The Latter Name, However, Is Now Applied Generally To The Entire Inlet, And Is Commonly Shortened By The People Hereabouts To "The Sound." The Natural Wealth And Commercial Advantages Of The Sound Region Were Quickly Recognized, And The Cause Of The Activity Prevailing Here Is Not Far To Seek.

Vancouver, long before civilization touched these shores, spoke of it in terms of unstinted praise.

He was sent out by the British government with the principal object in view of "acquiring accurate knowledge as to the nature and extent of any water communication which may tend in any considerable degree to facilitate an intercourse for the purposes of commerce between the northwest coast and the country on the opposite side of the continent," vague traditions having long been current concerning a strait supposed to unite the two oceans. Vancouver reported that he found the coast from San Francisco to Oregon and beyond to present a nearly straight solid barrier to the sea, without openings, and we may well guess the joy of the old navigator on the discovery of these waters after so long and barren a search to the southward.

His descriptions of the scenery - Mounts Baker, Rainier, St. Helen's, etc. - were as enthusiastic as those of the most eager landscape lover of the present day, when scenery is in fashion. He says in one place: "To describe the beauties of this region will, on some future occasion, be a very grateful task for the pen of a skillful panegyrist.

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