200 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 



that it is equally difficult and perilous to get out, as to get 

 in! 



By explaining the former wonderful impulse for emigra- 

 tion, we may account perhaps for the latter. To do so, we 

 must take another and wider view of Oregon, by adding to 

 that territory the whole north-west coast, and even more; 

 from Mount Elias, down to the gulf of California ; or from 

 the limits of vegetation down to the centre of the region of 

 palms ! So we have the whole western slope of the northern 

 Andes, with the exception of part of Old Mexico, comprizing 

 every climate, and all the elements necessary for the forma- 

 tion of a mighty future empire. Such a prospect does the 

 American contemplate for Oregon, though he may be, for the 

 present, apparently contented with that territory alone ! His 

 true aim is directed to the final possession of the entire coast . 

 His daring mind is ever speculating and weighing the proba- 

 ble advantages which virgin countries may offer to his love ot 

 enterprise. Joined enthusiastically by his fellow citizens m 

 any such project, he breaks through all obstacles, and denes, 

 backed by great numbers, the cabinet regulations of any other, 

 and even his own government, to attaint the given object. 

 Wherever he has selected a home, he tries to establish his po- 

 litical principles, at his peril ; with them, he is contented, 

 without them, unhappy. Trusting his rights to no other 

 hands but his own, he despises over-careful governments, 

 and hired military power ; but is ever ready for defence, i 

 compelled by necessity, and to handle the rifle instead of the 

 plough. Such are the main features of an American country- 

 man, especially of the farmers in the Mississippi valley ; an 

 those individuals in foreign countries are much mistaken, 

 who believe that American politics, affecting the materia 

 welfare of that nation, will ever be subject to a single im- 

 pulse, as in Europe. Such, also, are those thousands of me 

 who have already emigrated to Oregon and Cahform 

 including as well may be supposed, many disreputable c 

 racters. Yet, few young colonies on record, have c° 

 ducted themselves so orderly, by all reports, as the sett 



