The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1878-05-10
WHATCoM COUNTY.
Samish Flats, Whatcom Co,
Nav 9Th, 1873.

May 9TH, 1878.
Ed. IsTELLlGESCER: For the pur-
pose Of answering many inquiries
through letters received here from
abroad relating t, the agricultural,
timber and dsAing resources, and topo-
graphy of this section of Whatcom
Co., comparatively unknow to many
persons beyond the limits of the county,
/ take this method Of answering the
same through the columns of the INTEL
LIGESCER.
First. The fats of the Samish is
situated about midway north and
SOUTH between La Conner and What
com, and has frontage of three miles
on Bellingham Bay, and the same on
Padilla Bay. the bays being separated
by Samish peninsula, extending p
miles westward 10 deep water, where
the largest ships can lay of in good
secure anchorage
Second. There are over 10000 acres
of rich agricultural lands, 5000 of which
are tide marsh and probably twelve
inches higher than any other of the
same class on the Sound. There are
over 5000 acres of rich bottom lands,
clothed with alder, vinemaple cedar,
scattering spruce and brush, aud the
remaining 10000 or more acres, is of
fresh water marsh, nearly oil of which,
with the exception of tide lands, (even
sections) are subject to homestead and
presumption entry. There are also
extensive tracts of bench lands clothed
with immense bodies of fir timber,
awaiting the ak of the lumberman
Last year there were about 1000. 900
feet of logs cut here last year, which
brought over $4,000 to those engaged
in the business, and the present year
bids fair for an increase IN that bust.
ness, and will continue for many years
TO come. No better sight for capitalists
TO build saw mill. one of the proper
capacity. can be found on Puget Sound
at present than on Bellingham Bay.
Last year there was about one-fourth
of a section of land under grain, the
present year there will te about 600
acres sown, and by the year 1879 from
present prospects. 1000 acres more will
be added in the grain product, and in
short time the entire body of marsh
land capable OF being plcughed will be
under cultivation. producing not less
than SOC, 900 bushels per annum. Our
enterprising farmers are John Muller,
who is seeding ITO acres; DanI Sulli.
van. l40; ii. L. Gilkey. 40; j. N. Dale,
so; T. Stevens. so; Il. B. Jameson, 60:
John Legg, GO; and others lesser guam
titles.
The want of q good country store
on the flats induced the settlers to select
q central location on the Samish river
of six and ons-half acres Of land in q
birch grove high and dry. upon which
they laid out town, entitled Edison.
The location is delightful one, being
surrounded on all sides by open land
clothed with heavy coats of grass
The river is navigabls for light draft
steamer such as the Fanny Lake, Yak
ina and Zephyr at high tide. The
TOWNSHIP is one half mile from Belling-
ham Bay. A postoffice will soon be IS,
tablished thereat. The population
numbers from $50 to 200 at present.
Inducements are being offered by the
citizens to any enterpr;sing merchant
who may choose to engage in the mer-
camille business O. the new town, which
may be obtained by communicating
with either f. McTaggart. p. Holleran
or T. Stevens. More anon,
SAMISH