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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul ciichA, il est filmA A partir de I'angle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 -'♦„^5fc AND Western Ontario An Account of Lands, Timber and Mineral Resources along the LINES OF THE CANADIAN PaCIFI RAILWAY BETWEEN OtTAWA AND Lake Superior, and upon the North Shore of Lake Huron IN THE MATTAWAN VALLEY. It is well worth while to remember that the valley of the Ottawa contains large spaces of unoccupied good land, and a thousand advantages in the eyes of settlers who prefer an eastern location and forested surroundings to making their home upon the prairies of Manitoba or in the grazing districts still farther west. The first glance at this northern part of Ontario is, however, likely to be disappointing. The Canadian Pacific Railway, in passing westward from Mat- tawa(a station at the confluence of the Ottawa and Ma +itawan rivers, 160 miles above the city of Ottawa) through the townships of Papineau, Calvin and Bonfleld, runs for 25 miles quite near the Mattawan river, whose banks are very rocky and rough ; and if he should base his judgment of the quality of the land in the town- ships named, on the appearance of such parts as are visible from the train, he would carry away very erroneous opinions concerning its value. Papineau, on the south side of the angle formed by the junction of the two rivers, presents some good land, where, with ordinary industry, a large number of families could obtain an ample sub- sistence. The soil is for the most part clay, with clay loam and sandy loam. This township is well watered, creeks running in all directions ; and it is not stony, as might be conjectured from the position fronting the rivers. A very good road runs from Mattawa to the western boundary of this township, along which are located already a considerable number of families who appear to be doing well. At the terminus of this road will be found a large farm in a high state of cultivation, on which is situated the depot of a lumber-company. Mattawa township is north of the river, occupying the triangle between it and the Ottawa river. The soil is of the same kind as in Papineau, and the township is well watered by streams and many lakes abounditig in salmon-trout. Antoine creek runs through the township, emptying into the Ottawa three miles from the village. Mattawa station is a thriving village of about 1,000 inhabitants, which is destined to be the future county town. All supplies, imple- ii t! i> VALLEY OF THE MATT A WAN I II ments, etc., can easily be obtained there. A crown-lands agent is resident there, and will furnish all needed information, upon ap- plication, concerning the free-grant lands in his district. "West of Mattawa, on the northern side of the Mattawan river, are the new townships of Olrig and Phelps, and west of them the older one, Widdifield. They can be easily reached by the Canadian Pacific Railway, or by the Mattawan river, by both of which they are bounded on the south ; or by the Antoine river, which bounds them on the north. The land is of the best quality, and is heavily tiinbered — hardwood interspersed with pine. Moose and red deer are plentiful; salmon-trout and grey and black trout are in abund- ance. ''A most important section of this district," says a recent correspondent, "is from the western boundary of Mattawan along the Ottawa to Eddy's farm on Seven League lake. Its continuous belt of hardwood extends from the Ottawa river southerly and southwesterly to the shore of Lake Nipissing. It is not claimed that it is all the very best of land, but it is quite safe to say there are excellent farms for more than two thousa.ii settlers, vacant only for want of roads. " South of the Mattawan, east of Papineau at its mouth, are Calvin, Bonfield and Ferris in succession ; south of Ferris is Chisholm ; and the last three corner in Nasbonsing lake— a body of water about twelve miles long and two miles broad, and which abounds in the finest quality of fish. No finer land can be found in the district of Nipissing than that portion which surrounds the lake to a distance of several miles in the interior. A few farmers are located here and they are aoing well. The writer saw two fields of Indian corn growing on the shores of this lake equal in quality to any grown in eastern Ontario. The soil is generally a yellow loam with clay bottom. Calvin is thought well adapted for raising cattle, as there are numerous beaver meadows, some of them with hundreds of acres of the very best (quality of soil, rich black loam, where any quantity ot wild hay can be cut. Bonfield is well settled, and contains some splendid farms and timber-mills, but many lots in the rear are still open. The soil is very rich, and hence, when first sown, imparts to all kinds of grain a growth of straw so heavy as to fall by its owii weight. The second crop is generally regarded by the farmer as better than the first on this account. There are about 400 families settled in these two townships, and they generally express their entire satisfaction with the product of their farms. Clearing is comparatively easy, because the primitive forest has been destroyed by fire. Chisholm contains more open land, especially along the Wisa- wasa river, which rises twenty or thirty miles south of Lake Nasbonsing and falls into Lake Nipissing. Both Chisholm and Ferris have much gra;«ing land. Reduced-rate second-class tickets, both single and return, are issued to bona fide intending settlers from any station on 1l application must be made to the Colonization Agent of the Canadian P MAP OF THE 8AULT STE. MARIE BRANCH OF THE CANADIAN PAC m any station on the Canadian Pacific Railway east < t of the Canadian Pacific Railway, 523 St. Jannes Street 's Falls. In order to procure these reduced-rate tickets, treal. CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY AND THE ADJACENT COUNTRY. i THE NJPIbSING DISTRICT This whole territory is most favorably situated for settlement on account of the fact that the Northern railway bounds it on the west and the (Canadian Pacific on the north. There is already a ready market for all agricultural products in the many lumber concerns, as also plenty of employment in winter for men and teams. Schools are established wherever there are sufficient settlers within reachable distance, and the religious bodies are represented by lioman Catholic, Church of England, Presbytekian and Metho- dist missionaries. AROUND LAKE NIPISSING. 1 i.e village of North Bay, on Lake Nipissing, is an important railway centre, and a flourishing town of more than 1,000 popula- tion. Northward of this point a new region is opening for settle- ment on the borders of Lake Temiscaming, and in the valley of the Hianche river, which has recently been surveyed. It is asserted by persons competent to judge correctly that there is a great amount of land adjacent to Lake Temiscaming and in the valleys of its tributaries which is fit for cultivation. Some of this land has been under cultivation for years, and satisfactory results have l>oen obtained therefrom. •' The entire territory," says the Nipis- HJng Times, "is rich in pine forests, the reduction of which to marketable forms will give employment to thousands of idle hands for many years to come. . . The geological formation which con- tains the most valuable minerals found on this continent occurs in a large part of this territory, and doubtless will ere long yield its treasures to the diligent and skilled explorer. The great value of this territory is indicated by the vigorous efforts which are now being made to improve the navigation of the upper Ottawa by laying down connecting lines of steamers and railways between Mattawa and the Quinzo rapids. It is moreover indicated by the formation of a com- pany in ()ntario to construct a railway between North Bay and •James's bay by way of Temiscaming, for which a charter has been granted.'* The climate is said to be like that of the Ottawa valley, with the advantage of being tempered by a lake, navigable for 75 miles, and by a river navigable for 25 miles. THE WAHNAPITAE REGION. One of the districts open for settlement which hunters for free liotnesteadH would do well to explore is that of Walniapitae, which cimipriseH the country adjacent to the Wahnapitaeping river and lake, about forty miles west of Lake Nipissing and not far from tiio north shore of Georgian bay. The Canadian Pacific Railway runs through this region and a station, named from the river, Wahnapitae, is situated on the line near its crossing of the stream. The country along the railway is broken and rocky, but sonic splendid tracts of land, free from rooks or rolling stones, and with WAHNAPITAE AND SL rich soil, are to be found a few miles eith( of the track. Most of the good land in tl the town is taken up, but there is still un( of two miles what would make about fiftee hundred acres each. By going beyond the town, however, am the river to the north or south, any amou be obtained, timbered with pine of fine size, birch and other hardwood. Around about sixteen miles north of the town, th sloping up from the shores, interspersed w ing localities for homesteads, to which exc add a further attraction. The town of Wahnapitae itself is an a work may be easily obtained by settlers w to devote themselves entirely to their farn erected which will give employment to a dents of the place are anxious to increase glad to furnish every assistance to settlers in the local postmaster, who was the pione find a willing guide, whose experience and the surrounding country enable him tc information. SUDBURY'S ADVANT Sudbury, at the eastern terminus of the the centre of the township of McKim. advancing, through the bri3k business c employees, lumbermen and settlers adjac substantial improvements are completed. The mineral wealth of the vicinity is nc to justify very positive statements ; but e discovered to encourage further examiui hopes. Copper, nickel, silver, gold, tin, have been found in the ores already pre other economic minerals will be brought t( asbestos occur in some places, and mica is useful deposits. A branch railway conn Big Beaver copperlode at the point know where two Ingersoll drills are worked by co crosscuts through the hill. A second brar Copper Cliff property, four miles southwe All the ore thus far shipped has be latter mine ; and its assay office and oth( class style. Everything has been done bj Company in a substantial manner, which fidence they have in the permanence of the The Ontario Prospecting Company ha> y PITAE AND SUDBURY i a few miles either to the north or south he good land in the immediate vicinity of it there is still unoccupied within a range I make about fifteen farms of fifty to three iown, however, and following the course of r south, any amount of splendid land can vith pine of fine quality, maple of large rdwood. A-round the lake, too, which lies th of the town, the rolling meadow-lands •es, interspersed with timber, offer charm - leads, to which excellent sporting facilities • tae itself is an active little place, where lined by settlers who are not in a position tirely to their farms. A saw-mill is being employment to a great many. The resi- ,nxious to increase their number and are distance to settlers in taking up land ; and who was the pioneer settler, strangers will jse experience and extensive knowledge of ry enable him to supply all necessary JRY'S ADVANTAGES. rn terminus of the Algoma line, stands in ship of McKim. The village is rapidly 3 briik business carried on with railway and settlers adjacent ; and already many its are completed. f the vicinity is not sufficiently developed statements ; but enough has already been e further examination and lead to high silver, gold, tin, and probably bismuth, ) ores already prospected, and doubtless J will be brought to light. Soapstone and places, and mica is frequently met with in nch railway connects tiie town with the at the point known as the Stobie mine, Is are worked by compressed air in making 11. A second branch runs one mile to the our miles southwest. : shipped has been extracted from the say office and other buildings are in firat- ; has been done by the Canadian Copper lal manner, which shows the implicit con- permanence of the minc^'. ing Company have done a good deal o{ SUDBURY AND VICINITY work at points southwest of the Copper Cliff, showing that the lode is continuous. A second lode extends south of Sudbury, in which the ore is in a brighter quartz. The two lodes seem to con- verge on the property of the Ontario Prospecting Company. Fine timber still exists in large belts on the headwaters of the streams flowing southward, and probably also upon the head- waters of the Moose. The burnt lands lying south of the green belt will yield a supply oi pulp-wood and afterward be valuable for grazing. The area of arable land in the vicinity of Sudbury is sufficient to support a rural population numbering several thousands, and much of the rocky portion will be suitable for grazing purposes when cleared. , The slope of the country inclines gently southward, is easily drained, and the soil consists of clay or sandy loam, with frequent bluffs of rock, and many small lakes and rapid streams connecting the lakes. The growth of timothy and red clover along the waggon-roads, and upon the railway embankments, is absolutely marvellous, and therein competent judges see good opportunities for stock-raising. The "tote" road made to bring supplies to the contractors ahead of track-laying has been sown by the droppings of horses, etc., with both grain and grass, so that without a break from Sudbury to Port Arthur there is an annual crop of grains, red and white clover and timothy, proving that apart from mineral and timber resources, the Lake Superior country will be a wonderful pasture country, equal, if not superior, to the best portions of the Eastern Townships of Quebec. There are also innumerable beaver meadows, which will furnish an abundance of hay for wintering stock, accompanied, even in the roughest part of the country, by considerable stretches of good level land, free from stone, for the home farm. With the railway at the door, the lumbering camps, mines, etc., for markets and free land, stock-raising ought to pay as well in the Lake Superior country as in any portion of America. By securing a bit of land near a divisional point on the C.P.R., tak- ing a contract for cord wood, ties, telegraph posts, etc., from the Railway Company, burning off the land from which the wood is taken, seeding thickly (without logging or regular clearing), and then putting on stock as soon as the grass takes, success will arrive in stock-raising and a valuable property will be secured. About $3,000 of capital would be required to do this ari\L,'ht. Near Chelmsford, which is the first station wes'j of Sudbury, there are three townships named Rayside, Bali'our and Dowling, lying east and wost in a deadfall valley, into which there have already emigrated a large number of families. Tlicso lands are sold at fifty cents an acre, one-half cash and balance in two years, with interest, subject to conditions of settlement, namely : clearing 10 NORTH SnOIiE OF LAKE HURON SOURCES OF INFORM and prepftrinj^ for cultivation and crop, ten acres for every 100 acrcH ; building a liabitable house at least 16x20 feet, and actual roHldence on tlie land purchased for four years from the date of purchase. The soil is an excellent quality of heavy marly clay. Thomas Frood, at Budbury, is the government agent in charge ')f all those lands. NORTH SHORE OF LAKE HURON-ALGOMA. The northern shore of Lake Huron, usually spoken of as Algoma, llio g(j()grapliy of which is given in the accompanying accurate map, is a part of Oanada little known, as yet, to the general public. IMmh is due principally to the fact that it has hitherto been inac- (;(!SHihlc, except by the infrequent steamers which cruise along the northern shore and among the islands of Georgian bay, and which art! able to run hardly more than half the year.* Now this is to be changed. The Canadian Pacific Hallway has liiHhcd its new line along that coast, to meet at the Sault Ste. Marie railways coming eastward across the northern peninsula of Michigan. When the bridge at the Sault has been built, and these railways have met, there will then be a through line between Montreal and Minneapolis, which will form th most direct route from the wheat fields, and lumbering or mining districts, of the upper Mississippi and northern Michigan to the Atlantic (;oa8t. The completion of the road to the Sault is expected to take l)lace before the close of the present year. A few months later the })ridge will have been built, and connection established with the American through -roads, as mentioned above. 'J'liis road will furnish a thoroughfare to the Algoma coast, ^'iving settlers an inlet for themselves, their goods, machinery and live stock, and an outlet for business or pleasure trips to the older parts of the Dominion, at all seasons, and a regular means of carrying their produce to the best market. It diverges from the main transcontinental line of the Canadian Pacific at Sudbury 'Function, — a station 443 miles west of Montreal. Trending south- westward it passes to the valley of Spanish river at Nelsonville, and descends that pretty stream to its mouth, where there is a port called Spanish River, 50 miles from Sudbury. It then skirts a picturesque coast past Algoma Mills, Blind River, Kirkwood, Thessalon and Bruce Mines, where it reaches the entrance of St. Mary's river behind St. Joseph's island. Here the line bends northward and makes its way to Garden River, and thence, by a long curve, to the Sault Ste. Marie. * The fine s'de-wheel stefticer " FranovB Smith," Captain T. Robinpon, it akes n weekly trip during the season of navigation ftrom Owen Sonnd through the North Channel of Lake Huron stopping at all landings on the Algoma shore and Grand Manitoulin island, both goins and returning. From June to Novem- ber she proceeds as far as Mackinac Irland and 8t. Iguace. Mich., giving an oxcursion of great pleasure to tourists, as well as of convenience to tne people of that co^st-region. n This region has been accurately jurveye ships, and its characteristics are well kno^ fine land, timber tracts and mineral belti persons who desire to change their hoi locality, and yet wish to stay in a bush coi The editors have therefore been at tin Crown land-agents and other gentlemen parts of this district, b*'ief accounts of i resources of the country referred to. Thet known men as Thomas Frood of Sudbury, salon, John F. Day of Bruce Mines, an( Sault Ste. Marie ; and from their trustv compiled the remainder of this article. SNIDER AND NEIGHBO Snider township, lying just west of Sudb . in the market, but soon will be. It con centre and south, a fair proportion of goc some very pretty lakelets. Whitewater northern boundary, with large islands and fine sheet of water, on which are several loc£ Creighton and Fairbank townships possess acter and soil, with several large lakes an< winding through the northern part of Fai: of Creighton ; some fine cascades are to be and Graham townships, on the railway, are Whitefish Indian Reserve, and are unoccup both townships is rather rough and hilly, ' and good fishing in the Whitefish lakes an The railway branch crosses the Vermilli chute, or broken cascade, having a fall of a1 ing a fine water power. Just south lies an about one mile and a half long, the other e miles to receive the Sudbury river (former fish branch of the Vermillion). The unit( the southwestern corner of the lakes at an< cession of picturesque lakes and cascades 1< Lome and No. 98 to the point where it uni on the eastern boundary of Merritt. A co land may be found along the southern ban ON SPANISH RIVE Following the line of rail westward fror the southern half of Dennison, which is c prising araas of fine clay loam, beaver n marsh, as well as some copper-bearing roc sion. The northwest corner contains sc touches Gordon lake on the upper Verm; 12 ?6' OF INFORMATION THE VALLEY OF SPANISH RIVER iccurately surveyed and plotted into town- stics are well known. Large districts of and mineral belts invite the attention of change their homes to a more western stay in a bush country. •efore been at the pains to obtain from other gentlemen familiar with certain **ief accounts of the nature and present ■referred to. These writers are such well- ^'rood of Sudbary, "W. F. Nichols of Thes- Bruce Mines, and Charles P. Brown of Tom their trustworthy letters we have of this article. AND NEIGHBORHOOD. I just west of Sudbury Junction, is not yet 1 will be. It contains, especially in the proportion of good land, and embosoms its. Whitewater lake crosses its whole 1 large islands and promontories, and is a lich are several locations. West of Snider, townships possess the same general char- ral large lakes and the Vermillion river •thern part of Fairbank and western edge cascades are to be seen upon it. Waters on the railway, are chiefly included in the ^e, and are unoccupied. The remainder of ' rough and hilly, with a few fine valleys, i^^hitefish lakes and Vermillion river, osses the Vermillion near the centre of a , having a fall of about 12 feet, and afford- Just south lies an L-shaped lake, one arm f long, the other extending eastward four )ury river (formerly known as the White- illion). The united streams flow out of of the lakes at another, chute, and a sue- des and cascades leads us through Louise, point where it unites with Spanish river, of Merritt. A considerable area of good the southern bank of this river. SPANISH RIVER. ail westward from Vermillion, we cross nison, which is chiefly burnt land com- y loam, beaver meadows and cranberry jpper-bearing rocks on the fifth conces- )rner contains some green timber, and • the upper Vermillion. Altogether, the n Vermillion basin comprises a good deal of arable land, water power, fine scenery, and prospective mineral value. Drury, lying west of Dennison, is drained by the Spanish river, and Fournier's creek; the latter crossing it from northwest to southwest. It is nearly all green timber, being second growth of merchantable size ; and the soil is sandy or a clay loam. The bluffs of rock are frequent but not continuous, and the area of arable land is greater than the average. The cost of clearing the j'eavy growth of wood will be the most serious consideration to the settler. A few good lots in Lome and Nairn adjoin Drury ; and then a lofty ridge of rock separates this last klistrict from the arable tract on the Vermillion to the south of it. Nairn, Bald- win and Merritt are chiefly a plain of sandy soil or clay littts, about half its area covered with disconnected mounds or bluffs of a slaty or quartzoze formation, said by some to carry nickel ; but no attempts at mining have yet been made. FROM MAY TO SHEDDEN. On the south side of Spanish river a chain of marshes and meadows extends from the east of Merritt to the west of May, at some distance from the river. Some of them are admirably adap- ted for grazing purposes, and all the rocks contain soil enough to furnish sheep pastures. The average of May, Hallam and Merritt, in arable soil, is 45 per cent, and the amount of green forest about 30 per cent. The country between Sudbury and Salter, not yet offered for sale, might cupport a considerable agricultural popula- tion, and the mines likely to be develope*^, as well as the demands of the lumbermen, will furnish a good home market ; while the railway and Spanish river afford ample means of export for any surplus. Salter, Victoria and Shedden, on the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, going westward from Sable river, all front on Spanish river. The township of Salter is partly prairie land with a soil of clay or sandy loam. The southern third of the township along its broken front is nearly all located, chiefly by French Canadians, who came up in the employment of the lumber firms. Some of them have been located 15 years, and several fine farms, yielding excellent crops, are to be seen along the river. A store and hotel already exist, and there is a post Dffice at the steamer-landing called Spanish River, on an island five miles southwest of the real mouth of that stream. Victoria is nearly half located, chiefly by English-speaking farmers from Manitoulin. Nine miles of road have been con- structed by voluntary labor, and the settlement boasts of a thrash- ing mill, a hay press and a successful school. The lumber company have a farm of nearly 400 acres, cultivated by an intelli- gent English farmer. Several Indians on tho reservation south of Victoria have good houses, and are showing signs of appreciating 13 LUMBERING ENTERPRISES VALLEY OF THE ML civilization in a practical way by good farming in summer and cutting sawlogs in winter instead of following the customary hunting programme. Mr. Thomas Frood, of Sudbury, is agent for Shedden, Vict:oria and Baiter. These lands are sold at twenty cents an acre, cash, subject to the following conditions of settlement, viz : Clearing and having under cultivation and crop ten acres for every hundred acres, building a habitable house at least 16x20 feet, and actual rcsidciice on the land purchased for three years from the date of purchase. LUMBERING INTERESTS AT SHEDDEN. The railway connects with navigation at Shedden station. Span- ish River mills are on the east end of Aird island, and form quite a village, with school, religious service, store, boarding houses, dock, etc., grouped round a mill capable of cutting 100,000 feet a day. It is the exclusive property of the Albany Lumber Company, and is managed on strictly temperance principles so far as their authority gc s. The same remark applies, I think, to all the lum- bermen on the Georgian bay; no man will sell liquor to his own employees for the sake of the profit on it — preferring to make his money by the increased efficiency and reliability of sober workmen. At Moose Point, Buswell & Co. are establishing another mill and depot, about two miles southwest of Shedden station. In Spragge, on the estuary of Serpent river, Cook'Bros. have another mill and depot, eight miles from Algoma Mills. There, too, the manage- ment are trying to imprcve the moral condition of the lumbermen. NEAR ALGOMA MILLS. Lewis, Spragge and Long are not yet for sale, and do not offer much land for settlement. But every successive visit reveals to the traveller new valleys of fertility a d beauty and advantages which will in time secure enterprising settlers. The whole region from Mattawa to Superior will be a good grazing country, and in addition to the known value of pine in the rear, the pulp-wood, mine T Is and other sources of wealth not yet developed, may render this ' itrict fairly prosperous. The lack of capital in the hands of settlers is the great barrier to rapid progress^ which awaits this district when some men of means and energy shall direct their attention to its resources. Algoma Mills is beautifully ' >uated on a sandy plain between the Manitou channel and Lake Lauzon, witha mill stream running through it, and a lovely group of islands in front. The land, how- ever, is very stony from Cook's Mills to Mississauga, and the agricultural prospects are rather poor. The boulder-drift scatter- ed over these eighteen miles of coast is really prodigious, tnany of the boulders baing up to 10 tons or more in weight, and including some carloads of pudding stone brightly variegated and compact. Striker township, extending from Algoma Mills to Blind river, 14 is qjlosely wooded with hardwood and ] township is considered the best land front with large clay flats in rear, and i as Indian reserve. The mills and stort settlers on the Mississauga and afford s the coast. A Hudson's Bay Co. 's post do the business of the Indian reserve, help to improve the Indians, who are c and fishing. THE MISSISSAUGA Thompson, Bright, Gladstone, Wei pretty well occupied along the river t have proven the country to be profitabL by their snug farms and comfortable h Algoma. A government road and iro Gladstone have done a good deal to pioneers in the struggle inevitable to ne church, stores and a fair settlement ; a Ion form a very prosperous commui stores (including doctor and drug store the mouth of Thessalon river. The s( heavy clay, while Kirkwood has a warn well settled. The government lands here are sold settlers' claims of partially improved 1 chased, at from f 2.00 to 120.00 per aci have been very good, as heretofore ther cient demand at home for all produce men purchase from the settlers all the ] .they need. The quality of beef and nc lent ; mutton, especially, being of a fin more southern latitudes in the province The mineral resources of this part o been developed, but in the township of working. Kirkwood yields a first-class ore has been found in the neighborhc great variety along this coast, the lofl parts, while in others birch and mapl mens of black birch and bird's eye ma facturer, are found in abundance. In i of hardwoods, spruce, balsam, cedar ai that a furniture factory would find goc This part of the country is pretty \ ment roads, and as settlement advanc these roads into the new townships. 1 the winters but little colder than in otl last two winter seasons have been delig 15 ST OF THE MISSISSA UGA ALONG THE ALGOMA C0AS7 h hardwood and hemlock. The rear of the •ed the best land. Cobden is also stony in flats in rear, and a large portion of it is held 'he mills and store at Blind Kiver supply the isauga and afford another centre of energy on a's Bay Co. 's post and an independent trader he Indian reserve, and two mission schools ndians, who are chiefly employed in hunting MISSISSAUGA VALLEY. , Gladstone, Wells and Parkinson are all along the river by industrious settlers who try to be profitable for agriculture, and show md comfortable houses what can be done in aent road and iron bridge over the river in 3 a good deal to assist and encourage the ?le inevitable to new settlers. Day has mills, fair settlement ; and Kirkwood and Thessa- •osperous community, having docks, mills, bor and drug store), school, churches, etc., at Ion river. The soil of Thessalon is chiefly •kwood has a warm sandy loam, and both are mds here are sold at 20 cents per acre, but rtially improved lots can frequently be pur- ) to $20.00 per acre. The prices of produce as heretofore there has been more than suffi- ne for all produce raised, since the lumber- he settlers all the hay and coarser grains that lity of beef and mutton raised here is excel - ally, being of a finer kind than that raised in des in the province. rces of this part of the district have not yet n the township of Wells gold will pay well for yields a first-class quality of slate, and silver in the neighborhood. In lumber there is a ihis coast, the lofty pine abounding in some rs birch and maple predominate ; fine speci- and bird's eye maple, suit.-, le for the manu- 1 abundance. In many parts a mixed timber 3, balsam, cedar and other woods, occurs, so 3ry would find good material here, jountry is pretty well supplied with govern - settlement advances the government pushes lew townships. The climate is healthy, and colder than in other parts of Ontario. The ns have been delightful. 15 COAST TOWNSHIPS. To continue the account westward, a large portion of Lefroy is white clay loam, easily cleared, and yielding a good return to the husbandman. The stranger who attempts to judge the value of the soil by his previous experience in Quebec or southern Ontario will find much to learn, and unlearn, in northern Ontario. The char acter and quality of burnt land needs to be tested by local experi- ence, and second growth timber differs so widely from the original forest that it must be studied. For example, you sometimes find red pine on good clay, and tamarac on the top of hills ; spruce and cedar on the mountain side, and balsam, poplar, and white birch on nearly every kind of soil. Bruce Mines is the outlet of a good farming country, and the people seem contented and prosperous. The good land extends back indefinitely and a large community will yet occupy the dis- trict and develop its resources. The summers are not so scorching' in their heat as in Ontario, and the growth of grain and vegetables is very rapid. The seeding of grain begins sometimes as early as the last week of April. (Navigation opens about May 1st, and closes about Nov. 20th). The average yield of oats is from 30 to 35 bushels per acre, while wheat and barley run from 25 tc 30, and peas from 20 to 25 ; both turnips and potatoes yield in ixcess of Ontario figures. Clay loam, sandy in some places, is tiiQ pre- dominating soil, but it varies in different localities, while each town- ship is well supplied with the best of water. A great extent of partial prairie exists between Bruce Mines and the Sault which will furnish grazing and arable land with little cost, and of good quality. Morin and MacMahon townships will give a percentage of 60 or 85 of farming lands, and should be put into the market for sale. A grant has been made by the Ontario Legislature to extend the roads into them. In Galbraith about 4,000 acres have been taken up and not yet paid for ; while in Johnson, one-half that has been settled on has not yet been purchased, and a similar state exists in Coffin and Tarbutt, but good lands are yet to be obtained in each of the townships controlled by the Bruce Mines agency, at 20 cents per acre. Lefroy, however, is all taken up. SAULT STE. MARIE. In regard to the lands for sale by the Sault Ste. Marie agency the following detailed information is furnished by Mr. C. P. Brown, the agent of Crown lands at that point : Korah. — All disposed of except a few lots in section No. 10. The last two tiers of sections are mainly rocky and miserable. Many veins of iron and (it is said) of silvcrlead have been found ; but I believe not in paying quantities. No pine exists in quantity. 16 A r SA VI.T STE. MARlJi V Pi'ilice. — The southerly and part of the next tier of sections I is good land, having well cleared farms. The rest of the town- ship is more or less rocky, with a nice sandy loam soil between the ridges. Small deposits of silver-lead and of iron have been found. The pine is used up. Tarentonis. — Same as Korah as to its northerly sections. Iron and silver- lead are present. Aweres. — The portions located as free grants in the northeastern corner of the township are the best for farming purposes. The ] more southerly part is very mountainous and silver of excellent f quality has been found. A chain of lakes runs through the township, which abound in trout, caught by the settlers in Tarentorus in winter by means of holes cut in the ice. A good deal of valuable pine yet remains. Vankoughnet. — That portion southward of the Goulais river, and adjoining the free-grant tract in Aweres, is represented as excel- lent land. Valuable mineral is said to exist in this township. The lakes and rivers are teeming with fish. Jai-visj Deroche, Etc. — Those portions bordering Vankoughnet and the northeast side of Aweres, are said to be good. The valley of the Goulais river in Hodgins is spoken of as good land, but Anderson, Whitmany Chesley, and other townships in that locality, are better fitted for mining than for farming purposes. Explorers say that they are pretty well timbered with pine. GENERAL FACTS. " I think," remarks Mr. J. F. Day, " considering that so little was known of this district ten years ago, the evidence of comfort and extensive settlement to be found on all sides, amounts to unmistakeable proof of its giving a good return for any labor or money expended on it, and that the colonization roads made in this district have iiot been in vain. It will not be too much to assume that all lands available, for farming purposes that are yet unsold will be disposed of early after the completion of the Canadian Pacific branch -rail way." The lakes and streams of all this Algoma district abound with good fish — pike, pickerel, bass, trout and perch being the principal varieties. The game consists of moose, caribou, red deer, bear, fox, beaver, otter, fisher, marten, mink, muskrat, etc. ; the wolf is very rarely met with, but the lynx rather oftener. Partridges and rab- bits are numerous. The moose and the bear are the monarchs of the solitude, and afford rare sport to the enterprising hunter. The facilities for reaching the district, the low price of lands, the abundance of fuel, and the large amount of lumbering and other works going on in different parts of the district, render it a very desirable place for men of small means, who have families to provide for, to settle in. 17 y^ t Iron ^m « DESCRIPTION ^ Of ai/d^ - !oF - ^Ellkmenl IN^LGOMA AND ESTERN= ONTARIO -^T>,.- Issued by the Canadian Pacific Railway Co. Montreal, 1887. IH