If the emigrant is the happy owner of a good breech-loader, let him
bring it, with as many of Eley's green cases as he can pack. Ammunition
is expensive here. English rifles are a nuisance. The Winchester,
Sharp, or Ballard, I think superior to any sporting rifles we have--as
much so as the American shot-guns are inferior to the English makers'.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: _ATTRACTIONS WHICH OREGON OFFERS._]
Let us see, then, in a few words, why we expect that immigrants will
continue to arrive. What are the attractions which Oregon offers?
1. A healthy and temperate climate, whether residence in the Willamette
Valley or in Southern or Eastern Oregon is chosen.
2. A fertile and not exhausted soil, adapted to the continuous raising
of all cereals, to the growth of the best kinds of pasture, and to the
ripening of all temperate fruits in profusion and excellence.
3. A climate and range unusually suited to cattle, sheep, and horses of
the best breeds.
4. The ocean boundary on the west, giving free access to shipping for
the cheap transport of all productions.
5. Mineral wealth of almost every description, most of which is yet
unworked.
6. Industrial openings of many kinds, with special facilities by way of
abundant water-power.
7. Beautiful scenery, whatever portion of the State may be selected by
the new-comer.
8. Sport and pastime in moderation, with a notable absence of dangerous
animals, and reptiles, and noxious insects.
9. A modern and liberal Constitution, affording special advantages and
securities to foreigners and aliens.
10. A quiet and orderly population, ready to welcome strangers.
11. Good facilities for education, remarkable in so young a country.
12. A railroad and river system of transportation, only now in process
of development, and which is certain to effect a great rise in the
value of lands.
* * * * *
And now my work is done. I have endeavored to give, in as concise and
short a form as I could contrive, a faithful picture of life as it is
in Oregon to-day. I have extenuated nothing, nor set down aught in
malice.
If, in reviewing what I have written, I feel conscious of a special
weakness, it is that I have brought too strongly into view the
difficulties the immigrant will have to encounter; for I feel sure that
no one, on full knowledge, will accuse me of drawing in too fair and
flattering colors the attractions of our beautiful State.
May Oregon flourish by receiving constant additions to her vigorous and
industrious people, whose efforts, in scarcely any other place in the
wide world so certain of a due return, may make her waste places plain,
and cause her wildernesses to rejoice and blossom as the rose!
APPENDIX.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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