SURRENDER AT ASTORIA IN 1818 279 esting, as it shows that, with the aid of buoys, the access of vessels of almost any tonnage may be rendered secure. In addition to this, it is susceptible of entire defence; because a ship, after passing the bar, in order to avoid the breaking of the sea on one of the banks, is obliged to bear up directly for the knoll forming the cape ; at all times to approach within a short distance of its base ; and most frequently there to anchor. Thus, a small battery erected on this point, in conjunction with the surges on the opposite side, would so endanger the ap- proach as to deter an enemy, however hardy, from the attempt. This outlet, the only one between the thirty-eighth and fifty- third degrees of latitude, embraces the entire range of country from the ocean to the mountains; and its interior unites the advantage of a water communication throughout, by means of the many streams tributary to the Columbia, two of which disembogue opposite to each other within twenty-five leagues of the port, are navigable, and nearly of equal magnitude with this beautiful river. The ocean teems with otter, (mustela lutica), the seal, and the whale; while the main land affords, in innumerable quantities, the common otter, (mustela lutica), the bear, the buffalo, and the whole variety of deer. It has been observed, by exploring this coast, that the climate, to the southward of fifty-three degrees, assumes a mildness unknown in the same latitude on the eastern side of the conti- nent. Without digressing to speculate upon the cause, I will merely state, that such is particularly the fact in forty-six degrees sixteen minutes, the site of Fort George. The mer- cury, during the Winter, seldom descends below the freezing point; when it does so, it is rarely stationary for any number of days ; and the severity of the season is more determined by the quantity of water than by its congelation. The rains usually commence with November, and continue to fall partially until the latter end of March, or beginning of April. A benign Spring succeeds ; and when the Summer heats obtain, they are so tempered by showers as seldom to suspend vegetation. I found it luxuriant on my arrival, and during a fortnight's stay, experienced no change of weather to retard its course. The
