34 
THE BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 
the lofty rocky promontory of Cape Disappointment I found two or more species rarely seen 
within the mouth of the Columbia, though frequenting the outside of the cape in immense 
numbers — (Phalacrocorax and Aphriza.) 
Of the fish peculiar to the ocean I know little, though the large skate found at the mouth of 
Shoalwater bay seems to be one of them. Immense numbers of small cod, and of an excellent 
kind of anchovy, are sometimes washed up near and within the mouth of the Columbia. 
A peculiar radiate (Spatangus) is found along the beach, and one mollusc, only, that I have 
not found elsewhere, (Cultellus,) called there the razor clam, and considered the best of the 
bi-valves for the table. 
The vegetation of the salt waters is almost as interesting as its animals, although, being of a 
low organization, it has not 3^et attracted so much attention. 
The immense "kelp" of the Pacific, (Macrocystis,) rivalling, the gigantic forest trees of the 
coast, sometimes said to be 300 feet in length, and growing at both ends of that ocean, is a 
most remarkable object as it lies extended along the beach like an immense serpent, or, coiled 
in tangled masses, it floats about, carrying attached to its roots stones of many pounds Aveight. 
In the sound this seaweed grows plentifully, as well as in the deep sea, but not on sandy parts 
of the coast. 
Mr. Ashmead has kindly noticed two other interesting species of Algae collected on the 
coast in my catalogue of plants. The plants of higher orders growing close to or in salt water 
illustrate the same fact in respect to distribution as those found along rivers, &c., most of 
them being of very wide distribution both on this continent and in other parts of the world. 
(Latliyrus maritimns, PotentiUa anserina, Ligvsticum scoticum, Plantago maritima, Armeria 
vulgaris, Glaux maritima, Zostera marina, Rupiyia maritima, and several others.) 
In regard to the temperature of the salt waters I can only say that it probably varies much 
less than that of the fresh, since the currents of the oceans coming from the northwest keep 
it cool in summer, while it never freezes, except where largely mixed with fresh water, and in 
shallow bays. It is well known, too, that the vast body of the North Pacific is warmer than 
the Atlantic in the same latitudes, and that icebergs are never seen anywhere near the coast of 
the Territory. 
SCENERY OF THE WESTERN REGIONS. 
The natural features of Washington Territory are strikingly different throughout from those 
of a corresponding portion of the Atlantic coast, owing both to its mouiitainous character and 
peculiar products. To a traveller approaching the coast by sea the whole country appears 
mountainous and densely clothed Avith dark green forests from the water level to the limits of 
perpetual snoAv. Far above this toAver in indescribable majesty and beauty the brilliant snow- 
clad peaks of the Cascade range, in strong relief against the deep blue sky, and seemingly 
close to the sea, although Mount St. Helens, the nearest, is one hundred miles inland. At 
sunset the softening mist Avhich often hangs over them becomes tinted with the most delicate 
hues, gradually changing through the shades of rose, purple, and lilac, iintil in the moonlight 
they become like monuments of shining silver. 
On nearing land this noble scenery is found to be accompanied by a proportionatel}^ gigantic 
vegetation, and, indeed, everything seems planned on a gigantic scale of twice the dimensions 
to which Ave have been accustomed. The Columbia, unequalled in grandeur even by the 
"Father of Waters," is bordered by lofty cliffs and mountains, clothed from base to summit 
