Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 24.djvu/419

 Diary of Rev. George Gary — IV 387 coldest weather we have seen for more than three years. Tuesday, 12. Very stormy, snow and rain. Wednesday, 13. Very variable weather, rain, snow and sun shine. The most of the day, however, very stormy. Thursday, 14. This morning, the surrounding scenery is rather beautiful; snow perhaps two inches deep; the ground is consequently covered with a white mantle ; the poor cattle are suffering and dying, many of them, espec- ially which came over the mountains last year, and as yet have not had time to recruit. The want of food and the cold storms are too much for them to endure. This morn- ing I think the coldest morning we have seen for three years. Ice a half inch thick. Friday, 15. Our snow continues; it is said a little back from this place (Oregon City) the snow is more than a foot deep. The cattle are suffering and dying rapidly, especially those that came over the mountains last year. The wild beasts (wolves and panthers) are hungry and are making considerable havoc among the cattle. Treasures on earth are not very safe, at any rate. Sunday, 17. A very cold day for this region. The mercury has fallen to about fifteen degrees above zero in the thermometer. Congregation smaller than usual. Two or three inches of snow upon the ground in this place; said to be from one to two feet deep upon the hills back. Monday, 18. Early this morning the quick silver in the thermometer is at zero. Cold, cold, cold for this land. Jack Frost who is such a stranger in this region, has crept down cellar and laid his stiffening fingers upon some of our potatoes ; had we been in the state of New York, we should have been on the look-out for him. Tuesday, 19. Still cold, snow rather increasing. We should enjoy this weather finely, very finely, were it not for the extreme sufferings of the cattle, and also were the community a little better prepared by warm houses and sufficient clothing for this temperature. This cold