IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) I 1.0 I.I 1.25 ^ m \m ^ m |||i|22 12.0 If m !4 1.6 o- Photographic Sciences Corporation m \ '^N-^ \\ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 873-4503 ^^ .^. ^rAy <> ^4^^' ^^ ^<^^ rihl. m PRELIMINARY- MAP -. < OF > — — Compiled and drawi by Tho^ H Parr CE from reliAhle sources oi information including latest Maps aivd ^ui've^^s. — 1B91 — AcaUo} Stj^U.Mll«». note . T,-a,la .K.wn - RaiUoad* --— 136 V 126 124 12S 1C£ 1^1 r 6 ,X I ..>t INTRODUCTION. .id British Columbia, the most western Province of the Dominion of Canada, is conseciuently the most remote from he Atlantic seaboard and European trade. But in order V appreciate its value and future possibilities, it must je ^arded not in its relation to the Atlantic, the present highway of the world's commerce, but from its position upon the Pacific, which there are increasing indications to show will become a highway of at least equal importance in the near future. There can be but little doubt that the tide of internatioiuil trade is setting strongly towards the west, and tli«t not many years hence will be seen a devel- opment of commercial activity on the shores of the Pacific Ocean of as great proportions as the Atlantic has ever witnessed. . Within the space of a short lifetime the first steamboat discharged her freight on the shores of the British Pacific. Then California was unknown, save as a remote Spanish settlement which had been recently added to the American Territories ; and British Columbia was part of a vast wilderness over which a fur trading company held nominal sway, ruling a scattered Indian population by means of a andful of agents in stockaded forts. Now, the freight ;arried by Pacific coast vessels exceeds 13,000,000 tons annually ; California has become the promised land of the American people ; the wild territories of Washington and Oregon are wealthy and populous States ; and British Columbia is assuming the same maritime position as that occupied by Great Britain and the western countries of Europe, when trade first passed beyond the bounds of the Mediterranean Sea. Whether she will maintain that position remains to be seen. It will depend mainly upon 100580 4 Geographical Sicetcu the energy and enterprise of Canada, and her ability to compete with so energetic and enterprising a nation as her neighbour the United States. But the fact that already, with a population of only five millions, she has become the fifth maritime power of the world; that she has the shortest route to the Orient over rail and sea by 800 miles ; that she hat harbours of unequalled excellence on both seaboards, and that she has the power, prestige, and commercial status of the British Nation at her back, augurs fair for a contin- uance of those traditions which have in the past accom- panied the Empire of which she now forms no inconsider- able a part. It is, then, its position upon the shores of the Pacific which gives to British Columbia its primary geographical importance, and which justifies it in its claim to be consid- ered the Great Britain of that ocean. Lying between the same parallels of latitude, enjoying a climate which has been modified by the Japan current in precisely the same way as the climate of the Mother Country has been rendered temperate by the gulf stream, abounding in the . same economic minerals, inhabited V^y the same people and ■' governed by the same laws, the claim can-hardly be con- sidered unjustified. It requires time only to show whether the influences of the hotter and more enervating climate of the south will in a few generations so far affect the races inhabitating California as to leave the inhabitants of this Province and the more northern States adjacent chief representatives of the stock from whence both sprung; and it is greatly to be regretted that a country which l)ids fair to play so prominent a part in the future history of the British Nation should have received so scant and tardy recognition at the hands of its legitimate possessors, while the more far-seeing owners of the neigh)x)uring territory are straining every nerve m develop their own heritage. CH OP British Columbia. , and her ability to ising a nation as her le fact that already, , she has become the it she has the shortest by 800 miles; that ce on both seaboards, nd commercial status ^urs fair for a contin- e in the past accom- forms no inconsider- :hf)res of the Pacific primary geographical ts claim to be consid- Lying between the a climate which has in precisely the same T Country has been 2am, abounding in the y the same people and im can -hardly be con- only to show whether : enervating climate of () far aflect the races le iidiabitants of this States adjacent chief jnce both sprung; and luntry which l)ids fair future history of the (d so scant and tardy imate possessors, while neighbouring territory their own heritage. PHYSICAL FEATURES. The Province of British Columbia may be described as a great quadrangle of territory, seven hundred miles long by four hundred miles wide, lying north of latitude 49° and west of the central core of the Rocky Mountains, extending along the Pacific Coast as far as latitude 55°, and including the islands adjacent. North of that degree of latitude it continues inland to latitude 60°, but is shut off from the coast by a narrow strip of Alaskin Territory, and is bounded on the east by longitude 120°. A considerable part of this northern portion, though of some present value on account of its gold mines and fur-bearing animals, is unsuitable for general S3ttlen>ent and is very sparsely inhabited. The southern half of the f'rovince, it will be seen, lies between tolerably well defined boundaries, and may be treated independently of the nortli(Mn portion. It forms a large and regular rhomboid, of elevated land, which is supported on each side by ranges of mruntains. Of these the eastern and western may be said to be double, and consist respectively of the Rockies and Selkirks* on the east, and of the Coast and Island Ranges on the west. These mountain ranges exei'cise so important an influ- ence upon the country that thoy require especial consider- ation. The north and south boundaries are merely transverse spurs and elevations orographically connected with the same ranges. * Note. — The 8elkirks nre, properly s||)Baking, only a auborilinate portion of the more western of the two ranges, hut since no term has been generally accepted for tlie entire range, and since the Canadian Pacific Railway has especially familiarized travellers vith this name, it has been thought gootl to ap])ly it to the whole i\inge of which it thus constitutes the best known part. Geographical Sketch '■ I 'I I \ The Rocky Mountains. The easternmost range of the four above enumerated is that of the Rocky Mountains. It is the northern extremity of the great range which forms so well-known a teature of the North American Continent. Entering the Province at the 49th parallel of latitude, it constitutes the eastern boundary to latitude 54°, and continues to between 56° and 57°, where it loses its distinctive rampart-like character, and dies down into lower hills. It has been shown to consist of the upturned edges of the strata that underlie the great north-west plain, and its massive walls are formed chiefly of L'evonian and carboniferous lime- stones. Their average heignt may be stated at about 8,000 feet. " Near the 49th parallel several summits occur with elevations exceeding 10,000 feet, but north- wards few attain this elevation till the vicinity of the Bow River and Kicking Horse is reached. The range appears to culminate about the head-waters of the Saskatchewan, Mount Murchison being fcredited with an altitude of 13,500 feet." {Daivson, Geol. Sur., 1887.) There are twelve principal passes, at elevations ranging from 7,100 leet — the South Kootenay — to 2,000 feet- — the Peace River Valley. The value of this great fence to the Province climatically, cannot be over-estimated. Rising between the wide plains of the north-west interior and the compar- atively narrow area of the Pacific Slope, it serves alike to protect British Columbia effectually from the dry, cold north-east winds, and to deflect the mild and moisture- laden breezes of the ocean in their passage from the west. In addition to the above considerations, these mountains contain a grea potential wealth of valuable minerals, extensive seams of coal having been found to outcrop in certain localities on their western flank, and frequent indi- cations being shown of deposits of iron and other useful metals along their course. enumerated is the northern !0 well-known a Entering the i constitutes the rxues to between ve rampart-like s. It has been the strata that s massive walls boniferous lime- itated at about several summits feet, but north- inity of the Bow 3 range appears 3 Saskatchewan, an altitude of 17.) There are vging from 7,100 OP British Columbia. The SelMrks. Parallel to the Rocky Mountains proper, and frequently included under one name with them, though of distinct formation, run the Selkiiks. This range, which has been shown by geologists to represent an earlier upheaval, and to exhibit an entirely different series of rocks, is so broken 1"and complex as to have received several names in different parts of its course, as though composed of distinctly separ- ate mountain systems. Such, however, is not the case. A relation has been demonstrated to exist between all these subordinate mountain groups, and the reason of their less regular arrangement than the Rockies has been referred to the crystalline structure of their component rock?, which ave upturned with more eccentric fractures than the stratified materials of the neighbouring range. Entering from the south in a three-fold system divided ly important valleys, they are called respectively the Pur- ell, the Selkirk, and the Gold Mountains. To the north if the great bend of the Columbia River, these give place ;o the term Cariboo Mountains. At about latitude 54° ; the Peace River j hey die out, or are merged in the cross ranges which form o the Province Rising between md the compar- , serves alike to n the dry, cold d and moisture- ;e from the west, these mountains kluable minerals, nd to outcrop in nd frequent indi- and other useful he northern boundary of the interior plateau, and from vhence spring the head-waters of the Peace River. The economic value of the Selkii'k Range lies in the very ■aluable deposits of precious and base metals which have )een discovered throughout the course of its upheaval, and urther reference to which will be nuiHe in speaking of the ocalities where they are so far known to occur. Tn average altitude these mountains are not greatly iferior to the Rockies, their loftier members rising from ,000 feet to 9,000 feet above the sea. Their contours are, iuerally speaking, more rounded and less precipitous than he latter, though in many places they are strikingly )inted with steep and continuous grades, down which low-slides sweep with resistless force. Their sides, up to 8 Geographical Sketch several thousand feet, are clothed in dense forests, afford- ing an unlimited supply of good timber. The average width of tlie Rocky Mountain Range is about sixty miles, diminishing to the north ', that of the Selkirks is about eighty miles. There is a valley of most remarkable length and regu- larity, extending from the southern boundary line along the western base of the Rocky Mountains as far as the northern limits of the Selkirks, a distance of over 700 miles, and dividing the two ranges. Interior Plateau. To the west of these great ranges British Columbia extends in a wide plateau of table land, which has been originally elevated some 3,500 feet above sea-level. This plateau has been, however, so deeply intersected and eroded by lake and river systems that, in many places, it presents an aspect hardly differing from that of mountain regions. At others, however, it opens out into wide plains and rolling ground, with comparitively low eminences, affording fine areas of agricultural and grazing land. Th»> i entire district has been subject to vast overflows of lava, of the disintegrated remains of which the present soil is mainly composed. There is a general but very gradual slope of the land from the mountainous country on the southern boundary of the Province to the north, where, as has been previously stated, it is hedged in by cross range- attaining an elevation of from 6,000 feet to 8,000 feet Notwithstanding this general slope, the principal flow of water finds its way southwards through deep fissures pen< trating the mountain boundaries * on the southern ami western sides. This plateau forms the chief agricultuni area of the Province. " The whole of British Golumbi.- south of 52° and east of the Coast Range, is a graziii country up to 3,500 feet, and a farming country up fi^ 2,500 feet, where irrigation is possible." {Macouv, (Jeo Rep. 1S77.) I OF British Columbia. 9 forests, afford- mtain Range is [rth ; that of the mgth and regu- idary line along is as far as the Ince of over 700 British Columbia I, which has been sea-level. This intersected anfl n many places, it hat of mountain t into wide plains f low eminences, fazing land. The erflows of lava, of e present soil is but very gradual as country on tho; e north, where, as n by cross rangt; set to 8,000 feet 3 principal flow ot ieep fissures penc- ;he southern an(i chief agricultural British Columbia. nge, IS a grazni ig country up ti " (Macoun, Geo Coast and Island Ranges. It is terminated on the west by the Coast Range, a series of massive crystalline rocks of some 6,000 feet in average height. This range has a mean width of about 100 miles, descendiiig to the shores of the Pacific, and is in turn flanked by the submerged Island Range, the tops of which form Vancouver and her adjacent islands; the Queen Charlotte Islands, and those of the Alaskan Peninsula. The crystalline rocks of the Coast Range are the source of the rich gold deposits of the Fraser River, which may be said to have first brought the Province into prominent notice, and which are by no means yet exhausted. The basins of cretaceous rock surviving the upheaval of the Island Range, and preserved by it from submergence beneath the Pacific, include the valuable coal measures of Nanaimo and Comox, which at present supply the most important mineral export of British Columbia. The moisture caused by the deflection of the warm sea breezes by these ranges is productive of an enormous forest growth, for which the coast is famous. " The most remarkable features of the coast are its fjords and passages, which while quite analagous to those of Scotland, Norway, and Greenland, probably surpass those of any part of the world (unless it be the last named country) in dimensions and complexity. The great height of the rugged mountain walls which border them also give them a grandeur quite their own." {Dawson, Geol. Sur., 1884.) • ■• ■ -' . • • SI : I t '-,1 10 Geographic .L Sketch RIVERS. The unique position of British Columbia as a water-shed, on the Pacific Coast of America, will at once be recognized when it is seen that all the rivers of great importance on that coast, with the exception of one (the Colorado), arise from within its boundaries. The drainage from its exten- sive area of mountains and highlands is received into the numerous lakes, which have been noticed as forming so striking a feature of the interior. Thence the surplus is discharged into the few large rivers or their many tribu- taries, which finally reach the sea. These river«! are the C/olumbia on the south ; the Fraser, the Skeena, and the Stickeen on the west ; the Liard on the north, and the Peace River on the east. These rivers are of great size and volume, and the first four are sufficiently navigable to steamers to form water-ways of no small value in the development of the country. The Fraser. This may be considered the most important river of the Province, from the fact that it lies entirely within British territory, that its navigable waters traverse some of the best agricultural lands, and that it has been the chief source of two considerable industries — gold-washing and salmon-canning. Rising from several sources on the west slope of the Rockies, in the neighbourhood of the Yellow- head Pass, it flows north-west for about 190 miles along the deep valley which divides those mountains from the range of the Selkirks. There it rounds the northern limit of the latter, and, turning south, flows for 470 miles in that direction, turning to the west in the last 80 miles of its course before reaching the sea. Its total length is thus somewhere about 740 miles. Before penetrating the Coast Range through the picturesque caflon which bears its OP British Columbia. 11 as a water-shed, ce be recognized importance on Colorado), arise from its exten- •eceived into the as forming so the surplus is leir many tribu- : river«! are the Skeena, and the north, and the re of great size itly navigable to 11 value in the ant river of the y within British rse some of the been the chief old-washing and ces on tho west 1 of the Yellow- l90 miles along itains from the ! northern limit •r 470 miles in ast 80 miles of il length is thus rating the Coast vhich bears its name, it is joined by its largest tributary, the Thompson, a considerable stream flowing west from the centre of the interior plateau. For the last 80 miles of its course it flows through a wide alluvial plain, which has been mainly deposited from its own silt, and in the last ten miles it divides, forming a delta, of the richest alluvial soil in the Province. It is navigable to steamers and vessels of ordinary size over this distance of 80 miles, and again for smaller craft for about 60 miles of its course through the interior, from Quesnellemouth to Soda Creek. Its current is rapid, and in the early summer it overflows its banks in the lower part of its course, rendering necessary the use of dykes. . The Columbia. This large and important water-course, which but for the blunders of British Ministers would have undoubtedly formed the main southern boundary of the Province, takes its rise in the Columbia Lakes, latitude 50°, and pursues its eccentric course round the Kootenay Districts, which, together with its confluent the Kootenay, it completely encircles. There is no parallel to the extraordinary wind- ings of these two rivers and their associated lakes. Starting from points so close that they have actually been in one place connected by a canal one mile long, they flow in dia- metrically opposite directions, north-west and south-east, along the deep western valley of the Rockies, until they reach a maximum distance of 250 miles apart. They then turn, and after passing respectively through two series of lakes — the upper and lower Arrow Lakes and the Kootenay Lake — they unite at a point not more than 70 miles distant from their origins. This point is only about 20 miles north of the boundary, which the Kootenay had already crossed twice, traversing American territory for some 150 miles of its course. The united streams then flow in a southerly direction, being joined by another M.«a:!suwt>i*»MiM 12 GEOGnAPHICAL SKETCH 3i! n i:ii large river, the Pend d'Oreille, just before crossing the boundary, whence their course is through the State of Washington, about 750 miles to the Pacific Ocean. The Columbia drains a total area of 195,000 square miles — one-seventh more than the Colorado. In British Columbia it is navigable from the Columbia Lake to the first crossing of the Canadian Pacific Railway at Golden City, and again from the second crossing at Revelstoke through the Arrow Lakes to its union with the Kootenay. There are small steamboats plj ing on both these routes, as also on the Kootenay between American points and the Kootenay Lake. The valuable deposits of precious and base metals which have of recent years been discovered in the neighbourhood of Kootenay Lake render it probable that these water- ways will be of the first importance as means for the tran- shipment of ore, for which purpose they have already begun to be extensively used. It is much to be regretted that the British Government had not sufficient sagacity to retain possession of the district lying between the forty-ninth parallel and the mouth of the Columbia River. This district had been occupied without opposition by the Hudson's Bay Com- pany, who had a trading station, Fort Vancouver, on the banks of the river, opposite what is now the City of Portland. From thence they were driven to Fort Victoria, on Vancouver Island, by the terms of the treaty of 1846, by which the forty-ninth parallel was established as the boundary line between Canada and the United States. The American people can hardly be blamed for securing so valuable a possession as the Puget Sound, and one of which they have made so good use ; but it is evident that, although an imaginary boundary line, such as a pai-allel of latitude, may be valuable across a great level tract like the interior of the Dominion, it is very inferior to a natural i crossing the the State of )cean. )5,000 square In British Lake to the way at Golden at Revelstoke ;he Kootenay. lese routes, as )oints and the metals which neighbourhood t these water- ns for the tran- ' have already sh Government ssession of the irallel and the trict had been on's Bay Cora- ncouver, on the w the City of ) Fort Victoria, treaty of 1846, iblished as the United States, for securing so d, and one of s evident that, as a parallel of ;1 tract like the r to a natural OP British Columbia. 13 line of demarcation, such as is provided by a wide river, when separating countries of a mountainous and not easily accessible character. ' The Skeena. .^ ... There could be no clearer proof of the general lack of knowledge which prevails of the geography of North-West America than the fact that current educational works ascribe to the Province no rivers except the Fraser and Columbia. The Skeena is unknown even by name to those whose memory is crowded with the minor streams of Europe, and of the eastern side of America; and yet of a length approximately to 300 miles it is greatly superior to any river in England, and would rank on the continent with such as the Rhone, being wider, 130 miles from the sea, than the Seine at Paris. It rises from several widely separated sources, the most northern of which are on the Pacific- Arctic watershed, N. of lat. 56°, and the most southern to the south of Babine Lake, about lat. 54^10'. The greatest volume of water is however supplied by a confluent, the Babine River, which flows from the large lake of that name, entering the north fork of the Skeena about 30 miles above Hazelton (lat. 55° 10'). At this place the south fork, known on the maps as the Bulkley River, but to the Indians as the Hag- wilget* River, joins the main stream, which from thence flows in a south-west course, striking the coast about lat. 54° 10'. The river has a wide mouth without any delta, but is dotted with alluvial islands for a distance of nearly a hundred miles from the sea, having an average width of about a mile. Above the Kitsilas Cafion, a gorge traversing the coast range, it narrows from 800 to 200 yards at Hazel- ton. The shores up to the cafion do not exhibit much good land except on the bends and islands, which are covered with poplar and small maples. About 20 miles above the cafion the valley widens to some five or six miles, there being good bench land on both sides. This continues con- *The man in fine clothes. ■ '<■■ ,.■..! -'" ••. i!M.' l< ' 1 .1 14 Oeooraphical Sketch I: W M siderably above Hazelton, and on the south fork, thirty miles from thence, there is a fine district of prairie extending S. E. right through to the Nechaco River, an important tributary of the Fraser. The current of the Skeena is rapid, about 4^ miles an hour, but it is regularly ascended by stern-wheel boats as far as Hazelton. The Stikeen. This river, although ignored even by recent works on the geography of North America, is of sufficient magnitude and importance to justify its ranking among the first of the Dominion. Upwards of 250 miles in length, and navigable to stern-wheel steamers for 130 miles of its course from the sea, it forms the main artery of communi- cation for a district of many thousand square miles — in fact, it may be said, for the entire Province north of latitude 57°. That portion of the Province has been omitted from the accompanying map as unsuited to general immigration, but its capacities must not be under-estimated. It has been compared by Dr. Dawson with the Russian Province of Vologda, which supports at present a popula- tion of over one million. It can grow the same products, and in mineral wealth is probably vastly superior. At present it is hardly touched except by fur traders and gold miners, and yet contributes no small quota (about $150,000 annually) to the revenues of the country. The Stikeen rises from several sources north of latitude 57", one of these springing from the neighbourhood of Dease Lake, on the Pacific-Arctic watershed, upon which the chief centre of distribution for the district (Laketon) is situated. Its navigable course is interfered with by rapids until the Great CaBon is passed, but from thence, though the stream averages some five miles an hour, it is quite navigable. It flows mainly south-west, and enters the Pacific by a large inlet, or fiord, which passes through Alaskan Territory in latitude 56° 40'. For the last twenty ■ i^ OF British Coluebia. 15 fork, thirty lirie extending an important the Skeena is arly ascended cent works on ent magnitude long the first in length, and miles of its y of communi- uare miles — in ince north of ince has been ited to general ader-estimated. 1 the Russian ssent a popula- same products, superior. At •aders and gold ibout $150,000 rth of latitude ghbourhood of ;d, upon which ct (Laketon) is with by rapids ihence, though lOur, it is quite nd enters the passes through the last twenty miles it flows more sluggishly through a wide alluvial district, but has no true delta like the Fraser. It is here between two and three miles wide. Above this point it occupies a valley with receding shores several miles in width, until it becomes restricted at the Little Ca&on to a gorge three-fifths of a mile long and a few hundred yards wide, after which it widens again as far as Glenora, 126 miles from its mouth. Twelve miles above Glenora it is again restricted within the gorge of the Great Caflon, above which it is of no navigable value. The main stream flows from an origin some 120 miles to the south, but the branch running from Dease Lake is the only one of any importance, since it provides a pass in the sur- rounding mountains for a road to that point. Liard and Peace Rivers. These rivers, which with their numerous tributaries drain the north-eastern quarter of the Province, are both of sufficient size to make them of noteworthy importance in any country, but are of only inferior value, as not com- municating with a freight-carrying ocean. They are themselves confluents of the great Mackenzie River, which empties into the Arctic Sea. The country through which the Liard flows is little known, and its capacities have not hitherto been gauged. The Peace River, on the other hand, drains a district which has long been considered of agricultural value. Such confidence, indeed, had the Dominion authorities in this country, that 3,500,000 acres were accepted by them in lieu of such lands within the Canadian Pacific Railway belt as the Province was unable to grant towards railway construction, from the fact that they were already occupied by settlers. Each of these rivers has a course of between 300 and 400 miles through British Columbia. Over the greater m 16 Geoquapuical Sketch ^1 part of this distance they are navigable to cauues and small craft. In addition to the above rivers, it will be seen that the sources of the Yukon lie within the British Columbia boundary line, though that great watercourse is of little practical value until it passes into the Territory of Alaska ; and that the *Naas River, the only stream of secondary importance which reaches the coast (latitude 54:° 55'), is by no means useless, as it uff'ords communication with a district otherwise difficult of approach, and is the seat, at its mouth, of an important fishing industry. *Recent explorations contluctetl by Mr. A. L. Poudrier, D.L.S., have demonstrated that this river is umch larger than has hitherto been supposed, in fact very little inferior to the Skeeua, and drains a fine agricultural district. LAKES. The lakes of British Columbia are, for the most part, enlargements of her numerous water-courses, caused by obstructions, the result of their debris and silt. The rapidity of current and continual freshets from the moun- tain snows render such natural f'ams matters of more or less frequent occurrence iiOwada};i, but in a post-glacial age, when most of the lakes l.j t ear to have been formed, enormous torrents which tiowed through the country created them on a scale of much greater dimensions. Local circumstances have tended to group these lakes and chain them together along the same river beds, as will be seen by referring to the map. For instance, the Arrow Lakes occupy 120 miles of the course of the Columbia, and the Shuswap Lake and Lake Kamloops have a length far greater than all the unenlarged portion of the South Thompson River. In fact, every part of the interior appears netted together by streams and lakes. I 1 »'i cauues and seen tlmt the ish Columbia se is of little )ry of Alaska ; of secondary le 54° 5o'), is •ation with a is the seat, at ouihier, D.L.S., an haa hitherto leiiu, und drains the most part, ses, caused by tnd silt. The roin the moun- rs of more or a post-glacial I been formed, the country sr dimensions, hese lakes and )eds, as will be ice, the Arrow Columbia, and ve a length far of the South f the interior OF Britisu Columbia. 17 CLIMATE. Notwithstanding much has been written about the climate of British Columbia, many misconceptions appear to prevail on that subject outside the Province. In some quarters, through confusion with 'he north-west interior of the Dominion, an impression has been formed that at least to the east of the Coast Range fearful extremes of cold are to be endured by the inhabitants, while in others, through a misapprehension of the report of travellers, it has been imagined that the climate of the coast resembles that of the shores of the Mediterranean. In order to acquire a reason able idea of the true state of the case, let anyone first examine upon a map of Europe that part of the country which lies between the same parallels of latitude, and extends over the same area of land from the Atlantic Coast, and then consider how far conditions which are known to exist there will be modified by local differences on the Pacific. It will be seen that between hits. 49°-59° must be included Great Britain, the north-east corner of France, Belgium, Holland, North Germany, Prussia, Denmark, the south of Sweden, the Baltic Provinces, and the coast of Russia to the Gulf of Finland. This tract of country in area and latitude approximately represents British Columbia, and may be considered as a whole to present almost the same climatic conditions. The differ- ences to be allowed for are as follows : First, the Japan current, the north equatorial current of the Pacific, does not flow so closely to the American coast as the gulf stream does to the shores of northern Europe, but admits of a return Arctic current from the north. This Arctic current, which renders the waters of British 18 Geographical Skei-ch Columbia extremely cold, causes a condensation of the moisture borne by the prevailing westerly winds east- wards, and produces a humidity most beneficial to the vegetation of the Province. The winds are arrested, in a measure, by the Coast Range, creating a dry belt to the east of those mountains, but the higher currents of air discharge their moisture against the Selkirks, creating the copious snow-fall which distinguishes that range from its neighbour, the Rockies Thus a series of aluernate moist and dry belts are formed throughout the Province, which have no parallel on the coast of Europe,. where the more broken coast line and absence of lofty mountain ranges, together with the practi- cal non-existence of an Arctic current, tend to distribute the rain-fall over the whole area. It will easily be seen how these belts will be broken and moditieast line and ith the practi- distribute the y be seen how ilaces by the e presence of e Rocky and admits a free gions to sweep ■ince, bringing emperature in e long Arctic lir over those north of the t there only inces, Poland, c effects from plateau is, of hern Europe, c pressure of The general result of the above differences between the two countries is to accentuate the moisture of the Pacific Coast region and the extremes of temperature in the interior. Where the latter extends in areas of high elevation these extremes of temperature will necessarily be more felt, while in valleys and cailons open to the coast and well protected from the north a more mild and ecjuable climate will result. At the same time, as there is a greater symmetry in the main features of land and water, the straight coast line and parallel mountain ranges, so the great ocean winds are probably less interfered with by local conditions, and there is a greater regularity of the seasons. So far as the coast is concerned an increase in rain-fall and general humidity will be expected to the north, where the Arctic current is colder and wider, and condensation consequently greater, the east coast of Vancouver will be less humid than the west, from arrest of moisture by the mountains and forests of the island interior, and the shores of the mainland oppo&ice will be more liable to rain and fog from the low temperature of the waters of the Gulf, which are mainly derived from the cold northern back- wash, and from the propinquity of heavily timbered mountainous tracts. GENERAL NATURE OF THE COUNTRY. It will be seen from a consideration of the geological conditions, that no such areas of level prairie-land, as are found in the North-West Territories of the Ijouiinion, can be expecteituated on benches and elevated table- lands, and is invariably bands in the great valley of the Fraser. There is thus proviaed an amount of farm land which would not be imagined by a stranger looking for the first time upon the wooded shores and islands of the coast. Much of this dense wood will, no doubt, be cleared in time, for pine land will amply repny li OF British Columbia. 21 riod, when not laiinels. They etimes of great )0ve the water mprise several it-growing and nid to obviate lired becomes a of the benches 1 is impossible lief of which is cattle. West 54°, there is ng to the Coast Tes of this class igh table-lands. confined to the ky, and densely fact necessarily be prosecuted, found in the jrtance as far as sr degree on the lid the Stikeen, e may be said to e mountains are s, but every one has its patch of few acres on the ds in the great icied an amount d by a stranger ded shores and 3 wood will, no ill amply repHj cultivation, but in almost every case it will be found that the nucleus of the farm has been the "bottom," from the sides of which the settler has gradually extended his opera- tions as time and means afforded him opportunity. It must not be omitted to observe in considering the farming Cdpabilities of the more densely timbered region of the coast, and of the interior mountainous districts, that a good deal of that land which would not repay extensive clearing provides an undergrowth of nutritious bushes and shrubs upon which cattle and sheep can be profitably pas r.«d. Nearly every fanner avails himself of this fact ^'1 i*-"'\ 'As stock at least for some time during the year, and .ipon Vancouver and the adjacent islands sheep are run in this way all the year ronnci. . POLITICAL DIVISIONS. The Province has been divided into eighteen districts for electoral purposes, nine of which are on Vancouver and the adjacent islands. These districts practically serve the same part as comities, and, althoug'i liable to subdivision with the inc'T^ase of population, will undoubtedly remain as permane it, bfrcidaries. From h< ') to'ior to the coast — in which order they will be taken, si;- ■ he main road into the country, the Cana- dian Pacific j \)^ ly, approaches frt)m that side — they are: East KfO'enay, "West Kootenay, Yale, Lillot)et, Westminste , New Westminster City, Vancouver City, Carib'^j, and Cassiar. The Island districts, from the south to the north, are Victoria City, Victoria, Esquimalt, Cowichan, The Islands, Nanaij City, Nanaimo, Alberni, and Coniox. 'xb3 East and West Kootenays. The K«M .eiip.ys, embracing an area of 16,500,000 acres, comp-'se a tract of country not greatly removed from 22 Geographical Sketch a right-angled triangle in shape, of which the apex is a point north of the great bend of the Columbia, the base is the forty-ninth parallel, the hypothenuse is the water-shed of the Rocky Mountains, and the third side a line some ten miles west of the Columbia River and Arrow Lakes. This triangle is again divided by a line from the apex ^c the base along the main water-shed of the Purcell branch j Selkirks, into two portions approxi- mately equal, E.. and West Kootenay, the former being the larger by about one-eighth. Access to East Kootenay is obtained from the interior by several passes over the Rocky Mountains, of which the principal are the Kicking Horse and the Crow's Nest. The former is that used by the Canadian Pacific Railway; the latter, in the neighbourhood of which extensive coal deposits have been discovered, has been chosen for a projected line, which is to secure a more direct route to the southern portion of the districts and the mines situate on Kootenay Lake. At present good waggon roads supplement river communi- cation between the Canadian Pacific Railway and the boundary, and a short railway line has been constructed from Nelson, on the Kootenay Lake, to Robson, at the junction of the two rivers, along a portion of the Kootenay River which is impassable by boat. These districts include three important valleys formed by the three-fold division of the Selkirk Range. The first is a portion of the great western valley of the Rockies, and is watered by the upper reaches of the Columbia and Kootenay. Agricultural land is limited to the immediate vicinity of these rivers, and much of it is subject to overflow. Mining operations are being prose- cuted in several l(x;alities, with good prospects of success, and large timber limits are being worked in the neighbour- hood of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The second valley is that lying between the Purcell and Selkirk Ranges, and is occupied by the Upper and Lower Kootenay Lakes. i\ OP British Columbia. 2S the apex is oluinbia, the lenuse is the le third side a River and id by a line Br-shed of the ions approxi- the former ;cess to East leveral passes principal are The former is the latter, in deposits have ;ed line, which rn portion of otenay Lake. ver communi- way and the n constructed obson, at the the Kootenay alleys formed Range. The valley of the ^aches of the 1 is limited to I much of it is I being prose- 3ts of success, bhe neighbour- second valley k Ranges, and otenay Lakes. Here the chief mineral developments of this region have been made, and are regarded as the most promising in the country. Very valuable ledges of copper and lead ores, carrying a high percentage of silver, besides gold quartz, have been found, and a town (Nelson) has sprung into existence in the centre of these discoveries. The third valley, lying between the Selkirk and Gold Ranges, is occupied by the second bend of the Columbia River and the Arrow Lakes, and is at present the chief means of communication, by steamboat, with the Canadian Pacific Railway. To the north of the railway lies the region known as the Big Bend, which once earned a somewhat short-lived fane as a successful placer mining district. Gold gravel operations are again being attempted, and rich silver-lead mines are being worked among the mountains in the neighbourhood of the railway. Revelstoke, at the second crossing of the Columbia, is a town of growing importance, as are also Golden and Donald, on the eastern side of the Selkirk Range. Yale. Yale District is a rectilineal section of country, west of Kootenay, the north and west boundaries of which appear to have been designed to confonu approximately with the great right angle made by the Shuswap and Kamloops Lakes, the Thompson River, and the Caflon of the Fraser. It comprises an area of 13,500,000 acres, of which, pro- bably, a larger proportion is of agricultural value than in any other district. This includes the countries of the Okanagan, the Nicola, the Similkameen, the Kettle River, and the Kamloops bunch grass district. Access is now obtained into the first of these by the Shuswap and Okanagan Railway, a branch line from the C. P. R. at Sicamoose, to Vernon, a distance of fifty-four miles. It is considered the most attractive and promising farming country in the Province. The railway follows the course msm n Geographical Sketch of the Spallumcheen River to Enderby, a distance of twenty-six miles, where is situated a roller flour mill, affording facilities for the large wheat farms of the sur- rounding country ; thence twenty-eight miles to Vernon, on the north-east side of Okanagan Lake. The lake is 75 miles long, and suri-ounded by the finest land. ' The Nicola is approaclied from Kamloops by a good waggon road. It is a stock-raising district of considerable capacity, and has also of late years been the scene of energetic mining operations. Pyriteous gold-bearing ores have been discovered and worked at Stump Lake, and Granite Creek to the south is the site of a recent placer excitement. Iron and coal abound, also, in the Nicola country. The Similkameen District is entered by a trail from Hope on the Lower Fraser, but as this involves crossing the Hope Mountains at a high elevation it has become of less importance since the country has been opened to the north and good communication afforded from that direction. It is chiefly a grazing district, occupied by large cattle runs. Further east, the Rock Creek mines are situated on a branch of the Kettle River. There are gold hydraulic works and argentiferous galena mines at this point, both of which, it is understood, are doing well. The Kettle River flows through the Grand Prairie — a good farming country north of the boundary. To the north again the Cherry Creek mines are being developed, and in the immediate neighbourhood of Hope silver ores have been found in what promise to be paying quantities. Kamloops, the principal town in Yale District, is situated at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers, about seven miles above the head of the lake of ' the same name. It is in the centre of a grazing country ■ of extensive area. distance of flour mill, of the sur- Vernon, on lake is 75 by a good considerable the scene of -bearing ores |p Lake, and ;'ecent placer 1 the Nicola a trail from ilves crossing has become n opened to td from that ipied by large k mines are here are gold nines at this doing well, iirie — a good les are being xtd of Hope to be paying 2t, is situated 1 Thompson the lake of ;ing countiy OF British Columbia. m The western border of the district includes that part of the Coast Range through which the Fraser passes on its way to the sea. The river rushes through a deep delile, the sides of which have in many places been cut into gravel benches at an earlier period of its history. These beaches were the scene of the gold washing excitement of 1 858 and the following years. At other points the rocky cliffs of the enclosing mountains I'ise abruptly from the water's edge without any shore. Round these precipices the engineei's of the C. P. R. had to excavate its road-bed, a work of great difficulty and danger, in which several lives were lost. The Cariboo waggon road, which preceded the railway by nearly thirty years, also scales the face of these cliffs, and still testifies to the energy of its builders though no longer in regular use. The Fraser passes out of the caiion at Yale, the head of navigation and starting point of the Cariboo stage, but since railway construction fallen into decay. Thence tb Hope the valley is continually widening and assuming that character of an open farming land which lower down it more markedly presents. A few miles below Hope the boundary of the district is crossed. Lillooet. This district, comprising an area of 12,500,000 acres, lies to the north of the last as far as lat. 52' and extends west to long. 124\ It contains, thcM'efore, a large propor- tion of the interior plateau, but f ; on the whole the region is drier than that to the south of the railway from the lofty Coast Range more effectually intercepting the moist winds, irrigation has more to be depended upon. The soil is almost everywhere very rich, .and there are a compara- tively large numbei' of excellent farming and stock-raising tracts. Of these, the Bonaparte River Valley, Lake La Hache, the Anderson and Seton Lakes, and the Valley of the N. Thoinpson contain, perhaps, the best farms. Vege- 26 Geographical Skbtcu m tables, fruit, and grain are grown with great success ; indeed the production at present can easily outstrip local consumption. Access is gained by the Cariboo waggon- road, which traverses the centre of the district from south to north ; the N. Thompson trail, from Kamloops to the headwaters of the Fraser ; and the old Cariboo road, lead- ing by a chain of lakes from the Lower Fraser to Lillooet. There is a considerable population of stock rancliers and *armers, who do well, but freight without a railway is necessarily expensive, and the growth of the country is thereby much retarded. When the proposed Cariboo railway is constructed there can be little doubt this valuable district will be greatly developed. Tn mineral wealth enterprise has been so far confined to some excellent gold quartz ledges, which are being worked in the neighbourhood of Lillooet. The ore, which is free milling gold, is said to average from 820 to $60 per ton. Gold washing is also prosecuted on the river banohes, chiefly by Chinese, who appear to reap a steady harvest of the precious metal. The Fraser in its course through the district is not navigable, except by canoes. Grain is, however, in this way transported down the river from Lillo0 per ton. er banohes, '■ harvest of rict is not ■er, in this Lytton, at ng hiiuled 36 of much section of above sea tomatoes, acres of •n portion line up to orthern a vast triangle of territory between lat. 54° and long. 124°, bounded by the coast, and including the many large islands adjacent. The Fraser lands and delta are the seat of some of the most important industries of the Province. Farming, lumbering, and salmon canning are prosecuted with energy and success. Much rich alluvial land is being yearly reclaimed, and a comparatively dense population is gather- ing together both in the cities of New Westminster and Vancouver and the neighbouring municipalities. The first of these cities, fifteen miles from the mouth of the Fraser, was the original capital of British Columbia before its union with the Island of Vancouver, and though for many years after the seat of government had been transferred to Victoria it remained stationary, it has recently developed into a well built and handsome town, with a rapidly increasing community. The growth of Vancouver City is now a mutter of history. Since its foundation as the terminus of the CP. R. in IHSo it has sprung into a city of some 14,000 inhabitants, earnest of a far greater develop- ment in the near future. It occupies a beautiful position on Burrard Inlet and tlie Straits of Georgia, and has every advantage that a fine harbour can att'ord. Lulu and Sea Islands, at the mouth of the Fraser, and the Delta Municipality to the south, contain lands of phenomenal richness which, whenever drained, return a handsome profit to their cultivators. Furth(>r up the river the Mats(|ui and Sumas prairies have been successfully dyked, and the Pitt River meadows are now undergoing a like reclamation. These delta lands may be said to be the only extensive ai-eas of level agricultural country west of the Coast Range. At Mission City, forty-three miles from the Coast, a branch line — the Westminster Southern Railway — crosses the river and affords direct communication v/ith the cities of Washington State, U. S. A. ill m^ 28 Geographical Sketch The great triangle to which reference has been made as forming the northern portion of Westminster District presents hardly any features which have not been hitherto described in speaking of other parts similarly situated. In the interior, east of the Coast Range we find a district exhibiting characteristics identical to those of Yale and Lillooet. There are the same rolling table-lands, the same enclosed lakes with wooded shores or open meadows, the ' same numerous water-courses. Much of this land is con- secjuently of no inconsider.able value, but owing to the ex- treme difficulty in the way of communication .and freight transport, it is only of recent years that any attention has been drawn to it : indeed it may be said to have been practically an unknown region. Travel led along the left bank of the Fraser, diverging eastwards into the wealthy mining district of Cariboo, or from the coast to the far north, across by the Skeena Forks and Babine Lakes to the mountains of Omineca. Access from the west was hardly possible owing to the rugged and precipitous mountains which on all sides hemmed in the inlets of the coast. Nevertheless somewhat glowing reports were from time to time brought down by miners and traders who from some chance or other had found their way across this region. In 1890 the present Government took steps to verify these reports by sending an experienced surveyor, Mr. A. L. Poudrier, who has thorouglily explored and mapped out the district. This year (1891) the same gentleman started in the early spring with the object of discovering a more feasible route from the coast than those which had been hitlierto attempted. His efforts were rewarded by finding a pass from tJie head of Gardener's Inlet by which the interior could be reached in something like a three days' journey. The full account of these more recent explora- tions has still to be published. The mountains of the coast for the most part run near to the sea, and not much land can be found suitable for m een made as 3ter District jeen hitherto situated. In nd a district of Yale and ds, the same leadows, the and is con- ig to the ex- and freight ttention has 1 have been long the left the wealthy t to the far Lakes to the it was hardly IS mountains )f the coast, from time to ) from some this region, verify these Mr. A. L. mapped out mi an started 3ring a more h had been d by finding i which the three days' jnt explora- rt run near suitable for OF British Columbia. 29 farming, except in small areas detached and difficult of access. It is therefore best adapted for isolated settle- ments, such as are occupied by logging camps, fishing villaj^es, and canneries. The climate, as has been men- tioned, becomes more humid and the rainfall greater as the northern boundary is approached. ,' • Cariboo Contains 59,250,000 acres. This district, which lies between lat. 52' and 60, and Ion. 120^ and 124' — the lower eastern boundary line from lat. 59° being extended along the main watershed of the Rockies to long. 118 — may be considered as comprising a Pacific and an Arctic slope. The Pacific slope, or surface which drains intjected Crofter emigration ich has recently been set on foot. Tt must be i-emem- ..d that for the sturdy races of northern Scotland, Tee- land and Scandinavia, whf Comox occupies d. Good farms. :;ouver I. Union 'ioe with Victoria CowicHAN. — A district on Vancouver Island, including the settle- ments of Shawnigan, Cobble Hill, MacPherson's, S. Cowichan, Corfield, Koksilan, Duncan's, Quamichan, Somenos, Shopland, Cowichan Lake and Chemainus. Traversed by E. and N. Ry. 6 R. S. Good farming and lumbering. Schs. P. O. Cowichan Lake. — A large lake, the seat of extensive lumber in- dustry. 24 miles from Duncan's Station, on Island Railway. CBAi(;ELLAourhood, Boston Bar and Yankee Flat once famous gold benches. Omineca. — Cassiar District. A gold mining district on the Omineca River, a tributary of the Peace River. Once the scene of a great placer excitement. Communication by trail with Hazel- ton, whence supplies are chiefly obtained. A scattered milling population. Osovoos. — Yale District. A lake and valley south of the Okanagan Lake, and just north of Boundary. The lowest lake in the interior, 70() feet above sen level. Stock ranclies. Communi- cation by steamer on Okanagan Lake and roail with S. & O. Ry. 160 miles from Sicamoose. Pavilion. — Lillooet District. 41 miles from Ashcroft. Between Lillooet and Clinton. Good farms. P. O. Peace River Pass. —Cariboo District. 2,000 feet above sea level. Pine River Pass. — Cariboo District. 2,8.j0 fest above sea level. Pender Island. — Islands District. An island off East coast of Vancouver Island. Farming and sheep. Steamboat communi- cation with Victoria and New Westminster. PENTitrroN. — Yale District. S. end of Okanagan Lake. Centre of hunting district. Steamboat communication with Vernon and S. & O. Ry. 135 miles to Sicamoose. Liirge stock farms. Plumper's Pass. Islands District. A narrow thtinnel l)etwcen Galiano and Mayne Islands on the route between V'icturiu and the Maiidand. Steamboat wliarves on l)oth sides. Daily mails. Sal.\ion Arm, — Yale District. R. S. On Shuswap Lake, at mouth of Salmon River. Gooia is here crossed by the railway. The townsite was oriuinallj' called Farwell. Head of 8tean)er navigation with \\ est Kootenav and IJ. S. Service regularly to Robson and intermediate points. Sc!i. 1*. O. QrEHXEM.EMOUTH. — Cariboo District. At conHuenee of Quesnelle and Fraser Rivers. 22') miles from Ashcroft on Cariboo road. H. H. Co. post. Kainis, gold washing. I'. (). Pkevcwt I.SI.ANI). — Islands District. Small island off Kast Coast of Vancouver Island. Oame preserve. Port Hammond. — Wstminster District. On right bank of Fraser. R. S. 24 miles fiom Coast. Centre of Maple Ridge Munici- palitv. ({(M)d farming and fruit growing. The Pitt River mea(iow8, 30,(K)() acres of Hat swampy land, are being drained and dyked. P. O. Port Haney.— Westminster District. On right bank of Fiaser. R. S. 2(i miles from Coast. Large brickyards. Fruit grow- ing. Salmon freezing. Sch. P. O. Port Moody. — Westminster District. Head of Burrard Inlet. 12 miles from Coast. R. S. Sch. P. O. Port I<]ssin(!Ton. — Cassiar District, (hi Skeeiui River. 8 miles from Coast. H. B. Co. post and settlement. Sch. P. O. Salt Sprixu Island. — Islands District. I^irgest island in the district. .W miles from Victoi-ia. Steaml)oat service (m Xanaimo- Victoria I'oute. Sliecp ranclies and mixed farming. Several settlements, of which the ciiief are Vesuvius Bay and • Burgoyne Bay. Sch. at both, and steamboat wharf. P. (). San JtAN. — U. S. A. A large island in Stiaits of (Jeorgia off East Coast of Vancouver Island. This island, which was claimed by British (tovernment, was awarded by arbitration of German Kmperor to U. S., thus deteiinining the main channel of the Straits and Boundary line. Savoxa. — Yale District. On Kamloops Lake at outlet. R. S. 227 miles from coast. Stock ranches. R. O. Satprna Island. — An island off Kast Coast of Vancouver Island, South of Mayne Island. Sheep farms. Seymour Narrows. — A narrow channel separating the North- East corner of Vancouver Island from V^aldez IslaiKl. 300 yards wide. Shawnioan. — Cowichan District. A lake and settlement on E. & \. Ry. 28 miles nortli of Victoria. R. S. Lumber mill. P.O.' SnrswAP. — Yale District. R. S. 275 miles from Coast. On South shore of Lake. Sch. Agricultural settlement. P. 0. rville. Origiiml )ank of Ouluiiibia r> feet aI)ove sea le railway. The fead of steamer Servic'j regularly O. nee of yuesiielle )i» C'aril)o() road. il off Kast Coast t hank of Fiaser. e Ridge Munici- The Pitt River are being drained hank of Fjuser. d8. Fruit grow- urrard Inlet. 12 River. 8 miles Sch. P. 0. 8t iHland in the ilioat service on [ mixed farming, r^esuvius Bav and wharf. P. b. ta of (Jeorgia off land, which was hy arbitration of the main channel it outlet. R. S. i^ancouver Island, iting the North- Idez Island. 300 itlement on E. & i. Lumber mill. Coast. On South it. P. O. OF Bkitisii Columbia. 4a SiCAMooflE. — Yale District. At junction of Spivllumcheen R. with Shuswap L. R. S. C. P. R. and S. & O. Ry. 327 miles from Coast. P. 0. SooKE. — Rsquimalt District. A farming settlement on South phore of Vancouver Island. 23 miles from Victoria. Mails weekly. P. 0. R. S. 178 from Coast. Rch. Shence's Bbidoe.— Yale District. P. 0. Stkve8T«n. — 'A'dsttninster District. On Lulu Island, near Fraser mouth. Wliarf. Steamboat conununication daily with Vic- toria and New Westminster. Stages daily to \^ncouver, 12 miles. P. 0. Stanley.— Cariboo District. 280 miles from Ashcroft On Light- ning Creek. One of the most famous phicer grounds of the mining excitement. Now a very small settlement. Van Winkle, 1 mile. Stump Lake. — A lake in Nicola District. Ranching and mining. P. O. Teleohaph Hrkev. Stikeen kiv r. -Cassiar District. At head of Navigation oi Tete .Taune Cache.— Cariboo District. West side of Rockies in valley of Fraser. Lat. <>2" lo'. Where the Yellowhead Pass reaches the river. H. B. Co. Texapa Island. — Westminster District. A large island in middle of straits opposite Comox. This island has iron in extensive lodes, which are being worked. There are also many gold quartz ledges, but not hitherto successfully developed. V.vxcwuvER City. — The West terminus of the C. P. Ry. Situate on South shore of Burrard Inlet, and extending' across tlie peninsula to Knglisli Bay. Port for ocean vessels from Cliina and Japan. Many manufactories. Large machine shojis of C. P. R. Fine buildings. Public park. Tramways and roads to all parts of Fraser Valley and New Westminster. Daily steam service with V^ictoria. Valdez Islanu. — There are two islands of this name. The larger is separated from Vancouver Island l>y Seymour Narrows, (j. v. Tiie smaller is ofi' tl»e coast of Vancouver Island, opposite Nanaimo, and is occupied by settlers for farming and sheeji. Vernon. —Yale District. Terminus of S. & O. Ry. ">4 miles from Sicamoose. Centre of district for Okanagan country. Situate about 2 miles from North-east shore of Okanagan Lake and e(|ual distance from Swan and Loiig Lakes. Dailj' mail, and frequent communi ation with Kamloops and southern districts. VirTORlA. — The capital of British Columbia. On South-east shore of Vancouver Island. Seat of tJovernniu.it of the Province. Lieut. - (iovernor's official residence. Hospitals. House of Assembly for Local Parliament. Law Courts. Public park. Municipal buildings. Free lii)rary. Electric light and tramways. Iron ■■■■■I -46 ^ Geograi*hical Sketch ^ works and many local manufactories. Centre of seal fisheries and coast trade. Daily steamboat service with Vancouver, New Westminster, and U. S. Battery and Depot Canadian Artillery. Large wharves. Head centre of H. B. Co. and many mercantile firms. Terminus of Island Railway. Large schools and High Schools. Wellington.— Napaimo District. R S. E. & X. Ry. 5 miles from Nanaimo. Seat of large coUeries. Docks at Depai-ture Bay. P. 0. Schs. Westminster Junction. — Westminster District. R. S. C.P.Ry. junction of branch line from Xew Westminster City. Wharxock. — Westminster District. R. S. 34 miles from Coast. On right Iwnk of Fraeer. Farming land. P.O. WiNDEKMEKE.— East jCootenav. On east side of Upper Columbia Lake. 90 miles from (iohlen. P. O. (iootl mining. Yale. — Yale District. On riglit l>aiik «-f Fraser as it emerges from the <5an3'on. Head of 8teainlK»at navigation. HX) miles from Coast. R. S. Formerly terminus of Caril)oo waggon road, and important H. B. Co. post and tlejiot for interior. Sch. P. O. Yellowhead Pass. — CarilHX> District. Chief northern pass across Roc;kie», and originally main entrance to the Province from the East. "733 feet above the sea. m m VICTORIA, B. C: Printed by Richard Wolfendkn Printer to the (^ueeii s .Most Excellent Majeity. J of seal fisheries with Vancouver, 1 Depot Canadian . B. Co. and many kV. Large schools I N. Ry. 5 miles tocks at Departure . R. S. C.P.Ry. ter City. miles from Coast. ».0. ,f Upper Columbia I mining. as it emerges from 1. 1()0 miles from o waggon road, and orior. Sch. P. O. lorthem pass across e Province from the Mo«t Excellent Majesty.