386 WILLAMETTE VALLEY. 



views they entertained relative to the introduction of spirits into the 

 settlement. To ray surprise, they seemed to be of an unanimous 

 opinion that spirituous liquors would soon destroy them ; and since 

 Mr. Slocum's visit they have entered into an agreement among 

 themselves to forego their use. It is a wise determination, and as 

 long as adhered to the country will thrive. But should this pest be 

 introduced, the vice of drunkenness will probably reach a height 

 unknown elsewhere; for such is the ease with which a livelihood is 

 gained here, that persons may be supported, and indeed grow rich, 

 in idleness. According to the inhabitants, one month in a year of 

 labour is all that is required for a comfortable support. This labour 

 consists in preparing the ground, putting the seed into it, and, when 

 it is ripe, reaping the harvest. Cattle, as I have before said, require 

 no protection or care, except to guard them from the wolves. Two- 

 thirds of the time of the settlers is consequently at their own dis- 

 posal ; and unless education, with its moral influence, is attended to 

 strictly in this young settlement, these very advantages will prove its 

 curse. On the missionaries who have settled here will depend in a 

 great measure the future character of the inhabitants ; and on them 

 also will rest the responsibility of maintaining the morals, as well as 

 superintending the education, of the rising population. I trust they 

 will both see and feel the great necessity of that strict attention to 

 their duties necessary to insure success. 



In the morning, before dawn, the two Indian boys belonging to 

 Johnson came over to our hut for the purpose of looking for their 

 milk-pans. Unknown to us, we had laid on its side, for a seat, a 

 cupboard which contained them. This the boys came in search 

 of, and in their haste awoke Mr. Drayton, who naturally thought 

 they intended to steal some of our things : he accordingly pelted 

 them with our boots and shoes, and all other articles that came to 

 hand. This aroused us all, when a general outcry was raised, and 

 the Indian boys made a precipitate retreat, not, however, before they 

 had secured one of the objects of their search. 



After breakfast, we crossed the river to Johnson's, and I was, on 

 this second visit, more impressed with the filth, both in and out doors, 

 than before. 



It was now determined that Mr. Drayton should take the boat 

 down the river, and that I should pass through the eastern part of 

 the Willamette Valley on horseback, to reach the falls by dark. 



