Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/383

 DOCUMENTS 375 manner of fruit. As soon as we get a location, we shall, Provi- dence permitting, supply ourselves with fruit trees. I will name some: Apple, peach, plum, cherry, grape, prunes, etc. We left our wives at Vancouver till we find a location and build, as they can be better accommodated there than in this place. Two white women arrived at Vancouver before them. The farmer's wife in the spring and the Rev. Mr. Beaver's wife in the ship just arrived. We remained at Vancouver a week, returned in 12 days with the boat heavy laden with sup- plies for us, such as flour, pork, butter, tallow, salt, farming utensils, Indian goods, etc., etc. The Columbia is the most frightful river I ever saw navigated by any craft. The Cas- kades or rapids, about 100 miles from Vancouver and 200 miles from the ocean, it is easy passed with any craft from there to the mountains, a distance of 700 miles it is a swift current, frequent rapids, three or four compressed channels and one or two falls I believe there are six in the whole river, three between this and Vancouver. Portages are made of property, one of boat and property carried by 50 or 100 Indians for a small piece of tobacco. Tide sets up 50 miles above Vancouver. Probably a larger quantity of water must flow than in the Mississippi, but it is frequently pressed into a channel of ten rods. Many lives are lost in this river. None but Canadians and Indians would ever think of navigating this terrible Columbia. Last night we had a little shower of rain, the first drop in this region since the first of May and the first we have experienced since the 24th of June as we were entering the mountains. Air is very pure and healthy. I think this the healthiest country in the world. Rain is plentiful in Columbia in the winter season; water in this country is most delicious. We have become so attached to our mode of living as to prefer a lodging in the open air to indoors. The atmosphere at night is exhilarating. Have just returned from exploring the Walla Walla river. Doct. W. has found an excellent strip of land ; timber sufficient in 25 miles instead of 50; rich soil extends for about 12 miles in length; beneath [beyond?] on the mountains in about four