THE WESTERN TERRITORY.

THIS territory comprises the remaining unorganized portion of Louisiana, as purchased by the United States in 1803. It extends from the Nebraska or Platte River northward to the 49th parallel, and from White Earth and Missouri Rivers westward to the Rocky Mountains. The territory has an area of 579,584 square miles.

The greater part of this immense territory is watered by the Missouri River and its numerous tributaries. The Yellow Stone, the largest tributary, extends its branches to the very base of the Rocky Mountains, and to near the sources of the Nebraska. A mountain ridge, which branches from the great Rocky Mountains, in about 42° N. lat., traverses the country in a N. E. direction towards Lake Winnipeg. In the E. portion of the territory the country is partly covered with forests, but beyond this commences a vast ocean of prairie, almost level, and clothed in grass and flowers. Approaching the mountains, however, the country gradually assumes a barren aspect. Countless droves of buffalo, elk, and deer, range upon the vast plains, but even these are fast diminishing before the attacks of the hunter.

In a country of such extent, generally level, naked, and open, the climate must in a great measure correspond to the latitude. Immediately on the borders of the settled states it is mild and temperate; beyond, it gradually becomes more extreme, and towards the mountains cold, bleak, and polar. Travellers speak of encountering storms of hail and sleet in the summer. When the winds blow from the W. over the mountain summits, the cold they occasion is intense.

As yet the whole territory is inhabited by Indians, but the time is not far distant when the pioneer will penetrate its forests and prairies, and bring under cultivation the soil that from its creation has not been turned by the labor of man. The wild herds will be replaced with the ox, the horse, and the sheep, and golden crops will succeed the flowers and grasses that now only bloom in useless luxuriance, and wither with the first frosts of autumn, without contributing to the necessity or comfort of civilized man.

That portion of the country lying in the valley of the Platte is sometimes termed "Nebraska Territory," and as such it has been proposed to organize it. A bill for the purpose of defining its boundaries was introduced into Congress, 7th January, 1845, but no action was had on the subject. The country north of this valley still retains the name of " North-West Territory," from the fact that it formerly belonged to the extensive territory under that name, from the which so many states have already been set off.

The boundaries of the territories occupied by the several Indian nations residing in this region, as defined in the treaty of Laramie, made in Sept., 1851, are as follows:

The SIOUX or DACOTAH Nation-" Commencing at the mouth of White Earth River, on the Missouri River; thence in a south-westerly direction to the forks of the Platte River; thence up the north fork of the Platte River to a point known as the Red Bute, or where the road leaves the river; thence along the range of mountains known as the Black Hills to the head waters of Heart River; thence down Heart River to its mouth, and thence down the Missouri to the mouth of White Earth River."

The GROS VENTRE, MANDAN and ARRICKERA Nations (in common)-Commencing at the mouth of Heart River; thence up the Missouri River to the mouth of Yellow Stone River; thence up the Yellow Stone River to the

the mouth of Powder River, in a southof Little Missouri River; thence along ehead waters of Heart River, and thence ginning."

mmencing at the mouth of Yellow Stone River to the mouth of Muscle Shell River; Muscle Shell River in a south-easterly direc a waters of Big Dry Creek; thence down that no Yellow Stone River, nearly opposite the mouth ace down the Yellow Stone to the place of begin

Yon-"Commencing at the mouth of Muscle Shell Missouri River to its sources; thence along the main Mountains in a southerly direction, to the head waters ves of Yellow Stone River; thence down the Yellow outh of Twenty-Five Yard Creek; thence across to the sele Shell River, and down Muscle Shell River to the

on-" Commencing at the mouth of Powder River and re; thence up Powder River to its source; thence along the he Black Hills and Wind River Mountains to the head waStone River; down the Yellow Stone River to the mouth of Yard Creek; thence to the head waters of the Muscle Shell e down Muscle Shell River to its mouth; thence across the head Dry Creek and down to its mouth."

MAYENNE and ARRAPAHOE Nations (in common)—" Commencing at te, or where the road leaves the north fork of Platte River; thence och tork of Platte River to its source; thence along the main range Rocky Mountains to the head waters of the Arkansas River; down Aansas River to where the main Santa Fe road crosses it; thence in a westerly direction to the forks of the Platte River, and up the Platte to the place of beginning."

Nach of these tribes recognizes a Head, or Principal Chief, through whom sactions with the government of the United States are conducted. The United States have also the reserved right to build forts, make roads, ged march armies in and through the country. And it is specially ordained, although the several nations have allotted territories, they shall each ad all have the natural right to hunt over the whole territory.

PACIFIC COUNTRY.

In this division of the United States are included the Territory of Oregon, and the extensive regions recently acquired from the Mexican Republic, known as California Alta and Nuevo-Mexico. It lies generally to the west of the Rocky Mountains, and between the latitudes of 32° and 49° north, but as a matter of convenience the whole territory of New-Mexico, as it now exists, although not properly or altogether within the geographical limits of the country, will be described under this section.

THE TERRITORY OF OREGON.

OREGON is a large and compact quadrangle of land, situated between latitudes 42° and 49° north, and longitudes 109° and 124° west from Greenwich, or 31° 59 and 46° 59′ from Washington; and is bounded north by British America, east by the Rocky Mountains, south by Utah and California, and west by the Pacific Ocean. Its extent from north to south is about 480 miles, and from east to west 600 miles, and its limits contain an area of 341,463 square miles, or 218,536,320 acres.

Oregon is a country of huge mountains, and wide, elevated plateaux. It is divided by two great ranges into three distinct portions. From the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade range, a distance of from 100 to 150 miles, includes the first; from the Cascade range to the Blue mountains, the second; and from these to the Rocky Mountains, the third. Considerable diversity in soil, climate, and productions, characterizes these several regions. The southern portion of the Pacific section is supposed to be that best adapted to agriculture. The middle section has a light, sandy soil, except near the streams, where a rich alluvium prevails. The mountains are almost barren. The third, or eastern section, is a rugged country, but in its intervales contains much grass lands, which renders it peculiarly suited to the rearing of cattle and for sheep-farming. Some parts of the Cascade Mountains rise 4,000 feet above the sea-level. The Rocky Mountains, many culminations of which attain 6,000 feet, present a serious barrier to communication with the old states. Only three passes have been found which admit of travel: the first in 46° 22′ N.; the second in 44° 30' and the third, the South Pass, discovered by Fremont. The usual overland route to Oregon is through the last. A range of mountains, called the "Klamet," runs from the Rocky Mountains westward toward the Pacific. The climate on the Pacific is temperate, and much milder than near the Atlantic in the same latitude. In the interior, it becomes more extreme; and in the mountains, varying with their elevation, winter is almost perpetual, and many of the higher culminations are capped with snow throughout the year. The greatest quantity of rain falls between November and March.

The Pacific coast of Oregon is generally rugged, and extends 650 miles along that ocean. Only three or four harbors occur in its whole length. The Columbia, or Oregon, is the principal river; and into this, which has a S. W. and W. course from the Rocky Mountains, all the main streams of the territory empty. The navigation of this river is frequently obstructed by falls and rapids, and there is only an uninterrupted passage from the ocean, for large ships, of about 120 miles. The principal tributaries are Willamette River, Lewis or Saptin River, and Clarke's or Flathead River, all of which receive numerous fine streams, that water an immense surface. There are a number of small lakes in the country.

There is no material difference in the natural productions of Oregon and those of the Eastern States. Vegetation is, however, more developed. The fir has been found 46 feet in circumference and 300 feet in height, and pines from 200 to 250 feet high, and from 20 to 40 feet in girth. The mineral resources of the country are almost unknown, but there is no rea son to suppose that the earth here is less metalliferous than in the more southern portion of the Pacific region. Wild animals, in great numbers and variety, inhabit the recesses of the mountains, and the valleys and plains.

the trapper and hunter have explored the country with profit in peltry and The cultivated portions, as yet confined chiefly to the banks of the Tower Columbia and to the neighborhood of Puget's Sound, are very productive. The cereal crops have been abundant, and fruit trees, vines, and culinary vegetables thrive well. Since the discovery of gold in California, a great demand has arisen for the agricultural products of Oregon, and, as a consequence, a commercial connection has been the result. The export of lumber has been large. This incipient commerce will not be transitory -the demand for building materials is constantly on the increase, and that for breadstuffs and provisions will last as long as mining is the chief em ployment in California. Some commercial intercourse is maintained also with the Sandwich Islands, and the Russian settlements on the north. But with all these fortuitous circumstances that have attended the first settlement of the territory, it must still remain much as it is a mere agricultural and pastoral country-unless some means of easy and rapid communication can be maintained with the Western States and the Atlantic coast. A railroad is the only solution of this difficulty. The one proposed by Mr. Whitney seems to have some claims to consideration, and by its means the shores of Lake Michigan would be brought in a juxtaposition with the mouth of the Columbia River. The details for the construction of such an avenue, chiefly through a country infested with hostile Indians, and through mountain passes almost inaccessible, have been laid before Congress, and are favorably spoken of; but to mature plans, and obtain capital for such a work, seems to offer insuperable difficulties even to its commencement. It is almost too great a work for individual enterprise. If a railroad is to be built, let it be a national work.

The total number of inhabitants in Oregon, in 1850, was 13,293, and the distribution of these to the several counties was in the following proportions:

The number of dwellings and families was equal, being 2,374, or 5.6 persons to each. The farms in cultivation numbered 1,164, and there were 51 manufacturing establishments producing annually $500 and upward.

There are several villages and settlements of considerable pretensions in Oregon. OREGON CITY, the territorial capital, is situated about 30 miles up the Willamette river, and two miles above the Clackamas rapids, which

prevent all navigation to the city. Perhaps no other place in the Union has such immense water privileges, and many large saw-mills are already in operation. PORTLAND, 12 miles below the falls, may be considered as the port of Oregon City. Its trade with the Pacific towns, and also with those of the Atlantic, especially with New York, is prosperous and increasing. ASTORIA, near the mouth of the Columbia River, on its south bank, has a good harbor and other natural advantages for becoming a great commercial depot. At present there are not 20 buildings in the place. It is the only port of entry in the territory. PACIFIC CITY, on the north shore of the entrance to the Columbia, is yet a new place, but has bright prospects. Its harbor is said to be excellent. FORT VANCOUVER, on the north bank of the Columbia River, 100 miles from its mouth, is the principal trading post of the Hudson Bay Company west of the mountains. Ships drawing 14 feet of water can ascend 20 miles further up the river. The establishment consists of about 100 houses enclosed by picket-fences, and defended by armed bastions and a block-house. A Catholic church is the only building of note. The inhabitants are chiefly South Sea Islanders in the employ of the company. The establishment is on an extensive scale, and the center of vast interests-all the company's Indian trade being conducted here. Extensive agricultural operations for the support of the traders, are carried on. The farm contains about 3,000 acres. The stock of cattle and sheep is very large, and is rapidly increasing in numbers and improving in breed from the importation of European stock. The mixed breed of sheep yields from 12 to 18 pounds of fleece. The mills and outposts of the fort extend several miles above on the river. Other settlements on the Columbia are, WALLA-WALLA, a little below the confluence of Lewis River; FORT OKENAGAN, at the mouth of the river of the same name; FORT COLVILLE, below the union of Clarke's River with the Columbia.

FORT NESQUALLY, on Puget's Sound, is occupied by the "Puget's Sound Agricultural Company." Their farms are very extensive, and are kept in a high state of cultivation. They supply provisions to the Hudson Bay Company's servants west of the mountains, and export largely to the Sandwich Islands and the Russian post of Sitka. The company has also extensive farms on the Cowlitz River.

Oregon, in its entirety, extends between 42° and 54° 40′ north latitude, but by the treaty of 1846, all the territory north of 49° was ceded to Great Britain. Perhaps the greatest defect in this treaty was the ceding of Vancouver's Island to the British-an island notoriously the finest portion of the disputed country, both in regard to its agricultural capacities, its commercial position, and its mineral productions. The retention of this alone would have been preferable to our possession of the whole mainland. This country was not discovered until nearly two centuries after the occupation of Mexico by the Spaniards, nor was it at all known until late in the 18th century. In 1792 the discovery of the mouth of the Columbia River by Capt. Grey gave to the United States a claim to sovereignty over the country watered by that river and its branches. Settlements, however, had previously been made by the English at Nootka Sound, and on the upper waters of the Columbia, and on these facts the British based their claim. The Louisiana Treaty of 1803 transferred the claims preferred by France to the United States, and presuming that Louisiana really did extend to the Pacific, this formed a most important point in the controversy. In 1804-5-6, Captains Lewis and Clarke explored the country from the head waters of the Missouri River to the mouth of the Columbia. Trading