Oregon  is  extremely  rich  in  mineral  resources,  especially  in  the  southern  quarter,  contiguous
to  the  State  of  California.  Large  quantities  of  gold  are  dug  in  the  fertile  and  pleasant  valleys
of  the  Klamath  and  the  Umpqua.  It  is  found  even  among  the  roots  of  the  prairie  grass.  A
lump  valued  at  $2^0  was  recently  taken  from  a  sod ;  and  those  who  are  in  search  of  the  pre
cious  metal  in  this  section  —  of  whom  there  are  thousands  —  seldom  dig  to  a  depth  of  more
than  three  feet.  Iron  ore  abounds  on  the  Columbia ;  and  among  the  other  minerals  already
found  in  different  parts  of  the  territory  are  copper,  lead,  platina,  plumbago,  sulphur,  salt,  and
coal.  The  latter  is  very  abundant  on  the  Cowelitz  River,  and  at  Puget's  Sound.
There  are  many  populous  tribes  of  Indians  within  the  territory,  whose  views  and  feelings
are  dissimilar  in  regard  to  the  encroachments  of  the  white  man,  and  the  advancement  of  civil
ization  around  them.  The  most  powerful  tribe  are  the  Shoshonoes,  or  Snake  Indians,  who
are  said  to  number  15,000.  The  other  principal  tribes  are  the  Flatheads,  Flatbows,  Pointed
Hearts,  and  Pierced  Noses.  There  are,  besides,  numerous  smaller  tribes.  The  governor  of
the  territory,  in  his  message  to  the  legislature,  in  the  spring  of  1851,  advocates  the  passage  of
a  law  by  Congress  for  the  protection  of  the  Indian  tribes.
