WILLAMETTE VALLEY. 343 



when they would cross over the country, and return by the way o f 

 Mexico or Texas. 



It gave me much pleasure to see the buoyancy of spirit, so truly 

 characteristic of our countrymen, with which they carried on their 

 plan. 



Before I left the Columbia in September, they asked me for a sea- 

 letter for their protection; at the same time informing me that their 

 vessel was launched, met their expectations, and was called the " Star 

 of Oregon." 



The grove of oak on this island was beautiful, forming an extensive 

 wood, with no undergrowth. The species that grows here is a white- 

 oak, of very close grain. Its specific gravity is much greater than 

 water; and it is used for the purposes to which we apply both oak and 

 hickory. It makes excellent hoops for casks, and is the only timber 

 of this region that is considered durable. 



The next morning, I left the boat-builders, after assuring them that 

 they should have all the assistance I could give them in their outfit. 



After we had embarked, we were told by our guide, Plumondon, 

 that he had with him saddles and bridles, and orders for horses, &c, 

 in order that we might meet with no delay or inconvenience in our 

 trip up the Willamette. I felt these kind attentions and the manner 

 they were bestowed ; and it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge 

 how much we were benefited by them. 



Early on the morning of the 5th, we set out for the falls of the 

 Willamette. As they are approached, the river becomes much nar- 

 rower ; and the banks, which are of trap rock, more precipitous. This 

 river is navigable for small vessels, even at its lowest stage, as high as 

 the mouth of the Klackamus, three miles below its falls. In the low 

 state of the river, there is a rapid at the Klackamus. 



We reached the falls about noon, where we found the missionary 

 station under the charge of the Rev. Mr. Waller. The Hudson Bay 

 Company have a trading-post here, and are packing fish, which the 

 Indians catch in great quantities. This is said to be one of the best 

 salmon-fisheries on the river. 



There was a petty dispute between Mr. Waller and the Company, 

 and he complained of them. It seems that the Company refuse to buy 

 any beaver-skins, except from the hunters and trappers ; and he accuses 

 them of monopoly in consequence. The Company, on the other hand, 

 say that they have no idea of selling goods out of their own stores, for 

 the purpose of enabling others to enter into competition with them ; and 

 that they will spare no expense to keep the trade, as long as they can, 

 in their own hands. This is certainly not unfair. I cannot help feeling 



