416 PUGET SOUND AND OKONAGAN. 



On the 12th, at seven o'clock, we began our surveying operations, 

 and after a hard day's work, joined Lieutenant Case's party, when I 

 took charge of the whole. My force, which now consisted of seven 

 boats and their crews, was sufficiently strong to make rapid progress : 

 the putting up of signals, the triangulation, and soundings, were all 

 carried on at the same time. When we reached our encampment at 

 night, the rough draft of our day's work was completed. We con- 

 tinued thus employed until the 17th, when we reached the ships, having 

 completed the surveys of all the numerous branches of this sound : 

 these all afford safe navigation for large vessels. The land is low, and 

 well covered with various kinds of trees, among which the pine pre- 

 dominates : the other trees, consisting of spruces, oaks, arbutus, alders, 

 and great quantities of seringias in full blossom, reminded me of our 

 gardens at home. The perfume of the flowers scented the air for a 

 long distance around. Some of the seringia-bushes were from twelve 

 to fifteen feet high. 



The soil is in some places good, but in others it is quite light and 

 sandy. At the head of all the branches there are extensive mud-flats, 

 and some small patches of salt meadow. We did not meet with many 

 natives : those who inhabit this region were probably employed in 

 taking fish, and they seldom remain in any place beyond the time 

 necessary for this purpose. 



On my return to the ship, I found that Lieutenant Johnson had 

 returned, with the party of which he had charge. I shall therefore 

 give in this place an account of their journey, and the country through 

 which they passed, referring the reader to my orders to Lieutenant 

 Johnson, in Appendix XII., for the route intended to be passed over, 

 and the duties to be performed. But before leaving Nisqually, I have 

 a few words to say about its position, and the Indian tribe of that 

 name. 



The situation of Nisqually is badly chosen for trade, for the anchor- 

 age is of small extent, and only a few vessels can be accommodated 

 within a reasonable distance of the shore. It would also be much ex- 

 posed to the southwest winds, and the hill is an insuperable objection 

 to its becoming a place of deposit for merchandise, as it would very 

 much increase the labour and expense of transportation. The Nis- 

 qually fort or post was chosen, as I have been informed, before the 

 Company had an idea of transporting any articles by water. It has, 

 however, one great recommendation, in the ease with which water may 

 be obtained from the stream that flows in abreast of the anchorage. 

 Much better places than Nisqually could be found in this vicinity, for 

 the location of a town. There is one, in particular, just within Kitron's 



