Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 16.djvu/287



THE PACIFIC COAST SURVEY 265

"The Alseya, Yaquinna, and Killamook 15 rivers require further examination.

"In proceeding to the northward in winter, make Killamook head, and if the weather renders approach to the bar of the Co- lumbia undesirable, keep to the southward of Cape Hancock, (Dis- appointment,) as the current is northwardly in winter.

"There are good pilots in attendance at the mouth of the Co- lumbia, and the chart of the entrance and bar will give directions for approaching. The pilots are usually off the south channel in a small schooner showing a fly at the main. If not seen, fire your guns.

"Cape Hancock (Disappointment) has several trees trimmed up, showing a 'broom top/ and may be thus known from the cape to the northward of Shoal- Water bay.

"To avoid mistaking Shoal-Water bay for the mouth of the Columbia (the soundings being similar), make Killamook head. Never omit this in winter. There are no dangers of the beach northward of Killamook head, and the soundings in approaching it are regular.

"Note. Notwithstanding the remarks as to the general fact of the winds prevailing in the N. W. and N. N. W. quarter during the summer, it is proper to state that, in the month of June, 1850, the winds to the northward of San Francisco were light from the southward and westward, with showers north of Mendocino for the whole month, and the coasters ran to the northward with all steering sails.

"It is, however, yet to be demonstrated whether June is a regu- lar period of southerly breezes."

"No. 2. Islands and Rivers." McArthur states that he considers the "Farr all ones" to be the only islands deserving of the name between Monterey and the Columbia River, and recommends that a lighthouse be placed on them. Under the head of "Rivers," he mentions the following Oregon streams :

"The Klamath. On the bar of this river there are 17 feet water at mean low water. The channel is so narrow, and the current so strong, that I deem it unsafe for sailing vessels. Steamers are re- quired to make this river useful.

"Rogue's river. This river has 10 feet water on the bar at the mouth, at mean low water; but it is too narrow for sailing vessels, as there is scarcely room to turn in the channel.

"The Coquille river is not available for any thing larger than small boats and canoes.

15 The early spellings of Tillamook were all with a K, indicating a guttural pronunciation.