[Astoria by Washington Irving]@TWC D-Link bookAstoria CHAPTER X 9/16
Various tribes were said to reside in this valley, and along the banks of the Wallamot. About eight miles above the mouth of the Wallamot the little squadron arrived at Vancouver's Point, so called in honor of that celebrated voyager by his lieutenant (Broughton) when he explored the river. This point is said to present one of the most beautiful scenes on the Columbia; a lovely meadow, with a silver sheet of limpid water in the center, enlivened by wild-fowl, a range of hills crowned by forests, while the prospect is closed by Mount Hood, a magnificent mountain rising into a lofty peak, and covered with snow; the ultimate landmark of the first explorers of the river. Point Vancouver is about one hundred miles from Astoria.
Here the reflux of the tide ceases to be perceptible.
To this place vessels of two and three hundred tons burden may ascend.
The party under the command of Mr.Stuart had been three or four days in reaching it, though we have forborne to notice their daily progress and nightly encampments. From Point Vancouver the river turned towards the northeast, and became more contracted and rapid, with occasional islands and frequent sand-banks.
These islands are furnished with a number of ponds, and at certain seasons abound with swans, geese, brandts, cranes, gulls, plover, and other wild-fowl.
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