With the viceroy's approval, Governor Borica authorized Lasuen to have the regions between the old Missions carefully explored for new sites.

Accordingly the padres and their guards were sent out, and simultaneously such a work of investigation began as was never before known.

Reports were sent in, and finally, after a careful study of the whole situation, it was concluded that five new Missions could be established and a great annual saving thereby made in future yearly expenses.

Governor Borica's idea was that the new Missions would convert all the gentile Indians west of the Coast Range.

This done, the guards could be reduced at an annual saving of $15,000.