We have sought to bring the entire state within the perspective of the reader, leaving him to secure additional facts through personal investigation.  Along this line, attention is called to the list of commercial organizations and local officials presented [Page 4] in the statistical portion of this report.  Nearly all the larger communities of the state maintain organizations, equipped to supply detailed facts relating to their particular locality.  Much valuable information may be obtained on application to these organizations or to local officials.

An expression of appreciation is due those who have assisted us by supplying information and collecting photographs for use in this publication.  Without such aid the completion of the pamphlet would have been materially delayed.

[Illustration:  Plate No. 1.—­Fruit Farm Adjoining Town of Asotin, Asotin County.]

[Illustration:  Plate No. 2—­Asotin County Views.]

[Page 5] general outline of the resources and industries of Washington.

The State of Washington as now constituted, was, prior to 1853, a portion of the Territory of Oregon.  During the year mentioned, a new territory was carved from the old Oregon boundaries, which the statesmen of that day evidently believed was marked by destiny for the achievement of great things, for they conferred upon it the name of Washington.

That our state, thus highly distinguished, has already demonstrated itself worthy of the exalted name, so happily bestowed upon it, the most carping critic must admit.  With a population now reaching up toward a million and a half, and with all the forces that make for industrial, commercial and agricultural supremacy in full swing, and gathering new momentum yearly, Washington is moving onward and upward toward a position among the very elect of our great sisterhood of states.

As briefly as the story may be told, the fundamental facts which underlie the marvelous advancement made by the state during recent years will be set forth in the pages of this pamphlet.

NATURAL DIVISIONS OF THE STATE.

By virtue of its varied topography, Washington is naturally divided into a number of districts or sections, each possessing its own particular characteristics.

Olympic Peninsula.

The first of these districts may be described as consisting of that section of the state including the Olympic mountains and extending westward from them to the Pacific ocean.  Within the limits of this Olympic peninsula, as it is ordinarily termed, there is standing one of the largest and most valuable tracts of virgin timber yet remaining in the United States.

[Page 6] Puget Sound Basin.