provisions, which they eke out by hunting and fishing, the returns of the census, always below the actual figures, give an idea of the productiveness of the country by no means discouraging. And again, most of the settlers prefer to take up the rich alluvial bottom-lands, which, before being plowed and sown, have first to be cleared; consequently, their first grain-fields are small.
From what we have seen, we can safely assert that every part of Western Washington can be made not only self-supporting, agriculturally, but something more. All the grains, hardy fruits, and vegetables will grow luxuriantly, and ripen well, in almost any part of it where settlements can be made. But the great wheat, corn, and sorghum region lies east of the Cascade Mountains, in the Walla Walla, Yakima, and other valleys. Peaches and grapes, too, will be generally raised east of the mountains. Beef, mutton, and wool can be produced both east and west of the mountains, of excellent quality. Yet Eastern Washington will excel in the production of these articles; while the coast country will furnish the dairy products. So happily have the climate and productions of Oregon and Washington been arranged, that almost every luxury the world's markets afford can be obtained within their own borders.
