The length of this branch would, of course, be affected by the location of the main line across Great Bend. If the main line should take the route preferred by Mr. Mohr, Wheatland would probably be the nearest starting-point. This would be all the better for Spokane Falls; but for the long haul to Puget Sound, it would seem to be more desirable for the junction to be farther west. [Sidenote: Arguments for the Polouse branch.] To my mind, the chief arguments for building this branch are, first, that it would be a start for the transcontinental road across Wyoming and Nebraska, and then, so to speak, it would be stretching out one wing of the bat with a view to catching the Manitoba bug. The other wing of the bat would be the Colville branch. The eccentric bug would inevitably hit one or other of these wings, and when once caught, would be held. [Sidenote: Manitoba railroad.] Concerning these Manitoba people, we may assume that they will think with regard to the routes according to the facts of nature. The direct line across the Kootenai country would strike the Colville branch, but in the opinion of able engineers the difficulties are so nearly insurmountable, that this is least likely to be chosen of all the routes. The cut-off from Missoula to Spokane Falls by way of Lake Coeur d'Alene, seems manifestly the best route for this road, that is, if it be not already pre-empted by the Northern Pacific; but strong reasons are given to show that the Northern Pacific will not, and cannot, make this cross line; in which case, we might almost conclude that the Manitoba will cross here, and inevitably join the Seattle road. The only other crossing left would be the Lolo Pass, which would be still more out of their direction, and would give them no better chance for an independent line to tide-water than the more northern routes. The fact is, that the late strategic movement of the Seattle railway in seizing upon the key to the Great Bend country made it master of the situation. SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER, GIVING LATEST INFORMATION. [Sidenote: Rapid growth of Seattle and Spokane Falls.] It is now just one year since I left Washington Territory, and I am glad to be able to report, on the best authority, that the great interests heretofore described have progressed, some of them with accelerating speed. The city of Seattle has added 10,000 to her population, and Spokane Falls 5,000 to hers. Mining has spread its area, multiplied its diggings, and gone forward at every point amazingly. Agriculture during the past year has not advanced with equal rapidity. This is easily accounted for by the influences of the mines and cities. The crops were fair, but not as large as in some former years; but no fears need be entertained with regard to this great interest. [Sidenote: Change in the location of the railroad.]