CHAPTER XVII. 



COAST OP OREGON AND CALIFORNIA. 



On leaving the Straits of Juan de Fuca to pass to the southward, 

 there are no ports along the coast until Gray's Harbor is reached, a 

 distance of 90 miles. The trend of the coast is south three-quarters 

 east. It decreases in height, and the sea-shore is bordered by low land. 

 In some parts there are low cliffs, but the land rises towards the 

 interior to a considerable elevation. 



The Flattery Rocks lie 10 miles south of Cape Flattery. They 

 are detached from the shore, worn by the sea into many fantastic 

 shapes, and lie at various distances, 4 to 5 miles from the coast. They 

 are columnar in form, black in color, and rise to the height of from 

 50 to 100 feet. 



Destruction Islet is 30 miles to the southward of Cape Flattery. 

 It is low and flat, one-third of a mile in diameter, quite barren, 

 with a few dwarf trees on it. A reef extends from its northern 

 end, on which the sea usually breaks. 



Point Grenville is elevated. It may be known by the three small 

 rocky islets lying off the coast : one of them, the southern one, is 

 perforated. There is anchorage off this coast, during the fine season, 

 in from 16 to 20 fathoms, on sandy bottom. There is no shelter ; 

 the coast may be considered dangerous, from the outlying rocks and 

 the set of the currents, which Ave experienced ; it ought not to be 

 approached nearer than the depth of 15 fathoms. Several vessels, 

 both English, Russian, and Japanese, have been wrecked in the 

 neighborhood of Point Grenville. Formerly, great danger was to 

 be apprehended from the Indians, who massacred all of those who 

 were shipwrecked near this Point. There is no longer any danger, as 

 they have become sufficiently civilized not to sacrifice the lives of 

 those who may have the misfortune to fall into their hands. One of 



