The principal river of Oregon is the Columbia, which forms for a considerable distance the boundary between this territory and Wash iugtou, and is not only common to both territories, but receives all the rivers of both which rise east of the Cascade Mountains. Its northern and longest branch rises in the Rocky Mountains near 50° N. let., 116° W. long., its extreme upper course thus belonging to the British territory. It then traverses Washington first in a north west, and then in a generally northern direction to its confluence with the Saptin, or Lewis River, soon after which it turns to the west and forms the northern boundary of Oregon. At the confluence of the Saptin it is 1280 feet above the sea, and 3500 feet wide. From this point to the Cascade Mountains its course is very rapid and it receives numerous affluents especially from Oregon. The Columbia breaks through the range of the Cascade Mountains in II series of falls and rapids, which are quite impassable by boats even during floods, and to avoid which portages have been constructed. The gorge of the Cascade Mountains through which the river flows is of the grandest kind of natural scenery. For about 40 miles lower the navigation is unimpeded, when rapids again occur. But for the remainder of its course, about 120 miles, the only impediments are the sandy shoals which limit the navigation to vessels drawing 12 fact of water. About 20 miles from its mouth the Columbia increases greatly in width, and at its outfit' in the Pacific, the width between capce Adams and Disappointment is 7 miles, but a sand-bar extends from each cape so as to render the navigable channel both narrow and difficult. Tho Snake, or Lewis River, sometime, called the southern fork of the Columbia, is formed by the union of many small branches which rise in the Rocky Mountains between 42° and 43° N. lat., and flows first west and then south through Oregon, passing into Washington near 117° W. long., after a very serpentine course of nearly SOO miles. The Saptin in its course through Oregon receives numerous afiluenta, all or nearly all of which belong entirely to this territory. Of these the principal are the \Vaptiacoos, Fayette, and Sickly, on the right, and the Malheur on the left. Most of these rivers are very rapid, and urn in deep channels, but arc of little value for navigation. The Willamette, which rises on the west aide of the Blue Mountains near 43* 30' N. hat., is one of the most important tributaries of the Columbia ; it has a generally northern course and enters that river nearly opposite to Fort Vancouver, considerably below where it becomes navigable; is itself navigable by small vessels for a consider able distance ; and drains one of the most fertile valleys iu the territory. The rivers which rise west of the Cascade Mountains have mostly a short course and are of little service for navigation. The principal are the Umqua and the Clamet. The Umqua, which after the union of its two head branches, flows nearly west to the Pacific, into which it falls by Cape Gregory, about 43° 54' N. is in its lower course a wide but comparatively shallow stream, and like all the other rivers of Oregon which fall into the Pacific, has its mouth obstructed by a sand bar. The Clamot, the most southern river of Oregon, is also the longest south of the Columbia, but there are few settlements along its banks, and its navigable capabilities are very limited.
Of the geological features of Oregon only very partial examinations have been made. The mountain ranges belong generally to the igneous and paLmozoic formations. Granite, trap, basslt, hornblende, nd other eruptive and metamorphic rocks occur very widely, with elates, limestone, sandstone, &c. Gold is found in the sands of several of
the rivers which flow from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific ; and it is said to have been also found in varions places east of that range Other minerals, especially iron, lead, and tin are also said to occur, but none of them have, we believe, been worked. We have not heard that coal has been found, though it is known to exist in Washington. Saline springs occur in the middle section of the territory, and near its south eastern corner occur several soda and magnesia springs.
Climate, Productions, dc.—The climate is very varied in the different sections of the territory. Along the Pacific, and generally west of the Cascade range, it is mild and genial during the entire year. The winter is very short and far from severe, and snow seldom lies long on the gronnd. In the middle section the changes of temperature are much greater, and the winters much colder ; but the air is more bracing and the climate appears to be generally healthy. It is said that no dew falls in this section. In the vicinity of the Rocky Moun tains the changes of temperature are extremely great and rapid. In the south-eastern part of the territory along the line of the great emigration route, the climate is very variable, but rain seldom falls, and there is little snow.
Wheat is the principal grain crop ; but a considerable quantity of oats is also grown. Maize is cultivated but not to any great extent. The other grains are scarcely cultivated at alL Pees and beans, potatoes, and a few other vegetables are raised. Small quantities of tobacco, flax, kc., are grown. Most of the European fruits flourish iu the valleys of the Columbia, Willamette, &c. At present however the chief dependence of the settlers is perhaps upon the rearing of stock, which with scarce any attention thrive abundantly on the excellent pasture. Horses, horned cattle, sheep, and swine are already very numerous ; and butter, cheese, and wool receive much attention from the agriculturists.
Oregon was formerly exceedingly rich in for-bearing animals, but their numbers are rapidly diminishing; beavers, muskrats, and martins are the chief which are left. Their collection is still carried on almost exclusively by the officers of the Hudson's Bay company. In the forests bears, wolves, foxes, deer, elks, antelopes, and other game are still very abundant. Vast quantities of aquatic birds frcqnent the rivers in the spring and autumn. Along the coast whales are found ; and edible fish are extremely abundant both along the coast and in the rivers : the Columbia especially swarms with fish, which form the chief food of the Indians. The principal fish taken are salmon, sturgeon, cod, ray, carp, smelt, and Innumerable other amall fish, with crabs, oysters, mussels, and other shell-fi-sh,.
At present manufacturing indnetry is chiefly confined to the pro duction of the articles required in a very thinly peopled agricultural country, and those connected with the shipping trade. The commerce of Oregon is not unimportant, a considerable coasting trade being carried on with California; the exports consist of largo quantities of lumber, boards, flour, and provisions generally. There is also a good deal of trade carried on with New York, Boston, &c. The direct foreign trade is of little consequence.
Divisions, Towne, etc.—The territory of Oregon is divided into ten counties. Salem is the political capital. All the towns are s.s yet but email : we notice some of the principal places; the population is that of 1850 : Salem, the capital, stands on the right bank of the Willamette ; it has a small population, and little trade, but contains the state buildings, &c.