A FLOATING ISLAND.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 92, 17 April 1880, Page 4

A FLOATING ISLAND.

Among the many natural curiosities of this country it is not generally known that there is a "[floating ialaud." Up in the "Siakiyous," lying like a pearl in (be great mountain chain, is Squaiy Lake, a beautiful sheet of water

now utilised by a mining company as a reservoir. For many years the lake has been a favorite and delightful resort for fishing parties, and contained near!y)in its centre an island, comprising aboct an acre of ground, covered with luxuriant grass and a growth of willow I and alder. It was never dreamed that the pretty little island was not part of terra Jirma; but when the bulkhead across the outlet of the lake dammed up its waters the island rose slowly until it had been elevated fully sixteen feet above its original level. It would be a question for the naturalist rather than (he geologist to determine the age of this floating island, as it is evidently made up of decayed vegetation. Perhaps at some remote period the roots of a tree uptorn by a monntain s'orm and drifting out into the lake, formed the nucleus from which j the island has grown; but it seems singular that it should have remained anchored and unchangeable in its poaiposition. The looality is much frequented by pleasure seekers, who will hereafter notice the increased elevation*. Jacksonville (Oregon") Sentinel.