CORRESPONDENCE 291
is willow, balm of Gilead, alder, fir, oak and some maple and ash. Much of this land is sufficiently elevated to admit of settlement. Immediately back of these bottoms and not un- frequently approaching the river's edge rise the low moun- tains, sometimes rather abruptly, but seldom precipitously, from 1000 to 5000 feet, groaning under a dense forest of evergreen, fir, spruce and cedar, interspersed with maple and alder. Lower down the river the mountains occasionally arise from the water's edge with great abruptness and some- times raise their basaltic walls like perpendicular battlements 500 or 600 feet, from whose heights the timber lands rise with a gradual ascent and, during the rainy season, drain their waters in imposing cascades over these buttresses of nature into the bosom of the noble river whose rolling floods perpetually wash their base. As you approach nearer the ocean the scenery becomes more imposing. The river widens into a broad sheet from six to fifteen miles in width, the high hills on either side, with, however, many exceptions rise abruptly from the water's edge and, clothed with their evergreen forests, present an imposing contrast to the wide spread expanse of waters pent up at their bases. Nor does the grandeur of the scene decline till this vast accumulation of water loses itself in the Pacific, where may be seen, to the astonishment of the beholder, the warring of mighty waters as they meet and dash their angry spray from the summits of mighty billows, bidding defiance to all the in- ventions of man.
No doubt that the great commercial emporium of Oregon must rise into being in the vicinity of this imposing scenery; and conditions are rapidly working to bring about the com- mencement of this work. Milling companies are being formed with a large capital for the erection of both water and steam sawmills, and other mills are being erected; town- sites are selected and the rage for speculation in town prop- erty is fast ripening into a mania. May God grant that the children of light may be wise and prepare to follow thh
