thy plains for near three long and weary months of winter,
and the dim sun scarce glimmers through the storm, yet as
the smile of social love repays with mental light the melan
choly day, so does thy spring burst smiling on our senses, and
like the returning waters of the distant Nile, create fertility
and joy around; and those who now are leaving thee for
other lands, in hopes to better still their lots on earth, will,
when they hear of thy advancing march and onward growth,
repine they left thee in thy infancy, and wish that they
had "rose with thy uprising, and strengthened with thy
strength j" and when they learn that the usurping fern which
held for countless years, unchecked control, had succumbed
to the oft and well-timed action of the plough, or been
strangled from the soil, by the tough and fibrous hemp, that
bleating flocks o'er-spread the hills of Yam, and Kaneema's
falls propel the weaving loom, then would they fain return
and dwell upon the spots they once possessed, but what they
then disposed a section for, would now scarce purchase one
town lot.
And who says I am an enthusiast? Be it so! I will enjoy
the rich idea, though but in fancy—
"In fancy's garb, I'll
deck the beauteous bales,
For beauty dwells where
industry prevails."
(signed) "owl" of mt. hood,
oregon city, february 14, 1845
3
On Leaving the United States for Oregon, in 1843
From the Repository of the Falls Association. Printed in the
Oregon Spectator, Oregon City, April 16, 1846
Your flowers are fair, your fields are green,
Your summer sun hath golden sheen;
Sweet be your sleep, and soft the bed
Where ye may rest the weary head.
