360 COLUMBIA RIVER. 



causing a loss of a thousand bushels. Although the Columbia does 

 not overflow its banks any where except in the lower prairie, there 

 are quicksands in these, through which the water, before it reaches 

 the height of the embankment, percolates, and rises on the low parts 

 of the prairie. In consequence of the low temperature of the water, 

 as I have before observed, it chills and destroys the grain. 



I witnessed the Columbia at its greatest and least heights, and no 

 idea can be formed of it unless seen at both these epochs. The flood 

 is a very grand sight fi'om the banks of the river at Vancouver, as it 

 passes swiftly by, bearing along the gigantic forest trees, whose 

 immense trunks appear as mere chips. They frequently lodge for a 

 time, in which case others are speedily caught by them, which 

 obstructing the flow of the water, form rapids, until by a sudden rush 

 the whole is borne off to the ocean, and in time lodged by the cur- 

 rents on some remote and savage island, to supply the natives with 

 canoes. I also witnessed the undermining of large trees on the banks, 

 and occasional strips of soil : thus does the river yearly make inroads 

 on its banks, and changes in its channels. 



From the circumstance of this annual inundation of the river 

 prairies, they will always be unfit for husbandry, yet they are 

 admirably adapted for grazing, except during the periods of high 

 water. There is no precaution that can prevent the inroad of the 

 water. At Vancouver they were at the expense of throwing up a long 

 embankment of earth, but without the desired effect. It has been 

 found that the crop of grain suffers in proportion to the quantity of 

 the stalk immersed : unless the wheat is completely covered, a partial 

 harvest may be expected. 



The temperature of the waters of the Columbia, during the 

 months of May and June, was 42°, while in September it had in- 

 creased to 68°. 



The waters of the Columbia have no fertilizing qualities, which is 

 remarkable when the extent of its course is considered ; on the con- 

 trary, it is said, from experience, to deteriorate and exhaust the soil. 

 It is, when taken up, quite clear, although it has a turbid look as it 

 flows by. Quantities of fine sand are however borne along, and 

 being deposited in the eddies, rapidly form banks, which alter the 

 channel in places to a great degree. 



During my stay at Vancouver, I had a visit from three of a party of 

 eight young Americans, who were desirous of leaving the country, 

 but could not accomplish it in any other way but by building a vessel. 



