Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 18.djvu/323



Hall Jackson Kelley 287

The cKmate of this region is mild, salubrious and healthful, fhiring the whole winter of 1834-5, settlers on the Columbia were engaged in ploughing and sowing their lands, and cattle were grazing on the prairies. One of the factors of the Hud- son's Bay Company, who cultivated an extensive farm on the northern bank of the Columbia, informed me that he sowed one hundred and fifty bushels of wheat during the months of January and February. I knew of but three falls of snow dur- ing that winter in the vicinity of the river. These occurred hi February, and neither of them exceeded three inches in depth. The 28th [56] of February was the coldest day in the season; rain fell during the forenoon. It then cleared off cold and, for a few hours, houses, trees and fields sparkled in an icy covering.

During the winter, nearly every day witnessed an alternation of sunshine and rain ; the forenoons being mild and clear, and the afternoons ending in showers or drizzling rain.

The healthfulncss of this country is unquestionable. With the exception of some few low and swampy spots on the banks of the Columbia, at and below the junction of the Wallamette, the whole region of the Columbia enjoys a clear and fine atmosphere, and an exemption from all the ordinary causes of endemic disease. It is said that till the year 1830 fever and SLgvtt had not been known. In that year, as I was informed, the Indians suffered from intermittent fevers. But there was no reasoi^ to attribute this mortality to climate. On the other hand, it is believed that the excessive filth and slovenly habits of the inhabitants of the English settlement at Vancouver were the occasion of the disease. Vancouver itself is situated on a high, delightful and salubrious spot, and nothing but gross and unpardonable habits of life could render it unwholesome.

All veritable evidence speaks favorably of the climate of this beautiful tract of country, and none but ignorant or deceitful witnesses have ever testified to the contrary.

The valley of the Wallamette is the finest country I ever saw, whether for the gratificati6n of the eye or the substantial