372 WILLAMETTE VALLEY. 



hats were carefully covered with oiled skins. They thus appeared 

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

 rapid, and the difficulty of surmounting it greater. The management 

 of the boats in the rapids is dexterous and full of excitement, as well 

 to the passengers as to the voyageurs themselves. The bowman is 

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

 sible 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 during 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 expected, 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 the 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 careful of, I had placed on the 

 table. Lying near by it was a small silver watch, which I had not 

 before observed, and my surprise was great to find that they both 

 showed the same hour. I uttered my surprise aloud just as Mr 



