COLUMBIA RIVER. 357 



two luxuriant growths of grass ; the first in the spring, and the second 

 soon after the overflowing of the river subsides, which is generally in 

 July and August. The last crop lasts the remainder of the season. 

 Neither do they require shelter, although they are penned in at 

 night. The pens are movable ; and the use of them is not only for 

 security against the wolves, but to manure the ground. 



The farm at Vancouver is about nine miles square. On this they 

 have two dairies, and milk upwards of one hundred cows. There are 

 also two other dairies, situated on Wapauto Island on the Willamette, 

 where they have one hundred and fifty cows, whose milk is employed, 

 under the direction of imported dairymen, in making butter and 

 cheese for the Russian settlements. 



They have likewise a grist and saw mill, both well constructed, 

 about sis miles above Vancouver, on the Columbia river. 



One afternoon, we rode with Mr. Douglass to visit the dairy-farm, 

 which lies to the west of Vancouver, on the Callepuya. This was one 

 of the most beautiful rides I had yet taken, through fine prairies, 

 adorned with large oaks, ash, and pines. The large herds of cattle 

 feeding and reposing under the trees, gave an air of civilization to the 

 scene, that is the only thing wanting in the other parts of the territory. 

 The water was quite high ; and many of the little knolls were sur- 

 rounded by it, which had the appearance of small islets breaking the 

 wide expanse of overflowing water. 



This dairy is removed every year, which is found advantageous 

 to the ground, and affords the cattle better pasturage. The stock on 

 the Vancouver farm is about three thousand head of cattle, two thou- 

 sand five hundred sheep, and about three hundred brood mares. 



At the dairy, we were regaled with most excellent milk ; and found 

 the whole establishment well managed by a Canadian and his wife. 

 They churn in barrel-machines, of which there are several. All the 

 cattle look extremely well, and are rapidly increasing in numbers. 

 The cows orive milk at the age of eighteen months. Those of the Call- 

 fornia breed give a very small quantity of milk ; but when crossed 

 with those from the United States and England, do very well. I 

 saw two or three very fine bulls, that had been imported from 

 England. The sheep have lambs twice a year : those of the Cali- 

 fornia breed yield a very inferior kind of wool, which is inclined to 

 be hairy near the hide, and is much matted. This breed has been 

 crossed with the Leicester, Bakewell, and other breeds, which has 

 much improved it. The fleeces of the mixed breed are very heavy ; 



VOL. IV. 90 



