PICTURE OF OREGON AS IT IS. 259 



In general structure it corresponds with most of tiie other trading estab- 

 lishments in the country. It was built by Capt, Wythe of Boston, in 1832, 

 for the purpose of furnishing trappers with their needful supplies in ex- 

 change for beaver and otiier pcitries, and also to command the trade with 

 tlie Snakes. Subsf^queatly it was tran.sferred to the Hudson Bay Company 

 in whose possession it lias since remamed. 



Mr. Grant, a gentleman distinguished for his kindness and urbanity, is at 

 present in charge, and has some sixty Canadians and half-breeds in his em- 



This post is in the immediate vicinity of the old war-ground between the 

 BIackfx)t, Snake, and Crow Indians, and was formerly considered a very 

 dangerous locaUty on that account Its early occupants were subject to 

 frequent losses from the hostile incursions of the former of these tribes, and 

 on two or three occasions came very near being bunit out * by their un- 

 sparing enemies. 



The country in the neighborhood of Fort Hall affords several extensive 

 valleys upon the Snake river and its tributaries, which are rich, well tim- 

 timbered, and admirably adapted to the growth of grain and vegetables. 



The adjoining prairies also, to some extent, possess a tolerable soil, and 

 abound in a choice variety of grasses. Back from tiie valleys and plains, 

 the landscape is extremely rugged and mountainous, poorly timbered, and 

 bears the character of general sterility. 



My stay at the Fort brought me in contact with gentlemen from various 

 parts of Oregon, who kindly imparted to me all the information in their 

 possession relative to the nature and true condition of this interesting and 

 highly important section of our national domain. With the data thus ob- 

 tained, assisted by subsequent personal observation and intelligence derived 

 from other sources, I am enabled to arrange the following brief outlines of 

 its geography, geology, climate, and soil, including a description of its pro- 

 ductions, inhabitants, natural advantages, induce.r.ents to emigTants, die, 

 which tlie reader may rely upon as strictly correct in every essential par- 

 ticular. 



With the northern extremity of Bear river valley, the traveller enters tlie 

 southeastern limits of Oregon Territory. By referring to the map 

 it will be seen that this country is bounded upon the "north f by the British 

 and Russian {)Osse.ssions, east by the Rocky Mountains, south by Upper 

 California, and west by the Pacific. It is not my pre.'^ent purpose to argue, 

 or endeavor to sustain, the claims of our Government to the whole area em- 

 braced in the above ; but conceiving the matter now settled, I shall proceed 

 to tlie task in in liand without further preliminary. 



Oregon, like California, is possessed of many important rivers and ha^ 



• A. portion of the Fort was formerly constructed of wood ; — it is now built of 

 "adohies" like other trading establishments of the coimtry. 



t The treaty now in proce.-is of negotiation with Great Briiain, relinquishes to that 

 gOTemment all above the 49th deg., and consequently admits its claims to the entin 

 BortiMm boundary, to wit : from 49<' to the Russian possessiona. 



