The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1889-11-22

sesn RaIsraad viii Eua Prem Seattle
20 Paeise Countyss Harborl

20 Paeise Countyss Harbor-
CHEEALxs, Eav. 2f--S- B. Gotham ~
turned today from Sho9l water bay. whittier
be went week ago with other capitalists
to inspect the country through watch the
Paa.ifsc, ChehAlis Eastern railroad will
run, and the condition Of the bar and bar.
After arriving xt the bar the party char
tensd the tug ]. r. Colns2n. of Seattle.
ard made careful soundings Of the water
In the hzrbor and on the bar. At mean
los tide the channel inside showed from
thirty to fifty feet Of water, and ample
ro0m for any number of ships. The lowest
place on the bar at dead low tide was
twenty-seven feet in the south channel,
and twenty-six feet in the north, there be-
ing two wide channels clear across the bar.
Old seafaring men who were present ex-
pressed the opinion that eventually the
north channel would be the deepest Both
channels are straight. and ships often sail
in without tug. From deep water out
side the bar 70 anchorage inside. the dis
taxsce IS about seventeen miles. Soundings
we're iaade across the bar every thirty feet.
and il was found that only once did the
lead strike at twenty-seven feet.
These E0nndings were made by 9 careful
and experienced man. and may be relied
on as accurate. The gentlemen interested
in the railroad were highly pleased, not
only with the bar and harbor, bat with the
country through which ttsey passed be-
tween Chehalis and the baf. The town
plat of Pacific City has been withdrawn,
and the county commissioners viii be
asked 70 vaczte ii and accept a new plat.
This is done at the instance of the railroad
company, who desire to have the town laid
ont on broad and liberal plan, and to give
them ample room for terminal facilities.
Pacific CITY is situated on the north bank
OF the Willipa river, a short distance from
its mouth, and there is fully thirty feet Of
water at low tide in front of the townsite
The property is not on the market, and no
lots can be bought, so there is no chance
for SPECTATORS.
shoalwater bay Is fine body Of water,
and some day destined to be the center Of
important marine and railroad interests.
It got its name, which Is something OF
misnomer, from the large area Of shoal
water near the shores, and which has now
become of immense value by reason of its
use in oyster cultivating. The population
OF that region. numbering about 500 adults.
is almost exclusively engaged in oystering
and its accompanying pursuits. AT Bay
Center there is a population of fully 300
people, all engaged in this industry. Shoal-
water bay oysters are noted for their size
and favor. and the supply is considerably
short OF the demand. The bulk Of them
goes TO San Francisco, and the remainder
TO Portland and the Sound. Many a sack
sold as 's0lympian was filed at Shoalwater
bay. The business is very profitable. and
men are making small fortunes at the
business. One prominent owner told your
correspondent that he had made $i2 900
this year from his oyster beds, they being
farmed out 10 men who gather and ship
them. The beds are being extended every
year. and planted and attended 10 with
great care, and as their value increases
will be handled scien tifically. Eastern
Holsters have also been planted here, and
are growing finely, and will soon be of
sufficient size to send to market. Great
quantities OF crabs are also gathered and
shipped to market. There Is also q large
salmon cannery here which has been run
at great profit.
At present the means of getting to and
from the bay are totally Inadequate and
very inconyenient. There are two ways, or
rather three. One Is from Seattle 70 Gray's
harbor, thence by small boat across the
harbor. thence bv stage some twelve miles
20 North Cove, thence by small steamer to
North Bend. requiring three days 70 make
I.0 miles. Another way is to ChehaIis by
rail and then so miles by rail to Willapa
City. This Is probably the nearest and
cheapest route. The third is by steamers
from Portland to Iwaco. by rail to seaiand
and by steamer to North Bend recurring
two days and the most inconvenient boats
and cars one ever rode. on. There is need
and demand now for a fast passenger
steamer on the bay capable OF carrying 50
10 100 passengers.
However 1t viii not be over a year until
there is an all-rail route open from Seattle
to the bay via Chehalis, and the trip can be
made in ten hours with ease.