St 
Postelsta 
logical formation of the valleys of the Gordon 
and San Juan rivers is not essentially different 
from that observed along the coast. The two 
streams have a somewhat rapid descent to the 
sea and some distance inland have cut deep yet 
narrow gorges in the sold volcanic rocks. In 
the lower portions of the San Juan Valley are 
evidences of extensive moraines. 
Topography. Generally speaking the whole 
island can be said to be mountainous. From 
both ends there is a rapid rise towards the mid- 
dle interior, culminating in Alberni district in 
snow capped peaks of over 1800 meters altitude, 
and near Comax, in Victoria Peak, 2280 meters 
high. Only in the northern portions are there 
found meadow lands and fairly level country. 
The rest is uneven and rough. The west coast 
has been referred to in writings as “‘stern and 
rockbound,”’ and the application is wholly ap- 
propriate. Jagged shores and high and rocky 
promontories leave few places of approach. 
The east coast is more protected and also less 
rough. 
Rainjall and Climate. No extensive data are 
