398 WILLAMETTE VALLEY. 



On the second day, our voyageurs had doffed their finery, and their 

 hats were carefully covered with oiled skin : they thus appeared 

 more prepared for hard work. The current became every mile more 

 rapid, and the difficulty of surmounting it greater. The manage- 

 ment of the boats in the rapids is de.vterous and full of excitement, 

 as well to the passengers as to the voyageurs themselves. The bow- 

 man is the most important man, giving all the directions, and is held 

 responsible for the safety of the boat; and his keen eye and quick 

 hand in the use of his paddle, delights and inspires a confidence in 

 him in moments of danger that is given without stint. We did not 

 make more than ten miles duiing the day, and were forced to encamp 

 three miles below the farm. 



On the 19th, we reached our destination. On our approach, 

 although there were no spectators, except a few Indians, to be ex- 

 pected, the voyageurs again mounted their finery, and gaily chaunted 

 their boat-song. 



Mr. Ogden had been one of the first who travelled over this part 

 of country, and he informed me that he has seen the whole country 

 inundated by the rise of the river. This, however, can but rarely 

 occur, and could only be tlie result of a sudden melting of the snows 

 when accompanied with violent rain-storms. 



Plumondon had gone before, to request Mr. Forrest to send the 

 wagon for our baggage ; and we found it duly waiting at the landing. 



In the afternoon, I made a visit, with Mr. Ogden, to the Catholic 

 Mission, and several of the settlers' houses. That of Plumondon we 

 found quite comfortable. The neighbourhood, though consisting of 

 few families, appears very happy and united. They prefer the 

 Cowlitz to the Willamette, although the land here is not so good 

 as in the valley of the latter ; but they say that many vegetables 

 succeed here, that will not grow on the Willamette. 



It was with much regret that I parted from Mr. Ogden and 

 Captain Varney. We had enjoyed ourselves much, and I shall long 

 remember their kindness and jovial company. The day they left 

 us proved very rainy ; it was impossible for any one to stir out, and 

 the mud was ankle-deep. I felt disappointed at this, as I wished 

 to make some observations, to test those I had already taken in 

 passing before. Mr. Forrest was very attentive, and did all in his 

 power to amuse me ; but feeling disposed to sleep, I lay down, and 

 after a short time awoke, with the feeling of having overslept myself 

 I jumped up to look at my pocket-chronometer, which, to be care- 



