of it unmarketed. Logging
and the manufacture of wood products make up its chief occupation,
though general farming and fruit-raising is rapidly gaining. The
lands of the county when reclaimed from the forests are fertile
and respond generously to the labor of the husbandman. In 1906,
15,000 apple trees were planted in the county. The fishing industry,
including the canning of salmon, sardines, clams and oysters, is
a thriving industry and destined to develop into much larger
proportions.
TRANSPORTATION.
Grays Harbor is open to the ocean, but is splendidly protected
and has safe anchorage. It is the largest lumber shipping port in
the state. The Humptulips and Chehalis rivers empty their waters
into the bay, and are both navigable for some distance.
In addition, the Northern Pacific railroad skirts both sides of
the bay and a logging railroad from Shelton, in Mason county, has
nearly reached the ocean, going through the county from east to
west. Other railroads have surveying parties in the field, and
a conflict is on to share the vast lumber-carrying trade of the
county with the Northern Pacific, which has till now monopolized
it.
Chehalis county is one of the most important counties in the state,
and offers an abundant opportunity for Yankee energy to exercise itself
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in almost every avenue of business. Its opportunities and resources
are numerous and vast. The newcomer may look long and find no better
place for his talents.
PRINCIPAL CITIES AND TOWNS.
MONTESANO is the county seat, located at the head of navigation
on the Chehalis river, and on the Northern Pacific railway. It
has a population of about 3,500. It has sawmills, sash and door
factories, and is surrounded by a prosperous farming community,
dairying being very remunerative.
ABERDEEN is the commercial metropolis of the county. Nearly $15,000
is daily paid out to wage-earners. Much commerce from the ocean is
centering here, 736 vessels clearing from Grays Harbor in 1907. Seven
hundred and seventy-seven thousand dollars has been appropriated by
congress for the improvement of the harbor. The city has terminal
rail rates, and the Northern Pacific and Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul railroads are hustling after its trade. The business portion
of the city is built of stone, brick or cement. It has eleven large
sawmills, many shingle mills and various other factories for utilizing
the products of its timber, besides fish and clam canneri
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