Page:Route Across the Rocky Mountains with a Description of Oregon and California.djvu/68



inches. There are several different kinds of wild fruit in the country, which are not found in the United States, and several which are, though it is not more abundant here than in the States. The cultivated fruits common in the States, such as the apple, peach, and pear, appear to come to perfection; though but little attention has yet been paid to grafting and cultivation; consequently, there is but little fruit of a good quality. The grape, although not a native of Oregon, and not found any where West of the Rocky Mountains, and North of 42 deg., in a wild state, having been planted at Vancouver, is said to produce well. The wheat grown in Oregon is of a very superior quality: the grain is larger, fuller, heavier, and in every way finer, than that grown in the States. The quantity produced, with the same cultivation, on the same extent of ground, we also think, is something more; but the diference is greater in quality, than in quantity. The varietites of forest trees are not great; the Pine, Fir, White Cedar, Hemlock, and Oak, being the principal. There are also, some Maple, Ash, Alder, Dogwood, and Cherry, found along watercourses. Thunder is seldom heard West of the Cascade Mountains, and storms and heavy winds are not prevalent. The Territory of Oregon has with great propriety been considered in three divisions. These divisions are natural and strongly marked, not only by the mountain ranges which separate them, but also, by difference in soil and climate, and of course by different degrees of productiveness, and by a different general appearance. That portion of the Territory lying between those mountain ranges, (the Cascade and Blue Mountains,), is under the above division, the middle portion, but is generally known in that country under the name of the Walawala Valley. Under this name we have previously noticed it, and thus we will designate this division, where it comes, in the course of our remarks. The climate of the Walawala Valley differs from that of Western Oregon, in being much dryer and somewhat colder. It appears strange that between two portions of country situated in the same latitude, and separated only by a range of mountains, the difference of climate should be so marked. We will not pretend to account for this difference, but will suggest that the elevation of the Walawala Valley above the Valleys of Western Oregon, together with the circumstance of its being much farther from the Ocean, and separated from its influence, by a very lofty range of mountains, might make the difference. This climate, together with the dry and sandy character of the greater portion of the soil, and the richness of the grasses which they