Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 12.djvu/296

 288 CHARLES WILKES In the eastern section the buffalo abound and are hunted by the Oregon Indians, as well as the Blackfeet. Wolves are troublesome to the settlers, but they are not so numerous as formerly. From the advantages this country possesses it bids fair to have an extensive commerce on advantageous terms with most parts of the Pacific. It is well calculated to produce the following, which certainly in a few years after its settlement would become its staples, viz, furs, salted beef and pork, fish, grain, flour, wool, hides, tallow, lumber and perhaps coal. A ready market for all these is now to be found in the Pacific and in return for them sugars, coffee, and other tropical productions may be had at the Sand- wich Islands advantages that few new countries possess, viz, the facilities of a market and one that in time must become of immense extent. MANUFACTURING POWER. This country, it is believed, affords as many sites for water power as any other, and in many places within reach of its navi- gable waters. The timber of the western section to the south of 49 is not so good as that of the north; this is imputed to the climate being milder and more changeable. A great difference is found between the north and south sides of the trees, the one being a hard and close grain, while the other is open and spongy. To the north of the parallel of 49, on Frazer River, an abundance of fine timber for spars of any dimensions is easily obtained. There will always be a demand for the timber of this coun- try at high prices throughout the Pacific. The oak is well adapted for ship timber, and abundance of ash, cedar, cypress, and arbor-vitse may be had for fuel, fencing, etc. ; and although the southern part of the middle section is destitute of timber it may be supplied from the eastern and northern parts by water carriage.