Page:Pacific Monthly volumes 9 and 10.djvu/23

The Pacific Monthly

Puget Sound

By John Muir

PUGET SOUND, "the Mediterranean of America," as it is sometimes called, is in many respects one of the most remarkable bodies of water in the world. Vancouver, who came here nearly a hundred years ago, and made a careful survey of it, named the larger northern portion of it "Admiralty Inlet," and one of the long narrow branches "Hood's Canal," applying the name "Puget Sound" only to the comparatively small southern portion. The latter name, however, is now applied generally to the entire inlet, and is spoken of by the people hereabouts simply as "The Sound." The natural wealth and commercial advantages of the Sound region were quickly recognized, and the cause of the activity prevailing here is not far to seek. Vancouver, long before civilization touched these shores, spoke of it in terms of unstinted praise. He was sent out by the British government with the principal object in view of "acquiring accurate knowledge as to the nature and extent of any water communication which may tend in any considerable degree to facilitate an intercourse for the purpose of commerce between the Northwest coast and the country on the opposite side of the continent," vague traditions having long been current concerning a strait supposed to unite the two oceans. Vancouver reported that he found the coast from San Fran-

"CANOE PASS," near Anacortes, Wash. The great body of water of Puget Sound rushes with tremendous force through this pass, piling up sometimes 15 feet high, producing a veritable waterfall.

"HOLE IN THE WALL," near La Conner, Wash. Ships pass through this narrow point, which from a distance seems absolutely impossible. Photos by Wingren, La Conner, Wash.