The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-14

Adams towards Cape Hancock (Disap-
pointmenp on the opposite shore. Ii is
said that the water is never less than %
or 80 feet deep in the channel; but when
the western winds prevail, heavy seas are
rolled in, which, meeting the strong cur
rent setting out, present terrific line of
breakers. There is no doubt, however,
that good pilots would be able at all times
10 take vessels into the safe harbor behind
Cape Hancock, especially if assisted by a
steam tow-boat.
The principal rivers falling into the
Columbia are-ou the south, the Villa
met, Chutes, Lewis, Spokane, Clarke, and
Flat Bow; on the north, the Cowlitz and
O'Kanagan. These, with the exception
of the Willamet and Lewis, are not of
much consequence, except for rafting and
manufacturing purposes, being boatable
only short distances, and for small craft.
M0untGina.-In addition to the Rocky
Mountains, which constitute the dividing
ridge between the Atlantic and Pacific,
and form the eastern boundary of Oregon,
there are two other distinct ranges running
nearly parallel 10 each other and the sea
cost, which divide the territory naturally
into three grand divisions, both as regards
climate and productions. The first, or
Cascade California; chain, commences at
a distance varying from IS to 100 miles
from the ocean, and is continuation of
the Snow Mountains of California. Some
peaks in this range rise to the height of
$4,000 feet, and are covered with eternal
snow.
The Blue Mountains are $50 miles east
of the former, and by no means so iormi-
dabe. With the exception OF the part
near the Lewis River, called Salmon
Mountains, none of their peaks, yet seen,
reach the altitude of perpetual SHOWS.
Through them, as well as through the
Rocky Mountains, several easy passes
have been already discovered. From this
chain several small ranges branch off
laterally towards these on either side.
Most of the mountains in this region are
volcanic, end the marks of former erup-
tons are distinctly manifest. Other
mountains are scattered over the territory.
The coast is generally broken and billy.
Climate and PrOductiOnS.-All travel
Iers agree in their testimony respecting
the extreme mldness, equabllity, and sa-
lubritv of the climate of Oregon, and the
astonishing eXuberance Of its productions.
No other section Of the United States can
with ii. II is never visited by
the north and east winds which sweep,
with such chill and iuIociOus freedom over
the Atlantic states and down the valley of
the Mississippi. The prevailing winds
are from the west, and parIake of the tenn
perature of the ocean from which they
come, cool in summer and warm in win
ter. The lower region, or that west of
the Cascade Mountains, is rarely visited
with snow. nor that portion south of the
Columbia with severe irosts. Vegetation
grows luXuriantlv in mid winter. The
WIIamet valley, which lies close under
this range, and of which more is known
than any other part of the territory, is re-
as the most beautiful, produc-
tive, and healthlul spot in the world--the
real, tangible, literal Eldorado, discovered
at last. Ii is $50 miles long, and from 10
20 80 wide. One visitor says Of it, "ln
beauty of scenery, fertility Of soil, and
other natural advantages, mo portion Of our
country surpasses It,"
3" The heaIlhiulness Of this country is
With the exception OF
some few low and swampy spots OF the
banks of the Columbia, at and below the
junction of lhc Willamet, the whole region
Of the Columbia enjoys a clear and fine
and an exemption from all
the ordinary causes of endemic diseases.
Another gentleman, Mr. w. A. Slacum,
lMr. Cushing's Report to twenty-Gflh
Sd session, No. l0l). says:
" In ascending this beautiful river (Walla-
met. even in mid-winler, you find both
sides clothed in evergreen, presenting n
more beautiful prospect than the Ohio in
June. The land is of the
most superior quality, rich alIuval depo-
site, yielding, in several instances, the
FIRST year, 50 bushels Of fine wheat TO the
acre. The pastures at this
day January l2ih) are covered with the
richest grasses, eight or twelve inches
high. should be almost afraid to speak
of the extraordinary miIdncss Of the eli.
mate of this country were not enabled TO