Cruisings in the Cascades Informative Summary

Overview:

G. O. Shields, the author, chronicles a series of hunting and exploration trips throughout the Cascade Mountains and the surrounding region in the Pacific Northwest in 1889. The book details his experiences with various indigenous peoples, including the Flatheads, Skowlits, and Coast Indians. Shields highlights the region’s natural beauty, from the dense forests and towering peaks to the unique landscape of Puget Sound, and offers keen observations on the customs and traditions of the indigenous communities he encounters. The book also sheds light on the nascent logging industry, and the enormous resources available in the region.

Beyond the descriptive narratives, Shields details his experiences hunting a variety of big game, including elk, grizzly bear, and Rocky Mountain goat, providing insights into the challenges and dangers inherent in the pursuit of such animals. He also describes his encounters with the native hunters and their techniques, highlighting the cultural differences and the respect he holds for their ways of life.

Key Findings:

The author highlights the extraordinary beauty and grandeur of the Cascade Mountains, emphasizing their comparable magnificence to the Rockies.
Shields emphasizes the critical role of indigenous knowledge and skill in navigating and surviving within the wilderness.
He paints a stark picture of the impact of logging and the insatiable demand for timber in the region, noting that resources could potentially last for a thousand years.
The text reveals the unique challenges of hunting different species, particularly the Rocky Mountain goat, and the dangers involved in traversing the rugged terrain.
Shields emphasizes the importance of a good sleeping bag and the value of being well-prepared in a challenging wilderness environment.
He notes the impact of the developing railroad network, which was bringing significant change to the region.
The author provides a detailed account of the cultural practices and traditions of the indigenous groups he encountered.

Learning:

Mountain Climbing: This book will teach you the benefits of mountain climbing, both physical and mental, and offer advice on how to approach it safely and efficiently.
Indigenous Cultures: You will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest, including their language, traditions, and way of life.
Wildlife and Hunting: The text offers insights into the characteristics and hunting methods for various big game, including elk, grizzly bear, and Rocky Mountain goat.
The Pacific Northwest: You will gain a greater appreciation for the natural beauty and diversity of the Pacific Northwest, from the Cascade Mountains to Puget Sound.
The Impact of Logging: The book provides a glimpse into the significant impact of logging on the region’s natural resources and its influence on the local economy.
Historical Context: You will gain an understanding of the historical context of the Pacific Northwest at the end of the 19th century, including the ongoing influence of indigenous peoples, the expanding railroad network, and the burgeoning timber industry.

Historical Context:

The text is written in 1889, a period of significant transition in the Pacific Northwest. The region was experiencing rapid industrial development, driven by logging and the arrival of the railroad. The indigenous peoples, once the sole inhabitants of the region, were increasingly displaced and marginalized as the influence of European settlers and their practices expanded.

Facts:

The Cascade Mountains are considered as majestic as the Rockies. The author acknowledges the comparable grandeur of the two ranges.
Mount Tacoma is the highest peak in the Cascade Range. This mountain is also known as Mount Rainier.
Mount Baker is the second highest peak in the Cascade Range. It rises to an altitude of 10,800 feet.
The Cascades are the most heavily timbered mountain range in North America. The sheer volume of timber found in this region is highlighted by the author.
Puget Sound is a vast inland sea. It covers a surface area of 2,000 square miles and has a 1,594-mile shoreline.
The climate of Puget Sound is temperate. Snow is rare before Christmas and never accumulates to a significant depth.
Puget Sound is home to a diverse range of wildlife. This includes elk, deer, bear, various types of geese, ducks, and fish.
The timber industry in the Pacific Northwest is substantial. Shields notes that the region could supply the world with timber for a thousand years.
The Flatheads are skilled canoeists. They utilize canoes for travel, fishing, and transportation.
Chinook is the common language of the Pacific Northwest. It is a mix of various indigenous languages and some European influences.
Grizzly bears are found across much of North America. The author describes their habitat, diet, and the dangers of hunting them.
Grizzly bears are often called “cinnamon” or “brown” bears. Shields explains that these are simply color variations of Ursus horribilis.
Grizzly bears are known to be fiercely protective of their cubs. Hunters must be especially careful when encountering a mother bear with cubs.
Elk are highly skilled mountaineers. They navigate challenging terrain with ease.
Elk are known for their distinctive whistle. This sound is only uttered by the male during mating season.
Elk have been hunted to near extinction. Shields describes the impact of hunters, both native and European settlers, on elk populations.
Antelope are notoriously difficult to hunt. Their keen senses and fear of humans make them a challenging target.
The antelope is closely related to the goat. This creature shares some characteristics with goats but is not part of the same genus.
The Rocky Mountain goat is only found in a limited range. The author details the challenges of hunting them in their high-altitude, rocky habitats.
Rocky Mountain goats are excellent climbers. They scale even the most treacherous cliffs.
Buffalo hunting was a lucrative business in the late 19th century. Shields describes the impact of buffalo hunting on the Great Plains and the near extinction of this iconic species.
Buffalo were often seen obstructing trains. The sheer size of buffalo herds was so immense that they could bring trains to a standstill.

Statistics:

The population of Seattle in 1889 was 15,000. This booming Western town was a hub for lumbering, salmon canning, and hop production.
The hop industry in Seattle produced over 100,000 tons in 1888. The industry generated $560,327 for local growers.
The largest fir tree cut in the region measured nine feet and eight inches thick. This tree had bark that was fourteen inches thick.
A hollow cedar tree was used as a home for over a year. The cavity of the tree measured twenty-two feet in the clear.
One tract of land yielded over 1,000,000 feet of lumber per acre. The density of the forest in this region is remarkable.
The grizzly bear can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. This impressive size makes them a formidable opponent for hunters.
The female grizzly typically gives birth to two or three cubs. These cubs are born weighing only 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 pounds each.
The antlers of a bull elk can measure over four feet long. The author describes a magnificent set of antlers, measuring a total of 4 feet 8 inches.
Herds of elk once numbered from 500 to 1,000 individuals. The author notes the drastic decline in elk populations due to hunting pressures.
A bull train consisted of wagons drawn by six to ten yoke of oxen. These trains were used to haul heavy freight across the plains.
A “bull train” brought 5,000 buffalo skins to Fort Worth. The author describes the scale of the buffalo hunting industry in the late 19th century.
The hunting party consisted of 32 men. The author describes a group of hunters who traveled to the buffalo range in Texas in 1876.
A single hunting party killed 63 wild turkeys. The author describes an incident where a hunting party took advantage of a flock of turkeys that landed in their camp.
The hunting party encountered a herd of buffaloes numbering 200. The author describes a hunting experience where the hunters were forced to flee from a stampede of buffaloes.
The hunting party witnessed over 100 Indians chasing the buffaloes. The author describes a dramatic scene where Indians on horseback stampede a buffalo herd.
A young Indian was trampled to death by buffaloes. The author describes the tragic death of a brave Indian hunter.
The hunting party killed seven buffaloes during one stand. The author describes an intense hunting experience where the hunters were forced to defend themselves from a stampede.
A hunting party killed three antelopes in one day. The author describes his success in hunting antelope in the Snowy Mountains of Montana.
A cowboy roped, threw, and tied a wild steer in 14 minutes. The author describes a cowboy’s remarkable skill in roping and tying a steer.
The Wyoming roundup had 135 men and 1,200 horses. The author describes the vast scale of the roundup, a critical part of the cattle industry on the Great Plains.

Terms:

Bull Train: A number of heavy wagons drawn by oxen used for hauling freight across the plains.
Chuck Outfit: A wagon carrying food and supplies for a group of cowboys during a roundup.
Croupier: The person who announces the numbers and combinations in a game of chance.
Klootchman: A Chinook word for a woman or squaw.
Maverick: A calf that has not been branded and is therefore legally considered unowned.
Riata: A lasso or rope used for catching and controlling cattle.
Siwash: A Chinook word for a Coast Indian.
Tenderfoot: A newcomer to the frontier, someone who is inexperienced and unfamiliar with the ways of the West.
Tyee: A Chinook word meaning “great” or “powerful.”
Wrangler: A cowboy who is responsible for tending to the horses and other livestock.

Examples:

The author describes an Indian funeral on the Chilukweyuk River. This provides a glimpse into the funerary traditions of the Flatheads.
Shields describes a grizzly bear attack on a hunting party in the Shoshone Mountains. This illustrates the dangers of hunting grizzly bears and their occasional unprovoked attacks.
The author recounts a story of a band of elk approaching his camp. This illustrates the curiosity and cautious behavior of elk, even in a remote wilderness.
Shields recounts a story of a coyote attacking a herd of antelope. This shows the antelope’s courage and protective instincts.
The author describes a wild ride through a buffalo herd. This details the intensity and danger of buffalo hunting on the Great Plains.
Shields details the story of a “bull train” arriving in Fort Worth. This scene highlights the economic importance of buffalo hunting and the impact it had on frontier towns.
The author describes an encounter with a group of Comanche Indians. This incident highlights the dangers of the frontier and the impact of conflict with indigenous groups.
The author describes a wild bronco-busting competition. This highlights the impressive skill and daring of cowboys as they tame and ride wild horses.
Shields describes a cowboy’s successful attempt to rope a wild steer. This exemplifies the skills and techniques used by cowboys in managing large herds of cattle.
The author provides a glimpse into life on a cattle ranch. This description highlights the challenges and the rewards of the cowboy life.

Conclusion:

“Cruisings in the Cascades” is a captivating account of adventure and exploration in the Pacific Northwest. Shields offers a unique window into the region’s natural beauty, the traditions of indigenous communities, the burgeoning logging industry, and the challenges of hunting large game. He emphasizes the importance of respecting nature and the skills of those who call the wilderness home, while also highlighting the dangers and uncertainties inherent in exploring the untamed frontiers. The book serves as a reminder of the crucial role that these natural landscapes played in shaping the history and culture of the American West.

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