James G. Swan; Author Botanist, Indian Agent - WA Territory 1850s

Here are the two published works of James Swan who has one of the first and most detailed accounts of life in the Coastal Northwest. Highly recomended for anyone interested in the history, culture, or ecology of the region. He picks up and elaborates on some interesting details including process. Ever wonder how bracken was prepared? How whale oil was stored? Details details.


The Northwest Coast; or three years residence in Washington Territory (1857)

http://www.sos.wa.gov/legacy/images/publications/SL_swannorthwest/SL_swannorthwest.pdf#page=3

The Indians of Cape Flattery at the entrance of the straight of Fuca, Washington Territory (1868)

http://www.sos.wa.gov/legacy/images/publications/SL_swanindians/SL_swanindians.pdf

These books make spectacular companions on these long long winter nights.

WARNING:

For those familiar with the area these books may induce a simultaneous sense of wonder and the inescapable urge to smash your head repeatedly on the nearest largest hardest bluntest object.

This is NOT distant history, and it will be AGES before this world sees even one 3000 year old ceder stand, if ever.