Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1847-06-08
From the Sangamo Journal.
0REGON-OFiginal.

OREGON-Ofiginal.
An account of the Valley of the Walld-
nette, by HAMILTON CAMPBELL, a res
tdent eight gears in the Valley of the
Northumberland 8.c.
The climate is very mild, comparing
| the different seasons one with another.
It is sometimes the case that we have
what we call severe winter. These are
not frequent. When one does come we are
usually uuprepared for it; that is, our pota-
toes are to be found exposed to severe frost.
The climate is very mild and agreeable
sometimes it is thought to be relaxing
and at such seasons men cannot perform
as much labor as in more rigorous eli
male. There is not an even temperature
of the atmosphere in winter or Summer;
but varies considerably. Sometimes the
month ofSeptember exhibits very even
and agreeable temperature, except the
nights, which are cool. Indeed, the nights
are cool and pleasant throughout the
summer season. The rains usually COM
mence in the latter part of September,
when most desired, and continue, more or
less, till May or June. Some seasons we
have rains even later.
Generally the winters are very miid;--
so much so that scarcely any snow is
seen in the valley. Occasionally the
evenings are cool enough to freeze lit
tie; but have experienced as severe a
winter in Oregon as in lllinois-it was
remarkable. The Columbia and Walla-
NETT rivers were frozen so hard that teams
were able to cross over and back upon
the ice. The weather for time was so
severe, that pigs were frozen, and pota-
toes and most kinds of garden vegetables
week or two at a time in winter of as fine
and agreeable weather as summer ever
furnished; but az general thing the win
ter seasons are changeable, though the
changes are not as great as in the Atlantic
States. In the winter we have mud,
instead of snow and frozen ground. The
people OF Illinois know what TRAVELLING in
mud is. We have occasionally to pry
our wagons out of the mud, and if riding
on horseback, to help our horses out of
the mire. But as the country becomes
trodden down by stock, we shall he able
to get about in winter season with more
comfort. wonder the mud is not worse
than it is--for the earth is perfectly sat-
uratcd with water.
The first part Of the summer and fall
are the most pleasant parts of the year.
The sun is oppressively hot in the mouth
Of August, from IL o'clock till P. nj.
The mornings are cool and pleasant, and
after the sea-breeze breaks upon US in
the afternoon, and especially about SUM-
set, we begin to look around for a coat,
and even blanket coat often does better
than thin one; and when night comes
blankets are very acceptable to sleep un.
der.
Ii is sometimes the case that the heat
of summer is interrupted by cool days.
This happens when the wind blows from
snow mountains; ard good wool
len coat answers an admirable purpose at
such time. On such occasions, the
wind may change in the early part of the
day, and a portion ofthe afternoon be un.
comfortably warm. But the cool nights
are luxury that our friends in the States
would be eager to enjoy--andI am con-
strained to believe that they contribute
much to the health of Oregon. These
cool nights and refreshing breezes are
great promotiye and security for health
1t will thus be seen in respect TO eli
mate, that Oregon is not perfect para
disc; but it is better than that of most
countries. The mud and water in winter
is an objection; but for this we have an
effectual and satisfactory off set;--and it
is this:--the great 6urthen Of providing
for Stock Is not known in Oregon. The
rains are necessary TO cover its plains
with rich grasses and clover for stock.
This matter, therefore, viewed in it's pro-
per light. will decidedly preponderate in
favor of Oregon;--and we shall content
ourselves to get wet and muddy occasion
ally, rather than undergo the hardship OF
raising fodder and grain for stock and
feeding out the same to them in winter
The rains of Oregon, to most constitutions
are very healthy.