314 WILLAMETTE VALLEY. 



it is quite unsuited to the life of a missionary, to be entering into trade 

 of any kind. To embark in traffic must, I think, tend to destroy the 

 usefulness of a missionary, or divert his attention from the great cause 

 in which he is engaged. I am very far from attaching any blame on 

 this account to the missionaries, whose avowed object is to teach the 

 arts of civilization, as well as the Word of God, and I have no doubt 

 that they are doing all in their power to promote the latter object ; but 

 I am disposed to think, that any complaints against the Hudson Bay 

 Company for endeavouring to keep the trade in their own hands, comes 

 with an ill grace from the members of a mission who are daily receiving 

 the kindest attentions and hospitality from its officers. 



Mr. Waller and his wife gave us a kind welcome, and insisted upon 

 our taking dinner with them. As they have no servants, Mrs. Waller 

 prepared the dinner, while Mr. Waller took care of the out-door 

 business. Though the house was built of rough materials, it was very 

 evident that neatness and order prevailed. Her management of the 

 home-made cooking-stove which stood in the room, claimed my admi- 

 ration. At the same time she made herself quite agreeable ; and although 

 she had many, very many things to contend with, appeared quite satis- 

 fied with her lot and condition. 



After we had partaken of our dinner, consisting of salmon and tea, 

 with bread and butter, Mr. Waller took us to see the falls. On our 

 way thither, he pointed out a log house that had been built by the 

 agent of Mr. Slacum, in order to secure the right of site or mill-privi- 

 leges. The Hudson Bay Company have gone to considerable expense 

 in blasting the rock for a mill-race for the same purpose; but from 

 appearances, this work has remained untouched for several years. 



The falls of Willamette are about twenty feet in height, and probably 

 offer the best mill-sites of any place in the neighbouring country. Being 

 at the head of navigation for sea- vessels, and near the great wheat- 

 growing valley of the Willamette, it must be a place of great resort. A 

 Mr. Moore, from the Western States, whom I saw on the Willamette, 

 informed me that he had taken possession of the west side of the falls, 

 under a purchase from an old Indian chief. Whether such titles will 

 be recognised by the government, is already a matter of speculation in 

 the country ; and there is much talk of pre-emption rights, &c. 



At the time of our visit to the falls, the salmon-fishery was at its 

 height, and was to us a novel as well as an amusing scene. The 

 salmon leap the fall ; and it would be inconceivable, if not actually 

 witnessed, how they can force themselves up, and after a leap of from 

 ten to twelve feet retain strength enough to stem the force of the water 

 above. About one in ten of those who jumped, would succeed in 



