PICTURE OF OREGON AS IT IS. 250 



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

 lishments in the country. It was built by Ca])t. Wythe of Boston, in 1832, 

 for t!ic purpose of furnishing trappers with their needful supphes in ex- 

 change for beaver and other peltries, and al.-o to command the trade witli 

 the Snakes. Subsequently it was transferred to the Hudson Bay Company 

 in whose possession it iias since remained. 



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

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

 ploy. 



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

 Blackfoot, Snake, and Crow Indians, and was formerly considered a very 

 dangerous locality 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 burnt out * by their un- 

 sparing enemies. 



The country in the neighborhood of Fort Hall afTords 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 I'rom the 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 mo 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 arranoe the followinij brief outlines of 

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

 ductions, inhabitants, natural advantages, inducCiuents to emigrants, &c., 

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

 ticular. 



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

 southeastern limits of Oregon Territory. Bv referrin"- to the map 

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

 and Russian possessions, east by the Rocky Mountains, south by Upper 

 Calilbrnia, and west by tiie Pacilic. It is not my present purpose to argue, 

 or endeavor to sustain, tlie claims oi our Government to the wlio'e area em- 

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

 to the task in in hand without further preliminary. 



Oregon, like C'alifornia, is j)osscssed of niany important rivers and liar- 



* A. portion of tlie Fort was formerly constructed of Avood ; — it is now built of 

 "adobies" hke other trading esliibhshnients of tlie country. 



t The treaty now in process of negotiation with Great Britain, rehnquishes to that 

 government all above the 4'Jth cleg., and consequently admius its claims to the entire 

 northern boundary, to wit : from 4U** to the Russian possessions. 



