Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/210

 202 DOCUMENT scourge to these poor Indians is disappearing. The above named constitute all the Indians to be found on the Willhamett, from its source in the mountains to its entrance into -the Co- lumbia, a distance of about 200 miles. The brig Owyhee, Captain Domines, moored at the rapids about a mile below the falls, in 12 feet water. Above the falls there is doubtless steamboat navigation for 150 miles. For a distance of 250 miles in extent by 40 in breadth, in- cluding both sides the river (6,500,000 acres) the land is of the most superior quality, rich alluvial deposit, yielding in several instances the first year 50 bushels of fine wheat to the acre. The general aspect of the plains is prairie, but well interspersed with woodlands, presenting the most beautiful scenery imaginable. The pastures at this day (12th January) are covered with the richest grasses, 8 to 12 inches high. I should be almost afraid to speak of the extraordinary mildness of the climate of this country, were I not enabled to present you thermometrical observations at Vancouver and Fort Simpson, in 52 north, and Bodega, in 39. I may fairly state the difference to be equal to 15 of latitude between the coasts of the west and east of this continent. It is to be kept in view, that the Willhamett is due south from the Columbia. I found on my return to Vancouver, on the 19th January, that snow had fallen, and the river was closed with floating ice, that had come down and blocked up the passage. Although I was not more than 70 to 80 miles south, I neither saw snow nor ice. I consider the Willhamett as the finest grazing country in the world. Here there are no droughts, as on the Pampas of Buenos Ayres, or the plains of California, whilst the lands abound with richer grasses, both in winter and summer. In 1818, the Hudson Bay Company had one bull and two cows; last year they salted 70, and have now upwards of 1,000 head of neat cattle from this stock. No comment is necessary in pre- senting this fact to your notice. The low grounds of the Columbia overflow, and the highlands are covered with tim- ber of great size, which would require immense labor in clear-