330 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



The Chikeelis empties into the harbor on the east. For nearly its 

 whole length it is very narrow and serpentine, and is navigable for 8 or 

 10 miles for small vessels ; the greatest depth of water is 12 feet. In 

 this river there is an excellent salmon fishery, and vast numbers 

 are taken during the season. At the time of the passage of the wild 

 fowls, they are also very numerous in the harbor. Some few Indians 

 frequent this harbor, but none make it their permanent home. The 

 lower banks during freshets are overflowed. 



On the south of the harbor the land is low, extending for some 

 distance into the interior, with salt marshes. The soil is a mixture of 

 red and white sand and pebble-stones, and is unproductive. 



From Gray's Harbor to the mouth of the Columbia River is 40 

 miles. This is a low and sandy coast, having a deep indentation in 

 the land, which is called Shoalwater Bay, from its shallowness and 

 the many obstructions within. From its exposure to the prevailing 

 westerly wind vessels can find no protection. 



The Columbia River has been long known for its dangers and the 

 difficulties attending its entrance. These, in my opinion, have not 

 been exaggerated, and it may be truly said to offer very few advan- 

 tages as a port. The land near and in the rear of it is well marked : 

 far in the interior rises Mount St. Helen's, with its regular and 

 conical peak always capped with snow ; on the right is Katalamet 

 Head and Tongue Point, and the Coxcomb Hills, lying in the 

 rear of Astoria, and extending down to where Young's River enters 

 the Columbia from the south, separating Point Adams from the high 

 land. On the left lie the Pillar Rock Heights, extending to the high 

 hills of Gray's Bay, and the rocky and bold bluff, rising above Point 

 Ellis and the Chinook Hills, which turn and trend to the north, having 

 several well-defined gaps and peaks, which gradually approach the 

 coast, and enclose the waters of the river, bounded by Cape Dis- 

 appointment, the highest point of which is 500 feet above the sea level. 

 On it are many lofty spruce and pine trees. A few of these have been 

 trimmed up, leaving tops which form well-marked objects. 



Point Adams is the southern boundary. It is low and sandy, and 

 covered in part by a recent growth of spruce and pine trees. 



These two points are 5 miles asunder and have sandspits projecting 

 from each. That from Cape Disappointment stretches to the south, 

 whilst that from Point Adams makes out to the west ; they are, con- 

 sequently nearly at right angles ; their nearest approach is one mile. 



