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266 LEWIS A. MCARTHUR

"The Kowes. This river was not so closely examined, but to judge by appearances at the mouth, I do not hesitate to express the opinion that it will be found to be available and very useful for steamers.

"The Umpqua. I crossed the bar of this river in the second cutter, in 14 feet water, and passed into three fathoms on the inside of the bar, the rollers breaking at the time all the way across the channel. The channel, in my opinion, is practicable for steamers, but dangerous to sailing vessels, unless under very favorable cir- cumstances.

"The remaining rivers to the northward can only be entered by small boats, except, perhaps, the 'Yaquinna/ which might be en- tered by vessels of a larger class.

"In making my report, with regard to the navigation of these rivers, I beg leave to be considered as only giving my opinion, un- less in case when I mention particularly the depth of water, then, of course, I speak authoritatively. I would recommend, however, an early and detailed examination of all; and for this purpose a steamer is indispensable. All of which is respectfully submitted by your obedient servant."

"No. 3. Columbia River, Oregon." This is the first hydro- graphic notice ever published by the Coast Survey for the Pacific Coast, and should be reproduced in full on that account. It follows :

"Sailing directions for entering the Columbia river 16 as far as the harbor of Astoria, by Lieut. Commanding W. P. McArthur, U. S. N., Assistant in the Coast Survey.

"It is best under all circumstances to have a pilot; but should it be necessary to enter the river without one, the directions for the north channel are: First, bring Sand Island in range with Point Ellice, and stand in towards Sand Island, passing the south end of the north breaker; when Cape Disappointment and Leading- in-Cliff are in range, haul up towards the Cape, keeping Leading- in-Cliff in range until nearly abreast the Cape. Give the Cape a small berth, and continue on towards Baker's Bay until the second island in the bay can be seen; then keep off, and with the second island and Cape in range astern, it will pass clear of the north part of the Middle Sands. As soon as the soundings shoal on this course, keep off towards Sand Island, and passing close by the east end

1 6 The Columbia River chart, on a scale of 1-4,000 or about one inch to five- eighths of a statute mile, may be found in the accompanying papers to the annual report of the Superintendent of the Coast Survey for 1851.