cluding a branch of the Bank of British Columbia, besides half a dozen brokers, and several real-estate agents. All the ordinary branches of business are well represented, and the amount of taxable property in Portland is assessed at a value of between five and six millions. Its actual value is probably much greater. The city tax amounts to ten mills on the dollar. It is said that Portland is one of the richest towns of the size in the United States. There are ten of its business men whose incomes range from $16,000 to $50,000; ten more with incomes ranging from $8,000 to $12,000; and ten more having incomes of from $5,000 to $8,000; besides the capital owned and controlled by the Banking, Navigation, and Railroad companies. The improvements in the city for the year 1871 amount to $2,000,000.
Portland has a good drainage, the ground rising gently back from the river. It is at present supplied with plank sewers, which are generally kept in good condition. A water company supplies the city with water; and a gas company furnishes gas for lighting the streets, public buildings, and stores, and such private dwellings as are not too remote from the mains. The surveyed limits of the city include about three square miles; the higher ground at the back being very desirable for residences from its superior healthfulness, and the fine views to be obtained. From any part of the city a quarter of a mile back, Mount Hood is seen in its finest aspect, rising grandly above the fir-clad slopes of the Cascade Range. It marks the place of the sun's rising in the summer months; and passes at evening, when reflecting the hues of sunset, through many beautiful gradations of light and color. Even by moonlight its spectral shape is still discernible at
