In Oregon, as in other states, there has been a shift in population from country to city. In 1890 the urban inhabitants constituted 26.8 per cent; in 1900, 32.2; in 1910, 45.6; in 1920, 49.9; and in 1930, 51.3 per cent. The total urban population in that year was 489,746, while the rural numbered 464,040. The tendency of urban centers to absorb the native-born rural citizen is, of course, a familiar phenomenon. The residence of the foreign-born, because of his occupation, is usually determined before he leaves his homeland. Most of the state's immigrants from England, Scotland, Wales, and the north of Ireland, flocked to Portland because they were there likely to find work at the industrial pursuits in which they were skilled. Similarly, a large portion of the immigrants from Scandinavia, Russia, Italy and Poland selected this city as their residence, largely because it afforded them the most promising chances to make a livelihood in ways to which they were accustomed. Immigrants from Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland and other agricultural countries, drifted to the dairy, fruit and farming districts by preference; while Finns, and to some degree Russians, Swedes and Norwegians, sought regions where fishing, lumbering and sailing were the principal occupations.
Among groups that differ from the rest of the population are the Basques of Malheur County. More than forty years ago an immigrant from the Basque provinces in Spain visited the Jordan valley in southeastern Oregon. He was a herdsman, and the sweep of country from Crane in Harney County to the Nevada line, reminded him of home in its promise of fine pasturage for sheep. He wrote about the region to his brother in Spain, who soon joined him. Thus was started an im migration that resulted in the establishment of several Basque communities.
The people are thrifty and energetic and have become prosperous. In manners they are courteous and pleasant, but reticent. They have to a great degree maintained the cultural habits of their native country. Besides English, most of them speak Spanish and their native tongue of Escuara. Their appearance is marked by clear olive complexions, dark eyes, fine teeth and red lips. With their Spanish love of color they enjoy wearing bright sashes and vests. It is not unusual to find a group of them gathered about an accordion or guitar player, singing and dancing as many generations of Basques have done before them.
The German community at Aurora, Clackamas County, dates from 1856. The year before, because of marked Indian hostilities, migration to Oregon had slowed down. A determined band of Germans, of Bethel,
