Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-06

irrepressible fir trees which are larger than
did this rock get there?
But it would take volumes to describe
all these imposing mountain formations.
Opposite Castle Rock and below, are miles
OF msgnifcently sculptured palisades, COM
pared with which those on the Hudson river
are of toy-like dimensions.
We now approach the famous cascade OF
the Columbia, the place where, according to
the Indian tradition, a natural bridge once
existed, formed by the water digging q
tunnel for itself through the mountain.
The legend goes on to relate how the rival
volcanic monarchs Hood and Adams, who
face each other on opposite sides OF the
river, once had fight and hurled huge
rocks at each other some of which fell on
this arch which spanned the Columbia and
demolished it. The fragments, filling the
river bed, created the rapids which now
obstruct navigation. Tourists must leave
the boat here and take another one about
five miles up the river for the Dalles.
The Government has been at work for
about 20 years constructing a canal and
locks tor the boats; but s1,000,000 are
still needed to complete the task, and
meanwhile the building of the railroad on
luG OTcSOu oluS has IcDutI6u COIO
a matter of less urgency. The little six
mile railroad, on the Washington side,
which connects the two boats, is the first
ever built in the Northwest. and is curl
osity.
A YEAR OF Low WATER.
In 1889 there was no snow in the noun
tains to melt, as there had been no snow
storms and hardly any rain in Oregon dur
ing the whole of the preceding winter; con-
sequently the Columbia was lower than it
had been for almost a generation; not quite
so low. however, as the rivers OF Europe in
1882 and 1913, when the Rhine and Danube
could be crossed without wetting the shoes.
Fishermen do not like low water in the Col
umbia, because in that State it is SO clear
thatthe salmon succeedin avoiding the traps
laid for them, including the murderous
salmon wheels, which are turned by the
current and scoop in the fish, young and old,
with the nets attached to them. The Cas-
cades used to be the great fishing place of
the Indians, who used to guard the narrow
est parts of the river and levy toll on all
passers BY very much like the robber barons
On the Rhine.
One of the most interesting features Of
the Cascade is that the upper steamer can
be moored quite close to the heads of the
,apids, where there are some picturesque
Stands. This absence of dangerous cur
ent is due to the great depth of the river.
splendid view of black forest scene is
otainuble from the deck of the upper
teamer before it leaves for the Dalles. It
5 a sportsman's paradise, and brakeman
ssured me he had repeatedly seen two or
hree bears at once on one of the steep
Fooded hillsides.
A few miles below Dalles City Ia a forma- |
ion in the right bank (going up), which Is
'erhaps the greatest curiosity along the /
Thole river. 1t is a wonderfully illusive |
atural fortress, with battlements facing |
he river aud the regulation watchtower |
n the middle. If political exegencies |
hould ever require a fortress in the Middle |
here it might be constructed, one
would thiuk, In one day by utilizing
sture's plans.
THE INTOXICATING WIND.
''The river now becomes narrower, and is |
vailed in on both sides BY low but finely |
culptured basalt palisades, beautifully |
arved, and moss covered in some places, A |
trong wind blows here almost constantly |
nd the water is decked with white caps, |
nd as turbulent as the Rhine at the Lore |
ey Rock. There is no swell, however, and |
he boat runs smoothly. OF course ladies |
tho become sea-sick on railway cars and |
tage coaches, may find the Columbia in
bis place equally trying, but Tor such per-
ons travelling was not invented. All,
owever, should look out for their hats and
arasols. 1 have never passed up or down
MS part of the river when one or two of
lese commodities were not carried off bv
ne gusts OF intoxicated and intoxicating
il. The palisades are marked by white
ne showing the high water mark of 1889.
welve feet above is the high water mark
1890.
Dalles City is not an interesting place
| itself, but is most delightfully."- located,
I'd seems doubly picturesque after a whole
ay's sail up the Columbia on which evil
ences of human habitation are hours
part. Here endeth the second or middle"
ortion Of the Columbia. As the word
allies or 'Swift Water" indicates, naviga-
on is here again interrupted by rapids.
ruly the Columbia is the most sublime of
vers, which some day will have its mono
-aph, and will inspire as much immortal
oetry as the Rhine. HENRY 7. FINCK.