60 Leslie M. Scott
west were agriculturists and they found that the Willamette Valley opened to them better opportunities than elsewhere. California was still Mexican territory (tmtil 1848). Puget Sound was difficult of access and was slowly settled from the Columbia by way of the Cowlitz. East of the Cascade Moim- tains, Indians were hostile and expelled the settlers; besides, that region was far distant from the sea and from the ships that were essential to agricultural needs and commerce. Final- ly, discoveries of gold took a white population there, and river steamboats on the Columbia hastened the opening of the country in the 60s. Military posts then protected the white population. After 1882-83 railroads greatly stimulated the growth of the country. Meanwhile, beginning in the early 70s, wheat growing in Wasco, Umatilla and Walla Walla counties was developing an immense industry and making that country one of the world's great granaries. Extension of the railroad to Puget Sound in 1889 led to quick and enormous development of the country about that great estuary and to creation of ports of commerce there.
Western Oregon, the seat of the original settlement, has made slow progress. Likewise the Coast region of Oregon. The latter has lacked roads and railroads, its ports have been neglected and its soils have been turned to little use. Eastern Oregon contains an immense area that has been little utilized, except for sheep and cattle.
IV.
The favorite product of the pioneer farmers, in Willamette Valley, was wheat. This for several reasons: It was a ready article for sea export; was a convenient measure of value and medium of exchange; could be hauled long dis- tances over rough roads. Moreover, wheat was well adapted to the soil and the long dry weather of Simimer. It was the one "best crop" for the pioneers. They could not have made both ends meet with any other. Not lack of wisdom was their portion, as has since been laid up to them by some critics,
