, 1862-10-09


contributed very materially to the knowledge
previously possessed Of its character. In the
progress Of the survey, the valley has been pen.
etrated and explored to a degree never before
reached, and has been asceriained to be Of much
greater extent than was supposed, and to possess
features Of value which have not hitherto been
claimed for t.. II no other result had been at
tanned, this would be an ample return for the Ia.
Dor incident to the survey; for we deem it Of
the first importance that correct information
should be had Of all sections inviting settlement
Settlers are slow to enter upon lands Of which
little or nothing is known even by people long
resident in the vicinity; hence, if We would
have our public lands speedily occupied, 1t is es-
sential that we should not be ignorant Of their
quality.
We are glad Of the opportunity afforded us,
by means Of communication from Mr.. Sloan,
to impart additional information respecting the
Puyallup valley. Having had excellent facilities
for seeing the valley, in the course Of his survey,
he is well qualified to give an accurate dcscrip-
tion Of Il, and he does so without exaggeration
:
munication, nearly entire, under date Of the 7th
instant:
The valleys Of the Puyaliup and Stuck rivers
are at the present time being surveyed. There
are fourteen donation claims embraced in this
township. The land on the river bottoms varies
in quality from FIRST to second rate There are
several hundred acres Of prairie land, the major
ity Of which isembraced in the donation claims.
large portion Of the valleys Is thinly timbsred,
and can be cleared at a comparatively small ex-
penss. Theland yields abundant crops Of wheat,
barley, oats, and eorns and vegetables Of nearly
every description grow to an enormous size and
in great profhsion. In addition 10 the claims
already mentioned, there are . number Of pre-
emptions, ten Of which have been improved 70 a
consiaerahlssxtrhi. Thssallsya ars generally
ven watered, and afford abundant pasture for
stock II Is an excellent location ior making
butter and cheese, and some Of the farmers are
turning their attentiOn more especially to that
branch Of business @ aa.a ~
The PuyaIlup river Is llne stream, and, but
for two or three drifs, which can be removed al
an expense Of from three 70 Eve hundred dollars,
is navigable for steamers and vessels Of light
draft as ar up as the mouth Of Stuck river,
which forms junction with the former nine
miles from the Sound. There Is fine harbor at
the mouth Of the river. and seagolng vessels from
time 70 time load with hay and other produce
At the Indian Reservation, which occupies and
surrounds the grass lands, which produce abun-
dance Of bay. and which finds good market AZ
the numerous mills and towns situated on Puget
Sound, and also at the garrison, one and d half
miles east or Steilacoom
A schoolhouse has been built and another
win soon Be erected; % that al who desire Il
can have the opportunity Of enjoying The priv
Ieaes and blessings Of the Tree school. The cil-
zsns propose % open one of the schools on he
tof November, and coniinue Il 4 least or three
monlha Divine service Is held At present every
alternate Sabbath, and tic interest manifested IN
the observance Of the means Of grace is highly
commendable. The citizens are generally public
spirited and energ uc in tts prosecution Of their
respective callings They are noted idr their
kindness and ndiberai.y 70 strangers, and for hos
pitaliiy in general.
The uplands are generally rolling. good first
and second rate land. and well adapted fof cnl,-
walton. Timber Or various kinds, chiefly cedar
and fir. exists on ihe elevated portions; and ma
pie, ash. balm, willow, alder. vine maple, and
undergro~th consisting o. saImoh-btry. hazel,
&C., on the low lands Water power is also abun.
danl, and il IS expected tha ere long grist and
sawmill win be erected. Fine streams. issuing
from the bluff, and abonnding in hsb, irrigais
the extensive ilais through which they wind, Il.
fording bouniiini supply Of fresh, cool spring
water. The posi.oaice lately established here
& q great convenience to the settlements, and
the mail passes twice. week, connecting with
SleiIacoom and Seattle. and various other points
on the Sound and throughout the country.
Men Who are seeking homes in this western
land would DO well to come and see the advan-
tager ehich are poasesssdin thisregion Of eoun-
try. The government survey Is rapidly pro-
crossing. and if the season proves favorable, NE
work viii doubdess becompleied before the win
Ter season ensueA Come, then. from the North,
South, East and West and let these beautiful.
fertile and fruiuul lands be cultivated, and the
resources Of this ehoics tract of country fully
developed Thea. truly, the wilderness and the
solitary places vim bud and blossom as The rise,
and each and every man rejoice IN the possession
q . productive f.In, and IL under his oun vine
Tho totsl number of robs prisoners IN our