red industries.
Clarke county is one well worth investigating by intending settlers,
both on account of its latent possibilities and because of its
peculiarly desirable climatic conditions, and its abundant competing
transportation facilities, both by rail and water.

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Columbia county is one of the four counties in southeastern Washington,
lying on the Oregon state line and south of the Snake river. A forest
reserve in the Blue mountains covers much of the southern portion of
the county, which is heavily timbered. The Northern part of the
county is made up of rolling prairie lands, of great fertility on
account of the large proportion of clay added to the volcanic ash,
which composes most of the soils of eastern Washington. Irrigation
is here unnecessary, and abundant crops reward the agriculturist.
The climate is mild, healthful and vigorous, inclining to much
outdoor life the year around.

PRODUCTS.

Columbia county is essentially an agricultural county, but of late
years is branching out into fruit-raising and dairying with marked
success. Apples and pears predominate among the fruits, though
all others do well. Wheat is, however, still its great product,
and both the Northern Pacific and Oregon Railroad & Navigation
railroads are in operation through the northern part of the county
to carry away its rich grain harvests.

The citizens of Columbia county are among the most prosperous of
the state, its average of per capita wealth being exceeded by only
three other counties.

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PRINCIPAL TOWNS.

DAYTON, the county seat, has a population of about 3,500 people,
is situated about in the center of the county, and is the chief
town for the county's exports, as well as the distributor of its
merchandise. It is a substantially built city, with flour and feed
mills, and general mercantile establishments of importance. All the
public interests, including schools and churches, are generously
provided for. Its chief exports are grain, fruit, livestock and
wool.

STARBUCK, in the northern part of the county, is a shipping point
of no mean importance on the Oregon Railroad & Navigation railway.

COWLITZ COUNTY

Cowlitz county lies immediately north of Clarke county, bordering
about 40 miles on the Columbia river. It has about 1,100 square
miles of territory, and about 13,000 people. The southwestern portion
is largely composed of level valley lands, while its northeastern
part is occupie