The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-07-10
Up the WasllOugaI.
VANCOUVER, w. r., July l, 1879.

Vi NlSitIiiS d lc" sCHoOio uoW III scS-
sion in the eastern part of the county TAX
ing the Traceier at this place late in the
forenoon, we arrived at Parker's landing
about o'clock P. NJ. 1t was pleasant ride.
The weather was delightful. A social and
friendly spirit pervaded both passengers and
crew, and we glided on in the full enjoy
ment of that elegant and commodious
steamer, and with degree of speed that
fully entities her to the name she bears.
The rising waters of the Columbia had
put new phaze upon the scenery along the
way. Large portions of the country, espec-
tally on the Oregon side, were inundated;
grain fields partially destroyed, and pas
lures covered, save some elevated spots
where herds of cattle had gathered driven
hither by the swelling tide, The banks
were yielding to the rapid current; orchards
and gardens were being washed into the
stream, and it was evident that sundry
dwelling houses and other buildings must
ere long be removed from their present sites
to save them from meeting with similar
fate.
remained at Parker's landing but few
minutes when l set out on foot for Bear
prairie, distance of about nine miles. The
road leads over Cape Horn mountain across
the deep canyon of the Washougal, and up
long and somewhat rugged hill on the
other side. The afternoon was warm, and
found it fine opportunity to take sweat,
but not desirable task for lazy man.
From the summit of Cape Horn there is
scope of vision seldom found in wooded
country To the south you look down upon
the sparkling waters of the great river of
the northwest, upon which is floating
commerce that is fast assuming magnitude
of that of an empire; while away beyond
stretches out the beautiful valley of the
Willamette till lost from view to the naked
eye. To the west and to the northwest we
get fine view OF the external features Of
own county. The winding courses OF the
various streams may be traced far up into
the rocky heights. The level, the rolling
and tie rugged portions may also be dis
tinctly seen. Here we gaze upon those eX-
tensive openings termed burnt lands, and
there the eye is met by dark waving forests
that have for ages bid defiance to the fiery
fiend. But as we glance over those dense
wooded portions we recognize numerous
openings that are lit up by the genial rays
| IS @lo ,rl <ba
notice here and there places where the
brush and fern have been cleared away:
buildings erected, fences laid, and orchards
and fields Of waving grain. These mark the
homes of the sturdy pioneer, and are increas-
ing in number at rapid rate. To the east
the scenery changes in character, and from
a romantic point of view approaches the
sublime. We seem upon the very verge of
the Cascades; can look into their deep and
dark canyons; mark their high precipices
and dragged sides; but when we gaze upon
those huge monitors that stand at irregular
intervals along the rugged crest, and lift
their snowy heads far above the clouds, we
feel like exclaimng with the Psalmist-
"What is man that thou art mindful of
him? or the son of man that thou visitest
him.
But let us turn from the contemplation OF
the beauties OF our natural scenery and
again direct our attention to the considera-
ton of our practical affairs. On arriving at
the Washougal | found a fine bridge across
that rapid stream. A little more than two
years since | crossed at that place on slippery
boulders, and the one off from which | so
neatly slid at that time is still there This
bridge was constructed, almost entirely, by
volunteer work, and stands living proof of
the enterprise and intelligence of the people
of that section OF country. Bear prairie
shows the marks of industry and healthy
degree of public spirit. On entering the
prairie we first find the farms of j. W.
Stops, +. W. Lawton and Lorenzo Hill.
These farms have undergone great improve
ments since my former visit. Many acres of
timber have been cleared away; the cult
waited fields have been largely extended, and
the young fruit trees, then just set out, are
now bearing fruit, and with many Others
that have since been added, form the basis
OF fine orchards, and bespeak a commenda-
BILE degree Of foresight on the part OF the
owners.
There are many other fine homes being