those fields which border on his timbered land; but thorough plowing and harrowing, or mowing when it is full of sap, will finally kill it.
There is no lack of excellent water in this county. Streams and springs abound; but wells are in general use for domestic purposes, the water being soft, pure, and cold, which is obtained by digging. The Tualatin River is navigated by a small steamer nearly to Hillsboro, the county-seat. Other streams in the foot-hills furnish abundant water-power and mill-sites, which are, in many cases, already occupied; and yet a fresh influx of population would create a demand above the present supply. So nicely is supply and demand adjusted in the farming districts, that there can be no rise and fall of the markets from excess or diminution of current manufactures. This leaves openings for immigrants to begin business, to about the same extent as if the country were entirely new; while the temporary assistance afforded by the older establishments to new settlers greatly lessens the hardships of starting anew.
The price of these "broad acres" in the Tualatin Plains, whose smoothness attracts us, is fully as great as any land in Oregon—being held at from ten to twenty-five for improved, and from three to five dollars for unimproved. In giving the prices of land, allowance for the rise consequent on railroad enterprises will have to be made by the reader; as some parcels, lying along the lines of the roads, or near railroad towns, will increase considerably in value during the current year. The railroad lands will be mostly taken in the foot-hills, where there is a mixture of valley and hill land—small prairie spots, and larger tracts of timber. They will be excellent in quality; of greater variety
