The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-07-29
The WalIamet Valley.
rom The Overland Monthly.


"The Wallamet Valley lies between the Gas.
cade and Coast Ranges of mountains. 1t Is
about one hundred and twenty miles in length
from north 10 south, and on an average about
fifty miles wide. 1t Is n third larger than the
State OF Connecticut, containing in round num-
bers, exclusive OF the slopes OF the mountains,
four millions of acres OF land, and such land as
is seldom found in the same quantity elsewhere
on the earths surface. Taking the vote of June,
1866 as basis, and allowing i've souls to the
voter, the valley then contained population OF
66, 525, which to-day has increased to $4,000 at
least. The average of the old agricultural States
is about thirty souls to the square mile, but this
estimate includes much barren and unproduc-
tive land. Besides, the Walamet valley Is
already manufacturing district, and its capa-
city in that respect is very great. 1t abounds in
wool, wood, iron, and water power. In 1860 the
population IN Connecticut equalled ninety eight
to the square mile. When this Oregon valley
reaches that point, and 1T is capable OF going
hey ond it, it will contain 6l5,3 1884 souls, more
than the whole State of California to-day.
about one-third of the valley is prairie land,
the rest of it being more or less heavily wooded
with ir, oak, maple and ash trees. Timber and
water are well distributed and OF a superior
quality. The climate is temperate-the mean
temperature being ABOUT sixty degrees. The
mean rain fall for the year varies somewhat In
localities but fifty inches is not Tar from the
average The greater portion of this usually
falls in the months of November, December,
March, and April. Rain seldom or never falls
in harvest time-from the first of August to the
middle of September. The soil and climate are
especially adapted to the production of small
grain, particularly wheat. The apple, pear,
plum cherry, currant, strawberry, blackberry,
and Ias pberry of the best quality grow in great
abundance. There is no better country for the
domestic animals, and the Wallamet wool is
already famous, and will always rank high in
the wool markets of the world.
"The valley is drained by the Walamet river.
This river is now nayigable from Portland for
half the length of the valley the year round
and for the whole length during some months in
the winter, In the progress of time the IaYipa-
tion will be improved materially, as it has been
in the last fifteen years. Eleven comparatively
important streams flo into the Wallamet
during its course through the valley. Some sof
these are now partially navigated by steamboats,,
and may be much more so. Besides, they fur
nish supplies of water power for all kinds of
mills and machinery. The head of the valley
| is only about four hundred feet above the level
| of Portland and railways can be constructed
on each side of the river ut a comparatively
| small cost.
'Ths is a moderate estimate OF the country
| which lies at the back of Portland 1t will be
seen at glance that the trade and commerce of
| such a valley must in time build up and sustain
quite city. Yet it is not in the highway of the
| world, no more than Boston or Phladelp pha.
1t will never be the centre OF fashion, specula-
tion, or thought. Do what it will, it will be
| comparatively provincial place, and noted for
| peculiaritles in manners, opinions, and bust
| ness; but it will be worth more dollars per head
| than either London or New York, and its good
citizens will sleep sounder and live longer than
| the San Frapciscans. In population it may not,
| in this century, II ever, exceed fifty thousand
| and its strongest sons Will often be drawn away
| to the metropolis of the Pacific, where they are
sure TO win the prizes in commerce, the arts.
| and professions. Yet for all that, and more, if
! any young person who reads this is casting
| about for place where fair stock Of sense,
| industry, and good habits will, within certain
limits, pay certainly aud well in an honest call
| ing. let him or her take passage at once for
Portland on Wallamet,n