed, oral contraceptives
prevent ovulation, and pregnancy cannot occur.
No strong pharmacokinetic evidence indicates a link between the use of broad-spectrum
antibiotics and altered hormonal levels in oral contraceptive users.
If the client misses two pills during week 1, she should take two pills a day for 2 days and
finish the package and use a backup method the next 7 consecutive days.
11. A woman had unprotected intercourse 36 hours ago and is concerned that she may
become pregnant because it is her “fertile” time. She asks the nurse about emergency
contraception. The nurse would tell her that:
a. It is too late; she needed to begin treatment within 24 hours after intercourse
Mosby items and derived items © 2012, 2007, 2006 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-6
ANS: C
To minimize the side effect of nausea that occurs with high doses of estrogen and
progestin, the woman can take an over-the-counter antiemetic 1 hour before each dose.
Emergency contraception is used within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse to prevent
pregnancy.
Postcoital contraceptive use is 74% to 90% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Oral emergency contraceptive regimens may include progestin-only and
estrogen-progestin pills. Women with contraindications to estrogen use should use
progestin-only pills.
12. Although reported in small numbers, toxic shock syndrome can occur with the use of a
diaphragm. If a client is interested in this form of conception control, the nurse should
teach the woman how to reduce her risk of TSS. The nurse might say:
a. “You should always remove your diaphragm 6 to 8 hours after intercourse. Don’t
use the diaphragm during menses, and watch for danger signs of TSS, including a
sudden onset of fever over 38.4º C, hypotension, and a rash.”
b. “You should remove your diaphragm right after intercourse to prevent TSS.”
c. “It’s okay to use your diaphragm during your menstrual cycle. Just be sure to wash it
thoroughly first to prevent TSS.”
d. “Make sure you don’t leave your diaphragm in for longer than 24 hours, or you may
get TSS.”
ANS: A
The nurse should instruct the client on proper use and removal of the diaphragm, and
include the danger signs of TSS.
The diaphragm must remain against the cervix for 6 to 8 hours to prevent pregnancy, but it
should not remain in place longer than 8 hours to avoid the risk of TSS.
The diaphragm should not be used during menses.
The diaphragm needs to remain against the cervix for 6 to 8 hours to prevent pregnancy,
but it should not remain in place longer than 8 hours to avoid the risk of TSS.
Mosby items and derived items © 2012, 2007, 2006 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-7
13. The conscious decision on when to conceive or avoid pregnancy throughout the
reproductive years is called:
a. Family planning
b. Birth control
c. Contraception
d. Assisted reproductive therapy
ANS: A
Family planning is the process of deciding when and if to have children.
Birth control is the device and/or practice used to reduce the risk of conceiving or bearing
children.
Contraception is the intentional prevention of pregnancy during sexual intercourse.
Assisted reproductive therapy is one of several possible treatments for infertility.
14. In the acronym BRAIDED, which letter is used to identify the key components of
informed consent that the nurse must document?
a. B stands for “babies.”
b. R stands for “reproduction.”
c. A stands for “alternatives.”
d. I stands for “ineffective.”
ANS: C
A stands for alternatives, or information about other viable methods.
B stands for benefits, or information about advantages and success rates.
R stands for risks, or information about disadvantages and failure rates.
I stands for inquiries, or the opportunity to ask questions.
15. What is not a potential pitfall or disadvantage of the fertility awareness methods
(FAMs)?
a. Adherence to strict record keeping
b. Alterations in the menstrual flow pattern with chemicals and hormones
c. Decreased effectiveness in women with irregular cycles
d. Time-consuming training sessions
ANS: B
The absence of chemicals or hormones to alter the menstrual flow is an advantage.
The strict record keeping FAMs require creates a potential risk.
FAMs are less effective for women with irregular cycles.
Mosby items and derived items © 2012, 2007, 2006 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-8
16. While instructing a couple regarding birth control, the nurse should be aware that the
method called natural family planning:
a. Is the same as coitus interruptus, or “pulling out”
b. Uses the calendar method to align the woman’s cycle with the natural phases of the
moon
c. Is the only contraceptive practice acceptable to the Roman Catholic Church
d. Relies on barrier methods during fertility phases
ANS: C
Natural family planning is the only contraceptive practice acceptable to the Roman
Catholic Church.
“Pulling out” is not the same as periodic abstinence, another name for natural family
planning.
The phases of the moon are not part of the calendar method or any method.
Natural family planning is another name for periodic abstinence, which is the accepted way
to pass safely through the fertility phases without relying on chemical or physical barriers.
17. Which contraceptive method has a failure rate of less than 25%?
a. Standard days
b. Periodic abstinence
c. Postovulation
d. Coitus interruptus
ANS: A
The standard days variation on the calendar method has a failure rate of 12%.
The periodic abstinence method has a failure rate of 25% or higher. The standard days
variation on the calendar method has a failure rate of 12%.
The postovulation method has a failure rate of 25% or higher.
The coitus interruptus method has a failure rate of 27% or higher.
Mosby items and derived items © 2012, 2007, 2006 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-9
18. Which contraceptive method best protects against sexually transmitted infections
(STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?
a. Periodic abstinence
b. Barrier methods
c. Hormonal methods
d. They all offer about the same protection.
ANS: B
Barrier methods, such as condoms, best protect against STIs and HIV.
Periodic abstinence offers no protection against STIs or HIV.
Hormonal methods, such as birth control pills, offer no protection against STIs or HIV.
Periodic abstinence and hormonal methods (“the pill”) offer no protection against STIs or
HIV.
ANS: D
The effectiveness of COCs can be altered by some over-the-counter medications and
herbal supplements.
Toxic shock syndrome can occur in some diaphragm users, but it is not a consequence of
taking oral contraceptive pills.
Hormonal withdrawal bleeding usually is lighter than in normal menstruation and lasts a
couple of days.
Oral contraceptive pills offer protection against the risk of endometrial and ovarian
cancers.
20. With regard to the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs), nurses should be aware that:
a. Return to fertility can take several weeks after the device is removed
b. IUDs containing copper can provide an emergency contraception option if inserted
Mosby items and derived items © 2012, 2007, 2006 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-10
ANS: B
The woman has up to 5 days to insert the IUD after unprotected sex.
Return to fertility is immediate after removal of the IUD.
IUDs offer no protection for sexually transmitted infections.
A consent form is required for insertion, as is a negative pregnancy test.
21. Which statement is the most complete and accurate description of medical abortions?
a. They are performed only for maternal health.
b. They can be achieved through surgical procedures or with drugs.
c. They are mostly performed in the second trimester.
d. They can be either elective or therapeutic.
ANS: D
Abortions can be either elective (the woman’s choice) or therapeutic (for reasons of
maternal or fetal health).
Abortions might be performed for maternal health or because of the woman’s choice.
Medical abortions are performed through the use of medications (rather than surgical
procedures).
Medical abortions are usually performed in the first trimester.
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
Mosby items and derived items © 2012, 2007, 2006 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-11
1. You (the nurse) are reviewing the educational packet provided to a client about tubal
ligation. What is an important fact you should point out? Choose all that apply.
a. “It is highly unlikely that you will become pregnant after the procedure.”
b. “This is an effective form of 100% permanent sterilization. You won’t be able to get
pregnant.”
c. “Sterilization offers some form of protection against sexually transmitted
infections.”
d. “Sterilization offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.”
e. “Your menstrual cycle will greatly increase after your sterilization.”
ANS: A, D
A woman is unlikely to become pregnant after tubal ligation. Sterilization offers no
protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Tubal ligation is not 100% effective. Tubal ligation does not offer any protection against
STIs. Typically, the menstrual cycle remains the same after a tubal ligation.
COMPLETION
ANS:
Lactation amenorrhea method
This method is more popular in undeveloped countries and traditional societies where
breastfeeding is used to prolong pregnancy intervals. Most American women do not
establish breastfeeding patterns that provide maximum protection from pregnancy.
Mosby items and derived items © 2012, 2007, 2006 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
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The favourite amusement of the Californians is dancing, and Santa
Barbara is more celebrated for its fandangos than any other town on the
coast. These occur nearly every evening in the week, it being always easy to
get up an impromptu ball in five minutes, by calling in a guitar or harp
player. At these balls there is no exclusiveness, the high and low, rich and
poor, all meet on perfect equality, and dance away their sorrows, if they
have any, upon the same mud floor. No scented cards of invitation are sent
to the favoured few, but all who choose enter and participate freely. At
church and at fandangos Californians all find a level. It appears as natural
for Californians to dance as to breathe or eat. Often have I seen little girls,
scarce six years of age, flying through a cotillon, or circling in the giddy
waltz, or dancing with great skill their favourite jotah or jarabe. The girls
are all elegant waltzers, and will exhaust the strength of an ordinary
American gentleman, who is content with a few turns round the ball-room
and then a long promenade.
The town of Santa Barbara contains about five hundred inhabitants,
among whom are the Norrigas and Carillos, the two great families of
California. It is a beautiful place of residence, with a mild, springlike
climate, and around it are some of the pleasantest rides in all California.
About four miles distant is the little town of Montecito (little mountain), a
collection of farm-houses, where large quantities of vegetables are grown.
Three miles beyond this, in the heart of the mountains, is a remarkable hot
sulphur spring, to which invalids resort for the purpose of bathing, and six
miles in the opposite direction is an Indian village, containing some forty or
fifty wigwams, whose tenants are an industrious agricultural people, who
raise corn, wheat, and potatoes, and bring them into Santa Barbara for sale.
The mission of Santa Barbara is, at the present time, in a better condition
than any other mission in the country. About fifty of the converted Indians
still remain here and cultivate the soil. Around the old mission building are
several extensive orchards, in which figs, apples, pears, and peaches are
grown, and two or three vineyards, producing a grape from which excellent
wine is made. The Padre Presidente, the presiding priest of California,
resides here, the office at present devolving upon Padre Jesus Maria
Gonzales, one of the kindest and most gentlemanly men I ever met with.
SAN DIEGO.
The enormous price of real estate in San Francisco, and the continual
rapid tide of emigration, will ere long cause the settlement of the new towns
seated at various points in the vicinity of the mining region. Many of these
are entirely new, but have grown and are growing with great rapidity. I
propose giving a description of their locations as a guide to those who may
desire to settle in any of them.
BENICIA.
The town or city of Benicia, which in the king’s English means Venice,
is situated in the straits of Carquinez, thirty-five miles from San Francisco,
which it promises yet to rival in point of commercial importance. The
ground upon which it is seated is a gentle slope descending to the water, and
as it reaches it becoming almost a plain. There is sufficient water at its bank
to enable vessels of the first class to lie at anchor there, and discharge their
cargoes, and the harbour is safe and exempt from violent winds. Benicia
contains already about a thousand inhabitants, including a garrison of
soldiers, having been made the head-quarters of the Pacific division of the
United States Army. The large deposits of quartermaster’s stores have been
removed from San Francisco to Benicia, and a site has been selected by
Commodore Jones for a navy-yard at this point. The town was originally
laid out some three years since by Robert Semple and Thomas O. Larkin.
Lots of fifty varas square are selling at from five hundred to two thousand
dollars.
MARTINEZ.
SUTTER.
VERNON.
Vernon is situated on the east bank of Feather River at the point of its
confluence with the Sacramento, one of the most eligible positions for a
town in the whole northern region of California. The banks of the river are
high and not subject to overflow, and this point is said to be at the head of
ship navigation on the Sacramento. The ground is a gentle slope,
surrounded by a beautiful country. From the town of Vernon, good and well
travelled roads diverge to the rich mineral regions of the North and Middle
Forks, Bear Creek, Yuba and Feather Rivers, rendering the distance much
less than by any other route. The town is growing rapidly, and promises to
become a great depot for the trade of the above-mentioned mines. The
proprietors are Franklin Bates, Elisha O. Crosby, and Samuel Norriss.
BOSTON.
The city of Boston is located on the northern bank of the American Fork,
at its junction with the Sacramento River, about one hundred yards above
the old Embarcadero, the site upon which Sacramento City now stands. It
extends upon the banks of both rivers for several miles, and is destined to
become a flourishing town. The banks of the Sacramento at this point are
not subject to overflow, being more than twelve feet in many places above
high water mark. The town is situated upon a broad and well-watered plain,
covered with many groves of magnificent oaks, and the largest class of
steamers, and all vessels navigating the Sacramento River can lie and
discharge directly at its banks.
Boston has been surveyed by J. Halls, Esq., and Lieut. Ringgold, U. S.
N., and is laid out in squares of two hundred and forty feet by three hundred
and twenty feet, subdivided each into eight building lots eighty feet by one
hundred and twenty feet, with large public squares, and reservations for
school-houses, churches, and public buildings. One of the peculiar
advantages of Boston is that, being located on the northern bank of the
American Fork, it is not necessary in proceeding to the gold mines to cross
that river, which is exceedingly high and rapid at some seasons of the year.
The direct and most travelled road proceeds from this point to the rich
placers of the Yuba, Feather River, Bear Creek, and the North, Middle, and
South Forks of the American. The soil is of the richest description, the
surrounding scenery highly picturesque, and the plains in the immediate
vicinity are covered with wild game of every variety which California
affords. The title to the land is indisputable, coming by warranty deed from
Captain J. A. Sutter to Eleab Grimes, Hiram Grimes, and John Sinclair,
bearing date August 10th, 1843. The present owner is Hiram Grimes, Esq.
Lots are selling rapidly at from $200 to $1000 each, and before many
months the city of Boston on the golden banks of the Rio Sacramento will
rival its New England namesake in business and importance.
STOCKTON.
The town of Stockton is the great mart through which flows the whole
transportation and travel to the placers of the Stanislaus, Mokelumne,
Mariposa, Mercedes, Tuolumne, and King’s River, and the various dry
diggings lying between them. Stockton is to the southern mines what
Sacramento is to the northern. The town is located upon a slough, or rather
a succession of sloughs, which contain the back waters formed by the
junction of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. It is about fifty miles
from the mouth of the San Joaquin, and one hundred from San Francisco.
The ground is high and does not overflow, and is the centre of the two great
tracts of arable land which constitute the valleys of the rivers above named.
Vessels drawing from nine to ten feet of water can proceed up the San
Joaquin to Stockton, and discharge their cargoes on the bank.
The town of Stockton was laid out in the latter part of 1848 by Charles
M. Weber, and has been growing rapidly since. Eight months ago there
were but one frame building and a few tents, and now it is a town
containing a population of nearly two thousand permanent residents, and a
movable population of about a thousand more, on their way to and from the
southern mines. Several large brigs and schooners are constantly lying at
the banks, and two steamboats and a large number of launches are
constantly running from San Francisco. Real estate has risen greatly in
value within the past six months,—lots, which could have been purchased
at that time for $300, being now worth from $3000 to $6000. A theatre has
been established at Stockton, and the town promises ere long to be a large
and populous city.
STANISLAUS.
This town is laid out on the north bank of the Stanislaus River, at its
junction with the San Joaquin. The Stanislaus River is the first and largest
tributary of the San Joaquin, and the river is navigable for ordinary-sized
schooners and launches to this point, which, being nearer the southern
mining region than Stockton, will doubtless become a great resort for
miners and traders in that vicinity. The town was originally laid out by
Samuel Brannan & Co.
The city of South San Francisco is located on the bay, about two miles
south of San Francisco, which it promises to rival at no very distant day.
The depth of water at this point is the same as that in the harbour of San
Francisco, and it is said that vessels are more securely protected from the
wind. At many points in front of the town, vessels of the largest class can
lie within a boat’s length of the shore. The land rises in a gentle slope, and
is of a rich clayey soil, which effectually prevents dust during the
prevalence of the customary winds on the bay. The surrounding scenery is
delightful, and near the town is the rich and beautiful valley in which is
located the old mission of Dolores. A stream of fine water, sufficient to
supply all the shipping in the harbour, runs through the town, and the only
practicable road from San Francisco to San Josè, Monterey, and the whole
lower country, passes directly by it. South San Francisco, though it may
never equal its northern namesake, will at least become, at no very distant
day, what Brooklyn is to New York. The proprietors of South San Francisco
are John Townsend and Corneille De Boom.
ALVESO.
The want of a great commercial town at the head of the great bay of San
Francisco has been supplied by the location of Alveso. It is situated at the
head of the bay, on the Guadalupe River, a stream running directly through
the centre of the town, and navigable at all seasons of the year to vessels
drawing twelve feet of water. The depot and business headquarters of the
two finest valleys in California, the Santa Clara and the Pueblo, where
everything required for their already numerous population must be
received; convenient of access to the gold mines, and directly on the route
between them and San Francisco; with a climate unequalled, even in Upper
California; with pure water; free from inundations at all seasons; with mills
which even now furnish lumber at one-third its price in San Francisco,—the
town of Alveso must inevitably grow into importance. It has been carefully
surveyed and laid out into lots; contracts have been made for the immediate
erection of warehouses and dwellings, and a bridge is now being built
across the Guadalupe River, connecting the two portions of the town. The
proprietors are J. D. Koppe, Peter H. Burnett, and Charles B. Marvin, who
will doubtless reap a rich harvest, the fruits of their judicious enterprise.
CHAPTER XV.
LOWER CALIFORNIA.