218 



CLIMATE OF OREGON. 



The Eastern Division is, perhaps, more variable in regard to tempera- 

 ture than any other portion of Oregon. Its valleys are usually possessed 

 of a mild and delightful climate, so much so that stock vi^ill subsist the 

 entire winter v^^ithout being fed or housed. 



The plains and high prairies present a longer interval of inclement 

 weather, and the snow continues on the ground for a much greater length 

 of time, than in the low-lands. 



Some particular localities are subject to very sudden changes, and not 

 unfrequently experience the warm breath of summer with the chill blasts 

 of fresh-born winter during the short lapse of a single day and night. 



In reference to the high mountains, it is sufficient to remark, that with 

 them winter is a season too congenial not to be felt in all its rigors, to 

 the entire extent of its duration. "The diversity of temperature in these 

 parts depends mostly upon the altitude. The lower benches experiencing 

 a mild atmosphere even in the severest weather, permit the snow to re- 

 main only for a short interval succeeding its fall, and woo the willing 

 spring ; while the higher ones treasure up each descending flake to nour- 

 ish the scathing blasts that leap from the mountain-tops, fresh-cradled 

 in the lap of winter. 



Notwithstanding these apparent disadvantages, the Eastern Division 

 may be regarded as universally healthy. The purity of the atmosphere, 

 and its absence from noxious exhalations and disease-engendering efHu- 

 via, undoubtedly contribute the prime cause in producing a result so 

 favorable. 



Rains are not usual to this part in the summer months, nor even in 

 the winter and spring are they common to any great extent. The snows 

 of winter, together with the rains of that season and autumn, and the 

 occasional dews of summer, in most cases, afTord a sufficient moisture to the 

 low-lands for agricultural purposes. 



That section situated between the Blue and Cascade Mountains, known 

 as the Middle Division, is said to possess, comparatively, a much milder 

 and less variable climate. 



The winters are usually open and of short duration, snow lying upon 

 the ground, in the valleys, rarely exceeding four days in succession, and 

 vegetation, in some instances, remains green the entire season. The prai- 

 ries, too, are generally covered only for a short time. 



The heat of summer lacks that oppressiveness so common to most 

 countries. In regard to the health of this section, we may correctly apply 

 the observations made relative to the Eastern Division. A country situ- 

 ated like the one now forming the subject of our remarks, cannot be oth- 

 erwise than healthy, as a general thing. 



The snow of winter and the rains of spring and autumn, coupled with 

 the light dews of summer, furnish all the moisture usual to the soil, 

 which the moderate heat of the latter season renders sufficient for the 

 growth of vegetation and the production of grain and other crops. 



The Western Division possesses not only a soil but a climate more fa- 

 vorable to vegetation than any other portion of Oregon. In the southern 

 part it seldom snows, and the weather is so mild, that the grass continues 

 green and flourishing the entire year. Water never freezes, unless it 

 be in some elevated pool or lake. 



