The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1883-02-23
BENTON COUNTY.
Description Ct It's appearance and Present
Condition by Voting Precincts.

Condition by Voting Precincts.
Written Expressly for the Gazette by q
Thirty Years Resident Of
the County.
TOLEDO PRECINCT
Is bounded on the north by the
county line between Benton and lila
nook counties, on the east by Elk City
precinct, on the south by Tide Water
and on the west by Yaquina precinct,
being about Is miles from north to
south and four miles from east to west.
1t includes the Yaquina river from
the north of Mill creek to where it en-
ters the bay. The general course of
the river is west, but it is very crook
ed making long sweeps to pass several
ridges that run across its general
course. The tide fats are much
wider than on the bay and land suit
able for cultivation is much more ex-
tensive. The hills are low and almost
clear of green timber. Farming and
stock raising is much more extensive
ly carried on.
The Siletz agency is partly in Ben
ton and partly in Tilamook county.
The south part of the reservation in
cluding the agency buildings are in
this precinct This is beautiful open
level situated on the north side of the
Siletz river, and has been in cult "a
ton ever since it has been occupied as
an Indian reservation, some 26 years.
South from the agency for three or four
miles the country is rough and covered
with green fir timber. The northern
portion of the precinct, including the
heads of Depot and Ololla sloughs, are
entirely timbered, and here the prin-
cipal supply for the Yaquina trade
will be obtained. Many have come
and gone from the Yaquina travelling
by the usual routes, and had very
little conception of the amount Of
green timber within reach of the bay.
A short distance above the mouth OF
the river, Boon slough puts in from the
north, partly in this and partly in va
quina precinct. On this slough is a
long extent of level country, mostly
utilized for grazing purposes; here also
on large island has been good tim.
Der now well worked out. About two
miles farther up and on the same side
of the river is Depot slough, and half
mile further Olalla slough. Along
both of these as well as Beaver slough
putting into Depot from the west are
wide bottoms all taken up and mostly
in cultivation. Opposite the mouth Of
Depot are some gently rolling lands
owned by VIM. Mackey and Mr.. But
Ter on which are good improvements,
and which are in good state of cul-
tivation. Mill creek puts in from the
south and marks the eastern boundary
of the precinct; on this also is some
good land. All the land lying on the
river is taken and goodly portion is in
cultivation.
South from the river the country
becomes rough and mountainous, in
creasing in height until Table mountain
is reached which makes the divide be.
tween Yaquina and Alsea waters, and
forms prominent land mark at sea.
The population is about 400 being
pretty thickly settled along the river
and the various streams putting in.
The people are Industrious and enter
prising. The farms are we'll improved
wearing an appearance of neatness and
thrift. The soil everywhere being
good the farmer is remunerated for his
labor. Cattle and stock raising re-
ceives considerable attention but like
all other portions of this coast country
nothing like what the capabilities Of
the country would warrant. A few
hogs are everywhere raised but not be-
yond the demand for home consumption
AT there are no Touring mills no effort
has been made at growing wheat be-
! yond mere experiment, but there is
not much doubt but that when there is
a demand it will be proftably produced
Oats are grown and do well, potatoes
and all vegetables do we'll. 1t is
thought that if there was demand
for sugar beets, they could be produced
to almost an unlimited extent. The
prospects for almost all kinds of frui,
except peaches are good, many OR
chards are in bearing and promise
well. Messrs Briggs, Dunlinger
Humphrey, DIR. Rich and Jas. Thomp
son are making the experiment on ar
extensive scale, with plums, prunes
cherries and small fruits and we be