principal tributary of the Columbia in South-eastern Washington; and, although the farming capacities of its valley are not yet very well known, it is believed that they are nearly equal to those of the Walla Walla Valley, The Yakima has its rise in a pass of the Cascade Mountains, from whence it flows south-eastwardly—receiving in its course numerous smaller tributaries descending like itself from the water-shed of the Cascades, and entering it from the west. Of these, the Wenass, Nachess, Athanam, and Pisco are the principal.
The Yakima Valley is the original home of the Indian tribe of that name, most of whom are now gathered on a reservation at Fort Simcoe, and, under faithful instruction, making some advance toward civilization. The number of settlers in the whole valley is about seven hundred, the most of whom are engaged in stock-raising. A direct trade with Puget Sound is carried on, to some extent, through the Snoqualmie Pass, as well as with Oregon, by wagons, to the Columbia River. Like Eastern Oregon this portion of Washington Territory is particularly adapted to stock-raising, whatever other resources it may ultimately develop. Its vast rolling plains furnish the most nutritious grass; its streams are frequent and pure, and bordered with cottonwood, alder, willow, and birch. Like the Walla Walla Valley it is destitute of timber—the material for fences and lumber all coming from the mountains, where yellow pine is found in abundance. The soil is a uniform light, sandy loam, with more or less alkali in it. Near the base of the mountains there is more loam and clay, and, as a consequence, the soil retains moisture longer than on the rolling plains. The river-bottoms consist
