Portion of the cactus hedge at Mission San Gabriel with horseman, ca.1886

Photograph of a portion of the cactus hedge at Mission San Gabriel with a horseman posing by his mount, ca.1886. The horseman can be seen standing near the saddled Appaloosa horse's neck at right. The horse is facing left, while the man is visible wearing pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a bandana tied around his neck, and a hat. He holds a shotgun at his side. A row of cacti can be seen behind the man and horse, while mountains are visible in the distance. Planted by Father Zalvidea, the cactus hedge was used to enclose gardens and vineyards for protection from Indians and roaming bands of horses and cattle. The fruit was a prized article of diet by the Indians. So the hedge benefitted in two ways -- protection and food.