NISQUALLY AND COLUMBIA RIVER. 303 



in length, by one mile and three quarters in width. Opposite to our 

 anchorage is an extensive table-land, free from wood, and which would 

 afford a good site for a town. 



The bay is free from dangers and is well protected from the 

 quarters whence stormy winds blow. It has anchorage of a conve- 

 nient depth ; and there is abundance of fresh water to be had. 



In the afternoon, we landed and examined the table-land. The next 

 day we were engaged in surveying the bay, which we commenced at 

 an early hour. Our base was measured on a straight and level beach, 

 nearly a mile in length, upon the north shore. At the extreme west 

 end of the bay, we found a lodge or two of Indians. In each of these, 

 there were apparently three or four families ; and they had a patch of 

 potatoes growing. 



The soil in this place is a light sandy loam, and appears to be very 

 productive : it was covered with wild flowers, and strawberry plants 

 in blossom. 



From this point, Mount Baker is distinctly seen to the northeast, 

 and forms a fine sight when its conical peak is illuminated by the 

 setting sun. 



On the ?th, we had completed the survey; but the wind coming 

 up from the southward and eastward, which was contrary to our 

 intended course, we determined to remain. At noon, there was a 

 favourable change, when both vessels moved up about eight miles, and 

 anchored in what I called Port Lawrence. This is just at the entrance 

 of Hood's Canal, and gave us a view both of it and Admiralty Inlet. 

 The weather was unpleasant, and the only duty that could be performed 

 was that of dredging. Several new and interesting specimens were 

 thus taken. The natives brought us fish and venison in plenty, besides 

 geese and ducks. 



On the morning of the 8th, we made the survey of Port Lawrence, 

 beginning at daylight. This being completed, I took advantage of the 

 tide making to get under way with a fresh breeze, and passed with 

 both vessels as far as a small cove on the west side of the inlet opposite 

 to the south end of Whidby's Island. Here we anchored before sunset, 

 and I named it Pilot's Cove, from the circumstance of having been 

 here joined by the first officer of the Hudson Bay Company's steamer, 

 commanded by Captain M'Niel, who on hearing of our arrival, kindly 

 sent him down to pilot up the ship. 



We were under way soon after daylight, taking advantage of the 

 tide, and continued beating as long as it lasted. This was about two 

 hours, by which time we reached another small cove. This was 

 named Apple-tree Cove, from the numbers of that tree which were in 



