CONTENTS. 
Page. 
Legislative and executive action in reference to exploration and report 5 
INTRODUCTION 7 
Review of Pacific railroad project 8 
Different systems of railroad construction 11 
Routes 16 
Construction of a first section, the preliminary and most efficient step towards the early consumma- 
tion of the we of a oup to the Pacifi 17 
The credit phe em of 19 
o ca m of — might be applied 21 
Conclusion of thea 23 
Circumstances under which the reconnaissance was conducted 25 
REPORT , 29 
Blue Mountain range 81 
Selection of a terminus on Puget Sound—first section of line 31 
Section of route from Vancouver to Dalles of Columbia........ 32 
From the Dalles to Fort Boisé 32 
Connexion of branch route with central lines to California 34 
Estimates of cost 84 
Continuance of reconnaissance to Missouri river 86 
Review and comparison of northern and southern routes to Puget Sound- 39 
Remarks 
Conclusion 44 
