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I'll 4 II - •'.I ;!7 4t! *i7 00 Cii PREFACE. n o H ■9. i 1 In August last tho High Commis.sioner for Canada, by direction of the Minister of Agriculture, invited the following gentlemen, who are all connected with the agricultural industry in the different parts of the United Kingdom in which they reside, to visit the Dominion of Canada, to report upon its agricultural resources, and the advantages the country offers for the settlement of farmers and farm labourers, and the other classes for which there is a deuuind: — Mr. George Brown, "NVatten Mains, Caithness, Scotland; Mr. Artimr Daniel, 172, Dereham Road, Norwich, Norfolk ; Mr. "NVm. Edwards, Ruthin, Wales ; Colon«4 Francis Fane, Fulbeck Hall, Grantham, Lincolnshire; Mr. G. Hutchinson, Brougham Castle, Penrith, Cumberhuul; Mr. E. R. Murphy, The Kerries, Tralee, Ireland ; Mr. Robert Pitt, Crickett Court, Ilminster, Somerset ; Mr. "Wm. Scotson, Rose Lane, Mossley Hill, near Liverpool, Lancashire ; Mr. H. Simmons, Bearwood Farm, Wokingham, Berkshire ; Mr. John Speir, Newton Farm, Newton, Glasgow, Scotland; Major Stevenson, Knockbrack, Goshaden, Londonderry, Ireland; Mr, J. T. Wood, The Court, Halewood, near Liverpool, Lancashire. The reports, with the exception of ]Mr. Murphy's, are contained in this volume. For general cireulation it has been decided to divide the reports into four parts, as under: — Part I. containing the reports of Messrs. Edwards, Hutchinson, Scotson, and AVood ; Part II., the reports of Messrs. Daniel, Fane, Pitt, and Sinnnons ; Part III., the reports of Messrs. Brown and Speir, from Scotland ; and Part IV. was intendeil to have contained the reports of Messrs. ISIurphy and Stevenson, from Ireland, but Mr. Murphy's report has not yet been sent in, and a small edition has therefore been struck off, which includes the report of Major Stevenson, Mr. G. Brown from Scotland, and jNIr. H. Simmons from England. A small number of Major Stevenson's re|)ort has also been printed as a separate pamphlet. Part IVa. Any or all of these volumes may be obtained, post free, by persons desiring to peruse them, on application to Sir Charles Tupper, Bart., G.C.M.G., C.B., High Commissioner for Canada, 17, Victoria Street, London, S.W.; or to any of the agents of the Canadian Government in the United Kingdom, whose names and addresses are as follows : — Mr. John Dyke, 15, Water Street, Liverpool ; Mr. Thomas Grahame, 40, St. Enoch Square, Glasgow; Mr. John W. Down, Bath Bridge, Bristol : Mr. H. Merrick, Victoria Chambers, Victoria Street, Belfast ; Mr. T. Connolly, Northumberland House, Dublin. Copies may also be obtained from the steamship agents, who are to be found in every village. 6 TJie Agricultural Iteawi'CfS of C'anailo. In addition to these reports, an ollicial liandbook of information is issued by the Dominion Government, and approved by tlio Imperial Government, which may also be procured, post free, on application to any of the Government agencies. It contains particulars of u statistical and general nature about the country, its resources and trade ; the classes for which there is a demand in the Dominion, and which are confidently invited to settle in the country ; the prices of provisions and other necessaries; the rates of wages that are paid; and a more detailed description of the various provinces than can be given in the space at the disposal of the Tenant Farmers' Delegation. Jt is regretted that the delegates, except those from Ireland, were not able, owing to the limited time at their disposal, to pay a visit to the Maritime Provinces; but the pamphlet mentioned above, and others that are issued, supply full information in regard to those parts of the Dominion. The agents of the Government will be glad to supply any in- formation that may be desired as to the trade, industries, and varied resources of the Dominion; and persons contemplating settlement in Canada are advised, as a preliminary step, to place themselves in com- munication with the nearest Government agent. In Canada the Government has agents at the principal points throughout the country. The following is a list : — Quebec Mr. L. Stafford, Louise Einbaukment and Point Levis, Quebec. Toronto Mr. J. A. Donaldson, Strnclmn Avenue, Toronto, Ontario. Ottawa Mr. W. J. Wills, Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario. Montreal Mr. J. J. Daley, Commissioner's Street, Montreal, Province of Quebec. Sherbrookk Mr Henbv A. Elkins, Slierbrooke, Province of Quebec. Kingston Mr. R. Macpherson, William Street, Kingston, Ontario. Hamilton Mr. John Smith, Great Western Ry. Station, Hamilton, Ont. London Mr. A. G. Smyth, London, Ontario. Halifax Mr. E. M. Clav, Halifax, Nova Scotia. St. John Mr. S. Gardner, St. John, New Brunswick, WiNNiPEij Mr. Thomas Bennett, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mr. J. E. Tetu, St. Boniface, Manitoba. Brandon ;Mr. A. J. Baker, Office at the Railway Station. Reqina Mr. J. T. Stemshorn. Caloarv Mr. F. Z. C. Miquelon. Port Arthur Mr. J. M. Mc Govern. Victoria, B.C Mr. John Jessop. Vancouver, B.C Mr. Morrison Sutherland. These officers will afford the fullest advice and protection. They should be immediately applied to on arrival. All complaints should be addressed to them. They will also furnish information as to lands Ptc/ace. ,7 open lor settlement in their respective provinces and districts farms for sale, demand for employment, rates of wages, routes of travel, distances, expenses of conveyanc'i», and on all otluT matters of interest to settlers, and will receive and forward lettiTs and remittances for settlers, &c. The following; are tlie land ref>;ulations prevailing in th«j different provinces of the Dominion : — Prince Edirttrd hlund. — The tiviiiliihlu uncultivated ami vacant Government land is estimated at abuut 45,000 acres. These cunsiHt of foruHt lands of mcditini riualitj, the very best having, of course, been taken up by the tenants in the first instance, and tlieir price avenigcs about one dollar per acre. Parties desiring to settle upon them are allowed ten years to ])ay for their holdings, the purchase- money to bear interest at 5 per cent., and to be ])ayable in ten annual instalments. Nova Scotia, — There are now in Nova Scotia about two millions of acres of nngranted Government lands, a considerable ([uantity of which is barren and almost totally unfit for cultivation ; but there is some land in blocks of from 20O to 600 acres of really valuable land, and some of it the best in the province, and r|uite accessible, being very near i)rcsent settlements. The price of Crown lands i> $4(1 (£8 sterling) per 1(H) acres. A'eic Unmswirk: — Crown lands may he acquired us follows: — (1.) Free grants of 100 acres, by settlers over 18 years of age, on the condition of improving tha land to the extent of £4 in three months ; building a house 1(> ft. by L'O ft., and cultivating two acres within one year ; and continuous residence and cultivation of 10 acres within three years. (2.) One hundred acres are given to any settler over 18 years of age who pays £4 in cash, or does work on the public roads, &c., equal to £2 per annum for three years. Within two years a house 1(! ft. by '20 ft. must be built, and 2 acres of land cleared. Continuous residence for three years from date of entry, and 10 acres cultivated in that time, is also required. (3.) Single applications may be made for not more than 200 acres of Crown lands witaout conditions of settlement. These are put up to public auction at an upset price of 4s. 2d. per acre ; purchase-money to be paid at ouce ; cotst of survey to bo paid by purchnjier. Quebec. — Lands purchased from the Government are to be paid for ia th,3 following manner : — One-fifth of the purchase-money is required to be paid the day of the sale, and the remainder in four cfjual yearly instalnu-iits, bearing interest at «! per cent. The price at which the laiiils are sold is from 20 cents to 00 cents per acre (lod. to 2s. r>Ad. stg.). The |inrchaser is retiuired to take possession of the land sold within six months of tin' date of the sale, and to occupy it within two years. He must clear, in the course of ten years, ten acres for every hundred held by him, and erect a habitable house of the dimensions of at least 1(» ft. by 20 ft. The letters patent are issued free of char','e. The parts of tlu! Pro\ incc, of Quebec now inviting colonisation are the Luke St. John di:,,rict ; the valleys of tlio Saguenay, St. Maurice, and the Ottawa Rivers; the Eastern Townships; the Lower St. Lawrence ; and Gaspc. Ontario.—Auy head of a family, whether male or female, having children under 18 years of age, can obtain a grant of 200 acres ; and a single man over 18 years of age, or a married man having no children under 18 residing with him, w 8 TJte Affrieultural licMurcta of Cmxada. ran obtain n grant of 100 acrcn. Thifl Iimd is niMtlr covprod whli fnrcHt, nml In •itnuto in the northci-n and north-wcHtcrn partn of tlio pmvincc. Sncli a person may ulso purchasu an lulditionnl 1*X) ucich nt T))) cvntx per iutc, coflli. The oottlemont duties are — to have 15 avtm on ciu-li grant cleared and under crop at tho end of the first five yean, of wliich at li'OMt 2 aorcs are to be cleared annually ; to build a hal)ita))lo house, at least 10 feet l)y '.'(> feet in si/.e ; and to reside on the land at least six niontliH in each year. lu tho Kainy River district, to tiio west of Lake Superior, consisting of well-watered uncleared land, free grants are made of I'iO acres to a head of a family having children under IM years of ago residing with him (or her); and I'.'Oncres to a single man over Irt, or to a married man not having children under 1h residing >vith him; each person obtaining a free grant to have the privilege of purchasing 40 acres additional, at the rate of one dollar per acre, payable in four annual instalments. ^fanitoh(l nml North- U'lMt Tirrt'torics. — Free grants of «^ne quarter-section (160 acres) of surveyed agriccltunil land may )>o obtained l>y any person who is tho solo head of a family, or by any male who ban attained the age of 18 years, on ap])lication to the local agent of Dominion lands, and on luiyment of an olHcc fee of $10. At the time of making entry the homesteader must declare under which of the three following provisions he elects to hold his land, and on making applica- tion for patent must prove that he hoo fuliilled the conditions named therein : — 1. By makiUj,' entry and within six months thereafter erecting a habitable lioitso and commencing actual residence upon the land, and continuing ^o reside npon it for at Icjist six months in each year for the three next succeeding years, and doing reasonable cultivation duties during tiiut period. 2. By making entry for tho land, cultivating it for three successive years, so that at the end of that period not less than 40 acres be under cultivation ; residing for at least six months in each year during that time within a radius of two miles of tlic homestead j and erecting a house upon the homestead and residing in it for three months next ])reccding the application for ])atent. 3. By making entry, and witliin six months from the date thereof commencing the cultivation of the homestead ; breaking and preparing for crop within the first year not less than five acres ; cropping tho said five acres, and breaking and preparing for crop not less than 10 acres in addition, and erecting u habitable house thereon before tlie expiration of the second year, and thereafter residing therein and cultivating the land for at least six months of each of the throe years next prior to the date of the application for patent. Persons making entry for homesteads on or after Sejitember 1st in any year arc allowed until June Ist following to perfect their entries by going into actual residence. The only charge for a homestead of IGO acres is the entrance fee of $10. In certain cases forfeited pre-emptions andcnncelled homesteads are available for homesteads, but slitrhtly additional fees are demanded from tlie settlers in each case, and when abandoned pre-emptions are taken up they are required to perform specified conditions of settlement. Full information can be obtained from the local agents. In the event of a homesteader desiring to secure his patent within a shorter period than the three or five years, as the case may be, he will be permitted to purchase his homestead at the Government price at the time, on furnishing proof that he haa resided on the land for at least 12 months subsetiucnt to date of entry, and has cultivated 'M acres thereof. The following diagram shows the manner in which the country is surveyed. It represents a township— that is, u tract of land six miles square, coatainiu'^ ■JWfiue. Hit Hcctionn of nnn nillo nquare each, ■ectiuns of lUU ucrca cuch. These itccttotifl nrc Htiltdivulcd into qaarter* i w. TOWNHIIII' DIAfiUAM. 540 A(nM._ N. ...31... ...82.. .,83... ..,»« Hi 80...I i i Hi'i ool i I i I 11.11. ; ' ..30 20 28 27.. .'...26 2fl... I4inda ■ I I t«nil» ,..i0 lio... ...21 22... .. 23 24... ! i i i I'l I i i ,..13 17 10 Ki 14 13... i II. ti. : : Hi!i»'<'' : < ..0 ;-. 4......3...t...S i...i i i i : I ; _i ' s. The right of pro-emption hiw ceased to exist, hinin;^ bet-ii iillogelhcr discun- t'liV'id after 1st Juimary, l^'JO. Information respecting timber, inineral. cosil. i^nizinff and hay hinds, may lio obtained from any of the land ujicuts. Ilomesteailcrs in the, f^rst year of settle- ment are entitled to free permits to cut a spocitit'd (|nantity of timber for their own use only, upon payment of an office fee of '23 cents. It must be distinctly understood that the land reguhitions are subject to varia- tion from time to time. Settlers slumld talxc care to olttain from tlie land agent, •when making their entry, an exphiiiatlDn of the. actual regulations in force at that lime, and the clause of the Act under whicli the entry is made endorsed upon tliH receipt, so that no question or tcia and Norih-Went Territories. Nunie of Agent. \anie o( Diutiiit. .\ifeney. A. IT. Whitchcr ... Winnipeg \ W. M. Hilliard ... Little Saskatchewan W. G. I'cntland ... Birtle W. 11. Hiam Souris tfj John Flesher Turtle Mountain ... a ■\V. II. Stevenson... Qu'Appelle ^ John McTaggart . . . I'rince Albert ■o C. E. Phipps Coteau _5 E. Brokovski Battleforil s Amos Itowe Calgary a P. V. (iauvreau ... Edmonton E. G. Kirbv Lethbridge T. a. Fergiisc:. ... Touchwood ^ E. F. htcpiienson... "Winnipeg j Edmonton ( a •- Thos. Anderson ... C. L. Gouin f"'g»ry ." Prince Albert ) John McTaggart . . w'h I'ont OIHci.' Address of Agent. Winnipeg. Manftobu. Minnedosa, ,, Birtle, Brandon, ., Deloraine, ., Hegina, A.ssiniboia, N.W.T. Pr. Albert, Saskatchewan, .. Cannington, Assiniboia, Battleford, Saskatchewan, .. Calgary, Alberta, ,, Edmonton, ,, ,, Lethbridge, ,, ., Saltcoat.x. Assiniboia, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Edmonton. Alberta, N.W.T. Calgary. Alberta, ,, Pr. Albert, Saskatchewan, ,, 10 The A(jricaUuml Resources of Canada. British Columbia, — In this province any British subject who is the head of a family, a widowj or a single man over 18 years, may, by paying a fee of 85. 4d., acquire the right, from the Provincial Government, to not more than 320 acres of Crown lands north and east of the Cascades, and 1 GO acres elsewhere. The price is 4s. 2d. an acre, i)ayaltle by four annual instalments. The conditions are — (1) personal residence of the settler, or his family or agent; (2) improvements to be made of the valut; of 10s. Gd. an acre. Lands from IGO to 040 acres may also be bought at K)s. Gd n\\ acre, without conditions of residence or improv^ements. The Esquimau and Nanaiuio Kailway Syndicate have not yet fully arranged the terms upon whicii they will dispose of their unoccupied lands. They own about 1,500,000 acres, but they are much broken up by rock and mountains. The land belonging to the Dominion Goveniment begins near the sea-board, runs through the New Westminster district, and up the Fraser valley to Lytton ; thence it runs up the Thompson River valley, past Kamloops and through Eagln I'ass, across the northern part of Kootanay district to the eastern frontier of British Columbia. The country is laid out in townships in the same way as in Manitoba iui«l the North- West Territories. The quarter-sections may be pur^ chased at a price now tixed at $2.50 (10s.) per acre, subject to change by Order in Council. They may be «• homcstcaded" by settlers who intend to reside on them. A registration fee of $10 {£2) is charged at the time of application. Six months isallowjd in wl ich to take possession, and at the end of three years, on jiroof of residcnoe and cultivation, he acquires a patent on payment of §1 per acre for the land. li' jirefern d, the homesteader can hold his laud for the first two years after entry by cultivatir.g from eij:ht to fifteen acres (the former if the land is timbered, and the latter if it is not so encumbered). During the three years next thereafter he must reside upon li as well as cultivate it. Homestead grants of 100 acres (price $1 per acre) can also be obtained for the culture of fruit. In case of illness, or of necessary absence from the homestead during the three years, addi- tional time will be granted to the settler to conform to the Government regulations. These conditions apply to agricultural lands. The Dominion Land Agent for British Columbia is Mr. II. 15. W. Aikraan, New Westminster. Ill addition to tUc freo-grant lands available in Manitoba and the North-West Territories, several companies have large blocks of land which they offer i'or disposal at reasonabh^ rates, from $2.50 up to SIO per acre, ximong others, the Canadian Pacific Eailway Conijxmy (Land Commissioner, Mr. L. A. Jlamillon, Winnipeg) i\as about 14 millions of acres ; and tlie Hudson Bay Company (Land Commissioner, Mr. Lawson, AVinnipeg) has also a considerable area. The same remark applies to the; Canada Xorth-W<'st Land Company (Land Cimunissioner, Mr. W. B. Scarth, M.P., Winnipeg) and the JNIanitoba and North- Western Itailway Company (Land Conuiiissioner, Mr. A. Y, Eden, AVinnipeg) ; and there are several other comj)anies. The Alberta Coal and Railway Company also own nearly a million acres of land in the District of Alberta. The prices of these lands vary according to position, but in mo'^t cases the terms of purchase are easy, and arranged in annual instalments, spread over a number of years. Prefacf. 11 In all the provinces improved farms may be purchased at reasonable prices — tliat is, larms on which buildings have been erected and a portion of the land cultivated. The following are the average prices in the different provinces, the prices being regulated by the position of the farms, the nature and extent of the buildings, and contiguity to towns and raihvaj's : — Prince Edward Ij^land, from £,\ to i.'7 per acre; Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec, from £2 to i;iO ; Ontario, from £2 to £>9; Manitoba and the North-AVest Territories, from £1 to £10; and British Columbia, from .£2 to £15. These farms breome vacant for tlie reasons \\hich are explained with accuracy in many of the accompanying reports. They are most suitable for persons possessed of some means, who desire more of the social surroundings than can be obtained in those parts of the various provinces in which Government lands are still available for occupation and settlement. Canada has already assumed an important position as an agricultural country, and the value of its exports of such products alone now nearly reaches $40,000,000 annually, in addition to the inunenst> quantity required for home consumption. The principal items of farm and dairy produce exported in 1889 — the latest returns available — were: Horned cattle, So,708,126; horses, S2, 170,722; siieep, 81,263,125; butter, S331,9o8; cheese, S!8,915,684; eggs, 81,851,503; flour, S646,0GS; green fruit, Sl,604,203 ; baHey, SG,464,589; pease, Sl,449,417 ; wheat, 8471,121 : potatoes, 8287,763. \\\ many respects 1889 was not a favourable! year, and if other years wer<> taken, the exports, particularly of food-stuft's, would be considerably larger than those given abovi\ Besides the articles specially (^numerated, a con- siderable export trade was done in bacon and hams, beef, lard, mutton, pork, poultrv, and otluM' meats, as well as iu beans, Indian corn, oats, malt, oatmeal, llour-meal, l)r;ui, and tomatoes. The chief importers of Canadian produce at the present time are Great Britain and the United States, but an endeavour is being made, and so far with success, to extend the trad(> with the mother country, and to open u]) new markets in otlxer parts of tlH> world. Tlie products of the Hsheries, the mines, and the forests are also exported to a large annual value; and tlit! manufacturing industry is a most important and increasing one, especially in the eastern jirovinces, and includes aliii(»-.t i'w^vy article that can be mentioned. In many of the reports mention is \\\\\<\^} ot" the m /ney system, and the weights and measures, obtaining in the Dominion. The dollar, which is, roughly speaking, of the value of 4s. 2d., contains 100 cents, equal to |d. each. The folic wing are the coins in use : — Copper, 1 cent ; 12 The Agricultural liesources of Canada. silver, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, and 50 cents. Paper money is also much in use, and is redeemable at any time at its par value. The following are the standard weights of a bushel of the various pro- ducts: — Wheat, 60 lbs.; Indian corn, 56 lbs.; rye, 56 lbs.; pease, 60 lbs. ; barley (six-rowed), 43 lbs. ; malt, 36 lbs. ; oats, 34 lbs. ; beans, 60 lbs. ; potatoes and other vegetables, 60 lbs. The hundredweight and ton are fixed by statute at 100 lbs. and 2,000 lbs. respectively. It is not necessary to extend this preface, or to summarise the various reports ; they must be allowed to speak for themselves. They deal with Canada as it was seen by practical agriculturists, and refer not only to its advantages, but to its disadvantages, for no country is without the latter in some shape or form. It may safely be said, however, that Canada has fewer drawbacks than many other parts of the world ; and this is borne out by the favourable opinions that are generally expressed by the delegation. Those who read the reports of the farmers who visited Canada in 1879 and 1880, will realise that immense progress has been made since that time — when the vast region west of Winnipeg was only accessible by railway for a short distance, and direct communication with Eastern Canada, through British territory, was not complete. The Canadian Government, in inviting the delegation, wished to place b.^fore the public, information of a reliable and independent character as to the prospects the Dominion offers for the settlement f)f persons desiring to engage in agricultural pursuits, and it is believed that its efforts will be as much appreciated now as they were ten years ago. In Great Britain and Ireland the area of available land is limited, and there is a large and ever-increasing population ; while at the same time Canada has only a population of about 5,000,000, and hundreds of millions of acres of the luost fertile land in the world, simply waiting for population to cultivate it, ca])able of yielding in abundance all the products of a temperate climate for the good of mankind. It only remains to be said that any persons, of the classes to whom Canada presents so many opportunities, who decide to remove their homes to the Dominion, will receive a warm welcome in any part of the country, and will at once realise that they are not strangers in a strange land, but among fellow British subjects, with the same language, customs, and loyalty to the Sovereign, that are the characteristics of the old country. 13 THE REPORT OF MR. GEORGE BROWN, Watten Mains, Caithness, N.B. During the past ten years the number of reports, pamphlets, &c., which have been written upon the resources of Canada by "all sorts aud conditions of men," leave little of an original character to bo said upon the subject. Keeping in view this fact, my Keport shall be chiefly confined to the experiences of Scotch settlors who have emigrated from the North of Scotland, as there can bo no doubt the success or non-success of these men, given in a concise form, will have greater effect in the localities from which they emigrated than any amount of a general description of the country. At the outset it may be as well to explain that any views set forth in this fieport are not to be held as beyond dispute, but as the impressions of one who has only bf^en a sliort time in the country. Since the completion of the Canadian Pacific Kailwi^y, which spans the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Government of the Dominion has become aware that therc^ are immense tracts of fertile lands, excellently fitted for the growth of all kinds of grain and the rearing of stock of every description. These lands are situated in Manitoba, the North-AVest, and British Columbia, nearly all of which are suitable for settlement by all classes likely to emigrate, be they capitalists, tenant farmers with some means, small farmers, or labourers who have a knowledge of farming. In order to obtain a share of the tide of emigration which is ever flowing from the older European countries, the Canadian Government some time ago resolved to invit(^ a number of representative farmers from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and France to visit the Dominion, whose reports upon the present condition and future prosjjects of the Dominion would bo received with greater confidence by intending emigrants than the some- what highly coloured statements of emigration agents and other interested parties. Every member of the delegation is therefore fully awai'e of the responsibility attached to the issue of his report, if such prove misleading or overdrawn. Emigrants who have been induced to leave this country upon the strength of any report, and find Canada a different land from that represented, are not likely to hide their light under a bushel, but will soon make known in somewhat forcible language their opinions of the authors. Until 1"' '■ '^unada was beheved by the majority of people in this country to ue a land covered for nearly two-thirds of the year by snow and frost, with few and brief glimpses of sunshine during the remaining third, which was follow ed again by a covering of eternal snow ; a lanJ of ice and Indians, b(^ars and blizzards, unfit for the abode of the Anglo-Saxon race, except upon the seaboards and in the vicinity or the Great Lakes. 14 The At/nadltiral I'esourcea of Canada. The exact opposite is, I fancy, nearer the truth, as the; winter often does not set in until late in November, and the thaw generally takes place towards the end of March. In a country so vast in extent the climate must of necessity bo varied : for this reason, us the various provinces come under notice this most essential matter, upon which all successful agriculture depends, will receive attention. The immense area of Canada can hardlv be realised. During the ten weeks' travel accomplished by the delegation, in which time they went over li^,0(X) miles per rail and over 1,000 miles by i-oad, they began to comprehend the vastness of the country, as they could but touch the fringe at various points of tlie " Great Lone Land " of Butler. The route followed by the majority of the delegation will be fully set forth in the other reports ; so, to avoid repetition, I shall pass over this part with the remark that the distance which was gone over by the delegation could never have been accomplished were it not for the shrewdness of the lion. John Carling, Minister of Agriculture, in arranging to have a special sleeping car placed at our disposal, and the admirable plan of the journey suggested by him ; tlie courtesy of the railway companies, notably tlie Manitoba and North- Western, in placing special trains at our command wherever time could be saved ; and the energy and thorough knowledge of the country displayed by Mr. (t. II. Campbell, Winnipeg, who acted as pilot throughout tlie trip. These very circumstances have, however, been the subject of remark both in this country and in some parts of the Dominion, the general criticisms being — that we were in the hands of the Dominion officials, who would take very good care to show us only the better jiarts of tlie country ; that the siMSon being too far advanced before^ going out, the crops beiug all liarvested, we would have to content ourselves with a general view of the country, which would afPord insufficient data to form correct conclusions as to the agricultural resources of the country. In the iirst place, the delegation had an absolutely free hand to go where or when they pleased, we having only to intimate a day or two before the route agreed upon by us, or the locality we wished to visit. In the second place, I must remind the readers of this lieport that the delegation were all practical farmers, the great bulk of them being excellent judges of land of all qualities. AVe also saw the crop in stook or stack, and the green crops growing upon the gnjund. AVe also took advantage in a general way of the well-known jealousy, or, ratlier, of the idea held by nearly every man that his own particular location is situated in the very best part of the Dominion. AV'^e had, in consequence, only to ask an Ontarian what he thought of Manitoba and the North-AVest, or vice versa, and the short- comings of either province would at once be depicted in most fluent and graphic language. By striking an average between the two, we could arrive at a pretty accurate estimate of the locality under discussion. Ontario. — The Eastern provinces have been visited by another see; ion of the delegation, as our time A\as very limited on our return from the North-AYost. This Report shall therefore be confined tu Mr. GtOi'f/e lii'owna Jleporf. l.') the Western proviuces of the Dominion. The Province of Ontario embraces within its bounds an area of something like 182,000 square miles, and is situated along the margin of the Great Lakes. The northern portion of the province is wild and broken, and. from an agricultural standpoint, comparatively wortlilcss at present. It is, however, covered witii timber, which, in the near future, will become an invaluable possession, as it appears to be simply a question of time when the exhaustion of the forests of the United States will create a demand for lumber lor the States lying upon the eastern seaboard. Tl'.e fertile land lies towards the south and east of the province, between the track of tlu^ Canadian Pacific Eailway and the lakes ; the veritable garden of Ontario being situated in the peninsula formed by Lakes Ontario, Erie, and Huron. Ilere we have well-cleared farms, excellently situated, and cultivated more in accordance \\ ith the ideas of Old Country farmers. There can be no doubt, Southern and Western Ontario offer great inducements for old country farmers with som(? means to settle there instead of moving further west. By so doing they obviate the nc^cessity of " roughing it," and settle down in the midst of a community far advanced in the comforts and luxuries of life. Life is too short for a man of middle age to go into the bush and chop his ^^■ay to a farm of a couple of hundred acres — all the more m hen he can buy an improved farm at a reasonable figure : this can be readily done just now, as many of th»^ pioneers whose families are now grown up are inclined to move west " for the sake of the boys." There are also farms vacant through the financial embarrassments of the owners, who could not, or would not, adapt themselves to the changed circumstances which affected farming all over the Dominion since the opening up of the North-AVest and the lowered prices of wheat. Many farms have also become exhausted by the ruthless and slovenly mode of cultivation adopted by the occupiers in the continuous growth of wheat. Such land would soon respond to a different system, such as mixed farming. Farms vaiy in size, running from 100 to 200 acres and more. Land partially cleared and improved can be bought at from £4 to £10 an acre, the price depending upon locality and value of improve- ments. Near towns it often runs up to over double these figures. There ai'e no free grants of land in this district, but such may be had in the uncleared parts of the province. It is rather a serious matter for a new-comer to begin and clear land, as it would cost from £4 to £G an acre. This outlay in a district where the climate might prove unsuitable for the particular branch of farming tlu^ Settler wished to take up would be too much of a risk, vhen good land can be bought ready cleared in a good locality and better climate. The average yield of cereals throughout the province is— Autumn or fall wheat, IS to 20 bushels; spring, IG ; barley, 25; oats, 32 to iio bushels per acre. Soils are made up of, or may be classed as, the various loams, ranging from sandy to clay. Many are very rich in vegetable matter, notably those overlying the limestone. Wheat cultivation has become relatively unprofitable in Ontario since Manitoba and the North- 13 TJie Aijiui'idUirullltsoKvcea of Canada. West became wheat-producers. Ontario has, in consequence, adapted her- self to the change, the outcome of which has been a more systematic style of procedure, many having gone into mixed and dairy farming. Eotation cropping, as a result, is being practised, the lines generally being a modification of the well-known Norfolk system — wheat, turnips, barley, clover. By allowing the grass —timothy and red clover — to lie down a year or more, ai\.' thus by introducing oat.s, beans, or peas into tlu^ rotation, it may be extended indefinitely. AV^hile at Ottawa we visited the Experimental Farm (whicli will be further relVrnul to). AVe wero informed by Mr. Carling that a crop of Indian coi'u then being cut would weigh 20 tons an acre. Tlie corn was in the green stage, and was intendt'd for ensilage, equal quantities of hay and it being chail'cd and put into the silo. By experiment Professor Saunders has found that the feeding quality of corn in this state is equal to one-half that of good hay. If this be so, it will have a very marked effect upon the agriculture of the districts in which this crop can be grown, Ontario being one. It will diminish, if not put an end to, the cultivating of that most expensive crop, turnips, as here we can obtain 10 tons of good feeding stuff off an acre of land at a nominal outlay — a considerable difference from 1^ to 2 tons of hay, this being the average produce per acre of this crop. Stock is now being shipped to England from Canada, which places the Ontario farmer in a better position than his Western brethr«.'n, as tlie cost of transport is much less, and his cattle are saved the deterioration incidental to conveyance by railway. Cattle ai'e fairly well bred on the farms, thanks to tlie excellent blood introduced by the late lion. Geo. Brown at Bow Park, and many others. It is a matter of regret that many of the best bulls from the Bow Park herd find their way across the line to the States. Judging from what the delegation have seen of Canadian cattle generally, they must be classed as " rough," and want breeding. I am aware that a gmdual improve- ment has been effected during the past 12 or 15 years by many farmers, who have expended large sums in the importation of pedigree stock. Still there is room for further improvement in this direction, as it would surely pay breeders to select their sires more carefully, as quality on this side of the Atlantic means money : a beast well bred will at least fetch £2 to £4 more money when sold either as fat or store. INIany rough, lanky brutes seen by us could not be cashed in the English markets. Here is an opening for a level-headed breeder from the old country. Not only in this province, but in the North-West, there is room for any number of men of this kind. I am quite aware of the difficulties fanners have to contend with in a new, unfenced country ; but I cannot agree with the idea prevalent in many parts of the Dominion that the country is unsuitable for the breeding of higher grade cattle. L(?t those croakers visit Bow Park, Cochrane Ranch, or Binscarth Farm, and it may open their eyes to the fact that the very bluest Shoi'thorn blood thrives and improves in its new environments. Dairy farming is another branch of agriculture recently started in Ontario. There are now ovr • 700 cheese factories and from 30 to 40 creameries. This is a considerable advance on old country practice, and is well adapted for the manufacture of cheese and butter of that Mr. (jtortje Browns liqm't. 17 as as J red it or tlio oin (^st, iro iced s of ?her or ■eiy uniform quality so necessary for exportation. These factories aro established at various centres throughout the province. The farmers in each district send their milk daily, and a balance is struck at the end of the season, every man getting his returns in proportion to the milli sent to the factory. It is evidently found to be remunerative, as milch cows are on the increase in the province. Fruit-growing is a special industry near Hamilton, and down by Niagara River ; there beinp: extensive orchards and vineries in those districts. Grapes, peaclies, Sic, can be seen growing and ripening in the open air. Vegetables are also seen of every description, large in size, and excellent in quality. Throughout all the province potatoes are a most prolific crop ; they grow to a big size, are sound, and extra good (juality. Sheep are reared in considerable numbers, there being about 1,400,000 last year within the province. This number might be increased with advantage, especially on the ])artially exhausted farms, as there is no kind of stock that increases the fertility of land so quickly, especially if fed with corn during winter and summer. In general, the flocks seen by us were South Down or cross-bred. They wanted uniformity of type — a pretty sure indication that they were badly bred. A little attention in this direction would be amply repaid by the production of belter-class mutton, and wool of a superior kind. Pigs and poultry are most ])rolific, and find a ready market at home and in the States. Undernoted are the current prices of produce, taken from the Toronto Globe, IbOO:— Wheat, 31s. 4d. per 8 bushels. Barley, 208. 8(1. „ Oats, 13s. 4(1. „ „ Peas, 20s. „ „ Butter, 7(1. to Od. per lb. Cheese, 4Ad. to od. „ Carrots, Is. 3d. per biuskef. Potatoes, 2s, (id. per ba;:. Eggs, yd. to lOd. per dozen. Beef, 4d. to Gd. per lb. Mutton, 4d to 7d. per lb. Pork, 4d. to . Tallow, 2(1. „ Wool, 'M „ 'rii(\se prices ought to l(>ave a good margin for i)rotil, when the cost of production is considered. Ottawa is the chief seat of the lumber trade of the ])rovince. While thei'e we visited the saw-mills, said to be tlie largest in Canada. These mills work day and night during the open season ; when the river from which the motive power is derived becomes frozen up, many of the hands go up country and take a turn at log-chopping. Tht uimber is floated down the rivers during summer, so that every little stream during this season is literally covered with floating logs. When these arrive in th(> vicinity of the mills, they are floated into specially prepared enclosures, from which they arc; taken as reouirtnl to the saw-mills. Logs of considerabh; dim('usio*is are draw a up the slide by means of an endless chain lo the floor of the mill. In a very short time the logs are next seen as planks, &c. The labour-saving devices adopted in those mills are simply astounding to visitors from the old country. An idea may be formed of the systematic w ay th«* Mork is gone about \vhen one is told that these mills cut up on an average G00,000 cubic feet of timber dailv. 18 The Afji'icuUural Itefiources of Canant, In the vicinity of the town another important industry is carried on, viz., phosphate mining. Canadian pliosphates have been for some time known in the English market as "apatite." This substance is crystalline in form, and consequently hard, brittle, and glassy when pulverised. For a considerable time this form of phosphate was comparatively neglected, owing to the difficulty of grinding ; improved appliances have overcome this, and now a steady demand has set in for this valuable manure, which, when treated with sulphuric acid, makes a high-class superphosphate. The Toronto Fair was next visited by us. Here we had an oppor- tunity of comparing the products of all the different provinces of the Dominion. These were, upon the whole, a most excellent display, and far exceeded anything of the kind seen in this country. In the stock sections, horses were of their kind a good show, but to our ideas light and a bit weedy. Driving horses an? undoubtedly above the average, and are extremely hardy, and excellent goers, showing little sign of fatigue after covering long distances. Still the great bulk seen by us \\ere unfit for farm work. The mares are now being crossed with the Clyde and Shire, in order to breed heavier animals, for which there ^^■ill soon be a demand in Canada, as the ploughing with oxen will yearly fall into disrepute after the country becomes more settled. This style of locomotion may be steady, but it is much too slow. The land also being all broken will be more easily cultivated, so that all farm work will be done by horses. Shorthorn, Angus, 'lereford, and Holstein cattle were excellent, but rather few specimens in some of the classes. Sheep were represented by South Down, Leicester, Lincoln, «&c., and were but a middling turn-out. In the implement department the Canadians are a long way ahead of us. The most improved appliances are seen here in nearly a perfect state, the construction of every machine being most carefully done ; the materials, generally steel, produce a light machine, easy to draw, doing its work well, with little or no breakage. The delegation were very much indebted to Vice-President MacMaster and the directors for their kind- ness while visiting Toronto Fair. Before leaving this city ve were invited by Chairman Somers, of the School Board, to visit the schools and Veterinary College. This we were enabled to accomplish, under the guidance of the chairman, Mr. Herbert Kent, solicitor, and Inspector Hughes. The Toronto schools are ])erhaps the best and most complete in the Dominion. The system of education adopted is admitted to be thf best in the world. Every branch of education is here taught, and thoroughly well done. During our visit the fire alarm was sounded, and in a few minutes every man, woman, and child was in the court- yard ; there was no confusion, the children, headed by their respective teachers, coming out in divisions. AVe also saw the map of Europe drawn in outline by a whole class in live minutes. The financial arrangements are similar to those adopted in this countiy. "We next saw the Veterinary College, and were taken round by Dr. Smith, the proprietor and principal. This is au institution which must have a Mr. Geoi'ije Brown'n lUporl. 19 considerable effect for good in iv country where horses, cattle, and sheep will in time be couiit«'d by the million. The question is frequently asked : tShould a young man going out to Canada with capital, ])ay a ])r('iiiiuni to a farmer in order to l(>arn farming? The payment of any premium is, in my opinion, unni'oessary, and a waste (jf money, as any young man who is not afraid to work and to '• rough it " a bit can readily obtain employment with some good farmer; thereby not only will h" gain experience, but will be able to earn and save numey. There are some, however, who may prefer to tukt,' things more easy, and who can afford to expend money in acquiring a knowledge of agriculture ; let those take a session or two at the Agricultural College* of Guelph, where they will obtain a thorough grounding in the science and ])ractice of agriculture. This insti- tution is deserving (»f more than a jnissing notice, as its influence is wides])read not only in the Dominion, but wherever agriculture^ is looked upon as something more than following in the "rut" of centuries, and where scientilic knowledge, allied with sound practice, has ])]aced agriculture as a ciiief factor in the W(\il of a nation. The College is sup])orted by the Ontario Government, and its fees are i-'.> ;:^radiiated, tliat a resident in the Province can obtaiii a first-class agricultural education at a uoiuinal cost. There is a farm of 5o0 acres attached to the College, where a whole army of professors and superin- tendents daily, Mhile in session, give practical lessons to the students. The climate of Ontario is variable. In the vicinity of the lakes all kinds of fruit can be grown in the open air. The xsinter sets in later and lasts shorter than further north. During summer the extremes of heat and cold are less felt, as the proximity of such an inunense volume of water tends to modify it. When the lakes are frozen the air becomes dry, and has an invigorating effect u])on all animal life. The average duration of the \\inter is from four to five months. Before leading Ontario, 1 have to record my sincere thanks to Mr. Blue, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, for much valuable informa- tion and books relative to the province. Mimdoba and Ike, North- Went.-li is to the men who conceived the plan and executed the work of buikli'ig the Canadian Pacific Kailway that is due the credit of oju'iiing u|) and jdacing at the disposal of the Dominion those immense plains of fi'rtile land known as Manitoba and the Xortli-AV'est. Before the advent of the railway these vast regions were com- paratively unknown, and siiuatted u])on here and there by those hardy pioneers who transformed the unbroken forests of Ontario into fertile lields and comfortabh* homesteads. Without the means of transport afforded by the railway, tliose \ast regions must have still remained the haunt of the buffalo, and the happy huntnig ground of the Indian. Instead of this, a wide area upon each side of the railway line has been brought under cultivation. Towns have sprung up in a marvel- lously short time all along the route until the foot of the Kocky Mountains is reached, and the whole aspect of the country has become so changf'd that to me it ajqx-ars, in this land of surprises, to be the 20 The ji'jriculturat lUsomriS of Ctmadrt, j^reuU'st wonder of all. As mi example, \\\\vx\ visiting the show at Kegina, we were shown Indian exliibits which compared favourably with those of neighbouring farmers in wheat and vcgetabh's, as well as in female industries, such as embroidery, knitting, &e. Yet we were told that eight years ago these Indians were uncivilised, wandering about the prairies more often in their war paint than in Iht' garments of peace. Yet in this short time these same Inilians have settled down, and are now competing with the white settlers in the markets of the country. Phifsical Aspects, — I'rom AV^innipeg to the foot of the Kocky Mountains there lies an iiinnense jilaiii, broken here and there with rising ground which can hardly be looked upon as mountains. This land is divided naturally into three areas, all of which lie at different alt i- tudes. West from Winnipeg we have tht; Ked Kiver I'lain, extending out until it reaches a point about half-way between AVinnipegand Brandon. This is the first area, the average height above the sea level being about 800 feet. From this point west until near INIooscjaw the second table- land occurs, attaining an average height of about 1,G(M» feet. From this point until near the foot of the Kooky Mountains is occupied by tht^ third table-land, whose average altitude is nearly y,<)(»(l feet. The soils upon these plateaus, as they are termed, are to a large extent of a similar character, being composed of decayed vegetable matter, drift, and alluvial deposit. Deep black vegelabk* mould predominates on the lower table-land, which embraces within its area the best wheat lands in the Dominion. The eastern pari of tlu^ second ])lain has soil of a similar character until Brandon is reached, the western portion being largely made uj) of the disintegration of the underlying formation. This area is admirably adapted for mixed farming. The thii-d plateau, chiefly made up of debris transported from the Eocky Mountains, is more broken and rolling, lai'gely inierspei-sed w ith ])i-o()ks and creeks, making it the home for ranching. Climate. — The climate of Manitoba and the North- West is in great part one of extremes, summer heat being intense and winter cold severe. In Manitoba and the eastern part of the Xorth-AVest, during the spring months the weather is dry, which enables spring work to be done quickly and the seed put into a dry seed bed. The rains of June give the needed moisture, to be followed by the warm summer sunshine of the • succeeding months, hastening the growth of crops until maturity is reached, towards the middle of August. AV'inter gen(>rally lasts about live months, and during this time, there can be no doubt, is very severe. There are redeeming points, however, which are apt to be overlooked, as the degree of cold cannot be judged by the rise and fall of thn thermometer, as much depends on the state of the atmosphere, ^hich in this locality is very diy and bracing. A\''hen snow descends the weather generally remains without change until che thaw sets in, so that the settler can clothe himself once for all to meet the cold season, as there is no necessity to change his clothing, as he would require to do in a more variable climate. This is tlie c'lief reason why many prefer the winters of Manitoba and the Xoi-th-W'esl (as seen by the Mr. fifim/t' lirotvuH Jlcpoi't, •J\ interviews) to those of this country. Blizzards occasionally occur, but HO si'ldoni as to bu outsidi! serious considcnition. Sumin it appears that the very dryness of the atinosphero during; tb(! period in which they happen is one of the causes. These frosts generally occur from the l.')Lh to 26tii Auf^ust in some of the districts -that is, after the lonp;- i'ontinued sunshine of the preceding months, which evaporates the sap out of every green thing on these broad prairies. This being followed by a cold, dry, moisture-absorbing wind from the North, must evaporate moisture wherever such is pres(>nt. It is a well-known law that where evaporation occurs a lowering of the surrounding temperature at once takes plac(^: for this reason, the greater the amount of moisture present in the wheat during the occurnMice of the frost, tlu) worse the wheat will be frozen, and naturally wet lands are the first to suffer. Again, altitud(< has a great effect upon the climate of a district, 700 feet altitude being equal to one degree of latitude. This fact seems to be overlooked in som(> of the higher parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, where wheat is sown at much too high an elevation to leave it a chance of escaping the vicissitudes of climate. These considerations have nuide me arrive at the conclusion that i\w danuige, on tlie average of years, sustained by summer frosts is immaterial in districts suitable for wheat-growing; this view being further confirmed by visiting jjerhaps the largest flour mill in the world, situate in ^Minneapolis, w here we were told that summer frost did litthi damage to wheat when near maturity, it being only in the milk, or soft, stage of growth when frost could seriously affect its quality for milling purposes, and that the cry of frosted grain was mostly due to proprii'tors of elevators and millers who wanted to beat down prices. Siu.imer frosts will yet become a thing of tlu! past, when earlier sowing is carried on, and earlier varieties of corn are sown as ti rule and not as an exception; when the country is ci'l^'vated under a regular rotation of cropping, as sown grasses, which dia.v their supplies of moisture i'rom the deeper layers of the soil, will have a tendency to modify the dry nature of these northern breezes. Planting of trees would also have a marked effect in this direction, as well as in diminishing droughts and affording excellent shelter, when the Manitoban and Xorth-Western farmers become alive to the fact that continuous wheat- growing will only pay so long as the supply of nitrogen is present to produce a paying crop. There is also another reason, and an important one, for this cry of summer frost — viz., farmers have too much land under wheat for the labour they can provide to harvest the crop. In consequence of this, when the wheat is ready for cutting, it all coming about the same time, the farmer works away, getting the first portion done in good time — in fact, getting about half through when he ought to have finished cutting, and thereby escaped damage. I have perhaps devoted too much time to this " >ummer frost" business, but as it was the only point anent which we received so contradictory evidence, I consider it better to go somewhat into detail as to this matter. The climate of the western portion of the third ])lateau, which lies near the 22 The Ai/ncohiiral llittuiiriyii of Canndt. Kocky MoiintaiiiH, is iii(Mlili«!cl to a very ooiisidfrablti txtcnt by tlie chinook, or warm winil ol: thu Pacific, whieli, aftor ])aHsinj? over the Rockies, strikes down to tlio adjacent plain. This district beinj? entirely devoted to ranching, the benefit derived is \ovy great, as horses, cattle, and sheep are allowed to run out on the prairies all the winter, often appearing in spring in excellent condition ; while in the eastern portion food and shelter have to be provided to tide (ho stock ovi'r tht» winter. Kind of Fanning. —Vvonx i\w preceding may b(* inferred what is likely to prove the most suitable kind of farming in Ww various districts. Manitoba, Eastern Assiniboia, and South- Piaster n Saskat- chewan are the great wheat-i)roducing areas. Western Assiniboia, part of Alberta, and part of Saskatchewan are well adapted for dairy and mixed farming. These districts are well suited for settleuKMit by Hmall farmers, farmers with sf)me means, and capitalists, provided their undertakings are conducted within reasonabh; limits. The country for the capitalist, however, lies further west, where ranching prevails, as this entires district is, in general, well watered and well sheltered, and a supply of hay can readily b(i obtained from off the prairies or low-lying lands with which th(* country is to a considerable extent interspersed. In our journey through INIanitoba we had every opportunity afforded us of acquiring information, as Mr. Scarth, M.P., Winnipeg, Land Commissioner of the Canadian and North- West Land Company, and Mr. Eden, Land Commissioner of the Manitoba and North- Western llailroad, did their level best to bring us into contact with all kinds of farmers in each district, and by their unwearied Qjcertions brought under our notice a much greater extent of country than could possibly have been sei-n by us if left to our own efforts. Wl.NNU'KO. Taking the Canadian Pacific line, which is the most central of the province, we proceed to Portage-la-Prairie, and arrive at the Mi\ (j'lOiv/t' Ih'OWn'i Jti'poi't. I'M ct-ntre ol" tlio wheat-smwiufif district. Our first visit Mas to that voterau, Mr. Kenneth McKenzie, M.IM*., Biirnside ; and we were all tho more eordially received as the two of us wen^ Hcotchmen. After examininpf Mr. McKenzie's barns, itc, wv insp«>cted his cattle, nuniher- in<» about HO, mostly made up of cows and heiters. The heil'ers were a ^ood lot, and showed marks of bi'ln^earelully bred. A fair, useful bull was also amongst the lot. stretching away as far a§ the eye could reach we saw wheat lands in the stubble or ])loughed ; this being in keeping with what was seen in our ((ight miles' drive from Portage, ^[r. Mclvenzie eamo to his present holding 22 years ago, and simnly scpuitted upon the land, borrowing his neiglibour's team to put up his landmarks. He now, with his two sons, farms 2,240 acres of laud, which he (^\pects to have under crop this year. IFe has let his present holding at Jiurnside at what he considers a fair rent, and is altogether about the shrewdest man 1 have nu.'t in the Dominion. From Portage we struck up the Manitoba and North- Western liailway, after seeing all the country lying to the south of the Canadian Pacific, notably the crofter settlements (details of which will appear later). "We stopped off at Neepawa, there went to the top of an elevator, and from this point of vantage saw the surrounding district. In a radius of 16 to 13 miles nothing could be seen but an unbroken level plain, dotted with wheat stacks in every direction. After such a sight one began to realise the extent of this new country, when we knew t\w view might be extended do«n by Portage, east by Brandon, and south to the boundary line of the States. At Neepawa the greater part of the land has been settled for about 10 j^ars, and judging from the crops, the character of the soil, and the great energy displayed by the settlers during that time, no one can doubt of the future possibilities of this province. I had the good fortune to mi'et Mr. Donald Eraser, late of Kintore, Aberdeenshire, who has been in this locality during the past eight years, two years of which he w orked teaming about Winnipeg. Six years ago he took up his present homestead, and began life with two teams and SIO. Since then he has reclaimed 240 acres, with 80 acres pasture, which makes up his half-section. H(» nou- possesses 15 cows and 11 teams of horsi;s, and would not take S8,000 for his stock and homestead. He has also started his son in another half-section, with 100 acres under crop, 12 cows, and 2 teams oi horses. The second son has taken up a quarter-section — IGO acres — and is joint owner of a portable c'eam threshing mill. I saw his grain, which was just threshed, and would estimate it as follows : — AVheat, 5,000 bushels ; barley, 400 bushels ; with about 200 bushels of oats. A pretty tidy affair this for five years' work. "We next arrived at Birtl(% where we visited the annual show, and saw some fair samples of grain, excellent vegetables, and fair cattle ; but sheep were a poor show. Horses were very good. After seeing the show, we drove to General "Wilkinson's farm (Birtleside). The farm is 2,000 acres in ...^nt, and was bought three years ago. Cultivation was begun tw years since, and 300 acres are now under crop. The Birtle Kiver runs through the farm, which makes it, OM'ing to shelter from scrub and knoll, admirably adapted for 1'4 The Ai/ricitltiii'al UiSoiircea of Canada. breeding stock. Aiter dinner, we adjourned to tiie Town Hall, when, after the customary speeches were gone through, it was suggested that some of the farmers in the district would come forward and give their experiences. A Mr. Cook first stood up, and said he came there 11 years ago with iSlO in his pocket, and chopped his way to a home- stead, and that during all the time he had farmed he had only two crops which were touched by irost. He had done well because he had not put all his eggs in one basket, but went in for stock-raising as well as corn-growing. The next speaker was James Murray, who came to the country along with his father in the year 1880 ; his native place is the parish of Dunnett, Caithness, Scotland. The following is the substance of his remarks: -"1 am a North country man. and begaii life there a.'s a herd boy. I then was made * cadger,' or ' loon,' and worked at that job for some years, until 1 got a chance of coming out here under a three years' engagement — my l)assage, &c., being paid for me if 1 stuck to the man for three years. Well, I got liere, and went to the homestead and began work. The place was called Eaebuni, and I got from $8 to $J0 a month. I started the first morning to plough with oxen along with the others ; some of us got on fairly, but others got all round the houses, and landed at the stable door instead of the end rig. After a time the ' boss ' and I quarrelled, owing to another man. The ' boss ' started and cursed me all round, same as if I was a ' nigger.' Well, I went away, and walked 25 miles ; landed at Birtle with 25 cents in my pocket, wliich 1 spent on my supper. 1 could get no work, so started away other 25 miles without any breakfast, and got to near Saltcoats, where I got work at S>8 a month for a year. At the end of the year the ' boys ' offered nu* S25 a month for another year. IMeantime, my father took up his home- stead, and sold it in 1884. AV^hen my father joined me, and we took up our present homestead, in 1885, I bought a team for $83. jMv brother, who had been working in the country, came and took up the ([uarter-section next me, and joined us, we having '>20 acres between us. 3[y father lived at the homestead, and my brother and I woi'ked out when not needed, getting S2 to iS2i a day. 1 went down country to meet a brother and sister who were coming out, and for which 1 sent them S60 to help. On getting there I had to wait a week or two, so went to a man and asked for a job. He offered me S2 a day, but if J worked without putting my foot to tlie shovel he would give me S^h. AV'hen I. got back, there was a job at S25. My homestead was after this entered upon, arid we got 15 acres broken the first year ; next year 25 acres more ; and this year 70 acres ; so that next spring I will have, M'ith my brother, ^ 10 acres under crop. We have also 12 horses, 30 cattle, and 50 sheep, with pigs and poultry. I have also a good house, 20 feet by 18 feet, stable and sheds, with self-binder, and all the other implements required for the homestead. I am also clear of debt, except a few things which I can pay out of my crop this year.'' To me it appears that Mr. jNIurray deserves his good fortune, and is the right sort of settler for any new country — ready to take a turn at whatever comes his way, showing pluck, energy, and jjt^i'seve ranee at every turn, and, upon the whole, " bad to beat/' Mf, GiOnjc Brown's liCjioi'l, 25 Binscarth Farm. — Wo next procwed to Biiiscartb, where I was driven to the farm by Mr. AVm. Scarth, from whom I received much information as to Murray. Mr. Scarth came to the country a year or two ago, and has begun farming ; he is quite sanguine as to his ultimate success, and from what I could learn as to his plans, is on the fair way to make money. We drove to the Binscarth Farm — a name well known in the iS'orth of Scotland, beiag of great interest to (Orkney men. The farm is well managed, there being 300 acres under cultivation. Labour being scarce forbids further progress ;n this direction. Tl>e crops were excellent, more especially oats and turnips. Taking th(* whole farm, it is an ideal location for the breeding of cattle, as it lies well, is sheltered from all points, having streams and valleys running through it in all directions, deep bottom lands where abundance of hay can be cut, and the soil under cultivation strong black loam. The principal object for which the farm is carried on by the Scottish Ontario and ^lanitoba Land Company is the breeding of high- class stock, and for this purpose a Shortiiorn herd has been established. Tlie nucleus of the herd was obtained from Ontario sonie six years ago, and during that time a great advance has been made, both in numbers and breeding. The older cows inspected by us seemiid to be ])atchy, and wanted the symmetry, which always is such a characteristic of the Shorthorn; many were also a little rough about the head and horns. This, howevei, only applies to the older cows. Those younger sliow improvement, and this continues in all the different ages until the calves of this year ar(^ reached. These are about the best I have seen anywhere, show ing Shorthorn blood at every point ; indeed, the heifer calves would be difficult to beat by the best herds in this country. There can be no doubt that thesi' stages of progression are due to the care and judgment of Mr. Smellie, the manager, who appears to be an enthusiast in Shorthorn breeding. The herd now numbers over 300. Tiie young bulls are sold annually, at from ^20 to £35. The feeding i.i hay and straw, bruised oats, and bran for cows and young bulls. Yoimg cows and heil'ers are tui'ncd out to th(( prairie during sunnnei', getting no extra feed. The company o\\ ns 30,000 acres of land in this vicinity, all of a similar charactei'. The establisliing of this farm is therefore a wise and far-reaching policy, as it not only gives the settlers who have taken up homest(\ads the opportunity of obtaining good sires to use in tlieir herds, but many experiments are conducteci on the home farju, which, when successful, are adopted by these settlers. The latter are in consequence prosperous, wliich gives the locality an excellent character, and r(\sults in settlement and enhanced prices for land in the district. Barnardo Home. — We afterwards visited Eussell, and drove to Dr. Barnardo's Home and Parm for Boys. The farm consists of 8,000 acres, 5,000 being purchased, and 3,000 presented by the JNIanitoba and North-Western Kailway Company. The object is tiie reclamation of the waifs of London and other large cities. There is room for 60 boys in the Home: these are generally from I'G The Jijiuciilliiral liaaniira of Cimnda. 15 to 17 years of age, antl an^ kt-pt lu'i'o lor a year or so, and during that time are instructed in all kinds of farm Avork : after- wards thev are drafted out amongst thc^ farmers in the district. There is a demand for the Barnardo boys, so that the institution is of real benefit to the neighbourhood. Some 300 acres are at present under crop, and a garden of 25 acres, in which all kinds of vegetables are cultivated. There is also a fair stock of cattle and sheep, and the best Shorthorn bull I have seen in the country. A creamery has been set agoing, in which .'50 lbs. of butter are made daily. Saltcoats — Crofters. — We next visited Saltcoats, in which district the crofters sent out under the auspices of the Imperial Government are settled. The district is a wide one, and consists of great tracts of prairie land, covered here and thiu'e with scrub. The soil is good, being a deep fertile loam ; water being obtained anywhere by sinking wells from 10 to 12 feet. This settlement consists of 49 families, who were sent out in 1889; other 30 f ami] 'as being located neai Pelican Lake, in Southern Manitoba, in 1888. The Imperial Government provided means (.£120) for each family, whicli was expended on their transport and homestead, rations being given them until their first crops arrived at maturity. The money advanced is to be repaid in instalments spread over a niunber of years. D. Grahame, an old Hudson Bay man, who came out to the country one and a half years ago, for the second time, as a Government emigration ci'ofter, says :— " 1 1 ave to complain of great hardship the first year, because the crops did i.ot grow for the want of rain, and I c^ dd not get work at all. I wrote home to ui/ friends that no one should leave there and come to this country. When the harvest of this year — which is a good one — was over, I was better pleased with the place, and would not return home on any condition. I have to complain of the charges the people of this country make for their goods. I have also to complain that the rations were stopped too soon." Note. — In cross-examination, find that this man had been offered w ork on the railway and refused it, preferring to occupy his spare time drawing firewood to Saltcoats. Robert McKay, Stornoway : — " I have 11 acres under crop this year, and will have other 20 acres broken for 1891. I worked on the railway in the winter time, and got 5s. per day. I think my land not fit for catt e, as the water is scarce. I did not like the country last year, as we had no crop owing to drought, but this year I think a great deal better of it. I am quite satisfied Mith everything done by the people or Government at home. When we got to Halifax we began to get trouble. I think I was charged $30 too much for things bought, and I am not satisfied with having only the half of a waggon, as my neighbour and I often want it the same day. I would rather have a cow less r.nd get a whole waggon. I would have no hesitation in telling my friends to come to this country, and would not row leave it for anything.'' ♦ Mr. d'eori/i' firown's lieporf. 27 le Charles Pochorty, Xcivtli U ist : — " I have 12 acres under crop this year, and planted 10 bushels potatoes, and have a return of 160 bushels of potatoes and a good crop of wheat. My family also ate potatoes from June till September. I have 12 head of cattle, including my work oxen. I expect to have 20 acies under crop next year. I would not leave the country unless they dragged me away with ropes. I was not pleased at first." Alex. McDonald, Uist : — " I have 12 acres under crop, and expect to put 10 acres more next year. I have nine head of cattle and nine of a family. My family are all healthy. There is a school near us being built. Wi^ have a sermon every other week. 1 am very well pleased with the country, and would not leave it, as I think it ^he best place in the world for a man with a family.*' Note. — When asked what he thought of the action of the IS families who left their holdings and took to lumbering instead, he replied, " I believe they made a mistake, owing to tlie bac. crop the first year, which they will regret all their lives. 1 think they were misled by a man named Murray.'' Martin Macdonald: — " I have 8 acres under crop this year, and 4 acres broken for next year. I did not like the country last year, but am very well ])leased with it this year. I worked for the railway, and made $83 in thre(> months. This money kept us all the winter. I wish all my friends to come out. I could not go back to live in the old country. 1 havtj written for my mother, brother, and two sisters to come here, and I think they will come ; anyway, I wish no better place." Kenneth Mclvor: — " I have 12 acres under crop this year, and expect to have 20 acros more next year. I have 11 of a family; one girl, aged 16, is nearly blind, and in the hospital at "Winnipeg. I have to complain of things being dear here, and of the doctor who inspected us at Greenock for keeping us long on deck on a very cold night. I like the country, and think all my friends ought to come out here, as it is a grand place. I was much displeased with the country last year, because the crop was a failure ; but now I am writing home telling them to come, and to Winnipeg for my brother." Pelican Lahe and Killarneif. — This settlement consists of 12 families from Harris and 18 from Lewis, the latter being settled on the opposite side of the lake. These emigrated in 1888. D. McKenzie, Harris, began life with a team, cow and calr, and settled on 160 acres of land. During the first year he broke 8 acres, and in 1890 had 40 acres under crop. His cattle have done well, and he sells enough butter and eggs to keep the house. The winter is not so bad as in the old country, because when the snow comes on it never changes ; so that one day one does not get wet, and the next dry, the same as in the old country. Would not leave the country for the same quantity of land in the old place. There is a good school and a church near the homestead. Roderick McKay, Harris, has put in 44 acres wheat, also 5 acres 28 The Afji'leulluval Ihsoinres of Canada. Ill for his father, who is an old man, and resides on a neighbouring home- stead. The potatoes were an excellent crop, and tirst-rate quality, lie has also broken 10 acres more this season for his father. He 1ms six of a family, who are all well pleased with the country. He has 11 cattle, 2 pigs, and lots of poultry. D. Stewart, Fort Augustus : — Interviewed Mrs. Stewart. " I did not like the country at first, feeling it very lonesome, as there were no neighbours about ; but I got ov 3v that in time, and would not now like to leave the place. I have four of a family, and wo hope to do well by them in the time to come. We have 70 acres this year under crop, beside potato ground. We have eight cows in calf, five cows giving milk, and a litter of young pigs, which we sell when they are a month old. I do not find the winter colder tJian in the old country. I get 9d. per lb. for butter, and 5d. per dozen for eggs. This is tluj grandest country in tlie world for rearing stock and poultry, as heifers will have a calf when 18 months old." The next is the report of an interview Lord Aberdeen had some time after with one of these crofters, and as it is representative, I here reproduce it. The Earl called upon John McLeod, who is the leading crofter of the settlement, who replied as follows : — " "Well, my Lord, I can tell you it was a lucky day for myself and family when we went on board the steamer that took us out of Scotland and land(>d us in this fine country. I have three sons, and they own 160 acres of land each. I own 160 acres layself ; making a total of 640 acres. I and my sons work together on the land, and we have about 90 acres under crop. "We have three yoke of oxen, several cows, and young stock. " "NV^e have about 900 bushels of wheat this season, and plenty oats, barley, potatoes, and vegetables. We will have 150 aci'es under crop next year. We are only three miles from timber at Pelican Lake. There is any amount of fish in the lake, and a large quantity of ducks and geese, and turlvcys and prairie chickens on the wheat fields ; when the season for shooting comes in, we can blaze away at them. We have no landlords, no old country gamekeepers to arrest us for shooting game. Our carriages, horses, &c., are free from taxation ; we only pay S30 a year taxes for the whole section of 640 acres. We all like this country. The soil is black vegetable loam from 18 to 24 inches deep, and a rich marly subsoil several feet deep, and a blue clay bottom. Several fanners have raised crops here of wheat for 10 years in succession without manure. I often think of our people in Scotland who are working all their lives for the landlords for just enough to keep soul and body together. Let them come to this country, where they can be free from the grasp of landlordism, and become the owners of an estate of 160 acres of good land as long as grass gro\^•s and water runs. VJ^e have plenty of room for them in this great North-West country, and I can now with confidence invite them all to come where they can make comfortable homes for themselves and iheir families." The Earl at this point wished to hear of any drawbacks to the country. " Vovy well, my son," said McLeod. "If I would tell you any- Mi\ Georije Jirowits Rcitort. 2d \ m thing about tlie dark side, 1 would be telliiii^ you something 1 know- nothing about, because it has been all tlio bright side with me since I came here. 1 am authorised to make this statement by the whole of the crofters in tliis settlement. When 1 first arrived at Killarney, I was offered S2-50 a day for doing mason work, and the first job of mason work I did I got S2-o() a day ; I can now get S3 a day, but I cannot leave my farm. There is plenly of worlc lien; for masons and man labom*ers, but I prefer to stick to my farm ; and I can say that any who will work and till his farm properly can make a good living here." Moosoniin Settlement. — The crofters who make up this settlement are from the estates of Lady Gordon Cathcart. In the year 1^813, owing to the congested state of some parts of these estates, there was an offer made of i'lOO to the head of each family who desired to emigrate to tlu^ North- West. This sum Avas to ho expended, along with the amount obtained by the sale of their farm stock, in their transport, and to enable them to begin life with some liope of success in their new homes. Pifty- six families availed themselves of the offer, 11 going out the first year, and 45 following the succeeding one. The money advanced was secured under the 39th clause of the Dominion Land Act. The location selected is near the town of Moosomin; the country around being rolling, or undulating, with gullies and creeks scattered about in its area. The soil is a good loam, and in many parts covered with scrub. Good bottom land, as well as water, is abundant. A country well adapted for mixed farming. D. McDonald, iSouth Uist : — Has been fairly successful, but luul a bad crop '. ist year owing to drought. Has no complaint to maj^e against the country. " 1 had 1 8 acres under crop last year, and will put in lliree mon; this season. I have two cows, four other cattle, and on(^ team of oxen, and have got all the implements 1 require, self-binder included. 1 might go back to the old country, but would not stay there, as this is a healthy place, and a man is more independent. Besides, 1 have got a very good cro|» this year." Farquhar Beaton, South Uist : — Had very little money when he came to the country, lias now 100 acres under wlieat, 30 head of cattle, 1 horse, all the iiii- ])lements, and a team of oxen. Has a tidy house and offices, and farms his land well. AVould go bade 1o the old country if he got a very good situation, but would not go back to farm. J. Campbidl, .South Uist :- - "I have seven cattle, and 40 aei-cs under whi-at. 1 like the coinitr}'. but would like to visit tiu> old place."' " Would you stay ? '' -Ochl no, no." '"Then you would not faiMu at home?"' " Xa, faith. T did not sow all my land this year. If I had done so, I would be rich." aMcKinnon, South List, located at lied Jacket: *• I sold 18 to 20 cattle this year, and have on iiand 4i» head nioiv. 1 bought a pair of horses for 250 dollars. Seasons are changeable. I. have about 80 acres under crop, and have a return of about 2,000 bushels wheat." Any comment from mc is uuiiecesfary^as the preceding interviews, ;{0 The Afjrlculliiral liesonrvca of Canadd. selected haphiizard from my note-book, are sufficient evidence as to the present position and future prospects of the crofters. I may add that on inquiry I found that of the 18 families who left their home- steads, 13 would not take the locations selected for them by the officials in the vicinity of the others, but went in a body to the Leech Lake district and selected the land for themselves. Some of the lands are odd-numbered sections, and in consequence belonged to the Manitoba and North- Western Eailway. The company at once gave the sections to the Government, co that the crofters might homestead. These 13 families left this land of their own selection before they had occupied it 18 months. One of the 18 is dead ; one works on tlu; railway, but is to take up his homestead ; the others have moved west. On our way back from the North-West I met a delegate from Dakota who travelled over Manitoba with us. He informed me that he had just completed the purchase of 60 homesteads at Saltcoats, where settlers from Dakota were to migrate ; this district being, he considered, tlie best selection he could make. We now retiirn via Portage-la-Frairie and join tiie Canadian Pacific. Passing on toward the west, we come to Brandon, the most important w heat market in the province. It has five grain elevators, one flour mill, and a saw-mill. The town lies up from the railway on a high bank, and, although only about six years old, is of a fair size, with a good many substantial buildings, containing a population of about 5,400. Near Brandon is the Goveriiment Experimental I'arm. The farms in tlie district are excellent, and the soil well suited for wheat- growing. Leaving Brandon, we come to Wolseley, where we stopped on our return journey. AVe were driven out to Qu'Appelle "\'"alley. The scenery is a considerable deal better than the land, as the latter is low-lying, and seems to have been the bottoui of a recent river. Culti- vation is tried here and there, with fair results. The land lying on the higher lands is fair loam, and suited for dairy and mixed farming. Our next stop is at Eegina, the capital of the North- West, visiting Indian Head on our way. Here is situated the North- West Experimental Fai-m, as also the famous Bell and Brassey Farms. The Bell Farm is a big undertaking — much too big for one man to carry out the work with economy. It is 13,000 acres in extent, and takes a ride of 27 miles to go round it. There are 1,600 acres under wheat this year, and Major Bell expects to put in 3,(»00 acres next year. The ])roduce is about 25 bushels per acre, and the cost of production from S4 to !S5 per acre. There is frequently 40 per cent, lost by frost, whicli might be saved to a considerable extent if the farm was divided into holdings of (me-twentieth the she. One furrow outwards and another homewards is the half-day's work for a nuui and pair of horses. The climate is unsuitable; that is, it is too big a risk to have a grain farm pure and simple so far west and north, although mixed farming would leave money. The Brassey Farm has just been started, and consists of 40,000 acres. A commencement has been made by establishing a fair lot of ClvdesJale mares, the intentitm being to bi'eed hoi-ses of greater bone and substance, ^^•hich will soon be required for farm i)urpobes. There r*^ Mr. Gcori/e JJrowa's licjiot'l. 31 to )£ fe re is also a fair henl ol' cattle. The land is fair. Graiii-growiug is also to be taken up as time goes on. Eo2;iiia is sitiiatod on a level plain, the surrounding country being flat, and suitable for grazing sheep. AVe visited the exhibition there and saw some extra good roots, potatoes being a very good show. There was also an excellent exhibit of butter, which would make it appear that dairy farming might be taken up with success. This is tho headquarters of the jMounted Police, many of whom \Nere seen by us ; they appear to be an efficient body of men. AV^e next make our way up the new line of railway to Prince AlbtM't, whicli lies on the Saskatchewan Kiver. We have here a great country, extending west by Battleford to Edmonton, well adapted for mixed farming, the land being very nmcli similar to that in the vicinity of Indian Head, but rolling, with valleys and knolls covered with scrub, which affords good shelter for stock. Water is plentiful in most j)arts. AVhile there, I visited a few farmers in tlie niMghbourhood, and was well pleased with the general app(\'irance of tlie country. Sheep are reared in this district, and considering tho great extcMit of some of the prairie lands (200 miles), thousands might well take the place of the hundreds at present in the hands of a few ranchers. These run out on the prairie during sununer, and feed on hay during winter. While visiting Mr. Plaxton 1 was shown some t«o-i'owed barley grown by him, the best sample I have seen anywhere, either at home or in Canada. There can be no doubt this variety can be grown hcn-e. To make sure, 1 examined his stacks and found the sample obtanied liy rulibing out u few heads to be equally as good — fine, plump grain, well coloured, and lit for brewers. Until lately four-rowed barl(>y — the "here," or "bigg,"' of the North of Scotland — has been grown almost exclusively in Canada, there being a good market in the United States for this variety. Barley of a better quality can, howeviM", be grown, and will tind a ready sale in the markets of Great Britain. It is, therefore, simply a question of time w hen two-rowed barley will take the place of the inferior variety, as there can be no fear of it attaining full maturity in a climates where wheat can be grown. All this district is as yet almost untouched in the way of settle- ment, so that there are great opportunities for farmers with some means to take up locations in the district. On our retui'n we passed through a great extent of A'ery diversified country; plain, valley, mountain, and timber following in sueeessicm until we agaiji arrive at Kegina, and away west towards ^loosejaw, when we enter upon the great alkali plain, which is the northern ])ortion of the American desei't, or "badlands" of the States, llow these ])lains are to be economised has often been the subject of discussion amongst the members of the delegation. The grazing of sheej) has been suggested ; but it must be kept in view that sheep grazinxauder to drive out south and see some of the ranches in that direction. Mr, Geot'f/e Jiroivn'.s lie port. n3 inttn* |0 per 'aned Iway. liiries man irms. lewes use Inch the ■r of the ^iiie, tlie |i) oC on ,ith Ithe In our th'ive, some 40 mik's out, wo passed through perliaps the best ranching country in North America ; the various requirements necessary i'or this branch binng present at every turn — good water, good shelter, good hay lann>, and the whoU; climate of the district tempered during tlu^ season by the warm bree/.es of the chinook winds. But not only to the larg(! rancher is this district suitable, but the smaller capitalists can make a largin- return for their money than even those with more capital can obtain. 500 head being more readily managed than 5,000, the loss is dijninished ; and this loss often means !i large protit if it can be averted or mitigated. "We passed a good many houses of these settlers on the wity, all of whom seemed to bo prospering. Coming to High liiver lianch, wc stayed the night, return- ing to Calgary next day. There are 900 horses on this ranch. On the average of seasons 250 foals are dro])ped, being 90 per cent. The loss last year was 10 foals and »{ mares. On another ranch .'KtO horses were k«])t, the mares being crossed with Clyde and Percheron stallions. f^5 per cent, foals dropp(>d. No hay given during winter; no loss, and horses look as well in spring as in the fall. A neighbour had eight «teers which ran in the open all winter and came in during spring tit i'or the butcher. Another told us 80 head of cattle ran out all winter, and were found in good condition in spring. These experiences are sufficient evidence! as to the character of the district. Leaving Calgary, we now approach the Eocky Mountains, and come into contact with one of nature's greatest and grandest works. Hour after hour is passed in which the most magnificent scenery meets the eye, now abrupt, then undulating, again opening up in a vast vista, in which are seen mountain overreacliing mountain, until the mighty 8(4kirks are seen overtopping the lower ranges. It would require the ])en of the poet or the pencil of the artist to even faintly depict it, and it is therefori^ outside the province of the rustic pen, so let us resume. Looking at these freaks of nature from an agricultural standpoint, they are not in it ; so we shall pass Banff, with its springs, and pass on to British Columbia, which has been comjmred to a " sea of mountains." British Columbia. — The main feature of the province is the immense forests it contains. tSo gn^at are these that it has been said, " Scotland might be buried in one of them and never be seen." This is, indeed, a land of great trees, rivers teeming with lish, and mountains containing Aast mineral deposits. How to develop these are the problems which are being daily brought under the notice of the Canadian public. The climate of the province in the south is mild and humid ; further north the summer is shorter, and winter longer and more variable. All kinds of fruit are grown to near perfection in the open air. Agricultural land is not so plentiful as in the provinces east of the Eocky Mountains, the country being nearly all covered with heavy timber. We were told of great stretches of lands, lying between the Cascade and the Eocky Mountains, at Spallumcheen, Oakangan Valley, and Kootenay ; but the difficulties of transport will affect their development for some time. While at New Westminster we visited the "Delta," and tVoiii Yaucouver City, Lulu Island, These are nuule uji of :illuvia\ a 34 The ylf/nculliwal Hesourcfa of Canfula. ' doposits, and lie low, dyking having to be done in many parts of Lulu Island. As the canning of fruit (a beginning being already made) becomes developed, all this land will l)e couvurted into fruit gardens. The clearing of the forests for the purpose of growing wheat or other farm produce would not pay at present prices, as the cost would be very heavy. AVhen, however, the price for huuber increases, so that the settler can sell his trees instead of burning them, the cl(>aranc(; of the forest will become universal, as the climate and soil M'ould simply warm the heart of every good farmer. AVhen on a visit to Xew AV^estminst(;r, \\e inspected the saw-mills, which are very extensive, the chief markets for lumber and manufactured articles being Japan, Australia, A:c. As this is one of the centres of the lisliing industry, and as this subji-ct is of great interest to the iishermen all over the ]Vorth of Scothind, I here add a few notes obtained from Mr. Mowat, Insjiector of Fisheries. Canned salmon can be landed in London with a ])roiit at 14d. per lb. Each lisli weiglis on an average 1(1 lbs. to 20 lbs., and costs on an average (id. on the Fraser ]iiv(a'. 31en are engaged at from S'2 to S2^ per day. A few of the iishermen, who own their boats and nets, get from 4i^d. to 6d. per ilsli ihey land; others work (in the half system — that is, th(^ cannery supplies the boat and nets, and get half the fish caught, and pay 4,]d. per tlsh for i\u\ other half. Fishing commences during the iirst week of July, and continues for six weeks. The varieties taken are the quinnat, or spring fish, the saw-quai, or redfish, and the cohoe, silver or fall lish. When the fishermen are through with the salmon fishing, white or deep-sea fishing is taken up. The ci-eeks and rivers along the coast and the deep sea are teeming with every kind of fish. Fishermen make from i^2U0 to £250 during the season. The salmon fishing commenced in the Columbia Eiver in 1865, and reached in 1873 to a take of 60,000,000 lbs. of salmon ; afterwards this take fell off to about half, the river being over-fished. The Fr'aser, the Naas, and the Skeena are, however, the chief salmon fishing rivers in British Columbia, and, to obviate the possibility of their being over-fished, the Dominion Government have established a hatch(ny n(>ar the Fraser Eiver, out of which 7,000,000 salmon fry are sent yearly into those rivers. There is a most valuable fish, called the cole, or skil, caught off the coast of A'ancouver and Queen Charlotte's Island, in from 150 to 200 fathoms, which is of great value on account of the oil obtained from it, and the fine flavour of the fish. These fish are caught by line and hooks in gi'eat numbers, and are likely to take the place of mackerel in the Ameiic an markets. 13ut these are not by any means the only kind, as the whole coast away towards the Xorth literally swarms with all kinds of white fish. This industry only awaits development. To me it appears that British Columbia offers great inducements to our Northern and West Coast fishermen to settle, as fishing and farming could be combined here with some hope of success. New markets will be opened up when the mining industry is begun in earnest. There can be no doubt in the mind of anyone who is acquainted with the circumstances at home and those in British Ml'. Oeoi'ge Bronnt Heport. Columbia, that our lishinj^ ixumlation in gnmt nunibprs would find a congenial homo in this province, and by ordinary caro and industry place themselves in a very short tinus in an infinitely better position than over they could do at home. AVhen one considers the great mineral resources of British Columbia, we may say that, except gold and coal, this great source of vv(valth i.s practically untouched. The iron, copper, silver, lead, &c., which the mountain ranges and river basins are known to contain will yet bo explored and opened up. When this occurs, British Columbia will be looked upon as one of the w«>althiest provinces in the; Dominion. Capital has already begun to flow in this direction, and judguig from what the Columbians hav{> already done, a very few years will nuu'k the rise and progress of this most pleasant province. A'ancouver Island lies about HO miles from the mainlaiul, and contains the capital city. The chief agricultural part lies south-east — of no great ext(mt. Although good tracts of land are scattered throughout the island, still the whole place is heavily timbered, and would require money to clear it. At Ts'anaimo coal-mining is exten- sively carried on, much of it finding its way across the Pacific, down to California, «&c. In a big country like Canada, where soil, climate, and surroundings are so varied, it is often a most difficult matter for the ordinary farmer to choose a location, and, when chosen, to decide what kind of crops will be suitable for the climate and soil. In a new country, where th(! population is thinly spread over tlie land, experiments to find out the id aro these Is the only jffei's ?ttle, )e of istry lyone fitish KXl'BRIMKXTAL FARM, OTTAWA .16 Thf Aijrinihin'dl IhnounwH of Cuiutda. ])roppr kind ol' crop to sow nin luirdly bo undtTtiikt'ii l)y a lu-w settler. The Dotninioti (il«)vornmont, koopinp; in view these circumstances, havn ronio to th(! vclicf oi' the fiinrnTs of the country by the ostablish- iiient of an Kxpcrinicnlal i-'arni in each province — Nappan for the Maritinit^ Provinces, Ottawa for Quebec and Ontario, Firandon for Manitoba, Indian J lead for the North-West, and Agassiz for British Columbia. Trom the central farm at Ottawa, in charge of Professor Saunders, the others take the cue. Here crops, flocks and herds, pi^'s and jioultry, all undergo a most crucial test as to their various qualities, and adaptability for the country. AVhen a success has been made at Ottawa, it is further tested at each of the farms, and adopted in the locality where it attains its greatest maturity. From what has been written, it may be inferred w liich parts I consider the most favoured and suitable for the various degrees of the tillers of the soil. I can only add that no nuin will regret going to Canada to begin life there, provided he makes up his mind to work, and i'xercises ordinary caution. And .1 conclude by giving it the highest ])i'aise a man can give — viz., were it possible for me to break all the ties and change the responsibilities which surround me here, I would go to Canada and stay tlicre. THE REPORT OF MR. ARTHUR DANIEL, 172, Dereham RoatI, Norwich. ir.vviMi hi'fti c'hostMi Iiy Sip C. TiiputT ;is oni" of tin; riirmrr drlt'f^iito.H to visit Cauiichi for tlirt piirposo of uscvrluiniiig tln! resources of thu country and its suitability for eiuignuifs, 1 liuvo to report tluit I left Liverpool on the 2StIi of Aiiij;ust, in (lie Alhm ste;iinshi[) " Circassian," and arrived in Montreal on tins Slli of .September. As this Keport will doubtless be read by luany who have no idea of the extent of th<* Dominion of Canada, 1 will brielly describe I lio extent of oui- journey. From jMontroal \\v. travelled to Ottawa and Toronto, whei'e ue were met by jNlr. (>. 11, ("aiiiplicll, who acted as pilot for the remainiler of the journey. Having had a special railway car placed a1 our service, our |)ilol, gave the word of command, ■• All aboard," and wt^ starteil for tht> (jireal- Xorth-West. After having ti-avcilled some 70O iidles, and when near Thunder Bay reinarkalili' for its grand scenery we ex[)erienced oik* of the many slight railway accidents so often heard of in the N»'\v World ; but luckily for us, it proved to be; comparatively harmless, for, with the exception of the engine leaving the track, and the live hours' delay, no one in the train sutVered further inconvenience than having one's breakfast emptied into one's lap. Then we ])roceeded on our way to Winnipeg, Carman, (xlenborough, Souris, Brandon, Jlapid City, Minnedosa, Saltcoats, l*ortage-la-Prairie, Kegina, I'rince Albei-t, Calgary, Banff, Xew Westminster, Vancouver, and Victoria. Thence wi; retraced our steps to Old England, where 1 arrived on the 22nd of November, having travelled 1(J, mdes liy water and rail, and 1,000 by road. I'AiaiA.Ml.NT lUlLUlXOS, OTTAWA, 38 The Agrkidtural liesuurces of Canada. \\ General Description of Places Visited. — Upon luriviiig at Ottawa, we were shown over the Parliament Houses, a very fine block of build- ings standing upon rising ground, and commanding a grand view of the city and river, with its immense water power, from which is not only derived the force to drive the very extensive water works, and the en touched by a frost in August. At Souris a large quantity of the land is held by a company, who are willing to s<>ll at from iSlO to S20 per acre. Brandon, which we visited, is a rising city, with a population < i Eapid City, where there is a woollen mill, on the river, doing a small trade. We then took train for Minuedosa and .Saltcoats, whence mc drove round Langenburg, and called upon several farmers who had been out only from two to four years. Most of them emigrated with very little capital indeed: some had their passages paid for them. We met English, Scotch, and Irish families, who all appeared to h^ ■ioiiii; w.y well. One man who went out with tv. o sons had 840 acres. 3( ; jf Mr. Ai'thnr DaaicVs Ihixn-L W 311 which wore in with corn, lie commenced by borrowing X200 at 8 per cent., all of which he had paid oft", so tliat he had become completely master of the situation. Another who had been out thi-ee years had 160 acres — 60 acres of grain — eight head of cattle, and two working oxen. Anotlier, who liad IGO acres, went out without any money. His corn crop was worth .£20(i. Ho had also 16 head of cattle, worth .£6 each. A fourth, with two small children and no money, borrowed .£100, and though he had only been out three years, he had 15 acres of wheat out of 100 aorc^s, live cows, two oxen, and four sheep. An Irishman who landed with To cents, but had borrowed .£!< Mi from the company, had 16(» acres 50 acres witJi wheat- 27 head of cattle, and was fre(^ from all liabilities. A Norfolk man — Mr, Knotts, from Wattoji— with three small children, who had been out two and a half years, borrowed ^100 fi'oni the company, and had now got 27 acres of wheat and oats, and 11 acres more In-oken for next year, two working oxen, four cows, five steers, sow and ])igs, four big pigs, and 150 head of poultry. When asked if bo could meet his payments, he replied that he could be fvee from debt next year. This man stated that anyone coming out to this part of Canada could be worth .£iWO in three years, even if he had to borrow the money lo make a start. All these peojde said they liked the counti-y, and did not mind the winters, as the cold did not affect the children. We next visited jNIr. Kennerton's i\v\\ ranch of 9,000 acres, on which were 57 head of cattle aiul 40 horses, and a iiouse and buildings which had cost .£1,000. This ranch joins Langenburg ytatioi'. Around Saltcoats we called on a great number of farmers, most of whom have been out three years, and have got homesteads of I'oO acres each, of which about 25 were planted with grain, ^^"hile they had an average of eight head of cattle each. The greater part of them commenced with but little capital, and had to borrow. All expressed themselves satisfied with thinr lot. AVe visited Dr. Barnardo's Home at Russell. It occupies an elevated V isition. There wen^ GO boys at the time of our visit in the H"me. .Several had been placed out with farmers, and only in two or three ;;■ tances had they come back to the Home. A large herd of cows and cattle and a band of sheep are ]\ept at the Hom(% M'here the boys do most of the work. There is tdso a creameiy attached to the Home, whore the boys are taught to make Luttcr This appears to be a good and well-conducted institution. At the Binscarth Farm; -vhich belongs to one of the Scotch land companies, we were shown a line lot of Shorthorns. Everything here Nceuied to be well done. At Birtle we experienced the result of the prohibitory Liquor Law, for wo. could get nothing to drink but green tea, sour milk, and Vtatei' that could not be called good. Here 1 met several young men from the old coinitry, who did not ajipear very ccm- tented with their lot ; although, on the other hand, I met many Mho were. At Portage-la-Prairie we struck a good trace of land, but it had the appearance of being over-cropped. Most of the people here are doing well. 42 The Arfricultural Resources of Canada. Thence we went to Indian Head, where is situated the famous Bell Farm, which, like most other ijreat speculations in farming and ranching, appears to be a failure, i !iougli from what cause it is difficult to say. We were told by some that it is owing to mismanagement, and from what 1 saw 1 quite believe that a great deal may be attributed to this cause. Moreover, we heard of absurd things being practised on one of these large farms further west, such as buying 40 new water-carts for the purpose of watering the crops when the sun was 90 degrees in the shade. It is said that the season in 1889 being dry, this was tried as an experiment. "We here obtained information that the chief of the land adjoining the railway from Virden to Broadview is held by speculators. This will prove a serious drawback to settle- ment ; for, like Winnipeg, these places are at a standstill, as the new settlers are obliged to take up land a long way from the rail. But this will right itt 'f as all this unsold land is subject to taxation. At Kegin.1 we saw sl i ' lino specimens of roots and potatoes, which were good all throUj^. e North- West. From Eegina to Calgary the land appears to be of i,.ie same character. Prince Albert, to M'hich the rail bad been only just opened, is destined to become a rising place. On our way to Calgary we passed through, at Rush Lake, the first of the farms of Sir Lister Kaye, about which the agricultural world has heard so much. The concern was two or thi'ee years since turned over to a company, under the title of the " Canadian Coal and Colonisa- tion Company." These farms — ten in number — consist of 10,000 acres each, and are situated at intervals of J*0 miles between Eush Lake and Calgary. At the latter place we obtained further experience of horse, cattle, and sheep ranching — an occupation which, except in a few instances, does not appear to have been so far very remunerative. "We next visited British Columbia, staying a day at Banff, in the Rockies, whence we proceeded to New AVestminster, whez"e there are large salmon and fruit canning establishments. The land about here is good, but very heavily timbered. Vancouver, though only live years old, is a grand city, the most promising place in British Columbia, and will eventually do a large shipping trade with Aus- tralia, Japan, and China. Although of mushroom growth, A^ancouver can boast of two newspapers, handsome churches, schools, and line hotels. The city is not only lighted by electricity, but also has electric tram-cars. Victoria, the end of our journey "West, is beauti- fully situated on rising ground, has several line buildings, and has the character of being the most English-like of any place we visited. There is a large Chinese population, but they do not increase very fast, as the number who return to the Flowery Land nearly equals the number of immigrants. Soils and Productions. — The soils of the old ])rovinces vary from a light to a heavy loam ; but the light, sandy loam ])redominates. Tin; chief crops are wheat, barley, oats, peas, and maize. Of late years, peas have been more extensively grown. I account for this from the fact that in a great measure the land had been cro])ped so often without manure, with wheat and oats, that it had almost worn itself out for those cereals ; consequently, a great many farmers have fallen back on peas. The \ J/y. Arthui' DaaitVs Rtj^ort. 45 Ik; peas that land, for the most part, was not, in my opinion, as well cultivated as it might have been, with advantage to the owners, or as we are accustomed to at home; each man trying to cultivate more than ho could manage without hel]), which is rather difficult to hirt\ The farmer does not pay enough attention to stock-raising. I do not mean to say that this applies to all the farmers. Many of them pay a good deal of attention to live stock, which is seen by the large number of cattle and sheep, and the immense quantity of dairy products annually exported. The average crop of wheat was 24 bushels per acre, which was worth 3s. 6d. per bushel. This will give the value of an acre of wheat at £\ 4s. Oats yielded about 40 bushels per acre, which at Is. lOd. per bushel makes the value i.'3 13s. 4d. per acre. Owing to the hot and short summer, oats are not generally a very good sample, and seldom weigh more than 34 lbs. to the bushel, which is the standard weight. But owing to the Government importing some different kinds of seed from our large seedsmen in England, the quality has been very much improved of late. I saw some very good samples of oats weighing 42 Ib-^ to the bushel, grown at the different Experimental Farms. The four- . nved barley is the chief kind grown, but it is not so plump and good-looking in sample as the variety produced in this country. It is very bright, but much thinner and harder than ours, owing to the hot and short summer causing it to ripen quicker. Up to now it has all been sold to American bre^\('rs. The average yield is about 24 busliels per acre, and it is worth 2s. 9d. per bushel, giving c£3 6s. as the worth of an acre. Experiments are now going on all over the country in growing a variety of barley suited to the English market, and it seems likely to be a success. In most districts we saw large quantities of fruit under culture, comprising apples, pears, and grapes — the latter coming to perfection trained on wire extended on posts in the open field. These crops appear to be very remunerative. The soil and products in Manitoba and tlie North- West differ much from those of tht^ older provinces. T'he soil consists of a dark vegetable loam of great depth, and capable of producing grain for many years to come without the application of manure. Here we found the chief crops to be wheat, oats, and potatoes. The latter, though only grown in small quantities, are very fine, and of good quality. AVheat is the chief crop, and averages, at a low estimate, from 18 to 20 bushels per acre ; and as it is worth 3s. 4d. per bushel, this gives £3 6s. Sd. as the value per acre. Oav.s yield 40 bushels per acre, and are worth 1 s. 6d, per bushel of 34 lbs., which gives £'d as the value of an acre of oats. We also found throughout the Dominion crt\aiiieries established, for the production of butter and cheese. These creameries are a great advantage to the small settlers, who have very little time to make their own butter and cheese. An enormous trade is dcme in the exportation of products, much of which finds its way to the Englisli market. Yankee traders send a lot of their cheeses to Canada for shipment, so that they juay get the benefit of the re])utation of the Canadian products. Could the Canadians have their own biand duly recognised in the English market, our kindred in the Dominion v\ould hav(? a much 44 Tht Afjricidtaml liisourcea of CmimUi. greater demand from this couutry lor those products, which are siiperio to those of tlie States. The prairie district is one vast tivict of level grass coiintiT, destitute of timber, and without fruit trees ; but many of our small fruits are indigenous to the soil, and experiments are being made to introduce varieties of apples and pears and genei'al trees that will suit the climate. The climate and soil of British Columbia V(?ry much resemble the climate and soil of England. Large ti'acts of land lying in the different valleys of the Eraser River are very fertile, capable of growing large crops of grain, hay, fruit, and vegetables of all descrip- tions. In one of these valleys (Okanagan) we were told that 25 tons of binding twine had been consumed this year. This, on an average of 4 lbs. to the acre, would I'epresent 12,500 acres of corn, which at 20 bushels ])er acre gives 250,O(»0 bushels. Calculating this at 3s. 4d. ])er bushel, tlie total value of the corn grown in that valley would be iJ41,660. Eruit also appears to be very largely grown in British Columbia, which has also an immense wealth in timber and fish, in all of which a large export trade is done. The; timber is in some places of very large dimensions. We measured several trunks which girthed from 25 to 40 feet ; one even girthed 52 feet. Inside this tree, which had been recently hollowed out by burning, we found a seat 12 feet long, placed there for the convenience of the public. We estimated that one acre of this timber, which is burnt down to clear the land, w ould, in England, be worth from .£4,000 to £5,000. I'itoclc. — In addition to corn-growing, a large quantity of stock is raised in the Dominion, not only upon small farms, but upon large ranches, especially in the JS'orth-West. In the older ])rovinces there are several lots of ])ure-bred catth , sheep, and pigs, which find ready markets, not only at home, but in the States and the North- AVest. The introduction of pure-bred cattle, with judicious crossing, has very much improved the native breeds, which are large-boned animals, and well adapted for working, especially on the prairie, where, it is said, they break the land better than horses. We saw, in the course of our travels through the West, very striking instances of the good done by these imported cattle. Almost all the small farmers aim at getting some good blood into their stock. AVe came upon a good herd of Shorthorns at the Binscarth Farm, at Ilussell, Manitoba. This herd is sure to do a great deal of good, as it is located in the midst of a large tract of land well suited for mixed farming. On all \\w small prairie farms, where stock has been raised, the owners s])eak very highly of the prairie grass, stating that they can raise for ^Q a three-year-old steer which will fetch S35. But cattle-raising in the North-AVest falls under two headings — those raised on large ranches, and those raised by small farmers, who house them during the winter, feeding them on hay, straw, and in some cases a few roots. T^his kind of farming pays very well, and the farmers who atlopt this course are much better off than those who keep to corn- growing only. AVe met several lots of cattle on their way to England, some of them having been collected by dealers from small farmers, Cattle-raising or' the while some had been brought from the ranches. Mr. Arthur Diiiilr/'a Jieimrl, A& lei's, Ithe rauciies is quito difforont to cattlo-raisinj^ on hiniis. 'L'ho raiiclies tjuch comprise many thousands of acres, and on tliom tlu^ cattle are allowed to roam at pleasure Mitliout any sludter during tho severe winters, consequently the loss is now and then very great , in some instances exceeding 25 per cent. This, on the whole, so far has not been a pay- ing business, as we heard of several failures; and in only one cas(> (that of a company) did we hear of a dividend being paid on the ca])ital expended, it is only right to say that the people at work engaged in the business have had to contend with a new climate, and have had to get their experience. They seem liopeful, too, that they will succe(Hl ; and the luimber of cattle is increasing eveiy ye.'ir. In the last two years several thousands have been sent to our markets, and this trade will no doubt develop. With proper attention to shelter and winter feed there is no reason why the ranches should not answer. Sheep-ranching is not carried on so extensively, but in no one instance did I hear that sheep-ranching is prolitable, while .1 heai'd of no end of failures. Canada is not a country \\ here sh{^ei)-raisiiig can be carried on to any large extent, owing to the breeders being ol)liged to house them during the long winter. I notice, however, that for many years past the average numbcu* of sheep exported has exceeded .'iOO,000. In 15 years, 5,000,000 sheep have been scnit to this count ry and the United States, but they come largely from Ontario and Quebec. Horse-ranching, with good management, is a jiaying business. On one ranch we visited there were several imported stallions, and 130 mares from Ireland. The imported mares — even those from Ontario — did not breed well for the lirst few years. This naturally entailed a great loss of time, and outlay of capital. In my opinion, with imported .stallions, and good native mares, a useful general purpose horse can be bred, sure to meet with a good demand in the market. Rents, Taxes, and Lahour. — Eents in the old provinces vary from 1 2s. per acre to 30s., including taxes, which are very light. Most of tlie farmers, however, own their own land. The rents and taxes in j\[anltoba are nominal, almost every man farming his own land. But labour is rather scarce, and as a rule commands good wages ; for instance, masons ov bricklayers get irom !$2^ to S3 per day : carpenters, from S!2 to S2i ; while the common labourer gets from S^l^ to S2 pin* day. This is the general pay. The food ranges about the same as here. Clothing, if made from imported cloth, is dearer tlum it is at hojiie ; if niade from Canadian cloth, it is about the same price as here, ])ut not so good in quality. House rent is also dearer. Education. — One would think that in so young a country education would be much neglected, but this is not the case. The system cavv'ed out in Canada far surpasses our own, and, moreover, is entirely free. Conclusions. — AVhat, it may be asked, are the general and liroad impressions left upon me by my visit to Canada? First of all, I would reply there is the impression of a vast territory, capable of yielding boundless mineral and agricultural wealth, if capital and labour can be brought to bear upon it, and railway communication is extended to bring the products within reach of the teeming population of the over- grown Old World, One is strongly struck with the conviction that thei't* 46 The Atji'lcultimd Jlesources of Canadit. is in Canada a wide field open to all who are willing to avail themselves of the opportunity offered — whether it is the farm labourer possessing nothing more than his pair of hands, after his passage out has been paid for him, or the capitalist with several thousands of pounds to invest. Both can readily lind employment — the one for his labour, the other for his cash — in this vast territory, extending some 3,000 miles from oast to west, and 1,500 from north to south. Of course the emigrant who has capital will have the better chance, though we were frequently told — and we found many instances of it — that a man accustomed to work the land often does succeed without having the advantage of possessing any money of his own with which to commence operations. Instances are numerous in which men brought up on the land have gone to Canada with only a few pounds in their pockets (just enough to suj^port them till they can settle down), have taken a free homestead with borrowed money at 8 per cent., and hav(^ paid oft' their liability in three or four yeai's, so that they " owed not any man." Kemember that such a settler, or farmer, has no rent to pay, and no tithe-rent charge to hand over to the parson ; while the taxes are nominal — only a few dollars per annum. A farmer's son who has a few hundred pounds, and does not mind work, and a somewhat rough life, can without doubt turn tliem to good advantage and profit by farming in tlie North-West. AVith i;300 he could well work 160 acres of land, which he would get as a free grant ; and if he should he able to extend his area of labour, he could buy the adjoining 160 acres at a few dollars per acre. He would, however, find the 160 acres sufficient with, say, .£300 capital. i ii| II FARM KCKSK, ONTARIO. Then, again, a man Mith a capital of from £1,000 to £2,000 would find Canada a couatry in ^\•hich it could be pi-ofitably employed in Mi\ Arthiii' DnaUVs licjMrl. agriculture. In the improved farm district of the older provinces land is not to be purchased at less than from $40 to SlOO per acre, so that a man with that amount of capital to invest in farming could do just as well in England as sink it in acquiring land at such a figure in Ontario. At the same time, land can be purchased on easy terms ; and in the older provinces then^ an; many advantages, especially of a social nature, which a man could not get in a newer part of the country. In Manitoba, and in many parts of the North-West, ho could obtain land at such a low prict* and on such favourable terms of payment that, having no annual outlay in respect thereof, except taxes of a nominal amount, he could grow wheat and oats at a good profit, besid(^s raise a quantity of horses and cattle, which, if taken care of during the winter, would prove to be very remunera- tive. But he must be prepared to give up many of those home comforts inseparable from an English farmstead, and be ready to encounter a rough lite, with a winter of considerabh^ severity (of which, however, the settlers do not seem to complain), in order to make his fortune. Such a man, taking, say, 2,000 acres of land, ought to be able to make money, as the cost of wheat-raising is as under : — Ploughing Seed Sowing and harrowing Cutting and stooking Threshing (20 bushels) Drawing to elevator Binding twine s. d. * * • 4 *; per acre ... 4 ■ a. 2 . .• .", 7 ... 2 1 £1 5 ...£3 G s ... 1 5 1 ...jCL' 1 7 ould d in 20 bushels, at ;]s. 4(1. per bushel Cost of raising Profit In the Province of Alberta horse-ranching would be a paying pursuit if well conducted on a small scale ; but ranching for either cattle or sheep I consider rather risky, in view of what we heard — at any rate, until the business is better understood, and managed differently to what it is now. AVhere it has been in any way success- ful, it has only been on a small scale, where the animals can be sheltered from the severe winter weather. Nowhere did I hear of success in ranching with sheep ; the results were losses and failure; but this may be remedied in time also. Canada further offers a good opening for the mere capitalist who has no intention of embarking in farming. The country is rich in minerals, which are not yet extensively worked, because of the absence of the necessary capital to provide the requisite machinery and labour. The inevitable extension of railway counnuni- cation which is now going on must lead to the development of the mineral wealth of Canada. The capitalist would find a profitable field of investment by advancing his money on loan on good security, or by establishing a bank. The country is, in fact, v aiting for more capital 4S '/'//(' Aiji'imUnrtil Hcsinwctn of Cdiindit. to develop its reHoiirccs. Thero i.s auotlu'r class \\ ho, it' unable to gain 11 living in tlio old country, would iind a. country oF hoj)(> in the Far AVost — I moan tho artisans, sucli as masons, hi-icklaycrs, and carpenters. In British Columbia, which is unlike other ])arts of Canada, they would find a eliuiat(^ similar to that oF th(! j)]d country, and would be able to obtain employment nt from '^'Ih to S-'i per day. Lahounu's are paid half that amount. INlarket gardening would prov(! very profitabh^ to men in this district. jSIany would no doubt embark for Canada but for tho imagined discomforts and distress of the sea passagi', especially auunig tiioso wiio are booked " steerage." What may be the condition of thing« on other line's of steamers 1 am unable to say: but from wliaL 1 saw on those of the Allan line, by which 1 made the outward and homevard passages, 1 can say that every care is takcui to secure the comfort of the i)assengers. 1 made it a point to se(^ how the steerage jiassengers fan^l, and never once did 1 hear of any comjilaint, while fverywliere there was evidence of a regard to cleanliness and comfort, so far as is possibh^ on board a ship. AVith these steamers the passage to Canada — in fair weather, of course— is very like a ]deasure trip. I would only say, in conclusion, that I shall be happy to give ]iarticular information to anyone who may entertain th(> idea of emigrating to Canada, concerning which, in this brief Keport, 1 have only been abl(> to present a general, but, as I believe, a faithful, picture of the conditions of things there existing. I am inde])ted to the courtesy of the Honourable John Carling, ^Minister of Agriculture, the numerous oflicials throughout the .Dominion, and to the many kind friends who did their best to afford us I'vcu'v facilitv for seeiu'' holders of land whom we visited. i ' THE REPORT OF MR. WILLIAM EDWARDS, Ruthin, Wales. In' submitting my report upon the Dominion of Canada as a ilukl for scttloincnt, I IVel tiiat tin- undertaking is pregnant with great rcspon- sibiliticH. Jf its cai)abilities are in any way over-estinuited it Jiuiy k'ad some of the most sanguine; to ex|)ect there a paradise of unmixed ])leasure, who as a rule luv doomed to disappointment wherever they go. On the other luind, if I. fail to realise my position, and under-est imate its vast resources, I may inlluence the proerastinator to be content with his lot, ending his days in poverty, and possibly bequeathing the sauu' legacy to generations of his descendants. I shall, however, endeavour to deal only with facts and figures, addressing myself nu)re ])articularly to my own countrymen, with whose wants 1 am thoroughly conversant, and 1 hope in entire sympathy with their as])irations. Sailing from Liverpool on the Allan liner "Circassian" with six other delegates on the 2Sth of last August, we landed in (Quebec on Sunday, September 7th. We had a pleasant voyage;, with the exception of one very rough day in mid-(jcean, and a moderate breeze for two more days in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which, however, abated into a perfect calm as we entered the grand St. Lawrence River, through which flow the waters of the great inland seas that divide Canada from the United States for some hundreds of miles ; also of Lake Michigan in the Stati's, on the south of which stands the wonderful city of Chicago. To intending emigrants a short description of the vo}age across th(; Atlantic may be of some interest. There is no doubt but that this has been the cause of detaining many a hard-working farmer on his mountain plot in Wales, instead of seeking his fortune on the rich prairie land of Canada ; whereas, had he only ventunxl out years ago, he would have found tlu; trip enjoyable, as well as, probabl\', beneficial to his health, and would have been the proud owner of half a section or J32U acres of land, or more, with his children all in prosperous circumstances, and in a fair way to accunnilate an indei ('"ucy whicli would ensure their enjoyment of lifi; in their declining years, :i position rarely to be hoped for in their luitive land. But it is not too late, there is yet room in Canada for the sons of toil in millions to establish happy homes, with that freedom of action that evi-ry iiulependent spirit caiuiot fail to appreciate. There would have been some excuse for hesitating had the voyage lasted three months, as was the case with one of tin' Scotch pioneers of Canada, with wliom 1 had a ])leasant chat, and who related with pridt? his experieiict; oO years ago. After 14 weeks on board a sailing vessel he was wrecked oif the coast of Newfoundland, and at last found his way to the neighbourhood of Toronto, where Ik; resides, aud with his own axe had to hew his farm out of the forest, &0 The Afji'icuUui'ul Iiesoiirci3 of Canadii, and in his dodininijf yours is nnjoyiii'^' llu; t'niit of his labours. Xow tht! ninn or ten days' sailing is only a plcasui-c trip, especially on l)oar(l one of theso float in<^ palaces, wliere tli(3 comt'ort of all is so much studied by tho otlicials in charp;o of tho vessel. The charrjes also ans moderate, and within reach of llio poon'st working,' man. Special thr()Ui,di rates are (pioted for (Miiigrants to Winnipcf^ and further ; beds are hired by Ihe Allan Company to those who do not prefer providin<* I heir own ; tii(! lood is of good qualily, well cooked, and supplied regu- larly tlirei! times a day. Many times have 1 heard the remark: "I would have emigrated long ago, but for thestUittlo ones ; they would never live to cross the ocean." But my experience is that those are the very people who ought to go. There were on board the " Circassian "' .'{") or 40 children, varying in agii from a lew months to lo years, of whom I took particular notice every day, and found only two of tho oldest suffering from sea sickness; all tlu^ young(>r ones seemed to enjoy their holiday, and lookeil as ha])py as if they were iu their playground at honu;. 'lher(?fore thos(! wit h young children need iu)t dread the voyage- in tho least, and on reaching their new homes they would iind the eldest of immense value in sowing and harvest time. 1 saw one sturdy little fellow of ten summers who had loaded 80 acres of wheat, his father pitching. The hitter, w ho live years ago was a gamekeeper in England, now owns 100 acres of land, with a good house and outbuildings. I Iind, in perusing my notes, that they are far t(JO vohnuinous to be of jn-actical use to tlu; intending emigrant ; therefore, much as I regr^ it, hundreds of names and addresses nuist be left out. I hope tli( gentlemen who lost days of valuable time in assisting the delegates anu driving them across the prairies will di-em this a suflicient reason for not acknowledging their valuable services by ]jersonal I'eference in this re|)ort, and that one and all will accept my cordial thanks. 1 have always been under th(.' impression that the resources of Canada are not known in the principality to any extent, and since my return .1 hiid, in conversing even v»ith the best informed, that 1 was not far Avroiig. Tlie Cnited States have been for the last ."30 years tht; chief attraction for AVelsh emigrants, to many of whom, no doubt, the form of goveriumnit was the great inducement. The political ten- dencies of Wales being pretty well known, I do not think a passing reference here is out of plac(>— in fact, a comparison between the condition of AVales and that of Canada in that respect is most essential in my opinion. In Canada, as in tlu> States, a man enjoys manho(jd Miifrage, ur^d if he asi)ir>?s to political honoui", and possesses the ability, the course is open lor him, and he is paid for his trouble, lie can enter the House of .\ssendjly in his own ])rovince, and there is generally a minister of agi'iculture, as a member of tlu^ Government, to look after the interests of tht' faruKM's. The 3Iinist(.r of Agriculture of the Dominion, the Ifonourable John Carling, acts for the whole of Canada, anil sits in the Federal Parliament at Ottawa, and to liim tlu; farmer delegates are deeply indebted ; and his geniality contrasts favourably w ith some of our far less brilliant otllcial satellites. In my tour through Canada I met more than one ]»ractical fai'iuer who was a member of Parliament, and who beds tho eutiiil ihoucl jility, can (•rally after Mr. Will'mm KdivanWa IfijioH. 51 could rido his own siilky-[)lou<,'h or sclt'-bindt'r; and 1 have no doubt that, tlie practical kii(»\\lt'dg(> ot: such men is iuvaluabh; in tho Councils of tht! nation. I should like to ask how many such men wo can boast of in our National Council. "Wales may, iici-iiaps, In; proud oF beinc; ablo to return one farmer's son to Parliament, butamonj^ 07" Members ho is almost powerless to render any assistance to his strii interest upon it ceasing from date of jiayment. At the invitaticm of this Company, t' e delegates visited several settl(;rs in and about Saltcoats, and it was very interesting to hear each of them relating his experience in the North-West, all with one exception — the wife of a settler — being perfectly satisfied with their lots. I have the names and addresses of all these, and many more, but am anxious to keep this report within reasonable limits, and the inser- tion of one would necessitate the filling of several pages. ISuflice it to say that I shall be happy to supply the iatending emigrant Avith refer- ences to all those whom I visited in every district named in my report. Saltcoats seems well adapted for mixed farming. Cattle and horses do -well, all sorts of grain and roots can l)e grown, and butter of the best quality is made in this district. A cheese and butter factory was started last year, but the number of cows in the district was too limited to keep up a regular supply of milk, and an effort is made to distribute more milch cows among the settlers ready for next season. I visited one of the factories near AV'innipeg, at which first- class cheese and butter was manufactured. From every point of view I think these institutions have an im])ortant future in the Xorth-West territories. At the Barnardo Home at llussell some first-class butter is turned out, proving that the district is well adapted for butter-making. The stock of Shorthorns at Binscarth Farm, whicli is second to none in England, in the same neighbourhood, would satisfy any critic of itri adaptability for grazing purposes. The land in the neighbourhood of Prince Albert and along the Saskatchewan Jliver is of the samt^ nature as Saltcoats, but is more undulating and carrying heavii^r timbir, and is well adapted for barley growing. If sown in time, and the same attention paid to its cultivation as to that of \\heat, it a\ ill prove the most profitable. This district is also well adapted for grazing ; horses do well running out all winter, and are brought in for work in spring full of fiesh. Young foals are left out with their dams, and never handled after being branded till they are wanted for work or for sale. There are also some flocks of sheep in this neighbourhood, the favourite cross being between Merino ewes and Cheviot tups. The ewes are bought for l.'js. or 14s. each, their progeny yielding per head " lbs. to 6 lbs. of very fine wool, which is gtMuu'ally sold luiwashed ; 1 lie price realised this year was 6\d. per lb. The lambs realise 14s. to 18s., and some of the best run up to 25s. Glenboro', Carman, Wawanesa, and the district about Eapid City, are all similar to Prince Albert and Saltcoats— all good grazing and Mr. Will io lit Ijdwafds'it Jliiiorf, Oi grain -producing land, and they have convenient railway communica- tion with the main line, and plenty of water ; where rivers are too i'ar, good water can be got by digging wells 10 to 30 feet deep. Grain elevators are erected on the railroads at convenient distances, which are of great value to settlers. The farmers cart their grain in bushel bags and empty them into the hopper, the grain is then passed through the machinery and deposited in large receptacles, perfectly clean and ready for transit. These large grain stores belong to private individuals, corn merchants, or milh'rs, wlio have practical men in charge sorting or grading and pricing the wheat, which is divided into four different samples —Xos. 1 and 2 hard ; Xos. 1 and 2 Northern. -Barley and oat;- have until now been mostly consumed at home, but my opinion is that, at no distant date, barley will be largely cultivated for export. The samples which I inspected at the agricultural shows, experimental farms, and other places where it has been grown with care, w-ill compare favourably with barley grown in the best places of Great Britain, and is certainly better than the average of our malting barley in Wales. The samples of oats also are quite equal to ours, perfectly hard and full of flour. The price madt^ of last year's oats in September this year, for home consumption, was equal to ours. The best wheat-growing districts, in my opinion, are in Manitoba, and the same remarks will apply to all of them, commencing with "Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, situated 1,424 miles fi*om Montreal. The population is 2S,( luO, increased from l')0 in 1S71. for to )le. /ell of lied lere :*oss for of sed of ty, md isnm fAI!M ^i,I;NI:, MAMTii|:v, .)S The Arjvicnlhiml Ut'souvctn of Canada. Brandon, Portage-la-Prairie, Nocpawa, Indian Head, and Plum Civolv are all grand wlieat -producing districts, and farms can bo bought at about the same i)rice in all of them — i.e., from 20s. to 60s. for prairie farms with buildings, and partly broken, except in the immediate neighbourhood of AV'innipeg, where it is held by speculators at a higher ligure, and a great deal of it requires draining. In crossing the stubbles in all these places I noticed the softness of the earth, the surface yielding under the foot like snow ; and in looking at the farm implements T could nowhere discover a roller ; tlie first I saw was not worthy of the name, being evidently home-made, and consisted of a number of rails nailed on to two round ends ; it was very light and 9 feet long, but could do no good except smoothing the surface, and would not pay for the trouble. The next, and the only other, was a very good iron cylinder roller, J^ feet in diameter, and in two pieces. I questioned the owner as to Ihi' effect of this useful implement ; he confirmed the idea I had already formed, that it was not used enough by far, and that he had a heavier crop of straw, and better grain on the rolled land. Tins was one of tlie most practical men I met in the North- AVest, Jind his opinion after using the roller for two years is worth recording for the benefit of those who ai'e already settled there, as well as of intending settlers. Tlie use of a heavy roller on such mouldy, soft soil, must be of great benefit. The dis- integrating effect of the frost ought to b(^ counteracted, and nothing will effect this but heavy rolling, by which the farjner would be amply compensated for his extra labour — in fact, I believe he could get one- third more corn on his land, of better quality, and it would ripen earlier. Consolidating the surface would also assist in keeping the frost and dampness from being drawn out of the ground too fast, Avhich would prove of great importance in a hot season ; and, besides, wheat, like clover, requires a firm grip for the root. I am so convinced upon this subji>ct that I cannot leave it without expressing my opinion, and also a li()])e that experiments will be canned on in (Government farms. ]My firm belief is that two or three rollings would not be too much, and for the two last very heavy rollers should be used, either by adding some weight to the frame, or by using the cylinder roller that can be filled with water to any weight desired. The seed distributor, with small spring wheels pressing the ground after the drills, are found to answer well, but the young plant will soon spread its roots to the soft ground on both sides, and until it gets to the undisturbed soil will present for a few days a yellow, sickly appearance, indicating that its progress is much retarded. Summer frosts are complained of in some districts, but the harm caused to wheat is much exaggerated, no doubt to suit the purpose of the buyer. I was informed by the manager of the great mill in Minn(^apolis, United States, that the frozcm wheat, as they called it, turned out -is good flour as the other, but not quite so much to the bushel of wheat. Hailstones in other places do occasional damage, but they are of rare occurrence. I saw only one piece of about MO acres of wheat damaged in this wa\'. I Mr. Wlllliiiii /MirdnLs's lirjnirt. r.D in lould the harm 11 ill d it, the t ;5u Leaving Brandon and journeying westward, passing some '2'J. tow ns and cities, including some important settlements, such as Moosomin, Wolseley, and Qu'Appelle, we come to Eegina, tlie capital of Assiniboia, where the Member of the Dominion Parliament resides, who accom- panied the delegates to Prince Albert, lii'gina is an important centre, having a population of 2,200, and is increasing very fast ; it is the headquarters of the North-AVest Mounted l^olice, a force 1,00(» strong, which maintains order all over the territory between 31anitoba and tlu^ Eocky Mountains. The Lieutenant Governor's residence is situated about a mile beyond this station. I3et\v(>en this point and Calgary are .'i8 stations of more or less importance ; tlie delegates only stopped at Medicine Hat, and inspected the ])rodiice brought in for exhibition next day, to which reference will be made in dealing witli the agricultural shows. The distance from Kegina to Calgary is 4S"J miles. On each side of the railway at intervals there is some excellent land, but thinly populated; several large ranches, jiud among them some of the Canadian Agricultural Company's farms (b(^tter known as Sir John Lister Kayc^'s farms) are to be seen from the railway betwi'eu these two points — they are ten in number, and contain 10,000 acres each. These have been valuable pioneers, and intending settlers may benefit by their successful, as well as their unsuccessful, experiments. Although ranching in Canada has been successful in the main, the ])rofits realised from the invested capital is not equal to the average of smaller holdings where individual attention to th(^ stock amply compensates the owner. The system adopted in ranching answers well in summer, and if the straw of Manitoba could be utilised as wiut.er fodder and shelter for these large herds instead of being burned, I ha^(' little doubt but that the system would suit both corn producers and ranchers, as the latter would suffer less from losses in winter, and the former would benefit by preserving the vegetable matter and other ingredients contained in the straw until the land requires it, which is certain to happen in the next 20 years. I found that some difference of opinion existed among practical men as to the effect of manure after a few crops of corn are taken from the land. One who has adopted mixed farming on the plains of Brandon declared that he got better wheat, ripening sooner, after a dressing of farmyard manure; another, who grows nothing but corn, condemned it as being worse than useless. ]3oth farm in the same neighbourhood, the f vmer utilising his straw and the latter burning it. This gentleman, 1 think, ought to consult the Ontario farmer. Calgary, the centre of all the great ranches, and thi> most thriving town between Brandon and the Eocky Mountains, is nicely situated on the Bow Eiver, and has a population of 3,400. Being surrounded by plenty of good building material, the chief business places ar(^ all stone built, and the town has no doubt an important future. Cloth manufacturing has been commenced here, and judging from the quality produced the venture will no doubt prove a success. The samples of barley shown at the agricultural show also commends the district for the cultivation of that valuable cereal, and the exhibits of cattle would have been a credit to a provincial <\\o\\ in any country. 60 The Aifi-iculfiifol ItfSoui'CrS of Caiuuhi. There are several important ranches between Calgary and the liocky jNIountains, a distance of about 80 miles, which lack of time prevented the deh^gates froju visiting. Leaving the unbounded prairie behind, the Hockies present an appearance of grandeur that will baffle the most descriptive pen. Having reached an altitude of nearly 3,400 feet at Calgary, and travelling 00 miles further, the line entering the gap shows an ascent of 800 feet in 1 8 miles. Further on is Banff, noted for its hot sulpliur springs, where invalids resort to benefit ])y bathing in the wonderful waters, whicii bubble out of the mountain too hot by several degrees for the patient to enter. From Banff to Stephen station, it distance of 43 miles, the railway ascends to the highest point of the Eoeky Mountains, 5,296 feet, rising nearly 1,600 feet in 61 miles. The passeng(^r becomes almost bew ildered by tlie magnificent views, the mountain cliffs towering above on both sides, covered by cedar and fir-trees, the torrent below rushing and roaring through narrow passes, presenting nature in its most picturesque garb; but all of a sudden the mind is diverted to the engineering skill that has given A Ml-.W I.N STANLEY PARK, VANCOUVKIj. Mr. WilHam /•Jdu'drdts's Jit/iof/. B\ mankind this <)])|)ortuinty, not only of studying nature, but of admiring the accomplishments of modern engineering. The agriculturist must pardon me for wandering for a short time from studying his interest, and if ever he has the good luck of visiting this district he will readily forgive my weakness for scenery. With this very inadequate ilescrip- tion of these wonderful mountains, some of their peaks rising 10,U(m> feet high, ] will endeavour to give a sliort description of JJritish Columbia. The climate in this ])art of Canada is all that the Britisher can desire. The Hermit and Gold Kanges ai'e similar to the mountains of Wales, but the valleys between tlieiu are mucli richer than ours, and grow trees of enormous size. It is not unconnuon to see eedars and pine perfectly sound 6 to 7 feet in diameter, and many weighing .'JU to tio tons, and in some places so thick on the ground Ihat it would be almost impossible to pass between them. 1 put my tape around one stumj), supposed to have stood the stoi-ms of over 1*,0(MI years; it is now some 60 feet high, and girths 56 feet, or nearly 19 feet through. The value of timber in British Columbia is not known, and the exjiense of transit and handling such monsters is a barrier that remains to be overcome. To a stranger the splitting uj) of ])iiie 4 (U' 5 feet in diameter for fire-wood seems an luipardonable offence. Some of these tine trees run up 200 feet without a branch, and from ou to MOfuct higher with very few branches of only small dimensions, '^riie land that produces tiiese needs no other reconnnendation, but the elearing of even a few acres is almost too much for individual ( xertion. No doubt, in a few years, the timber trade of British Colund)ia will develop a mine of wealth, and will gradually clear the land for the agriculturist. The valleys that are now available for agriculture are l)eli(>ved to be as I'ich as any in the world. In many ])laces the alluvial dej^osit is 15 \\vi deep, and will grow four tons of hav to tiie aci'e, year after yar without manui'e. On the banks of the I'raser lliver wheat, oats, rye, and all other agricultural produce grow to ])erfection, as do fruit of all descriptions, the trees maturing and bearing fruit in tliree or four years. I measured one eherry tree near ^Mission ; it girthed 5 inches, had borne a heavy crop for three }ears. and was oidv six years old. This industry will soon be developed, and provi' a formidable rival to !San Francisco, in supjdying the Xoilli-West Territories witli w hat they cannot produce ; on the other hand, it would be cheajier for tli(? Columbians to buy wheat from Manitoba than to produce it on land that can be made better use of. Tl>e land in British CoUnubia is worth about the same as in this country, and lets for a1)f.ii.t the same rent —20s. to 82s. per acre; but there is no other l)urden upon it, excej)t a rate of lOd. per acre, and it is more productive than the average of the best land in England, The city of Yictoi'ia, tlie ea|tilal of British Columbia, whieii has a population of 15,000, and is situated soutli of A'ancouver Island, is juore like an English town in every respect than any other in Canada, and but for the presence of sojnt; 2,500 Chinese, one would have felt quite at home. But where servants are so scarce, and labour so dear, th(3 Chinaman is found very useful. The Island of Vancouver is full of mineral wealth, several larg*^ fortunes having been accumulated, and 62 The Arjm-uUnml UcsQurccs of Canada. iiiiiny iuon> iiro now being made. Nunainio, :i small town 70 miles north of Victoriii, is the centre of a busy mining district. Coal of the best quality is raised and sold at the pit mouth at Is. to Is. I3d. per TOO lbs. ^liners gain from 8s. to 12s. per day of eight hours' shift. There are many thousands of acres in the valleys of A'ancouver Island when; the agriculturist \\ould thrive, but th(* timber merchant must precede him, and while the supply continues on the banks of the; Eraser iiiver the timber trade of Vancouver Island will be heavily handicapped. This mighty s! i-eam is made use of to carry the timber growing oil its banks for hundreds of mil.ea into the sawing mills near the thriving city of Vancouver. This sea))ort has now a population as large as Victoria, although a much younger town. When the line of steamers comment's plying between hen* and Australia, India, and New Zealand its future will be most ])romising. New Westminster, another grow- ing city on the Fraser lliver, will soon become an im])ortant centre ; a i-ailwiiy running from the (j])posite side of the river direct to the States will, when complete, give a stimulus to the salmon trade, which is already Vi'ry extensive. 'I'lie supply of sahnon in the Eraser seems to be inexhaustible, and the (lovernment make every effort to assist in keeping it up by hatching the salmon in a large house, specially ])repared, from which they turn out from six to seven million young salmon yearly, after rearing them by artificial means till they are two months old. There are several extensive factories on the banks of the rivtr oppositi' New Westminster, where the salmon is "canned" or preserved. This is a most interesting process, and many hundreds of workmen are I'mployed during the season in netting, cleaning, and cutting uj) the lish. It is then ])ut into the familiar 1-lb. tins fountl in almost every house in this country. The tins are then soldered up and put into large vats, whe'e it is boiled by steajii at a certain degree of heat ; each can is then proved and the gas let out : they are then placed on iron carriers and run into a retort, where they are subjected to about double the heat of the vats. One of these factories turns out 20,000 cases, containing 48 tins in each, or nearly one million pounds, in the season. To all classes of young women, especially cooks and general servants, British Columbia has certainly more attractions thun any other part of the Dominion. Wages from X12 (for mere children) to £00 per annum, with board, lodging, and washing, for the best cooks, the Chinamen doing all the rough work. Mechanics are also well paid in all the towns, especially in A'ancouver and New Westminster, where the building trade is brisk, and town sites have more than doubled thinr value in two or three vears. Mai'ket gardeners an* dtjinc: well : engagiMuents for common gardeners and labourers are easily obtained, and they are paid from DOs. to 50s. per week. Capitalists would also iind good investments and secure; nearly double the interest for their money that is possible in this country; and the same can be said of all ])arts of Canada— in fact, there is no class of the community who have energy or capital that could not better their position by emigrating to any ])rovince in the Dominion, the choice, of course, being a matter for tlie emigrant's own taste and inclinations. Mr. Williiiiii lultidiils's liii>oit. G.O 'I'lii' ngi'icultunil sliows in iioarly nil tlu> provinces iii'o CJiiTifd on uiucU ill the saino way as tlicy aiv in tlii>< country, Init the townspcdpln take more interest, as a rule, than they do here. The show at Toronto (the Chicago of Canada), Mith its population oF 17'',000, was a grand success, tinancially and otherwise. The site is well selected, and bi'longs to the eity, hut is h't by the C()r])oraliou to an energetic committee, wlio have erected j)eriiianent buildings with anijde room rc)r all the exhibits, more buildings being put up annually as the show increases. This exhibition dilTered somewhat I'rom others that I had the pleasure of seeing. JJy various attractions other than agricultural and horticultural produce, the show is made selt'-sup])orting —the; gate- money covering all expenses. The marvidlous dexterity of {\w cowboys in the Wild West 8how and other ])erformances during the day, and the fireworks at night, attracted thousands of spcjtators, who would probably have never visited an agrieultural show pui-e and simide. ]N[any of the agricultural exhibits would have done credit to our Koyal Show. The Canadian-bred tSborthorns in all the classes were a grand lot, and a few exceedingly good llerefords were shown. The AbiM'deeii and Polled-Angus would have run well in the Koyal and Highland Show of Scotland. There were many other breeds exhibited, tlie llolsteins being very numerous. This breed is cliielly fostered on account of their milking (pialities, but their straight rib indicates a liad feeder, and unless they can be imi)roved in this respect they arc* doomed to disappear and make room for the all-ronnd animal. The horses were a good average lot, but not eqnal to our best shows in number or (piality. SoHi(> good iin])orted Clyd(;sdale and Shire stallions were exhibited, and in a few years the ([uantity and cpiality of the Ontario heavy hors(\s will no dou])t be much im|)roved. The light horses were not what an Englishman would have called tirst-class, a gri'at deal of the native form being prominent, especially in the nuires — Hat rib, short hindcpiarters, and long backs, not well adapted for saddle-work, but grand harness horses and good stagers, ;5(l to l'> miles a day Avith heavy loads is a common journey. In driving after them across the prairies 1 often admired their power of endurance. With the importation of good sires, such as were exhibited here, a vast change will soon be seen in the Canadian light horses. Shrop- shires, Cotswolds, S(Juthdowns, and Leicesters v.ere all well repre- sented, and a few 3ferinos and cross-bred sheep were exhibited. Pigs and ])oultry were also numerous and well bretl, the lierkshire siH'in to be tlie favoui'ite in the former. I'be Plyniouth Ifocks and Leghorn are about eipial favoui'ite-i in the ])ouItry; geese, turkeys, and ducks of enormous si/.es were shown, many of tliriu far heavier than the a\erage in our best shows. Koots, grain, l)utter, cheese, and garden produce were excellent; the ])ears, peaches, apples, and grapes — grown in the open air — wen; everything in ap]H>arance and flavour that could be desired. Some monster mehms, and what are termed "squash," were among the produce testifying to extraordinary richness in the soil that produced them. All the cereals were exceedingly bright, and the samples of barley from all ])arts of the Dominion were 64 Till Aiii'lciilliitvl livsoufCiit '»/' ('it)iiiifii. i I all tliat II Billion inultslcr coukl di'«in'. L'p lo iiuw its cultivation liiis uot bct'ii t'xti'usivc, but is ou tlit^ iucTcjist', Jiiitl will prove bt'Fort' luiiny years a valuable coinmodity lor t'xport lo Eni^laud, by which our Midland faniun's will bo heavily handicapped. The .show of implements was in every reajjcct worthy ot:' the Canadian mechanie. By continual improvements and lu-w inventions the " Sell -binder " is almost perfect; — li^l't in construction, but made of the very best material — durable, and very cheap. AVith the cost of labour in Canada this implement is indispensable to the farmer. The machinery and all the other imph-meiits were eciuul in every respect to the best ♦'xhibitu in the leadinj^ shows of Kn<;lan(l. The exhibits at Calgary were next in numb«'r to that of Toronto. 8ome of the horses shown were superiijr to any exhibited at the latter. The aj^'ricultural show at Birtle was tht^ onlv other one in which I saw the whole exhibits. The roadster mares and foals here excelled ; some exceedingly good cross-bred cattle were also shown, the native breed being con- tinually improved by the introduction of ISliorthoru bulls. I should like to remind the farmers of Wales, who havt; for years depended almost entirely upon the rearing of st(jre cattle, that they will tind in the very near future formidabhi rivals in the Canadians, nhose exports of live cattle have nearly doubled since 18Sb; last season 120,(354 were sent to this country during the six to seven months that the iSt. Lawrence River is navigable. At Hegina and Medicine Hat 1 inspected some excelli'iit mangolds, swedes, potatoes, cabbages, carrots, anil all kinds of v<'getables and cereals; at Calgary and Birtle the vegetables and cereals were also exceedingly good, nearly in e\ery case grown without the aid of luanure of any kind. I have been engaged in cases of arbitration, and, as a valuer of farm crops in Wales for upwards of a (juarter of a century, think I am entitled to venture an opinion upon a subject which must be of great interest to my fellow-countrymen in the Principality, as well as to Canadian farmers. I have endeavouivd to understate rather 1 han overstate the productive capacity of the Canadian Xorth-West, and this will be generally admitted when 1 state that my calculations are based upon a tour years' average, one year of which was the worst that had been known for 12 years. The following table shows the cost of wheat-growing in 3Iauitoba as compared with the cost in AVtiles : — Coat of W'/uai Ui'owiwj in Manitoba, /'roducc jxr Acre, and Prlo, Vcar. I'ST 1.SS8 1 SSII 181)0 Yii'lil lu r Adiv. I'llcf per liusliel 13iislitl». cif (io r,b«. !-. .1. L'5 7'J £Q los. S^d. per acre. li '^ Mr. WUliuin likhvartWa lie/tort. er. Kfpcnsea. Interest on pnrchnso monoy of farm bought at £'>\ jjcr acre, nt 7 k per CLHit. I'loucui )U(;uiiig, need, nnd Rowing IIiirvcBting, threshing', and cart'i. ' to eltsviitors \\'iiiter keep of liorwcs uiid oxen per iicns Itntes iinil taxcj pur ncro Ualnnce profit per acre Year. 1887 18S8 188!) 18!>U f l« •• • It* f ■ • £() 4 If) Ifi 1 6 6 4 G R • •■ * ■ • 1 18" 1 17 ^ £',\ 15 Ji ]VaIeii. Yield per Acre yiN. lllH. 4 <; 4 (» 4 ;{ .•! 7 Prit'P per Quiirtrr. a; h. d. 1 12 fi 1 11 It) 1 !> It 1 U Average 4 £C 12b. lid. per acre. £1 11 a^ Expenses. £1 12 (5 8 4 ('. ;{ 1 5 18 7 G 2 1 c r, 2 (i <) £{\ 12 11 Average rout of whont-growlng land Titlie Tiixc'.s Manure, carting, and spreading rioughing, seed, and sowing Harvesting, threshing, and marketing Di'iluct value of straw and unexhausted manure left per acre Balance profit per acre Note.— If interost U added to the working capital, no profit can be shown to the Welsh farmer. Images Received hy Farm Labourers in Manitoba ami the North- West. l'";vrm servants — Summer months, from £4 10s. to £'> 10s. per month, and board. Winter „ „ £2 10s. to £3 Os. „ „ Maid servants — from £2 to £4 10s. per month. Stonemasons, joiners, blacksmiths, and other mechanics — 8s. to 123. p^T day. Cost of Living comjyared with Britain. C'lothing that can be bought here for £3 will cost £4 in Canada. Slices „ ,, „ 1()H. will cost 12s. in Canada. Kent of cottage here, £4 10s. ; in Canada, £8. Groceries about the same. Coal — one-third dearer in Canada. liutter, poultry, butcher's meat, find bread — one-third cheaper in Canada. Irnriraongery for household purposes — one-fifth dearer in Canada. Implements of husbandry and harnes?— one-fifth cheaper in Canada. 66 The Arfncullnral llesources of Canada. Taking an impartial view of the situation, I fear that tliose who expect better prices for agricultural produce in Wales will be dis- appointed, and their expectation that Canada will require all its production to maintain the increasing population in the immediate future is only a delusion. The progress made in agricultural science will er ible the Canadian farmers to cope with tlie extm demand for home conHumj)tion, leaving the production of settlei-s free for exportation ; and, ticna what I have seen myself accomplished there this year by a native of Iceland, it is easy to imagine that the exports of Canada will rapidly expand in the next few years. This ])erson, with the assistance of one man, a team of ox(m, and a team of horses, will this year be able to export 1,800 bushels of wheat at 82 cents, or 3s. 3^d. per bushel, so that, instead of curtailing the exports, populating the country will certainly increase it. In concluding this report, I have no hesitation in recommending Canada as a field for settlement to the industrious of whatever nation- ality, but I would specially recommend it to the small farmers and intelligent agricultural labourers of Yv^ales. »■ • ■■ I A rB»i:.." SCENE. THE REPORT OF COLONEL FRANCIS FANE, Fulbeck Hall, Grantham. m> I Tub Canadian Government liaving resolved, during the •luturan of 1890, to invite a number of British farmer delegates to visit the Dominion, for the purpose of examining into, and reportiag upon, its merits as a field for emigration, I applied to Sir Charles Tupper, the- High Commissioner for Canada resident in Englanri, to be one of the men to be appointed in the above capacity. Sir Charles Tupper was kind enough to grant my request. 1 left Liverpool in company with several of my brother delegates on board the Allan s.j. "Circassian" on Thursday, 28th August, and landt.'d again at Liverpool from the Allan s.s. "Parisian" on 22nd November, 1890. The results of my observations are embodied in the following extracts from my diary, which was too lengthy to be printed for general circulation. Left Liverpool August 28th, on the Allan steamer " Circassian," and arrived at Quebec on the 8th September. On the voyage had interesting conversations with various emigrants — some who were going out for the first time, and others who w(n'e returning to Canada after paying a visit to their friends in Great Britain. I went over the fore part of the ship with the head steward. As people were recovering, it was very clean. The ]>assengers pay £4: and £G for steerage and intt rmediate, and from .£12 upwards for cabin. There seems a great differeucd in price between th(i two last, as the cabins of the intermediate are ver; good. Of course the food is not like the " cabin," but all seems wholesome and plentiful. The steerag(> people sleep, men in hammocks, women in cabins with long trays, holding about 12 in a cabin. 1 saw all the stores, food, &c., which seemed excellent. I see a great change in Quebec since I saw it in ISGO, Manv large buildings have been erecl(Hl, new docks built, and a good part of the riv(>r made dry and turned into wharfs. The streets in tiie town, however, are as bad as ever. Outside the turnpike gate, very good. I wfMit over the garden and small farm at Wolfsfield, and was astonished at the luxuriance of the growth of llowers —asters, marigolds, large balsams, sunflowers, and single dahlias — the two latter almost shrubs. Tomatoes grown on sticks like vines in France. The lawn grass was very poor, though jnuch pains was taken with it. The Indian corn, swi^des, mangolds, and carrots were quite as good as any- thing we had in England. Good deal of disease among the potatoes. Sept. 8.— Left Quebec at l.:JO p. ■. for Ottawa. 68 The Arjrkultitml Hcsonrces of Canada. ' Sept. 9. — Arrived at Ottawa — 11 hours from Quebec. Met the other delogates. Went together to call oi> Mr. Carling, the Minister of A our exhibitions; it goes on for thirteen days. As soon as I got on the ground, I went to the Central Committee Kooms, where 1 was most kindly received by the vice-president, h:i(l Ml it. lace are J out own. iir^". [tn'o to AVild the •Ives. bost inato . see It is ■s on ittee lont, Colonel Fane's Report. 69 Capta'n McMaster, Mr. Eidout, and others. I afterwards visited the machinery, but saw uothin£T very new — all implements much lighter than ours. One good plan I remarked, viz. : most of the small machines were worked, for the purpose of exhibition, by cither electric or steam power, J. don't know which. It explained them much better than we do. I saw a good arrangement for loading sacks out of a winnowing machine, a potato digger, and a very light drill, all made of English steel. It was almost imjiossible to see tlie horses: but I saw a tnir Clydesdale stallion — " X(>ls()n,'' by "Another Day." His stock was very good. 1 visited the market, and had interesting conversation with butchers and others. The show of fruit and vegetables, except mtdons and apples, was poor. This is a very bad year for peaches, but t here \Aere numbers in the market, all from the neighbourhood of Niagara. No salad lettuce can be grown at this time of the year, but they get it in spring and autuum. The meat looked to me poor and thin : nmtton indifferent — mostly called lamb (really young mutton now). A^eal seemed good. The follouing prices vere given to me by a friendly butcher a-s prices he paid : — Ueef — Live wciglil 4 cents = I'd. I/cacl ., 7 ,, =• 3id. Leg of mutton (sold retail) It ,. — 7d. Fowls (indifferent) ... ... ... ... J's. a couple. Turkeys, at Chri.-stmas 12 cents (Od.) a lb. Very little what we should eall fresh pork used — I mean ])orkets such as 1 should kill for house u- of about 70 lbs. a pig, dead weight. I tasted the butter, all of wnich seemed sweet and " smell-less,'' but very salt. Prices were — 10 cents (8d.) a lb., 18 cents (Od.) a lb., and 20 cents (lOd.) a lb. Tlie latter was " creamery" butter from the best factories. Cheese, 9j cents (od.) a lb.; skimmed milk, G cents (3d.). The first cheese seemed good and firm, and not too strong — I should say better than the ordinary cheese we get in village shops in ;)|''lau( 1 visited the Fair on several days. It lasted from tl\e 8th to the ■JOth September. It was well attended always, and one day there wi-re 7<',')0re superior to anything on this continent. Then there was a children's day, when the child; jn showed off their drill, &c. In one building was an excellent display of honey. In another an excellent display of the products from Manitoba. The oats were particularly line ; peas likewise. Wheat almost all of one kind — Red Fife, spring wheat. Very clean and dry, but small in grain. There was 70 The Aijricidiund llesov.rccs of Canada. a shed also of products from Vancouver. I had not time to examine them very critically. The thinnest skinned oats I examined were some Black " Etamps." I saw some excellent oats also, shown by a farmer — Mr. Eennie, near Brighton, Ontario. Most of the corn was grown from seed sent out to farmers by those excellent institutions, the Government Experimental Earms. There were some good Clydesdales shown. The fees for a horse called "Kenihvorth" were SIO ; another horse's fees, $13 and $14. These fees are net paid till the following year, in March or so. The breeding stock of general purposes horses did not impress me ; but the line they went on was good, namely, to give prizes for the best groups of stock by one horse. One nuiro (" Lucy Lightfoot ") and foal would have done credit in ar.y ring. I thought the arrangements for judging were indifferent and puzzling, as other horses and jteople were in and out of the various groups that were being judged wliile judging was going on. This should be corrected. The committee of the Show, headed by Capt. McMaster, were most unremitting in their attention to the delegates, and we saw everything in the most comfortable way. We can never forget their kindness and hospitality to us. It was most fortunate that we were at Toronto at the time of the Show, as it gave us sucli an excellent opportunity of seeing the capabilities of this country. During the last oay we were at Toronto the fruit and flowers were exhibited. This is the worst year for fruit for many years, but there was an excellent display of beautifully coloured peaches, an immense number of pears, apples, plums, pumpkins, melons, and grapes grown out of doors. The ilowers \\ ere tine in colour, but the arrangements of the cut ilowers poor; crowding them together seemed of more importance than elegance. The beauty of the asters, dahlias, balsams, &c., showed, however, what can be done if the land is properly cultivated. I forgot to mention that I saw two famous horses at the Show. One jumped 6 ft. 8 m., and his owner backed him to clear 7 ft., as he had done in the States. He will do this one day at the Show. He was a very good-looking light-weight hunter, belonging to Messrs. Moorhouse & Pepper. On one of the days ^^•e were at Toronto we visited the Agricul- tural College at Guelph, about 50 miles from Toronto. We were even longer than usual doing this journey, taking 4.} hours by rail. This gave us a very short time to see the institution and its neighbourhood. This is vacation time, so we did not see the young men, of whom there are about 100; but Me saw their dormitories, &c. Aw excellent school of dairying is attached to the College, also veterinary lectures are given, and real practical work is done by the pupils. The fees are very small, and can in large part be recovered by pupils working extra hours on the farm. We were most hospitably entertained by Professor Shaw, the superintendent, who explained all the arrangements to us. There was a large silo, in which Indian corn, cut in the cob, is put. It looked grand feeding stuii. 1 measured some of the Indian aw, is lan Colonel Fanes Report. '1 I corn standing iu the fields ; it measured above 8 ft. It grows IS to 20 tons to the acre. We went to a lerge creamery attached to the farm, and were explained the working by so intelligent a gentleman that I longed to have him in Lincolnshire. They take in cream or milk from the neighbouring farms. Each sample is tested in a simple way, and the cream is paid for according to its butter-producing qualities. I gathered the following facts, but I may not be quite correct, as it is impossible to get a clear understanding when one goes about in half- dozens, as we did on this occasion : —9 to 10 lbs. of milk to a gallon ; f) ll-*-. oi cream to 1 lb. of butter. Measurements are all made by the pound. On our journey to Guelph we passed some of the best laud we had seen in the country, with many young horses in the fields, but few sheep. Country near Milton pretty. The autumn wheat was well up in some fields as we went to Guelph. AVe had a short time to spare at Guelph, so we drove to two neighbouring farms, belonging to two excellent farmers, but could see them only in a hurried way. One was the property of Mr. Stone, who owned some ^00 Herefords, and firmed 900 acres of land. They were of a remarkably fine breed, and nad been in his possession many years. He used to get large prices for them at his sales, but their value has much diminished of late. He is to have a sale (jf 150 next month. His neighbour was a Mr. McCrae, a noljltvlooking old Scotchman, who came out here with nothing 30 or 40 years ago. He owns the best breed of Galloways in this country. Had some very good Clyderdale mares, and had grown 80 bushels of oats to the acre. His land was excellently farmed, with plenty of manure. The stubble showed A\liat had been on the land. His only daughter milked the only cow they kept for their ov.'n use. One son worked on the farm, and another lived in Guelpli. Ho liad done well, and all upon a 100-acre farm, I believe. I understood, however, that lie had another small farm else- where. He kept two farm labourers. He paid them highly — £36 and iJ33, and board, a year. On Monday, the 15th, we .started — a large party — to go to some oF the public schools of Toronto. They are carried on much on the same lines as our board schools, and money seems as freely spent. Th<' education is free, with the exception of some slight payment for boolcs : and I am bound to say I never spoke to anyone of any class who is not perfectly satisfied with the working of them. Tlie systems of ventila- tion, &.C , are excellent, and liic board and teachers most anxious to carry on matters well. 'V\w teachers are ))rincipally ladit^s, who receive pay on a graduated scale, varying from .£60 to i'140 a year. Each child costs the State about £2 5s. a year. The children arc kept at school much later in life than ours. I attended one of tin- classes Jnanaged by one of the teachers — Miss Sams — who seemed to have complete control over her pupils, one or two ol' whom v.ere 17. She said the attendance was about 90 per cenc. of those on the books. 72 The Ai/ricultural Resources of Canada. In the kindergavteu class, ^^llich I also attended, the percentage was higher. The schools open with the reading of the Bible, and prayer ; l)ut beyond this there is no religious instruction. The teaching of sewing is merely nominal, and voluntaiy. A small quantity of physical drill is taught. What I saw was poor in quality and quantity, and could do little towards setting up the children. They work from 9 to 4, witli very little interval ; of course the little ones have much less. I w ;is delighted with the manners and teaching of the ladies in all the classics. The boys all stood up, saluted, and said, " Good morning,'*' when a visitor appeared. No motion was made by the girls. They were all remarkably neatly dressed, and there was no evidence of poverty in any one child. The schools are examined by an inspector (not Government), and a report made on each; but there is no payment by result, and no extra cramming for examinations in order to get a grant, as with us. I mention the common schools, but there are numerous high, veterinary, and other schools where the fees ai-e almost nominal, and where excellent education is given. Denominational schools are sanctioned, and a share of taxation given to them. They have their own inspectors. I must now take leave of Toronto for a time. Jt is impossible to thank the people of that thriving city sufficiently for all their kind- ness and hospitality and attention to us delegates from Great Britain. I left Toronto on the morning of the 17th lSe])tember by train for Owen Sound, on Georgian Bay of Lake Huron. AVe passed through a pretty country, and at one or two places the farming seemed good. I saw only few sheep, and not many cattle. Some of the oats were uncut. At Owen Sound I embarked at 4.30 on board a splendid steam- boat — the "Athabasca" — and moved out into the bay at once. Xo vessels in sight, and only three or four gulls. We passed a grand lot of islands and points about 12 o'clock — among them a W(,>ll-known one, l'hund(n- Point — and passed into Thunder Bay, arriving at Port Arthur, a town on the west side of Thunder Bay, in Lake Superior, about 1.30 p.m., on 19th Septembei-. AVe arrived at Winnipeg about 4.30 on the 20th September, after a comfortable journey. The dining arrangements were most excellent — in fact, better — than in the hotels. There is some little beginning of pi'airie about 20 miles from Winnipeg. A great deal of wheat and oats still unearned ; good deal of hay also unearned. Land was much like our Lincolnshire Fens in colour. In the afternoon, three of us drove out into the country, and visited Sir D. Smith's farm, where we saw some splendid pedigree beasts, and some American bison — almost the last that are left in Canada, though I believe there are a few tame herds in the States. There was a banquet that evening, to which all the delegates were invited. After spending two or thee days in looking round Winnipeg and the surrounding district, we left there at 12 o'clock on the 23rd September in our own " car "' for Carman ; went a short journey by a branch line ; returned to Carman, and on to Glenboro'. Colonel Fanes liqtoft. I n Xo I ;ol ike uid iu ere }rcl a AV^e passed some cluirming couutiy, with slight liills, and saw no end of praii'ie hens and ducks. Some of the land was swampy, but it was most of it occupied, and near Treherne the land was good. Saw one French settlement and church. Asked a schoolmaster at Trehonn' about attendance ; said 6() to 100. There are no police in this district. Plenty of schools. I^o local ojition, hut think it will be in force next year. Sa.v jNlr. Berry, a Leicester man, now a butcher. Has JJoO acres -. doing very well. Began with nothing. Was told of Mr. Purvis, a Gainsboro' man-- an excellent farmer — doing well. There are a good many English about this station and Holland. Sept. 24. — Slept at Glenboro', a nice little village. Tli(> jjarty dis- persed in the morning, some to visit crofters, others Icelanders ; and a French delegate and I went to visit a French settlem(>ut at St. Alphonse. On this joui'ney we saw a good deal of wheat that had been (piitc spoilt by a hailstoi-in in the spring, and was left uncut. AVe drove back on a lovely evening. I killed two praii-ie hens out of the carriage, and as we approached Glenboro' thousands of ducks passed over our heads from the cornfields. It must b(^ a grand country for flight shooting. I saw on the road, at Cypress lliver, Mr. Maw by, a son ol' Mr. Mawby, of Bourne. He is doing well on an excellent farm. AVe saw this day near Cypress Kiver some splendid land and crops. I was delighted with this part of the country, as were the other delegates. They found both crofters aiid Icelanders most contented. Some ol' our people had ca])ital shooting at ducks on the road. A French Canadian barber drove us to-day. To show what wa^cs are earned in this country, he told us he could five days in the week, and $10 {£'2) on Saturdays. did with all this money, and he said, " Spend it.'' week for his board, and had to hire his sho]). AVe saw to-day, as w(^ did constantly, the foals running by the carriages with their mothers. They go 8 or 10 miles a day without difficulty. I think this must give them the good action they have ; and they certainly look wonderfully well, never being deprived of their milk. Left Glenboro' on 2oth September in four carriages for Plum Creek (late Souris), about 57 miles. Passed through a grand country the whole way to a village called AVawanesa (late Souris City). Thousands of acres of wheat, stacked, and being carted; stacks, two and two, scattered all over the country. Stopped to talk to two excellent English farmers — M'.-. AVatsoii, who had been a keeper in Yorkshire, who started four years ago \\itli- out a cent; and Mr. Smeaton, who seemed a moneyed man. Both seemed doing wonderfully well ; had good houses, surrounded by trees. Watson had only 160 acres of land, of which he will fallow half next year. He has this year 120 acres of wheat and 10 acres of oats. He has five sons to help him ; he and they do all the work. AVorked first year on other laud. ILas 16 head of cattle and one pair horses - three pair of draught oxen included iu the cattle. He says breaking get about >Sl> oi' >.^A: I asked him wliat lie nepaidS4(]G.s.) a 74 The Aijncu''>i.nd Itesources of Canada. 1 ■> ii and backsetting costs $4 (168.) an acre. On this road we saw some fine crops of millet, which seems very suitable for forage. After dinner at Wawanesa, we started, crossing the Souris Eiver, and drove 27 miles to Plum Creek (late Souris), arriving there at 7.30 p.m. Land all taken up, but much unbroken. KoUing prairie. Yew cattle. Good deal of wheat spoilt by bail. Our horses had brought us 60 miles this day, and seemed as fresh as possible at the end. Pluiii Creek is a thriving place, and apparently a very pretty one ; but it was dark, and we started directly after supper in a special train for Brandon, which we reached in one and a half hours, at 10.30 p.m., 25th iSt^ptember. Ascertained following information respecting land values, taxes, yield of crops, prices, &c. : — Cultivated prairie, at So an acre ; uncul- tivated prairie, at S4 an acre. Taxes, «fec., on 160 acres, from S14 to iSlG a year = to 8 or 9 mills on a dollar ; no tax on buildings on farms ; no tax on personalty, such as horses, cattle, implements, k(.\, unless they exceed S500 in value ; no one can be assessed above 2 cents in the dollar (ud. in Jl) without a special Act. The above varies in different districts; North- West Territories taxes are lighter tlian Manitoba. Price this year for best wlicat, 80 cents a bushel : average of year, pro- bably 70 cents a bushel ; average yield of province, 23;^^ bushels an acre ; yield of last four years — 1887, 35 bushels to acre; 1888, 20 bushels to acre; 1889, 15 bushels to acre; 1S90, 25 busliels to acre. Average, 23| bushels. AVheat can be grown at S8 (34s.) an acre. If sold for 80 cents a bushel, there will be on it — Cost of work, 40 cents ; profit, 40 cents ; total, 80 cents. In 1880, 100,000 bushels were exported ; in 1887, between 11 and 12 million bushels. Sept. 26. — Made a most interesting expedition to Mr. Sandison's farm, five or six miles from Brandon. Mr. S., a Scotchman, began with- out a cent seven years ago. Hired himself out it first, then took a small section, and has gradually added to this, ei. aer by purchase or hire, till he farms above 5,000 acres. He is still quite a young man — ])erhaps 30. He employs a great deal of labour, mostly Scotchmen, probably giving at this time of the year about S2| a day. He has 33 teams of horses (66 hoises), and three teams of driving horses. A team sometimes goes with grain into Brandon with load three times in a day (total, 30 miles). His men's work hours are as follows: — Half-past 6 to half-past 11 ; rest, 2 hours; half-past 1 to half-past 6; total, 10 hours, lie does not find it answer to do longer hours. He threshes all his grain from the stooks, and leaves the straw in. Can thresh 31 24 quarters (2,500 bushels) in a day ! but straw is very short and much brokeii ; it is used to fire the engine. The wheat is cleaned again at the elevator befon; being put on the railway. Jt goes direct there, and a certain percentage is charged for dirt — with Sandison probably about 5 per cent. The men get $35 a month, and board. I saw some splendid black oats grown on the farm, about 80 or yi> bushels to acre (?), they said. I admired a stable \\e\\ guarded witli 3 feet of sods — almost the first of the kind I had seen in the country. Mr. Sandison and his wife liv<> in the most tumble-doN^u old Colonel Famn li(i>ort. to mght slianty, though his stables, barns, &c., an; most excellent. I believe ho frequently goes to Scotland, and brings out fresli men for his farm. At Brandon we visited the experimental farm, one of those admirable institutions scattered all over Canada. Here wo were reciuved by the m(;st intelligent and obliging of oiHcials, Mr. Bedford. After a sumptuous lunche(m, and an inspection of the vai'ious grains, and the grasses hung round the barn, wa saw the various experimental grasses that had been tried for this climate. It is found that clover is killed by the frost, but lucerne stands well. We saw some excellent samples of wheat and barley — the latter the best sample W(; have sfcii in Canada, and well worthy of the atteiiliou of English maltsters. In tlie afternoon, most of our party drove to sonui other farms, but I went to a bUicksmith, to look at shoeing. All shoes arc ready- maiie, and nails ready pointetl. The charge for a new set of shoes is ^'1 (equal to Ss.) ; U5 cents (Is.) for a remove. At a butcher's, beef, V2h cents a lb. (beef in winter, by carcass, 6 cents a lb.) ; lamb, 1G eents a lb. Journeyman got ftl3U a month and board. A lady who buys a deal of beef says that she only pays 10 cents (od.) for all kinds of beef. Before we left Brandon in the morning, on the UTth !Se[)tember, we hurriedly examined a splendid tlour mill, which could grind l,Ouu bushels of wheat in a day with 20t) hoi'se-power. Charged 1| eents per bushel to Sandison ; perhaps 2 cents to anyone else. "NVe also saw some interesting work done at a saw-mill. The engines at botli these ])laces were fed by sawdust. kith A FARMIIOUSK IN MANITOIIA. {Drawn, by Colonel Fane.) 76 The Afji'lcidtHrnl Resoui'ccH of (.'imcuLf, u; [I I I Wi' Ifft Jirandoii amidst Iho cheei"* of the ^niMic, to which we gave Ji ht'iirty response, and drove 22 miles to Kapid City. The country was undulating; and pretty, but more suited to grazino; than grain. We, however, s;nv some grand ero])s of wheat, on(! of w liicli extendeil as fur as the eye could .see. Wo saw good-looking eat lie in large numbers. At Rapid City wo were entertained by the Mayor and Corporation at the hotel, and then took special train to Miiinedos;i. There we joined the main lino of the jNIanitoba and North-Western ilailway, and wound through a pretty undulating jind well-settled country along the Little Saskatchewan to Birtle, arriving there at 7 on the 27tli. 1 was met at the station by ]\lr. ]li;rehmer, who lives here, and Mr. Mytton, the clergyman, the latter of whom drove me to tht; tow j), a mile from the station. Before doing so, we were entertained at suppi'r at the station by the railway company. The rest of my ])arly went further west. After church, I drove with Tdr. Uerchmer to diiuier at 3Ir. Lloyd's, a nephew of General Wilkinson. ]Mr. Lloyd is managing General W.'s farms. Jle has about l,liOO acres here, and another farm a short distance off, besides having got his catth^ about 10<> miles north on some unclaimed land, (leneral Wilkinson is in England, but he has a son and a nephew here— the lattt'r a son i' my i'rit'ud the Eev. C. Wilkinson. jMrs. Lloyd has had no servant for two months, but she had an admirabU' dinner for us, and it was interesting to see what a lady can accomplisii when put to it. Mr. Lloyd iiad had a ca[)ital JBarnardo boy in his service. He had gone back to the Home to superintend work there, llis name was Fisher. Ijrove to see Lewarton, a man who cam(! with a large family from Fulbeck to this country about three years ago. He seemed to be doing well, and the elder boys had no wish to go back to England. Lewarton had a good house, which he had built himself ; and the property was nov/ his own. He could also have two more pieces of 160 acres each on certain terms. They had about 30 acres broken, and had stacked their corn. Had 19 head of cattle, one pair of w orking bullocks, good potatoes, and turnips. At Birtle had interesting conversation with Mr. Thos. Vant, a ITorkshireman, who came to this country with a fine lot of boys tw o years ago. Doing well on a small piece oi garden near Birtle. Children all well dressed. One son lives on a quarter-section (160 acres). Came to this country with £100. Built small house— two rooms above, two below — for .£10. Paid SllO for oxen, iS24 for plough, .S40 for entrance to homestead and pre-emption. Earned one and a half dollars a day at first at odd jobs; eldest boy also earned money. Has no wish to go back to England, except on a visit ; is quite satisfied. Told me three days after he ])ut in radishes leaves were as large as a shilling. Drove 20 miles from Birtle to Binscarth; had to wait three hours for car from North- West. In the hotel found a landlord who had been coachman to Duke of Cambridge and others. He and his brother had a livery stable and farm, and were doing well after four years. Colonel Fane's Rtporl. < I a Jtwn llrcii muc It wo ;UCC! V at burs leon Weighed a potato grown here ; it scaled 2} ll)s. Tasted jelly and jam made of wild black currants, wild red currants, wild gooseberries, wild cranberries, wild saskatoons, wild clieri-ies, and wild strawberries. JOarly in the luoriiinij; of Se|)t. .'50, tlw* car was moved u|) hv a branch line to liussell, one and a half miles from H;irnar(lo's Institution for London lads. Here there i> a large farm, with u]nvards of 5.') cows in milk, a creamery, good garden, good farm buildings, &.c. The boys tseemed of all ages from J 3 to 20, some of low cast of countenance; but the matron said she iiad no didlculty with them. Splendid V(^getables in the garden, (rood water. Measured some vegetables in garden. Tui'nip radish, 14 in. cir- cund'i'i'ence ; long radisli, 2 ft. 2 in. long; swede, 2 ft. 4 in. circum- ference: drnndiead cabbage, .'i ft. 7 in. circumfei'enc(>, solid heart ; i-aulillower, .') ft. 1 in. circuiid'erence of llower. 3let here CoUnud Bolton, whom L had known in the 100th, 27 years ago. \\i' is an old settler, and large property owner in these parts, and says he has done \ -y well. A few miles piu here we came to the Biuscarth Farm, belonging to t.h<> Scottish Ontai lo Company. They I'ai'iu 4,0()0 acres, and hav(^ a total of 19,000 acres which thtty can acquire, 1 believe. Here we saw somi; splendid pedigree Shorthorns, many of them worthy of the best show in England. The calves were parlieulai'ly line ; bulls rat her short of qualitv. Calves have never b(>en out. About 120 two, thre<'. aiul four year olds had lately been sliipped from this di'^trict; average, Soo (.£7) each. Thei-e are SO head of ])(Hligrei' Shorthorns on the farm, and 14 shee[). Land suffers from fro>t. Cattle allowed to run without tending after 1st October. No manure used on farm, though cake is givtji in quantities. From Binscartli we returned to Jiirtle, and drov<' to a small exhibition of horses, cfittle, bivad, butter, cheese, vegetables, unions bei>troot, &c. ; also pictures, needlework, and patchwork. Added to above were trotting and galloping races. All the latter part was poor, but the exhibition of roots and vegi^tables most excellent. A man told me he sowed 2 bushels of potatoes. He has four in familv. Began to eat in .July ; in September he had :>7 bushels to spare. In the evening we were entertained by the flavor and Council, and afterwards s])ent an enjoyable evening in the Town Hall, listening to the experiences of various s])eakers. The delegates al^-o had to speak. All speakers seemed to have prospered more or less. John pjwbank Edmondson came out ]\[ay. 1 s.^l). Bouidit half-section 4 miles from Birtle: has 70 acr 's in crop. Five boys, aged 14 dnu n- wards : three girls — young. ])iilled whoMt IGth April ; cut wheat luth August. Doing well. A young Scotchman also gave his experiences in the clearest wav. He liegan with 25 cents, and appeared now (after eight years) to be worth a great deal of money. He was a gallant-looking young fellow, w ho meant work. Oct. 1. — Left Birtle, ^here I had received the greatest kindnc'^s, particularly from Mr. Herchmer and tlu' Eev. J. Mytton, the En'di.-b 78 'Jlie Affvlciihurril Jtesoiirccs of Cannda. Clmrcli clorgyman. \V"n all started (>a.st together, and 1 \v(>nt on to Portapto-la- Prairie, where 1 chan;j;e(l on to the C. P. U. WesawquantilieHofi'uttle, andvery pretty country from Minnedosa, Xeepawa, (Jladstoiie, &e., and Hplendid wheat laud on Portage Plains. All the corn was gathered, and a good deal threshed. We went for some little tinu) along th(! hanks of thc^ Little Saskatchewan. It must be lovely here in spring: now it is all burnt up. Portage seemed a busy town, with good shops, and electric light." Then* was nothing |)artlcularly interesting to see between I'ortago and Moosomin, but all the land seemed pretty well taken up. I arrived at .Moosomin at ll..'K) at night, and was met at the station by Mr. MeXaughton, a storekeeper of the phice, who insisted on my coming to his house instead of the hotel, and gave me much useful and valuable; infornuition. Oct. 2. — Drove out to Pipestone Crei>k to visit a farm belong- ing to jNIr. jManiiers. Spent the day with, him and rt'turned to jMoosomin at night. A FARM-IIOUSK IX TIIK XORTH-WF.ST TEnRITORlKS. {Drawn hii Culfinel Fane.) Oji road passed a man named jNIiddleton. Has ."J^d acres, 62 broken. Hopes to get l,0(J(.i bushels. Will keep his straw. Has one team oi; bullocks, cow and calf. "Was with W. H. Smith k Co. Came ont with nine children, and JS1,000; is perfectly satisfied, and sees a good prospect for self and children. Has been out six years. Had a good ])laco in England, but no prospect for children, as in this countrv. Colonel Fane's Jit^jort. 62 lone ICo. mtl irs. this During our drive passed tlio liouses of the I'ollovving sottlern :— . 1. Middloton— IIiul boon book-stall man. 1'. Another iiiiin — Ten triidcr in C'hiim. M. ,, .. Aliiiket ganlcnor. 4. ,, ., (inu'cr. '•• ,, ,, ("ivil enj^inctT. )!, ,. ., Groom. 7. .1 ,. Biinkor's clerk. • On roturninf; to ^LooMJuiin, wt; found that tiio train, which shouhl have arrived at 11.15 p.m., was two hours hito. Mr. McNauj^litou insisted on sitting up with nic till lialt'-past 1 in the morning, and helped to take my luggage to the station. Our car came in the train. 1 only lay down for two or thn^e hours. Oct. 3. — I reached (Irenfidl at about li in the morning wlieri' I was met by the Kev. F. Baker, tlu; clergyman of the district, who was very kind to me. There were a great many people in the village for the agricultural sliow that was going on. I have jiever seen so many English in oiuj ])lace before ; many well-dressed young English gentlemen : they brought in horses, sheep, and cattle to the show. The roots, &c., were shown in the Town Hall, which has be«>n built for the purpose, though the inhabitants of the village do not amount to above 2U0 persons. 1 saw a good thoroughbred stallion — " Corneille,'* by "McGregor;" a first-rate shire stallion — " Prince 8th " — out of Keeval's stud ; sev(>ral teams of horses, ponies, &c. ; and a good thoroughbred yearling bull Shorthorn, belonging to Mr. Kowley. The sheep were a poor show. Small ponies stand the cold best. T(;ams of big hoi-ses, S.')oO to S«450 ; these are not turned out in winter. The best teams of ponies could be bought at S120 to SloO the pair ; they were generally accompanied by their foals. They and young stock got no hay or oats, and were out all the winter, but looked very well. There was an excellent exhibit from the new Experimental Earm at Indian Head. The l)lack oats, lucerne, and clover were very good : but the best exhibits of wheat and peas were from the Indian Keservation, a few miles from here. Products of Indian Head Earm : — Spring rye good, sown .Tidy 7, cut September 1; red clover wintered well: lucerne wintered well, 18 inches of root; Scotch tartarian oats, GO bushels to acre — very good. Land : 8 inches of black loam, clay underneath. The show would liave been better had they not had a hailstorm on Sth June last. This being the Xorth-AVest Territory, no liquor is allowed to be sold without a permit. Persons requiring two gallons of wine or whisky must pay a dollar to Government. Xo innkeeper would be allowed to have a permit. This does not stop drinking at times. I hear that a German settlement in this neighbourhood is very flourishing. I have collected from an old settler the names of some of the m ■■ i I I ! 80 Tim Ai/ficuUnrnl JiesourceH of Canada. old country settlers within 11 or 12 miles of here, together with their ])r('.MOiis occupations, from whifh it uppeai's J hat out ol' 01 only 14 had b< :'ri i'aruiers. There arc several irioro Englishmen in the radius, whose names T 0! dd not gather. They have a second church at Wcrd Jlill; a cricket club, and a pack ol' hounds. At K"gina. wlien; 1 arrived at Tj.SO a.m. on October 0th, Colonel Jlci-chmer, the Chief Commissioner of llie Norlh-AV'cst Mounted Police, iMiiie to fetch jue. The barracks are excellent, with (ncM-y cojiil'ort for tlie men, and till' Commissioner's house the nicest and best-kept house 1 have sei ;i since leaving Toronto. I s^)ent the. day with Colonel llerchmer ; looked at t!ie roll of his men, visitv'd the stables, riding school, &c. This is th(! headquarters of the i'or^e, which consists ol' about 1,000 men and •b) officers. The force; is entirely mounted on "bronchos,*' raisc^d on the ])i;!iri('S north of this. Tliey are a good class of horse, with good feet and iegs, rather wanting in rib, but with capilal action. Colonel Jlerol.'mi.r buys th<^m at about an avi-ragc of >Sll!0 'uch, at three; and four years old. The police make almost everything they use, on th( r own pr(;misi-s. 1 drove round to two places with Colonel Herclimer, and visited some settlers. One man had two young Jiien from England (R'sk and Browning) wf I'king for him ; one of them had been with him two vciii's. They iuul just bought 320 acres from llu; Canada North-AVest Land Company, at six miles from Regina, paying SO an acre, to be paid in ^ix yearly instalments. I ca.me across a farmer named Young, fi'om Coddington, in Nottinghamshire;,. His broth(;r stiJl farms there. He has been able to do well for his five sons — fir.st, editor of papei', aged 24 ; second, tinK)nith (foi 'man), aged 22; third, chemi.'^t (foreman), aged 20; fourth, with .i ch(;iiii.st ; liflh. at a bookseller's, Young farms, shoots, and kee])s a small store. jlerchmer told me lo-day of a man named lirown, one; and a half :>ales from jjirtle. Ikgan in 1^79. Cut some hay, ab(.>ve ice. Had el'nit or nine children, a scytiie, aiul two or threi; weeks' fond; Jived in a stable in winter, i'ather h.iis now o2(> acres; son also ;)20. Two daught.is mari'ied. IJas two s])an of horses, Tji; cattle, and doing well ; owes nothing. Brown comes from Oakham, where he was on 1 he railwav. Saw at Regina a man named ^Icljced !li..Mander, v.iih large family. Came with nothing, seven years ago: h;i.i now good house, windu\ill, '^<> or 90 hi^ad of cattle; su])plies town with milk. 1 sh;i)t a', the hotel at Jiegina, and at o in the morning of the 7lh October w ent on board the car.^, and travelled all day. There seemed very little land taki-n up be'twcen Regina and Calgary, exc(-pt the large farms of 10,0li 1 thciv appealed a j^ood tleal of alkali u1)oul. In sokk; parts tim <,n'oimd was nicely undulatiui:^. The country north of this is so much better that this part oh' tlu; country has been rather nej^lccted up to this time. AVe did not even see iiiany liorsers. Medicine llat seemed a busy place, as the Saskatchewan is navigable here, and the coal district is at no great distance. Left J{egina at "> a.m., 7th October, and reached Calgary on 1':e morning ol." the J)th. A Mr. J I.. D. .Johnson came to see me. lie came from near Newark. Jlad been in the country eight years. ]Lis wife was the daughter of AEr. \V^. Jlolt. schooliuaster of Denton. He came out as a mason, lie now builds foi- the (xovernment ; gets S1,2(J(J a year. (Son farms 16U acres of his own. As thi-re was a heavy fall of .-pow in the night, I did not stoj) long at Calgary, but took tht; train a;^.i.in at 2.ti<» a.m. on the JJt h for the W(.'st coast. Oct. 9. — Left Calgary. It was most fortunate that we had a fall of snow yesterday, as it covei-cd all the to])s of the mountains to-diiv. We were th(^ whole day jiassing through gloi'ious sci'n'ny, with splendid ])i'aks and wild ravines in all directions. The only drawback was the (|uantity of dead timber, th(; gaunt, tall lines of which covered the face? of the hills. Towards tlu; afternoon the scenery improved in this respect, and the sh.ij)e and colour of the iiiountains were as lint; as anything 1 have ever seen. At (llacier ]I()use, where we sto))ped for a meal, the view of a glac'er close liy was most exquisite, us there was no^ a cloud in tlie sky. We ci'ossed the Columbia J{i\er at one point, and went on all night through the same sort of scenery. At about .'{ p.m. on the loth October wt; arrived at A'ancouver, and ^,•ent straight, on board a fl!ie steamer, which landed us in about live hours at Victoria, in A'ancouver Island. Tlu.' voyage was very delight- ful, as Wt; travelled through narrow channels and past uiauy islands ahnost all the way. This wns my lirst vifu of the Pacific. I'he ^uri'oundings of Victoria are beautiful, with endless bays, hills, and rocks, covered wilh. vegetation and splendid Douglas pines and other timber. AVherever then' was any cultivatrd grouiid, I he ci'op seemed good on it, there being at least G or 7 inches of good soil on the top of clay. 'J'he wheat 1 sjiw was very line (^whitc; autumn wheat): oats also good; but what aslonisjied nie most was the jtro- fusion of fruit. On the mil 1 called on !Sir T.Tnilch. His garden seeined to grow everything in profusion. Thick ludge of privet, roses, liroom, large viol(;ts, clieri'ies, potatoes, iipricots, honeysuckle. |»ciirs, pliinis, hollies, i^iO. T'he trees were absolutely loaded with fruit ; indeed, j have ik-mt in my life seen such cro])s. 'I'lie diilicully with all tht -c things, howtner, is to find a mai-ket for them. (Sir J. Trutcli dr()V(; me some miles into the eouni ry. Jt surprised UK! to se(! sevt.'ral times in oia- drive, |)heasan1s lly from the cultivaled land into the patches of wood. They wert.' impo>*ted here a few vears ago, .'ind have thriven wonderfully. They nnist be difficult to lull, a-^ th(! covers are very thick with heatlier, willow, broom, t'v:c., and \o\\'j, grass, and various kinds of pines. Everyone' ^cems to huNe u gnn, Ijui G H2 The Aijrlcidlui'ui licSouiXiS of ('miadii. we saw frequent notices to sportsmen not to trespass. An attcinj)t is made to preserve. Oct. 13.— Left Victoria lor Vancouver at 4 in the morning. We reached the town of Vancouver at 10, and had three hours there. The town has made j^if^anlic strides in four years, and promises to be a most im])ortant place. Tlie Canadian Pacilic llailway iiave not only built a splendid holel there, but arc now buildinn^ an ojK'ra house ! The town has electric li^ht, electric tramway, isx. The latter goes a fearful ])ace : one is surprised there are not accidents ; but children, dogs, A:c., seem to take care of themselves in these countries. I had some interesting talk at an estate ofiic(>. Tiie manager told me that in spite of the great works going on here, the taxes are at most mh in S 1,000. I left Vancouver at J once inore for my long journey east. I very much regretted I had not more tinu; on the west side of the liockies, as though there is no great quantity of agricultural laiul, at Kamloops and other valleys there is some very line land, in a mild climate. After staying at Banff, and visiting tlic^ IJevil's Lake, I. left for Calgary, arriving there at :i..'30 a.m. on the KJth October. Colonel IJerchmcr, who is in connnand of the police depot here, had kindly arranged to drive me in a four-horse police team aci'os-; country to Lethhridge, via I'^ort Macleod, to see the big ranches of the district. We left at 2, and had a, tlelightful drive over the prairie to the (^uorn llanch, '60 miles. A great part (jf the country seemed settled up, but there was very litth; cultivation. There were no greeix crops. Cattle and horses wen; scattered about. 8ome of 1 he creeks were very steep, and required a go(jd deal of driving to get over. The land seemed lirst-rate, but cokl : there were patch<-'S of snow about. The ranch covers 17 square miles, and is held on lease. There are line buildings, yards, &c. They have 1,200 horses (201 » of wliidi are imported Irish mares), 12 stallions, and 3,0O(l head of cattle; no sheep. One of the most remarkable features of the place is that they got 2,000 head of cattle from Ontario last year, one and two year olds, at prices varying from >'^2<) to 82.") each. Will pay well as three and four year olds at S40. It must be remembered that neither horses nor cattle ever get an oat, except the stallions. ^Lires foal, generally alone, in the open. 'I'liey employ eight men all the year round. We lel't Ihe (^iiorn lianeh next Jiioriiing, and had a s[-/h'ndid drive, in lovely weather, about 20 jiules, to the High ii^'ei- Horse Ranch, belonging to a comjiajiy. but managed by jNlr. .Nlaepherson, late of the 7bth Highlanders. They have O.'jO horses, three tliorougii- bred stallions, and a Norfolk trotter. They had 200 foals last year. The ranch extends over 60,000 acres, but (nily S,<»00 are jiaid for, on lease at 2 cents an acre. They have also i,2Mi acres of freehold. Their staif consists of manager and thnn' nu'ii. and oeeasioiiiil help Wi iges of latter at iiav time, ."*!;i'S1-JU. They , have 2,()IH> calves this year; tliey have just iinished weaning them, '.rhey have sold many liundi'cds of steers this year, at au tiverage of .SoO each, aud have ])aid a dividend ! We were shown some excellent stallions, the best I have; st>eu in the country : and two very good Norfolk trotters — "President Gariield,"" liy "Bay President," and " Sam \^''eller." These horses have nothing but bay all the winter, aiul were by no means in high condition. After a delightful visit, we left at ID o'clock, aud ilrove 17 miles to the Little JJow Eiver (or Cattle Company's) Ranch. lliis is managed by Mr. Cochrane, a Leicestershire man. He, a cousin, ami Mr. (jlraham ai-e owners of the raneii, which consists of about (jO.Oiii! acre lield on leaM' Thi'V have about 1,101) cattle, iiicludiujr Ion pedigree Galloways, but no horses. Their land is so dry that they send all their cattle for the winter to another raiudi, near the mountains. The ])roprietors i;() to England. Mr. Cochrane! estimates the value o capital in the ranch at .'So.l ,000 ; exjienses, fti''},0()0 ;i year; receipts from sales, .'S4:,00o. .\o interest has yet been ])aid ou capital. The weather uil day was delightful cpiite warm till G o'clock in the evening. Afti'r luncheon, we drove the miles furthei- to a rest- house and ])ost olllce, called Mos(put() Creek. Here a police t(\am from Ma !eod met us, and I ])arted with my kind friend Coloned Here IMiel', who went back to Calgarv, abtml 00 mih I cannot sav how good and useful he hud been to me, as without him I should not have seen half the ranches aud their kind owners. The Oxley lianch is a large one —some 2o0,000 acres — owned bv a company ; Lord Lathom, Mr. .Staveley Hill, and !Mr. (;!. Baird are the principal share-owners. I am told they have only 6.000 head of cattle, l)ut I. think they nuist have more, as they \\n\r just rcnnuled up l,o(tii or so of steel's to send to Montreal. J c(nild not gather that they ever earn a dividend. I started with thi^ team at 9.1 .', aud drove parallel lo tho Porcu- pine Hills for some hours. We were ])rincipally ou 1 ln> Oxley Jiunch, but also passed several small I'anches, owned mainly by ('anadians, who, lieai'i uei'i' doinii' well. At about l.oO we crossed wluil nuist b very nasi v passage at times— the Old Plan's Iviver — and shortly T fonn.l myself in comfortabh- (juarters with Major Steele, (d' the Constabulary, at Fort Miw'l*"!. I bad heard that a >ucceshful Jnan in tlii-^ ciuuitr\ was a Mr. ^lolli->on, wh(» farmed abnnt fiv(> ndh < iVoia hei'e, lie came lo yee me 84 The, Aiirlcaltural Jicsonrcin of Canada, III ' 1^^ this iiioriniii; (Oct. 20tli). I found liim ii .^lirowd, clever tScotcbiimn. He had only been here two or three year-', but was doing well. He was one year with the Lister Kaye farms, but he is now farming on his own account. He o\\ns .'320 acres. Can gi'ow good vegetables (he showed specimens), and keeps milk cows and lujrses. Next year he hopes to try irrigation. He was (|uite satisfied that this ])art of Canada would be a success, Oct. 20. — Colonel Macleod, 3Ir. Peters, and T started in a four- horse teaju from luirraeks at Macleod at 10, and drove '62 miles to the celebrated Cochrane Kanch, owned by Mr. Cochrane, a gentleman Mell known in Lower Canada as a breeder of IShorthorns, &c. The countr\- was uninteresting for the first 20 uiiles, and the prairie poor, but as we approached the ranch it improved. We we 'e gradually nearing the mountains (S.W.) the wliol<3 journey. Thtn^ are about 200,000 acres in the ranch, which I'uns up in undulating plains towards the ]{ockies, and, in fact, up their lower spurs, where is the best grass. They have about I2,y all the heifers t'ley do not \\ant, and have been very successful \\\\\\ them. The average of 500 steers sent last year to ^loiitreal was ],4r)0 lbs., live weight. One they tried for theu.selves weighed 1,044 lbs., dressed. Mr. Cochrane considers that a beast loses 200 lus. in transit from hei-e to Liverjjool ; cost of carriage as above, .£6 to £~ . lie considers that 60 to 40 M'ill represent the proportion of good meat and ott'al respeccively, ])ul h(> could not say that these weights had been properly te-ted with cattle fed only tjn the prairie. Mr. Cochrane considered that Herefords did better than anything else on the ranch. The company has ])aid a good dividend this year. In the afternoon, we went several miles to look at cattle, all of wliich were as fat as ])ossibi<'. AVe left ^[r. Cochrane's hosjiitable house at b a.m., Oct. 21st. and drove 1 I miles to '" Standoff,"' wliere a new pdlice station was being built for tlie Government by oHlcers and men of the police force, under the directions of Mr. IMers, my companion, who is Goverjiment clerk of the works. He iells me tliat the police can build these i)laces (luite as well and iimch eheajier than if done by conti'act. It can well he imagined what excellent pi'actice this is for the police, who generallv after a few years retire from the force and make lirst-rate settlers. We ])assed a good many small I'anches, and tiien ti'avelled for miles through the Blood Indian Keserve. At one place we cai'ie upon the ollicer in charg(! of the Kestn-ve, who turned out to ])e a Mr. ]*ocklington, soi> of a well-known lawyer at Boston. He has been 17 \t\ars in this country, and, lik(^ many otlier Goverinnent olhcials, began as a constable in the police torce. At this place I parted with Colonel .Macleod. who returned to Fort Maeleod with Mr. I'ockliugton. Mr. Peters and I contimied our joui-ney. and after passing tvo very nasty ri\ers, which are not pleasant now, and most dangerous at Colonel Fauf'it Jit'im't, bo Ibcin;; under flevk M-ally iniile.s lll)01l Mr. I becu [cials, with ttoii. tvo iw* at cortain soasons, I arrived at Lethbridge, after some 200 miles of delightful driving over the prairies, and seeing many small, besides several very large, ranches in the most agreeable way, and with pleasant companions. Pinc'her Creek and Mae^^od have many English ranchmen in the in*ighbourhood. Lethbridge is the headquarters of the coal district, and busy work is being done here. The town is the neatest Western town 1 have seen, though only of a few years' growth. The lumses of the .miners are princi- pally built by the Gait Company, who own the mines and railway. 1 w:is nu't here by young INEr. (xalt, the son of Sir A. T. Gait, whom 1 recollect seeing in England. I went into one of the miner's houses. He was civil, as usual, and askcnl me to sit down Avhile answering questions. He was getting iirst- rate pay — some S4 a day, and only paid .SI a month for his house of two rooms. Oct. 22. — We passed through a grand district, particularly between Yirden and Brandon, and some 20 mik's beyond Portage-la-Prairie. At one static"! tlnu'e were three elevators. 'I'bere were farm-houses the w hole way, and a nice sprinkling of cattle. A good deal of fall ploughing had been done ; but there was still a good deal of corn standing in thu' stook. I'nusuaDy wvt weather has interfered lately with tlie hnrvest. I did not see many cattle. Nearer to Winnipeg we came to poorer land, with a good many cattle: there were a few trees on sandy hills. After that the land was good, Ijut very wet, and so it continued all tlie way to Winnipeg. These last 20 oi' 'AO milt s ai'e of tlie finest wheat land, but require draining. The* soil is a rich black nould. J t sticks to wheels and boots like india-rubber whi'U half dry. AVe ])ass(;d A. AVillson's late farm about 14 miles before we got t.» Winnipeg at 4.'^) in the afterno(tn. Before leaving Manitoba, 1 should mention that 1 never saw or heard of a policeman there, except at Winnipeg. They must be a law- abiding race. Sundays are wonderfully well kept. Nothing is seen of the rowdyism of the Western towns of the States, where I am told gambling saloons are kept open most of th(^ Sunday. In every small to - here are Church of England, Presbyterian, ^Methodist, and Eoman Catholic chiu'ches. The hotel-keeper of the hotel I am staying at here (Winnipeg), and the proprietor of the principal hotel at Begina. were talking to me to-day. The former said he paid .SI') a montli to his women, the laitn- .S2o ! When I said goverm^sses were not better j)aid, tli(> Kegina m.'u said two of his maids had been governesses in the old country. J lieard. yesterday from a gentleman in the train that many of the waiters in the sumnKn* hotels in New England are students, itc., who spend their holidays in that way ! There is an excellent club at Winnipeg, of which T was made honorary member. I met many pleasant people there. Left Winnipeg at 10.45 a.m., Oct. 2oth; travi'lled due south. The land for the iirst 40 miles was wet, and not much cultivated. It i>< held by speculators. It seemed to be tine land, but \\.)uld want iue draiuiug. Towards Morris much of the land was taken up, and c^uuutities ,sO '/'//■ Jtjrlci'lUd'dl /usoiin-itt i>j' ('amtdn. ! I (»r wlieat wero in stacks, and beinp; tlircsliod; at Morris Wxcvo were tlir(!o filovators at worlc. AVe crossed the IVontior into the T'nitod States at Gretna, and travelled via St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Ciiicaso. Oct. 29.— Arrived at London, Ontario, at 11.1)0 p.m. I knew no one in London, but soon became acquainted with several genllcnien, w ho volunteered their services to nie. Mr. "\Vebst(!r, the jMenil)er for the (!ounty, drove mo out to ]\[r. Luard's, a Liucolnslure man : a]id in the at'ternoou Mr. AV^eld, editor of Farmer's Advocate, drove mo 18 miles to see the town waterworks and ])leasure grounds, and on to Mr. Gibson's, who o\^ns a farm called tlie Belvoir Farm, of JjOO acres. I found 3rr. Gibscni was a Lincolnshire,^ man, who bad been at scliool at Broughton. Ho reoMved me most kindly, and showed me all al)out his farm. The fall ^heat both here and on the road to the IJclvoir ]"'arm looked most promising. The cultivation was evidently most excellent, and the land very good. T'his wiis altogether the best farm I have seen in th(; country. Mr. Gibson had a splendid Dui'ham bull — " Sth Duke of Leicester" -a ilock of GO pui'c-bred Downs, about 7' > ])ure-bred Shorthorns, 40 or HO ])edigree Bcrksbires, and IdO bt'antiful lurkeys. His house Avas a most comfortable one, and his wife (a (''anadian) gave us a kindly welcome. Mr. (iibson began with nc.hing, l)ut has now this farm, worth many thousands of dollars. He says he can get good men at SU a day, and sonK^times less. He grew 42 bushels of wh(nit to th(^ acre on ];)art of his farm this year. Sold it all for seenl at Sl^i a bushel. He sells a good many pedigree animals, going over to England for them at liiru's, as well as breeding. His Indian corn Mas first-rate. He feeds his animals in winter upon cut Indian corn (u ith the cobs), mixed with bi'an ar.d turnips. He gives very little artificial food. His sheep are all under cover in the winter, and his beasts are all well housed; the young ones being shut in lorise boxes in pairs while feeding. The farm is both well \^•atered and well timbered, and was altogether a moflt desirable-looking plac(> both ii. looks and soil. The village of Delawai'e, close by, with its pretty elunch, among the trees, nuulc an attractiv<' and most rural picture*. In di'iving to i\w Helvoir Farm we ])assed the water ^vorks of London, which are tastefully liiiil out with walks, kv. Tliis place is much resorted to in the suuiuiei-, and the view from liu' observatory was most beautiful, showing the wiiuling of the ]'i\i'r Thames below, and miles of woods, with g(jo(l-looi out to his farms, stables, ivC. fie bi'eeds extensively, besides buying young aniiiials, fi'om his own -tock horses. Ha; has several Cleveland and puri'-bred stallions, and 60 or 70 brood mares. H(^ deals a good deal with Withers, the horse dealer in Oxford Street, Lonihtu : and he is now about to ship about 25 hor.-es to England, ^lan\ of Ihein an^ intended for the English carriage-horse market. 1 saw some remarkably good ones among them, most of them 16 hands high, with good action. They are all broken tu harness on the farm, atid L saw a very line [niii. thi'ce years old, leading ice 1 libles, own [d60 jiorse Ibout Llisli IIk'UI, |n to Iding ('oh)hl Fdih's Ji(-/>(ii'f. ^7 manure, tlu't looked like making £200. He breeds also largely for the American trotting market, besides having several thoroughbreds which have been successful Queen's platers. The stamp of horse 1 saw at Mr. llodgens's was far superior to any- thing I had yet seen in Canada, and showed what can be done by judicious breL'diug. JNFr. llodgiuis is quite satisfied with the results, as far as balance-sheet is concerned, and has proved that more profit is to hi', made by horses than Shorthorns, particularly wh-Mi foals or yearlings are bought from neighbouring farmers. ^Ir, Hodgens tells me that an immense number of foals are bred in this district, 20 stallions standing at one station alone. He almost always lireeds from his three-year-olds. -Mr. Uodgens tells me that many g(,o(l farms about here, with fair houses on them, can b(! bought at from $',iO to S40 an acre. He has rented some land himself at about iS2 an acre. There are apple orchards attaclied to most of the farms; this year they have been a I'ailure, but some years they export a great number. The country is thi(;kly settled, and would no doubt be a desirable one to live in, as labour is much cluuijjer than furtlu;r west. The town of London is handsomely laid out, and the agricultural buildings, pai'k, &c., the best I have seen in the country. The whole of the ground round London is undulating and well timbered. 1 inspectinl a cheese factory, of wM:-h there are many in the neighbourliood. The cheeses seemed very good, and ai'e exported to Europe. The factory takes the milk of about 000 or 700 cows. The* milk is weighed as it comes in, and the whey returned to the farmer the next day. About one-third goes h\'']^ in whey to the farmer for his pigs, &c. Cheese fetches 10] cents per lb. ; last year, 8^ to 9 cents. In the afternoon, I inspected the flour mill, elevator, itc, of Mr. Itich. Ml". Eich is a Lincolnshire man, but came to this country about 'Ao years ago. He came with nothing, and is now a prosperous man. A man called Linnell came to see me in the ev(Miing:. Has been here ]0 years; wishes he had come earlier. Is doing well; gets Sl-| a day. His lioy of 15 gets SI. Has his own house in a village some miles off, w \ one acr(> of ground, but lets it, as he is living here a) present. Pays S7 a month lor l\is present house. Pays nothing for his children's sebooling, but 82 a year for books. Can get good beef at 4 cents per lb. vSays masons get S2.\ a day ; carpetiters, S2 a day. Linnell's mo'her and brother live at Great Gonerby, Lincolnshire, lie himself was confirmed at Fulbeck. Canu; three times to the hotel to-day, determined to find me. He had been at least in eight or nine differeiat trades before he settled to his present one. Oct. 30. -I left London at 12 at night, and in half an hour reached Ihe small towri of Ingersoll. During the evening was asked by a gentle- man named Podmore to come and see the large shipping establishment i'ov cheese, bacon, etc., of Messrs. Grant & Co. to-moi-row morning. Oct. 31. — Visited the establishment of Grant & Co. Tiiey do an extensive business in shipping bacon to England. They kill about ;)0,000 hogs a yi'ar, aAcragiug about 10 stone apiece. The bacon is cut so as to suit dift'ercat markets : that of Bristol beinc; different from 88 The Af/i'icuUin'cil Jlemtrces of Canai/a. Liverpool ; and thoy, af];ain, vary in fancy \\ ith other places. The bacon is either sinf:;e(l or scalded, according; to fancy of market. The bacon is all kept in iced cellars, and is i-eady for shipment 2o or ?>() days after killing. All r(,'fuso is nsed. TIk^ blood, ki\, makes an excclhiiit fertiliser when dried by a certain ])rocess, and si'lls at >S2") a ton ; tlie grease is pressed out and made into lai-d for houie use; other parts are made into sausag(vs and pork pies. Messrs. (i rant are also large exporters of cheese. About loit.OOo boxes will go to England this year, each clieese' averaging about G.') llvs. I tasted several, which \\'ere most excellent, sonn^ resembling Chinldar, and others Cheshire. All the best cheeses go to England. There are an immense number of cheese factories in this neighbour- hood, all worked pn^tty much on the sam(^ plan. Tlie ch(>eses are kc^pt in large iced cellars till ready for shi])ment. They are brought in from th(> factories between the months of June and November. The temperatuj'e of the iccMvUars requires to be most regular, otherwise they would not keep. I tasted some a year old, which had not the slight(\st appearance of mould. Xov. 1. — Left Ingersoll at 6.!J(i a.m. '\Ven\ through iramilton, kc, to Niagara Falls. Beautiful view ol' ILamilton from Dundas. Veiy little wheat land. Well timbered : good orchards; great many young peach trees; very few cattle; large vineyards: and pretty flowing rivers. Altogether tlie ])rettiest country I have seen. The station at Hamilton is luuch the neatest I have seen on this continent. At Grimsby the orchards seemed very large, and the land very good, though wet. It probably looks worse than usual just now, as they have had constant rain for some weeks in these parts. At Thorold I took a carriage, and drove across eight miles to Niagara Falls. 1 meant to visit some farms, but it rained and sleeted the whole way. The roads were in a dreadful state, and were almost impassable when w(^ got to Tramways, near Niagara Falls. I left Niagara F.dls, at li ]i.m., Nov. :'.. and got to Hamilton at 4.30. It poured tlu^ whole w.sy, luit I could ^co luucli of the country wanted draining. There were very lew cattle in the tields, all being given up to orchards. H seems a pity tluM-e is not more mixed farming, as peaches have been a failure, and ap]iles a bad crop this year. Grapes have l^een very ])lentiful, but oidy fetched 2] cents a lb. I. passi^d a factory for making tliera into wine. The coiintrv must be Iom'Iv in summer. Nov. 3.— AV'ent into the market this morning to look at the nu'at, &c. Vegetables not so good as in ^lanitoba. lieef poor ; some good lamb, or, ratlier. young mutton: dre ed. (><> lbs. ajuece. IJest cuts of beef, 12] cents per lb. Spoke to an old Devonshin^ butcher, wl- has liei'ti here 3") years (from Bid(>ford). Has tliirte( n children — hve sons all butchering in the 8tati'S ; three married dau-es. .Air, Hendry is th CohiH-l Fane's Heport. S9 Pickford of Canada, and lias hore and in other places abont 5,000 horsos. Ho has the finest draiic^ht horsos in Canada, all bou^lit in tho conntry or bred by himself ; they are all out oL' ("juntry-br<»d mares by 8hire, Clydesdale, or tSiilfolk Punches, He does not like Percherons. I saw- some splendid teams. All are weighed, and matched, principally by weight, and sonu^ were 17"'5 in height. The weight of two of them was 1,770 lbs. and 1,790 lbs. An ordinary ])air would cost S400. They can pull 9 tons on wheels, 11 tons on sh'dgcs. All wheel-making, cart- making, siioeing, tte., done on the premises. Shoeing averages '!i'2 a horse per month. Mr. Jlendry, jun., considers tiiat the tallest horses have the greatest power of moving a heavy h)ad. Mr. Hendry drove mo out to liis fai*ni, about six miles from Hamilton, to see his thoroughbred stock. His farm was a lovely one, composed of hills, valleys, timber, and having several small streams running through it. He had three thoroughbred stallions, one of them a great beauty — "Strathspey," by "Glenelg," out of "La Polka'' ("(Tlenelg" was by "Citadel"'). He had ()4 animals on this farm, many of the thoroughbreds showing great substaiu'e. He has several horses in training, and we saw some of his yearlings gallop on his private course. He showed me some splendid mares. The clover eddish on this farm showed an excellent plant. After sj)ending some hours there, ;Mr. Hendry drove me to his charming residence overlooking the town, where 1 was received at luncheon by his family in the kindest way. In afternoon, drove with j\[r. Smith, Dominion Immigration Agent. Went to Mr. Barnes's, who has a largt! vinery, orchard, etc. Has 9 acres of apples — none sold this year; some pears — sold SI 00; 20 acres of vines — sold Ho t(ms at 2^ cents a lb. = .£'27 an acn^ ; no pigs ; one cow ; no peaches. ExpcMise of garden, 8900 a year. Gives his head man S>300 a year, with house, and ground for vc^getables ; ordinary labourer, 81^ a day. Drove all round the bay, and across a new cut to the harbour, t(j Mr. Fothergill's farm, with jNIr. Smith. This is one of the most substantial houses I have si^en in Canada. Good rooms and kitchens, and splendid celln-s, full of potatoes, ap]>les. kc. He is a most cheery and hard-working man. His wife and daughter were milking when we arrived, and he was about to do tht> same. Mr. Fotliergill has some good stock, also al)(mt 4<» cows. IL^ sends the milk to Toronto. This farm has 240 acres, and tla-ee miles off he las another farm of 2o0 acres. He came out here from Northumberland about MO years ago, with nothing. He has had 17 chihiren — 13 alivt.'. Five of his sons are farming. His crops were indifferent this year — wheat, 27 bushels to acre ; barley, 23 bushels to acre ; oats, 40 bushels to aci'(\ He has often had 80 or 90 bushels of oats to acre, and 4^ of barley. JMr. FotluM'gill ])refers Clydt^sdales to Shines for this country. Pays his labourers 7o cents a day. ordinary work; 81 "oO at harvest time. Mr. Fotliergill savs vou can rent good land at 84 to 85 an 'acre about here, Land on 3Iid'',le Boad(ihe best near Hamilton) is 00 Tlu' ylt/ri(idlnr$100 an aero. (Jot home at S p.m. Eonils aboininiible. Soin(! Lincolnshire and Xottincjhamshin* men cauK^ to soo nio in the evcnin^T. On(! — a tailor named 'I'liorpc, IVoiu Nottincfham —seemed a V(^ry intelligent man. ]Io is ([uito satisiied, t hough liis wile is a little home-sick. Tliey luive been here three yeai's. fJets good wages ; but house rent and coals are dear. Complains, lik(> me, of tlu^ meat. Hours, 7 a.m. to ]).m., \\i1h an liour for dinner. Almost all ])iece-work. Nov. 5.— Meant to go on to Toronto to-day; but heard that there was to be a ploughing mntcli in the neigbourhood, so determined to stay to see it. Asked Mr. Smith, one oi' the best farmers in the neighbourhood, about his yield this j-ear. Only got liO bushels of wheat and barley to the acre. Xevcsr uses cake or artilicial manure ; considers turning over the sod oi' clover suilleicnt manure. Some top-dress the wheat alter it appears above ground. Complains, much as we do in England, that the sons now want "rigs" (carriages), and the girls organs; and that times are not good iu consequence;. \\hn\t on to Toronto in the evening. Stayed with j\[r. IJridgeman Simpson. Nov. G. Went to 13ari'ie, about 50 miles. Land good in parts, but no very good-lookiug farms. J'^irms can be bought about her<> i'or about .S40 an acre, with iiouse, &c. Saw Barraiid. tailor, from Tulbeck. AVent to his house ; saw his wiie and four cliildnMi. lias been out nine years. Had saved at one time about STOU, with own house and furniture, l)ut lost all by fire, (lets 80 a week when in work; his wag(>s for year would average about iS7 a week. "Wife does most of her own sewing. Books for school, about $1 a year when childreu an- young; more later. Barrand pays S4^ a month house rent ; has live rooms, all on ground floor, with back - yard for chickens, &c. Pays for beef A'lh cents ])er lb.; bread, 11 cents for 1-lb. loaf (but loaf do(!s not \\-eigh 4 lbs.) ; Imtter, L"*' cents per lb. : coals, 86 per ton; wood, S«.'3j a cord (lasts a month in winter). Has now got his own furniture paid for, and is beginning to look up again. Saw also at Barrio a young man named Brown, from Leadenham. Is doing remarkably well as a market gardener : wishes he had come out live years sooner. L^sed to get 830 a month, and board, but has now been admitted as partner in the business. Lives w ith his partner, and pays "810 a month for board. Have 30 acres, 20 acres of which are strawberries. Have hothouses, &c., and sell plants in the spring. Nov. 7. — Left Toronto, at 9, with Mr. AV^ad(% a g'entleman connected with the Agricultural Department of the ])rovince, and two of my fellow- delegates (the first I had seen since the 1st of October), for Whitby, aliout 30 miles. We passed some good land near Whitby, and some excellent cart-horses (Clydesdales). AV^e drove to the farm of Mr. Dryden, who is Minister of Agriculture for the province. He enter- la iued us at luncheon, and afterwards showed us some most superio.. Shorthorns and several young bulls in prime condition: also som excellent Shropsliire ram lambs, and a Clydesdale mare with the besj^ ('oloiiil /'(iiu's H'l'drl. i)\ Icted low- lorae iMr. Iter- Irio.. 3m,, I'oal J liav(» siMii in tlio country. .Afr. Drytlfu's fiitlicr wiis one dl' llic earlier importers ol' stock in this comitiy, and his sou earrie-i on t lie business most judiciously. ]It> Farms about 400 acres, and lived on that only, till Ik^ becaiu" Minister. Jl(^ has u most eoml'or(al)l(' house, ^ood barns, Sn: I am sorry to say we had not time to walk over his farm. AVIiat wo saw seemed well cultivated. AVo got back to Toronto at G.iJO p.m. Dr. Barnardo lias !i Home in Toronto, whicli I vi>ilcd to-day ; it si'i'medadmirai)ly manaj^ed. Tliere wen? no boys, however, intiic liouseat the present moment. About IKK) come out every year: tluy areall applied lor lout; before they come, and there are now .")t>oi' !<• npplicallons iVom I'ln-iners on the books. Ai^i.'s, from lli to Hi. .\u;reeiiicnts iu jirint are made with farmt>rs, who keej) tliem till they arc I S. unless they separate by unit ual consent. Almost all become farmers ; no town a])]dications ariMMitertaiucil. About ') pen* cent, only ri'lui'ui'd for miscomhu't, tVe. J'^armers a<>;r(M' to pay iSlOO at the end lA' their service: no Liji-eat (lilliculty in pettin;.'; the money. There are visitors f:;oin miles north to south aiul SO ea^l to wt'>1. A ;n)oil numy of them havi' money iji the yavin;;s Bank to bi'^^in witli when tiny are 18; tiiey are not lost sii^ht of, aftiu' that even, if possible. The boys come out in batch(>s early in the sprine^, and on to »Iidy ; it is not advisabh^ that they sbould come out later. Some farmei's com])l!iiii that they iire slow; but of course they have all to learn. The su))i'rinteii(lent thinks llii'.t about S'i.\ a month would be the averaj^e earnini;s of a boy ; of cnuise he is found board, washiuu;. and mending;- by the funiier. Xov.S. — I.eft I'oronto at U.IT) at niyhl.and^'ot to Alonti'eal at Sa.m. on the Dth. llain and sleet all day. Jn the ev<'ninp; met General Grant, wlio has a son who took up a section of lO'O acres near Griswold, in .Manitoba ; has now. Avith a younu; man named l.awder, from Australia, (MO .acres more, seven unles fnuu (jii'iswold; JTiOof former are broken up. IFad 105 acres of wheat and 45 acres of oats this year ; got 25 bushels of wheat to acre this year. Have 25 head of cattle, mare and foiil, and live other horses, one team oxen, 2(1 hoi^-s. ]louse of four rooms and kitchen. Neither of young men had anything to begin with, but hav(^ liad from friends about 81,xperience of bush life in Australia. 3fi'. Grant came out at 1". No\ . 10. Left Montreal at S a.m. for the Eastern 'l\)wnships. Country .'oLind 8t. Hilaire, St. Ilyacint he, &c., occupied by French, L(Hig, narrow fields ; plenty of poor-lookijig stock in the fields ; enormous churches and convents everywhere, and many tidy houses. Towai'ds Eichmond the country became very pretty, with numerous line rivers and wooded hills. It was priuci])ally a grazing country. The ■>% ^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 Iifi^ltt I.I 1.25 :s !^ IIS L^ li£ lilllO 11= U nil 1.6 V] /a /a ■e #: "> V ^r^ '■% '/ /A Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 MEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. MS80 (716) 873-4S03 d ■^ iV \ \ [V ^ ^ X V 4fS '**) K^o '^ %> / i> 92 The Ayi'icHltui'al Jiesources of Canada. 1 is farm-houses much occupied by peoi)lo from Europe, and some very neatly kept. Passed some large coi)])er mines. Met Mr. Beevor — a Xottiiiglmmshire man — employed on the railway. Saw some good llerefords, and also a frr. Cochrane and his farm, stock, «&c. J lis iiamts is known all over Europ(> as a most succi'sst'iil breeder, and I believe he has obtained for his cattle as larger a price as anyone in Europe. I believe his great fancy at one time was Shorthorns, but at present he breeds black Polled Angus cattle, Herefords, trotting horses, and Y'orkshire pigs. ]Iis yards, stabh's, &c., are very comph'te. In his business at this farm he is ])rincipally assisted l)y his eld(;st son, leaving his large ranch west to the care of his two younger sons. He farms hei-e about 1,00(» acres. His stock consists of 99 black cattle, 70 Herefords, 2") .Jerseys, 15 other cattle, 200 sheep, ")7 horses, and 15 pigs. He intends sending all the ]Ierefords to the ranch, and keeping black cattle only. Wages, about SI a day; monthly, .S15, and board; married men, S'23 a month. At page 84 1 mentioned tliat from the Cochi'ane Jianch they had shipped about 1,000 cattle to Liverj)ool this year. ^[r. Cochrane sent his son v ith them, and took all risks himself. The venture proved very satisfactory. Part of the cattli^ arrived inlirst-rate order — in fact, they rather improved on the voyage. They averaged about t'17 a head at Liverpool. Young Mr. Cochrane wrote to say he saw some killed, iind they "died" Avell, and the ])Ui"chaser was well satisfied. 31 r. Cochran»> had not receiv<>d an account of the last batch. These catth* were all weighed by car-load at JNLcmtreal, but were not weighed at Liverpool; but he consid(M*ed thi-y were woi-tli 4.\ cents a 11). at Montreal. They \\-ere all ^\•ell bred, ther*^ being 250 Herefords in one lot. Mr. Cochrane confirms what I have befori' heard — that the loss of 200 lbs. weight in cattle between Calgary and Liverpool takes place on the railway, and not on board ship. Of course no one has had more experience in this matt(!r than !Mr. Cochrane, as he lias shipped pedigree cattle to and from Europe for the last ;»«) y<'ars, and has always been most successful in the business. 3Ir. Cochrane was able to give me a printed statement of the ranch, showing a good ])roHt on the working of last year. This year he expects it to be better. Nov. 11. — After a delightful visit at Mr. Cochrane's, 1 left at fi.MO t his morning for Quebec, l had meant to stop at Sherbrooke, but the trains were so awkward tliat I could not do so. I would have ilriven, but there were 21 degrees of frost this morning, and the roads were dreadfully rough, so 1 hail to give it up. I. meant to visit Lennoxville, where .'iOO young boys and jnen art; educated excellently in a college I had long heard of. At Sherbrooke I should Irive wished to visit an institution lor waifs aiul strays, managed by the llev. Canon Thornloe. 1 heard this highly spoken of. There are several maiuifactories at Sherbrooke, a town of lO.OOO inhabitants. I had to go on. howevcM-, to Kichmoiul, and wait there two hours ror ilie train from ^[ontreal. J made a good deal of iiKpiiry about farms in this very pretty Culoiu'l Fane's Iiei>drt, V3 couiiliy, and Fouiid that about $;{<» an acre \\ould Iniy a nice cU-avi-d oue, with guod water, good house, and plantation of firewood. This sounds cheaper and better than the prices in Ontario. The country is certainly much prettier, but the winters are longer and more severe than in Ontario. There is not much agricultural land between Jiiehmond and Point Levi, opposite (Quebec, but some gi-and rivers are passml. The woods were particularly beautiful this morning, every twig being covered with what is caUed '• vfrglas ; " the whole forest shone like diamonds. AVe arrived at Point Levi about 2..*30, and crossed over to (Quebec. 1 drove straight to my dear friends the Prices', at Wolfstleld. At 9 this morning I embarked on board the Allan steamsliip "Parisian," after a deliglitful and most interesting trip of two months and sevt'U days in the Dominion ; and, after a prosperous voyage in that most comfortable ship, arrived at Liverpool on Saturday, the :i-'nd Novemljer, CONCLVSION. T have been fn(|Uciitly .•;>kt'd cm my juurnry what T llii)ik of Canada. 1 iv|)]y lliat it is diilicult in li-n weeks to give a decided opinion on a country larger than that from the Kock of Gibraltar t.i tlie northern part of Russia. The delegates, however, ha\e had e\- ei'ptional o])portunities of seeing the resources, &c., of the country, having covered 10,(i(itt miles of ground, exclusive of our sea voyage. I have no hesitation myself in saying that the Dominion of Canada is a most favourable country for eir.igranls of certain classes. It must remain Mitli the enugrant himself to choose wliei'e lo settli-. Tor tlii- reason one should hesitate to gi\e advi-je : but wwa 1 to do so, it would be ou the following lines : - 1. A man with a certain amount of capital could buy a nice fai'in. with good house and cli-ared land, at about i**;3<» li-'G) an acre, iji the Eastern Townshijjs, and many |)arls (jf (Quebec ami Onlari(». By doing so, h(! would avoid tlie har(lshi|ts of Maiiitoli;i iind the ^S'oi'tli-'West ; h'- woulil be in the midst of comjrarative comfort and society, and v.ithiu easy reach of markets, schools. A.c. 2. A small fai'mer oi- laboui'ing man, \\\i\\ one or two Ikms ranging from 12 to 10, and girls of the same stamp, could tiiid occu|)atioii. and be sure of a compel euey hereai'tei-, wiierever lie went ; but he would perhaps ha\(.' a better o])ening in Maiiicoba and the North- West. The woi'k would be severe, particuhirly for the parent> ; but there is no reason why the children of such |)ersons should not rise to th(! highest po>vit!i me in the '• i'arisian." (it'iicial Grant has a sou settled near Griswold. ilanitoba. >Vccording to the (Jencral, his son and his partner, Mr. Lawder, are doing particularly well. ^Ir. "\V. H. Porritt has four sons, all married, living on their sections near Holland, in South Manitoba. Mr. Porritt speuks most hopefully of their prospects, lie knows the countiy well, having taken up a section eight years ago. He sees an immense advance in Manitoba during that time. I believe none of the above young men wen* educated at our large public schools. — F. A. F. t'ohiut Faat's Ilcpoi't. 95 told, wero worn by pcucrful citizens ; whereas in Canada all is order, even in the wildest parts. I may mention that ! was in no vill;ii,'t' where Sunday was not as well kept as, or ]H'rha])s Ix'tti-r than, it is in Eiii^laiid. 1 never atteiuKd a meal at a st()rekeep«n*'s, public dinner, or settler's where p;race was not said before sitting down: and everywhere the iiio>t entlui>iustic loyalty was shown. I thiidv it dillieult to liiid any country \\here there is less rowdyism and drunkeniu-ss tlian in Canada. I don't mean to say that llwM'e is not a f^ood deal of whisky-drinkin;; at bars. There is no doubt I'ar too much of it, and it is most injurious to many men ; but I should say that, taking them as a whole, the j»opulatioii of the Dominion of Canada is decidedly an abstemious one. 1 can only conclude by saying that the emigiant from the old country will iind, if he goes to Canaila, a most kiiul-liearted and hospitable ])eople, ever ready to help a new hand, j'or myself, I can only say that, from high to h)\\, from one end of the country to the other, I was received with most unbounded kindness and hospitality, and my visit was indecnl made a real pleasure to me during the whole time 1 was in the countrv. THE REPORT OF MR. GEORGE HUTCHINSON, Brougham Castle, Penrith. n.vviXG been li(tnouri'(l In' jin iiiviliitio;) IVimi the (jlovt'i'iiniciit of Caiiaclii to visit tho Dominion, anil report upon its suitability as a tickl for the sottlciucnt of afj;riculturists, 1 coni|)lit'd with that invAation, and now ])rocfi'cl to make my report. 1 nmy nientioa that I had previously visited Canada in the autumn of lb79, at which time 1 \\as appointed to do so by tlie Penrith Farmers' Club. My iirst visil havini^ been a very pleasant one, I was i^hul to have the op|)or- tiniily of jnaking a second trip, in which I could note the changes that had taken place durini; tho last eleven years. I am afraid that, even after all the relialjle inforniation that has recently been spread r«*spectinurposes; the Exhibition itself being a combination of our Agricultural Show, Flower Show, Dog Show. I'icnic and A'ariety Entertainment, thes(> ad(h>(l attractions indueing those to attend who are not connected with agri- culture. As ;}(»U,OUU persons visited the Toronto Exiiibition, it iiuist iinancially have been a great success. From Toronto we went, by way of North Bay, to Manitoba. Some ])arts of this journey lie through country which is wild and solitary in the extreme, nothing but mountain and \vo(»d meeting the vyv on every side. Maniiolxi aud the Mortli- West Territories. — We arrived at AV^innipog, the capital of Manitoba, on Saturday, the 20th of Se])tember, and were received at the stati»)n by the M;t\,>r and Corf.oration. "Winnipeg is now said tu have a pctpulation of :iO, founil so many old settlers who liave endured the winters from twelve to twenty yeai's still looking healthy and strong. The snowfall is not so (.excessive as in some parts of the Dominion, tlie depth seldom exceeding eighteen inches or two feet. I have hi-ard of cases in which the subsoil has been found to be frozen hard at a deptli of four feet. Spring and wheat sowing generally counuence in the first week in April, which is generally a dry month, giving the farmers the best possible seed-bed in which to ])ut their wheat. 1 have been, times without number, assured by peoph^ wlio for years have mad(i Manitoba their home, that, with a little care, they never suffer from the cold, owing to the dryness of the air; and that twenty-five degrees below zero is not felt half so much as freezing point woukl be in a ])lace w here there is a damp atmosphere. In speaking to the most recent settlers, who have been only a year or two in the country, they will tell you that they do not dread the winter, but rather look forward to it with pleasure, as the season for sleighing. The farmi'rs take udvaiitage of the facilities which winter affords them for carrying their wheat to market, and for cutting and hauling timber, which could not be easily moved at any other time. They can then take the shortest route, as the rivers, lakes, and swamps are all frozen up, and make the very best of roads. As a general rule, the climate appears to be favourable f(n' the sowing and gathering-in of the crops — there being very little of that rainy and murky weather Ihat makes hay-makiiig and harvesting so troublesome in this country — it being apparently easy to tell in thi; morning the sort of weather there will be during tbe day, and generally after a few days' rain the weather will keep fine for weeks together. 1 heard a few complaints, especially from new settlers, about the annoyance arising from mosquitoes and sand-flies during the summer months ; but, as a general rule, these pests are not considered of much account by the older s(^t tiers. 98 The AyricuUural Jugourctn of Canada, I Till' frosts that (iccasioiiiilly o(.riir in tlu' auluiim, not tliosc of winter, WW what the farmer in ^Manitoba ilreails the luo.st. These frosts j)ass nionp; in streaks, soniethinuf like hail-stornis. In somo cases you \\\\\ lind that while the wheat on one farm has been injured, that on the next farm has not been touehed at all. I saw some very striking examples iip(»n several farms 1 visited in the neiglibourhood of Klkhorn. This early frost is a very tantalising trouble: the farmer may hav(^ a splendid cro|) of wheat n-ady to cut, and in a single night the frost may eome and reductf its value by one-half or two-thirds ; this l)eing what i-eully did occur in some cases, during hist season in Manitoba. The frost which did the nuist daniMge last year was that of the nii,'ht of August 22nd. AVhen it is considered how short the seasons are. and how liable tlie wheat is to injui-y by thesis early frosts, it is of the greatest importance that the earliest varieties of wheat shoidd be eidtivated. Early sowing has also been found to overcome to a I'onsiderable extent the possibility of such damage, and the n«'cessity of this cannot be too strongly pressed upon the farnu-rs. .Mr. J. AV. Sandison, a very exten- sive and successfid farnu'r near JJrandon, Manitoba, was very emphatic in his belief tliat. if the farmers would have as mueh land as possil)|e ])loughed and harrowed in tin- autinnn, so as to be in a ])osition to make tlie nu)st of the tirst chance in tlie spring for sowing, they woulfl very seldom, if «'ver, havi- crops damaged by the early frost. Jle attri- buted his utivarying success in wheat -gr(»wing to the strict attention h<^ had given to this. Tlie iiitroiliiction of wheat from Nortliern Kussia is also being tried as a means of oveivoming the dillicully. AVhen it rains in Canada, it does ><) to some piu'pose. It is a perfect downpour, such as we do not very often see here. It does not, however, last long. On my arrival in Manitoba, I found the farmers complaining of tlie wet weather they were haviin; lor the harvest ; it was said to be the worst experienced there for tifteen years, with the exception of 1NS4. the latter part of which was wet. Jf we had had such weather in CuMdierlaud. we should have l)een coimratulating oin*- selvps u|)on the favourable harvest conditions, as the season was, on the whole, not so wt't as many we experience here. I will now endeavour to give some account of the soil and crojis in the district of .Manitoba which we visited. The soil is a deep black mould, extremely rich in the chief elements of j>lant food, and therefore not easily exhau'^ted. The farmers, knowing this, take all they can out of it, and return nothing whatever in the form of mainire. It is true, in fact, that for several years after the soil is broken u]), the addition of manure would do more harm than good. Jiy turning up a littlo of the subsoil now and again, the fertility of the surface is ivnewed. and wheat may be grown, year after year, for a long period, without exhausting the soil. The province is too far north for growing mai/.r', but it ap|)ears to grow garden vegetables in great perfection. Outside the city of Winnipeg. I saw a lari,'e nundier ol market gardens in which were good crops (»f onions, potatoes, carrots, and many other vegi'tables. grown in a rough-and-ready sort of way. Lca^i'lg Winnijx'g by the ^uuth- Western Branch of the Canadian IS III (lack on* can t is tlu" I :' ' is ioil, for IVi.t r ol ots, [liau I \- yfi'. GiOi'ffe JfttlcJilnsons Hrjtort. dd Pacitii' liailway, wr had a very nlrasant Irip to (tleuboro', the prest-nt tfriiiinus ot' tlic liiif. I visited two or tluvo fariurrs in this distriot, all of whom .said thcv had sucri'cdcd b«'Vt»nd their exiMrtatioiis. Manv t'urmers in tlu^ (Jlunboro' district hav«' over 150 acres inider croj). Soiue of them chiimed to have over JJO bushels of wheat to th«> acre, and oO f)f oats. At (Menboro' I inquired what facilities there wen^ fur obtaininct land, and h!arn«'d that all the free p;rant-lan(ls had been taken U|), but the Canadian Pacific Kaihvay still held land for sale to actual Hettlers at from 20s. to liOs. per acr«'. There are always a nuudjer of farmers in every tlistriet ready to sell out and imivt^ further west. Xear the Pelican Lake, fifteen nnles north of Killarney, are settleil the crofters, who were sent out with th»! assistance of our Government in l88^<. Uurinc; a drive between (Jleidjoro' and ^iouris, a distance of about fifty miles, I sjiw some splendid crops of wheat, the fine dry weather of th»; last f«'W days havintj put the i^rain into good condition. The farmers were very busy stacking;, anrl in some cases threshing the wheat direct from the stook. Fi'iday, September 2()th, was s|)ent in visiting Brandon and farms in the neighbourhood. We went first to Mr. .1. W. Sandison's farm. Some idea of the scahi upon which Mr. Sandison farms, may be gathered from the fact that he expected to have over "),000 quarters of wheat froJii his crop last year. Jle used fourteen binders for cutting his crop. Jle said he would not accept an offer of £2,000 for his anticipated profits from that year's returns. From Jimndon ve t Territories. This is a t(»wn of some two years* growth. It has a creamery, making from eight hinidved t(» one tlKdis-ind |)onii(ls()f butter |iei' week. The cream is gathered twice a week, from a radius of over 2ii miles. In the neighbourhood of Saltcoats I called upon several farmers, niost (»f whom appeared to be doing well, although all com- jtlained about the deficient crops of In^s and ]M89, and said the greatest drawback had bi-fii tlie early frost. Twk fanners mar Saltcoats, who had chiliireii of «chooI age, complained iilHtiit their distance from the nearest school. This point siioiild be considered by those who have yoinig ciiildren. previous to taking ii|) land in ai new and sparsely settled district, since the si-hools there must necessarily be more widely scattered than in the older districts. As this matter of educat ion is of imporlaiice to anyone who contemplates removing with his family into a new country. T may mention that the schools in Manit«»ba and the North-West are endowed by setting apart two sections, (»r 1,'JSi) acres, in each townshij); this last being a district comprising li6 square miles. I had several o|)portunities of visiting the schools, and of noticing the excellent way in which they loo The Aiji'icuhui-al liLHoui'cea of Canada. are managod. As a g«'neral rule, a school is built in a lunv district as soon as it is required. No school fees are paid, but all the flchool- books have to bo paid for, and these 1 found were very much more expensive than in England. In fact, parents who had removed with tlieir families from England, stated that what tliey paid in England for school fees and books amounted to less tlian the cost of the books alone in Canadii. "NVe visited Dr. Banuirdo's Home lor f}()\ s, where they art; taught farming. On leaving, they are assisted to start on a farm of their own, or havti situations found for them in different parts of Manitob;i and the North-West. This new develojnnent of W. Barnardo's appears to contain the elements of success, and certainly deserves to be well supported. We also visited Binscarth Farm, where we saw some extraordinarily good Shorthorns, tlie hiMfer calves being particularly worthy of mention. We also saw thirty-six cows in milk or calf, amongst which were some very good specimens. The company which owns the Binscarth Farm has t\\'o townships foi* sale, the object of the farm being really to show to intending purchasers the advantages and capabilities of tlie district. Our next halt was at Birtle, a town in the valley of th(> Bird Tall Creek, and nol unlike Brandon and Minnedosa in the beauty of its site. As far as we eould judge during our short drive, it appeared to be in a good district, and surrounded by good farms. We spent Thursday, October 2nd, in Portage-la-Prairie and district. fn 1879 this was the most thickly settled part of the North-West. Knowing this, I expected to find great changes in the shape of better farm buildings and fences. What 1 sa^' greatly exceeded my expecta- tion. This district being noted f(jr its wheat, I was surprised to find tlie farmers keeping so many cattle, and giving so much extra attention to stock-breeding in general. At Poitage-la-Prairie T got some interest- ing figures as to the actual cost of growing wheat on a quarter-section, or 160 acres of land, all the work being let by contract : — I'loughinj.' Seed, 2 bushels at os. 4(1 Sowing and Hnrrowint,' Reaping with Binder, and Stooking Stacking and Marketing ... Threshing, at I'd. per bushel Expenses per acre ... These ICO acres produced L'3 bti!-hels per acre, which wen sold at ;^s. 4d. per bushel, or per acre Deduct expenses per aero The carriage of wheat from Jlanitoba to Liverpool varied con- siderably ; but including insurance, landing, and other charges, about 2s. jHM' bushel, or 16s. per quarter, would be over an average, so tiiat this wheat could be delivered in Liverpool at a cost of 28s. per quarter. .£ s. d. 8 U G H ;j 4 U •s \ s ',t 4 .fl 14 £ s. d. ;5 h; ,s 1 14 4:2 2 « Mr, Gvorrff nntvhiiisou'H lii'port. lOJ 2s. his er. > t Manitoba wlioat, at the prusent time, is worth 40s. per quarter in Liverpool. This price allows a considerable margin of profit for the wheat-growers ot Manitoba. The best improved farms, with good buildings, around Portage-la- Prairie would cost from £10 to £25 per aero. On my return from the west, I stopped for one day at each of the i'oUowing places: — Wolsuley, Elkhorn, Alexander, and Carberry. As tb,ese are all in Manitoba and the North-West, it w ill be best for mo to mention thorn here. At Wolsc^ley I drove through the country \\ ith Mr. J. P. Dill, to whom I am indebted for much useful information. We visited several farms, at two or three of which they were busy threshing. The major part of the wheat was a fair sample, and yielding well. On two farms it would b(» reduced in vnhu* quite one-third, on account of being touched by the frost. Mr. Dill gave? me the following particulars of lU steers h(? bought in tlu! neiglibourhood of Wolseley ill July, 1890, for export to England. They weighed 10 J cwts. viich, and cost 14s. lOd. per cwt., or £7 16s. Od. each ; in this country they would be worth about 80s. per cwt., or £13 15s. Od. each, or if oG lbs. is allow(>d for loss of weight during the journey, £15, or a difference of £7 4s. Od. The settlers in Manitoba and the North- NV^est Territories jiave great faith in the feeding and fattening ju'operties of the prairie grass. The appearance of their cattle bears tlu'm out in this. They look better than could be expected, when it is considered how little convenience the farmers have in general for sheltering their stock during the winter. A mistake lias been made in the early days of some; settlements, of which Wolseley is one, in taking it for granted that they are best adapted for wheat- growing; whereas experience has proved tliat the farmer who keeps ji. few cattle, and goes in foi' "mixed farming," is the best able to tide over the seasons when the wluuit crop ])artly tails. Near Alexander, I called on Mr. George M. Yeomans, who, together with his sons, has several large farms in that neighbourhood. In 1879, when I first visited Canada, Mr. Yeomans had a farm near Portage-La-Prairie, and moved to his present location soon afterwards. In a letter, dated November lOth, which I have received since my return home, Mr. Yeomans says:—" At the time you called upon me in 1879 " there was not a singh" settler (farmer) in this neighbourhood ; the " n"arest to where I am now writing being twenty-tive miles off, at " Grand Valley, a little east of where Brandon now stands. To-day " there are two thriving villages, with seven grain elevators, all now •' running and sending out wheat ; and, although the season is nearly " over for threshing, yesterday I could see the smoke of eleven steam " threshing juachines from my door." This extract will give a better idea than any words of mine of the change that has taken place in Manitoba during the last ten years. Carberry, my next stopping place, was particularly interesting to me, as it was upon or near the site of this town that I camped out one night on my way to Eapid City in 1879. I find from my notes taken in that year, that there was only one settler there at that time ; and that between what is now Carberry and Eapid City — a distance of over 102 The A(/rii'ultui'at Jtinout'cct of Canada. twenty-Hvf tnilos — \n<' did not pn^s a siimlf hous*'. Carlx'rry is now n tow n of about r^H) iiiluibitantH, and boasts that ovor OU,000 quarterB of pjraiu wero inurkoti'd lien; last yea'*. On tho day of my visit (Nov. ^Ith) ('aiberry was alivt! with fanm-rs briiii;int; tiicir u lieat into tho town to sell. 1 counted over twenty farnirrs* waycfons in the stn'ct at one tiiiu-. The buyers also appeared to b») ^ery numerous, and the competition sulllcient to sati>ly tile farmers tlial they wei-e y;ettini,' a nuii'kel price fur tiu'ir wlieat. Tlie price for timt day was ;{s. Id. per bushel, «ir liOs. ^(1. ])er quarter. From I'orta^e-la-Pmirio s\r continued our journey \\('stward, on the main line i)f liie Canadian Pacific, the first italt beini^' at Indian Head, in Assiniboia, .'{) I miles west of Winnipei,'. \ear Indian ilead an! situated the Mell Farm, tlie Farm of the J'rassey Colonisation Company, aiul the (Jovei-nment Kxperimental Karns. W<' visited these farms, ])ut as our insp(>ctioii was made in an almost continuous down- pour of rain, we could hardly do them justice. 1 noticed that some of the wheat on the Bell larm had been nuieh damai^ed by frost, and consequently was a \ery ])0(»r siim|)le. The new railway from Uej^ina northward havin^j just Ix'eu cc-mph-ted, we Iravelleil over it as far as Princt* Albert. Aotwitlistandini; tlu- (h-luc;*' of rain from above, and th(! unlimited amount of mud below, the next day was spent in seeint; tho surroundinj:; coinitiy. We were shown souu' very f^ood samples of wheat and barley. 'I'he cattle also appeared to l)e healthy, in good condition, and nu)re lunnerous than I. expected to find them in a district which had, until recently, been so very renu)to frouj any railway commu- nication. Prince Albert was the most northerly point reaelnd during nur toiii' in ( ';i:i:!i!;i. <);i tr.w r.'lMi'n t i Ke'.rii'a we iittended ;ni exiiiiti- "^^C^ll-fc!*' "TT^ ■ HI} if. ' Si'; r^ . '&>:y^ MNCU 8CE.SG, ALUGRTA. Ml'. OfOi'ijf /fnUhiiitOnti Jiipoil. lu.1 i I tinii of roots nnd Vf;;ctiiblcs, iiiiioiii; wliii-h wrw somt» ivinarkably llm' HpeciiiM'ns. North ol' Kc^^inti 1 lien- tuv two or tliret' small stock ranchoH. Cattli' ill this clisli'irl an) worth al)()iil l.i|(l. pt-r Ih., live \\i'i|^lit, a NtctT tliut Uduhl kill al)i)ut I)] stoiirs jjcr (|uarlt r hriiii; \\«irth al)out t'O l.'i^. Thi' value of tln' Naiiii" nt'-rr hen', at Ujd. per lli., would In* nearly I'lM 17-., or a dilVrrt'iicc of .17 :.N. l{»'u;iMa i- I.<>11 inilfs from Li\fr|>nol. We were mifortiuiate ill \i-iliiiu' Heirina in very wet weather, and, as a conset|ueiK'e, we did not see imieh of the district; but, from the samples We saw. it must be a line w heat-:,'rnw iii^ di-lrii'l. j'ree liome- steails can still be i,'ot within ten miles soiiili of Keniiia. Kesina was the bi-t place we slopped at ill .\-xiiiilioia, onr next call bi'inj; at Calirarv, in All)erta. I>:» miles from Ue^iiia, and 2,liiH from Montreal. C'alijary is the chief town in Alberta, and 'In' centre of th»» must important hor-e and cattle ranehini; conntry of Canada. At tho (^uorii Kancli, which is a very larije one, we saw some Irish mares with their foals, amoinjst which were .nie very ijooil animals. I s|)ent two days on the Knells j{anch, about thirty iiile> south-west of Call:;.. I • , bidon^^inu; to .Mr. l'i>hi'r. a native of Ciiiulerland, to whom J am indebted for much kind attentiun diiriii'^ mv stay at his place. Mr. Fisher has alx)iit IM) heail of cattle, and a lar^e number of liorses. IJoth the cattle and horses on this ranch were in extrain-dinarily ^ood condition, and ap|K*ai'ed to be in the best of In alth. N'ery little shelti'c is provided for either horses or cattle on tin* ranches of Alberta in addition to what is afforded by nature - such as a few trees, or other natural protection. The snow does not li<' loni:;, owini; to the warm winds which blow from the Pacilic, throunh the passes of the Kock\ ^ronntains ; and, as a ^''"''''^1 rule, the winters ar<' niihier than they are further east. Stock-raisinij appears to be the princi|>al industry of Alberta, although I met with some fai'iiiers who were giving a con- siderable amount of attention to p;rain-j;n)wini,' and dairyinj,'. On the cattle runs hay is cut and stacked in the most sheltei'.'d places, and served out to the stock durinj; the most s(>vere weather of winter. AVhen Alberta becomes more thickly settled, I think it will b(> found that the small cattle ranches will pay best, and that the nund)er of stock kept by one owner will not be more than can be comfortably housed. A certain amount of loss has ])eeii experienced throiitdi deaths from excessive cold diii'luii; winter, and a blood disorder {sup|)osed to he caused by the eatinj; of injurious grasses) durin<; summer and autumn. .Should this loss reach 20 per cent., which 1 tlo not thitdv it does, it is not so p;reat as it would be elsewhere, when the ease and cheapne.ss with which the cattle can be produced are taken into consideration. On the ranch adjnininc; Mr. I'ish.er's 1 saw some very Sood three-year old steers, which would wei<;li, when dressed, not less than 48 dtones. These steers could be boui,dit for .£7 l"s. each. In this country they would be worth about .€17 each, leavinn; a margin of .£9 10s. to bring them a distance of 5,1 JJl railes to England. (Ireat as this distance i«, cattle are now being successfully tran.'ported over it. From the Cochrane Kauch, which is lUU miles further south than 104 Tin Ji/rlcnltii,uil ItrSourCiS of i'linadit. tlio one just referred to, bUO head of cattle have boou liiuded at Liverpool, 500 of whitL were sold there tor £,11 each. I saw very few sheep in Alberta, but those I did see would have been more profitable if more care had been bestowed upon them. After a few years it will be better understood what breeds of sheep are best suited to the country, and \\hat shelter and food should be provided for them during winter : then, 1 have no doubt, sheep will do well there, as Alberta appears to havi* plenty of good grass adapted in every respect for growing wool and mutton, and also possesses a climate very suitable for that purpose. The cost of raising horses in Alberta is surprisingly low. They apparently require a smaller provision of hay and a less an:!Ount of shelter than cattle. There is no question that horse-raising is proving a profitable business in Alberta. A disease, somewhat similar to our " influenza," gives a considerable amount of trouble amongst the horses in that region, and throughout tlie \orth-AVest. This disease will no doubt soon be stamped out, as the Government always deals energetically with these matters. I visited a farm situated on the north side of the Bow Eiver, two miles from Calgary, and owned by Mr. Jos. Laycock, a native of Kendal. This farm was well stocked, having then twenty-five head of dairy cows, with young stock, amounting in all to over seventy head. [Mr. Laycock was making from 80 to 100 lbs, uf buttei- per week, which found a ready sale in Calgary at one shilling per pound. From the appearance of the straw and oats, the crop ou this tuiiii had e^•idently l)een fairly good. ^Ir. Laycock had also been successful in growing a few turnips. To Dr. Laffierty, the Mayor of Calgary, I desire to give my thanks for his great kindness to me during my stay there. After my return from Carberry, on AVednesday, November 5th, I visited Dominion City, fifty -six miles due south from "Winnipeg. The farmers here were more forward with their work than in other parts — most of the threshing being finished, and a larger area of stubble ])loughed. The farmers aj^j^eared to be well satisfied with the return from this year's crop, it being not at all unusual for the yield to have been as high as thirty bushels per acre. British Cohiiiihia. — A description of the scenery of the Eocky ^lountains being scarcely included within the scope of this report. I siiall not dwell upon it, further than to say that its magnilicence and grandeur are exceedingly impressive. New AVestminster is a prettily situated little tow n on the Frasor Eiver. It is the second town on the mainland of British Columbia, and also the centi'e of by far the largest agricultural district of the province. There are also some most extensive saw -mills here, one of which we visited, and were astonished at the speed with which the saw- passed through the logs, and the expeditious way the partly finished timber was passed about from one machine to another, by the aid of various carriei's. There are also numerous salmon fishing and salmon packing establishments along the Fraser Eiver, which employ a large number of men, especially Indians. From New Westminster we sailed down the Fraser Eiver, an exceedingly fine stream, exceeding in some parts two miles in width. At Ladner's, near the mouth of Mr. fi'iiii'iji llnlcln iisiiii n /!< port. 105 the river, we visited an orchard containing a large number oi' apph' and other fruit trees. Apples appear to grow well in this district, and from the number of young trees I saw, the farmers appear to be giving increased attention to the culture of this fruit. On our return up the river to New Westminster, we called at the Salmon Cannery of Messrs. Ewen & Co. This establishment is a very ex- tensive one, and turns out in one season over 25,000 cases, each case containing foi*ty-eight 1-lb. cans of salmon. On our return we noted the splendid scenery on the banks of the Fi ^sev, and on approaching Jifow Westminster, the view we obtained of the city gave us a vivid impression of the beauty of its situation. On the following day we drove over the twelve miles which separate New Westminster from Vancouver City. The road is cut tlirough the native forest of majestic pines and cedars. Vancouver City is the Pacific terminus of the Canadian Pacific Rail- way. The site upon which the citv stands has been cleared, at the cost of an immense sum, from forest land, upon which grew the monster ti'ees which are common in this neighbourhood. In LS^SS there stood where the city now stands, a solitary saw-mill ; but as soon as it was ascertained that this spot was destined to be the t<'rniinus of the mighty railway, hundreds of people rushed thither, and within a y(\ar a city arose, which in June of the following year was completely destroyed by fire, not a house being left. It is now said to contain 14,000 people. From Vancouver City we passed over to Lulu Island and Sea Island, at the mouth uf the Fraser River. These islands have an area of over 40,000 acres ; the soil is very rich, and yields crops of surprising quantity —three tons of hay, eight quarters of oats, and seven quarters of wheat being given as the average yield pi>r acre. Most of this land could have been bought five or six years ago at from 4s. to 5s. per acre ; uow from £6 to £15 is demanded. From Vancouver City, we crossed the (Julf of Georgia to Nanaimo, on the Island of Vancouver. The principal coal mines of British Columbia are situated here. From Nanaimo we went to Victoria, by I lie Eailway which connects these two cities. Almost the whole of this line (73 miles) passes through heavily tiinber(»d land, a very small pro- portion of which is cleared, with few signs of settlement. A'ictoria is the capital of British Columbia. It is delightfully situated, coiumanding a splendid view of the Straits of Georgia. On the day after our arrival in Victoria we had a long drive into the country and visited several farms. Most of the farms appear to be small, and to be carried on in a rather rough fashion. On one farm, better mannged than some of the others, we saw some very good wheat and oats. The dairy also appeared to be giving a good return, the butter making Is. 5d. per lb. All the best land being lunivily timbered, a good farm can be got only after great expense in clearing the forest. This work is said to cost from £5 to £10 per acre. Small cleared farms, with buildings, can be bought near Victoria at from "5 to £2G pei acre. One near Victoria, which had a large orchard of good fruit- bearing trees, and good buildings, had been recently sold for £30 per acre. 106 Tlic Ar/i'iciiltvral Itestwrres of Canathi. On our return to New Westminster, we sailed up the Frasor River as far as the Chilliwack "N'alley on the south hank. Through this district we had a long drive, nnd noticed that most of the farmers gave their chief attention to fruit-growing and dairying. The lumber industry will, for years t() come, continue to b^ of som(^ importanci! in tliis district, and afl'ord employment to a larg(^ number of men. At Popcum, where there is a very large sa\v-mill, we crossed the Fraser Itiver, and walked to the (]ro\(;rnment Experimental Farm at Agassiz. Jlova we found the men busy taking out the large lir stura])s, most of the land having had to be cleared before being cultivated. I measured on(; of these trees, the root of which they were taking out. It was 1 ")U fc'ct long and ."> fei^t in diameter. From Agassi/, we continued our journey eastward. Wages in British Columbia are higher than fiu'ther east. An ordinary unskilled labourer receives about six shillings per day. I'arm servants, engaged by the nu)nth, are paid from £4 to £.6, with board and lodging. TIk* Chinamen perform most of the domestic duties in A^'ictoria, and generally fill the places of the under-servants. Their presence, however, is tolerated only for tlu^ sake of convenience, \\hite labour for this class of work being- difficult to obtain. AV'omen servants are scarce, and get from £2 ITis, to £4 per month, with board. The climat(i of British Columbia is very diffei'ent from that of the part of Canada lying east of the Itocky Alountains. Jt varies con- siderably in different localities, but, taken as a whole, it is much more moderate and equable than that of any other ])ortion of Canada, (^njoying cooler suunners and milder winters. The appearance of the country in general denotes a heavy rainfall. The wooden roofs of the houses, in some places, have a tliick covering of gre(;n moss, and the forests have a thick undergrowth of plants and shrubs, which grow only in a moist atmosphere. Ontario. — I spent six days in this province on my first arrival in September, and completed my insi)ection on my return from the West in the latter part of November and the beginning (if December. Befoi-e leaving Toronto I had my first experience of a Canadian winter, as at this time the sno\\- was falling fast, iind the sleighs had taken the place of the ordinaiy means of conveyance. At Toronto, th(^ Agricultural Exhibition, or Show, was being held. We had hare an opportunity of seeing samples of the agricultural ]n*oduce from every jiart of the Dominion, from tlie Atlantic to the I'acific coast. The cattle classes were very good, es]iecially the Short- horns. The heavy horses Mere not an imiiortant class, either in numbers or (piality. I'he liglit trotting horses yoked to light carriages are always a great '.'ature at the Canadian exhibitions — every farmer possessing, as a matter of course, the best trotter. The machinery and implements were an interesting display, their chief notable features beuig their extreme lightness of material, and evidently good con- struction. Self-binding reapers were very numerous, the ordinary reaper being conspicuous by its almost total iibsenc(». This indicates how largely the binders are used and a))preciated. The exhibit of grain Mr. George Hntchinson't Iteport. 107 was very largo, the finest samples being those of wheat and peas, the oats and barley not being so good. Potatoes and mangels were good ; the turnips, in some cases, were very large, but rather coarse. One day was spent at Guelph and tbe farms in the neighbourhood. This is on(^ of the best agricultural districts of Ontario. The Guelph Agricultural College is also well worthy of a visit. The college and farm buildings are well placed upon rising grouiul in the^ centre of the farm, which consists of onO acres of various (pialities of soil. The students do nearly the whole work upon tlie farm, under tiie sujierin- tendence of a foreman for each dejiartiuent. The students are paid for this work at rates varying from 2d. to ')d. per hour. Tiiey can in this way largely reduce the cost of their board and lodging, for which they are charged 10s. per week. In our drive round the farm we sa.v an excellent crop of Indian corn ; this, after being passed through a cutter, makes excellent food for stock. The college lias also conferred a great benefit on the farmers of Ontario by the importation of thorough-bred stock, and by holding annual sales as the animals increase on the farm. Near Hamilton we saw a splendid crop of grapes, said to amount to more than two tons to the acre. Th(> best fruit section of Ontario is in the south — in the counties lying between Lakes Erie and Ontario — it being only in this region that, up to the present, fruit-growing ha •! received much attention. Accomi)anied by Mr. W. F. Cockshutt, of Brantford, I visited the Bow Park Fann, wliere I. found a herd of Shoi'thorns which in number and quality cannot be equalled in Canada, and perhaps not surpassed in any other country. Canadian farmers, having such a herd in their midst, ought to improve the general quality of their stock faster than tiiey are apparently doing; and it is a surprising fact tliat the majority of the bulls sold at Bow Park are bought by farmers from th(^ United States, whereas it is evident that it would conduce nuich to the benefit of the Dominion to k(^p them at home. In the neighbourhood of Brantford, the land is of good quality, and can be bougiit, a few nules out of the town, for from £S to i.'12 per acre. At Norval, in the county of Halton, and in the district round that town, I s])ent four days with Mr. John Eobinson, a native of Penrith, to whom I am indebted for much kindness during my stay. One farm, about two miles from Norval, 100 acres in extent, had been recently sold for iJl,600, and afterwards let for 14s. per acre, and anotluM* adjoining it for ^1,1 7r>, and let for 12s. per acre, or on an average for the two, of about twenty years' purchase on the rent. Tliese farms had good dwelling-houses and buildings. The taxes on each of these two farms amounted to £6 lOs. per annum. The averages yield of wheat in this district is fro'-. '^i:^' Lcen to twenty-five liushels, and of barh^v twenty-five bushe) ^jtrv acre. At the tlour mill in the town of Norval, the farmers were r«»ceiving 4s. ]ier bush«d for their wheat, delivered at the mill. It is not so easy to calculate tht* cost of growing and mai'keting an acre of wlieat in Ontario as in ^lanitoba, but, for tlie sake of comparison, I give the following, which is the average received from s(neral farmers;- Iu8 Till' As flow during certain seasons. The grass is made into hay and stacked on a frame- work, which is raised several feet above the foot of the piles. It is a (■ ---lus sight to see the water flowing around and under the stacks, v.hen the tide is at its height. The real dyke-lands are fenced in from the sea by a strong bank of earth, from six to eight feet high, the land within the dyke being (puti^ linn and solid. These dyke-lands, or bottom- lands, ai'e of great value to the owners of the adjoining highlands, their fertility behig unusually high. They are wcwv manured, yet, on an average, upwai'ds of two tons of hay per acre are cut from them : and 1 his has been done for many years without show ing signs of running out. I'hese dyke-lands are worth from £20 to £A0 ix'r acre, while a i'aiiu oi' the highlands, with dwelling-house and builuings, will iiot be wortii more than ^£2 to £6 per acre. Conclusion. Emigration is a matter that should be undertaken \ery carefully, and an endeavour should be made to get clear ideas of w hat settling in 110 The Agi'imltural Itesourcea of Canada. a younp; count>y voally means. In many parts of Canada thore are as fj;ootl farmers, as good houses, and as lufood schools as in Enfj;land. But it must not be forgotten that considerable capital is required to ])urchase a farm in these districts. Anyone going out with tiie inten- tion of taking u]) a free grant, must ex|)ect to live for a fe^v years in u very tliiidy-settled district, and, as a consequenci*, to j)ut up with a good many inconveniences, in addition to the usual ones of mosquitoes, bad roads in summer, and cold in winter. These things are, no doubt, more or less of an annoyance, but I have often noticed how little most of the people, who have been a short time in the country, regard them. The largt! number of farms for sale in tlie old provinces may be accounted for as follows :- ^Tost (»f the owners obtained the land for nothing, and by hard work liavt; madi* it of considt'rable value : with the ca])ital acquired by selling it, they wish to take up land in Manitoba, or the North- West Territories, where they have better oppor- tunities of getting their sons settled upon farms of their own. .Some of the fanners of Ontario have so reduced the fertility of their farms, that they lind it no longer profitable to farm them in the old way, and either have not capital enough, or are not willing to change their system (tf farming, to bring the hind into heart again. They therefore want to sell, and begin afresh on new hind further west. There an; also many farmers who \\i\.\v their farms mortgaged, and are. ready to sell and make a fresh start. It jiiay be >aid that the same reasons apply to the British farmer, and that he also, if going to Canada, should go to 3Ianitoba or the .North- West. But it appears to me that tlie English farmer, in taking u]) land in the older provinces, will tlnd life more like that he has been accustomed to, and will be able to bring the soil into a better state of cultivation in jiiany ca>es in which it has been much neglected. On 1 he other hand, no one could be better ada])ted than the native Canadian to oj)en up a new country. The fai'iner who has made up his mind to leave his native land to seek a home on Canadian soil, will tind in either Manitoba or the old provinces ])lenty of scope foi- his energies. He will have the advantage of being nearer England than in any of her other Cohjnies, and will go to a land of innnense mineral as well as agricultural resources vet to l)e developed, a land that has a great future; before it. 'I'he (piestion might be asked, "A\'h(» ought to go to Manitoba and tlu; North-West?"' \ reply, any man who has juade up his jiiind to emigrate, and is not afraid of hard work, and a few dis- comforts tor a few years, especially one whose family is old enough to be of some use upon the farm. No doubt there are many draw- backs to lie encountered, many hardsliips to Ik; endured, but not one that a little pluck ami jierseverance will not overcome, and none that will not be amply compensated for by the comfort and independence to be gained after a few yi'ars. Anyone about to take up a liome- -lead should take plenty of time in making his choice, and do nothing hastily. There are many interi'st- d parties w ho will urge \\\\n to make a purchase which might prove a disappointing one. The soil, and e\eii the diiuato, vary very nmch, even in districts not far apart. Great \ I Mr, (hot'f/c IhUch'niSQiis lit port. Ill care Is llRTi'Foro necessary in the choice of ii location. It is a f^ooil ))Ian to spenil a year or two in the country helore linally deciiiinj^, and tlien to huy or .settle in a district of wliich some knowledpje has thus been gained. Anyone, it' there be sucli, who goes to Canada with the expectation that as soon as \w sets his foot on her soil he v ill make his fortune, is under a great mistake. Above all things, an emigrant should have good health, and be prepared to do anything tliat lirst cok.cs to his band; he will then, in a tew years, find himself his own landlord and independent. I have been careful in this I'eport to avoid even thi' appearance of exaggeration, but my desire is that eveiything J have said should W- taken in its fullest meaning. In conclusion, 1 beg to thank all tlio>e who showed me such extreme kindness during my sojourn in the Dominion; especially Mr. G. II. Campbell, who rendered us such invaluable assistance during the timt! we spent in the West, and the lion. .1. Carling, 31inister of Agriculture, who received us so court(,'Ously at the outset of our course of inspection. '1 »i^^^i!^-^N^WI»8»\*"^' 1 -.IV III II U.IKW. THE REPORT OF MR. ROBERT PITT, Grickett Court, llminster. I HAVE the honour to present my Keport of the result of my journey through Canada, during the period commencing September 4th, and ending November 6th, 1890. In the first place, I wish to tender my thanks for the honour shown by my selection for such work, and can but trust that the result may be satisfactory. The opening of the local Agricultural Society's Show at Toronto was the means of my seeing an I'xceptionally v\(']l- patronised annual • 'xhibition, which, for a purely local show— or annual " Fair," as it is looked upon by part of the population — is not to be beaten by any of our English agricultural societies. The exhibits of cattle, horses, fruit, and agricultural implements wei-e particularly large, giving me the idea that I was to see a distinctly progressive country. The exhibit of cheese did nob appear large, seeing that the statistics make it the most valuable export of the country, next to lumber, and also that the prize for the premier cheese at the Show was a sum equal to .£12 English money. Other exhibits at this Show — such as carriacfes, waggons, stoves, bee-keeping appliances — were made an attractive feature in quantity, and, indeed, in excellence. Fruit deserves a special mention, as growing it is evidently a staple industry, and at all times it is a very cheap and welcome diet in the Province of Ontario. Summer pears and apples shown indicated that they •"•ere largely grown, and eminently suited to the climate. In pears, Lhe names " Beurre du Congress " and " Josephine de Malines" are a fine and useful variety of summer sorts : but in mid-autumn I found the supply of good pears, such as tlie English " Aston Town," deficient. In apples, the " Duchess of Oldenburg," the " Snow," the " Gravenstein," and amongst cookers the " King Tompkin Co.," are Al. Grapes, white and black, outdoor and indoor grown, made u large show, and are immensely popular with the people here, some varieties being excellent eating, even the sorts with very small berries ; but there is much room for improvement in propagation of other sorts which have a peculiar flavour, which is quite an acquired taste. This branch is receiving careful attention at the Head Experimental Farm at Ottawa, under the able supervision of Professor Saunders, director of Dominion Government Experimental Farms, of which there are five throughout the Dominion. The conception of this policy (of creating these farms) for the advancement of agriculture and assistance of farmers throughout Canada, is due to the Hon. John Carling, M.P., Minister of Agricultui'e, and is an estimable work — one that Great Britain has never done, but might justly copy. As the term "Experimental" signifies, they are no so-called " Colleges " for young men whereat to play at farming, but orthodox farms in every sense, where crops of ordinary acreage, and not plots, Mr. Jlohii't Pitt's J!t'i>oyt. 11.* J mtal [ders, t'hicli this llture Hon. liable lustly Vailed lodox |)lotf<, aro scientifically, but practically, taken off tlu> land in the best con- ceived rotation. Tlie Ottawa Farm i.s not in i\w best agricultural district of Canada, but is carefully selected for varit'ty of soils. A large amount of worlc has been got through in its three years* existence, making it look in ])rolitable order for its particular requirements. The essence of the system is to grow all crops, iuul feed all stock suitabh', or likely to be suitable, to the country. The results are printed in annual reports, pamphlets oi* bulletins being issued ])eriodi- cally, as occasion retpiires ; and every farmer throughout the Dominion, whose address is once obtained, is supplied with these fr(>e by jiost, without any subscription or ])ayment being required of him. Thus a system is inaugurated, and is doing more valuable work each year, by which every farmer in Canada's Western, Central, or Eastern Provinces may at all times gain insight ami advice from the Experi- mental Farm of his own province, or the Head Farm at Ottawa. The whole work done h(M'e shows advanced management, with a thoroughly honest purpose, which is very refreshing. Almost every branch of agriculture is taken in hand, from corn-growing to chicken- breeding, grass cultures to tree-rearing — of which latter a promising experiment is now making good way towards success in liussian pines for planting in the, at present, tretiless zones of \lie ^irairies, which may have the effect in a few years of making these as good in this respect as any other parts. In perusing this Report, or considering the qualities a; id capabilities of any land, careful reference should always be made to a map, and, for preference, a map of the provinces of the country, or '"countries" by themselves, as each province in this immense Canada may be styled. To arrive at an idea of th(> size of countries before having travelled over them, is very difficult, and it is especially so with Canada, because she is tht; largest civilised country in the woi-ld. The area of her inland lakes and rivers would just float Gn^at Britain and Ireland, and yet leave a strip of water all round, so that they would still b(j islamls. Comparing Canada with other continents, she is, roughly speaking, the same size as the whole of Europe; half a million square miles larger than the United States of America (without Alaska) ; also about the same number of square miles larger than Australia. In exact figures, Canada has .'J,,'i7!),(iOO square miles of land, and 140,000 square miles of principal lak(>s and riv(MN, making in all 3,519,000 square miles. This immense territory is divided into provinces, many of which are themselves larger than, or about as large as, our own most extensive European countries. For instance, ^lanitoba is rather larger than England and Wales ; Ontario and Quebec are each abeut the same size as the German Empire ; British Columbia is one and a half times as large as Germany; and Alberta, Athabasca, Assiniboia, and Saskatchewan are about half as large as that empire. When we learn that Germany supports 4o million souls on her 211,000 square miles, which is equal to 216 people to each mile, it will be apparent to what extent Canada is now capable of expansion, the present population ' abering only about 5,000,000. All this country b T 114 The A'ji'lndtimif Jlrsource* of ('innuhi. IS now HO clo.s(5 to UH that it is readied in seven days' steaming (and soon will bo four and a half), with iiliuost perfect immunity from accident ; the centre of the continent in three days more by rail ; and it is crossed in another three — makinc; only V6 day in all, or less than half the time taken to reach Australia. J'assing through from England, it was iH'ccssary for me to visit Toronto, in Ontario, for the sake of the Show then in progress; after which, in order to mak(i a round trip, the Provinces of Manitoba, Assiniboia, and Alberta were visited in order named, returning by the Great Lakes to Ontario, thenci! througii Ni.'w Rruns\Nick and Nova Scotia home. Winnipeg is the fortunate town so easily found tm tlie nia]) of Canada by putting one's thumb down in the centre of it. On arrival at this town of startling growth, the cai)ital of the easternmost of the great prairie districts, Lieut.-Governor Schidt/, lield out a kindly welcome, as he does to all citizens in this free; country. Xow getting on to the land of Manitoba south-W(>st of AVinuipeg, and making calls at different farms quite at random, in the hope of arriving at an average of what can be done in «'ach locality, a neat brick house near Silver ITeigiits attracted attention — that of Mr. Tait, of St. James's, the son of a Hudson Bay Company's em/^^oyt'. On the 100- acre farm here he has built this good house, and also put his son out on another farm in a neighbouring grazing district, from which 40 head of cattle had just been shipped to lilngland as part of the year's produce of this farm, and 60 horses are constantly kept for br(;eding and drafting from. Upon the home farm had been reaped this year 40 acres of wheat, yielding .'^0 bushels ])er acre. No manure was used for this result, and it is only put on for raising potatoes. Two adjoining farms had been sold last monlh — one for £10 per acre, and the other for .£S per acre. These were improved farms, with house and buildings oil them. It must be remembered that there was in IS.'^J -A a land. boom in Winnipeg, since which time a great depreciation has been felt. The effect of this has now passed over, and land is decidedly on the increase again, so that for this locality tlie above values are about the thing. The land here is a good loam, with a clay subsoil, and may be called a heavy land for this country. Follow ing out south-west from here, the original ])rairie is still unbroken for many miles ; not for want ol' being take i up, but it is held for speculation, being near Winnipeg. Around Carman, a station on what is caUed the Glen])oro' Eailroad, things seemed busy this season ; a grain elevator being at work, and much stimulus for building being apparent. The settlement, though only 10 yearsold, has full-fledged municipal machinery in optn'ation. 1 saw some grain samples here, but quite tiiefii'st to come in, and wanting in colour. Treherne, another station along this road, and colonised now 12 vears, has a flour mill, belonging to a different owner from that of tho elevator which is found here, as at almost every station now. It is iilways an advantage for a place to have a flour mill and an elevator, or two elevators under diffei'ent ownership. Made a careful ins])ectiou of tlie crofters' settlement between Hilton and Belmont Stations, on the Northern Pacific and Manitoba Mr. I!<)l>,,'l J'i/''n /i',f>i,rl. Wo Veen boba line. There an* li' familit's hero IVoni Harris -ono of the iHluiids of tho Western llobridos of Scotland—Jintl 18 from tlie island of Lewis. These peoplo were sent out in 1888 as an cxpi-ritncnt under ii Government grant system, but were sent too late- in June— that year to secure any crops; and the season of 1889 liavinp; b»*en a very bad one, this year is the lirst in which thry can Iiojh' lo iiialu; any profit. Tho repayment of their advances doi's not eonimence for more than two years, so that they havi! ampli' time to get into a satisfactory financial position. Taking one or two examples out of these JJO families: First, 31r. and Mrs. Stewart, with a young family of sons and daughters, one daughter heing big encmgli to work in the house, had now got tiO of their own IGU acres under wheat crop, and ."iO rented from a neighhour. From this they expected to secui'e 2,(itKt bushels this year. Tiiey had 20 head of cattle, several pigs, and some fowls : sold butter and eggs to neighbours; had a ])ony and buckhoanl, a fair cow-houso and stable, and two-roomed dwelling-house, with a well of water only 1') feet deep. Next take Duncan Macdonald and wife, and t heir grown- up son, neighbours about three miles froni abov(>-mentioned family, liere was a fair dwelling-house, with outhouses bi-ing made round it iu good fashion, and a milk-house sunk underground; denoting good progress. The locality here was very nic(>-looking, with good top soil of loam, near the Tiger Hills, which, although not high, give a ])l(.'asing ajipearance to the country, and are well wat(>red. So that, seeing iiw progress made, and remembering tho bad harvest the crofters contended with in 1889, the (experiment must be considered a success, as they are all still on tlie land, and proba])ly in a position to pay olV this year a part of the mortgage taken by the Government for security of their loan if it had been due. The system of colonisation by free grants— or " homesteading,'" as it is called -is the same all over the iS'orth-West of Canada. A homesteader may select a (juai-ter-sectioii, which is 160 acres, wherever he finds it unoccupied. By living on it six months a j'ear iov throe years, and bringing a reasonab' u'ea into cultivation, it becomes his own for ever; and he can also secure for small payment an adjoining section if it happens to be vacant. At Kindower House, five miles from (ilenboro', met Air. AVatson, Avho came out four years ago from Yorkshire. Has two daughters and five sons, two of whom are now able to help him ; therefore he is well suited for a colonist's lite. He began by renting a farm, sonu^ way off from here, and had bad luck, a frost iiippinu: olf n(\arly all his crop ; 1)ut he plucked up courage, and managed to buy his present farm, which is nicely situated on goofl, rich-looking soil — 140 acres being under crop this year out of KJd. Has 1(5 head of cattle, a pair of horses, &c., &c., and managed to borrow a pair of oxen to hel[) to harvest his wheat this year. Expected his wheal crop to thresh out 40 bushels per acre, which would probably fetch 7') cents, or about ^s., per bushel at his station. Adjoining this farm was that of Mr. Smealon, an able young man, who came to the country two years ago, working for an employer the first year. This plan cannot be too greatly emphasised. As every fai'mer knows, changing country is most deceiving, always meaning a change of system, and much more so when going to a far-off no 77(c Ai/rlntlliiral Jlinnui'Cfit of ('(Oiaila. country. A person taking uj) land hero mIiouM certainly havo resided in the country one? or two years, durinjij which time fjood wapes may bo juadc ; and. l)oar(l and lodi,'iiii; hcinii; always Found, these wa^'i-s come in Inwards capital tor start in;; with. Driving across tiie prairitjs from (ilenhoro' in a westerly dirtrlion. numbers of good thriving stittlements are i^assed. The eountry is undulating to a pleasing degree, and the soil a rich-looking dark loam, in many places showing considerable thickness. 'l'\w |)rairie in this district is not the often-imagined eserlasting flat, but situated under the north slope of tho Tiger Hills, and dotted with farms and wootis, wOiich make it quite ])retty. Mr. Uothwell's farm at ^orthllel(l. near Wawanesa, had a clean, well-worked a|)pearance, the whole being in very good order, with a flock of healthy Down and Leicester cross of sheep, a field of roots, nice clumps of wood copse about, and a good road through it. Another— tin- Elliott 8(>ltlement just west of Wawanesa, was a tliorougiily good-looking district, and thriving, though some cro|)s had been cut by a hailstorm this year. The |)icture here prt^senlcd to th(^ eye is very wonderful, the land being largely broken up, it., cultivated. It jjresented on driving through, one sea of wheat, oats, or barley— some standing, others in the sheaf, or in stacks, or being carried ; men and horses and oxen dotted about overth(^ whole, working truly thpir hard<'st while daylight lasted each day ; and far and near in the summer sun glistened the log huts, and, in many cases, well-built houses, of all these workers. West of this, round INIinnewawa (a pleasant-looking, thriving place), as tho railroad is only just making, then; is considerable room for home- steading. The country is of undulating character, good, rich top soil for the most ])art, and good \\x tiionths, tljey are (liBinciined to bei^in this course of farmini,'. Ex|)erience will no doubt prove, after a few crops of wheat have been taken off the land consecutively, that manure will be needed to keep up the yiehl; so that the early use of well-rotti-d farmyard manure will lueaii thr ntscessity for keepinir stock, and hence the greater enrichment ol the soil and the farmers at the earliest possible date. 'I'here is fjjreat discussion at present as to whether straw, niade into manure, will rot in the climate of the North-NN'esI, and it is diliicult to tind any Efenuine attempts as yet : but there can be litt It- doubt of success, if properly treated. Doubt h-ss it nnist take lont^ei- than in a moist climate ; but if depf)sited in a sunk midden, and turned »»ver twice a y»'ar, mixed and covered with a little soil, it will rot wj'll in three years. Jt would, however, pay in the loui; run better than putting on the i^round in half-rotten state. There is yreat dis- position, even in ( )ntai'io, to use farmyard manure t)nly half rotted; <^ln's ' ing evidently carelessness, or fear of expense. It is noliceabi". in J tradistinetion to this, tlial some in Ontario are now look nij to the li(piid manure — saving it in strawyard with tanks below — which many an English farmer has yet to h'arn to do, and will do, astim' goes on. Hurnini; the straw in the North-Wcst a])pears a sinful operation, even at tliis eai'ly ])eriod of the country's history. AV'ere this buried now on a waste corner, it must come in as a useful fertiliser some years hence, when many a one will be glad of it. It is pos-^ibie, -Wi'-^' - -^ -j J ji!k.-iL ...^^ J /i "1 mSM ^f^Sijkfi^Ktai^^^^^ Bm 1 ■ ^«m9 1 1 H ^■Irali^mvA ^^H^HM H 1 1 1 IHnVKSTINO AT SAN HON's KAI. v lillAXPOS. 118 The Agricultural licsoiirccs of Canada. owing to tlie action of frost on it during winter, if only buried a foot or two, it will take some years to rot ; but whether or no, the fact remains, it will then be available for turning over, and at worst will come in handy for setting potatoes in. The reprel onsible practice of burning, it is argued, leaves souie manure behind ; but how much ? The majority, and the most valuable, of the manurial properties are lost in the air. Mr. Sandison, of Brandon, kindly showed his large wheat and oat farms : this expression, " wheat and oat farms," is used because at present nothing else is attempt(;d. Here are 1,850 acres under crop this year — the besi Ked Fyfe wheat seed l-^ing used, and Canadian black oat— all this in one broad stretch of country together, without a division ; and of hedges, of course, there are none. With 12 binding harvesters, taking about GO horses to work them, two threshing machines, and 60 men at work, with the expectation of 30 bushels of wheat and 70 of oats per acre, this ought to make a farmer's heart glad. Mr. Sandison is one A\ho studies his labour question. He engages men for all the year round, i)aying at present in his section of country S35 per month (£7) in summer, for say, live months, and $20 per month (£4) in winter, with board and lodging as well in all cases. (Thi*. applies only to single men ; in the case of married people farmers do not yet supply houses in these parts.) This secures a constant sup])ly of good men: but, unfortunately, those farmers holding only 1 GO acres each, say they are unable to pay wages during winter months, con- sequently they find it difficult in harvest to obtain anj^ labourers at even higher wages, because men cannot be got to go long distances for a few weeks during harvest. This labour dithculty is, gradually of course, working itself out. Many farmers in the Province of Ontario now build houses for the best men ; those home-.teaders on 160 acres \\ho have sons growing up have enough labour at harvest for themselves, and help their neighbours in turn ; still it must be many years before demand for harvesters can be satisfied, and it would be a vast help to the country if in some seasons the Dominion Government could institute a system of free passes per ship and rail from distant l.tarts, arranging foi* annual hirings to take place in the districts requir- inff labour. There are similar systems at work throughout Great Britain of very old standing, when the railways carry harvesters at very low rates; though in Canada's case the distances would be too great without so]ii(> (State help— or it might emanate from the province, forming a tax up 'in the inhabitants which would be for the general benefit of the whole community. The migration of male and female servants is uoav systematically and admirably looked after by several societies in England. The British Women's Emigration Society, under the guidance of the Hon. Mrs. Joyce, of Winchester, sends out personally conducted parties of females annually, providing situations, and also homes for them should they at any time be out of situation, but such an event need not often happen, as the demand is constant. Thero is a con- siderable amount of friction on the part of employers cf servants, who complain of the independence of those in their service ; but this Mr. Itohert Plft's RcpoH. 119 matter appears to resolve itself into a study ol' human nature and the management of that commodity. Mr. Sandison's was only one of a series of successful farms found all round Brandon, rortage-la-Prairie, Eikhorn, and Indian Head; the homesteads are nearly all taken up, but plenty of land is to be bought from 84 to >S10 poi* acre (J6s. to£?), with buildings on. As far north from Brandon as Eapid City, farms and corn are to be seen almost without intermission. This latter place, dis- appointed of its railway (the Canadian Paciiic Eailway) about eight years ago, has been standing still, but now, with two railroads at its door, it is all the more ready to spi.vad itself into a busy town. It has water power available, Hour mill, woollen mill, brickyard, lime-kiln, all in working order. Brandon has tl)(> JNIanitoba branch of the Dominion Experimental Farms close by, Mhich showed its produce of this year's Indian corn for gi"een fodder, wheat, barleys, native grasses, and wonderful vegetaWes of every vai-iety known in England, and twice the size, and some useful kinds strange to Bi'itain. Conversation with various authorities who buy wheat in this district proves that it is sought after for its hard qualities, experience showing that the more northerly the country the harder tht; grain: and Ontario millers seek it for niixinjr with that of their southerlv ])rovince; also, the United Statics buy nj) large ([uantities. The grades for iineness are determined eveiy year, and prices range accord- ingly. For No. I liard (or very best) about 80 cents per bushel has been about the price this year ; for No. 2 hard (or best ) about 70 cents I saw paid, whicli was what most of this _year's crop would probably fetch. Then comes grade No. 1 Northern, and No. '2 Northern, which aboi.it includes all classification, the prices ranging down to O.") cents per bushel. There being 100 cents to a dollar [As. 2d. nominal), thest; prices in English money represent from .'is. 4d. to 2s. 7d. as the range known during eight or ten years past, with probably an average of 7i) cents, or 3s. U.d. English money, not counting in discount upon exchange, which will only afl'ect the pocket of the settler if he should send money to England. Wheat being the staple crop, and above being ])rice obtainable, it is required to show wliat has to be done for it. First, the farmei* must have his land once ploughed, and in breaking up ])i'airie it requires backst>tting also — /.t'., turning ii]) a little subso'l by a second ])loughing ; this must be hnished before the frost eonies, in the fall of the year. Then his seed must be ready and paid for in s]n'ing, when the land does nnt ivquire ploughing again, but sowing is done at once, and every nerve imst be strained to iinish as soon as possibles after the frost is out of the surface of the ground al)out the middle to end of April ; thtMi, this once over, andtlu' land clean, lln-re isnothing muri- to do to it till har\esting commences -from t he jiii'hlle of August to the beginning of September, so quickly do things grow. A peculiar feature of the country is that seed-time is not delayed till all the frost is out of <^he ground, but sowing is commenced immediately the soil is in condition for about two to three inches from the surface ; then the fact of the renuiinder of the frost gradually rising upwards supplies moisture to the plants. ll ■ f ll 120 The Afji'icidtut'al licsources of Canuda. Between seed-lime ami har\('st is when the good i'armer hurries up to plougli a fallow, or break a new piece ot" pi'airie for next year. I met settlers who had broken 40 acres with one pair of horses this year during Ihis pei'iod. ^lany minor expenses vary with each individual farmer: ])ut, after many inquiries, I. estimate that every l)ayment for seed., ploughing, reaping, threshing, bagging, and hauling to nearest station, will probably take 40 cents j)er bushel. These are all the processes the farmer has to do with, all dressing of grain being done by the mei-chant aftt-r buying from the farmer, who I'eceivcs liis money according to bargain as each load is delivered at the elevator alongside his nearest station. No doubt the grower actually pays for cleaning and dressing the grain ; but this is much better done by the merchant in this country, he having elevators and power machinery to do it with. It is an established custom also to pay for all grain upon delivery : the advantage to the farmer of this system need not be dilated upon. Now the cost l)rice being 40 cents, and sale price 7-") cents, the profit is 35 cents, but this is not yet quite all nett. There has to be taken away still two uncertain quantities — the fallowing of the land every third year, aud cost of plo^ighing that year. If one-third of the above average receipts is deducted, it will probably suffice for these, and leave the nett result of corn-growing at 23 cents per bushel to go towards living and savings. In some instances men have started with too little crpital, and had to mortgage for payment of plant, &c. ; but this is a reprehensible practice, as the danger of getting behind in a bad season is too great. Obtaining a mortgage, and engaging to pay off in li^'e years, with interest at 6 per cent., is all very well, when onc(^ tln\ .• or four years of success have been met wita ; but it must be remembered that in every country there are dry and wet years, also y(.'ars of bliglit or frost. Now, considering the amount in money to be made off a 160-acre homestead farm in the North- West, giving a man three years to get 130 acres under crop, and an average of only 20 bushels to the acre (which, as mentioned in other places, is no doubt considerably exceeded), this will make £119 as average profit from the wheat crop alone, besides which something will be coming in from about 28 acres remaining of the IGO. It should be mentioned these figures are, if anything, imder the mark, it not being desirable to overstate the possibilities of the country. IJ-'ycmd this, there is at present a sure increase for a homesteader or purchaser in the value of hind; as it appears that some settlei-s ha\e sold land which they acquired only a year or two ago and actually obtained three times the price they gave for it, or an increase of 300 per cent, per acre. It must be a recommendation to a country for a settler to know he has a prosp(>ct such as this in case he should wish, from any cause, to sell and 6?n/ in another part of the ctmntry; of course, no one is aUowed to hoiiestead a second time, and moving, no doubt, means a less comfortable home for a family for a time, but does not give much more labour, as there is no clearing of the land to be done on these prairies. Another manner for a homesteader to increase his wealth is, in the event of his having sons, to choose for them home- steads near his own, which thiy are entitled to on attaining the age Mi\ Rijhcrt Pitt's luiiorl. 121 or a sh, of no oes be asc ic- of IS, and in this case the sons become establisli(>d for life, and a^ the same time can help their parent in th(^ matter of labour. The manner of starting to work on a homestead, a settler will find out as soon as he has been in the country for a little while. The iirst thing done; during the month of April, upon entry on the land. ,<^^ rl.OlcilHNK generally is to build a lioux' \\i a boardud one, lhi> is rim up in a fmv days, bub some prefer to lodge in a tent until they can build a log one, if such timber is procurable), then ])lough, and get in some crop, after which ploughing is eontinued, and after harvest the time is occupied with ploughing and fencing. The money actually in pocket upon entry on a homestead nuist be at least .f 120, and more if possible. Taking th(! case of a labourer going to settle on a homestead, if he has not saved the above amount in two years' work u])on a farm, he had better work another year, or agree with a landloi'd to work his farm, as some do, upon half profits. The manner of taking up a homestead, which is a free gift from the Government, is asfollo\As: — A man ])ro]i()sing to setil(> chooses a locality for himsidf, and any of the inhabitants near will at all times be glad to show him the lands that ai-e vacant ; but it is iinjicrative on himself to make final choice. After making his entry in the land olllcc, for which a small fee is charged, he can imnu'diatdy coiuuienee to build his house without further formality. The settler's right to the homestead is now assured, free for ever, without any payment, except the light local taxation, subject only to his dwelling on it ])arf of three consecutive years; and the next ste]) ia to buy his adjoining (piarter-section, should he feel able to cultivate it evi'utually. This bought land, if taken from the Crown, has to be paiil for at the current (jovernment rate, which is now S2] per acre (10s.); but as this need only Im- paid in several annual instalments, the yearly sum is not heavy, and IIk taxes on it will only amount to about X.'l more. Everyone should sti'ive to Ivcome the landlord of .'ilJ<» acres. Thus a imin becomes a ISS The ArjncHllund Resources of Canada. landlord and a citizen in this new country, and may soon take his share in the management of parochial or Governmental matters. Tliis is one way ; but if a person proposing to settle has enough mone}', he can buy his land either from Government or private persons, thus freeing himself from obligation to homestead, which means th<' three years' residence. Underlying this there is the advantage of ;: man b' ing able to pay up the whole price at once ; otherwise then- has to be added to the price, interest on the remaining unpaid balance each year for the remaining years of whatever term he chooses to pay the whole in. In Manitoba, or any other country, ownership of land means taxes and other obligations ; but here they are not great at present, the only direct taxation on a 160-acre claim being about SIO per year (£2). Then there is tXw obligation of each settler to give five days* labour per year, or tlic equivalent, to making and maintenance of roads ; and that is nil. Every owner of land has the right, on payment of a small license, to cut a liberal allowance of firewood for houseliold purposes in the nearest adjoining forest di trict, which is always within hauling distance in Manitoba. When a farm or claim has any quantity of forest or bush on it, there is geneialU a present value in it, and one that will inl.rea^e annually. Hay ma\ always be collected, by obtaining a " per. nit" at a small fee, off adjacent marsh or prairie. I have endeavoured to deM ribe the state of things in Manitoba and the Njrth-West, which is ui doubtedly the country tor an English labourer to go to. If he 1 as but eight or nine pounds he can pay his passage, an I, by arrivino- out there at seed or harvest time, he can be assured of work rroiii hat moment at a figure w hicli will vary according to his competence ; and if he will only keep liimself to himself, and keep his eyes about him, he is safe to be a landlord in three years, and au established man for life. The Provinces of Assiniboia and Alberta lia\«' not yet received the same amount of incoming tide of population as Manitoba, and the same j-emark applies to parts of Saskatchewan aiitl Athabaska. I'licy are, however, being rapidly opened up by braneli railways from the line of the great highway formed by the Canadian Pacific liailroad. British Columbia, with its vast mineral riches, as well as agricultural prospects, offers some inducements for certain settlers, but at present is far removed from large markets. Manitoba is fast becoming \\ell supplied with raih\ays, mostly diverging from "Winnipeg, and although in some few spots homesteading is a thing of the past, tliere are j^lenty of free tracts still left. In saw-mills it is well supplied, and some few other industries are started, in the shape of breweries, woollen mills, lime and .stone quarries, and one or two creameries. Speaking generally of its capabilities, there are vast tracts of good land, mostly rich loam top soil witli clay subsoil. It is not by any means one vast flat of prairie, but has many highlands and good rivers ; and, above all, water is found of good quality almost over the entire province at such a shallow depth that the auxiety of disposing of this question before settling on any section of land necvl hardly be thought of. As a country for cattle and sheep, it is believed it will soon ue L. 2Ji\ RoheH Pitt's Itepori. [2i^ Ut5 fruitful, in spite of long winter feeding. As soon as move raixi'd fanning can be introduced, cattle and sheep will be required to consume roots, &c. ; and tlierc iippmxrs no reason wliy this should not become a large calf-rearing district, cows being iiiado to calve down during winter, when there is time to attend to them. In this case the calves or j'oung stock would form a supply for tiiose grazing districts oL" southerly provinces. Slieep also may be kept on the Scotch crofter plan of herding the flocks of several owners who are neighbours together, putting one or two boys, with a dog, to mind them. At present there are few sheep in the; whole province, the excuses given for their absence being that they cannot be kejit within fences ; and this may indirectly mean that the \\ inters are cold and long, and being animals of fastidious appetit(% they get tired of the dry food. These dilKculties will probably be overcome by mixed crop growing, and at the same time breeding a hardy race of sheep. Disease, at anyrate, will nciver be a drawback in the North-West. In Ontario ev(>ry kind of beast thrives ; foot-rot is hardly know n, and pleuro ni'ver lieard of. Fowls appear to tell a different tale: they requii'e artilicial warmth to make them do well ; but the fact has its advantages, as eggs and chickens sell well. Pig-keeping naturally follows dairying, and will here extend with it without dillieulty ; although it may vei'y well, to a certain extent, precede it, as a few pigs may easil\- be kept without cows — food being supplied in shape of Indian corn, grown as a green crop, small potatoes, cabbages, tte. the selling price for good young pork being high enough to make it worth w hiie doini:'. Some progress is made with planting trees for shade, lumber, and fruit purposes; and they cannot be ])laced in the gi-ound S(jou enough, as they are badly wanted, or thick enongli, as trees make finer, straighter stems when planted close, and 't destroys the symmetry so much to have irn'gularity in hi'ight some years hence. It is much easier to plant a few extra, ])laeing 5 feet apart, instead of 10 feet, and thinning out when required, than to persuade larger transplanted ones to grow eventually. The fine and favourite maple grows here more freely from s(>ed than from nursery plants, and there- fore can be within reach of everyone, costing, as it does, next to nothing. Getting into the Province of Ontario again, we see wliat has been done by colonisation, in from lUU years, down to as short a period as 35 years. Space will not admit detailed statement of the work being done, the style of farming, &c., according to the age of each district of the country ; it is only right, perhaps, to speak of the best parts of the country as it is found to-day. The difl'erent state of things existing here and in the North- AVest provinces at the commencement of colonisation in each, is V(My remarkable, and should not be lost sight of. In Ontario it was all vast forest - inunense cedar, hard\vo(jil, or pine forest — which had all to be cleared before an acre could 1"' cultivated ; and there is plenty yet left to be cleared, and to b(^ cultivated. In Manitoba and the North-West there is no need for this long, tedious labour : it is all prairie, which takes the plough straight away ; some people having started ploughing before building a ]2l TJie AgricuUvral Kcsources of Ccnuida. U '^ house. The work done in some parts of Ontario which were primeval forest 40 years ago only, is very wonderful. Now there is a railway to every part; bright-looking farms everywhere, with brick, stone, or wood houses; barns and buildings dotted about amongst bits of original belts of forest, or planted copse ; roads and fences, the latter quite good enough, but which might be kept tidier in places. All this spells success, carved out of dense and dark forest by a generation of humi now nearly passed away. In the situation of the farm buildings, and the celebrated "Canadian barn" seen everywhere, the country is most happy. In England it is commonly noticed all the hauling has to be done u]) hill, and if there is water power available for chaff-cutting, grinding, &c., it is not utilised. Herein scarcity of labour has been a blessing for Canada, as farm buildings have been well placed, and especially the all-important barn. This universal sight throughout the country gives a pleasing, solid, fascinating look to the scene. Its construction — varied in size according to the acreage of holding — is generally of stone foundation and wood above. In order to make the erection cheap, anyone about to build prepares all the frame and heavy timber, then makes a requisition on his neighbours, who, by custom, all come to hel]) him for a day with erection of sides and roof ; and thus, each helping the other in turn, time and expense are saved. On good farms, the barn holds all the cattle and horses in winter in the basement, and—being built as often as possible on a hill-side—the one or two upper stories are entered by wagons on the level, and made to hold all the food for winter. AVhere the natural facilities do not exist, an inclined way is thrown up, of timber or soil, to allow of a waggon driving in. Water is also laid on, so that every provision is made for a whole winter. Of farming or market gardening close to the large towns much need not be said. In these spots under-draining is now completely carried out, and throughout the country a large amount is done. There are three distinct divisions in Ontario farming — (1st) There is mixed farming, practised more or less all over the province : (:2nd) fruit-farming in certain districts ; and (3rd) Indian corn growing in others. Taking a district typical of the country, round Toronto and Guel])h are fair mixed farms. From Guelph, round places called Breslau, Berlin, Hamburg, to Stratford, some very tidy farming is to be seen. 'Ihen a large dairying district extends round the neighbour- hood of London, Exeter, Tavistock, Ingersoll, and Woodstock ; also round Brockville and Belleville, to the east of Toronto. The particular fruit-growing districts nmy be said to be round Grimsby and Niagara, although there is more or less of it in several other parts. Some good stock farms are also to be found around Exeter and Heaforth. The Indian corn growing country, extending through the counties of Kent and Essex, in the extreme south-west of the province, is a very tine district — the only one of Canada in which the Indian corn ripens to perfection, and the grain of this eminently useful cereal is available for export. The soil is all a dee]) alluvium throughout these very flat counties, which have to be drained by dykes ; and trees planted along these makes the appearance somewhat like Holland, without a hill to Mr, llohert Pitt'/i Report. 125 ind to ir- so :ir ira. to be seen. Yet, as in Holland, this flat, chess-board-like country is very attractive. Indian corn is a wonderful crop, that takes little out of the land — that is, does not exhaust the soil to anything like the degree others do. It is supposed that, as it is grown in other parts of Ontario, where it only makes a green, but very valuable, fodder crop, the amount taken out of the land is quite inappreciable, although growing to 12 and 16 feet high. In these southern counties it serves the double purpose, the grain being taken off the stalk in October, and the stalk still coming in for food from December to end of March, which is the full extent of winter in this southern district. Eotation of crops here is varied considerably from general rule ; wheat in small quantities, or oats, beans, or roots, following two or three successive crops of Indian corn sometimes. Opinion gains favour with some that this is the best farming district of Ontario, the growing season being the longest, arid the winters shorter and milder. Considerable dairying is already done, and a fine fruit district lies along the shore of Lake Erie on the south border. I found, generally speaking, that in the fruit-growing districts fields and fences were not kept so tidy as in other districts, in many cases tufts of grass being allowed to grow high round each tree stem : a look of unkeraptness being about the whole farm. The more ersily earned money fruit-growing brings appears to beget this state. Canada is undoubtedly the country for this industry. Three essential con- ditions exist for perfect apple-raising— late spring, hot summer, and short autumn, wherein the sap stops rising very soon after the fruit is ripe. Dryness of climate also favours apples : in that it is so dry, the fruit is benefitted by remaining on the ground several days to " sweat " before being packed foi' sending to market ; and after putting into barrels, just as seen commonly in England, they are often left weeks lying about the orchards, until it suits to sell or carry to market. England is the great receiver for Canada's apples, and it is undoubtedly a paying produce. The best fruit farms, as in England, have the land planted wide apart, with apple, pear, peach, cherry, or plum, and cultivated in between with the plough, most of the usual crops being raised except wheat. Spade cultivation is said to be much too expensive, and hence the AVorcestershire method of orchard planting, with alternate rows of large fruit (apple, pear, itc), and small fruit trees (gooseberry, currant, &c.). cannot be resorted to, as it Avould be difficult to plougli between small fruit bushes. There is an advantage in the Worcester- shire metiiod in England, which gives the trees more light and air; but in this very dry climate they are wonderfully healthy, and do not appear to suffer ; and the gooseberry, for some reason, does not prosper. 'V^ild raspberry, blackberry (American variety), huckleberry, blueberry, cranberry, &c., are all so common that they are hardly cultivated for profit. Summer pears are widely grown for domestic consumption, very large, fine fruits being quite cheap ; but of course these soft fruits cannot be exported, except to the States, and growing is probably qverdone. The varieties of fruit grown are so numerous that detailed descrip- tion of each would be beyond the limits of this work, and already something has been said about grapes. These are, however, so im- ]2G The Atjricuihird/ Upring ; then, after the corn crop is off, it is fed in autumn, and cut lor hay the following year ; after which it is fed, and ploughed again t he third year. This absence of permanent pasture is detrimental to the look of the country, and must be a distinct loss, as good old jiasture cannot be had, as in England, and the want of it for grazing is no doubt felt. The stock on a typical farm will be about 12 head of dairy cows (this should, of course, be increased), two or three head of grazing stock, calves, pigs, poultry, &c., a few sheep perhaps, a pair of liorses, and a brood mare. Now, taking a larger farm— a typical one 1 hat I examined in the neighbourhood of London : 425 acres of really w t'11-farmed land of heavy top soil for this country, with clay subsoil, nearly all under-drained. All this under plough, except 40 acres of ])asture, on which a very large dairy of 115 cows is run from May to November, being, of course, "soil-fed" — i.e., receiving dry food as well — which is the common practice in the country. This dairy, composed ( I" neai'lyall "Shorthorn grades," is kept up by drafts of home-bred heifers, i 9 such being reared on cheese-factory whey this year. Milk is principally sent to a cheese factory close by, but also sold in the town ; the wholesale price for it is 4 cents per quart (2d.), and retail 6 cents per quart (3d.). .\fi: h'o/xrt Pin's /Irjtort. \'Si of me Uy to ell lie The cows in this dairy are partly fed through the summer on sweet grains, fetched daily from a brewery, and it is asserted that this does not affect the quality of the cheese p'^ods. With such a large dairy, of course numbers of pigs nni kept; a very good herd of "Oxford," " Berkshire,*' and "Poland China" being seen. These are all fed on M'hey from the factory, and grains, and fatted off with pea-meal and oats. The rotation for crops here is nearly a four-course one — wheat first, with timothy and clover sown through it for second year, which makes a hay crop ; third year, roots, for wliich crop only, manure is used, at the rate of about 30 loads per acre ; fourth year, oats or Indian corn; no fallow being allowed. The "Mammoth Sweet Southern," which is the largest variety of Indian corn, luis reached an average lieight of 12 ff^et here, and produces u large quantity of green fodder per acre. There is a smaller variety, which with some fariUvTs is the most popular, it being more succulent. T\w gentleman owning this farm does well in providing as many as six houses for workpeople, keeping 10 men on all the year round, and choosing tenants for his houses from those who have wives and families who can milk. Another good farm of 200 acres was seen near Stratford. This may be described as one in course of improvement, having lately been bought by present owner. A new house and fine barn, &c., have already been built, and some very promising crops were on the land, which is nearly all under-drained. A field of "Canadian Velvet Chaff" winter wheat, already sown and up, looked in splendid order, even from an English point of view. Winter wheat is allowed to get very ])roud (English term), as the frost and snow keep it back sufficiently. Other crops seen were — Indian corn, clover root, mangolds, turnips, beets, and potatoes. The essential feature of this farm is home-bred and imported prize stock, of which a large number is kept very success- fully, besides a fair-sized dairy of line-looking cows. Here, as elsewhere, I found fault with the roughness of young grass pastures, as they appear to want nothing but frequent rolling, and bush-harrowing ; but the excuse is that frost damages the surface so much, and the season is so short, time cannot be devoted to this work. Cheese-making is, amongst manufactures, the largest in Canada, next to lumber : and as it is an industry due to the development of the country, it is more impox'tant than that of lumbering, which only accrues from its natural resources. I visited several cheese factories in Ontario, and found them to be admirable institutions in all parts, which must give satisfactory results to farmers. The industry has no doubt b«en established and fathered by ^tr. Thomas Ballantyne, who started the first factory about 2'-i years ago at Black Creek, near Stratford, and now lives to see a large and thriving manufacture, having a ready sale on the English and other markets. Some factories are now run by private individuals ; others are mutual co-operative concerns. All make upon the same formula, with a view to producing an article like English Cheddar; and although, of course, all do not succeed in making the same quality, most turn out a cheese selling at from 8 cents to 10 cents per lb. at the factory (4d. to 5d.). The essence of the success of these factories is that each of them draws its 12S The Afft'lcnhural Jicsoitrccs of Canada. milk from a large enough district, all tho farmers within a radius of four miles from tho centre at wiiich the factory is situated supplying their produce. Good management is onsured by paying an efiicient man from 60 cents to 7(» cents per 100 lbs. of cheese made (2s. Gd. to 2s. lid.), he finding all cloth and rennet required. The g(!n(>ral r(>sult of this system of management evidently gives good satisfaction, probably because the work is in the hands of one man, who is trusted by those sujjplying milk, and because a dividend is not paid upon the capital required to establish the factory, the farmers receiving the nett amount of money the cheese brings, which commonly averages 7^ cents to 8 cents {-i^d. to 4d.) per gallon of milk they supply through the year. On tho whole country I believe some receive more than this figure, and others less. It must be remembered, in considering the price obtained for milk, that in this country every- one lives on his own land, having no rent to pay, and therefore the ])rice of 4d. per gallon of 10 lbs. weight should be considered very good. Contrasting it with that obtained throughout England, it is probably only Id. less. Js not this a satisfactory result in a country only perhaps 50 years settled (many districts have only been cleared I}') or 40 years), and where the trade has only been started since 1867 by various settlers, many of whom were no farmers, but tradesmen, before coming here? In addition, there is the value ai'ising from pig-feeding, which at most factories ar(> bought in and fattened off in batches throughout the season. This adds something to the return per gallon of milk ; but the result from tliis adjunct being a variabhi one, it is not reliable to put this into figures. The routine at all factories is much the same: one man, a milk supplier or otherwise, agrees to pick up the milk of so many farms each morning along his line of road, charging about half a cent per gallon of 10 lbs. The milk is weiglied as taken in at the factory, and run along shoots into the various tubs, which are always thc^ oblong 8hap(! here. Night's milk is mixed with the morning's when delivered ; no collection being made on Sunday mornings. The curd is precipitated as soon as ])ossible in the tubs, the milk being stirred by power-driven ])addles, reducing hand labour as much as possible. It is put away the same evening, pressed, and handed on to the cheese-curing room, ^\■hicll is always in another building. The ripening under the particular formula adopt(>d is accomplished in six, eight, or ten weeks, when the cheese is turned over to the merchant. All factory buildings in the country are still of wood, even the floors, which, notwithstanding, I found scrupulously clean. Much expense is thus saved as compared witl' factory buildings in England; but climatic conditions are not equal. The appearance of the cheese ii. the curing-rooms visited was certainly excellent, perfect regularity in size, pressing, and shape being now attained: thus affording a large bulk of even-looking sample, which is so important an item for making a good market. The quality throughout the make at each factory visited was also very even, showing good care and judgment. The cheese season extends to about seven months, the rest of the milking period being taken up with a bit of butter-making by the farmers at home. 1 ( 1 ( 1 s 1 \' a V n I fi C( ii I Mr. Jiolxrt Pitt's liqtort. 129 the [uch |nd; ii. in irgo ing lory :he |me. An expression hen; upon the present position of the Cunatliiin cheese market may not Ix) out of place. My visits to the various factories left little doubt that all Canadian cheese is perfectly pure and unadulterated, and a large bulk is no doubt of a superior eating quality, which, if placed upon the retail market solely as " Canadian," would no doubt realise a better price still. An example of such u policy is now to be seen in England, where the " Danish Butter Co." has succeeded in making such a good market for their particular commodity. Tiie feeding of ccnvs supplying milk t() the factories receives care- ful attention on the part of factory managers. As noticed elsewhere, there is little old, ])ermanent pasture in the country; therefore herds are ]):irtly what is ealled " soil-fed;" consequently, certain tastes arising from the food ha^ c to hi* watched for, and it is to the credit of the farmers that they act upon letters of eaution issued to them. Also, that very important point of giving cows daily access to salt iind clean water is habitually observed; the water being all obtained from |)umps, and not from ditches, there being very few of the latter in the country. Of butter factories, or creameries, there are a fair number distributed over the province, but of butter-making litthf in praise can In' said. The old theory that the addition of a large quantity of suit makes butter keep is still adhered to; whereas it is now well established that if sutlicient rare is taken in drying by machininy and hand, without damnging the grain, it keeps just as long, and retains a line flavour, consequently a iiigher value. 'J'he custom at present at factories is to make in the summer and sell in the fall, to secure a higher price, the dryness of the cUmate no doubt favouring the procedure; but this fact should all the more iiuluce the making of line fresh butter, especially in a country where ice is so cheap and cold stores easily arranged for. In those creameries visited I did not observe any good modtM-n machinery, the butter-workers being particularly antiquated. From what could be glean(,'d of butter-making and its prospects, especially in the south-west corner of Ontario, there are good opportunities for success and develop- ment. The ])reed of cows in the country is of no mtnm quality, those eommonlv met with beinfr various grades of Shorthorn; the best milkers now being native animals, crossed with imported stock of that breett. Other breeds are llolstein, Ayrshire, and I'olled Angus, but these can- not be such good milkers. A good many well-bred Jerseys arc? kept, some in herds, others scattereil in twos ;iiul threes anuuigst the daii-ies, standing tht; clinuite quite \\v\\. The variety and quality of food now raised in this province is little short of that in Eiiglanil ; besides which, Indian corn stalk, or sti-aw, makes such a sweet, succulent, and abundant fodder. The hay raised is luuch coarser in appearance than we are accustomed to at home, but is (>vidently vei-y succulent. The quality of milk produce(l, taken from various tests ftbtained all over the Province of Ontario, makes it appear tci contain .'{•7"> per cent, of butter fat. The adequate provision of schools, placed near enough together in country districts, and providing elllcient teaching, is one of tin; all- important items in the considei'ation of a country. Throughout the Dominion of Canada the system is practically the same, each jirovinco U 180 The Afjricultural Ikmnircea of Ctiuada. having iLo nmnagemont within its own buimdai'if.s. Mduciition is (•ntiroly free, unsoctariun, and connnon to tho whole community, being maintainod by Govifrnmciit grants and local taxes. In Manitoba and tiib XoHh-WtTssary I'uiuls are provided by the reservation (jl" sections of hmd, known as "school sections," throiiijhout every town- ship (six scpiare miles constituting a townshi|)), as well as by a tax upon all other lands, whether cultivated or not, but this amounts to a sum so small that it. is no hardshi]) on an_\oue. tScbool-liouses are placeil so that no |)U|jils have to walk inoro than two miles. Thuro are high schools |)rovided in towns for those whopreter them, but tiiese are not entirely I'rce. After the age of IJ3 school attendance is voluntary, and up to now it h.is not been the custom to enforce attendance under that age, reliance uj)o)i the good sense of i)arents and the honour of |)upils being suiricient. In towns the children can be looked u|) by the masters and mistress(.'s, anil the averages atti'iulanct! is appari'ntly about t)(> per cent, of those on th(! roll ; but in fanning districts this is not ke|.: up, o\\ ing to the great temptation to kee|) children at home in harvest and seed- lime, Sic, and in a country wheri' labour is so dear this tendency is the harder to withstantl. To obviate this, a measure is likely to be adopted appointing school attendance inspectors. In a country where there is little or no want one was glad to see school pujnls very clean, tidy, and well dressed, which appeared general through all the provinces. The following points stood out conspicuously, as compared with English board scliools : — The sexes are more mixed, and this enforces better behaviour on the jjupils through respect for themselves, thus lightening vastly the duties of teachers ; and further, neither masters nor pupils are allowed to addi'ess each other in a tone above that of ordinary conversation, even in as large a class as lio pujjils, which appears to work admirable residts in two ways — good behaviour, and strict attention on the part of pu|)ils, as otherwise what is going on in class would be entirely missed. The system known as "payment by results" has long been given up as most pernicious. Pupils are examined constantly by juasters of other classes, and by inspector.s at the term end, when they have to ]);'ss their respective standards, of which there ai'e eight; and general opiMion holds that the pupils and the country are luore benetitted by iliis means. Teachers are not tempted to cram themselves or ])upils : favorring advanced children is discouraged; and to all appi'arance teach rs »vork to keej) their class evenly advancing, encouraging ])upi!s to think before giving answers as viva voce. Afeatiu'e in all the schools is th(> orderly way of iilling and clearing the class-rooms in mai-ching order, boys and girls being filed off with great precision. This is admirable training in discii)line, and a preventive of ])anic in case of fuw Making my return journey through Nova Scotia, J liad little time to examine the state of agriculture, but ascertained from authentic sources that the Annapolis Valhy, whence so large an a])ple supply comes, is a very tine, but limited district — the whole province not being anythnig like so large as most of the othei- provinces of the Doiuinion. ^!'he chief occupations here are hmibering and mining, and essentially iiuxed farm- iiijv in the cleared districts. Government lauds, at a nominal price, are Mr. liobirt I'itt'a Iteport. t:u Is ot is i>s tis id rcl Btill to bo liiid, on tiinber-covcivd land, but ui' coiirx- flic pniirit's olVcr bettor opportunities to the Europt'iiii st'ttlcr. Farms arc to be bought bun-. from $10 per aen^ and upwards, acoordinij; to position, nuiidx-r of acres rlearod, and cjuality oF biiildiiij^s ('n-ctcil; and updii tlir snuit' terms .is before nu'iitiont'd. There apjicar to Ik' manyt.'swiitinl eonditions for agri- culture and in(histrit's, I'cacbcs, and fruit generally, grow luxuriously and of oxctdlent (lualitv; cheese-maUing is HimiiIv established at inanv factories spread over the ])roviuee; and other industries may suon develop and go hand in hand ahead with tlu> all-im])ortant farming. The geograj)hical position of this and the (it her so-ealled "Mari- time Provinces'' — which are New IJrunswick and I'rinee Edwai'd Island — could not be better for the large markets of England and 1 he United States, being mostly surrounded by water and good harboui's. The progress here of late yeai's has, however, not. been rapid. The seenery of the country is enticing, being hilly and undulating, with plenty of timber; large, tine rivers watering most districts, and making the appearance of the country u\ore like England than many other parts of Canada. There is at tlu^ pi-esent time a tendency on the part, of middle-aged farmers here, who have brought up families on their farms, and seen them out in the world, to sell their farms at very reasonable rates in order to retire, or go to the newer provinces of the North-AVest with their families, and hence there should be a good living for those with famili<\s going from JJritain who have a litth^ money, and can buy to advantage a farm already in cultivation in a populated neighbourhood, where the reasoimble comforts of life are more readily obtained than in newer districts. These remarks a])])ly with equal force to Ontario. If that part of Canada called the North-West is, so to speak, a good '' settling ground " for farm or other labourers, or for those with little ready money to start with, the older, more thickly ])t)pulated, and more ^ socially advanced parts in Ontario and the Maritime Provinces an; just the places for young, well-educated farmers possessi'd of somc^ means. Do not, though, let anyone make a grievous mistake by buying a farm for seven or eight hundred pounds as soon as he arrives because it appears cheap ; he will mwei* regret a year's work on someone else's farm, and then, when he is comfortably settled on a well-chosen and much-thought-over place of his own, he will look back on that year of work, with good wages, with pridt^ for the rest of his life, and may be able at middle agi^ to hand on the farm with complacenc\ to a son. For those dairymen, or dairy-farmers, us the term applies in different parts of Britain, tiiere appears to be abundant tiijportunity in Canada. Hard-working people such as these, placed near a good daily factory in a favourable part of the country, should attain a competeiu-e in a few years. AVhilst carrying away many pleasant memories of Canada obtained during an extended but still all too short a visit, 1 wish to conve\ , through the best agency possible, my high appreciation of the kindnesses received at the hands of many friends met with, who gave mv nuich information without which the trip would have been comparatively futile. 'f THE REPORT OF MR. WILLIAM SCOTSON, Rose Lane, Mossley Hill, Liverpool. Hatixc; hiul the honour to be invited by Sir Charles Tupper, High Comniissioner for Canada, to pi-oeeed thither for the purpose of inspecting the agricultural resources of the Dominion, and report thereon, I shall now endeavour to state concisely what I saw, what I heard, and w hat are the conclusions that I draw from my visit. 1 left Liverpool on the 4th of September last in the Allan Line Koyal Mail Steamer " Sardinian." She proved herself a magnificent sea boat, and we never had occasion to wnver in the sensse of full security, which all on boai-d seemed to entertain, when she began to cleave her way through the ocean. The following day, the ")th, tlie steamer called at ^foville, Ireland, to take on board passengers and mails, i'lid we greatly enjoyed our view of the lovely scenery. In the foreground stood the ruins of Green Castle, boldly prominent on the shore, whilst wlnie one-storied houses, surrounded by fields whose brilliant verdure bore out fully the reputation of the Green Isle, and by others whose ric'- freight of ripening grain spoke of com- fortable husbandry, stretched far and wide along the shores of the Lough. When mails and ]>assengers were safe on board we sailed a\\ay into a cho'^py sea, and after a tpiiet voyage, rather devoid of incident, the shores of Newfoundland were neared. Here we encountered a fleet of icebergs, tirst ojie, then anotlier, and then quite a Hotilla hove in sight, their varied dimensions and fantastic shapes, together with the brilliant rainbow hues in whicli they reflected ^^he brilliant sunlight, making u]i a picture not easily forgotten. Then came the cry "Land ()! Uelle Ifjle." A rocket was lired from our vessel, and answered bv another froni the lighthouse. Having ])assed this wild and lonely station, we came in succession to Anticosti and to Rimouski. At the latter ])lace a steamer came alongside to take off" mails and passengers. We proceeded on through mist and rain to Quebec, arriving on the morning of Sunday, the 17th of Septend)er. 3Ir. Stafford, the Resident Government Immigration Agent at Quebec, met our party at the steamer and drove us out to ^'ermont, just as the church-going people were on tlieir way to the several places of worship. All were well dressed, and appeared to be content and happy. Tlie people here are mostly FrfMich, or of J'^nnicii extraction. The settlements, or allotments, are chiefly what are called .'iO-acre lots, with M-acre frontages, and running 10 acres deep. The}' appeared to be generally well cultivated, and were bearing good crops of potatoes, onions, buckwiieat, timothy grafs, which is mostly made into hay for workhorses : clovers, which are given to cows in milk; and Indian cnrti, wjiich is grown and used as a vegetable, whilst the stalks are useful as fodder. Vermont is seven miles from Quebec, and seems to be a favourite Mr. William Scotson» Rej)ort. 133 resort of visitors from that city. The church-goers often drive consider- able distances ; the horses are tied to a long rail fixed on posts, without troubling to take them out of the shafts, and there they remain during the service. Those who drive much usually take a weight in their conveyances, to which they tether their animals when they want to leave them. The horses are quite used to this style of " putting-up ''; no policeman interfer(^s, and the animals stand perfectly quiet until their owners are ready to drive away. I w as much struck by the clean, orderly, Christian-like appearance, inside an(' out, of an Indian churcli at Vermont. The falls of Montmorenci, which are close by this village, would b stated, the French elemtmt is very prominent in the Quebec province, but it w^.s easily to be observed that all the inhabitants, French or not, were comfortable, and apparently contented with their lot. I regret that I was not able to see more of this pro- vince. As we journeyed towards Montreal, which is 172 miles from Quebec, I observed that the land is generally flat, with split wood fences dividing the farms, and that the system of culture pursued is much the same as that I observed round Vermont. The wooden and painted houses and highly ornamented churches give the villages a novel and interesting appearance to strangf'is. The town of Three Rivers, at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and the 8t. Maurice, which we passed in the evening, is a fair sample of these Anglo-French villages. We arrived at Montreal about 9 p.m., and secured comfortable 134 The Agricultural JteHoui'ces of Cnnadn. quarters at the AVindsor Hotel. The electric lights gave this tine place a somewhat weird appearance. Montreal is a city of 220,000 inhabitants, and the chief commercial centre of the Dominion. The large ocean-going steamers of the Allan Line make this their terminus ; and many others also liere receive and distribute their passengers and cargoes. There is direct access by railway to all parts of the Dominion, to New York, Chicago, St. Paul, and other centres in the United States ; and, indeed, Montreal may be regarded as one of the most imi)ortant cities on the North American Continent. Its streets are wide, long, and straight, planted with trees. At the time of our visit these; trees had not cast a leaf, and their effect, added to the well-kept lawns in the better parts of the city, gave it a \ery atti-active apjjearance. Like Quebec, lilontreal has a " Mountain," and from its summit an excellent bird's-eye view of the pretty, busy, and varied scene may be obtained, with the miguty St. Lawrence rolling along at its base. IMontreal shares with Quebec the advan- tages of the great lumber trade, but is less dependent upon it. I V' uted the market, where I saw large waggon loads of tomatoes, thrown loose in waggons for .sale ; and also fine samples of fruit of all kinds, and potatoes. I was struck with the healthiness and freshness of the foliage in and around Montreal ; it seemed as though no gaics or early frosts had disturbed their placid growth, no faded or damaged leaves being visible. Still continuing our journey by the Canadian Pacific line, we in due time arrived at Ottawa, on th(; Ottawa Kiver. This city is the capital of the Dominion and the seat of government, and has a population of 40,000. Its situation is elevated, and commands a wide expanse of the Ottawa Eiver and surrounding district. At the Depart- ment of Agriculture, adjacent to Parliament Buildings, which are a fine display uf architecture, the delegates were courteously and kindly received by the Honourable John Carling, Minister of Agriculture, an able and businesslike man, who congratulated us on our safe ari'ival, and gave us a sketch of the arrange* lents made for our journey across the prairies, the Kocky i\Iountains, and still further west to British Columbia, on the Pacific Coast. TIk^ first item in the programme was ii drive out to the Government farm near Ottawa. This farm is under the management of Professor Saunders, a very able man, and full; qualified for the onerous post he fills. He is assisted by able Professors of Botany, Chemistry, &c., and by Ji stali' of trained workmen in all branches of farm and niuvsery work. Here are tested and tried, prac- tically, in the open, f-elected grains of all kinds, and when approved the seed is sent out free in 3-lb. narcels to all farmers who apply for them. Fruit trees of approved kinds are also grow)i and distri- buted, from vines down to currants and gooseberries. Of these there is a great variety. All farmers in the Dominion can obtain stock from this valuable institution. Indian corn is also grown in variety, with the object of ascertaining the best kinds for the various districts in the Dominion ; grasses also are treated in like manner, as are forest trees for planting purposes. Cattle feeding and poultry rearing are also experimentally practised. The raising of new l.iads of Mr. William Scotson's Report. 135 potatoes h'oiji .seeds is another important part of tiio experimental work clone here, as new varieties, of approved merit, are necessary to replace the older and worn-out kinds as they contract disease or deteriorate in quality. This latter work is most im])ortant, for there is not a province that 1 visited in the M'holc Dominion in which this kind of vegetable is not grown to a large extent; but, to my surprise, the growth consists '^hiefly of only two kinds — the Early Rose and the Beauty of Hebron. We scarcely had a meal during our visit at which potatoes in some form were not sei'ved. li'ora the Ottawa experi- mental farm we rt'turned t(» Russell House Hotel, wiiere we dined, and where Mr. G. H. Campbell, of Winnipeg, joined the delegates as guide in their travels. From Ottawa we made all haste to Ite in time for the great Agricultural Exhibition at Toronto. On Tuesday, the 1 9tli, we visited this show, held in the Exhibition grounds. We found some excellent l)ure bred shorthorn cattle and Herefoi'ds, some excellent polled Angus or Aberdeen cattle, fit for any show in the world ; shire horses, some of superior merit, and Clydesdales in greater numbers, these forming a contrast to the native light horses we had observed doing the work both on and of? the land. There were some good driving horses, also a competition for high jumping, one particular animal doing something extraordinary in this way. On AVednesday we again visited the show, and were introduced to some prominent citizens and farmers whom we afterwards again met. There was an excellent coViection of S(^lf- bindiug, mowing, and reaping machines ; sorae string binders, cutting as much as seven feet wide — in fact, the whole machinery for dealing with hay and grain was very commendable for utility, lightness, and strength. The Canadian or "Oliver" plough is made up in all forms, as a kind of swing, single and twin, sulky or riding plough. One par- ticular implement I noticed Mas a revolving sjiade roller, which nets or i^loughed land like an impro\ed acnn; harrow. Tins appeared to \\i^ ;'s likely to ]irove a very useful implement for English agriculture. ! : i i a new iuvcmtion in Canada. Tlie exhibition of fruit, especially ■;.•; pf and peaches grown in tin; open, was something that the Canadians ni'Pat well 1)1' proud of. for in quantity, quality, and variety, it formed a sigh./ not to be easily forgotten. The vegetables and roots were alike a grand collection, not easily to be matched anywhere. Altogether this Exhibition was a show the Canudii.ns may -jlaim every credit for. A feature that I ])articularly observed was th.i orderly way in which the crowds departed, without a sign of inteiuperanoe. This commend- able fact, coupled with the al)s<.;iiC(.' of beggars, was a most noticeable thing throughout our journey amongst all Canadian crowds. Toronto im a fin(> city, with wide streets and good buildings, and has a population of 172,000. It is the largest city in th(> Province of i") 'tuno, and situated on Lake Ontario, and possesses many important manufactories. The Province! of Ontario is a line agricultural ])rovince, having an artja of 182,000 square miles, and contains a population oF about 2,000,000. This jirovince grows almost every variety of grain, vegetables, and fruit in the greatest perfection. The soil was originally all covered with timber, the early settlers having had to clear their 136 The Affri cultural liatoxurts of Canada. farms out of the forest, or, in other words, rid out the timber, stumps and all, to clear the land. This provinc attracted the early settlers, and, consequently, there are more large cities here than in any other of I'liRuNlU. the provincefs, including such as Ottawa, ilamilton, London, Kingston, Brantford, and Guel])li, all of which contain manufactories of various kinds, especially agricultural implements. AVo visited the Osborne Manufactory at Brantford, where some thousands of mowers and self- lrind(U's arc turned out annually to all parts- iu fact, 1 may say that the manufacturing towns in Ontario are the great workshops for the Dominion. I may, later un, again refer to the agricultural features of Ontario : but for the present the cry is " westward."' AVe leFt Toronto on AVednesday, September 17th, on the Grand Trunk Kailway for North Bay ; then, transferring to th<' Canadian Pacific, we proceeded for some hundred ol' miles through the primeval forest of timber and some scrub, mixed with tall charred tree stumps, showing the remnants of forest tires which sometimes sweep all before them. These natural forests are interspersed along thia railway with creeks, rivers, and lakes containing fish in abundance. Rivers and creeks are bridged over with wooden-built bridges. All went well with our train until we ari'ived at the head of Lake Superior, where the recent rains had caused a sliji of limestone to fall across the rail-road track, which brought our train to a standstill for a short time. A breakdown gang soon arrived and cleared the track, and all went well. AVe halted at a station where 150 cattle vrere being fed and watered in yards. These cattle, I was informed, were on their way ^fr, William t%'niso}is ItejiOi'i. 137 to Montreal for the British Market, and were similar to those I had sometimes seen in the Stanley Cattle Market, Liverpool. Our next arrival Mas at Port Arthur, which, situated on an arm of Lake Superior, has docks, and is a point whence steamers ply to various points on the Great Lakes. It has a population of some /),000 people, grain ehivators, hotels, etc., kc, and is assured of a large and increasing trade in grain, coal, and other commodities. AVe next passt^d some fine scenery, one ])articular huge mountain of Basaltic rock, called the Sleeping (liant, strikes the beholder witli its grandeur and immensity. On we travelled to Fort WilUam, a Jtudson Bay Com- l)any's settlement oF 100 years old. Near this spot are said to be some of tlie richest silver mines in the world, one of which, the Shuncahweachu, is largely owned by ])eople residing in Liverpool. From Fort William to Winnijieg tlie scenery is wild, and broken with rapid rivers and lakes. A few miles from the former place are the Kakabeka Falls, said to l)e higher than Niagara. Westward the train proceeded until the Lake of the Woods was passed, with its saw mills and lumber trade, and still c. nd on through wild scenery until at last, when nearing AVinnipeg, tin clear open prairie— a treeless plain — revealed itself to the eye. A wide river was crossed, and our train slowed into the Canadian Pacific llailway Station, Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba. Winnipeg is 700 tej^t above the sea lev»d, has a population of 28,000 people (twenty years ago the population was only some 215), and is a tine city, situated at the junction of the Ked and the Assiniboine Rivers, both of which are navigable, has imposing buildings, wide streets, which appear to stretch mil(\s, electric lighted, and good railway accommodation to every point. Alreaily ten lines of railway centre in AVinnipeg, and these lines are fast tiirowing out branches. The lines west of Winnipeg, and tributary to it, aggregate 2,800 miles, where only ten years ago there was not a singk* mile in operation. AVin- nipeg appears destined to become one of tlie grtiatest conunercial centres on the American Continent. I am convinced of this fact when I try to realise the future of Manitoba and the great North- AVestern territories. This great plain of ])riurie land, stretches from Winni]ieg to Calgary, or near to the far-famed Kocky Mountains, a distance well on to 1,000 miles, Ihrough which the Canadian Pacific liailway track runs. All along this line of railway are agricultural towns and stations springing up. At many of these, such as Brandon, Kegina, Calgary, kc, there are grain elevators to receive the grain as soon as it is threshed from the fields or stacks ; also stores of every kind, and hotels and boarding houses, mostly built of wood. My readers will ])lease remember 1,000 miles is a long way, and 1 have only mentioned threi' towns as illustrating quite a immber of others, such as Portage-la-Prairie, a town of J^,000 inhabitants, and situated on the Assiniboine River, with grain elevators, flour mills, stores, &c. From Regina a branch railway runs north-west for 180 miles towards Prince Albert. Amongst the other towns are Rapid City, Minnedosa, Medicine Hat, Wolseley, Indian Head, &c., all on lines of railway. At Indian Head is situated another 188 The A(/rwtiI(,ui'((l ■ Rtsun ixfx of Canodti. Governmuiit experiuiental farm, which is prosicU'd oven* by 31i'. Mc<-'o\ . a thoroughly practical man, well litti il for his post. In the same neighbourhood are the great Bell Farm and the Lord Bi-assey Farm, with tlieir studs of horses and thousands of acres of land. All these places I visited : and vhen I tell my readers that ten years ago the sites of nearly all of them were unbroken, wild, prairie land, without a sign of civilization, they may begin to form some idea of the thousands upon thousands of acres of this sanu) kind of prairie land still untouched in ^Manitoba and the Xorth-AVest territories, and yet these regions are now beginning to export grain to the markets of the globe. Therefore, .1 feel tliat 1 am doing scant justice to this great plain, stretching from "Winnipeg to Calgary, when 1 say, that it is now only beginning to be realised that here will be the great wheat- growing district, the granary of Canada. But it is not only grain that is grown here; 1 was driven over fully a thousand miles in light conveyances, diverging from some of the towns mentioned, and in my travels found potatoes everywhere, grown by all classes of settlers, from the large farms like Sir Donald Smith's, near AVinnipeg, and those of Sir John Lyster Kaye, which are ten in number, of about 10,000 acres each, to the IGO'-acre homstead of the ordinary settler. The Lyster Kaye farms, 1 may remark, are now controlled by an English Company, whose head manager is 3Ir. Thomas Stone, late a Lancashire farmer, well known here in the North. On Sunda}', September 21s*;, when at Winnipeg, we went to the Protestant Church, which was just like being in Enghmd. 1 could scarcely i-ealise that I was so far from home. On Monday, the 22nd, we vi>ited the Industrial schools. All over the Dominion, education is more or less free, with a system of teachcu's and teaching as perfect as can be devisvening I was an invited guest to a banquet given in honour of the Minister of Public AVorks of the Dominion, and was gratified with the enthusiastic harmony of all ; the proceedings, as on all public occasions in C'lnada, termi- nated with "God Save the Queen "' and " Auld Lang Syne."' On Wednesday I visited the district of Glenborough, going by I'ail. There 1 saw wheat growing and harvesting operations going on in all directions and in all stages, from cutting w ith self-binders to the steam threshing machine. AVlieat ! wheat ! stacks ! stacks I Everyone busy at this work ; and no preparations for rain, no stack sheets and no thatching being required, as there was no rain or sign of rain, but bright, clear weather right along. AA^heat succeeding wheat is grown Mr, Williain tScotnon'-s h'ljtort. ia9 for years together, with one ploughing; to grow each ero}). I went to visit some Scotch crofters, aiul all said they were glad they had come ""''iMn ^vn WIIKAT .STACKS, MANITOIIA. to Manitoba. They were on quarter sections of 1 60 acres each ; now, or soon, would be owners of their own land and out of debt— and their stock, consisting of working bullocks, cattle, pigs, poultry, &e., tendi^d to verify what they said. There were about thirty families settled in the locality, having been, as 1 was led to believe, assisted by the JJritish Government some two years ago to come out. From Glenboroiigh to Wawanesa we proceeded through a wheat-growing country, and again we saw stacks of wheat in great profusion, and threshing machines doing 1,500 bushels and upwards per day. Most of the land is hero taken up, all owning their farms, and being vc^ry happy in their wooden- built homes. A farmer complained that one firm onl}^ put u]) all the corn elevators, and consequently had mostly their ow ii price in taking the wheat from the farmers. There are farmers about this district who leave their land in fallow one y(\ar out of four or liv(\ On Friday, September 26th, we visited Mr. Sandison's great farm near Brandon. He had some 40 horses and 60 men at work in gathering his 1,500 odd acres of wheat and 500 acres of oats ; carting, threshing, and taking grain to the elevators ; ploughing for next year's crop, all in full swing, and Mr. Sandison superintending in his " buggy." He has tw elve self- binders to cut his harvest. All this big o])eration in wheat growing has been got together by this one man in less than seven years. I saw a good many acres of this wheat. I was driven over the stubble 140 The y\f/r!ciiUural liesourcea of Canada. between the shocks, and found the whole all a good crop, although it was the sixth on the same land in succession, without either rest or manure. Mr. Sandison owns his land and manages it himself. His crop this year will leave him a good profit, which lie well desorves. The Govi'rnment have an ex])eriiiiental farm at Brandon, with an able man at its head, JNIr. Bedford here doing much the same kind of efficient work as is done at Ottawa. It was r> nleasure to see the good work in progress to benefit the agriculture of tiiis province, particularly in grasses, native and artificial ; also corn, wheat, barley, and oats, all of which arc here tried in great variety and accurately reported upon. Altogether the driving in "rigs" around Brandon and Glenborough revealed a sight in wheat grow ing not easy for British agriculturists to realisp, and once seen never to be forgotten. From Brandon to liapid City we found more wheat districts of like character. I could count from the horse carriage 100 wheat stacks at a time, put up in sets of four, for convenience of threshing. Straw is burnt to clear the land for next year's crop of wheat. As we neared Rapid City, which is on the Little Saskatchewan River, tliere was more scrub or small timber. This is mostly the case on and about the courses of rivers. There is at Ra])id City a corn elevator, a flour mill, and a woollen mill supplied with native wool. The Rod Fife wheat gi'own here is quite as good as that known in the British markets as the l)est Duluth. 1 left this place for Minnedosa by rail. 3[innedosa is a pretty city at tiie head of a valley of the above-mentioned river, and I found the settlers there happy and contented on their land. On September 28th I left by rail for Saltcoats. On arriving there I drove out to a jNIr. Moore, who came h'om Northumberland, England, and had been there a farm bailiff. He has his place in nice order, including his stacks, buildings, garden, house, «fec., and is quite content with his lot, the farm being his own. I then visited tlie Messrs. Kensingtons place. They have acquired 15 sections, or 10,000 acres, at about iB3i per acre, and are busy putting up large buildings, house, cow houses, stabl^^s, &c. — all wood — at a cost of about .£1,000 sterling, intending to maki' this estate into a large cattle ranche. I saw some very useful shortliorn cattle as a commencement of this ranching farm. Next I visited a Mr. Knott, a small settler from Norfolk, England, who came out two years ago, and has now 27 acres of fair grain. His family consists of four children, the eldest about 12 years, ad he is without help. He has cut all bis prairie hay (25 tons), and cut and stacked all his 27 acres of grain. He was a gardener, has some nice vegetables, and after his two years' toil, is quite content, and looking forwai'd to a prosperous future. At Saltcoats a creamery and butter factory has been established. The farmers who take their cream to this factory are all shareholders, and are supplied with registered cans which shew the quantity of cream in inches, and they are paid according to this registered standard. We visited a Mr. Ferguson, who is a good sample of a settler in this neighbourhood. He is quite content with his lot. His potatoes are a thick, good crop, as also are his swedes. • Mr. Will'mm Scoiao^is Beport. 141 a od. On September 29tli \vt? visited Binscarth pedigree stock farm, which was commenced in 1882. It is 4,0(10 acres in extent. We saw some very nice pedigree shorthorn cattle in fine fresh condition, living on nothing but prairie grass, including some very pretty yearlings, both heifers and bulls, all good, two exceptionally so. Altogether we saw about 80 pure bred pedigree shorthorns intended for sale. The introduction of such animals must be an enormous benefit to this region. There is a large wooden l)arn built against tii»! slope of the hill used as a cow house underneath and as a barn overhead. Altogether it is a good homt'steadiiig. From Binscai'th we the next day visited th(i Birtlti Agricultural Sliow with \\\v Mayor (an old sottler). In this neighbourhood there are a large number of Britisii settlers. The exhibition of grade or native cattle, horses, and sheep ; also roots, ]jarticularly potatoes ; and needle and fancy work, were interesting examples of what 10 years of pioneer life can do in Canada. From this show we drove to Major Wilkinson's farm of I'.OOO acres, wliich is situated on tiie edge of a pretty creek or valley. Tliert' aro lilJO acres of crop, jind L'.] years ago there were only 50. A good crop of wheat was in progress of carting to tlie thresher. W(? afterwards attendeti. a conversa/ione at the Town Hall of Birtle, pn^sided over by the Mayor, a straight and kind-hearted Canadian, wlio, with great ability, drew from the farmers present some interesting facts as to how well they had succeeded since their settling in the neighbourhood. This interesting ceremony terminated \\ ith singing '* God Have the Queen " in a very hearty and loyal manner. October 1st brought us to the district of Neepawa, a good grain growing region. Tiie land is a little more rolling, with some scrub in the uncleared portions. The settlers here all seemed content. One farmer told me he canu; liei-e to please his sons, and was (juite satisfied. He did not think the district about Xeepawa suft'tM-ed from summer frosts, like some of the wheat-growing districts in Manitoba. I learned there that one farmer had had his stacks desti'oyed by tire during the opera- tion of threshing with a steam thresher. I was informed he was not insured against loss. I. thought this a good district as I was being driven through. On October 2nd, at Poi-tage-la-Pj-airie, I was tlriveii by Mr. Sorby some 1 7 miles through a wheat-growing level plain to his farm called "The Hermitage." This farm of two sections, or 1,280 acres, had 870 acres of grain, some threshed, and all stacked. ]Mr. Sorby called himself a "wheat maiuifacturer," and said he had only two busy months out of twelve — ojie to sow his land, as soon as the breaking uj) of the winter frost allowed him to begin grain sowing; the other to cut his harvest and thresh, and then plough for next j-ear's cro]). Mr. 8orby has six string-binders which were in good repair, and neatly stowed away in a wooden shed ready for nt^xt year's use. He ])uslies ahead to 2;et all his land ploughed in the autumn for next year's crop with the hel|) of hired teams. He says he has no dihiculty in gc^ttingall ploughed before the winter sets in, when no ploughing can bo done, the land being usually frozen to a depth of from two to three feet, and covered with tine snow, like frozt-n dew, drv and hard. When this 'period is reached the Manitobans begin to use sleighs instead of wheeled vehicles. This 142 TJie Jr/ncultural Rtsoitrces of Canada. continuos until spring, when the snow is e\ tipomtud and absorb(;d, and us soon as the surface of the land is free from frost two or three inches deep, tlie farmers begin to sow their wheat. All with them is hi,!:;h pres- sure until this is conipletcd. llavinj; litth* or no autumn sown wheat, this spring sown grain is their staple crop. Then follows i)xv. sowing of what little is grown (jf barley, oats, peas, potatoes, roots, &c. Only little breadth of artificial grasses is sown. These farmers get their ha}' from prairie grass, which grows on low, clamp places, called sloughs or slews. This hay harvest is done mostly before the grain is ready ; then all is hurry until tht^ grain is gatlu;red. 1 feel I must liere say that the average Britisher or Englishman does not understand the Canadian winters. The thermometer frequently going below /am-o gives him a little terror, us this very seldom takes place in England, even in the most severe winters. The atmosi)here in Canada is, however, so clear and dry that 1 was told over and over again by settlers from England they did not feel the cold any more than in England. One lady from Devonshire, England, told me she had lately spent one winter in lier old liome and there felt the cold more than in Canada, the air was so damp. No doubt there an; times, for a few days, when care is n-quired not to be " scientifically frozen" (as I have heard it described), but this is very rare, and hap])ens only to careless and benighted people. The Canadians do not fear their winter ; J should not do so, nor do I see very much for others to fear. Of course I did see one or two eases of persons damaged by being frost bitten, but these instances were extreme ones, througli unavoidable ex])osure. It is usually bright and clear weatlier, June being their rainy month. As wii travelled on by rail from Eegina we observed one curious reminder of the life that used to throng these vast plains. Along the sides of the railway are piles of bufi'alo bom^s, gathered by the Indians, the last remnants of the mighty herds of Bison, which, not so very many years ago, grazed over these long stretches of country. Our next halting place ' was Prince Albert, where we arrived on 8uuday, October 5th. At this place the delegates were welcomed by the Mayor, and carriages were provided for their use to see tlie city and its surroundings. Prince Albert is some 200 miles north west of Kegina, and well situated on the Saskatchewan River, \\hich is still navigable. AV'e saw several timber rafts, and saw-mills on the river banks. A railway is projected running west from this point to Edmonton. The tow u has a good appearance, as it is built on rolling land, sloping gradually to tlie river. AVe called upon several fanners in this neiglibourhood; they were very pleased, especially a Mr. Flaxton, to shew us tlieir farms, and all had good grain and vegetables. They all appeared thoroughly happy and content. On m} remarking that the land, where not under cultivation, was uneven and scrubby, I was told that further back from the river there is fine prairie land in great quantity ready for settlers. I was sorry that I had not time to see more of this town and district ; for there was much that A\as new and interesting, with everything, as the Americans sa}-, apparently on the up-grade. I understand that the Hudson's Bay Company haAo landsi in thu district, which are, no doubt, for jale. Mr. \\'i//i((iit t^i'otsunS lieitoi't. 14M Iver to lers ton, Ley Keturning to Retina, our train stoppetl at Duck Jiake. At Mr. ^Iitcheir« cattlt! ranchc, we were (lriv(!U some miles out to see the land and stock. We found plenty oF water and prairie gru'is, whicli is stronger grown than about Kegina. There aro at Duck Lake wooden houses erected, and others in course of construction, t'orniing a considerable settlement. Here also a company, 1 was informed, hold an extensiv(^ portion of land for sale, and have ji resident agent. Wo wer(! sht.'wn soin*^ samples of grain, whicii was of good (pudity, grown u few miles from tins location. At Saskatoon \\c wen? again inter- viewed, and shown grain and vegetabh-s grown Jicar t his j)laee, where the railway crosses the Saskatchewan Hiver the products being all vciy good. All is now o])eu prairie laiul until ]tegiiia, the capital of Assiniboia, is again readied. Jt might well br called the City of the Plains, the surroundings being so bare and open. The city lias a ])Oi)ulation of some .'{,0()0, is a distributing point, has good railway accounnodation, and the Executivi' Council of the Xorth-West territories nu'et there. The North- West mounted ])oliee, iuuid)ering 1, (•()(» men, have their head- quarters at Eegina. They look over the Indians and keep order in the country between Manitoba and the Jtocky i^^()untains. Kegina sends a Member to the Dominion Pai'liatnent, and has a Mayor and Coi'poration, wide streets, schools, churches, and hotels, juost of which are built of wood. On Tuesday, 7th of October, we visitt'd the IJegina Agricultural Show of roots, grain, ttc, with needlework, all of which were nice exhibits. I was sorry we could not remain to see the stock on the next day, as, no doubt, mixed farming with stock will increase. Here \\e had rain, which interfered with our seeing more of this district. After we left ]{('gina the train next stopped at Medicine Hat, on IIk; Saskatchewan Kiver. Here wo visited a show of roots and grain, the potatoes being extra good and very large, t may mention that I have for vears noticed tliat a climate with a soil that \\'iil (»(» miles, along mountain sides, over i-avines and rushing waters, one endless ])anoranui of wild and glorious scenery, until we arrived at IIojh', tiie iu'ad of navigation on the Krasor liiver, which runs into ti\(» ]*acific. The climate and vegetation hero savours of home. Still on the Canadian I'acitlc Railway, wo skirted the valley of the Fraser liiver, until once jiiore along a tidal stream the journey to \ow Westminster was accomplished, and we entered on<» of the most nourishing .seaports of British Columbia. Mew Westminster has a population uf o,()U0, is well situated on the noi'th sich^ of the Fraser River, and is ou(> of the foremost towns in this province. ller(> we found street-making and building actively going on. Then^ arc numerous canneries for jireserving salmon, several of which we visited, and all were* doing an enormous tradi^ in the season. Th(.'r(( are nianv fine buildings, including tluf Agricultural llall, in Qui 'en's I'ark. Larg ply south to Victoria. On Wednesday, October loth, we visited tlie agricultural lands border- ing on the Fraser River, some of which are called delta lands, at Ladnor's Landing. Here the soil is of rich (juality, growing very iino mangolds, smd jiarticularly line white oats, weighing 44 lbs. to tho bushel, rye, and fruit. lierc! we had rain, and it seemed very much like being in the marshy lands of Britain, with dykes to take the water into the river. On Mr. Hu ?hinson's fruit farm wo saw young apple and other fruit trees nicely planted in a rich soil, with good mangolds and potatoes growing b(»tween the rows of trees, all looking healthy and like proving a success. On Thursday we drove through a grand avenue cut out of the primeval forest, which is in all stages of decay and vigorous lif(% with pin(>s and cedars of iinmensi^ si/e. It seemed to us woeful to see this fine timber being cut for fuel. On we went for miles through this evergremi forest, until wti arrived at Vancouver City, which is a seaport and the terminus of the railway, and certainly one of the greatest marvels of growth in the civilised world. Here are souK^ 15,000 people, where in ISsO was a forest. It is finely situated on Biu'rard Inlet, has fine scenery of mountain and forest. Stanley Park (named after Lord Stanley, the present Governor-General of Canada, and presumptive heir of Knowsley), is a notable instance, with its big pine and cedar trees. It is 1,000 acres in extent, and belongs to tho city. There are extensive wharves, warehouses, churches, hotels, lumber mills, lish canning establishments, and electric lighted streets. There is a regular service of steamships to China, Japan, Victoria, San Francisco, Alaska, and Puget Sound Ports. There is an Indian village close by. The little agricultural land here, as in most parts of British Columbia, is of good quality, and appears well suited for small 10 i! ui; The Arii'tndtnrnl liesources of Cannda. farmers and garcleneis, who can manage si)acle work, and go in for fruit, dairy, and poultry farming. There are not many stretches of prairie land like Manitoba suitable for grain farmers, though roots and grain both grow well in this climate and soil, as well as fruits. I did hear of some prairie land in vhat is called the Okanagan Valley, where there had be^Ti ^ent and used some 20 tons of string this year to tie up the grain grown in this said valley. 1 hear that new railway lines are to be built, or are in course of construction, to connect the valley with the existing syst(^m. No doubt tht-re are yet more such fertile belts of land, not much known, in this south-west portion of British Columbia, witii its English climate. We visited Lulu Island, where good fruit and vegetables grow well in a rich soil. The whole island is flat and not much above sea level. On Friday, October 17th, we left Vancouver, on board the s.s. " Cutcli " to visit some collieries at Nanaimo. On our passage, three miles off Nanaimo, about 6 p.m., when it was dark and raining, a steam tug, called the " INIogul," came into collision *.ith the "Cutch," damaging her bulwarks, and causing a little alarm on board. She soon, however, proceeded on to Nanaimo, and we had the satisfaction of seeing how fast an engine of loO horse power wound up coals, the production of 120 men, in a mine 600 feet deep. The coals were iDrought up regularly and fast (all machiner} going nicely). Chinamen, with torchlights attached to their hats, were doing efficiently all the handling at the top of the shaft. The next morning, Saturday, we left Nanaimo by rail, thi'ough hills, valleys, and mountains, mostly covered with timber, until we neared Victoria, where farms and farm lands appear on sites which evidently, like Ontario, had been cleared of timber. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is situated on i:he sout'.i poiu.: of A'ancouver Island, has a population of 1/^,^00, is the mo it English city on the l^acitic seaboard, and were it not for its straiftit wide streeti, electric lighted, electric cars running into the suburbs, a .id China-town, witii its Chinese Joss House, theatres, shops, and Chinamen with their opium, we inight well have imagined that we were at some naval port at home, climate and all included. I was driven about the suburbs, and our party were presented to Lieutennnt-Govcn'nor Nelson. We visited thj Museum and other places of interest with the Mayor and otiier kind citizens. On Sunday I was driven a good many mil'is into tlie country. Here are forests witli uncleared stumps in plenty, arid some cleared farm land, with fruit in abundance, and grain all harvested, leaving a cleai. stubble observable on this land. Mr. Brj'aiit, a farmer, sliowed our i)arty samples of his threslied vvheat and barley, both of which ap])eared lik(! good English grain. We saw more fruit, and some grapes outside, witli a few hops, which appeared to me as in other parts of this province, well iitted for growing by small farmers like peasant pro|)rietors. Here is good soil, jiealthy ciimaie, and good wages, witli room for capital and labour. On Monday wt were to have sailed to A^ancouver City, but the steamer did not start this day, and we enjoyed a sample of a straight downpour (.f rain, w hich contiaued till 4 a.m. Mr. William Scotson's lieporf. 147 On Tuesday, the steamer departed for Vancouver, and landed us safely. "We then commenced our return journey, by the Canadian Pacitic Eaihvay. in our sleeper. Arrived at New Westminster, we got on ooard the " Delaware," and sailed up to Mission on the Eraser Kiver, where a b"idge is in course of construction to form a connection with Washington tt^rritory in the United States. We landed near Chiliwhack, where the Mayor provided "rigs,"' and drove us through Sumas Valley. Here were farms with abundance of fine !ij)ple trees; the higher plots being marshy, prairie land suitable for cattle grazing. The grass was not making the grade kind of stock very fat. On Thursday Mayor Kitchen again took us to see some grain, fruit, Sec, which had been exhioited at the Agricultural Grounds, all of which were good. The roadsides in this district were carpeted with wild white clover (natural). AVe drove on through forests and farms, arriving at an Indian Villag.? called Popcum, where there is a tributary to the Eraser, which is utilised for working the machinery of large lumber mills:. Here we were paddled by Indians in their canoes across the dov.-n stream of the Eraser, landing about two miiles from the Grovernment Earm at Agassiz, where Mr. Sharp, the Manager, was busy having some big trees split up by dynamite, to clear the way to carry out the work of experiiuenting in agriculture for tlie Province* of British Columbia. Here fruit and forest trees were planted on tlu^ cleared portions. The soil was clean and rich. Two miles from this place we passed a nice farm, which showed good roots, clover, and some good young cattle, and there was an educated Englishman spreading manure out of a farm waggon. He smiled and looked content. At Agassiz we again joined our sleeping car, and once more passed over the never-to-be-forgotten Eockies. The glaciers and snow-topped mountains towered above us, whilst the innumerable rivulets were bidding us a bright adieu as they tumbled into the gorges below. So ended Friday, in a sleeping car on the Canadian Pacific Railway. On Saturday we passed througii Calgary eastward. We halted a little at Medicine Hat, and then eastward still to Wolseley. Here our sleeper being detach'^ \, Senator Piirley soon procured rigs to convey us to see some farming lands. We called upon Mr. Einlay, who had been ten years in a wholesale house in London. He came here seven years ago, has some grain which was damaged by hailMorm, 10 milk cows, 14 young cattle, and one yoke of oxen. This free Viia pleases him, and he would not go back, though frost had dani .ged his grain to some extent. We also called upon y\.r. Gibson, who left Ayrshire seven years ago. He has a homestead, having built his own house and buildings, is quite satisfied with the place, and is expecting to get homesttnids for his two sons. At Moffat, near here, we called on Mr. Kindt t, who was at church, but Mrs. Kind(?r said they liked the plac<* well I'nough, only there A'as a scarcity of female help. I was iuforined that crops hc'v had suffered from frost, with hailstorms. On ^Monday we arriv(?d at Moosomin, and, daring a long driv(* with Mr. Neff, called up(Mi about seven different farmers — wheat growers — who were generally satisfied. One, who cjimo from Staffordshire seven years ago, and was helping his neighbour to thresh, said he wus «^uite satisfied with 148 The At/ncuUural Itesources of Canada. ii his seven years' experience, although frost had done damage to his wheat occasionally, and it was pretty cold in winter. Mr. Neff, M.P.P., is himself a large farmer, growing w heat on his two or three sections of land, most of which I saw. There were indications of frost having done some damage about Moosomin, which is a growing agricultural centre with a population of 2,000 inhabitants, and has a mayor, schools, hotels, and also stores of various kinds. AVe arrived at Winnipeg on Tuesday afternoon ; on Wednesday we went on a branch railway to Stonewall, where large limestone quarries are being worked. We visited Mr. Jackson, who kindly took us over his farm in all its stages, from clearing the scrub or small timber to the land from which several crops oi wheat had been taken. His red Fife wheat in stacks was of good quality. He had cleared his land, got his own house built thereon, and is a smart man of business, and looked happy. I will here mention that when at Kussell I paid a hurried visit to one of Dr. Barnardo's homes and farm. The vegetables were very fine, tiie buildings good, and a large dairy of cows is here kept, the inmates, gathered from the ranks of the London street arabs, doing the work, A Dane manages the dairy, where a steam engine is being used and good butter made. The wards in the home for inmates were clean and comfortable, and all the officials were attentive and ready to give all information asked by the delegates during the short visit to this institution. I was led to understand that farmers, under a written agreement of some kind, get the inmates of these homes to become hired servants. Forms of th'.s agreement can be had on application at the home. From Winnipeg we went south into the States, visiting the big flour mills on the Mississippi at Minneapolis, which are said to be the largest in the world. Here I was told their best wheat came from ^Manitoba. Wheat arrives loose on tlie railway cars, from which it is elevated into the mills, coming out flour — the foreman said " To feed the English." The machinery of th.is mill is mostly driven by water from the river Mississippi. From here we visited the pretty city of St. Paul's, with its 14-storey buildings, and the Mississippi Valley and waters at its feet. On Tuesday, November 4tli, \\m left this city for Niagara. Who can describe these grand waterfalls, or write 'he music of their rolling, tumbling, dasliing waters — once seen and heard, never to be forgotten ? AVe tlien hit the United States of America at Niagara Falls, and re-entered Canada by rail bound for llamilton, which is a manufac- turing city in the Province of Ontario. AVe arrived in time to visit tlie Britannia Silver AVorks the same afternoon. Our next visit was to JJrantford. We were introduced to the Mayor, &c., and attended a meeting of the Board of Trade to discuss the question of increasing the boundary of the City of Brantt'ord. The discussion was a good one, the several speakers showing much ability. On AVednesday morning, accompanied by Mr. Blue, Deputy JNlinister of Agriculture for Ontario, and others, we drove out to Bow Park, a farm of shout 1,000 acres, an(J managed by Mr, John Hope Mr. William Scotson's Report. 149 (well known in English agricultural circles) for Messr^-. Nelson, of Edinburgh. There is here an excellent herd of short lorns in fiae condition, with bone and hair showing vitality, a treat to see. This is a nice farm, about three miles from lirantl'ord, and bounded by the Grand Eiver on one side. The stock and croi)s on the farm showed good managi'ment. At Brantford we went through the factory of Harris & Co., makers of the '' Osborne " Eeapers and Mowers, where some thousands are turned out annually. Professor Bell gives dis- tinction to this city, as the inventor of tbt; tele])hone. We left Brantford by the Grand Trunk Railway, passing througli tlie counties of Oxford and Elgin, observing all along the route good mixed farm- ing, and stock in the fields in good condition. At St. Thomas we were accompanied by Alderman Martin, and m ere driven to Yarmouth, overlooking what is known as the Quaker's Valley. Here is a good country, well farmed : indeed, the whole valley is like a series of prize farms lying side by side. This drive of many miles repealed some of the best farming we had seen in Canada. The next item in our pro- gramme was a return to Windsor, Ontario, 'ind thence by train along the valley of the Thames Kiver to London, the county town of Middle- sex. On Saturday, November 8th, we arrived at Guelph. It was market day. We (Examined some barley in sacks on a farmer's waggon for sale. A brewer who bought this barley said he preferred the native four or six-rowed to the two-rowed : Mr. Hobson, from Mosboro, Ontario, said much the same thing. I saw good two-rowed barley grown near Prince Albert, North-West territory, and also samples from British Columbia, near Victoria, Brandon, and Vlberta, all of which for malting I should have preferred to any of thi^ four rr six-rowed barley shown to me in Ontario. I was well pleased with the arrangem^ ..is, and the ])i'actical good being done, at the Guelph Agricultui-al Colle^ 'resident Mills, with Professor Shaw, showed the delegates all the working ni this eoUege :ind spnnt I iuanau< .experimental farm. Students are taught in the college the agriculture, and on the farm they work out the practice, iu tin ment of the limd, sowing and harvesting the cro])s, in breeding cattk', sheep, and pigs, in veterinary science, and in experiments with ditTt-rent ration's jp, to feeding the different classes of animals to make tl • most profitable return on the produce consumed, the weighing machine being regulaidy used, and accurate rej)()rts taken of all ])roceedings. I must say I was instructed as well as interested in this work shown us by th' genial President and staff. I feel that I nmst specially thank tlu* Minister of Agriculture, Ontario, for arranging for Mr. Blue, the Deputy Minister, to .show Mr. Wood and myself ,som(^ of the farms, stoek, and agricultural lands of Ontario. I think, further, that I am justified in saying that Ontario has sown the seeds of most of the farming now practised in the Dominion west of Ontario, and that she may still be called the premier province for stock and mixed agriculture. We journeyed on through Ottawa and ]Montreal to (Quebec, accompanied by the courteous Seci'etary to the Department of 150 The Agricultural litsourcas of Canada, : i II li ill 'i Agriculture (Mr. H. B. Small) and Mr. Campbell, of Winnipeg, to both of whom my best thanks are due for their kindness and assistance, as indeed they are due to all Government agents and Canadians generally. "We joined the Allan Eoyal Mail Steamer " Parisian " on November 13th, and, after a safe passage with pleasant company, arrived in Liveipool on the 22nd. I exceedingly regret that, o\\ ing to the limited time at my dis- posal, I could not visit the maritime provinces ; but from what I ascertained from Senator Prowse, of Prince Edward Island, from gentlemen I met in various parts of Canada, and from those of the delegates who were more fortunate than mysel, , I believe that these provinces are in numy ways similar to Ontario, and that they offer very good openings to farmers and others with capital. In conclusion, I have to say, after travelling through the heart of Canada, from Quebec to A'ictoria, a distance of some thousands of miles, that I saw in Manitoba and the great North- West thousands of square nnles of good prairie land yet untouched, and waiting for men and money to develop its worth and to win for themselves competence and independence. In travelling through this vast country 1 conversed with many hundreds of settlers of different nationalities, and all seemed satisfied with their lot. I met many men who a few- years ago had gone out to Canada with nothing but their hands and brains, who are now in good positions on fair farms, and glad that Canada is their present and future home. These men are mostly located on their own lands, and feel a freedom hitherto unknown; whilst they find the Canadians quiti- as Englisii as themselves. It is hard to realise that this is the case so many thousand miles from England, yet it is undoubtedly the fact, and the farther west you get from Q\.jbec the more English in character you find the people. After careful investigations in all directions, ample opportunities for which were afforded me, and after thoroughly testing all statements made to me by the light of my own hard practical experience of nearly half a century, dur'ng which period I have become familiar with nearly every agricultural district in Great Britain, and the methods of farming adopted therein, I can safely say that, in my opinion, there are homes and independence in these vast region^ lor tlidusands in at least three conditions of persons, viz. : the young of both sexes, who can get employment at good wages, provided they are willing to nuike them- selves useful as labourers and servants, with an ext'ellent chance of winning homes and homesteads for themselves ; and, secondly, for the small farmer with a little capital, who can here use his strength, intelligence, and small means to greater advantage than perhaps anywhere else in the world, both to himself and to the country of his adoption ; in the case of his richer brethren, though they may not need to win a livelihood for themselves, the openings for settling sons and daughters advantageously are not to be despised. I may add that, in order to assist and advise intending settlers, and prevent them being imposed upon, the Canadian Government have appointed agents iu all the larger towns and cities in Canada, and also Mr. William Scotsons lieport. 151 in England, from whom all information that they can desire is to be obtained. The Canadian Railway Companies, the Hudson's Bay Com- pany, and several larc;e land companies, wliich have lands for sale in various parts of the Dominion, also have local and European agents, by whom information Mill be readily given. ODVK.nNMENT Illlt.DI.NHS, OTTAWA (KAST UI,0CK). THE REPORT OF MR. HENRY SIMMONS, Bearwood Farm, Wokingham. Hating accepted the appointment under Sir Charles Tapper as one of the English delegates to visit and report on the Dominion of Canada, 1 left Liverpool on the 4th of September, on board the Allan Line steamship " Sardinian," for Quebec. In the course of my remarks I shall have to try and remove from the minds of intending emigrants some very commonly entertained prejudices. Let me then first start with my experience of the sea voyage. To cross the Atlantic does, I know, appear to many a terrible under- taking, but I can truthfully say the time spent by me on the ocean, both on the outward and homeward passage, was most enjoyable. 1 am an excellent sailor, which, of course, added materially to my pleasure, but I noticed — although on both journeys we had a fair experience of our ship rolling and pitching — the passengers who were ill gained their usual health and spirits after the second day, and entered heartily into any amusement going on. AVith an excellent bill of fare served at 8.30 a.m., ], and 6 p.m., and supper or tea from 9 to 10 p.m. to any one requiring it, it left nothing to be desired as regards our creature comforts. Then by the aid of shuffle-board, deck quoits, speculation on the ship's log, auction sale of tickets daily, tug of war, music, dancing, concerts both in the first saloon and also by invitation from and to the intermediate and steerage passengers, card parties, the use of a snuill library, and much pleasant interchange of ideas one with another, the day sped on, and we found ourselves ready to turn into our comfortable cabins for the night when the lights were put out at eleven o'clock. Sunday is strictly observed on board, service being held in the morning, and in the evening we joined the steerage passengers singing hymns, &c. These remarks hold good as regards the intermediate and steerage passengers, according to their degree, as equal care is taken for their enjoyment and comfort. On the outward passage we landed at Movillo, while our ship lay to in that beautiful bay awaiting the arrival of the mails, and drove some few miles along the coast, visiting the old Green Tower and other points of interest. But the most interesting part of the voyage was on getting after five or six days out amongst the icebergs. I had heard and read of icebergs, but had no conception that so many and such vast islands of snow- covered ice could be seen tioating away towards the south. Some presented an appearance o^' one solid block, covering an area of many acres in extent, others of more fantastic shapes, arched and beautiful, and on being told that, high as many of them towered above the water, only about onofourth of their size was visible, it seemed beyond belief. Our captain was not so enthusiastic, and was heartily glad to be out of their region before nightfall. So we journeyed on, sighting Belle Isle then some two or three days up the Gulf of and the River St. Lawrence, \ M)'. Hennj SimmO)is*s Jxeporl. 153 :e. landing some of our passengers and mails at Rimouski, till we arrived at Quebec on the morning of Sunday, the 14th September. Before leaving this subject of the ocean passii2;e, I muy say that one gentleman told me it was his sixty-fifth voyage, and lie had never known anything more serious than a boat or two blown away ; arid a steward on the ship said it was his ToUth voyage, and he had never experienced any disaster at sea beyond an occasional rough passage in the winter months. It is said to be proved by statistics that one is safer from accident of all kinds on board a well-appointed steamship than by his own fireside at home, and it may be worthy of remarlc in passing that no casualty of any kind happened to any one of our ])arty during our long journey of some 17,000 miles, but that within one Meek after my return, the only uncle I had living was burnt to death in his own house. Three other delegates having journeyed with me in the ship, we now started together. Our instructions being to present our- selves as quickly as possible to the Hon. Mr. Carling, the Minister of Agriculture at Ottawa, we made a stay of a few hours only at Quebec ; Mr. Stafford, the Government agent, driving us about eight miles round the country, passing through the Indian village of Lorette. The land appeared of good quality, but wet and undrained (we had luid a good deal of rain), lield in small allot- ments by peasant j)roprietors, and the ci'ops of oats, potatoes, and roots were poor, and the land not so well farmed as it might be according to our ideas. The people appeared very orderly and well dressed, it being Sunday ; but as regards farming, without much push and enterprise. Of course, we saw but little of the country, and should therefore, perhaps, withliold an opinion. The view of the town from the Citadel is very imposing. "VV(i left by train for Montreal, reaching there at seven o'clock, remaining the night at the Windsor Hotel — said to be one of the best hotels in Canada or the States. In the early morning we drove round Monti'eal, getting a grand view of the city (the largest and grandest in Canada) from Mount Iloyal, a most imposing sight, with the St. Lawrence liiver, A^ictoria Bridge, and Eapids in the distance. We left for Ottawa after breakfast, reaching the capital about one o'clock. The railway passes through a poor agricultural district, and the crops struck us as if they would have repaid more careful farming. On reach- ins: Ottawa, the seat of tlie Dominion Government and containini; the Houses of Parliament and departmental buildings, ^^which are very fine structures), and the centre of the Ontario lumber trade, we presented ourselves to the Hon. Jlr. Carling, and arranged to journey with him by the night train to Toronto. In the meantime we had conveyances and drove out to see the central Government Experimental Farm, about two miles from the city, the leading one of five established — here, and in the Maritime Provinces, Manitoba, the North-West Territories, and British Columbia, We were most courteously received by Professor Saumders, the managing director, and ctmducted over the whole establishment. This farm, comprising 450 acres of mixed soils, was only started in the spring of 1887, its chief object being to carry out many useful experiments in all kinds of farmwork about which 154 The Ayriculiural liesourccs of Canada. reliable and positive infoniiation is moat needed; including the best kinds of seed corn, both as regards yield, quality, and what is of the utmost importance, early maturity, to meet the drawback of the shortness of the season and autumn frost ; the growing and testing of all kinds of grasses and fodder plants, with a view to determine M'hich kinds will answer best in the respective soils and varying climate of the Dominion. This is a subject of much difficulty, as, owing to the severe winter, many of our finest grasses fail, and timothy grass seems the one great favourite at present ; we saw, however, many of the finer grasses doing well in the various plots, and rye grass, lucerne, and sainfoin looked promising. The latter would be a most useful plant in the country if once acclimatised. Indian corn was being made into ensilage, producing liO tons per acre. It was in an advanced stage of ripeness and cornc , and when })assed through t he chaff-cutter and pressed into the silo, formed an excellent fodder for winter consumption. We also examined some good samples of wheat, barley, and oats, just thrashed out. The mangels, swtjdes, and various kinds of common turnips were all good, (xrapes of many kinds, said to comprise 150 different varieties, were growing in tiie open field, many of them fine fruit ; but owing to the backw ard season and want of sun, scarcely ripe, although we ate many. The Canadian grapes have a peculiar flavour, rather thick skin, and glutinous inside ; but the taste once acquired, you become very fond of them., and one commendable feature throughout Canada is, that the first thing placed before you on the breakfast table is a dish of grai)es and other fruits, and again after dinner. Many acres are planted with fruit trees, and a large belt of forest and ornamental trees and shrubs, obtained from all countries and climes, have been planted around the farm boundaries, serving the double purpose of shelter from cold winds, and also that of testing their growth and adaptation to the different provinces of the Dominion. The houses for the respective managers are excellent, also the buildings generally. The actual farm buildings are the most spacious, conveniently planned, and economically built erections of the kind I have seen in any country. The stock consisted of 12 good working horses and five distinct herds of cattle, of about ten animals in each herd — namely, Shorthorns, Polled Angus, Holstein, Ayrshire, and Aldernev— all selected ehieflv from the Dominion, at a very moderate outlay, and, as 1 considtn-ed, witli g(jod judgment, many very good specimens of the breeds mentioned being secured. All the milk and butter produced is sold in Ottawa. Sheep and pigs are to be added ; but, at present, the arrangements in these departments are incomplete. The poultry yard is in itself a great institution, embracing all the best known breeds, and thoroughly understood and cared for by the very intelligent manager of that department. On.3 very commendable practice is that of sending out to hundreds of farmers throughout the Dominion small samples of different grain for them to sow and test for themselves, also the receiving of any samples sent in by farmers for analysis or opinion thereon. Altogether, the whole management and arrangement, not forgetting the chemical department, struck us as good, and well calculated to disseminate most Mr. Henry Simmoiui's Heport. 155 useful and valuable knowledge throughout the Dominion, at a compara- tively small cost to the Government. We left Ottawa by the night mail for Toronto, reaching there early next morning. Having taken up our quarters at the Queen's Hotel, we at once started for the great Toronto Show and Fair then being held about two miles by rail out of the city, returning at night by one of the boats continually running down Lake Ontario to and from the show. Toronto is the seat of the Provincial Government, with a population of over 200,000 inhabitants, and with its important manufactories and fine buildings is a city of which any country might be proud. The agricultural sliows here differ from those in England, as they combine pleasure with business ; in fact, on seeing it included a Buffalo Bill entertainment in all its entirety — swings, roundabouts, &c., «fcc., and stalls of ail kinds — it reminded one of our old English fairs ; at the same time, the show of stock, fruit, roots, and cereals, and more particularly agricultural implements, was hardly second to anything to be seen at our leading English exhibitions. This plan evidently pleases the masses, as the show lasts nearly a fortnight, and is crowded by visitors daily, consequently the gate money must be very large. One very noticeable feature is the absence notwithstanding the crowd of all noise or drunkenness, no intoxicating liquor being allowed to be sold inside the showyard, but every convenience ia afforded for refreshments of all kinds and non-intoxicating drinks. Throughout Canada, tea and coffee are served with every meal, which, no doubt, accounts in a great measure for the general sobriety of the people. The show is held in permanent buildings erected for the purpose, and they are extensive and very convenient, and the open ground affords abundant room for the pleasure-seekers, horse, cattle, trotting, and other rings necessary for showing the exhibits. The cattle included Shorthorns, Polled Angus, and otlier breeds that would have been no disgrace to an English " Royal " showyard ; and the horses included some very useful Shire and good Clydesdale specimens. The trotting horse is everything in Canada. These showed in great force, and the pace is good, also high jumping — the champion jumper cleared a rail fence 7 ft. 1 in. high. The show of implements was better, and certainly more extensive, than any I have seen in England ; every convenience is brought out to reduce labour, and all made light and fairly cheap. The fruit of all kinds was most extensive and of good quality, more particularly grapes, pears, apples, and plums, also a fine assortment of roses and other flowers. Koots, cereals, and grasses of all kinds equal to those grown in England were to be seen in great abundance; the different provinces and Government experimental farms vieing with each other to excel — altogether forming a vast and most interesting exhibition. Dogs are numerous and fine in Canada, and a very good show of these animals was included. We spent two days doing the round of the show, and could well have extended our stay, as we met many farmers and others, from whom we obtained useful information; but not to waste time it was arranged for the delegates, who had now all arrived at Toronto, to start on the evening 156 The. Aifncidtvral licsourcts of Canada, of the second day for Winnipeg, from wliich point we hoped to start on our actual North- West tour. Accordingly, we all left on Wednesday evening, in a jnost coinfortabli! saloon and Pullman sleeping car provided for our special uso by the (xrand Trunk and Canadian Pacific llailway Companies, on the rather long and tedious journey by Port Arthur 1o Winnipeg, a distance of some 1,200 miles, reaching Winnipeg on Saturday evening about iive o'clock. This journey for the most part was tlirough a ])ictures(|uc country of fon^sts and lakes, but entirely out of court for any purposes of agriculture. Minerals are now being worked on some parts of the line, and should more be found, as in all probability will be the case, a scattered population may spring up : but at present the long ride through apparently deserted forests, all more or less destroyed from time to time by fire, without seeing so much as a bird of any kind, makes one glad when, as you near Winnipeg, passing Hat Portage, and one or two other apparently more thriving and pretty places, you begin to feel once more in the civilised world. It was on this journey, as wo wound our way round the margin of Lake Superior, at a spot rather ominously called the " Jaws of Death," that the accident occurred to our engine and tender, from running into a large mass of stone that had fallen on to the track from the heights above. It fortunately resulted in nothing more serious than giving us all a good shaking as we sat at breakfast, and sending the engine and two other trucks off the line ; the line itself being also torn up, causing a delay of some hours before a start could be again made. Had the accident happened a few yards farther on, the whole train might have gone down a precipice ; in that case I am afraid the delegates' mission would have come to an abrupt conclusion. However, "All's well that ends well." On long night and day journeys by train, breakfast, luncheon, and dinner cars are attached at different stations to the trains, and run on till all the passengers are served, then leave at the next station. On reaching Winnipeg we were very cordially received by the Members of Parliament and citizens generally, and took up our quarters, to remain over Sunday, at the Clarendon Hotel. Winnipeg is a flourishing city of some 27,000 inhabitants, and favoured by its situation, as regards railway and water communication, must go on increasing, although just now suffering from over-speculation at the time the Canadian Pacific Railway was first opened. It contains many very fine public buildings, churches, schools, and private houses ; at the same time many wooden houses are to be seen, giving at first sight a somewhat mixed impression, but this feeling leaves you as you become better acquainted with the capabilities of the place and its people. We were made honorary members for the time being of the Manitoba Club, a most enjoyable and well-conducted establishment, and invited on Monday evening to take ])art in a dinner given to Sir Hector Langevin, the Minister of Public Works of Canada. The health of the dele- gates was proposed, and we had to return thanks in due course. About 250 dined, and altogether a very jolly evening was spent. We drove out on Sunday afternoon, after attending church, some six mile^, Mr. Henry Simmons^s Report. 15', ou the ou nn, ele- crossing the Bed River by the ferry, returning on the other side, and crossing by the suspension bridge, which serves alike for railway and passenger traffic. The roads were very bad, owing to the late rains ; and the laud, althougii very ricli in quality, was very badly farmed, according to the standard of British cultivation. Much of the land round Winnipeg is open prairie, in the hands of speculators, and not being fenced can be fed and used by any one. A larg(^ quantity of good land in the yelkirk district, some 18 mih^s distant, is open to emigrants. On Monday morning we went over several largo warehouses, inspected the provision market, called on iind had audienc(! with the governor of the province of Manitoba, and afterwards visited the schools. The schools are entirely free, and open to and used alike by all classes of society. The teachers both male and femali^ appeared very efficient. The Government do not ])ay, as in ]']nghind, by results, but 75, 70, or 60 per cent, of their salary, according to th(> class of certificate the teachers hold. A good system of drill, to call in or dismiss the various classes, or should an outbreak of iin; occur, is practised by the children. The school buildings are good, and the sanitary and ventilation arrangements excellent. Winnipeg contains in all ten schools, 500 children and upwards attending each. The children we saw had a particularly intelligent and strong, healthy appearance, very clean in person, and well dr(>ssed. These ri'Uiarks apply generally throughout the whole Dominion, the school s}stem wherever you go being all good alike, and churches and chapels in every district. No one contemplating emigration need have any misgivings on either of these matters, as they will Und th<> arrangements good and in their own hands. In the afternoon we drove out in an opposite direction to that taken on ISunday, to " Silver Heights," about six miles, a very nice residence and farm belonging to 8ir Donald Smith, and were received by the steward, Sir Donald being away. They had about iJUO acres of arable land, and planted 240 acr(\s of it with wheat each year. He Mas satisfied with a yield of 20 bushels per acre; ; dung was of no use, he had tried it several times, but should do so no more, as it only produced weeds. The same statement has been often made to us since in other districts, and it certainly has puzzled the delegates a good deal when, finding fault with the farmers for burning the sti-aw, as is so much done throughout Manitoba, we were met witli this answer, and have not been able to convince them against the practice ; as, however, mixed farming becomes more general, this will no doubt be discontinued. We have been told men will remove a building rather than clean out the dung, and in one instance we saw this actually done. A small lu-rd of West Highland cattle and a few Herefords, all running together without much attempt at management, making in all, including calves, about 40 head, comprised the stock on the farm, except horses and a few sheep shut in a yard. The steward said he had only SO acres of poor-looking prairie pasture, and it was not nearly enough to carry the above herd ; he wanted nearly ten acres to a beast to do well. A small herd of seven wild buffaloes are kept in an enclosed ground as a relio of the past, 168 The Afjriealtund Ueaourcfa of Canada. On our return journey to Winnipeg, wo passed some good land used for garden purposes, well cultivated, and very productive. We walked into gardens and talked with the occupiers, who evidently used dung when they could get it, and highly valued it, the result being fine vegetables and potatoes of good quality and quantity. Some very nice private residences on the banks of the A.siniboine lliver attracted our notice in the distance. The manager of the Manitoba Penitentiary, an Englishman who accompanied Lord Wols(*ley to Fort Garry in 1870, told me he had held the appointment 20 years, and during that time had only known five convicts convicted a second time after leaving the prison. On leaving, ho was allowed to give them a suit of clothes and £2 in money, and generally heard of their doing well by letters from the convicts themselves. He told me that, although he hoped to retire in a few years, he should end his days in Canada, as he loved the country and people. On Tuesday morning wo took leave of Winnipeg, accompanied by Mr. Scarth, the Member for Winnipeg, and journeyed on through a large tract of useful open prairie land, much of it broken up and appearing to have good crops of wheat, which all were busy stacking and thresh- ing, and we saw several lots of cattle in the distance as we passed. Our first stop was at Carman, quite a new settlement, in consequence of a branch line being made to it from the junction, the old town of Carman being a short distance away. Already an inn, several stores of various kinds, and an elevator to receive the corn which was being sent in constantly by the neighbouring farmers, are built, and the place looks thriving. A man had just shot a large white crane, rather larger than our common heron, hundreds of which he said infested the corn- fields during harvest time. They are good eating. After a stay of 40 minutes, we resumed our journey back to the junction, and so on to Glenboro', passing through a useful prairie country with some good corn at intervals, and plenty of wood and water — a great consideration to settlers. At the various stations on our road, hearing of our coming, the farmers brought specimens of grain, roots, &c., for our inspection, and one enthusiastic man brought a Shorthorn calf of his own breeding, said to be only eight months old, and weighing 940 lbs. live weight. It was really a very well bi*ed calf, of good shape, colour, and quality. We remained at Glenboro' for the night, making an early start next morning in conveyances, dividing up our party, some going to the crofters by Pelican Lake, some to the Icelandic settlement, and one to the French settlement, all to return to Glenboro' at night. I joined the crofter party, and we found ourselves passing through the best country for settlement we had yet seen, most of it for some miles out taken up and well farmed, although some, as usual, being held by speculators, was unbroken. The first settlers only started here eight years back, and many of them only two years ; all have built themselves fairly good houses and stables, and those who came first have broken all their land up, excepting that required for pasture for their cattle. Our first stop was among some crofters, formerly fishermen. This was only their first harvest, and we found them busy stacking wheat. As the crofter question will be dealt with specially by our Scotch Mr. Hi'ui'i/ Siinmons'g lieporf. 1.-9 U9 it. delegates, I will not dwell on this sul)joct, merely saying we found them fairly well satisfied witli the country and climate, not minding the long winter. All had made a good sttirt breaking up their ground, having from 20 to .'JO acres in \\\\ a', this s(>ason, iind us much and in some cases more ready for next year's cropping. They hav«i each a team, some two, of working oxen, 10 to 20 head of cattle, pigs, and poultry; and looked well and lit for \\ork, including the wives and children. My own opinion im, considering tin'ir former habits and occupation from childhood as Hshermen, they are making a fair start, and will in time become masters of their work, and get a fairly good position in the country. Wc; lieard from them the same story told us HO often since, that the lirst year is a most trying one, especially to the wives, but that after that is past you become accustomed to the life and Canadian in your ideas, and have no wish to return to the old home. It was pleasing to hear the crofters speak with gratitude of the great attention, kindness, and encouragement they had one and all received from Mr. and Mrs. Scarth, of Winnipeg, who had both visited them in their homes several times. Mr. Scarth undertook on behalf of the Government to carry out the arrangements made for settling these crofters, I believe. We passed on through a very us<,'ful, open country by Barnett Lak(s and so on to Pelican Lake, getting a tine view of the beautiful scenery all round as far as the eye could reach, and had a long talk with a young farmer busy stacking wheat. His former occupation was in a Liverpool merchant's oltice. He is married, and his two ,' ^ters, who came out to Canada with him, have both since married well to neighbouring settlers. A young man, an English clergyman's son, was helping him on the stack. AH appeared happy and contented, enjoyed the freedom of the life, and, as they put it, being their own " boss." We again started over the prairie, occasionally calling on a settler as we passed, and driving through some good hay country down to Belmont, a station on the Canadian Pacific Kailway Here we halted for tea, and then on by moonlight over the ])rairie, watering our horses on the way at an Icelanders' settlement (these are said to make some of the very best settlers, being thrifty and industrious), and so back, after a run of over 130 miles, to (llenboro'. Some of our party carried guns, and bagged prairie chicken, ducks, and teal during the day's ride, all of which are very plentiful in this district. The following morning we left Glenboro' in four rigs, or spring waggons of thc^ country, our destinations being Plum Creek, and thence by rail to Brandon. The land for some miles was very rich, well fanned, and caused many of us to wish we had a thousand acres of such soil in England. The first man we spoke to was very busy, like the rest, stacking wheat, but quite ready to tell us his experiences. He was formerly a gamekeeper in Lincolnshire : he farmed 160 acres — 120 acres in wheat and 20 acres in oats this year, and expected most of the wheat to yield 40 bushels per acre, and, judging from what we saw of it, half will yield it, and the other half over .'30 bushels. It was quite refreshing to see the way this man's work was set out and done ; he was evidently doing, as he said, well ; 100 Tlie Aijncidtuml Resources of Cimadn. had bought unotaer quarter-section ol' hinti, built a good liouse and premises, and, vith tiie assistance of his sons and datighters, who all work, will make money. He lited both country and cliii'iite, and hud lost asthma, from which he suffered a good deal when in Enghuid. Another joung man near was farming a half-section (JJ20 aci .s), with a very nice house a)id buildings on ii : he ]iaid for the land, which had been broken up. eight dollars an acie, and was every year paying for more live and ^lead stock out of his crops, which nere, like his neighbour's, fairly good. ^Ve then continued our way through good land, all v.ell farmed and in large holdings ; hero we saw a flock of about 2()0 South- down ewes and lambs, which the owner said paid him \\ell, although ho had to yard them by night from wolves. AVe halterl at a new railway station and very thriving vilhi ^e on the liiver Souris called Wawanesa; very pretty scenery, and tht> station and village ;ill built within the last year. On resuming our journey M(^ crossed the river, iiud ])assed through a long stretch of jn'airie, not of siu'h gDod (juality as that we ha;^ left, and mostly unbroken, held by specidator.,. Badgers ai. ' gophers (liitle animals between our rat and squirrel) abound, the badr,n's making holes in the trail xvvy dangerous for the horses' legs ; bat it is curious to ]\otice how very carefully those endurabh> little country horses avoid iteppiug into them. Evening found us at Plum Creek, after a drive of "G miles. We calculated that di'ving our drive, locking some two mih>s in oj-cli direction, we had s(>en something like .'' '■ <^00 bushels of wheat in stack. 'Wi) noticed a severe liailstorui iinl >".'ossed ono district early in the season, and the wheat injured by it was just being 'Hit very sliort and green, and not of much value. It is a rare occurrence in Caniuht, and no such tiling as a hail insurance office exists, riiim Greek is a very pretty ])l;ice on the Souris River, and a. large quantity of good land is available for corn-growing ; but here the sp.'culators have been largely at work, and mud' of the land is in their hands, for which they ucw ask from eight to ten dollars an acre. AVo left by train, arriving at I>randon foi the night. J'^-iday morning we wen^", acci)iu]),inied by Idr. Daly, M.F., and many of th(> leading mon in Brandon, to visir a large farm oceupitnl by a Mr. Sandison, froui Scotland, whose land was some of the richest and his management of it, from a mere corn laising point of view, the most business-like we have scn'u in Canada. From his own statement, verified by othcis, about seven y(>a";^ ago he began ans, say from seven to t-Mi thousand pounds, TIk^ ;/> lem is one of continuous cropping, and this year, ai'ter six previous corn cro])s. lie complains he grows too inucli straw, all of which ho burns out of his way immediately after harvest. He has 1,000 acres of Fife wlieat (the most favourite whi^at produced in C;inada), wlncb he expects will yield from .'i.j to 40 busliels, of GO lbs. t li(> bushel, per acre; ai d from the way it cpme down the spouts of two thi'eshiiig machines tlii^n at >\ork in the fields, being at the rate of three busiiels evt ry miin'.te each machine, and the ! ppearanoe of the cro]), ;ill being then in shoe!', it w ill probably, at any- uipe, reacii the ^o bushels \r.'V acre, and most uf it of good quality, and Mr. Jfi'Hrjf Shnmons'ii Report. 161 no complaint of damage by frost. Of oats lie has 550 aores, all after six years' previous corn crops, :'ud he estimates the yield at from eight to ten quaiters, of 154 lbs. the bushel, per aci'(\ The black Tartars are really a very fine crop, lie took an adjtjiiiing section of G40 acres last year for three years, at a rental of half a dollar per acre per annum. It is all ready for planting with wheat next season, well cleared, and will only require breaking down with the harrows in the spring of 1S91 to produce, after drilling, a fine crop of wheat. The only stock on the farm is 18 pairs of horses, working sulky ])loughs on which tho ploughmen ride; and we noticed twelve bindiM's standing in tho homesteiid awaiting winter quarters. Wild geese, ducks, and otlu'r game are plentiful on the farm, and produce good sport. On our homeward journey we calUul at the Brandon Experimental Farm, where luncheon was providi'd for our jiarty. The same system is carried out here as at Ottawa, and the buildings and management aro on the same commendabh^ principle, and under gooti ])aiustaking managers. In the afternoon we drove over the country on the east side of Brandon, calling on our way tlu-ough the city to see a stud of Shire and thoroughbred horsi's, imj)orted from England. AVe thought them only second rate, and fear the English sellers take qniti} enough mom-y, without, at the same time, taking care that the article sold is good. We had a drive of some ten miles out, taking a circle homo again thvough a great country of land available for emigrants, and a good deal of it already taken up, at from live to twelve dollars an acre. This country is said to be subject to drought, but as a whole we think it well worthy tho attention of intending s(>ttlers. A considerable quantity of land for many miles beyond Brandon is available and of good quality, and when in Ontario I heard of sevei-al old settlers there having chosen this pait of tlii> eoiintry for sending tbeir sons into. AV ,> saw prairie chicken and ducivs Vi abundance, and heard of wolves and a few b(\ars in the neighbouilu)od. A supjx'r and smoking concert was given in our honour, to wiiich we were invitcnl in the evening. On Saturday morning, after seeinj., the very complete mills owned by the mayo' of the city, sawmills, corn elevator, &c., we otarted in live rigs for Kapid City, distant about 21 luiles. The first part of our war led us again by Mr. Sandison's farm, and through for souie six or sn-eli miles a very tine farming district. The country was literally covered with wheat and other corn stacks as far as the eye could reach, but as wo approacl)ed Eajjid City the country was more wooded and of inferior quality, but much of it was taken up and settled, and soiiuMery good houses built. Kapid City hardly carries out its name, is it appears to have stood still in the race of late, owing to the main line of railway not having ])assi'd through it as was expected: however, with tho increased railway communication it has recently acquired, it is thought more atteilion will be directed to that district. We looked over a woollen manufactory, and gathered that a considerable quantity of sheep are kept in the neighbourhood, and we noticed some herds of cattle on the hills aroui\d. Coinjilaints of frosted wheat were made, 11 162 The Agnculti:ral Eeaourefs of Canada. but the yield was said to be about 25 bushels per aero and fairly satis- factory. We took the Irain for Minnedosa, where I left our party in order to spend two or three days with a gentlem.'ia formerly a pupil of mine at Bearwood, England, the rest of our delegates going on meanwhile to Saltcoats to see the crofters, then to Eussell, over Dr. Barnardo's home and farm for boys, afterwards to Binscarth, over some cattle ranches, and on to Bartle — all oi which, no doubt, will be fully described in their respective reports — p,nd on the following Wednesday morning we all again met at Minnedosa. On reaching Minnedosa on Saturday evening, I at once engaged a rig to drive me out to Clanwilliam, to my friend's house, about 10 miles distant. I arrived there — after an interesting drive, the latter part being through a rather w ooded country, and seeing a skunk, wolf, &c., cross our trail — about nine o'clock at night, and found my friend still busy tinishing a wheat stack, the letter I had written some days before, telling him of my coming, reaching him about ten minutes after my arrival. This gentleman, the son of a clergyman in Dorsetshire, England, when with me as pupil led quite an easy life, riding round tlie farms, and merely carrying out my orders to the respective foremen under him. Here I found him with his farm of 320 acres, at a cost of 5 dols. an acre, nearly all cropped, a good house and buildings well placed, but no soul in the house to cook or do any kind of housework save himself and a single manservant. The first thing was to run about a mile to get extra bread to carry us over Sunday, when we cooked our supper, and to bed on the floor. My object in recording this is simply to show that, in spite of all these apparent drawbacks, Canada has charms, every respect by educat'on at Oxford a own hnd, cook.iij; hi? own food, washing the help of one „.anservant, making thoroughly enjoying the life, in spite of comforts in England, as he told me over the smoking of a short pipe, as we talked well-nigh into Sunday morning. In order to save time, I may here just mention that, finding a letter from England awaiting my arrival here from another old pupil, who is enga;,ed to marry one of my daughters, and asking to be allowed to settle in Canada rather than Austnlia as before arranged, I sent a cable- gram for him to come at once to Clanwilliam. He is now there, and from letters received since, delighted with the country and his new life, and in all probability a section of land will be bought for him. This is the real fact which led up to the absurd reports copied from the Canadian into the English papers. On Sunday evening about half a dozen neighbours — all English gentlemen, educated at college— called to see me. They, like my friend, lield farms near, followed mi. ^h the same kind of life, managed to live and improve their position steadily, and were happy and contented with the life. On the Monday and Tuesday following we drove through the country in my friend's waggon and paii of horses, I paying oth ts to carry on his harvest work in his stead, time being valuable just at this season. We visited first his sister, who has hitely left England, from Here you have a man, m gentleman, ploughing his up, making beds, &c., with a fairly good living and all previous experience of Mr. Henrtf Simmons's Report. \Q\S ttle ble- eiv, his for )ied ing at ear, fovi^ leading a lady's life, hunting in the season, to marry a former acquaint- ance, a young man, son of a clergyman, also in Dorsetshire, who has 320 acres of land near. I found him, having but a small quantity of land broken for corn this year, gone to assist a neighbour with his harvest, and the wife left at home with one little English servant girl to milk the cows, water the horses, feed the pigs, &c., &c. The house was simply built for a granary, but re-arranged in haste for a temporary house, and a better dinner, better cooked, or in more comfortable ?uarters, 1 do not desire than this lady, without any notice, got ready or us. On the following day we visited another friend, also farming 320 acres, who had married a Canadian lady. Here we had good fare in the greatest comfort, which at once convinced me that Canada without a wife is a very poor place indeed. My earnest advice to a settler is, " Get at once a good wife, and you will have then little to desire." During the two days we visited many farms, on all of which the owners were busy stacking wheat, and we had to hear tales of much of it being more or less frosted, causing disappointment. I fear, however, that this largely arises from the advantages of early seeding and better farming not being thoroughly appreciated; but I am glad to say that I was afterwards told that on threshing the damagB was less than anticipated. The old tale was told from former bankers' clerks, sailors, and gentlemen alike — " We have to rough it, and meet with many reverses, but prefer farming here with it all to our original occupations.'' You wonder sometimes, thinking can they really mean what they say, but as you become better acquainterl with t\\?, country you understand and believe. To prove that this ki"* of life in no way tends to lower a man's natural tastes and instincts, my friend said to me in the midst of a dense forest, where we had lost our trail, and had just managed to get our waggon and horses over four large trees which had fallen across our way, a wolf passing us the while, " I do miss, Mr. Simmons, very iiiuch indeed my music and literature." This is a very useful part of the country, with good shooting, plenty of v/ood and water, and land that will produce for some years' successive cropping 25 to 32 bushels of wheat per ace which can be j)urchased at from 5 to 7 dols. an acre. jNIy friend left nie at Miunedosu on Tuesday night, where 1 again joined the other delegates on AVednes- day morning, going on to Neepawa, our next stop. Neepawa— an Indian word meaning ])lenty — is well named, as Ihis is one of the most productive districts we have struck. In 18^2 onlv three houses existixl, now it is rather a pretty town of some Gdo inhabitants. The land for the most part is a deep, ricli loam, and b. ars wheat from 25 to 40 bushels per acre for many successive years. One tanner told us his crop on 173 acres yielded 26 bushels per acre this season, and his oats and some barley turned out remunerative. Last year \w was offered for his wheat in the autumn 115 cents, and sold in the spring for 95 cents only. This district leads away to the Hiding Mountains, where a big fire was raging. Much good hay land is heroabouts, and altogether it is a good country and the people are 164 Thi Agricultural liesources of Canada. prosperous. At night we joined our car, and awoke next morning at Portage la Prairie, an old settlement of some 3,000 people, and grand tract of corn-producing land, reaching away for many miles on all sides of the town. Here our party divided, taking different sections of the country. Four large corn elevators and extensive mills are here, and it is quite a sijj;ht to witness the constant flow of waggons bringing in wheat, and returning with all speed to the various threshing machines at work in every direction as far as the eye can reach. It is said at least one million bushels of wheat are received here each season. We drove out with a Mr. Sorby to see his farm, 17 miles distant, and passed through a large breadth of country, in which wheat has been grown on the bulk of it ten, fifteen, and even twenty years successively. On asking why the crops generally appeared to have been only moderate this year, we were told the season had been unfavourable ; but my own impression was that the land looked exhausted, and that some course of mixed farming must be followed if the crops are to keep up their former yields. Mr. Sorby emigrated from Ontario, bought two sections (1,280 acres) of unbroken prairie and half a section of hay land, at a cost of about 20 dollars an acre. This is his second crop only. He had 830 acres of wheat, 23 bushels per acre, allowing for shed corn, owing to not being able to cut in time, and some frosted wheat ; and 50 acres of oats, 56 bushels per acre. He intends growing 1,200 acres of wheat and 80 of oats next year, and increasir^; his reaping machines to ten, in order to cut all in about one week. He has two good houses, good buildings, and what we had hardly seen in Canada before, a large shed for implements ; but he and his family live in Portage la Prairie. His system is to keep few men and horses on the farm, being able to hire any quantity of both in the busy time ; only during the winter having a foreman and one other man to pay. He only visits his farm once a fortnight, except during the busy seasons of spring planting, hay- making, harvesting, and autumn ploughing — this lasting about six months from the middle of April. He said he had let 640 acres to a man to plough for 1 dollar 75 cents (7s.) per acre, and the work was being well done. He purposes growing wheat successively for four years, and then planting timothy grass and stocking, rather than having bare fallow. No rick cloths, waggon cloths, thatcliing, or horse-shoeing being wanted in this country is a consideration. This is, without doubt, the easiest system of farming we have seen, and must pay well for the first few years — the question arises. Will it last ? This the present owner cares little about, leaving those who follow him to find it out. My opinion is that the prairie farmers will soon find out that the land will repay better and more careful farming than it now in many cases receives. The land now, including buildings, is worth about 50 dollars an acre ; much of it would grow barley, and this will, no doubt, be resorted to as a change of crop. A paper mill using sti-aw, for which they pay eight shillings per load of 15 cwt. delivered, is in this district, and the company have mills in other parts of Canada. This would appear a rising industry in a country where straw is not valued as a manure. We left Portage on Thursday evening, arriving at Indian Head on Friday morning, and Mr. Ihnrij Simmotis's Report. ^60 having breakfasted at the Commercial Hotel, went at once orer the Government Experimental farm, carried on here under the manage- ment of Mr. Mackay exactly on the same lines as those already described at Ottawa and Brandon, and certainly with equal credit to him as regards skill. The land is of better quality, but the climate more backward. Here an excellent lunch was prepared for our party, and great hospitality shown to us by Mr. and Mrs. Mackay. We then started to see the world-wide known Bell Farm, formerly consisting of 53,000 acres, but not proving a success, the land was sold, some 13,000 acres being purchased by the then manager. Major Bell, and the remainder by a colonisation society under Lord Brassey. A very heavy storm of rain and hail coming on, we could not do justice to Major Bell's farming, as, unfortunately for him, we entered on the side of his holding on which all his wheat was badly frosted, much standing uncut and horses and cattle feeding on it, and the other cut green and made into stacks for fodder. The storm was so heavy that we turned back, and did tot see his finer and better wheats, of which he had grown 1,400 acres, and hoped next year to grow 3,000 acres and 200 acres of oats. We saw at his house, which with the buildings was remarkably good, some good samples of the corn grown this season. The Colonisatio.i Society's Farm comprises 60 sections of 640 acres each, but as it was only started in May last little work has been done beyond the erection of a manager's house, buildings, and cottages. The idea is for English labourers to be assisted to emigrate, work on the farm for a year, and then settle according to ability on portions of the land unbroken, payments being extended in easy instalments over several years. It will be interesting to see how this experiment answers. We saw some good English Shire horses, and noticed 500 Shorthorn cattle in one field. This neighbourhood is not equal to that we had just left, and as we rejoined our car at three o'clock in the afternoon and travelled towards Kegina, we passed through prairie land of rather poor quality, liitle wood upon it, and very few settlers. The cost of producing a crop of wheat from sowing to the delivery into the elevator is estimated throughout Manitoba at from 28s. to 30s. an acre. We reached Regina, but made no stay there t'^is time, going on a 250 miles journey by train to Prince Albert, arriving there on Sunday morning after a somewhat uninteresting travel tluvjugli a fiat prairie country of poor quality and lacking wf)od and water, but it is said to be better than it looks. A tire was burning for many miles as we passed on over thp, pi-airie, the railway track, station;'!, and the few houses to be seen being protected from the fire by what are called fireguards. This is about six or eight furrows ploughed along each side of the rail and around the houses, which prevents the fire crossing. The effect of the fire gives a very desolate, bleak, barren appearance to the country. At the various stations very large heaps of buffalo bones, collected off the prairie by Indians, and 89nt, I am told, to England, are to be seen, and the Indians themselves, with horses and quaint-shaped carts, camping very like the old English 166 The Agricultural Resources of Canada. ; gipsy a short distance away on the rising ground. A few herds of cattle, flocks of wild geese, ducks, an occasional wolf or fox, startled by our train (the second only, I believe, that has passed up this newly-laid line), completed the picture. Prince Albert contains about 900 inhabitants, and is very pleasantly situated on the E-iver Saskatchewan, the surrounding scenery being very beautiful, and there are some very good houses on the high ground, with the police barracks and nunnery on the hilltop. We were taken in carriages for u circuitous drive through the country of 35 miles, calling at various farms and inspecting the grain. Some of the wheat was frosted, probably owing to late sowing, but the barley was of good quality. So far as we could judge, this district is more calculated for ranching than corn-growing at present, having no market ; but the line now open, and should eventually the contemplated line from the Northern Pacific be made, it would grow rapidly into an important settlement. "VVe heard of much good corn land and fine hay country in the opposite direction to the one we took, and the whole is well sheltered, with wood and water, and affords good shooting and sport of all kinds. I fancy this part of the country must wait a iew years till more accessible districts ai*e taken up. We left on Monday morning on our return journey, calling at Duck Lake, and driving out through a wide extent of prairie, with apparently little stock on it. A considerable trade in furs and skins is carried on here. Our next stoppage was at Saskatoon, to see some very fine samples of corn and specimens of roots. Oats were particularly fino, and here it was that a radish was given us weighing nine pounds, of good quality and flavour. We then continued our way, reaching Regina on Tuesday morning in a downfall of rain. Eegina, the capital of the North-West Territories, contains about 2,000 people, and was started ten years since; it boasts of little beauty as to situation, being flat, and surrounded by boundless prairie. It is rightly named " Queen City of the Plains." It is a growing city, with several good hotels, churches, banks, and other public buildings, but owing to the heavy rain, the streets were in a wretched condition. We could see little of the countiy, the weather being so bad, but attended an agricultural exhibition going on in the city. Unfortunately the cattle did not arrive until after we left, but we saw quite a display of excellent corn, grasses, and roots from the Indian Head Experimental Farm, and also others grown by farmers in the neighbourhood, including butter, cheese, wines, pickles, bread, harness, and many other useful things; also needle- work, fancy articles, writing, maps, and work done by children. A special exhibition of the productions from the Indian Eeserve, in- cluding most of the things above mentioned, particularly interested us, and we thought the wheat the best in the whole show. We met many farmers, among them a Berkshire and a Lincolnshire man ; all reported favourably of their position and prospects. We were entertained at a grand dinner in the evening by the leading citizens, and afterwards rejoined our railway car, starting dux'ing the night for Calgary. We have noticed throughout Canada mares with foals are worked as before, both for driving and farm purposes, the foals running by the Mr. Heitry Simmon^s Report. 16; ( side of the dam ; this, coupled with the climate, may account in some measure for the powers of endurance the Canadian horses possess. In England our hard roads would make this impracticable. On our long ride to Calgary of some thousand miles — chiefly through u wide expanse of prairie land, much of it of somewhat barren appearance, with here and there settlers' houses and occasional herds of cattle and horses, several large lakes, but not a tree to be seen — we met several fellow-travellers, who gave us much useful information ; one in particular, a Mr. Stone, manager of eleven farms of 10,000 acres each, much of it being land we were then passing through, acquired by Sir John Lister Kaye, and sold by him to the Canadian Coal, Agricul- tural, and Colonisation Company. Mr. Stone's experience was that, owing to the frequent droughts, he should in future look rather to horse and cattle rnnching than corn-growing, only raising corn sufficient for his own use and requirements. He had suffered this season from frost to the wheat and hot winds in July, which had damaged the oat crop, of which we saw 300 acres being cut for fodder. He had grown 25 bushels of wheat per acre. He had 400 mares, and imported Shire and thoroughbred stallions, and endeavoured to keep them out all winter on tlie prairie, sometimes without any hay being given them. He also had 23,000 merino ewes, crossed with Cheviot, Shropshire, and Leicester rams, which seemed to me must lead to a mixed medley of mongrel sheep, unless the pure strains are imported. Ewes cost 14s. each, and he sold lambs at lis. each. He clipped this season 50 tons of wool, which sold at 7|d. per lb. unwashed. Foot-rot is unknown. The sheep have to be housed at night all the winter against the wolves, 500 of these animals being killed annually. One shepherd attends 2,000 sheep. This housing is a drawback to profitable sheep-farming. He had in all 700 horses and over 7,000 cattle of the Shorthorn and Polled Angus breeds on the respective farms and ranches. He prefers the Berkshire breed of pigs to Yorkshire or any other breed yet tried. Water can be got at about 60 feet, and the wells are worked by windmills. General Grant was another gentleman who, with his son, was seeing the country West. His son was settled at Griswold, 25 miles from Brandon ; had lived two years with a farmer, then homesteaded a half-section ; had since taken up another half-section and additional hay land ; and having now a partner in a young Englishman, they had added a livery stable business, and appeared to be doing well. The General returned with us on the " Parisian " to England, pleased and delighted with his son's success and Canada generally. We arrived on Thursday morning, 9th October, at Calgary, the capital of the important district of Alberta. It is a thx'iving town of about 5,000 people, situate at the junction of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, commanding grand views of the Kocky Mountains. We were received at the Alberta Hotel by the mayor and others, and at once started for a long ride to see the country, and called at a large farm held by a gentleman who with his brother combines this \\\i\\ land in British Columbia and a large business as butchers. We saw grazing on the prairie a herd of 120 bullocks of mixed breeds ready for slaughter, 168 T7ie Agricultural , sources of Canada. and they appeared to be doing well. We also saw a small flock of Merino sheep. Not much corn is grown excepting oats and barley for home consumption. Threshing was then going on with a horse power machine worked by 12 horses, a novel sight to us. The yield was satis- factory, being about 56 bushels per acre. After luncheon we returned to Calgary by another route, through a good ranching country, fording the rivers, and calling at a woollen luanufactory, where we saw good rugs and blankets produced from the wool grown in the district. The following morning it was arranged to divide our party, some staying to do the Agricultural Show being held in Calgary, while six of us left at eight o'clock in a four-horse rig' for a two days tour through the fine ranching district stretching out towards the foot of the liockies. "We passed over more than 100 miles of country, seeing several noted horse and cattle ranches, and returned to Calgary the following day, much pleased with the enormous resources of this vast Alberta Province generally. Without doubt, opened up as it now is by the Canadian Pacific Eailway and other lines in formation to the Edmonton, Lethbridge, and other districts containing an untold area of land suitable for corn-growing, dairying, and grazing purposes, together with an abundance of timber, coal, and valuable minerals, this will fast become one of the great centres of Canadian trade and prosperity. We left for Banff during the night, arriving there on Sunday morning, where we spent a quiet day, getting our fill of this our first actual view of the Eockies and visiting the sulphur spring baths. The scenery is simply magnificent, and as we journeyed on at daybreak on Monday morning for our next stopping-place, New Westminster, the views that met our eyes on every side and at every point filled us with awe and admiration. To attemjjt a description of the ri through the Kockies would fill a volume, and must be made to be thoroughly understood. I can only say we occupied a place in the observation ear the greater part of the time, and, although the whole journey strikes you as possessing more than the ordinary elements of danger, you become entranced with the nobleness of the everlasting hills, and almost regret finding yourself once more in the open country beyond. We reached New Westminster on Tuesday afternoon. It is situated very prettily on the Fraser Eiver, contains about 7,000 people, and in m the building and imi)rovements now going on is evidently thriving, and every effort is being made to increase the trade and add to the growing importance of the town. The lumber mills here are extensive, and well repaid us for a visit ; also the various salmon canneiies on the Praser. This has become an enormous industry, Messrs. Ewing's establishment .ilone working 400 hands in the factory end an equal number fishing, and turned out this season 25,000 case; cf 48 one lb. tins of salmon in each case. The season lasts from about the ICth of July to the end of August. The Fraser Eiver abound in salmcn ; but throughout British Columbia salmon will not rise to a fly, they arc all netted. We took a steamboat to Ladner's Landing, some few miles down the Fraser, and had a short drive into the rich delta district. Mr. Henry Simmonss Report. 109 This is an immense tract of land said a few years since to be worth only a dollar an acre, and is now by drainage selling at 50 dollars an acre. It is said to produce 3 tons of timothy grass, (J to 7 quarters of wheat, and from 10 to 15 quarters of oats per acre, and the samples we saw were of very fine quality. Fruit trees, vegetables, and roots of all kinds simply revel in the rich alluvial soil. The following Thursday morning we started by road for Vancouver, a distance of 12 miles, through a forest of timber ])assing belief for multitude and size, many of the Douglas pines being 250 feet high and measuring from 2b to 50 feet in circumference. Fire here, as every- where else, had ravaged much of it, the whole being in a primeval state, and apparently of little value, as it costs more to clear the land than the timber is worth. This is splendid land cleared of timber, but tlie labour is appalling. Vancouver is and must become a very important city, from its situation commanding the Pacific trade and commerce. It is only of four years' growth, and already contains 15,000 people. Some very fine hotels, churches, houses, and large shops are in courr^c of erection, but even here the speculator has gone in advance of the demand, and finds he has to wait awhile to realise the large prices paid for the land around. Lulu Island, distant about ten miles, was visited by us in the afternoon. This ride was through forest as before described, and from its nearness to Vancouver clearing is going on. Lulu Island is another tract of rich land of some twenty-tive to thirty thousand acres in extent. Like the delta, after drainage, it is rich and most productive, and sells for good prices according to situation. The country struck us, as somewhat uninviting, and requiring better railways and other means of access before it can be fully developed. The climate through- out British Columbia is a good deal like that of England, only not so changeable. We left Vancouver on Friday evening by boat, calling for the night at Nanaimo, and seeing the coal mines there (output daily 1,800 tons, price at pit's mouth, 16s. a ton), then on next morning to Vancouver Island, to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia. The mayor and corporation received us on arrival, and after taking up our quarters at the Driard Hotel, were driven round the city and public park, calling on Lieutenant-Governor Nelson, a very genial, intelligent nan, in our round, and visiting the public buildings and museum of the natural productions of the province ; afterwards a dinner was given in our honour, and a most enjoyable evening spent. On Sunday we drove out into the country, calling at various farms on our way. The quantity of fruit hanging on the trees, chiefly apples and pears, struck us as very wonderful ; the trees were literally broken down with the weight of fruit, and little or no demand for it, hardly worth the expense of gathering. Frost had spoilt some of the back- ward grapes and plums. On Monday, being unable to leave the island owing to an accident to the boat, we rode out about four miles by the electric cars to Esquimalt, and saw the large dry docks and other places of interest there. This island seems more adapted for small occupations ; vegetables and poultry, with milk and butter, are always wanted, and command good prices. Butter is two shillings a pound, IVO The Afjricxdtural llctourcea of Canada. eggs twopehce each, milk livepence a gallon, uud fowls four shillings each just now. The land is rich, but much o£ it heavily timbered. Victoria contains about L'5,000 people, and the houses and buildings are good ; the appearance of tiio whole city denotes wealtli and comfort, and is altogether worthy of being the ca])ital. "We left Monday evening for Vancouver, and, rejoining our rail- way car, commenced our homeward journey, visiting by boat from New Westminster down the Fraser the Sum;is Valley, a large district of some 20,000 acres of land available for grazing and corn-growing : the lower lands are alluvial deposits of many feet in d(>ptli, and of great richness. Here we sa\A' an (;xtraordinary crop of apples in all quarters, and the land was being cleared of the timber on tlie higher lands and settlements made. We saw here some very good farm buildings, and went over several cheese dairies apparently doing well. There were good Shorthorn cattle and some well-bred young horses in tht' pastures. We remained the night at Chilliwack, and then drove thi'ough more of the low lands, crossing the river near the Government Experimental Farm at Agassiz ; this had not long been started, and the day being wet, after witnessing the system employed to remove the roots of trees, &c., in clearing, we took our railway car, and bid adieu to British Columbia. We could not for want of time visit the Okanagan and Similk- ameeu Valleys, a district not yet opened up by railway, but said to be 300,(H)() acres of the finest land for mixed farming in Canada. Much of it is already settled, but large quantities are still owned by speculators waiting for their time. We were told that last season 120 tons of twine, for the machines to bind the corn with, was used in this district alone. Our next stay was for one hour at Medicine Hat, to see the North-Western Territories Hospital, erected by Mr. Niblock, a line building well arranged, and the comfort and cleanliness of the inmates, 17 in number, cared for in every way. Two wards were furnished by the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, and are named after them respectively. On Sunday morning we reached Wolseley, a small town of about 200 people, and, under the guidance of Mr. Senator Perley, \w drove in different directions through the surrounding country, visiting the settlers as wo passed. The good wives of Wolseley were much dis- turbed by our taking their husbands out on the Sunday morning, but we made a compromise, and all went to church in the evening. There is a very large tract of land here awaiting settlement, and can be bought cheap. The land is much of it of good quality, but lies exposed and more fit for ranching. Others of our party reported more favourably of the district they saw, and thought it favourable for mixed farming. The Qu'Appelle A'alley, formerly the bed of the river, is very pretty and productive. About 50 German settlers, with their families, had just reached here from Dunmore, near Medicine Hat, where the season had proved too dry for them, and they had exchanged for land near Wolseley. From here w(^ went on to Moosomiu, a town of about eight years' standing and 800 people, and one that will continue to Afr, Ifmrif Simmons s Report. 171 increase and improve. I should recommend, t'roui all we saw in a lonfj; drive through it, this district to the notice of settlers for mixed farming; the land is of good quality, easily cleared, with plenty ol:' wood and water, and to be had in largo or small quantities, at a reasonable cost. Wo saw some good crops of wheat, but little damage done by frost, and tl.' yield was reported good. We went over the schools, and in the evening were entcrtaiuc'd by the mayor and corporation and other friends at a dinner. We h-t't the following morning, making our way to Winnipeg, and thence by a short run into the States by the St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Manitoba Jiailway, return- ing by Niagara, into the Province of Ontario, being taken in hand at Hamilton (45,000 inhabitants) by Mr. Blue, Deputy Minister of Agri- culture, and a Mr. Hobson, of Masborough. Niagara, like the liockies, must be seen to be thoroughly appreciated. I w ill only now sa}', after four hours' carcful viewing, 1 was charmed with the whole scene,, and on leaving regretted that possibly it was for ever. After visiting an electro-plate manufact' 'y and other placiw of note, we took train for Brantford, where \\i mained the night. During the evening we attended a meeting of Liie Board of Trade, and were introduced to many of the leading men, afterwards going home with the President for a short interview and light refreshment. Starting early the next morn- ing, we went out about three miles to see the Bow Park rami, occupied by Messrs. Nelson, consisting of 1,000 acres of very productive land, well and highly farmed on tlu^ mixed system of hu^'iandry. Here, owing to the milder climate, autumn-sown wheat is practised and was looking very proud, and a bett'-r plant of young grass seeds 1 have seldom seen in any country. Th(^ buildings arc ample and very extensive, and the herd of Shorthorns is second to none in Canada ; in fact, they would compete favourably with many of our best English herds. Unfortunately the manager, ^Ir. Hope, was from home, acting as judge at the Chicago Horse Show, where we had previously met him. A particularly good lot of young iieifers, now being served by a young bull of prime quality bred on the farm, look like jnaintaining the prestige of the herd. The autumn-sown wheat this year yielded Ji2 bushels per acre. On our return journey, we visited the Mohawk Church, where Captain Joseph Brant was buried, and afterwards saw a very handsome monument erected to his memory in Brantford. He was an Indian chief, very loyal to the Englisli Crow n at the tiJiie of the American Eebellion. He died in 1 f<07. After seeing several agricultural and otlier manufactories in Brantford and visiting the House of liefuge and an Asylum for the Blind a few miles out, our party divided, I. and one other delegate going on with Mr. Hobson to Paris (5,000 inhabitants), passing through a country of mixed farming very like many parts of England, good houses and homesteads, and land fenced in, fairlv well farmed. We were told much of it could be bought at from £10 to .£15 an acre. Twenty-five bushels of wheat per acre was about the average yield this season. We called on one or two farmers, and all gave a favourable report of the district. 172 The Arjr'u'idtitml Ittaonrccs of Ciuuida. AN I MAUIO f.Mi.M. AVe left Taris for "WoodstDck (9, ')(!(» iuluibiliiuts), reui'liing tlu-rt^ iibuut 7 o'clock in the cv(aiing. The following morning we drove through ji fairly good country, making our first stop at Mr. Green's, of Ennerick, a AVt^lsh gentleman, lie has a very nice house and good premises, with well-timbered ])ark-like grounds and euti'ance drive. Purchased by Mr. Green eight years since at 55 dollars an acre, he now would sell with all imi)rovoments at 75 dollars an acre (i'lS). ]Te has two daughters and three sons, and, although quite ladies and gentlemen, they appear to do most of the \\ ork, and I have seldom had a better luncli or more conifortably served. Mr. Green has a small herd of pure-bred Shorthorns, a nice flock of Shropshire slieep, a few good Shire-bred horses, and some pedigree pigs. The Yorkshire pigs, said to be of Mr. Sanders Spencer's breed, do little credit to their breeder. We next visited a neighbouring farm, owned by Mr. Donaldson, of about 400 acres, with good house and buildings ; a very nice herd of ])ure-bred Shorthorns, with a good bull in service, and a good flock of Shropshire sheep. Mr. Donaldson has three sons who have left Ontario for the AVest, purchasing 320 acres each in Manitoba, in the Brandon district, and they are doing well. His reason for this is that young men can start cheaper in jNIanitoba than in an old province like Ontario. AVe returned to Woodstock, going on by train to London for the night, where a Mr. J. Gibson, of Delaware, joined us. London is a nice town o£ some 35,000 inhabitants. We left in the early morning to drive out to Mr. Gibson's farm at Delaware, about 18 miles by the route we took, passing through a Mr, Hear 'I SinviwuK's liqiorl. IT.'J fairly Rood country, with good fences, houses, and buildings. In many places the old original log hut could bo seen standing at tlio rear of the new. substantial, well-built, brick residence. All tlu; houses had A VIKW IV I.ON-noV f.NTMMd (l!i( hiiioiid .street, looking' s-oiith.) gardens and trees planted around, giving them a homelike jind English appearance. Some of the land looked light and sandy, but tht; wheat all showed what we should call at this season gay. Mr. Gibson's is a well-built, good-looking house, a])proached tlirough well planted and kept grounds, with good buildings, and about .'JOG acres of productive land, farmed on the English system chiefly. He has a h(,'rd of pure Shorthorns of the most fashionable strains of blood, and one cow in particular struck us as really the best we had set'u in Canada ; a very choice flock of Shropshire sheep, and Berkshire and Yorkshire pedigree pigs. He is himself a Lincolnshire man, and has crossed the Atlantic '33 times, and boasts of having been in every county in England savo two. Altogether, he is a successful farmer, and a man of the right stamp all round. Delaware is a very pleasantly situated village on the banks of the Elver Thames. We returned by anotlier road to London, passing through a poorer district not so well farmed, remaining in London the night, and being again joined by the rest of our party, who had taken an opposite direction through the province, and returned delighted with all they had seen. Shooting in Ontario is claimed by the respective owners as in England. On Saturday morning we all left by train for Guelph, in order to see the Agricultural College there, passing through a useful mixed-farmed district, but much of it apparently wanting draining and capable of better farming, good houses and buildings everywhere, and land fenced. On arriving at Guelph we found it was market day, so we first inspected the market and talked with many of the farmers, and then passed on to the college, being 174 Tlu Af/ricultnral llemurcin of Canada. M ,: received by the president, Mr. Mills, After iiincheoo, we were showu over the establishment, ani.l then condi ,;ted over ilie farm, and saw the syytem of! butter-makinjj; and the I'espective small herds of Shorthorn, Hereford, PoHed Angus, and Alderney cattle. A very fine Hereford bull, bred / tlie Queen, took our fancy, but unfortunately he was a bad stock-getter. Experiments are carried out in crossing the various breeds, and in ali the lahorthorn sire j^roduced the best results. Some useful lairbs bought in the fall, fe<'ding off rape, looked like paying fairly well. All sheef. are lu»Msed in the winter. The quality of the wheat grown -was interior, liiis college is conducted on very sound practical and economioal priucij les, and every ncouragement is given to the pupils, numbering at this t.'me 80, to do good manual work on the /arm, for which payment is jij ide according to ability ; and it is possible for hard-working young men to clear the fee of .£20, paid by those born in Ontarij annually , by their own industry during their stay in the college. The whole system is sound and worthy of all encouragement. AVe now made our way back to Toronto, from thence to Ottawa, where we \\cv<'- entertained at a dinner given by Mr. Carling, the Minister of Agriculture, tho mayor, and corporation, aid on the morrow took our leave and journeyed on to Montreal, from thence next day to Quebec, embarking on the good ship " Parisian "' for EnglpTid. Having thus brliifly described our long travels through this vast a)^d interesting country of Canada, 1 will end my report by a summary of the conclusions I have arrived at as to the capabilities, from an -migration point of view, of the whole country generally. The first thing to iripress on emig''ants is, that unless they are prepared to work, ana for a time, a"; any rate, forget the luxuries of life in England, they hr»d far better remain at home. This at first may seem hard and di> ouraging, but against this stands the fact that tiirougliout our travels, no matter how unfavourable the surroundings appeared, we n(iver heard man or woman regret iheir coming to Canada, or wish to return to EngLiiid other than on a visit to see friend.v. The first yi'.v 's often trying, but afterwards they become accustoiu<>d to the country aiid people, and evn-yone is happy, contented, and for the Most part fairly jn-osperous. We met several settlers who had gone home ji^'ter a short stay disgusted, but finding no ])lace in the old country had r(>tiirned and were doing well. Very littl,' compli'irt was made to us about tlie climate; no one denies its bein,<; cold in the wint'r, but the atmosphere is clear, dry, and bracing, and so different to our variable, moist finglish climate, that most people prefer it. The seasons, both suni^ner and winter, can be calculated on as to their respective duration, and consequently every care and provision made. The sumnnn-, lasting only from about the middle of April to the end of October, is a time of bustle and cour 'iint strain from the time the crops are pu'^ in until they are harvested ; then follows winter, during which to a great extent labour is suspended, and an immense amount of good fellowship and enjoyment goes on throughout the country. I would iulvi^:.' inteivling emigrants to go out upd (-btiiin work, .^^r-A. ,: Mr. Henry SiinmoHs's Ite^tort. 175 Ich lod which ca.li easily be got m summer, a;id to look around before dt eidiiig as to their future. I Bay to all, " If you are doing fairly well at home, there remain ; but if you happen to be one of the very many for whom no place here seems open, or from some cause or other have missed their mark or been met by misfortune, then take my word for it, a home can be found in Canada." The industrious labourer, skilled or otherwise, can always find remunerative employment. The gardener or small dairyman would have no difficult}' in Bi'itish Columbia. The man with only .£100 would find homesteads ready to be entered on in many parts of ^Manitoba and other parts hereinbefore described ; and the man w ith larger means can find there also any quantity of land, either for corn-growing or ranching, that with industry and good management will soon make him ha] ] y and independent. It may be that many a good man will say, " 1 fihould not mind a rough life myself, but could not subject my wife and children to it." To such a one I would say — assuming that he has a fair amount of money — " Take a good vsection of land, and leave for awhile your family in the nearest town till some of the rough work is done." I found men doing this at 10 and 15 miles distance from the town with success. But after all, the rough life, as it is called, has its own peculiar charm, and 1 saw- mothers and daughters who had lived in the greatest luxury in England perfectly contented in their log hut, while a better house was building, with no domestic help whatever bey(md their own fam'il} . Another plan, and to many emigrants with capital at command I would very strongly rt.'coiumend it, would be to go into the Province of Ontario, which embraces an ari a of LSlJ.cOri square miles much of it very productive land— and seek out oiu' (jf the many desirable farms constantly to be bought at from .£10 to .£20 an acre, with good houses, buildings, and fences, and land all under cultivation, and where every comfort of life can b(^ obtained and enjoyed just as easily and more economically than in England. The Ontario faruKTs |>ref(;r selling their holdings and sending their families, if not going themselves, to the rougher life of the Far AVest ; and these, from their ex])erience of earli(M' years, make good settlers — so making openings in many parts of Ontario for the class of emigrants described above. In England, although from sheer necessity a change is taking place in this I'espect, laborious manual field labour lias been regarded as a degradation : in Canada it is really a ()a«port to society. Whereso- ever we went, the hardworking well-to-do setth^r (and the two things are usually found to follow eaeh other) was reeeived by every Canadian, no matter what his own position in life was, as a brother, to whom they were ever ready to give honour and i'espect. The same n.'inarks apply equally to tlie w ives and cliildren. To the capitalist Ciniada offers great advantages, and large per- centages can be obtained on good security. The only men not wanted in Canada are the dissolute and idle ; any such on getting there will be grievously disujipointed. 1 ncn-er saw a begL^'ir or was solicited for alms throughout the country. Another objectionable class is tlmt of sons of gentlemen with any amount of mcmey at command, who )1'"t1 Mt their occupations, loaf ubout town, lose their capital. :iii(l so got 178 The Ai/rUuHural Iteaoiirces of Canada. thr! country a bad namo. Of course, thero an; iii:uiy exceptions, and educated ^[(Mitletnen have succeeded, but you will tiiid tlu^y were sent out vvitli little iiioH(;y, and lel't to liud their feet in tli(! new country befon; money was supplied tluMu from home. For my own part, 1 can truthfully say I never met with more civility, hospitality, and kindness than I did throut^hout Canada at every point and from every class of her people, to all of whom J shall feed ever decjply indebted. To the \;irious railway and steamship companies who so gen(;rously studied our eomftut and e(mvenienc(! my thanks are fj;ladly rendered, and esp<'eially to the J Ion. JMr, Carlinj^ and the various deputies inidei- him, not f()rf;ettin<;; our friend aiul coiUMer, Mr. Campbell, for attentions and considerations throuf^hout our lonfj and somewhat (jveiitful journc-y that time can never efface. I left Canada with regret, althou;,di naturally glad to make for home after a thn^e months iibs((nc(; ; and as it appears likely that some of my family will sdth; tlx^i-e, I cannot altogether help ciierishiug the idea that at some futun; time; J nuiy make a second visit. ISlay the visit of the delegates ])rove of mutual advantage to both countries by causing i-eliable inl'ormation Ui b(^ made known and Canada b(!tt(!r understtjod ; then, I feel sure, a fair share of our sur- plus population will go out, to find in that va^^t, but thinly ])opu- lated, country, happiness and prospeiity. THE REPORT OF MR. JOHN 8PEIR, Newton Farm, Newton, Glasgow. T n.VD the honour of bcinji; iii)|)oliilc(l l.o rcprcsinit the South of Scotland as ono of the; fannur dulo^'atcs iiivitrd by tUo Canadian Government to visit the Doniinioti to i-epoft on its agricultural roHOurcos, i^nd, Icavini^ (jllasgou on ii(Jth August, 1 saiie-d I'roni Liver- pool tiu! following day in ow. of the Allan liim; steamers. After a rather rough passagi; 1 landed at (Quebec, and, having had a look round it, .proceeded to Ottawa to sim^ the Minister of Agriculture (Hon. John Carling). Here I found I was Iht; iirst 1o arrive, and whih- I waited on the others, 1. twice visited tin; (Government Experimental Farm there, t!ie diiTereut industries carried on at Ottawa and Montreal, and tlie country around tlu^sc; cities and Toronto. At the latter city I visited Canaila's great Industrial I'lxhibition, and made excursions into the districts around Niagara, Hamilton, and (fuelph, where I visited the Ontario Government Experimental Farm. The last of the delegates having turned u;^ at Toronto, a special sleeping cai- was hired, and we all proceeded i\v the (irand Ti-iink Railway to North Hay, and thence by th(! Canadian Pacilic Railway to Winni]ieg. I''rom Winnipeg excursions were madt; Ijoth north and scnith along the J^'d llivei"; then the South Western R^iilway was followed to Caruian, which is a br in.;li tt;rminus, and to Glenboro', wh(;re th(! railway just uow ends. From there a drive was made- 1o the Scotch crofter settlement around Pelican Fiake, and from tlience north to Brandon. A day was sjjent. driving I'ound the, farms about Brandon, and visiting the. Dominion Government Experimental Farm there, afttu' which wc; went nn to Rapid City, and from it by rail to MiiUiedosa, then up the Manitoba and North AV"e>tern iiaihvay to Saltcoat'^, the present terminus. Around Saltcoats we h;id two u ys' driving, one south and the othr-r north, and on the latter day we visited th xiimined the Honiininu (lovern- menf I'Api'iimefit.d Farm, the B)»'rt. 'laving had a d;iy> driving round I'l-inci; AII"li,^M' aguiii returned to Regina, where an exhibition of rool«.. \egeluhles, iV;c,/ 1,78 The Aiirknlliii'iil HcsDiiras of CdnaJ.ii. Wiis being lii'ld, iiiid wliicli we \i.silr(l. Tin- (hiy follow ins,' ii in()V(^ wji.i luade wuslwiird to Medicine Hut, where ii fihort stop was ni:id(^ to visit a show o^" roots, t;r;uns, &c., wliicli was being held lliere. 8till going westward, aiiotlni' short slop was made at Cl•an(^ J^ake, to vi(!w a lai'U'e breeding stiul of horses belonging to ^lie Canadian Agricultural Coiii- j)any; after which a. halt was not luiule till Calgary was reached. Around Calgary tlii'e(! days were s|)ent visiting cattle, horse, and sheep ranches, mixed farms, and an exhibition of cattle, horses, slic('|), grain, kv. Leaving Calgary, a slo|) was made tor a liay at liaiilf, where there are /lot sniphui' springs, aftei- which we went on to \ew Westnunster, wducli is the end of a short In-ancl. line. Is miles from the terminus of the railway on 1 he i'acilic eii;i~t . l'"rom here a short sail was taken up the I'raser Iviver, then dow n to l-adner's Landing, during which several of the salmon canneries were visit'd. l''romthe landing I. drove n\ei' to IJoundary Hay, \isiting one fruit and M-getabh; farm, one slock iarm, and several mixed fai-ms on the w;;\. Jieturniiig fi'om Boundary Bay. I crossed 1 he Fraser Kiver in one of the hu^je and hand-^onie passenger und fn'ight steamer--, to Nteveuson, fiom which I ilrove across ladii Island to N'anciiuver, wiiei-e I joiii"d the ri'sl of the compaii\. After '■".•iving liad a look round \'ancoiivr and its Aiciiuty. we took steamer J.ir Xanaimo. on \ anc()u\er Island. I lere I visited and (_le-ceiided (»ne of the pilsof the \'ancouver ( oal Company. and then took rail to \'ictoi'ia. Two days anil a half were spent in and around the district north of Victoria, after which wcretuiiied per steamer to \'ancouver, and from ihence ])er I'iiil t'l \ew A\ t'st m;iist(;r. Here we ji;],!';! the regular np-ri\er steamer, which c()n\eyefl us to Suma--s. from which \\i' drove ihroiigh the Chilliwaek A'a'iev to I'dpriim. where we entered Fndian canoe-,, and sailed three miles down the ri\cr to o|)posite Agassi/. raihvav station, where we landi'd, and after bui'riedly visiting the Dominion Cioverninent Exporimental I'arm ; hei'e, again joined the eastward-bound train. On tin; way back to Winnipeg, sonio of tin' party drojjped off at Cal'/.iry, llegina, and Branilon, and I wi.'nt off and ])as.sed a day around Wolsidey, and aufjther at .Mcwsomin, where 1 \isit''d a, number of the. Lady Cat heart ciofters; after which 1 weiil'. on to Winiiipeg. JVoni there I returned I'ound the .•-onth ^ido of the lakes, r!<( Si. Paul, .M iuneapolis, and Thirago. to J'urt, Il::ron, ent(;ring Ontario at the M'ulh-wi'-t 'Tjrner. I'^rom this I weul Id London, t hence nortli, ria Clinton, JilUlie,and Wingham. ti. Kincardine. North of Kincardine J spent a poi'lion of one diy, and then droNe sonth aboui 1- luiles, an(l i'rom there <>i\ to \\'inghai: , I'alniei-.slon. (iiudph, and Toronto, where I aL^iin joined the ol her d, 'legates. The follow ing day was speni driving ihroiigh l!.i' (ounlrv about \'J or l")ndles north of Toionto, where, anuuig others, we visited .Mr. K'n-^ejl's exeelleiil stock i)f Shorthorns and Clydesdales. I'Vnui Torttnlo W" v.eni to Ottawa, ;,i.(l then on to .^loiilreal, from \\ni''!i I drove out to s -e Hie VI rv "'ood stocks of Avr-hires behmvln'/ to Messrs. liro\vn riul DinunMond. '!"he rollowiic.:; d;iy we went by rail lo (^)uebec. wheie w,' joini'd t!ie Allan Line, -teamer -Parisian." an', aller a !airl_\ i'n( d ]ia^'-a;.'e of nine dav -, ai'i'ivcrl at Liverpool mi L'l'ud Noveudier, and 1 got iioni" rather Jat'.- that nigh.; J/r. JoJni Spi'irs Hrporf. 17D Solli AM) (JkNEHAL AlTKAIlANCE. Quebec. — Much of tlio land of tht; I'roviiici! of Quebec is rather disappointing, a larjj;o extent of it bi'ing thin and poor, and, wliero deep enouii;h, in many cawes iv is very dani|), tlie uhoh; provinco evidently beini^ juuch in need oi" ■inder-diaining. Ixound Ottawa and Montreal there are many good farms, but tlie bulk of the land uvea there is shallow, tli(f rock in many cases lying (piite close to the surface. Market-gardening and fruit cultivation are carried on to a consid«!rable extent a \'r\v miles outside of ^lont real, the bulk of \vhich is il()n(i by the French r'anadians, and. altliougli as a rule the farming of the province is not up to the standard of Jiritish idea-^. still that around Montreal do(s credit to those engaged in it. Of the Hat or good laiul of (^u(!bec, dtth; is now carrying timber, but recently cleared lields, with tiie blackened stumps still standing, are occasionally met with. These sliow very vividly, th(; labour wliicli the iirst settlers must have s|)en1 in clearing their farms. itff^-' laii iissiz Ihe Ihe Hie ami i-e I. '.vi'mI- the •ving li"!!. irth Uillt nnd dav ii (",r lock 111.- I'U.I line ;i,irl} ihel', Mi-.w (!!■ i|Ui-:iii:i, Oiiliiriij. I'ldess in the North, t lie greater bulk of the l*ru\in<'e of Ontario is all jirst-class land, and mui-li of it really of a v(My superior cpialily. Jn a general way, it may Ik; >aid that the land along tlu; lakes is all gf s is also that north and norfli-ea^t of 'Por.uito, while a little \\cs1 of that city it i^ rather iiidilVereiit. At and near Ouelpb, llu! land becomes fairly ;;'ootl again, and from, there soulli by Ifaniiltoii, Niagara, ea^l by liondon. and north thr all that can bt; pear^ to lia\e beei\ at comparal i\e|\ reci'iit times, the betl of an immeii- lake. Th" greater part of this \as| area, w hii-h mu-t be 1 ra\ 'lied o\er to be realis(«d. ! ■':i ; 180 Till Aiiriviiliiii'til licsolircin of C'tdKidii. is Lindcrliiiii l)y dt'iip beds oi' a f^njyish-whito clay, on lli« toj) of uliicli aro k'rom 9 to 24 iiu-lics of black vci^citabh; mould. The; p;rcator portion of this mould is I lie i-cmuins ol" t'oi'inci' fj;cn('rii1.ion,s of plants, a cf)nMidi;rabl») poi'l.iou of the richness of wiiicii is undoubtiidly diui to th(^ ashiis left, by llir r('])(vit(!d and lon£ the tei-ritory is reached. Westward from Megiiia for some distance the land is much the same as it is around 1 he c;i|)ital ; but as the wesM'rn boinulary is approache(l it is not- so good, and wheat-growing on an extensive scale becomi-s more risky. Sankdlchcivaii. This territory is the one niU'tli of Assiniboia. It is the same width as the lat tei, and extends as far north as .settleiiient has yet gone. The Saskatchewan River runs across it from west to east, and forms an ..;;■> ilent wat(ti'way for several months of lln^ year from Lake Winnipeg west wiirds, ;uid on which ply several steamers of considerable size. From the south of the territoi'_\ to Prince Albert there are vast strelches of r\crllent land, geiiei'ally well watered, and most cf it. with suliicieiit timl>er for fuel and fencing. In the immediate vicinity of the «'apitul, the liind i> very rolling, Itut a few miles south it becomes n:ore level and better suiterl lor cult i\ation. The soil is dot.'p and black, and being grneraHv well watered and sheltered, appears more suited by nature h»r ndxed t'.irujing tliau grain-growing. North of Princi' AUx?rt, littlo ha^ been done in th(! wiw of settlement, but .!//•. .lolin Sjn'ir's lli}Kirl. Ml all aloug tim bu.iks of tlic rivL-r Iroiii l*)'iiicr xVlbcrt ti) J'Aliaoiiloa, in Alberta, a c'onsi(lui'iil)lo area of laud lias hcA-n takon up. yUhcrta.— AW tlu^ country b(!t\v<'(oi Assiuiboia and Saskalchowan on the one side and tlic Rocky iMounlains on tin; other is called Albcila. It is the great ranching territory ol' (h(! JJoniinion, tlu- bulk of the laud being as y(;t mon; given up to grazing than cro|)ping. As a rule, tlm surl'act! is not so Mat as either Assiuiboia or Manitoba, but, like the fonniM', a great extent of it is unihu'lain by iuiuiensi! beds ol' clay, through which the rivers liav(! cut deep and w'nh tracks. Calgary, the capital, lies in one of these valleys, 150 to 200 feet or morci below 1 he hjvel of the serrounding coiinlry. 'I'he soil of Alberta is not so rich as Manitoba, but it has equally as good a summer climate, ami certainly a very much better winter one ; and judging from thesis »nd my own , f)bHervations, I see no reason why Alberta shoidd not be as good a geiKH'al farming country as any of the others, and j)robiiMy better than some of them. Jiritish dohimliid. — All thi; land britwcitn the llocky .Mountains on Hie east, and the Pacific Ocean on tlu^ west, and north of the United States boundary, is comprised in the I'rovinei; of IJrit isli Coliimliia. \'ery much of it is mountainous, but along i\w river valhys and at the mouth of i\w Frazer Jiiver, and Ix'tween the vast m< inches, viirying from slightly under 2n to over -lO inclies; and while the minimum winter temperature is seldom below ]"J' \\ Ixdow zero, the maximum summer tem[)eratur(; is scddom 77/(' Af/rlni/fiii'iif Jiinonrcfti i>f f'ltufiilif. Maniloha mid (he North-Went Terrilnriefi.—ln the main, tlio (;lirna1(} of all tli(! North-West may b(^ considcrccl as alike, although, in minor ])arliciihus, some district.s ol'ten dilVer much from each other. In .Manitolia and the North-West Teriitories, elevation above tiie sea and distance north does not always indicate a lower summer temperature, or a more severe winter, as is commonly supposcul, for at \Vinnipe<(, which is T.'i.'i feet abovfi sea h^vel, jind IJio f<'et above Lake' Superior, the winter cold is, if anything, more intenst' ihan further west, near the liocky Mountains, Mhere tiie liiiid is from ; {,000 feet to 1,000 above sea h'V" to — .'{o" l'\, while in Assiniboia, which is fi'om 1,000 to L',000 feet hin;ht>r, tlu? iiiinimum w'mUn' tem])erature appears to run from — 2r)" to — 30° F. and in Alberta, whicli is about another 1,00(1 feet hi^dier, the mini- ■iirnm w inter temperatun- runs frcmi — 20^ to — ll'X V. The ni'inimvin temperatures recorded duriiifj; winter at (.'ali^ary and Batilf iire thus often 10^ T\ warmer than at Winnipeg;, althouii;li the foruier is .'{,3>S feet and the latter 4, .'00 IVet above sea level, while 'Winni])ei( is only I'SA above seu level. 1']ven at Kdmonton. which is nearly 200 miles diu' north of ("algary, thc! nrinliiiniii of winter is much l(!.ss thiiii at Winnipeg: ho that strangers iinac(|uainted with th(f country, its elevation or lucteorology, shf)uld )U)t fancy that because any district lies fiirth(M* north or at a higliei- ehnation, it of niu'essity must be colder, for in these territori<'s such is not the ciisc. Contrary to popular belief as an; the facts with regard to the winter temperature, they ar(f no better in sumuuM'. Although th<^ greater part of Manitoba is .'ioO miles farther north than Ontario, it is generally hotter there dui'ing .finu; and July than in Ontario; but peo])le w ho know both provinces well, .say that ow ing to the di'yer air of Manitoba, they feel th(( heat there whih^ working less oppressive than in Ontario. During summer the thermometer in Manitoba often goes ovei" 100" E. ; in Allu^rta, only occasioniiUy ; while in Ontario — a long distance farther south —it very seldom gels over 9.'i ' F. Tlic iivenifje wdx/mutu tciiipcnilurc (luring the jiast four years, bcRiiinin!^ with |H87, for the months of May, .Fiiiic, .Iidy, and August, for several towus in tho same hititmlo, is as frdlows; — Ali)(>ri;i s:',-r,« r. Assinihoia 88-7° F. Manitoba .ssito r. Tlie nirait t('in[>(Tiiturcs for tlir same nioiilhs, towns, and years is as follows: — Alberta .".."it" F. Assiniboia tlO-K" K. Manitoba .^.7' ° F. The wati." iiin tcniiieriitures for the, snnic towus mu. vei(V8 \\}t \\\^ jUonths of Pcccmbcr. .lanuurv, Februavv. and Martli. arc as follows - ' Alberta ' - i-M'l"-' Assiiiibdia - :itl F V. Maniliib; - 'X\- TUq mean tetnjKratnres for tl.e aiu^ic V^W^VS Htont''"* ""'1 vears flre as follows : — Alberta ... »^"m"i(< ||^ liVn" k Ansiniboia <; 10''.)° F. Manitoba 2-4° F, Ml' Jii/ni S/i(ii'.s Jtipiirt, 1>M Bib uf Is:- Tlu! riiiiifiill — wliicli is siicli nil im|n)rl;int I'iu^lor in (lie wcII'mi'o of orory country -in As.siniboi;! is loo li;;iiL to iidinit ol' IIk? coiml.iy ])foiliiciiiL; I li(i crops it mii^lil do if it. wiis a iit.tic more 'I'lw; riiinrall of tlif wiiolc ot" till' \oit h-W'f'st- is rutlici' pcciili.'if, aiid dcscrM's si>ccial jittcntioii, iis in iivcraf:;!' years IVoiii oiic-l'oiirtli to oin'-fii't li of llic totJil falls in .liinc. ,May iind .Inly arc also usually licavy, and combined oft(.'n ('(]ual .fuiic. Afiiy, 'Iiiiic, iiiid .Inly, li(;iii;f the |trincipal ;j;ro\vini^ months, it. follows that if the crops an^ well supplied with moisture, then their ucll-he'ii'^ is secured, ;is they require lit le at any liuu; else. If .'{ inches of I'aiii or over fall in .lime, the crops arc almost >urc to he oiuts «Iem(jnstrat(^d, uhiif fruits, vt'f;;elal)l('s, p;riiss((s, &.r,, arc; subje'cted to • ■very test that can be thouj^ht of. Animal and plant diseases also receive attention. Resides a ge-neral su])erintendent, t.hei'e are s|)ecial- ists in chemistry, botany, entomolo ,. 1 o e fl» Within 10 to 1') miles of 'IVrouto 1 found lanil changinjf hands at from .£7 to .€20 per acre ; around (Juelph .£.s would be about the average; in Counties Middles per acre, but foi- ;^ood land, all I'leared and near the city, £20 per acre will have to be |)ai(l. In Manitoba, the North-West 'i'<'rrit,ories, and in iJritish Columbia, a small p(!rc(;nta<^e of land is leased. On the east sid(; of the Jiockies, m(»r(! jjarticnlarly in \\n-. wheat districts, the usual custom is t.o do so on sliai'es, in which case tlx; owner of the land |)ays all taxes and ])i"ovides half the seed, t!;ettin'\!!!y very artistically built and neatly ])ainted ; tlu-y are very comforti'.bli', iirid usually are largcn- in projjortion to the size of the farm than the :>ine class of houses in Britain. All an; heated by stov(!S or liot-\^.iler pipes, wood bein<^' the fuid in tceneral use, many farms still havmg as much wood on them as keej) the farm in fencing and fuel. On the ordinary farm the usual out-houses are coni- pris(^d in an immense barn, with cow and horse stabh;s under, extra Ijuildings for other purpt)ses beinf,' rather scarce. The barn is now gemn-ally built of sttjiie to the level of the barn floor, and, if the IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) asses' ^'' • ^^ '2* 'tis :/- f/. ^ «^ 1.0 !:■- n^ I.I 1.25 •^ 1^ III 2.2 'z i;£ 12.0 1.8 1.4 II 1.6 V] vg /. ^ -c ^ ^v -j^ ^>, V /A Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 V£ST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ,\ ^ :\ \ ^ loaded waggons right into the barn. If turnips or mangolds are grown, a root-house or cellar must be provided fi)r them, as, owing to the severity of the winter, they cannot be stored t)utside, as is done in Britain. In Manitoba or i\\o North-AVest Teri'itories it is very rare that a barn is s(,'en, the bulk of the farm buildings there consist iug of a horse stable, occasionally a granary, and on tlu^ mixed farms a cow byre. These are built in many different ways: if boards are i)lentiful. they are of sawn timber: if large trees are easily got, they are built of logs, and if (mly small ones can lx> bad, tlicy are set up on end, (piitc^ close to each other, so as to form a wall, outsider of which art- plact d a wall of turfs, three feet or s(» in thickness, the whole being rootV'd in the usual way. Horse stablfj are eitlicr tloored with planks or blocks of wood set <)]i end, or it may be left without any artificial floor at all, as stone is as yet seldom used for that ])urposf. It is only on rare occasions that any building is ])ut up for imjtlemi'uts, \\ag|^ons, or nujchincs, the \isual custom being to let these lie about exposed to the weather. Farm dwelling-houses are occasionally now beiii;; built of stone, but as yet their number is very small. Fences. — In Ontario the ])rincipal fence is still the snake-rail one, although in many instances these are being re-niade and put up straight. In occasional instances there arese' u walls built of stoiuvs gathered from the llelds. \i''ire fencing is not yet very conniiou, while barb wire is onlv occasionally seen. Live fences are almost unknown, as none of the fencing plants of JJritain can stand tin- Ontario winters. A suitable plant would be a great boon to the country, and it is to be hoped that such will be introduced soon. In jManitoba and the North-West Territories, stob aiul rails of young poplar trees are in most general us(\ while some put plain and others barb wire on the stobs and a rail on the top. 31uch of the AV'est is, however, as yet quite unfenced, but this class of work i; progressing rapidly. Drainini/. — Most of the land of (Quebec, and some of Ontario, is niuch in netnl of under-draining, as very little of such has yet been done, owing to tin- cost «)f labour and want of money. In the dry climat*' of Ontario such thorough draininc; as is comniou in Britain is not necessary, and it is even very questionable if it would ])ay if d(me in anything like a thorough manner; still. I think drains should bi^ put in all along the lower and damper places of each field. In Manitoba and the Xorth-West Territories no under- draining, unless in exceptional cases, is ever likely to Ix' done, tlie rainfall there being so small. A great deal remains, however, to be done ai'ound Winnipeg and other centres in the way of providing open drains or canals to carry off the surface water. Within a radius of HO miles of Winnipeg there are several vast stretches of what appears to bo excellent land if oul^ drained, but which is rendered comparativelv Ml'. JiiJiii SjH'i/M Ji'iiiurl. 187 useless through the presence of surface water, and yet there is ample fall from it to either the Afssiniboine or Ked Kiver. Wiiat appears to be wanting there just now is tlie formation of tht^ whol(> country into a drainage board, in order that open canals as deep as the levels will permit of, may h,' dug along one or both sides of the road concessions, and that each owner should pay in ])roportion to the area drained. Tins work can nt-ver l)e done privately, and the district will never make much progress until it is done; the Government should thrret'on* inquire into the uiatter. in order to see how tlif prc'^eiit »tate of affairs can he easiest reujedicd. In British Columbia, thi; districts of Ijiidner's Landiiu,'. i^ulu island, and several smaller areas along the Kraser. the l)e>t lamls art; being protected from the rise «»f the river and tiie tide, by having embank- ments about four feet high thrown up along the river and sea side. This work has made that land Uiuch more valuable, and o|)en canals with sluices at their outlets are now being macK' along the road allow- ances, which is thoroughly completing the work. In many cases under- draining was necessary to finish this work, and in some cases it is being carrried out also. It seems strange to me that the aiole plough has never been l)rought infc service ln^re, as the land being flat and entirely composed of silt, it is a situation where it would work to perfection, and at a titlie of the cost of ordinary tile-t'raining. Whei-e the bottom is not linn I'uough to warrant the use of the mole system alone, rounil tiles can quite easily belaid in the track at the same time as it is being ci t. 'I'his, however, in nuniy cases I think woidd l)e unnecessary, as 1 foujid the princi])al method of draining was to leave a shoulder or projection on each side of the drain, about six inches fi-om the bottom, and on this to lay pieces of board, so that if the sides of such a di'ain stand quite satisfactorily, much more sliould the sides of a mole drain. lioads. — Unless within or very near the larger towns, very few of the roads of Canada are gravelled. Everyw hen^ road allowances run north' and south, east and west, one; mile apart, but even in (Ontario little is dotie for th"m over tiu; greater part of the province, unless a little levelling and rounding of the road, and what bridge-making is lu'cessary. In (Quebec and Ontario, as a rule, they an; fenced in, Imt in ^lanitoba and th(» Xorth-West Territories such is only done in the thoroughly settled localities. Owing to the dry summers and frosty winters of the whole of Canada, J. can (juite easily believe that for ten months of the year the roads will be amply sutlicient, but for (jui- month in spring, and another in autunui, they are often excessively bad. Jn the newer provinces this state of matters can quite W(dl enough be excused, but in Quebec and Ontario such is not so easily don(\ There stone in the shape of rock, land boulders, and gravel, are fairly plentiful in many districts, and if farmers were oidy paid a small sum for gathering these boulders and small stones where rock does not abound, the supply might considerably Ih> increased. If the main roads were orce thoroughly bottomed, by laying the foundation of hand-packed stones of the largest size, then anotiier layer of medium ones on the top, the whole being finished by a layer of gravel, they would last for 188 Till .ii/ricultnrol lti->tovrcr« of fimntln. years without ir.ach utteiitioii other than a little uiendiug and rouudiiiK now and again. The way in which the roads aro managed is also much behind the age, each farmer at present sending every year a certain number of men and teams for so many days, according to the size of his farm. Th(; consequence is, each man does as little instead of as mucii work as ho can, everything is done unsatisfactorily, every operation takes more lime than it should do, and in the end no one is pleased. Each farmer has the option of doing his statute labour by himself or iiis servants, or by paying a sum in lieu thereof, as he thinks best ; most farmers, however, prefer to do their number of days' work. The remedy is to form district road boards, levy an assess- ment for the maintenance of the roads, appoint a head roadman, and put and keep a certain numl)er of men on each length of road according to its imj)ortance, and the probability is that the roads will be better and chea|)er kept than at present. On iiKjuiring into this matter as to the number of days of a inan each farmer owning 100 acres had to furnish, and calculating such at the current rate of wage. I tVmnd in the neiglibourhood of the large towns that the indirect sum the Canadian farmer pays towards the maintenance of his roads is not so very far In'hind what the British fai'iner ds, and yet he has few wortiiy of the name of roads after all, in tlie worst seas(ms f)f the yeiii*. In several of the low-lying districts of British Columbia, where rock is quite wanting and where the soil is always soft, 1 found man\ of the roads bottonu'd with planks or trees laid across the road, a good bed of gravel being afterwards s])read on the top. In all the instances whicii canu^ under my notice, an excellent road for any moderately heavy tratlie was foiMiied by this method. In many districts of British Columbia, where tlie rainfall was very heavy, I was surprised to find that in making new roads soil was used in preference to rock, whicli was lying alongside, and only reijuired to be blasted and broken. Wheat Fa rminf/.— [Unless in Manitoba, this system of farming is not practised to any extent in any other part of the Dominion ; and where the land is good, climate suitable, and means of transport sufficient, more money can in all probability be taken out of the land in a short time by it, tiuin by any other system. This class of farming has also other recommendations, in being one which requires less capital in proportion to the receipts than where mixed farming is pursued, while at the same timt< it gives very quick returns. Its drawbacks are, that the land is quickly exhausted, that the success of the farmer entirely depends on the suitability of ilin season and markets for this one crop, and that sufficient labour is not provided for the farm hands all the year i-ound. On these farms no happy medium appears ever to be struck : work is either in excess of laboui', or labour in excess of work. Autumn ploughing has to be pushed on with all sjieed in order to get it through before frost sets in, after which there is little or nothing to do till spring, parti- cularly if the crop has been threshed and hauled to market previously. If such has not been done, it affords a little labour during the long winter, but it is nothing like enough to keep the whole staff going. The consequence is, many have to be turned off. As soon as frost Mr. John SfHii'H Rfjntrt. IM breaks up, a hard push has to be made to get all tlie crops in us souu as possible, for in th(^ dry climate of Manitoba lat«^ seeding never succeeds, for various reasons. If farm hands cannot be kept on the whole winter through, and if they find it difficult to get employment during winter, they must be paid a much largin* wage during the activ*' ])art of the year, in order to bring up their earnings to an e(|uivalent of what can be reanved at other employments. The autuums of Manitoba are so dry that shed grain very often does not germinate until spring. This shed grain often comes quite thick enough to form a fairly good crop, under which circumstances it is occasionally allowed to stand, so that a crop is here produced without any direct seed or labour. I do not iafer that such is the best way of producing a profitable crop of wheat, bt'cause by ploughing and s(>eding in the usual manner a more profitable one might have Ix'en reaped. These crops are called volunteer crops. The growth of grain shed tho year previous is one of the principal reasons why Manitobji wheat often contains a considerable proportion of (►at.s or barley. In one flour mill I visited, I found these oats being taken almost entirely out by a very cleverly constructed machine, the oats so recovered in the course of a year amounting to a very large quantity. Eeasoning from the success of these volunteer »'rops. T would bo inclined to suggest that in districts where early ripening is desirable, a portion of the si-ed should be sown in autumn just before frost is expected to set in. The soil would then work well, and if the land was frozen before germination had gone too far no loss of seed would be likely to occur. This is a system of cultivation which the Experimental Farms at Brandon and Indian Head might do well to try on a small scale, as the land being left undisturbed in spring miglit retain its stock of moisture better than wheri! spring eultivuiion lias to be (If)ne. On these wheat farms, uulil the last few vears, there was verv little woi'k to do between seed-time and harvi-st. unless where new land had to be broken up. To nu;et the difficulty of a press of work at certain seasons of the year, and in order t(j raise the fertility of exhausted land, ji system of summer ploughing, called j'aUutvuiff, has been introduced, which at least provides sufficient employment between seed-time and harvest for the farm hands w hen they are not engaged in hay-making. It has been found that in the most of cases 200 acres of land under wheat, which has been siuiiiner-fallowed one year out of three, will produce as much grain as ;j(i(» acres ki'])t conlinuully undei- crop, while at the saim* tinu' there is a saving of lOU acres of seed, liesides the labour of seeding niid harvesting. This laud is ploughed during the ijrowing M-a^oii, and in the generality of eases nothing else is doiu^ to it till the nihI is sown the following >priiig. If the soil contains a large amount of seed weeiN. and nioie parliculaily if the ploughing is done very earh in the smniiier, these weeds may iii;i1ure enough to seed about harvest time, in which case it will be necessary to give the land a second ploughing before harvest begins. If. however, the weeds do not get strong enough to seed, they do little or no harm, as the fro^t kills them all off during winter. The opening up of the prairies for the growth of wheat is reducing the area of both fall and !1 190 The, Arincnltarul Iti'sonnys of Caiufda. 8|)riiig wheat, not only in Britain, but in Ontario, while oats uppiur to bo on tho increase, and also peas. Ploiii/hiiif/. — ill the alder provinces ploughing is conducted in much the same manner as in Uritain, and JScotcii ploughs are very eoinnion at th«} phiughiiig mutches in Ontario, although, as with us, these ploughs are being less used for everyday work. On the prairies and wheat belts double and single sulkies (or riding ploughs) are in very citmmon use, but for superior work J. find the best men ])refer the single walking ])lough. The breaking u)) of the |)ralri(! is done early in .Tune, when the |>lants are soft and succulent, and before tiie soil becomes 'oo diy. A special plough is generally used, which turns over a broad thin furrow about '2 inches or 2\ inches thick. When ploughed so thin the hot sun very soon kills all the vegetatioji, whereas if done tliieker, such is not the case. Any lime during the autumn this land is re-ploughed, the furrows running the same way as before, as, although the vegetation is now dead, the sod is so tough that the coulter cannot cut it. This work is called backsetting, aiid sjiould be done an inch or an inch and l'l,(lL(im.\U AT SANUIr^'V'- K\!!M, UUAMIUN. a half deeper than the first plougliiug. Nothing more is now done to it till spring, when it is sown and harrowed in the usual way. After harvest, ploughing of every kind is pushed forward with all speed, because frost soon sets in, and there is such a hurry in spring that little o:m be dune then. ]n all the North-West i)loughing is done very sliallow. seldom over inches deep, and in the present state of the fertility of those lands, it lias been found to be the best plan. If the hnid were deefier plougind. il is geiii»»t to use a stronger e\- ])ressi()n, such statements aif gross exaggfi-at ions, lor altiiough |)l()ughiiig can be. and is. done moiv carelessly than in IJritain, still good plougliinic evervwhert' irivt-s a bi-tter n turn than whei'i- iiiditTerentlv done. In st'\eral of the wheat-growing districts, tanners an* to be nut with, who have largf fanns and no stock other than a driving iiorsi'. Tliese men let thi' ploughing, seeding, and harvesting at m» much ]nv aero for eaeli and all, to their smaller neighb(»urs arounil, and, judgiii!; fi-om reports received, they appear to be making the sv^tem pay; i). however, is one wliieli eannot be reconnnended, and w hich is not likely to be very long continueij. SoiviiKj. Sowing is generally lioiie by a drill, or sei-der. a> tliey rail it; t'le best I came across being one witli w lieels having a li-incli face, running behind eaeh coultei-, anil along the toj* of each row of seed. The machine is called a press seeder, and, 1m ^ides doing tin- ordinary seeding, it does the rolling in a much superior way to the roller. In the dry climate of the >i<»rlli-\Vi'st it is very desirable that the soil be ])resse(| lii-mly around the seed, otherwise a considerable proportion of it may fail to gerndiiate. .NIany of the richest soils ot llie North-West are so fine when dried in spring and crushed by the roller that if a high wind comes on soon aftei-, they are apt to drift and leave one portion of tin sud uncovered and another too deeply buried. This drifting or blowing docs not take place after harrowing, becuuso liien the soil is all in little lumps, and with the ])re?s seeder the good elYects of regular -needing with i-oiiing are secured, without any of the disadvantages of tin; latter. Some farmers of undoul)te(I sucv^ss wlmiii I came aiM'O'^s strongly .'jJv( ;ti' broinlcast sowing in preference to drilling, ivfurc a lonjc hnadth has ill ''(' thmr nt n /niiitnt tinu. I'.ti /.s (/ic ciine o)i all larijc tvlitut fan)i,\\ I'v sowing broadcast more -^eid nuist bo used, but Ihev sav what little lost in M'ed. js ixai ned at the I'lid of the season in extra quantity and quality, as the whole crop if s(jw n broadcast can easily lu' seeded in good time, whereas if drilled a considerable ai-ea nuiy be so late that tiie loss on it by autunni frosts and lessened produce may exceed any ing which can hi; (jffecteil in the seed. It may here be mentioned sav le sur'';ici that ill the Xorth-West there is no loss of seed left * !i 1' through the dei)redations of birds, as is the case in Ontario and Jjritain. as bircls are very few in these rei]:ioiis. Of all the seed gi-ain /<;/> on ih, .fiir/dri I do not expect over -'50 or -b' percent, will germinate and gi ()\\ so I liat, siin|)()-.ini that estimate to lie correct, l lie actu;d loss in will only be about one-thil'd of what is left on the surtace, uliich. at'ler II, is not ver\ much, if it is lo si\e a croji fi-oa a night's frost in 192 The Affi'icitHural Remmrcts of Coaadii. August. Willi a bro.ulni it sonmt attoi'luMl to u waggon, and scattering over 50 feet or so, many turmers say they can sow up to 100 acres per day i the story looks protty big, but I am told on fairly crotlitable autlio- rity that such is (lone. lteai»inif. -All reaping, as a rule, is done by g«)ing round al)out the Ueld, the dry sumnu'r and shorter and stifter-strawed crops, allowing i\w sell-binding reaper to work to perfection. The stubble is usually left from nine inches to a foot high, unless where the crop is so short that they are compelled to cut it low in order to get it tied. The great unoccupied area of new land usually gets thi; credit of being the cause of the lowering of the value of farm produce generally, and of the land of Britain and the eastern provinces particularly ; but I am inclined to believe that the self-binding harvester has been as important a factor as any. Without the land it certainly could not have been done, but even with the land and the railways, but without the self-binder, 1 question if very much wheat could be grown in the Xorth-West at a profit, if wages were to remain, much less get any highei' than they presently are there. Reaping begins when the crop is comparatively green, I might almost say quite green, because the hot sun ripens it so quickly and causes it to shed so easily, that if it is not cut before the dead ripe stage is reached, more may be lost by shedding than by early cutting. Owing to the hot sun quite shrivelling up the straw very shortly after reaping, the grain must consequently be unable to draw any nutriment from the straw after cutting, whereas in Britain it is always considered that grain ripens a good deal in the sheaf, therefore such green cut w heat straw should be much more valuable as fodder than ours. The reaping machines are generally fitted with sheaf carriers, so as to drop as many sheaves at one plact; as make a stook or shock, thereby very much lessening the. labour of setting up. As showing the rough-and- ready way in which farming is often dom; in the North- West, and the good climate with which they are favoured, it nuiy be mentioned that in good seasons large areas are never stooked at all, the sheaves being simi)ly allowed to lie on the ground till they are ready to stack. They had a regular Scottish harvest this year, that is, as far as weather is concerned, so that I saw none of that way of doing work myself. Stackin(j. — In Ontario the grain is all housed in large barns, which are built over the byres, stacks being scarcely ever used. In the North-West and in British Columbia, the grain is usually stacked ill the field. If cattle are kept, it is hauleil to m-ar the house, so that it may be ust'd by them both for fodder and litter. The usual pattern of stack is ('ii-cular, with a low body or shank, and a long sloping roof. As niin seldom falls in autumn, and the snow is so dry that it never wets anything, thatching appears never to be thought of, and is never ilone. Two, three, or four of these stacks are usually built together, so as to cause as few renu)vals as possible of the engine and threshing nmchiiu-. Threshiny. — Many farmers thresh their whole crop from the stook, the grain being hard enough at that date to store in elevators any number of feet deep. The threshing machines in many lespects are .1//*. Johi Sjieirs lieport. 193 se, !*<> iisuul long so dry lought sually nigino .stock, •s any ts aiv \ery llk«» our own, but their drum.M, instead of having corrugated beaters like ours, have short pegs an inch and a half to two inches long. The drum appears to b«' run at much about the same speed as ours, but, instead of putting in the sheaves sideways or at au angle, as we do, they put them in ears tirst, in the sanif way as the slow-speed peg drums of .Scotland are fed; but, unlikt* the latter, the Canadian pattern has no feeding rollers. Kucli laachine very often weighs and records the number of bushels tl\reshed — a sack of grain Ix'ing two bushels, instead of four or six, as with us. The sacks in connnon use are very much the same as clover-seed is distributed in throughout Britain. The feeder is supplied with sheaves from both sides, two waggons b«Mng emptied at once. When threshing from the Held, six waggons, each with a pair »)f iiorses, are generally used. These machines usually put through from 1,20(1 l>ushels to 2,(HK» buslu'ls per day, and I am told that 2,ij<)0 bushels is necasionaily done. That is from three to live times as much as can be done with our crop, and were it not for their very short sheaves (almost a sheaf of ears) and the brittle nature of their straw, it would be impossible for them to do so. All the threshing is done by the bushel, and from the way in which eveiy operation is performed, one can easily see that every person is on ]iiec(!-work. After the straw comes through the threshing machine, it is very much brokwn, but to the wheat farmer that is a matter of no consequence. As the straw comes from the thresher it is hauled 20 or 30 yards away by a ])air of liorses, each yoked to the end of a ten-foot pole, much the same as hay is occasionally collected in the fields with us. On the large wheat farms, the only fuel 1 saw used for the engines Mas straw, and with it steam appeared to be very easily kept up. Straw, when fed in small but continuous quantities, appears to give a very tierce heat, and to my mind the quantity used was very small indeed. Straw- liuniiiuj. After the grain and machinery have all left the field, th(^ whol(! is set fire to, and if the field is alongside any unbroken land, a few plough furrows are usually run round each field, so as to confine the fire to what it is intended to burn, as anyone setting tire to the prairie is not only liable to be heavily tined, but runs a risk of having an action brought against him for any damage which may be caused by his carelessness. Where a long stubble is left and afterwards burned, the laud is often sown the following spring without ever being ploughed. In such eases, the land is simply well harrowed with a ])air of heavy harrows, but oftener with the disc harrow, the seed being afterwards put in with the drill. The Average Crop of Grain. — The average amount of grain w Inch an acre of land will yield under continuous wheat-growing is very various, according to the land, locality, climate, and farming, for there? are good and bad farmers in Canada as well as elsewhere. I have carefully gone over the collected crop returns of the Province of Ontario during the past ten years, and, estimating the present crop at 24"() bi'sheis per acre, the average production of that period will be 2iJ 13 104 The Af/viciil(ii)'fil HftOVi'Cft of C'onmht. hnsliols pof acre; wlieroas the nvernf^c of England is gonci-ally Met down at 28 l)ush(»ls, lilt hough this is consiilcrcd l»y iniiny to br tv\\ very much against their sale in Britain as oats, the usual weight In-ing from .'{4 to .'{."> lbs, per bushel. The (Jovernuient have, however, for several years bt-eii testing saiuples of oats at the different Experimental Farms, from every- where throughout the world, and it is hoiM'd that several varieties more suitable for the British market than those now grown, and capable of being cultivated by the Canadian farmer, will shortly l)e introduced, (rood head^^■ay has already been juade, and the future !<)oks ])rosperous. In British Columbia oats do extraordinarily well, and several very large crops came imder my notice. C<»ntrary to the experi«'nce of the rest of the country, the weight of oats per bushel in British Columbia is very good, I having there measured and wj'ighed them myself at 44| lbs. per imperial bushel. Ju no grain has greater strides Iven madi' than in barley, the introduction and cultivation of the British varieties of which, the Govei-nment have done very much to encourage of late. Previous io the last two or three years, the four and six rowed barleys were the only varieties grown, the bulk of which went to the Uiiited States for brewing pui'poses. Fmw years ago, however, the Government, through Pi'ofessor Saunders, of the Ottawa Mxperimi^ntal Farm, commenced to make some tests with British A'arieties, with a view to getting a Ix'tter malting barley than was then in general use. Since then every spring small pai'cels of seed have been largely distributed at cost price among tlie farmers all over the country, and next spring it is antici]wted there will almost be as much barley in the country «s should meet its require- juente foi* seed. Hundreds of farjuers have tried the British varieties, all tlic the us to • the s toV ouijh cl to letter pring inong there lui re- 's, all Ml'. J (til a Spill's h'i/>(iri. 105 willi more or less success, and siimples n\' (.'anadian Uailey, ;,'i'o\v!i I'imiii Kii;,'Hsli seed, sent to the lute lire\>('ry Kvliihition in Jiondon were v»'ry liivournhly reported on. I'i'as are very largely <;ro\A'n in all the older provinces, and every- wlu're appear to do well, the average tor Ontario Ix'inj; abont Jt» IhisIk'Is per acre. Mi,)((l raniniii/. — 7n no country and on no soil, can theconliniioiis <;i'o\vth ol" one plant without manure be carried on witbont the crop becoMunj; lessened aiidthe land deteiMorated. In order to return as nnicii us possible to the land, and to be able to turn tlu^ straw tosome account as fodder and litter, mixed l'armin<,' is the si;eneral system practised in everv countrv, and in mv travel's tlirouu;h Canada the bnll\ of tin' most successful farnu')'s I canu> across were c'(*rtainly persons who had adopted mixed farming, and who had decided not to put all theii- e!.;;u;s in one basket. Mixed farminij has sc'veral other advanta<;es: it permits of the farm woi'k f^oinij steadily on fi'otn one end of the year to the other: a com))ai'ativeIy small supply of labour is necessary, yet that supply is always capable of puttin^i; in and {jjettini; otV the crops in due time without risk of frost, or re(piirin. Up to the present, the bulk of the cattle which have been exported to Britain hav(! come from Quebec and Ontario; still in the near future a very mucli larger proportion will likely come from the ranclios. The catth^ tradi; appears to be one which is likely to go on and increase, for in eigliteen years it has grown from nothing to llJ(),6.')4 head during the ])ast eleven months. During that time there have been a few ups and downs, but, all the same, the figures have gone on always increasing. Cov.'s. -The export of cows from Canada to Scotland appears to me to be a trade in w Inch a large and profitable business could at the present time be done. Grood cows, showing some breeding, and apparently of a fair milking type, could be bought readily in Ontario during the autumn months at from £0 to £9 ; rail and ocean freight, insurance, «&c., to Glasgow, if put at £ o, would bring the price in Scotland to, sjiy, ■CI 2 to £14; whereas these jAne cows would presently sell here at from £15 to £20, leaving a good margin for profit. Cows near the calving, to come with safety, would require more space on board ship Ml'. John Spe'u-i Rrport. ^90 jsses to rery uivo 1 in from le to sent of tli(« nc(>, sjiy, e at tlie tliau bullocks, but I think I have allowed enough inavi'oveml)er to February niiglit also be sent over for grazing purposes any time during the sunnaer months. Horse ItuncJiiiuj. — On the hoi'se ranches thc^ stock are treated very much in the ftame manner as the cHtle are on tiie eat tie ranches. The mares and young stock are allowed to run out all the yeai', and little, if anything, ap^M'ars to be done to ])rovide them with either food or shelter in a severe winter. Many of tln^ ranchers and farmers have supplied themselves with pure-bred stock of the different favourit(* breeds, but as a rule tiic^ bulk of the mares are of the usiud Canadian stamp. Clydesdales and Shires of moderate (juality and medium sizt^ appear to be most in favour, but, in spiti? of all the importations which have arrived, comparatively little impression bus been made on t\w general stock of the country. The Canadian horse as prest'iitly bred a|)poars to ])e well suited to the wants of the country, and as long as bivediug is carried on simply to su|)ply the wants of Canada, little or no increase of size or weight is necessary : but the day appears to be near at liand when horses might be exi>orted on a scale almost similar to what catth' ])resently are, and if such is to be done, they nuist Ix' bred of a size and quality likely to please tiie purchasers. Tlu;se purchasers are likely to l)e tlie IJritisli : so that the sooner Canadians get at least a portion of their stock graded up to the requirements of the British i)urchasers the better it will be for theinselves. Owing to the light wt'ight of the average Canadian mare, th(> heavi»'st class of Clydesdah' and Shire stallions are not wanted, and Mill not ])ay to import, unless in very exceptional cases. The sei'vice fees w hich can be obtained in Canada are so much less than in Britain, that a good horse of any of these breeds \\ ill do better at home than abroad. All the Xorth-Wt'st Territories appear to be admirably adapti'd for the rearing of horses of every kind, and J think a good market already exists in JJritain for the heaviest class of draught and carriage geldings. A small trade in the latter class is presently Iwing dime, and it might very materially be increased with benefit to both countries, were there a sullicient supply of the projjcr class of horses, which, however, there is not. Th« breeding of heavy carriage horses !ipj)ears to Ihj the cla.-s easiest and quickest arrived at, if the existing Canadian jiiare is to Ix* worked Oi,, as by using tiie heaviest obtainable class of thoroughbred or Cleveland bay stallions, and carefully selecting the mares, the desired artich' might at once Ix; produced. Such a horse would suit tlie wants of Canadians and Canadian agriculture, and it could k' worked and trained at honu^ until it was of matiUH' age, after «hich it could be exported at a price double or treble that of the ordinai-y s'^amp, w hile, a^ the same time, it would only have cost a mere trifle more to j)rodnce it. This class of horse has been in great demand in Britain for yeai-s, aiul 111 Canada it is likely to be produced as quickly, of as good Ji 200 The Agncxdtnral Itesoitrees of Canada. quality, and as cheaply as anywhere else on the globe. For the immediate production of the heaviest class of draught horses, imported stock of both males and females must be used, otherwise it will take many years and considerable selection to get up the weight. The short, rich herbage of the prairies, the clear bracing air, and firm, dry land appear to be admirably suited to produce horses sound in wind and limb, if only reasonable care is exercised in the original selection. The attention absolutely required during tlie year appears to be even less than is usually given to cattle, although, like them, a little more care given to shelter and feeding during severe weather, would be doubly repaid. It is also worthy of note here, that imported stock of all kinds are not at first anything like so well able to support themselves, as those which have been on the prairies for a few years. Valuable imported animals in no case should be turned out on to the prairies, and no further attention paid to them, in the lielief that they \\ill be as able to forage for themselves as the native animals, for if such is done, loss and disappointment will be sure to follow, as has already happened in a good many cases. There has been no increase in the export of horses from Canada for ten years, a fact which deserves the serious attention of all those interested. This, to a certain extent, is probably accounted for by a very great number of the extra horses being required during that time to stock the new lands being opened up in the North-West, so thai matters may not be so bad as at first sight they actually appear. Sheeji Ranchiru/. — A great part of western Assiniboia, northern Alberta, and Saskatchewan appear to be well suited for the raising of sheep. The short, dry grasses point to sheep as the stock fitted by nature to consume them. The class of slieep apparently doing best there just now is tlie Merino ewe crossed with th(^ Cheviot or Shrop- shire ram. The ewes cost on the ground from lils. to 18s. each, and ai'e easily obtained. The rams are generally imported from Britain or brought from Ontario, and in either case they are very costly. On these plains, sheep require much more attention than either cattle or horses, which, owing to tlie scarcity of labour, is one of the reasons so few people have entered into tlie business. AV^olves and foxes are still comparatively plentiful, so that a shepherd must always be in attendance on the flock, otherwise heavy loss might occur at any moment. One man can easily attend to from 1,500 to 2,000 sheep, and for his use he generally has a pony and one or more dogs. The deerhound has been found particularly useful for killing prairie wolves, and besides the usual collie, many flockmasters are now providing their shepherds with a deerhound. The collie is of very little use for catching the wolves, although when caught it readily manages to kill them ; so that to attend a flock properly both dogs are almost necessary.* During the day the shepherd keeps slowly moving his flock towards the best pieces of pasture, never omitting to provide them witli water at * The most iisefoi dog for killing the wolves is a cross between the deerhound dog and greyhound bitch, and the great value these animals are can readily be estimated when I state that I have heard of single dogs killing eight wolves in one day, and nearly 100 iu one year. Mr. John Speir'S Repori. 201 irm, \ in Ives, heir so every suitable opportunity. If such cannot be procured naturally from springs, streams, or lakes, then wells must be sunk. In summer time the shepherd carries a tent and supply of food with him, and at night he gathers the flock around his tent, where they lie down and rest. The dogs being always about, tli(» wolves and foxes appear to detect their presence, either by smell or otherwise, and very seldom make an attack, and if they do, they are almost sun* to be killed. In winter the sheep are kept during the night in specially-constructed houses, and, unless during very severe \\eather, they are turned out every day on to a por- tion of land near the sheep-houses which has purposely been left rougii for winter use. The grass of these regions is much more valuable as food during winter than similar grass with us, because in the North- West the blades of grass are, practically speaking, killed by drought in early autumn, just when they are at tlieir best. The consequence is, that these blades contain their full proportion of nutriment, through being stopped in their grow th just before reaching maturity ; and as little rain falls during autumn, the solublt? food ingredients are not washed out of this naturally made hay, as would be the case in Bi'itain. In fact, if the reports of those resident in these districts are to be believed — and, judging from the many sourci's from which I heard tiiem, I am inclined to do so — it appears that these prairie grasses ai'e almost !>s valuable for feeding in winter as in summer. In these districts t(ie snow is so dry that it does not deteriorate tlie grass under it to any appreciable extent. The sheep-houses are built with turf sides, and of a size correspond- ing to the flock kept. The roof is composed of poles laid flat on main beams supported by uprights, the whole being covered with a deep layer of straw or hay. Owing to the absence of rain in winter and the dry nature of the snow, no wet ever comes through the flat roof. The height of the roof should only be enough to permit of easily clean- ing out the house, and the more effectually to do this, a roadway should be made through the middle of it. During s(?vere weather the flock is kept in the house all day, and hay, which sliould be stored near at hand, is supplied to them as required. In the North-AV^est tlu;re is no trouble with t!ie ordinary sheep diseases of the old country, maggot, foot-rot, scab, &c., being quite unknown. There are some districts, however, where many persons assert that sheep will not live at all, owing to a sharp, wiry grass called spear-grass, the blades of wliich penetrate through the wool and into the flesh, ultimately killing the animal. From inquiries made regarding this matter at many of the largest and most intelligent flock-masters, it appears to me that the losses from tliis cause have been grossly exaggerated. As far as my inciuiries went, the greatest complaints Nvere made against it. j'nf' ^' ^se appeared to know most about its bad effects, who neith. -.<\v nor at any past time had ever kept any sheep, while flock-masters generally had >ery little to say about it. The sharp-pointtd blades of this grass appear to enter the body oftenest at or near the brisket or other uncovered part of the body coming in contact with the ground in lying down. After the hard, sharp points have pierced the flesh they get broken short off at or 202 The Affrkulivral lifsovrces of Canada. iDMide tlio skin, and, liku t\w point of a needle inside the body of a humau bein;^, tlie spear-grass may tmvel anywhere after having fairly entered the iiesh and been broken off. I'loek-masters everywhere, how- ever, say that even where spear-grass is fairly plentiful the hisst's are very few indeed — so few, some of them said, that it caused tht'iu mueh less trouble than foot-rot, scab, or any of the other ordinary sheep diseases cause the avci-age sheep farmer in Britain. Jfuifmal-intf,— In (^ut^bec, Ontario, and British Columbia haymaking is conducted very much as in Britain, only, owing to the brighter sun- shine and moi'e steady weather, it is more easily and better done. J n tlu'se provinces the principal hay crop is clov(u*and timothy, and both do remark- ably well. Tlie timothy keeps good for several years, but the clover rarely produces much after tlu; second year. In the North- West all hay is cut from the sloughs (damp places) cm the prairie, and a portion of such land is a valuable addition to any farm, even a wheat out'. In many emigration ])amj)hlets it is asserted that the farmer has only to go to tlie prairie to get as juuch hay as he requires, yuch, however, is not the case, as in many localities hay lands are the scarcest of any, and often farjners, even in sparsely-settled districts, told me that they had cut their hay five and sevcji miles away. During the haymaking season it is a conuuon practice for the farmei* and his men to tak(( a tent M'ilh them and remain away all the week. During the drying little handling is required other than the gathei-ing and hauling to the stack. The stacks are never thatched, and the bulk of the crop is stacked where cut and haided home on sleighs during winter. >Silaf/c'. — Ow ing to the costof iibourand the hot summer temperature, turnips are never likely to suco^'ed so well in Canada as here. It has been found in Ontario, however, that Jiiore food win bt^ grown on an acre of land seeded with Indian corn and cut green than by turni])s, and the introduction of the silo bids fair to put green mai/e in much Ihe same position in Canada as the turnip is in Britain. In Ontario maize grows well, it is easy of cultivation, keei>s the wi'eds in check in a way no other crop does, and produces a weight per acre of green food that is not excelled in quantity or quality by any other plant for stock-feeding. This, when cut green and chopped into short lengths of from half to tliree-(|uarters of an inch, and put into the silo, is easily preserved for consumption during the winter, and in the futiu'e should add greatly to the milk and meat producing i)ower of the country. Marl-ets. — In the older provinces the facilities for dis])osing of farm produce are ample and sufficient, w hilt* in the newer territories they are kee])ing pace with the requii*t^mei its of the country. Wherever grain is produced in anything like large juantities, some one is always ready to erect an elevator for the storage of grain at tlie nearest railway station. Wheat is graded into four qualities — Manitoba Nos. 1 and 2 hard, and Nortiiern Xos. 1 and 2 — and commands a fixed price for each quality at every elevator, the ])rices being that current at the ship-side, minus the cost of transit thither. AVhen a farmer has grain to sell, he has the option of three methods of disposing of it. lie may sell it direct to the nearest elevator owner or miller, he may store it in the elevator, or he ma} send it by rail to soine distant elevator owner or niiller. On I I ^^l'. John Spelr'H Jieport: 203 arriving at the elevator, his sacks arc einptit-d into a Uirge lioppei- fixfd on a balance, and when full tlif whole is \veiji;ht'd, after which a sluic<» in the bottom of the hop])er is opent^d, and the grain runs out into u set of elevating belts, which convey it to the bin to which the particuhir wheat bt'longs, or, if dirty, to tlie cleaning niacliincry. The weighing ho|)pers may be any si/,»', but they are geiicmlly made to iiold about 70 bushels. If the grain is to be stored, or is sold to tiierlt'vator owr.cr, and is so dirty tliat it re<)uires cleaning, a smiill jjereentage -generally 2 to 5 ])er cent, is deducted from the gross weii^i't. Tlic elevator o\\ ners are always ready to jiay cash for wheat, but if the farjucr desin's to st(»re it, the elevator owner does so, and cleans it, at a charge of live- eighths of a penny jx'r l)ushel for tin* first \o days, and one Fartliing ])er bushel for every 15 days thereafter, unfiled, per bushel is i-eached, alter which nothing moi-e is charged until May. Any one storing wheat in an ♦'levator does not get his own wheat out again, but an equal tpiantity of the same grade as l\e ]nit in. The elevators generally have an elevating and cleaning capacity of 1,00(1 bushels per hour, but they are seldom worked over 500 or 6(K) bushels per hour. liu'dways. — Jn Canada the influences which dictate the construction of railways are quit e t he reverse of what they are in Britain. In the hitter they are only constructed after a payable amount of trallic is supposed to exist, vhereas in the former they are made first in order to increase the value of the land and create traffic. The rates charged for ])assen- gers and freight ai'e fairly moderate, the passenger cars being eminently suited for easily and conveniently travelling long distances. jMost of the railways are simple lines, but all are well laid, and supplied with heavy engines and two classes of cai-riages. Barteriiiif and /'rices. — In new districts, where the small articles of the farm are sold to the nearest store, it is the common practice for the farmer to take groceries in return, and as many of tiiese store- keepers act as collectors of eggs and butter, on which they say they can make little ])rofit, they refuse to buy unless an ecpiivalent is taken in what they have to sell; the consequence is, that most farmers receive little actual money for these articles, the balance only being paid, by i'ither person, at each yeai-ly or half-veai'ly settlement. The price of wheat in Britain may be said to regulate the ])rice ol' wheat all over C"ana(';i. as its value there is just its ])rice here, minus ' of freight and commissions. This year the best wheat was realising about .^s. per bushel all over Manitoba. In AV'innipeg. butter has been selling at lOd. to lid. i)er 11)., and eggs at from .'{.jil. to 7il. \n'v do/en. Cabbages cost from 1 .]d. to 4d., according to size and season : and other vegetables are all also equally deal', a hand-bunch of gretm onions often costing from 4d. to 5d. Farther Iiack in ^Nfanitoba, I found butter selling at from od. to (k\. per lb. in sununer, and 7d. in winter. In A'ictoria and A'ancouver, both butter and eggs are always dear; butter ranging from Is. bd. to 2s. per lb., and a do/en of egij^s about tht* same price. A small butter factory at Saltcoats I found sending all their make to Vancouver, a distance of ahcmt l,5()(i luih's; while a farmer in the Okanagan A'nlley, up in the ]iocky Mountains, told me he sent all his butter and eggs to the same place, a distance of about 4(K( luiles. 204 The, jiffi'iculUiral liesoiirees of Canada. Mutton is everywhere proportionately dearer than beef, and so is pork. Good cows generally sell all over the Dominion at from £5 to £9; and two and a half year old bullocks at from £5 to ^6 ; and ordinary liorses at £10 to .£20. For the service of a mare with a stallion of moderate worth, the cost is from £2 to £3, the whole being paid nt foaling time and none at service. Apples being scarce this year in many districts of Ontario, prices were in consequence much higher than usual, the average price running from 10s. to 15s. ])er barrel, according to variety and season. Clothing is slightly dearer than in Britain, but, us far as I could judge, not over 20 or 2") per cent, more than here. War/es. — These vary very much according to the district, occupation, !ind season. In Ontario unmarried farm servants, boarded in the farm- house, get from £',i'2 to £40 per annum, and if engaged for the winter months only, the wage is about £2 10s. per month; while during hay and harvest time the usual wage is .£5 per month. Married men receive about .£20 to .£25 extra per annum. Special men, having a knowledge! of horses, cattle, or sheep, get extra wages. General labourers get about 30s. per week, while some classes of tradesmen get £3 per week. In Ontario tlie average working man spends much more on house rent than is done by the same class in Britain. In the old country it is generally estimated that most men spend about one-tenth of their total earnings in house rent, but in Ontario it is calculated that between one-fifth and one-sixth is so spent. In Manitoba and the North-AVest Territories the ordinary labourer's wage varies according to locality and season even more than in Ontario. It may, however, be said to run from 6s. to 10s. per day ; and as sliowing how scarce labour is there during the busy season, I may men- tion I found a farmer in Brandon, which is not far west, offering 21s. per day to all ^^'ho would work for him during thv.^ stacking period. Ordinary farm servants told mo in this district they could keep them- selves and small families and save from .£30 to £35 a year besides. At railway work all over Manitoba the companies were paying from 7s. to 10s. per day ; while on the new portion of the Manitoba and North- Western Railway tliat company were paying this autumn 9s. 6u. to 10s. 6d. per day to the Highland crofters after the^* had got their harvest in. In British Columbia wages are fully higher than anywhere else in Canada, and masons at the time of my visit were getting as high as 21s. per day. Miners at Lethbridge, in Assiniboia, were getting 8s. to 12s. per day ; while at Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, they were getting 10s. to 13s. per day. Eemnle domestic servants are in great demand everywhere. In Ontario the average wage may be said to run from 25s. to 50s. per montli, according to ability and trustworthiness. In the North- West they are very much higher, £3 to £4 per month being not uncommon wages for experienced housemaids and cooks. In Vancouver and A^ictoria domestic servants are particularly scarce, and if experienced and trustworthy can command almost their own terms. It may also be mentioned that west of Winnipeg no smaller coin than the 5-cent piece (2,|d.) is used, and at quite a recent date the smallest in circulation was the 10-cent piece (5d.) ; and at the introduc- Ml'. John Sjhlrg llt'poi'l. 205 se in gh as ng 8.S. were great o run liness. nonth In and ms. coin the oduo- tion of the 5-cent i)iece there was considerable dissatisfaction among a section of the population. Loans. — Extra facilities are given all over Canada for effecting loans, not only on land, but on stock and implements, so that where thes<^ are judiciously used they can often be turned to gn.'at advantage by thf steady and industrious waii who has little capital. All mortgages have to be registered, and foi- a small sum any one loaning money can find whether or not any other mortgages are on the property. Ordinary debts, or even promissory notes, have no claim against a farmer's homestead, and no matter what is seized for debt, a plough, harro\\ , seeder, binder, mower, and team of horses with their harness must be left. The ordinary legal interest over a great part of the North- Wesf is eight per cent., but ten per cent, and over is quite common for ordinary loans. The facilities given for mortgaging all kinds of property in Canada are so great, that 1 question very much if they have not done more harm than good ; at any rate, it is an undoubted fact that Canadian farmers of all classes contract debt very readily, and there, as else^^here, debts are ahNays more easily incurred than got rid of. My idea is that the Government should discourage mortgages, rather than encourage them, if a happy and contented rural population is to be maintained. WaUr. — Over all Quebec aiul Ontario, water in wells, springs, or rivers is quite plentiful, but it has been asserted that, owint: to the limited rain and snowfall of there water was very difficult to water runs off the land by streams absorbing the greater portion of it ; Manitoba and the North-West, get. Undoubtedly, very little or rivers, the soil and the air but, although spruigs are any- thing but plentiful, and the water in many of the lakes is unsuitable for dietetic purposes, (if such at all exists) at a moderate depth, between 15 feet and still it where All 50 double Owinji that distance has to the subsoil of iiad the IS very exceptional to tind a district water cannot be found by well-siiiking over the prairies it is usually found feet deep, but there are odd cases when^ to be sunk before water was obtained, part of the prairie lands being deep clay, it is not to be wondered at that water is sometimes difficult to find, but through the clay are scattered thin beds of gravel at different depths, and where it so happens that a well is sunk without coming in contact with one of these, little or no water is ever found. I have known a farmer sink three wells, all 40 feet deep, around his house, and still find no water, yet, in the fourth one at no great distance, he found a plentiful supply at 15 fc-t dee]). In another instance, a farmer sank 70 feet without finding any watei*, after w hieli he put down a seven-inch bore to 127 feet, A\hen the water rosi; and filled the well to within five feet of the surface. In both these cases no water was got until beds of sand or gravel were struck, and although there may be isolated instances in wliicii slight difficulty has been experienced in getting water, still sucli appear to be comparaiively rare as far as my observations went, aiid 1 made special inquiry at almost every farmer on whom I called v^ ith reference to this matter. 206 The A(/i'tcul(ii)'al Jlt'sonrcfc of Cunndn. Jn every district . of IJritisli Columbia to which my inquineH exteiiclcd, \Miter was evri-ywhcre plcutitul and ijfood. Victoria and N'ancouver are both supplied with a ncver-failinji; supply from small lakes quitt! closa at hand, and at a considei'a])le elevation above both cities. h'tu'l. — In the older provinwa of Canada both coal and wood are fairly plentiful and moderate in price, the St. Lawrence and lakes allowing of wator carriage^ at a very low rate. In tiie North-West, however, wood is very scarce in some districts, and, of course, is mon- costly. For instttnce, in Portapje-la-l'rairie, which may be taken as a fail" instance of the other districts, a cord of wood was selling during the past year at JWs. for poplar, and 4Gs. to 60s. for oak. A cord of wood is a quantity S fiH't long, 4 feet deep, and 4 feet thick. The trees are cut into 4-feet lengths, and, if necessiiry, split into i)iece8 from 4 to 6 inches in diameter. In measuring i\w cord two stakes are driven into the ground 2 feet apart and 4 feet high, then oilier two are driven iji 8 feet from the first ones, and the wood as split is piled in between the first and second pair of stakes, until the space between them is filled up to the top. Along most of the river banks and elsewhere, enough wood to su])ply ])resent demands is to be found, but as the country settles up it will become scarcer. Happily, however, coal mines are being o])ened in the s(juth of Manitoba which will supply the whole of that ])rovince at a juodorate charge. In the south-east of Alberta the Lethbridge mines, belonging 1o the Alberta Coal and Kailway Coinuany, are in full working order, and are connected •with the main Canadian Pacific Kailway by a branch line. This coal is of tjxcellent quality, and will be quite sulHcient for the supply of the MJiole Xorth-W(!st for many years to come. Near the base of the Eockies several good beds of coal ci'op out in various places, some of which are already being worked in a small way, whih' others are in contt'm])latioii. In British Columbia there is sufficient wood to serve for fuel for gcmeratiors, and at Xanaimo there are eight or nine shafts worked by threes companies, w liere several thousand tons of excellent coal are put out daily. This coal is sold at 12s. Gd. to I.Ms, per ton at the pits, and is used principally for ocean steamers, the Canadian Pacific Kailway, and the >San Francisco market. ScJiooh', CJmrches, and Taxes. — In the prairie districts in each township there are two secti(ms, Nos. 1 1 and 2d, M'hich are called scliool sections. These are sold as soon as the district becomes fairly settled u]>, and the jiroceeds go to a general fund for educational purposes. In some districts where the po])ulation is very thin, and the up-keep of the schools is proportionately heavy, a small extra charge has to be made for their maintenance, but in most localities education is to all intents and ])urposes free. Wherever plr. — The Province of (Quebec is peopled ])rincipally by French Canadians, three-fourths, if iu)t more, of the whole population l)oing of French extracTi(m, speaking the Frencli language, and belonging to the lioinan Catholic Church. Tho remainder is principally composed of British. In Ontario the bulk of the people are ol' British extrac- tion, the other nationalities being very small indetnl, while a \ery great number of the names of men and places are familiar old country ones. In Manitoba and the Xorth-AV'est, several of the newer settlenu-nts have drawn almost half of their population fi-om Ontario, the remainder being juade up of English, Scotch, Irish, Scandinaviaiis, French Canadians, &c. Around Winnipeg, on the east side of the lied ItiNcr, the French Canadians have a very large colony, and in other parts of the province there are thriving setth'iuents almost entirely composed of then). The British and Canadians are, of course, so much in thci majority that they can scarcely be said to form colonies, unless in the case of the Highland crofters, who are all settled in bodies by them- selves, and many of whom cannot yet s])eak any English. The Scan- dinavians, who make very good settlers, are often in districts by them- selves also, but in my opinion it is a decided mistake to give facilities for anv nationalitv to crowd into one localitv. At first it may be a litth^ more jileasant for the immigrants, but in the end it will ultimately be for their own and for the State's ben»'tit that all be mixed up as much as possible, and all other nationalities submerged under that of Canada. . " Dei'ECTs of the Colxtkv. 7Ji'oftf/hf. — Owing to the more abundant rainfall of (Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, these provinces rarely suffer from drought ; and while in Manitoba tlie rainfall is fairly copious and regular, in Assiniboia the want of rain is probably the greatest drawback the country has. Drying winds also occasionally come on in rlune, which sonu'times scorch crops badly, and to such an extent as occa- 20S The Af/rlciiltural Ilesourcet of Cmuutu. cionally to kill tlu'iu back to the ;j;rouml level. When the wind:* ceuse uud rain comes on they again grow, and in the autumn may be cut green for feed, but as u rule are no use for grain. Whether or not the climate will impi'ove in this respect as settlement proceeds and trees are planted remains to Ik? seen ; a geneml impression appears, however, to pervade tim peojile that it will, but whether or not such i» well founded is very diiKcult to say. For lo }ears the rainfall of ^[aiiitoba has averaged aboul H> inches, and below are given the rainfalls of Kegina, Medicine JIat, and Calgary for tlie foUowing years i — Kt'giiia. MeiUciiui Hut. Calgary. Ks,s7 = H)'20 it'.Stl I'.taL' 1>^8H r= l(l-l'i{ 11-40 17-.-.1 lh8'J == 415 8-(J4 llMV.t IHltO u. 9-()U 12 1:.' 17 04 Tli»' rainfall of all three places in })^Qi) is calculated from the return* of the tirst seven months only, and as the harvest and autumn of the ]jast year \\as much wetter than usual, the figures given are siu'e t«i !)<• much under what actually fell. //rtjV.— Isolated districts here and there are everv now and again visited by summer hail-storms, which sometimes quite ruin the crops in t he districts visited by cutting them down to the ground. Fortunately, however, thi'se storms move in very narrow tracks, and the damage done is usually confined to a very small percentage of the area of the whole country. Autianii Fronts. — About the time the grain of the wheat is in the milky stage, it is very suscei)tible to frost, and as such occasionally comes on then, it often materially deteriorates it, 1 have found great difliculty in arriving at the exact facts with regard to these frosts, and although 1 found many crops damaged by them, none were destroyed. Farmers who had been in the country for twenty- eight years told me they had only once or twice had any frozen wheat, while others who had only been there a few years said they had some every two or three seasons. Prosecuting my inquiries further, and ccjmparing the opinions of all after I had heard everyone's story, it- appeared to me that those whom T had noted as being the best farmers had little dread of or had never lost much by August f I'osts, while the inexperienced and slovenly farmers were losing every now and again. The safeguaids to adopt appear to be early ploughing and seeding, the use of early ri])ening varieties of grain — more particularly for the last sowings — and more mixed farming, so as to decrease the area sown, and increase the amount of labour available for it. The farming po|)ulation is composed of such an imnu^nse number of persons inexperienced in the business of farming, that it is not to be wondered at that they commit frequent mistakes ; for farming, to be j)rofitable, must be learned in the Xorth-West as well as any when^ els(>, although it is usually said anyone can be a farmer there. Smudge fires (smoke fires), made by setting damp straw on fire, have also been successfully used by many farmers, and 07ie of the most extensive and oldest settlers in Manitoba said to me he Aould have no fhing inoiM! 13 to lable nber o be be t'lse, 1 ^I'tS lost no Ml'. Johii Sjteii'g Iti'fuirt. 2f»0 f»»ar in kcojiini^f frost off plotn ono iiiilf s<|uar»', if not moiv, l)y simply •'Oiptyiup; oai'tloads of straw on th»' north and rast sicU's alonj^ thi> road ullowanccM, and 8i'ttiu<; lirf t«> hiu'Ii when frost seciurd likely to conio on. Most srtllt'rs say they know (|ui(«' ut-U wIk'm tin* crops art' almnt to bn hurt, a.s on thesis nights any little \\ind whii'h blows, comu'n from the north or ea«t, and is usually attended with niore or less fo^. Thost^ who have Ix-eii sueet'ssfiil in keepinj; olY frost by this means, s;»y that the smoke is gradually driven liy the little wind whieh prevails over the erop, where the bulk (»f it lies during the night, elVeetually l>reve)iting any dainage. Asa rule, it appears to be only one night in a season, or in several seas(»ns, that any damage is done, and if sueh an area of crop as a s(piaro mile, or less, ean 1h' saveil from damagt' by so simple aii expedient, and at so little expense, it is a great pity it is not oftener adopted. In the wheat-growing distriels straw is of s(» little value that it is always burned; it might, therefore, at threshing time or other convenient seasons, be bauh-d where necessary, and let lie there till such limes as it was wanted, as the niinfall is su little that it does not rot. From information derived fi'om several millers of iindoid)ted experience and respeeta)>ility, I am informed that wheat damaged by frost is genonvlly sold under its intrinsie value for tlou '--making, dealers often making such a nuison for buying it at a low price. In isyt), in order to test the value of the practice of farmers using frozen whejit as seed, the manager of the Ontario Kxperinienlal T^inii bnd 12 sninples of frozen grain forwarded to him from ^^;^nito^;I. uiiirli ],t- t"-l--d ill I li-- li'M'iiiin.iloi- ;iii taken up with it who now turn uway (li8ap])ointed. Thero are diflicultieN, «von very groat diflicultioH, in tho way, against carrying out Buch a proposal, but opportunities are now offered for doing such HyHtematically, which may never be obtained after the country becomes more thoroughly settled. The gains from such would likely be a greatly improved a|)pearance, a milder climate, and increased rainfall, fuel, fencing supply, and larg<'r immigration. More par- ticularly for the first ])lantations and for the outsides, very great care would recjuire to Im« exercised in tho selection of suitable trees to stand the climate, for which the experience gained at the Dominion (Government Experimental Farms at Brandon and at Indian Head would be v«^ry valuable. Loctuta and Moaquiloeg. — Occasionally very slight damage is done by locusts, but it is now so small as to be scarcely worth taking notice of. In all insect attacks the knowledge of the life history of the peat is almost equivalent to half the cure, and as the life of the locust is fairly well understood, and as settlement progresses, it is confidently hoped that they will be unlikely to again cause any material damage. Mosquitoes cannot be got rid of so easily, and although they do not cause much direct loss, still they give very considerable annoyance. On new comers they are said to be particularly severe, yet none of tho people 1 came in contact with had any very serious complaints to make regarding them. To cattle they are also very troublesome, more particularly on farms in the vicinity of ponds or marshes, as it is in such places that the mosquitoes breed. In these localities it is customary to have a railed-in enclosure, with a fenced-in smudge fire in the centre, into which the cattle are driven, particularly the cows in milk. This fire is fed with any damp material, ^^ hich will burn slowly and cause smoke, which is very distasteful to the mosquitoes, and into which the cattle rush to get clear of their tormentors. Lonff Winters. — The long winters of Canada are certainly an objection to it by people who have been used to a short one ; but it is wonderful how soon anyone can accommodate himself to the changed circumstances. As the country also gets better settled up, people will drift into ways of life and occuptions w hich are likely to fully occupy their time. Every country has some drawback; one, like Scotland, is too wet, another is too dry, a third too hot, and so on, so that wei'e it not for these little defects, 1 he climate of Canada would be perfection. In winter all the work of preparing fuel and fencing is done. Wild AnimaU.— 0\er all the North- West prairie wolves and foxes are yet fairly plentiful, but unless for their attacks on sheep these animals cause settlers no trouble, as the wolves never attack human beings. In the grain-growing districts not a little loss is often caused by gophers destroying the crops, but, as a rule, they do not do much damage, and are not difficult to get rid of. The gopher is a small animal, very much resembling the squirrel, and which inhabits the whole Mr. John Speir's Itiporf. 211 of the prairies of tho North-West. It burrows iit tht^ pround, its clmnnulu very much rt^sembling rut-holes. They i'eed principally on f;raiu when thoy can get it ; and where plentiful — and they Bometimes iire very plentiful — they cause considerable destruction. Tho badgers are their natural enemies; and on the open prairies they k(H*p them down to their normal level, but in the grain-iields they sometimes increase, when they should be thinned by traps and poison. As vet there are no rats in Manitoba and tin* North-West ; they are, however, ulwoys creeping further aud further westward. Who fcJuouLD Go to Canada. any ily an ; but •If to settled likely one, ind so tanada ^1 and and sheep ittack 3d by much small I whole Th(^ class of persons principally wanted in Camula are farmers of all classes, farm servants, domestic servants, and a few artisans; all others are for the present unlikely to b** any more successful there than here. Farmers who are up in years should not go for their own benefit, but it is desirable that they should do so for that of their families, if they have any. If they are possessed of fair means and are unwilling to face the hardships of starting a farm on the prairies, they may purchase farms in full going order in any part of Ontario or the ^Maritimc^ rrovinces, and at once begin business. If they have sonm money and would prefer jNIanitoba or any of the country west, they either purchase improved farms, buy unbroken lands, or go further bivjk and take up a free houiestead, according to tht-ir inclinations am' means. The men likely to be most successful are those who have been in occupation of the smaller class of farms at home, and who, between themselves and their families, can 4o a good proportion of tlieir own work, for labour is so costly that if much of it has to b(.' hired a considerable part of the profit is run away with. Parmers with a few hundred pounds can make a very easy start as owners in any part of the North-West, on a farm four or five tim(>s the size of what they would be able to find capital for as tenants in the old country, and at the end of a few years they may have it in good working order and free of debt. Farm servants with a few pounds by them — more than will take tluMiiselves aud their families out and keep them for from six months to a year — can also do very well, and all such, by frugality and perseverance, may very soon immensely improvt? their position. All who are able to pay for good lands near a railway, 1 would advise to do so, rather than go farther back and get it free. The farmer with a considerable sum of money at his disposal may ent^r into a large wheat-growing or mixed farm in Manitoba or the Terri- tories, or go into cattle, horse, or sheep breeding in Alberta, if that iu more to his tastes ; or, if he prefers a milder winter, he may go on to British Columbia, where he may engage in general farming, stock- raising, dairying, or fruit culture, as suits his tastes and experience. Canada is so large and so varied in character, that there is almost no one in the farming way who is desirous of emi uung but will find some place suited to his tastes and experience. 1 I : I 212 The Agricultural liesources of Canada, Ct)NCLUSIOX. ]My oxamination of Canada forces inn to the conclusion that very many of our farniers, more particuhirly the small r class of them who are used to cattle, would do very much betti'r in the Xorth-AVest than at home; and to all who are not getting on here to their entire satisfaction I have no hesitation in saying that, if they mean shifting, they should try Canada. If they are quite contented and satistied, I would say, " IStay where you are ; " but in all other circumstances try Canada. When you go, do so in early spring, and go prepared to work or travel about for at least one year, until you see the country and get accustomed t(j its ways. Such a course Mill in the end be much more proiitable and pleasant than coming out and buying or taking free land, and beginning farming right off. The hiter can be done, but it is neither judicious nor advisable to do so. i THE REPORT OF MAJOR STEVENSON, Knockbrack, Goshaden, Londonderry. ] HAVK tlu! honor to report that, liaviiig been appointed re|)re.senta- tive for the northern halt' of Ireland on the Comniisjsion empowered to invest iffate and report on the resonrces of t he Dominion of Canada, 1 sailed on the oth September from Belfast Lough, on the Royal Mail Steam- ship " Sarnia," of the Dominion Line. Captain Gibson accorded Jiie every facility in liis power that 1 miglit inaku myself conversant with tile system pursued in every detail on board the vessels of the Company. 1 from time to time on the passage out ^ent the I'ounds with the captain, or other oiHcers of the shi]), visiting the intermediate and steerage quarters. I. am glad to be; able to liear testimony to the nniform courtesy and attention shown to all on board, without distinc- tion of class, by the ollicials of the Company. The intermediate and steerage quarters were connnodious, W(!ll ventilated, and scrupulousl\ clean; the food of excellent quality, varied and wt'll-cooked ; neatness and order were conspicuous throughout. AVe had on board 58 saloon, 54 intermediate, and 14Jj steerage passengers. The majority of our intermediati! and steerage passengei-s, and a few of our saloon ])assengers, werti for Manitoba and the i'ar West. 1 did not hear a single complaint from anyone on board, and 1 frequently asked among the steerage passengers if they had any complaints. 1 \\as invariably told that everything was done for tlieir comfort that could possibly be done, and those who suffered from sea-sickni'ss spoke of the exceeding kindness of the doctor and chief stewai'l in providing little dvdicacies for them. Yv'ith vessels such as now traverse the great Atlantic, and with the facilities and comforts accorded, no one need hesitate to cross to Canada on account of the sea voyage. 1 landed at (Quebec on the loth of Septembei", having had a most enjoyable passage out. The majority of our ])assengers went on to Montreal. Afttn* landing, the emigrant will iind his intei'ests carefully looked after by^ the oiKcials of the Doiiiinion (Joveriiment. Xecessary arrangements are made for the comfort and pvuTection of femuh; emigrants ; and these remarks apply not only to the port of arrival, but to all places of any importance throughout the Dominion. Wherever the eraigrant may dii-ect his, or her, course tlirougliout the broad Dominion, they will find the eye of the paternal government upon them, and their interests carefully protected and ]>reser\ed. 1 noted with pleasure the sleeping arrangejuents on :i(ivaiiiageously aiiuifted, and ••oijiiii!«nd:- tlie trside of Hit ill" I oi'l'.li and vv'st. irJ li2;lit'"d with ''I^'r-rri*' liiihts. h'|>it;il, ^I'cat Hour mills and grain eli-vutois, and juun} notable public building.-. The principal land olHces of the Canadian Pacific liailway Company ai"(; here, as also the chief land ofUces of several other companies. The Canadian Pacific ]tail\vay Company OAvns the odd-numbered sections in the belt of land extending 24 miles on either side of the trac : between AVinnipeg and the liocky Mountains. Sectional maps, ])aniphlets, and all information respecting these lands can be had from any of the company's agents, free of cost, at all points along the line. On Sunday, the 21st September, I drove out to Mr. Eden's. His residence is situated on the bank of the Assiniboine, and is in all n-spects a charming English residence, with suitable grounds and tennis courts. The land in tlu^ vicinity of AVinnipeg is exceedingly rich, and bears hea^y crops of grain and I'oots. On Monday I visited one of the ])rincipal jiublic schools in Winnipeg ; the buildings are very good, the class rooms airy and well-arranged, and the children very neat and intelligent looking. Education is perfectly free, «*ven school books, \\ here necessary, being in many instances supplied free of cost. At the Dominion Land Oltices I saw a number of samples of all descriptions of agricultural produce from the several portions (F the province. The roots, grain, vegetables, flax seed, and some saniples of hops wi're exceptionally good. I viilted the city markets and inspected the beef, mutton, poultrj^ and vegetables offered there ; all were of good quality and sold at reasonable rates. I went over the premises of Messrs. (Jalt, wholesale traders ; their establishment is certainly quite a wonder — extensive and complete. I compared prices with those at home, and I find that most necessaries of life com])are favourably, and many are cheaper. I drove out to Sir Donald Smith's place, " Silver Heights " ; it is very nicely situated, and the land surrounding it is very good. AVe were shown his hei'd of West Highland cattle, Herefords, and Buffalo. On our way out Me passed som(> excellent fields of potatoes, and also saw large quantities of good cabbage and beet ; celery seems to do particularly mcII. 1 waited on His Grace the Koman Catholic Archbishop for the Province of jManitoba, and had a long conversation ^ith him. He spoke warmly in favor of the ])rovince as a field for Irish emigration, and referred to the rapid progress that is being made ; and instanced that when he first visited Winnipeg it took him 43 days to travel from Quebec, while it can now be done in three days. I visited the nunnery and wan taken through the schools, which are c ainly very nice and well conducted. I had the pleasure of being intr' need to the jNIother Superior and several of the Sisters, was taken over the premises, and left much pleased with all I saw. AVhen at Winnipeg I had an opportunity accorded me of en303ing a wolf huni I may say in passing that the prairie wolf is not a dangenms animal. In Manitobii, as well as in other provinces of the Dominion, there are several ]>acks of hounas ; the sport is excellent, and those who enjoy the hound and saddle can still indulge their taste even on the prairies of Manitoba. In Winnipeg there are tvo ,\lillin ^h I'l ll.\ii I .< /|Vi\ iiirh !)iv iloiaij v>»;ll; jukj wiiu Hit 'Wf lli:iil lioji-- wliicli t ;iii ri':i(lil_\ In oi-ov\ n in {]]<■ «ioiir!irni norrif>ii nt' tin provinc". this industry, 1 doubi uoi, will pi'ove (•upiiltic ol' gi'<'iii di v ■•l(t|(M««iii, und provide u large field for labour in the Future. On Malurday, the 1st November, 18JJ0, J drove to Oakdale Farm, situated Jo miles smith of AVinnijieg, on the west bank of the Ked Eiver. We passed tlu'ough the Fvenc'ii settlement of 8t. Norlx'rt ; the land all the way out is of deep, rich, vegetable loam. The country is interesting, and faii-ly well timbered. After passing 8t. Xorbert, one gets into a very nice wheat and grazing district, timber, and rolling lands. Here there are thousands of acres available at ])i'ic<'s from .'S4 to S(i per acre, in many cases with houses on the lands. ()akdale Farm contains >I0(» acres, and is managed on the share syst«^m, i.e., the owner finds all ca])ital and the manager \\ orks th } place; on grain and farm produce tht^y halve the profits, and on stock the manager gets one-third. .Mr. Davidson the manager, informed me that grain-growing has been chiedy followed as yet, but that they ))urpose to pursuit mixed farming, for which the lands secMii well adapted. This year 140 acres wtn-c under grain, 75 of wht>at, 45 of oats, and 20 of barlex-. IMie yield all round will be good, and no injury was done by frost. Wheat, he calculated, would produce nearly '60 busliels per acre, oats 50, and barley about ;55. Roots do very \\e\\, and there is a good supply of water all through tlu! neighbourhood. Mr. Davidson moved west from th(.' I'rovin'-e of Ontario, where he farnied pi-eviously. 1\{\ seems well satisfied with results, and both he, his wife, and their children state*' that they suffered no inconvenience from the winter cold. vSpring ])loughing, he stated, did as well as autumn ploughing. A part of the crop sown last spring had bei>n thrashed when I was there ; it graded No. 1 hard, sold for i: • iiiiii if , 'l»»uk. I'iit'li I iii'''sli<-f «l<»iii,L; Irom l.ol'U lui.iLi:l> to l,^)y)K) l)ii.«iifl,- u> v \\h^ \'-yf \^•^'\'^^ a illiiiiln'l o1' llilMil* -ill j(|>li"< I li\' tin III,' Tl t hr. hiii: <\\>\ I ll^' •t ot -liiil" \Mi,« iiiiir c'lu.s i)i'r liii>|ii' I iildi'ini'ii orterc'd 7" cculs per biishtl I'lir liis (-uiii'r w h».';il (;ni[) delivernl in •rillir.SIIINU AT SAXDISOS'.S KAIIM, ItliAXDON. Bi'iiiuloii. 'i'liis lie doclined, and I liave HUice hecard on good authority that lie was getting as jnucli as 8.') to 90 cents. I visited tlie Government experimental farm at lirandon. This farm has onlj^ been in existence for two years, and under tin.' able management of Mr. Bedford it is surprising wha has already beeu accomj)lished. The progress reflects the greatest credit on the (iovernment, the management, and all connected with the undertaking. Jlere 1 had an opportunity of seeing a most inteirsting exhibition ot" agricultural produce from the province, and examined the experimental ])lots. The system ]nirsued by the Department of Agriculture in con- nection \\'i\.\\ these farms must prove of immt>nse advantage to the agricultural communit}' in the very near future. After leaving the experimental farm 1 drov(> through some of the wheat-growing districts. Amongst other ])laces I visited was the farm of the Eev. (t. IJoddie ; this was one of the first settlements in the district, and dates back ten yeai's. Mr. Boddie came from ]\ova Scotia ; his fariu is situated at the foot of the Brandon Hills. The lands are undulating and picturesque, being studded with Avell-timbered blulfs. At Brandon I met a large number of Irish settlers, all of w horn stated that they had done veil and liked the country. In the evening I met Mr. tSandison, the large grain producer before referred to, and he informed me in conversation that while six years ago on coming to Canada he ^\■as not worth 5 cents, he would not now take So(),000 for his farm, stock, &c., and that he might say he ^vas free from debt. I saA\- a very nice herd of cattle, This iiblo been tlie ikinj;. ion of lentiil con- the tlie ricts. ddie ; £ ten it the ■sque, large V ell large itioii ents, that ttle, Major Stevenson s li('i>ort. 221 about 200, on tlicir Wiiy from ihc Xorth-Wcst to Montreal for sliipincnt ; they consisted chiedy of two anil three-year-old bullocks, aiul were for store ])ur|)oses. In Ireland tin would readily fetch at present rates from .£'] 1 to ill '> each. From Brandon I proceeded to liapid City. The district betw(H>n ]Jrandon and lia^jid City is well adajjted for mixed farniiu!;, aiul in the vicinity of the latter ])lace shee|) shouhl succeed. Hen; 1 again uu-t u considerabl(> number of my countrymen, and was glad to learn from them that they liked tlu; country, aiul were iloing well. 1 visited veiy interesting Hour and woollen mills, which, although not long in existence, are nourishing. Th(^ woollen mill already turns out over ],U()(» lbs. of woollen yarns ])er week. They were engaged i)utting up power-looms, and expected to have four at work by the beginning of January. They have more orders booked than they can supply for some time to come. Jlere also all the machinery used was Canadian- made, and the owner of tiie mills infornu'd me that lutt only was tlie machinery as good, bu*: quite as cheap as what could be ])rocured iii England. At J{apid City I took the train for jNlinnedosa, where I spent a short time. "^Phis also seems a fav(un'al)le district for settlement ; the little town is prosperous ; there is a tlour mill, )>ut I had no time to visit it. I was called u])on by the editor (»f the local ]'a]rit;iin iind her ("oloiiie-^ l'ii]('i';iliil <>ii eDiiiiiiercin] line*. (';ii'|| «l:i iilIiiil; \<^ tie- ol In i'. mnl tin- |Mi|ici' ul ili.- wurlil. I «l'pp|>eM| i'..'' :i »lii)iM line ;il 1>1 n-c;i rl I >l ;i I ii mi. m i lii.- \l ,i ■ li I < iIm ;i mi .\ > Ml li- \\ . -i ,-i'n K:iil\\;iv. I pricfil ;i |;ii:jf ihimiIk-i' ul rii-licl--- ;il i li- -Iim'i-. ihmi (M Mi^jil.-r I ii;il I li' |M'ie> :iri id"' im)I:iM\ >.-\ t'l ;•,! V (III Ml: I ■t I'lMM Sen! I;i ml. I \\i-\ W i-ri- iliiili'.; (•ci:il- !•• ;i \er\ 1-1 Mn|i:ii''' 1,1 V iM';i li|\ vulii lliii^-' .-'I liolut lt;i ;ii!il I (liiMffd. Iii'iii'_; (•(>! isii Ifivi lil v cli'-;! (■••r. 'llllVV- \\'\\{t IkiiI 'illMMf»l cIhIimI. »ii|M'- ll'iMH It'IjiImI :ilui till -i:i|'(l lli;il t I.. \ \\<[-<- Niill-li'-ii ui!li . ;iiiil I lilll :i nt.ill llie.i niih hi Viirk In -lu /i-.-i |. lli'iTi'xi IhU l!iv\ ii>lii|p. ;iii(!. v\|iiNl iillis Ol :i t.-v\ I iii'-l Mm>I'i- V< llill S;,|l- existence, has made very considerable ])rogress. Tliecduntry siiri'ounding this place is ])artic\dai'Iy well adapted for mixed r;ii'iiiing. The natural grasses are excellent, aiul where the laiul Is rdlliiig there is some timbf^r. which atfords shelter for cattle ami horses. In the town lln-y have promoted a creamery, which ])romises to do well, and be of no small benetit to the settlers in the neighbourhood. I visited a large number of families in this district, but a few examples must sulHce:- - AVilson and his wife and family state they have been in the country for two years; his start, he said, was poor enough, lie landed with 13 of a family, and only 75 cents in his pocket ; he lias now (JU acres under crop. I saw seven acres of wheat grown on stubble laiul witho\it ploughing; this wheat will, I should say, yield upwards of .^30 bushels, lie has 20 head of cattle, and is taking eight milcii cows from the creamery: he is getting a thoroughbred bull; he will, he states, have cash when h(» sells his grain to ])urchase machinery and develop more quickly: he purposes breeding horses; some of his ooo The AijricuHaral liesourccs of Caiutihi. family are iu employment, and they help him ; ho received a loan from the Manitoba and North-Western Bailway Company to start on. Mr. Moore, from the Tweed, N.B„ has a very nice place in the prairie about eight miles south of Saltcoats ; has been two years in tht^ country, and has 100 acres under crop (ho will have 150 under crop next year). Here I found flowers and vegetables in great perfection. He has four sons, and ho and his sous each received 160 acres, making in all 800 acres. 1 saw some excellent turnips ; one I measured was HO inches in circumference. At ono top of potatoes 1 found 20 excellent tubers, some as large as any 1 have ever seen. Mr. Moorc! owns a steam-thrasher — an excellent machine — for which he pays $1,800 ; he has four years allowed him in which to pay for the machine. Knott, a settler from Norfolk, was a gardener ; ho came here two years ago ; has only his wife and young children ; had no capital ; he worked for the railway company the first year, also hauled timber for some other settlers. He has 27 acres under crop this season. He says he has now found his feet, as he has two cows, two oxen, and two pigs ; his wife reared 1 40 chickens from a stock of ten hens. They are greatly pleased with the country, and are confident of doing very well. Their neighbours, they state, are very kind, and they consider this the finest place that can be for those who have little or no money, but who are willing to work. Michael Parrel's farm is situated four miles east-by-south from Saltcoats. He is from the west of Ireland, but came here direct from Northumberland, where he was a herd some three years ago. He and his family were assisted emigrants ; they received a loan from the Manitoba and North- Western Kailvvay Company, and had to be supported for the first year. The family, which consists of the father, six sons, and four daughters, received four homesteads, or 640 acres in all ; they will receive more lands as the other sons reach the age of eighteen. They have 30 head of cattle. This season they had 75 acres urider crop, and they expect to have much more next year. They showed me a very nice Shorthorn bull, for which they paid 60 dollars last year, a good native pony in foal, two yokes of oxen, for one of which they paid $120 and for the other $130. They have two waggons, a binder, and a reaper, in addition to other machinery. They told me that they would not take a present of the best farm of 200 acres in Ireland, and go back. They think the country very healthy, and stated that no Irishman need dread coming out, as there would be plenty to take him by the hand when he arrived. ' Mr. Cr. Bolton represents a totally different class, one of those who was not accustomed to do much at home. I found him hard at work building wheat stacks, a thing he would never have dreamt of doing in the old country. He has already succeeded in making a very nice place. His house is situated on a knoll overlooking a nice little lake. He took me into his house and introduced me to his wife and daughters. The eldest was educated in Belfast. They like the country well, and told me that they were very happy, and had become quite reconciled to Major Stevenaon's Iteport. 223 change it for lifo under tht> and very there who Kvork igin nice lalce. Iters. and Mto the life, and would not, if they could, old conditions. On returning to Saltcoats I met two Scotch croftj^rs settled in this district ; they both expressed themselves as highly satisfied \^•ith the country, and told me that they could not b»? dragged out of their home- steads with ropes. They never kntnv what comfort was before ; their wives and families were well satisfied, and there was a glorious field for their children as they grew up. AViien I asked them what they thought of the action of some of the crofters who had thrown up their home- steads (of whom there were in all about 18 families), they stated that they believed they had made a mistake they would regret all their lives, that they had been mislead, and that they were now about to apply to be permitted to return. I may add that all the settlers I met in this neighbourhood with the exception of one, were prosperous, and very well-to-do. The one exception, on the authority of his neighbours, had but himself to blame for his want of success. This district is rich in lime which makes an excellent cement, and with which it will be possible to erect excellent concrete buildings at a minimum cost. I visited the Barnardo Homes, situated about three miles from Russell. The buildings are better than I had expected to see; there is altogether some 8,0U0 acres in the property, part homesteaded, part presented by the Dominion Government, part presented by the Itailway Company, and part purchased. It has been the means of doing much good, and should only one-half of the inmates be reclaimed to a good and useful life. Dr. Barnardo is deserving of all praise. There are at present 60 boys in the home, but there is accommodation for twice that number. They have this year 120 acres under wheat, 100 under oats, and 20 under barley. I saw in the garden, which is partly laid out, and which contains over 20 acres, some exceedingly fine vegetables. There is a fine milk stock on the farm, consisting of over 50 milch cows ; calves are reared, and butter made. I saw some nice store stock on the grass, and there is a nice herd of sheep ; both cattle and sheep do well. The boys are carefully looked after, and seemed bright and intelligent. They are educated, instructed in agriculture, and fitted to make their own way in the world. After remaining a sufficient time at the home to become acquainted with methods of husbandry and acquire habits of industry, tlie boys are hired out to local farmers. From Eussell I proceeded to the Binscarth Stock Farm, which is excellently situated. The heifer calves and the two-year-old heifers were alike good, and in excellent condition. There are also some fine Shropshire sheep on this farm. Leaving Binscarth, I proceeded to Birtle. This is a growing township ; new flour mills have just begun work ; these I visited ; they are very complete, as usual, the machinery being all Canadian-made. The capacity of the mills is about 600 bushels per day. I visited the fair, as it is called, or agricultural show. The produce, both garden and farm, was most creditable. Here, as everywhere else, I met numbers of my countrymen and women, all of whom are doing well. At Birtle there are a number of good stores and two comfortable hotels. I went for a drive through the surrounding country. The land is good, but not by any means so strong as at Bran- 224 Tht AfjrivHltui'nl llsouvvea of Cnnadn, (Ion or (ilt'uboro*, and niixj'd fiinuinp; is more tho rul»'. 1 next viHitcd Xccpawii. lltTf 1 was shown over new Hour mills Ix-inp; erertt'd by ii compiiiiy, of which my informiint was 1 hr jirinciiMil shmcholdcr tind miiiiiij,'cr. Jit' j,'uv(' lilt" his ('.\|)t'rit'nct's ol" the country, stating that when hi' came to the district l(> ycurs :igo he iiad just .S20 in the world; that tiicrc were then hut lew settlers; that lie worked for a time in a small flour luill until he made suHicieiit to purchase a yoke ol' oxen; theu he worked with his team; rented a little laiul for cropping : that ho next houu'steaded ; theu traded in land: that he now farms '{20 acres, and has anotlua* .'{2t> acres; that the luills an* lM»ing built at a cost of i1i!Jr),00(), and that the capital of the couipany is *;{(),()()( I for the mills and elevators; that he has .^l.'),(i(M» in the undertaking, and would not tak(! S:U),()(Ht for what he is worth, I di'ove out for soiue 12 miles through the country, visiting a number of settlers; the land is good, and the settlers prosperous. AVheat is the ])rinci])al crop grown, but the land is well adapted for all general farm ])roduce. rortag(>-la-l'rairii^ wh,s visited by mo on the lind October. It is an interesting town, situated on the Assiniboine Uiver, with u population of about 4,000. It is the market town of a rich and ])oi)ulous district, but it is not dejiending solely on agriculture, for there are numerous youthful but rol)Ust industries, llouring mills, grain elevators, a brewery, ])aper mill, biscuit factory, and others. The lands in thevicinityof Portage are amongst the richest in the world. 1 dro\e with Mr. Jiaby, a French- ('iinndiiin setlirr frfmi mik of Ihv iild-r |iiMviii,-.-. to Jiis |tl;u'<', 11 milp'-' from tiiw'ii: ihi» i- ;iliui>H||ici.|; ;i|| \\\r |)i'i)|i|'' ti !'■ |M u>|if|tMI.> ;i l!i| full 1 1 J 1 1 ' 1 1 M .■ \ I ''ii^iv h| \ . iiiicl i^ iii,iliiii;j C(Mi-iil''i"ilili- i III j)r"v 'iii'Ml : M r. Sii iilii'v . ^^ liu livi.- ill \\\f I i>v\ II. gi,f> ill tor w lii;ii i',ii>."iii^ •\tfii- «'nt|\ : lit- 1ms I .«>" ;iiT'-> :il'(iiit I L' inih-s iVoui ri>rl;i^;>-, and hiui llii« -i-'.'iMili >t M • III fi-> liiiilt'i" I"!'!"!'; iif fti |eii|;i I f» oil ;iii ;i\i'rai;e v |c|J ut !'•'• !iii.->li'"l> |"i' ;ii'l'''. :inil i--«^l iiii;ilf» llml li'' will olf:ii'. iitlt-r |>;i\iiii; :i|| im - |)i-ii,>.fs. ii|>v':n'il« III !."l.u'i.Mi >ii-i'rniM, )|( wni-kv nIkhii iiiit*-li:i||' ol' i lu- lu ml liiiiist'ir. itllti ft)lll i;ii'l >^ loi' I ill' plV|);ii';M iitii uf I lir riiii;iilMi<|- : he c;, ii have his land ])h)uglied anil h-tLicuiIv loi ihi ,m . .1 U,i ^\,~i'> \ni acit (7 shillings), and back-set and lol'f i'(;u!y for from >¥2.7."i to S.").')!! ner acri» (11 to 14 shillings); he cont.iders this cheaper than main- taining an additional number of horses; \\o stated that he had been offered {->;{ cents per busliel for all the v, 'leat he had grown this season, at the elevators. The great features of Manitoba are excellent lands, free for honiesteading, or at a reasonable price, very inodrM-ate taxes— 1 may say almost none. This province is peculiarly well adapted for young men with but snmll {ov no) ca])ital, strong hearts, and willing hands, even though they have been reared amidst the comforts of an English home. They must, however, be steady and industrious. !Men of the small farmer class, with large families, some of whom have reached years of maturity will, if they have a little aipital, and they are ready to take advice from older settlers, do very well here; they can either hom(>- stead, or, if they desire, ])urcha.se a quarter section with a house and I', liiiliv t;ii'iii.« (III Iii> l:ii'iM. }fnjot' StiVemont Jiij^iorl, 225 Ntnblo on it, get to work tlieri', aud hoinosteiiJ or purchaw for their Hoiis iM thi'V rciu'h II propt-r afj^f. Young iii(>n of the agricultural labouring I'liiss can easily procure lioinostcadH, and by working oiit jtart of their time, nrnl oil thoir honiesti^ads wiien posHil)le, can readily iiuike t heni.selve-i independent. About all the towns there is abundance of eniployiiieni for female labour, and domestic servants reccnve excellent wages and aro well-treated. The winter is long and cold, but owing to the "exceeding dryness of the air," it is not " wretchedly '' colli, but rather "pleasant aiid bracing." The winter is enjoyed by all the young ])eople : 1 had an experience of .'^.'>'^ below zero (it is only rarely that such a teuijH'rature is recorded), but it caused me no incouvenience. The Xorth-AVkst Tkiiritoiuks. TJeyond the Province of ^fanitolja, nearer the sotting sun, extends the region known as the North-West Territories. .Much that 1 have said referring to the soil, climate, and productions of ^[anitoba, apply equally to the Territories. Out of this vast territory, in lSfS2, the Dominion (iov(n'nm«'nt formed four |)rovi8ional districts, named : .\ssiniboia, Saskatdunvan, Alljerta, and Athabasca. This territory comprises a large portion of British North America, and has a total area of 2,.")U(),(J( >0 squan^ niih's and upwards, with a population estimated at about 90,(J0f>. At INtoosomirx — the first point on the westward route visited by me in the Territories — I inspected the schools. The child ren are advanced for their age ; the average atteudanc<> is very good, although several of the children come a distance of five miles. 1 drove out aud visited the farm of Mr. flilliman, who came out from co. Cork, Ireland, in 1.S83 ; he homesteaded and pre-empted. Jle has had the experience of six years* crops, and j'xpressed himself as more than well pleased v\ ith the country ; lie pursues mixed farming; his grain has never been injured by frost, so as to affect the price ; be considers 1 S bushels a fair average yield of wheat ; oats yield from 40 to oO bushels, and sometimes 60 per acre; he uses all his straw for forage. This year he milked 12 cows, aud hopes to milk IS next s(^ason. A cheese factory is being promoted in this neighbourhood on th«^ co-operative principle ; .'iOO cows have been already entered ; each cow yielding a certain quantity of milk will i-epresent a xbare. The cheese season will extend from May to October, and it is hoped that the system will greatly benefit the farmer. Referring to the local fairs or shows, Mr. (lilliman sf.id they did much good, not only from an agricultural point of view, but from an industrial stand- point ; at recent shows several prizes fell to the active and industrious fingers of Mrs. Gilliman for Irish lace and fancy work. He has 31 head of cattle, 10 horses, 30 sheep; he keeps no pigs; he prefers Shropshire sheep, but Southdown do equally well on these lands. Mrs. Gilliman stated that she likes the country well, it is very healthy ; they have five children the pictures of health, aud they do not know what it is to be ill. J got several very fine specimens of native flax from the prairie ; }5 220 The AfjrmiltHral liesources of Canada. tlie fibro of this flax is rich, but is rather coarse in nalurc, I liavo no doubt bat that cultivated flax from liiga, Dutch, or English seed ^^•ould be productive of fibre of flne quality and largt^ yield. I was given a nest of the golden oriol, jnade entirely of the fibre from the w ild flax, the bird proving, beyond contradiction, the flbrt-producing qualities of the soil and elinuite. Souk* of the land withii; a mile or two of the railway in this district, as in some other places in jManitoba and the Territories, is held by speculators. The prices asked are not un- reasonable, but they retard progress, and are at the ])resent time eumbei'ers of the ground. The lands in the vicinity of JNEoosomin are good and well adapted for mixed farming. Wolseley is a neat little village in the district of Assiniboia; tlie land is rolling and lev(d prairie, bearing a good clos(* grass, and is well adapted for miiied farming ; there is an abundance of good hay readily obtain- aWe. Jn this neighbourhood there is a considerable quantity of land for homesteading. The water supply is drawn from wells, and there is a good supply, as a rule, re^i lily obtainable. There is an abundant sui)ply of timber for fuel and fencing purposes. JNIixed , farming is, as a rule, pursued. Wheat produces from 1 7 to 35 bushels ])er p-ere: the average this sf.;.son might be taken as 25 bushels. jNIuch of ihis season's wher.t shows symptoms of frosting. Oats do well, jno- ducing from 40 to 80 bushels per acre. Potatoes are grown for h.ome consumption only, ^ind jiroduce from 300 to 400 bushels per acre. Cattle of all descriptions do well, and contagious disease is unknown. I visited the Fleming settlement. There are a large number of families of this name here. They came direct from Ontario that they might And a greater field for the settlement of their children. They were origii-Jly north of Ireland people. .Tames Fleming stated tliat he came from Ontario in ISSl, almost without capital. Jle liomesteaded and pre-empt(Hl. ][e believes this place better than Ontario for mixed farming and cattle raising. Old countrymen, especially English and Scotch, stick too closely to their old idea.-.. He recommends mixed farming as most profitable. Jle has now 21 head of horned cattle, six horses, and some pigs. This .season they milked seven cow s ; next season they hope to have 11. Cattle do i-emarkably well. The winters, while sevt>re, are pleasant, and they would almost as soon have the winter sea.son as tlie summer. I called on a large number of settlers in this neighbourhood ; Mr. .lames Fleming is fairly repri'.xnt:vtive of those I saw. All were contented. At Indian Head, J visited the experimeutal farm, and was shown every attention by J\Ir. Alaekay. Thi.- farm will prove of great benefit to the awriculturists of the\orth-A\^est Territnries; the principal is a thoroughly practical man, whose whole heart is devoted to the work in which he is engaged. I visited the celebrated 13*41 farm. This fan i is entirely given up to wheat-raising: the fields are of immense size - .some being four miles in length the buildings on the farm are very good, the land of excellent quality, and well cultivated. Aftt>r leaving iNCajor Bell's, I visited what is known as the Urass(>y Faim. This is a ]n'operty recently taken up by a Colonisation C^)mj)any, of which Lord Bras.sey is ehainnim. They have acquired some 00 sections, or upwards of 3.s,O0(i Major Stevenson s liepoi't. •2-21 10 came d and mixed I and mixed de, six season inters, liave umber fairly Head, tention ;o the oughly he is ml i rely lieins; le land B(drs, operty issev is 5S,UU(I acres, and considerable pre])arali()us are being made for the rece]ition of emigrants. I arrived at Prince Albert on Sunday, 'Ah (^ctob--r. The town is situated on the bank of the Haskateiunvan (or Swift-running liiver) ; it is a place of some importance, and, considering that until recently it was 2(50 miles from tlu' nearest rail coiiiiiuinicat ion, it is sur- prising that it should have develojK'd as it has done. The town contains about 1,0<)0 inhabitants, and the district about 4,0(i(>. In the neighbourhood of Prince Albert tluM'e is abundance of good timber. The Saskatchewan is said to be navigable for several hundred miles between ixlnumton and l^ake Winnipeg, the only break being at Gi-aiul ]ia])ids, near its mouth. The country is undulating, be.-iring excellent grass, well wooded, and admirably adapted for mixed farming and cattle raising. I. have been given to understand that coal and iron exist in abuniliinc(> in the innnediate vicinity of Prince AllxM't ; the town contains several saw mills, a good flour mill, and, now that it has rail comnuu.ication, it is L bidieve destined to go rap'dly ahead ; there is abundance of good limestone in the neighbourhood, and the subsoil makes excellent bricks. [ was show n some roots which were of exci'llent ([Uality, and one tunn]» I weigheil scaled IS lbs. I. visited the district of i)uck Lake, wliich is idiont 50 ]uiles south of Pi'ince Albert. 'I'he country round this centre is e::ceedingly bluffy, full of glens, and bearing close grass well adapted for cattle and sheep ; the district is bu*. thinly settled ; now, however, wil h railway communication it will fill up rapidly. Hegina, the ca])ital of the ?sorth-\\'i'st Territories, contains a population of about 2,8(H): the I'csidence of the Lieutenant-l Jovei-nor is here, and also tlie headipiarters of the Xortli-W'est mountetl i/olice. The land is of good quality, level ])rairie, ;iud practically ready for the ])lough ; the district about ^^'gilUl does not a))peai' to suffer nnich from early frosts, and is well-adajitcd for wheat-growing, mixed farming, and catth; raising. This district is well deserving of the favoural)h' consideration of intending miigrants from Ireland. I visited the agricultural exhibitioJi : the exhibits wei'c unit'oiMuly good, particidarly the exhibit of school cliildreu's work, maps, writing, ttc. ; there was also an exhibit of ladi( s' iieedh' and fancy work; in th(> iiiu' arts section, some of the ])aiutiiins in (»il ami watei'-colours, w(M'e very creditable. Bctw<'en Hegina and ("algary nnich of the hind through which the line runs is of ii poor nature, containing alkali : and much of the water is, I am iid'ormed, saline. A\ .Medicine Hat I was takim charge of by a north of Ireland man, ami \isitcd the agricultural exhibition. 'fhei'e was a ver\- eredilablt' show of roots and vegetables. The first ])ri/,e cabbage weighed 2S lbs., and measured 5 feet in circuinf'M'ence. I saw a very nice sample of ho])s. 'I'here are several coal mines in the vicinity, and th.' river is navigable foi- steaud)oats. >.'atin'al gas is also I'ouiul in this legion. Calgary has a population of :i,")UO ; if is the most important town bi'lwcen Brandon aiul \'aucouver. It is chiirmingly situated on a hill- girt plateau, overlooketl by the Kockies. It is the centre of trade of t\w great ranching counti-y, and the chief source of su]i])ly for the mining districts in the mountains beyond. The town i'^ w(dl-built, 228 The AtjricnUural Resources of Canada. and lias a very substantial air. I drove out on the McLeod trail, and from th(i table-land- 1 got a magnificent view. — Calgary in the foreground, and the snow-clad peaks of the Rockies in th(^ distance. The country is rolling, and covered with a close, rich pasture. On what is known as the Old Government Farm I saw a number of fine cattle. In returning, I followed the Fish Creek trail until it struck the McLeod trail. I liad an opportunity of visiting the first woollen mills established in \\\o district, aiul J procured some very creditable samples of the goods produced. I visited what is known as High Eiver Horse Ranch, situated some 42 miles south of Calgary. On this ranch they have about 900 horses ; 225 mares foaled; they lost ten foals and three mares from various cause« ; four stud horses are kept (they usually keep five), but one died last autumn. This ranche seems well-adapted for the raising of horses, no shelter or hay as a rule is used, and the foals run on mares until self- weaned. No cattle are raised on this ranche. About 800 tons of hry are stored in case of euiergency. When liere, I learned from Sir Lister Kaye's manager that fiax is grown on the Manaka Farm, about 40 mile , east of Calgary, for fibre ; it grows about 2 ft. G in. long, and is moderately, fine. I visited what is known as the Quorn Ranche; on this ranche both cattle and horses are raised, and I was much pleased with thu quality and condition of both. I saw some very fine Shorthorn and Polled cattle: they keep 12 stud horses, 4 of which are imported English thorough-breds, the remainder good coaching horses. This ranche is well-watered, and there is very fair stabling and housing on it. British Columiua is that portion of the Dominion which looks out on the Pacific Ocean, and is the only British territory on the Western or Pacific Ocean side of the North American ccmtinent. Area 341,805 square miles ; population about 90,000. This province is rich in minerals ; probably there is no country on the world's surface of similar extent containing greater variety of and equal j.ineral wealth. Nor are the agricultural resources of the province by any means so limited as many would suppose. There is a great extent of rich valley and river deposit land capable of ])roducing almost anything. The climate of British Columbia is genial, and corresponds closely Avith that of the best portioij of the British Isles. Passing through the cafions in the Rockies a glorious scene unfolds before one : nature is discovered in all her grandeur, and one experiences a sense of awe and a feeling of man's insignificance. New AVestminster was the first town of any imjwrtance in the province visited by me ; ^t is beautifully situated on the Fraser River, and haa 'i population of some 6,000. The town has many liandsome build" j;s, and is the head-quarters of the salmon canning industry. It has also large saw mills. The city is situated some 1" miles from the Gulf of Georgia, and ves.^els of the largest size can lie at the quays. I visited a large lumber mill, and there measured a log 74 inches across the face, and 30 feet in length. Here, as elsewhere, the machinery is al! Canadian-made, and logs are frequently handled squariug 36 inches 60 feet long. One log was turned out for a special puipuse J ; C ^v*et y Major Stevensoiis Ucporl. 220 >rovince id ha a 'I lild" v's, \as ai!9u ulf of 'sited a le face, is all inches long and 'A inches square. Theii- chief market for timber is Australia, ludia, aud the East Coast of South America. The home market is rapidly increasing, and is the best market they possess. I visited thr exhibition buildings, which are nicely situated, and the buildings very commodious. Above the town I saw a portion of the forest in course of being cleared off ; it is certainly hardwork, and one could not but feel sorry to see «nch magnificent timber rtjmoved. t visited ont! of the several large salmon and fruit canneries; the output is enormous, and a large amount of employment is afforded by this important industry. I visited the salmon hatclieries, whsre about 7,000,000 young salmon are annually produced. The roe is deposited about the second week in October, and the young fishes are released before the end of April. Tlie importance of the fishery industry in this one department will be gathered from the following figures, dealing merely with the canneries on the Eraser River. Mr. Ewan, the pro- prietor of the cannery visited, informed me that he alone during the fishing season employs from 600 to 700 hands ; the season extends from April to October, the busy p\rt being from the middle of July to thn end of Auguft. There are seventeen canneries on the river, and the output last year was 325,000 cases, containing 48 tins each. Chinamen earn from $30 to S4o per month, white labour from S40 to iSlOU. Tliere are woollen mills which were established some three years ago; since then they have doubled their output, and they arn now about to double again. The promotion of the Company was aided by a subsidy from the Provincial Governr.ent of $1,00<», and a like amount was provided by the city and corpoi'ation. They make some twenty varieties of tweeds, and four or five of flannels and blankets. All their output is as yet taken by one firm. I visited what is known as the Delta, situated a little way down the river. Here we saw magnificent land. The value of this land, which i'5 cl.ieflyeither farmed or held by speculators, is high, from SlOO to .fc'OO per acre being asked. All fruits do ^A•ell her(\ growing to a great ' :.^ aud yielding enormous crops. I drove from New VV^estmiuster to V;'ic uver. The road passed through the ])rim(!val forest; as usual, I Su! -A Traces of great forest fires, and the weird and blackened skeletons of giai/i. Uees stood naked and grand amiH fresh young verdure. Vancouver, the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Krilway, con'.ains a population of between 15,000 and 16,000. Until lhS6 its site was covered with a dense forest. From May to July of tha*" yeiU' its progress \\as iiujst rapid, but in July a tire spreading from the surrounding forest swept away every house but one in the place. The situation is perfect as regards picturesqueness, natural drainage, harbour facilities, and commercial advantages. There are extensive wharves, warehouses, numerous hotels, churches, schools, &c. Many of its buildings are of ir: stone, brick, and granite, and some of its private residences would do credit to a city of a century's growth. The streets are well-laid. There is an excellent water supply, llegular steamship services ply to and from China and Japan, ban Francisco, Yokohama, and Hong Kong, and many other important places. Vancouver holds the point of vantage on the route to the Rist via the West, and is destined to I I' 230 TJic Aiirlciiltund Ihsourccs of Canada. occupy iin important ])osili()n in the futuro. The counirv ^outli towards the Tfascr has lino fai-ms and is splendidly adapted tor Iruit-gmwing ; trout and salmon abound, and the doep-sca H'jhiiig resources are illimitable. The timber in the Stanley Park gives one an idea of what the soil and climate, "given time,*' can pro- duce. I measured one tree, a JJouglas pine, which girthed almost GO t'ei't. The park is ^ell laid out and possesses many natural advantages M'liich, when ntilised, will make it one of the linest pleasure grounds in the world. A'ancouver is lighted A\ith electric light, and possesses an electric street car system. There is a large demand for male and female labour at a very higli rate of rejuuni'ra- tion. At ])resent almost all unskilled labour and domestic work is performed by Chinamen. I proceeded from A'^ancouver to Xanaimo. This is a mining town, \\earing a "I'snerous air. I visited the mines and desceiuled a shaft G30 feet c. ■ Jlie output of coal from the three mines worked by tlie compi; s from 1,500 to U,00i,) tons ])er day. The condition of the miners lh good ; white miners earn from S70 to SI 50 per month, and Chinamen SI. 25 per day. Not many Chinamen are employed in the mines. The majority of the miners own their own houses. Victoria, the ca])ital of British Columbia, contains a population of some 2(i,0<»0, and is charmingly situated at the southern extremity of A'ancouver Island. It looks westward, towards the Pacilic. The climate may be said to be that of the south of England " improved," and the town is English in its characteristics. Besides the Govennnent ollices, the city has many line public and private buildings, among them, a large and well-appointed opera house. The city has many large commercial lumses. A i-ailwa\- extends 70 miles north-easterly to Nanaim(j. Steamships depart (.'very few days for San Francisco, a\ here connections are made for the Sandwich Islands, Australia, Southern California, and other places. The city is Mell-built, well-lighted perhaps, the best lighted city in the Dominion -and has an electric tram service. I drove out in a northerly direction, about 12 miles, to a ])lace called ]S'e\\ton Hill. The country through which I dro\(' was wvy beautiful, with splendid timl)er, and here and there a little clearing and a farm housi'. There are fruit gardens attached to each house, and the crop of fruit and vegetables raised is marv(dlous. Some pheasants have been turned loose in th(>se woods, and are increasing ]'a])idly. I next visited the district of Chilliwhack, on the Frasei' Kiver. Hen? I was surprised at the extent of available land for agriculture. These.; lands, as well as all the low levid lands on either bank of the Eraser, are of excellent cpiality, and will produce crops of almost any desci'i|)tion. At this place I saw an admirable exhibit of fruit, especially ai)ples and peaches. I drove from there to I'opcum, a distance of 14 miles, chiefly through a low-lying Hat marshy district ; the land is wet but rich, and when drained will become luost valuable. From Popcum 1 crossed to Agassiz, where I visited the Grovernment Experimental Farm. This farm was established some three years ago ; it is situated at the gives ii lar^;(! iiicix'ial uiaiiuo. nections ia, and e best .service. ])laee IS wry ng and ise, and u'asant.s rapidlv. liiveV. ;l for lands id w ill saw an drove igh a i when sed to This at the Major Sievensons Beport. 231 foot of high hills, by which it is almost surrounded, the soil is varied, and it is well adapted to fulfil the objects for which designed. The Province of Hritish Columbia ottVi\s many advantages to those desirous to seek a new country. The capitalist can Knd ample scope for safe and remunerative investment, yielding a large return, and the manu- facturer an ample field for h.is ability, and a local markel. xlnd the labourer w ill readily hnd employment at wages which, if ho lives prudently, will, in a few years, ensure inde]:)endence. Unless possessed of considerable capital it is not the ])lace for the agriculturist, as lands are relatively dear ; a farm might, however, be rented at a reasonable rate, or worked on the share system. Ontario has an area of about ]S2,()oO square luiles, and a population exceeding 2,000,000. This province is rich in agricultural lands, of excellent (juality, has an abundant supply of timber, and vast miniM-al resources. \\\ the southern districts, near Lake Huron, are the famous Oil Springs, from which petrole " is obtained in immense (juantities. Its rivers and lakes are Mell supplibt. ^ith fish and its forests with game. Toronto, the seat of the Provincial Government, has a population of 180,000. It is a city that any country might well be proud of. Jt is growing very rapidly both in wealth and manufactures. It is beauti- fully situated on Ljike Ontario, which affords it water communication with the other great lakes westward, and with the St. Law rence River eastward. The city has an unusual number of imposing public and private buildings. Its people are nearly all British, of English, Irish, or Scotch descent. I visited numerous agricultural centres in the province, all of which I f(mnd ])i-osperous and interesting. Good agricultui'al lands, in most places, may be purchased at from ftI40 to S70 per acre ; those in exceptionally favoured districts command as high a price as SJ80 to SI 00 ; and stocked fruit lands are very valuable. These prices include farm buildings, which, as a rule, are comfortable and serviceable. Taxation, as eveiywhere throughout the Dominion, is very light ; and numerous farmers, boi-ne down by rents and taxes in England, Ireland, and Scotland, would find things much easier in Ontario ; but capital is needed. 1 visited the Agricultural College at Guelph. The buildings are excellent, and well-adapted to the requirements of the establishment ; the young agriculturist is taiight practical and th(H)retical fariuing. In the farm there are some ood acres ; there are ."^o students, the great majority of whom belong to the Province of Ontario ; several are from other provinces of the Dominion, and some 13 from the old country. The establishment is maintained by the Provincial (lovernment ; >S20 are charged each student from Ontario for fees, and a moderate sum for board: SlOO for those from other provinces or the old country. Agricultural land in the neighboui-hood of Guelph sells for from SoO to iSSO per acre, and can be rented for from S2 to S5; this of course including houses and buildings. The country in the vicinity of Guelph is picturesque, undulating, and well wooded. There arc a large number of Irish settlers in the Guelph district, 232 The A'ly'tculhn'al llcsoui'ces of Canada. aud all spoke in the higlu'st terms of the locality. I visited Branti'ord and drove through the district, yoing round by Cookstown and thencn to Guilford ; this is a beautiful district and well adapted for old country people possessed of capital ; land, with good liouses and stables, sells for from SoO to iSlOO per acre. 1 visited Grimsby, which is a fruit-growing centre; grapes, ai)ples, peaches, pears, plums, and small fruit art^gI•o^^•]l. strawberries aire very productive, yielding from 2,000 to .'J,000 quarts per acre. The principal grajx' grown is the Concord; Niagaras are also largely grown; these variet ies ]n'oduce large crops, from three to six tons per acre. Wine is made, but not in any considerable quantity; it is, however, likely to develop into an important industry. I visited Niagara, and was imich impressed by the grandeur of the falls. I'ruit is largely grown in this district also. A company for the produc- tion of ^^iue has recently been promoted here. I was informed by one of the shareholders that in one day, within a radius of tive miles, ;iOO tons of grapes were purchased, sufficient for the season's manufacture : they look for an output of from S0,000 to 100,001 » gallons per season. The wine is of excellent quality, and it can be sold at from 80 cents to SI per gallon wholesale. Ottawa, the capital of the Dominion, is most picturesquely situated at the junction of the Eideau and the Ottawa rivers. The Chaudiere Falls, which interrupt the navigation of the Ottawa liiver, afford water j)Ower for a number of saw-mills and other manufactories. The city stands on high ground, overlooking a wide valley, and contains the stately Government Buildings, and many other fine buildings, both public and private. Ottawa has a population of about 40,000. 1 visited t\w works of Messrs. Eddy & Co., which, while situated in Hull, on the Quebec side of the Ottawa Eiver, may be said to be in the suburbs of ()ttaA\a. They are lumber merchants, luatcli manufacturers, pulj) makers, and manufacturers of sashes, tuljs, buckets, &c. Their works are juost extensive, and during the summer months give employment to upwards of 4,000 hands. I visited the experi mental farm ; there I met Professor Saunders, and interested in all he told me about the farm and pursued there. This farm was purchased in 1886 by ment, and in the spring of 1887 operattons began; it consisted of a number of small lots, some of which were partially cleared, others not al all There are 460 acres in the farm, all of which is now brought under cultivation. The farm is we]l adapted for experimental purposes, containing as it does a variety of soils. The buildings are exceHfent, and the experimental ])lots are well arranged. The system of sending farmers 3-lb. samples of selected grain for seed purposes is admirable, and must be attended by the best possible results. The experiments in connection with forestry are most interesting, and every effort is being made to collect reliable information. Eespecting the better classes of fruits, ] noticed with great interest the system followed to test the germinating properties of grain; and farmei-s in localities where the grain may have been injured by frost, or rain during harvest, are asked by the Government to submit samples to be tested before being sown. Mas greatly the system the Govei-n- Mdjot' Slevmaoh's luptrrf. 23.^ Hfeut, m of ses is Tlu. , uutl ig the owed vhero tisked 'I ht'i'e is II small .•stock of very nice cattle, and an excellent collection ol" poultry. The experiments tried in connection with the several varieties of grasses is very interesting, and will prove of great benetit in securing the grasses best adapted to the varied climate and soils of the Dominion. Men to work and develop the agricultural and mineral resources are tlin kind of immigrants wanted in Ontario. Agriculturists, from the fact that agriculture is the leading industry, stand in the Hrst place. But as well as wanting men to clear the forest and reclaim tht; soil, ther^ are always openings for really good mechanics and skilled artisans. Ontario is a manufacturing c(mntrv: the leadinii; industries are implement manufactories, cotton factories, woollen factories, and, indeed, every branch of industry that goes to make a country self- reliant. The rate of wages is much higher than can be had in the United Kingdom, and the cost of living is very little greater. The Phovixce of Qlkukc has iiu area of 189,0o0 square miles, and a population of about ],.")00,O0U. The inhabitants of the British Islands anil i'rance will both iind themselves at home there, both languages being spoken. The soil of a large portion of this great ])rovince is very fertile, and capable of producing almost any crop \\hich can be grown in tlR> temjierate zone. Tomatoes grow in profusion and ripen, as do also many varieties of grapes. It is rich in minerals — gold, silver, copper, iron, plumbago, &c. — and has immense deposits of phosphate of lime. Its fisheries are of immense extent. 1 visited the Buckingham district, near Ottawa, and proceeded up the Lievre lliver by boat to the phosphate mines. I was much surprised at the wealth of phosphate, mica, and plumbago in this district, as shown by tlit^ mines already developed. Here will be found a large and profitable field for both capital and labour. Montreal, the chief city of Canada, is situated on an island formed by the 8t. Lawrence and Ottawa liivers, and on the site of an ancient Indian village called Hochelaga. The city has a far-reaching trade and great manufacturing establishments, has fine wharves, warehouses, and grain elevators, public buildings, handsome residences, and good hotels. I visited the Canadian Kubber Company's works ; there I found upwards of 80U hands employed, earning weekly from S5,00U to S6,00U, with a daily output of from 8,000 to 9,OO0 rubber shoes ; in addition to their slioe trade, belting, hose, and many other things are made. 1 visited and inquired into a large number of industries in IMontreal and neighbourhood : paper-making, iron rolling, cotton manufactories, boot and shoe factories. Hour milling, sugar refining, silk manufactory, ready-made clothing, «fcc., &c., and found that all were in a satisfactory srate. There is a good demand for labor at fair wages. I cannot pass from 3Iontreal without saying a word respecting the admirable fire brigade the city possesses. Through the kindness of Colonel Stevenson I had an opportunity accorded me of inspecting the brigade. On an alarm being given, the horses were hitched-up, the engine, fire-escape, and waggons in the street in eight seconds, and within seven minutes from the alarm being given, the engine, hose, fire-escape, and detachment L>rU The AiincidtHral llesonrces of Canada. were in action on a Hiiptist Cliurcli, a (juartci' of a milo distant. 1 inspected tlu^ abbatoirs, stock-yards, stabling arrangements, and meat- packing works of t\w Union Abattoir Company. I found all tbe arrangements in detail admii-able; and 1 was surprised to hear of tlm growth of the cattle trade. 'V\w\'i> passed through the stock-yards of this company for export during the past season, I was informed by HIIKRlinOOKK, KASTKIIX TOWXSIlirS. Mr. Acer, i:U,O0() cattle and 60,0o0 sheep. Ten years ago this ti-ade was almost unknown. During the i)ast year there also passed througii the stables of the company upwards of 10,000 horses. I had an interesting conversation with Mr. Hai't, M-ho is engaged in the export of apples. He informed me that his people usually ship from 30,000 to 50,000 barrels of apples to the United Kingdom. Ho spoke of the ]Merchandise Marks Act (English) as being highly approved of by both growers and shippers in Canada. I visited Sherbrooke, and was much pleased Avith the country between it and Montreal, as well as in the neighbourhood of 8herbrooke. This town ]K)ssesses great water-power, which is utilised to drive numerous factories. I cannot pass without referring to one — a woollen manufactory — the Paton Manufacturing Company. They run 22 sets of cards, make tweeds of all sorts, and genm-al clothing, shawls, rugs, &c., &c. AVhen fully occupied, the Company employs from 550 to .DO hands. Their output is valued at from ."8600,000 to S700,000 per annum, and the wages paid amount to 8130,000 to $140,000 a year. This Company also owns the Quebec Worsted Company's works, and tliere employs 200 hands. I visited several farms in the vicinity of Sherbrooke ; the land is good and well cul- tivated, and the farmers successful. Prom Sberbrooke I proceeded to Cookshire ; the village is very nicely situated, and the lands are of excellent quality; the country is rolling, well-wooded, and well- watered, resembling many places in England and Ireland. I saw some very fine polled ingus cattle on the farm of Mr. Pope, M.P. Major tStevenson's Jiq>ur(. 233 iin the rom Hb iglily sited Jiml Hi is 0118 len :^2 AvLs, oui 1() to ited Lind can be puvcliiiscd on vciy reasonublc terms, I'roiii .S2S''{0 l)t'r ac'i-c, with buildings. Tliis iipplics to the wlioh' of thi' eastern townsliips. I drove from Cookshire to Conipton ; the eountry alonjj the route is very nice, the farm-houses good, and th(^ hinds well culti\ated. At Compton, Mr. Cochriine lias a beautiful i)laee. The ]M'digree cattle havi; a reputation extending far bcvond ti»e limits of Canada. There are 100 polled Angus, 6') Jlerefords, and 60 horses. Certainly a visit to Canada would i)e incomplete without seeing this farm. Mr. Cochrane justly deserves the title of the "Pioneer stock-raiser of the Dominion." I visited the farm of Mr. Vernon ; he has exceedingly nice buildings, and very good stock, and although a young hand at catth' raising, he has succeeded in getting as much as So,000 for a Hereford bull. Quebec : This old city occu])ies the base and sunnnit of a lofty craig. projecting into the St. Lawrence. It has a pojndation of 05,000. As the settlement grew and the fortitications were enlarged, Quebec became the stronghold of Canada, remaining so until cai)tured by Wolfe in 17'")9. No city in America is so grandly situated. Enormous quantities of lumber are annually shipped from this ])ort. The lower valley of the St. Lawrence, and the northern lumbering regions draw their merchandist' from this centre. The town is rich in churches, con- vents, schools, business blocks, and hotels. The transatlantic steamers of the Allan and Dominion lines call herein summer, and local steamers leave daily for the Lower St. Lawrence. Quebec has a luimber of thriving industri(:>s, several of which I visited. The boot and shoe trade furnishes a considerable amount of employment ; so do the tanneries. I visited the engine, inacliine, and general iron foundry of Messrs. Carrier, Laine, & Co., Point Levis; I found 200 hands employed, and the weekly wages amounted to S 1,200. The pig iron used in these works is Canadian, chiefly Nova Scotian, and is of excellent (piality. 1 visited the graving dock and ship i-epairing yard; there J found lOO hands employed. I drove down to jMontmorency ; this district is thickly ])eopled, tlu; land of good quality and well cultivated. In the cotton manufactory at the falls 1 found some 300 hands employed. Xew Brl'xswick has an area of 27,174 stpiare miles, and a population of about 340,000. It is possessed of an excellent climate different from that of Great Britain in two respects, the one is much driei', and the range of the thei'mometer much greater. There is a considerable dilfer- ence between the climate on the coast of the Ijay of Fundy and that of the interior, the former feeing milder and less subject to the extremes of heat and cold. New Brunswick is possessed of great agricultural resources ; valuable fishing int(~rests give employment to a large number of men ; and there are also considerable manufacturing interests. 0\\ ing to cheap coal and proximity to the markets of the world, it has many advantages as a manufacturing country. Its manufactories are constantly being added to, and increasing as the field for Mieir ])roducts beconu^s wider. St. John mav be designated a new citv, having been built since 'SAH T/i, J'jrlcitllnml Utsodtrm of Ciinaihi. 1>77, ill uliicli M'iir the old St. .lolm was (lest roved Itv tire. This is ii Itusy modern centre; ii inaritiiiit! city witli a good Lurbour and line wharves. It contains a ])oinilation of about 40,U0l>, and tliere are the names of ,"),(.»(>(.» children on the public school books. Education is on liit^ national system, ])urely unsectarian. The school buildings are large ami airy. I'^ducation free. The system is found to work well, and gives great satisfaction. J. visited several of the schools in the Province, and was jinich pleased Mith all I saw. 1 visited cotton iiiillsi, sash and door manufactories, and a large railway rolling stock constructing establishment. Here a fully equipjjed railway train, including locomotive and snow ])lough, can be tununl out. There are MOO hands employed in the rolling mills, foundries, car, and other worksho])s of this com- |)any. As numy as SOO cars are turned out annually in St. John. I found a considerable number of Irish friends — iirst a senator, who hails from within a few miles of my own place, next a Doherty, foi-emau in the foundry referred to, from jNIalen, Co. Donegal. The Irish settler vho may go to ]S'ew Brunswick will find himself surrounded by old country associations. Fredericton, the capital of the province, sometimes called '"tiie Celestial City,'*' has a jiopulation of about lO,O0U ; it is situated on the St. John Eiver, and surrounded by a beautiful country of excellent land, well wooded and watered. I visited the village of Marysville and the cotton and timber mills there, the property of Mr. Gibson, whose people originally came from near Belfast. In the cotton mills there ai'e 500 hands employed. These mills have been only some six years in existence. The buildings are of an extent to permit an enormous development of the industry. In connection with his lumber trade, Mr. Gibson employs upwards of IjoOO hands, thus having in his employment over 2,000 men ami Momen. The premises are lighted by electricity throughout ; the employees comfortable and contented, and the female hands in the cotton mills particularly bright, healthy, and contented looking. In the village a cluurh has been erected by the proprietor; it contains an excellent organ, and the pastor and organist are maintained by Mr. Gibson, not as much as a collection being taken up in the church. I visited the Government Buildings, the Js ormal Schools, and the Government Stock Farm. A great deal of atten- tion has been paid, both by the Government and by private breeders, to the improvement of horses in the province; this has been attended with good results, and the horses of New Brunswick will compare favorably with those of any country. I cannot, however, say the same vith regard to the horned cattle of the province, in which there is room for improvement. From Fredericton I proceeded to 'W^'oodstock ; the land along the railway and on the banks of the St. John Eiver is, where cleared, of good quality and fertile ; there is a considerable extent of timber land. The country in the vicinity of Woodstock is undulating and nicely wooded, the houses and farm buildings substantial, and the condition of the people prosperous and contented. Woodstock contains a popu-, lation of about 4,000, and has several industries. I visited the foundry and machine raanufactoiy of a Mr. Connell ; 50 hands were employed, : Mdjo)' Stn'enson's Itcpoi't. 237 )U1 llie Id. h and almost ovcrythins; from a steam cnsiino down to a garden rake made. I drovH into the ngriciiltural districts surronndiiig the town. From Woodstock [ ])roi!('<'(l(!d 1o Kent, on the St. .lolin Jllvor. a jirosporous and exceedingly pioturcsqiie villas tothevilloKe of (Jhisville ; tlie road is llu'ouiijli a charminij country, wooded -the timber being chierty spruce and iua])le, wit h a variety of hard woods. At GhisviUe 1 found an interesting Scotch setth'ment, some 29 years in existence. About .')0 families came out originally there are now in the settlement about 1(K) families, and a population of 1, ")<•(►. From Glasville I drove to .lohnville, another prosperous settlement. While (xlasville is Scotcli and Presbyterian, and was settled bv a Presbyterian minister, Jolmville is Irish, Koman Catholic, and was settled by a Catholic father. The settlements date from about the same time, and about the same number of families settled in each. .lohnville has now about IB.*) families niul l.OOO inhabitants. New Jirunswick offers many advantages to tlio immigrant : it is easy of access; lands are good and cheap; there is an abundant iieUI tor labour ; life there can be lived much under old country comlitions ; and there is a wide field for the settlement of a family as they conu» forward. X<)V.\ SfOTlV is a peninsula ; it is connectc^d on the north-west witli Xew Brunswick by an isthmus some 14 miles across, and separated from Prince Edward Island on the north by Northumberland Strait. It con- tains some 21,000 square miles, and has a population of about 460.001 ». There is no finer scenery to be found on the continent of America than in many parts of Nova Scotia. The climate of the province is well suited to theJRuropean constitution, and the temperature is more equable than in any other portion of the Dominion save British Columbia. The climate varies in different parts of the country. In Annapolis A'alley, the spring opens about two or three weeks earlier than in Halifax, and the weather is drier, clearer, and mon^ exempt from fog. The soil in many of the agricultural district" is veiy rich, and the fruit pi'o- duced from the orchards of Annapolis and other districts brings the highest prices in the British markets: the live stock in the province is good and shows that attention has been bestowed on ' ">• important department of agriculture. The fisheries of Nova Scotia are celebrated, ft is perhaps in minerals that this province excels- -the mineral resources of Nova Scotia have but to be developed to make it one of the wealthiest portions of the world. The resources in connection \»ith manufactures are very great: unlimited water-power, inexhaustible supplies of coal and iron, and an advantageous geographical situation; as a consequence there are numerous prosperous manufactories. Great tracts of forest land exist in the province, producing millions of feet of pine, spruce, hemlock, fir, &c. This province is a sports- man's paradise; there is excellent hunting, shooting, and lishing, in every county. Nova Scotia owns more shipping, iu proportion tq 238 The A(ji'kvliiiral Ixemnrces of Cannda. Ijopuiatioii, tlinn any (»tlu'r couiilry, mid lici' vi'sscls arc lo bo found nil ovor llin world. The exports consist of tisli, coal anil other minefals, IuiiiImt, and {general |)i'odnce. Tiie tii'st point in the ])rovince I visiled was Amherst : this town Ims a i)opulatioiv of some 7,0(10, and possesses sevend inilnstries. A lK)ot and sIkm! factory ^'ives employ nient to sojiie lioo hands, and there is a larii;e iron foundry, and several niinoi" industries, 'i'he town is very prosperous loolunfj;. Mixed farminii; is pursued by liie a<;rieulti.rists in the neighboui'hood, and a f^reat quantity of hay is ji;rown on wliat are called tile marsh Iiinds. Tliese lands are not \\\\i\\ would l)e understood as marsh laiuls witli us; liu-y ww laiuls of vri-y superior (piality deep river (le])osit land almost inexhaustible in plant-food produeini; ])roperties, and i'esend>lin<:; our best slob or fen lands. I visited the new ship railway, and was taken over it by .Mr. Ketchum, the enp;ineer. The works are wcdl forward, and it is caleuhited ihiitthe line will he opened before the autumn of ISJJI. 'I'jic Aifricultural lvx])onmental I"'arm at \jippan contains ;{()() ncres, Hito of which are arable, the remainder under timber. 'I'lie farm was purchased by the (Jo\t'rn- ment in lNS7. The buildings erected by the (iovernment are very good: the soil is of several varieties, and well adapted foi' the purpose retpiired. I was shown line sanijjles of grain, and I belicNc this fai'ui will prov." of great bentlit to the inbabitants of the province. Halifax, the ca])ital and seat of government, is situated on a bay. The city is beautifuly laid out, the streets running at right angles. The Provincial J'arlianient Buildings, the Post Oilice, and Custom .llons(> aro fine structures. Tlu? city is the seat of Dalhousie College. There are numerous sli()])s, aiul prices are Aery reasonable. I visited the (loverniiu'nt Huildings, the ^Iunici|)al iiuildings, the High Schools, the Dalbousie College, a sugar relinery, and a number of other in- teresting places anti industries. The dried and ])ickled iish ti'ade has developed to great dimensions. i visited AVolfville, and was there entertained by the Kings County Agricultural Society, established more than l(M> years !igo. T. bad the honour of being their gui'st at theii- lUlst anniversary dinner. I drove through fruit-growing regions of the Annapolis and the (ias- perenux A^dleys. Between Halifax and Truro the land seems good, and judging from the dwelling houses and farm steadings, the people are w(dl- off. Truro has a ])opulation of about o.oOd, and has some l.'< or 14 industries, consjjicuous amojig which are a milk-condi-nsing establish- ment and a hat manufactoiy. 1 visited the Normal Schools iit Truro, and inspected the system of training ])urs\ied. \ drove out to the agi'ioultural school, Mhich is being promoted by tlu> Provincial Govei-n- ment, and which is calculated to be of iinmeJise service in the ])ractical training of agriculturists. The land in the vicinity of Truro is of exce])tiona]ly good (piality. and commands reasonable prices. In Xova Scotia there is a large field for immigration. There are always large numbers of ilesirable farms for sale at ])rices from I'lJOO to .£1,0(10, so that persons with a little ca])ital are sure to lind openings. Lands may, in many places, be h.'id to rent; and then, uncleared lands Major Steventton''s liepovt. 2;. nro readily obtaiimblt". There is ii good demiind for liihor, nnd poverty does not exist m- has ings mer. I;is- aml ,vll- 14 isli- ■uro, the Tll- tical (.r are '2( X » tigs. luls I.MI'llciV HIP K.MI.M, .Ml\.\ Miiii \. ?iux( i: Edwaiu) Jslani) is Iho .smallest and the most densely ])eo])led ot' the Provinces of the Dominion, with an area ol' 'J,]',y.i sijuai-e mil(\s. It has a pojiulation ol' about 112,00(1. As seen from the Wiiler the appear- ance of the island is exceedingly prepossessinj:!; ; on ap])roaehinu; the roast, the country affords a charndng ])icture of well-cultivated and wooded land. The general surface of the island is level, hut in some jdacos it rises to a height of nearly oOo feet above; the level of the sea. The sceiuM'y is very iCnglish ; and ])i'ospei'ous homesteads are scattered all over the country. The climate is very healthy: the cold is more severe and lasts foi' a longer tinm than in I'jigland, but the atmos])here is dry and salid)rious, and the sininiu'r is of such brightness and bi'auty as lo amjily compensate for the winter. C'harlottetown, the seat of (lovei-nment, is ])leasantly situated upon a point of rising ground, and contains about 1:5,000 inhabitants. It is \\(dl laid out in A\ide and well-built streets. The harbour is large, deep, and convenient. Agriculture and tishing may be said to be tlie staph' industries of the island. Mixed farming is ])ursue(l. The farm b\iiHings are good, and the farms contain from loo to l,00(» at;res. The soil is rich and very ])roductive ; and the cattle and liorses, judging from those I saw, aiv particularly good; the dressed mutton and beef 1 saw in the market could iu)t be surpassed. TiObsters are taken in large (pumtities and canned, and macker, .^[.P.1^, and saw some excellt-nt cattle. One heifer, a Shorthorn, four vears old, fidlv sixteen hands high, and weighing 240 'j'he JiiricultKi'al Rtsources of Catmda. II I; ' 2,200 lbs. I. also vLsited the (xovernment Stock Farm, where great care is bestowed upon the improvement of horned stock by the authorities. The system ])ursued is admirable, and thei results are readily seen on lookinpj at the class of stock possessed by the islanders. Island horses are justly celebrated. I do not care so much for the Amerieeri trotting variety recently introduced ; nor do I think they ever will be a horse for export to Europe. Land on the island can bt* procured on reasonable terms, and this province is well deserving of the consideration of intending emigrants who, while possessed of a little capital are desirous of following agricidture and fishing. In concluding this incomplete report of the resources, I can but add that nowhere can there be a grander field found where the immi- grant, no matter what his chiss, creed, or condition of life may be, in which to employ his or her energies tlian in the Dominion of Canada. I have tried as briefly and as con'^isely as possible to place my views with all candour before those whom they mostly con- cern, and I say it without fear of contradiction, that Canada is the place for British capital and Britiyh labour to find a fair field and no favour. The Canadian people love their flag, are loyal to the crown, and the future I hope will find the Mother Country and her elde.'^t daughter, "the fair Dominion of Canada,' drawn more closely together in com- lUfM-cial relations than has been the case in the ]>ast. Permit me. on behalf of those I represent, to thank the Dominion (Jovernmcmt, the several ])i'ovincial governments, and tlie people of Canada for the exceeding great kindness sliown to me, and for tht^ facilities accorded me in prosecuting my inquiries as to the resources of the country. 1 sailed horn Halifax with feelings of regret at leaving so magnificent a countr}*, and so generous a people. I tried to Hjnsole myself with the hope that I might be again spared to vis't the Jominion at no /very distant jieriod, and I found my thoughfs well expressed in tlie concluding lines of Canada's national air: — "On .'iierry Eiijilaud's far-fanied shore May kind Heaven sweetly smile ; God blt'83 Old Scotland ever more, And Erin's Emerald Isle. Then swell the song, both loud and long, Till rock and forest (iiiiver — Ciod pnve the Queen, And Heaven blef« tiic Maide leaf for ever." to THE REPORT OF MR. JOHN T. WOOD, The Court, Halewood, near Liverpool. At a meeting of tlie Liverpool Fanners' Club, on January .Ml, 1>91, Mr. Kichard AVebster in the chair, Mr. John T. Wood read the follow- ing paper : — In response to a letter in the public press from Sir Charles Tupper, the High Commissioner for the Dominion in England, inviting applica- tions from gentlemen willing to proceed to Canada to rei)ort on the agricultural resources of the Dominion, my services were tendi^red at the request of influential farmei's in this district, and accepted, and I left my home on the 4th September last to join the Allan Line steamship " Sardinian." on which I met three colleagues who had received similar appointments. We cleared from the Alexandra Dock, Liverpool, directly after midday, and were soon speeding on our way to Moville, there to await the arrival of tiie mails. At the outset, 1 may say that it is almost impossible in a brief r<^port, feuch as this is intended to be, to sufficiently condense the information, that the public who are interested in Canadian emigration may obtain a succinct account of a tour which has been to me at once both delightful and instructi\e. I trust, therefore, I shall be pardoned b\ the general reader if 1 touch lightly on the pleasurable portions of the trip, about which volumes could be written, in order that the time and space at my disposal may be more usefully employed in spreading a knowledge of the present condition and probable future of one of our Colonial possessions, of which Englishmen may be proud, and concerning which there is such a lamentable display of ignorance and misconception. Tt ^\"ill, therefore, be sufficient for me to say, that passengers of all grades by the vVllan Line, receive every care and attention at the hands of the sliip's officers, whose endeavours are successfidly employed to ren:^ r the voyage a period of enjoyment to all concei'ned. (iames on deck, reading, music (vocal and instrujuental), including two con(!erts (one arranged by the caljin, and the other by the inter- mediate ])assengers, and given in aid of the Li rpool Seaman's Orphan- age), together Mith the iniervhange of idcii^ with my fellow-tra\ellers, all '.ended to render th(» i)assage across (• e Atlantic interesting and agreeable. AVe sighted Belle Ish' on the 11th, and ])roceeding, enjoyed the unique spectacle, on a warm briglit sunny day of sixty icebergs in sight at one ti'iic — some of immense size and ])('auty, and the majority of which ap])ear:'d to have grounded on the coasts and banks, after floating from the more ncu'thorly regions. T1ie " S.jrdinian"' discharged ])iissengers and mails at Kimouski, and ])ro- ceeding, arrived at Quebec at midnight on the l.'ith September. A walk before breakfast i)ast the citadel to the Plains of Abra.ham (where Wolfe fell), and a subsequent drive to Indian Lorette, were all that our limited time would permit of. The lands passed through, 16 ♦)[2 The AgricuUnnd Ucsources of Cnnmh. ospecially in and near the Indian village, were of good ([ualily and i)ro- ductive, but dirly ; being indifferently and rougldy cultivated. The natives are llui'on Indians (civilised) and French Canadians ; the latter a line race of happy people, who grow sufiicient to keep themselve;'. and their families, but who do not a])pear to attempt farming as a business- like and profitable operation. In this district we were informed that at least Hve-sixths of the inhabitants are Komau Catholics. There are no tenants; each farmer owns his own lot. French Canadians do better here than English and Scotch settlers, and my advice to the latter M'ould be, go further west. Travelling by rail from Quebec to Montreal, we passed through immense tracts of land, which, viewed fi'on\ the railway cur, is certainly not inviting; though, after ])as3ing Three liivers, the plains wdVQ more fertile. Montreal, possessing 220,000 inhabitants, was reached at , whilst tlie various manufactur- ing industries carried on in Ottawa, and in the adjacent town of Hull on the t)pposite bank of the rivi'r, combine in making this an important centre of trade and commerce. Other cities 1 visited in Ontario \\ere Hamilton, a manufacturing town of 45,000 iiduibitants, London with yo,0<'0, Brantford with 15,<»0<>, and Gueli)h with li,00O, each jio^- .I//-. J. T. Wood's Repori. 2A'\ scsainff distinct evidences of growth, which uro not .lurprising when their improving manufactures and the quality of the agricultural lands in their vicinities, coupled ^ith the excellent railway facilities, are borne in mind. At Ottawa we had th(^ opportunity of inspecting t\w Central Experimental Farm, of (m(|uiring fully into its managemcmt and aiuis, and of examining tlie work being accomplished under Professor Saunders' scientific and practical guidance. Words are incapable of expressing my appreciation of tluj extreme; importance to the agri- culturist and the Dominion generally, of th(; experiments and trials in every branch of husbandry there in ])rogress, and of the exceeding carefulness with which all records are kept, to ri-nder the information publishtxl annually by tlie Department of Agriculture, thoroughly reliable. To no other country in the world can an Englishnwin emigrate and find the same deep interest taken by the Government in the welfare of settlers; indeed, it is difficult to conceive that anytliing more could be done to render them greater assistance, llie establishment of the remaining Govi .'nment farms, and the selection of the sites at Brandon i'or Manitoba, Indian Head for tlie North-West Territories, and at Agassi/i for British Columbia, each of which I visited, reflect the highest credit on all concerned ; whilst the intc^lligcmt support Pi'o- fesaor Saunders receives in the seconding of his endeavours by the respective managers of those; farms, leaves nothing to be desired. I much regret 1 had not an opportunity of visitinj; tlie farm at Nappan, Nova Scotia, established for the maritime provinces. That in Canada, and especially in some districts, there are sei-ious drawbacks — chiefly climatic —to be coml d, no one can deny. It is then of the utmost importance that an exact knowledge of tlie varieties if grains, fruits, fodder, plants, vegetables, and trees -uitable for each locality should be gained, and this and other inl'oi mation relative to stock, &c., is what is soiight to be obtained and disseminaied fi-om th* >d clearly what can be accomplished with a Canadian soil and cliimite, by men well versed i- the practice of the various branches of horticulture and farming. G e innumerable varieties and extent of the slio\\- of out-door grapes, mostly grown in Southern Ontario, was a great surprise, all being well ripened and fine fruits. Apples, pears, plums, peaches (out-door), damsons, and cherries were alike excellent, whilst smalliT fruits, such as red, white, and black currants, raspberries, and straw- berries, shown in preserve and acid, testified to their vigorous growths. The display of roots and vegetables was equally praiseworthy. Long red, globe, and tankard mangolds, swedes, cabbages, cauliflowers, pota- toes, carrots, parsnips, sugar-beets, capsicums, and tomatoes, forming a collection ^hich would liave done credit to a first-class show in England. The exhibit of honey would have delighted the heart of a British bee-keeper in its quantity and excellence. The agricultural implement and machinery department was a very extensive one, and an examination in detail showed clearly how far aheaa of ours in perfection and cheapness these necessary appliances nre. The samples of grain were good, field peas being in every instance of marvellous size, quality, and colour. It is my intention to deal subsequently with cattle and horse- raising as practised in Canada, and therefore I conclude with the remark, that such is the great interest taken by the whole comniunity in agriculture and all appertaining thereto, that the secretary for the show was able to report that during the week 300,000 persons had passed the turnstiles, paying S«69,000, or approximately £14,000 for admission. After an inspection of tlie land in the neighbourhood of Hamilton, and paying a hurried visit to the silver-plate works in operation tlierc, we proceeded to Brantford, and drove to the celebrated Bow Park Farm of 1,000 acres. Here were evidences of good management in the tilling of the excellent land ; the clover roots were probably the best it was my privilege to inspect dui'ing the tour, and an examination of the magnificent herd of shorthorns, showed at a glance the suitability of soil and climate to a cattle-raising and dairy industry. Tlie lot of 35 pedigree heifers— two years of age — in one field I shall long remember, and the bulls and older cows were a grand lot. The w hole of the district visited around Brantford is suitable for mixed farming, lending itself to dairy work, in addition to the jiroductions of corn, by reason of the comparatively easy cultivation of succulent grasses for pasture. Coui^ties Brant, Oxford, and Elgin were travelled through by the 248 Tlie Agricultural Resources of Canada. !^ Grand Trunk Eailway, a halt being made at St. Thomas, whence a drive of 18 miles in a southerly direction brought us to the township of Yarmouth, in which the Quaker Valley is situated ; we returned by Union Village to St. Thomas. The land passed during this long drive was of all qualities, and managed by good and indifferent farmers. Wherever efficient management prevailed, the crops were full and the land clean ; indeed, a very considerable quantity of the area was farmed on English lines, and stood out in great contrast to the adjoining lands of similar quality, on which a lesser amount of energy and care had been bestowed. The neighbourhood of Eidgetown, next visited, has been settled since about 1802. The farms here vary, some being evidently very productive, and others— especially west of Morpeth, on our way to Blenheim — show a want of expenditure in draining, whilst many of the houses and buildings had been allowed to run to decay ; in fact, there were evidences of poverty extending over a considerable area. Undoubtedly, the best farming and farm management it was my lot to see in the Province of Ontario, was south and west of Blenheim. Excellent farmhouses and buildings have long been erected, the land is exceedingly fertile and the cultivation good, and the farmers are well- to-do and contented. The orchards of apples and peaches, with here and there a vineyard, were in healthy bearing condition ; and field after field of fall wheat was better than any I ever remember seeing over a similar extent of ground, and added very much to the pleasure of a drive of 52 miles. The French beans, which are grown very extensively here as a field crop, had been well harvested and profitable. Windsor was our next stopping place, and we drove thence to Sandwich, a vine-growing district. After visiting the first vineyard planted in the township by M. Tournier, in 1872, we passed on to those of Mayor Girardot and his son. In this locality there are 600 acres, principally " Concords," for wine-making ; and the industry and pluck of the natives may be gauged, when it is borne in mind that almost the whole of these are on land which 10 to 12 years ago was a dense forest ; whilst the f ruitfulness of the vines may be imagined by the fact that the growers can realise a good profit after selling their produce at equal to |d. per lb. The vines are usually planted 6 feet apart, centre to centre, and trained on wire trellises to obtain a maximum of sun and air. The land is worth J30 per acre, and an additional ^30 per acre if well stocked. I have now to mention an establishment maintained by the Pro- vincial Government of Ontario for the education and training of farmers' sons and others in agriculture. The college is situated at Guelph, and is an excellent institution. Almost all kinds of pure bred cattle are kept, to which the pupils in turn attend, and they keep accurate records of fe' ding, milking, and other information ; they do the ploughing, carting, and ordinary work of the farm, and receive instruction in pi'actical carpentry, whilst a moiety of their time is spent in the labcidtories and lecture-rooms, in theoretical and scientific study. The college is conducted by an able staff of professors; and successful students leaving this institution cannot fail to have a bone- Mr. J. T. WoocVa Report. 247 a an red do t i le- ficial influence on their fellow-agriculturists, in whatever part of the Dominion they may settle. The fees are exceptionally light, and are graduated in favour of the sons of farmers in the province ; strangers being permitted to enjoy its privileges on higher, but still very reasonable, terms. This institution has been productive of great good, in sending out, by their annual auction sales, surplus thoroughbrecl stock raised on the premises. Hero a silo was open, and the animals were being fed on ensilage composed of Indian corn, which had been chaffed, at the time of harvesting, into lengths of about one inch. This was a very excellent fodder, and free from waste, and is a good illustration of what can be accomplished on a small area of land in a favourable climate in providing winter food. As several of my colleagues will give their views on other portions of the Province of Ontario, it will suffice for me to say, that, in the dis- tricts I visited, the climate m«st be one of the best and most healthful in the Dominion, influenced, as it undoubtedly is to a very considerable extent, by Lakes Ontario and Erie. The dryness of the atmosphere renders the hot days in summer and the cold days in winter enjoyable, without being irksome : and the frequent and copious summer showers in the lower lake areas induce a rapidity of growth which enables th(« resident to raise almost any variety of plant or fruit which flourishes in a temperate zone, as instanced by the magnificent peaches and grapes produced annually out of doors. There has been for some years a great movement of the younger fai'mers and farmers' sons from Ontario to Manitoba and the North- West, resulting in a considerable depreciation in the value of farmirg- land in this older province. 1 have no doubt they will do better in their new homes from a monetary point of view, as they are usually intelli- gent, shrewd, hardv/orking men, who make good settlers, and who start out with the intention to succeed. It is very easy, however, to conceive that there are very many Englishmen, who can no longer be described as young men, who have enjoyed considerable comforts at home, contem- plating emigration, who should weigh well the advantages Ontario offers in its climate, in the present reasonable terms on which good lands can be acquired, and in the similarity of farming operations generally, with those they have been accustomed to at home. 1 look upon the present prices of land in this province as tempting ; and I shall be much sur- prised, indeed, if there is not an appreciatioi in the value of most of the best farms, which no\^■ range from £2d or £30 per statute acre for good lands, well situated, and possessing a desirable and comfortable house and fair buildings, down to .£2 per acre for those having few improvements, and only a portion of the area of which has been brought under cultivation. The free grant lands of Ontario are in the northern portions of the province, and are mostly in wooded districts, and such as I should advise Englishmen to leave to the future youth of Canada to clear. It may be stated, that at Sudbury and other places on the north side of Lake Superior, valuable mines of nickel, copper, and other minerals have been discovered, and are now being successfully worked. I 248 Tlie Af/ruiiltural llesowcea of Canada. M.vNiTonA. — 60,520 Squabe Miles. Population. — In giving my views of the present and probable future of Manitoba, it is essential that "Winnipeg, which is now, and probably will ever be, the principal city of the great North West, should claim a few remarks. It has a resident population of about 27,000 people, and can claim a rapidity of growth which is astounding; as 20 years ago the then village contained only 215 persons. The city charter was secured in 1874, with a population of y,(»0(> ; in 1876 there were 6,500; in 1880, 8,000; whilst 1889 saw 25,000 persons resident within the town limits. If an examination is made of the causes of this phenominal extension, it will be found that there are numerous reasons why "Winnipeg has so prospered. Situated as it is at the junction of the Eed and ' ssiniboine Rivers, and almost in the middle of the continent, it is within easy reach of the most extensive wheat-growing area in the Dominion, the timber districts of Lake of the Woods, and the mineral deposits of the province. It is already a great railway centre, through which all the passenger and goods traffic from the East and West passes. The spirit of the inhabitants is exhibited in the perfection of their public works, buildings, and manu- factories, on which a large amount of capital has been, and is being expended ; and it may truly be called a city of great enterprise, ^here tradesmen, and workmen who are not afraid to handle their tools, may prosper, and bring up and educate their children in surroundings which cannot fail to have a beneficial effect on their after lives. Energy and capital are both required here, if the new settler intends to reap a maximum and immediate benefit ; though tradesmen and labourers who have started with only their health, constitution, and stout hearts, have readily earned and saved money, which has enabled them to purchase and stock land, or take up homesteads, where they indulge in the freest and most independent life it is possible to conceive ; and many of whom, whilst engaged in agriculture, manage in the season between seed-time and harvest to secure work at excellent wages in the cities and towns, and so easily obtain a position and competence very few could hope to acquire in this country. Manitoba is at present a wheat-growing — indeed, I had almost said a wheat-manufacturing — province, as the large majority of its farmers depend for their profits almost exclusively on this grain, for the growth of which the rich black loam of its prairies is admirably adapted. Wheat can be cultivated with a minimum of labour, a matter of great importance when the scarcity of farm-hands in almost every district is considered, and it is a product easily saleable and readily transported. It is estimated that there were in the province about 800,000 acres of wheat under crop in 1890, 250,000 acres of oats, and 70,000 acres of barley. So far, therefore, as present profit is concerned, the exclusive growth of cereals may be considered satisfactory. If an owner of land, however, looks to the future for a successful career in Manitoba or elsewhere in the West as an agriculturist, the time must come — indeed, in some districts the signs are not now wanting — when this exclusive J Mr. J. T. WooiVs liqml. 249 may and cultivation of grain without manure will so impoverish ovon the richest lands, that a system of mixed i'armin<]; must of necessity be pursued. It is, then, very satisfactory for me to be able to record that the comparatively few of the larger farmers, who, in their wisdom have adopted mixed husbandry, claim, that, wliilst they are maintaining their freeholds in an excellent state of cultivation, their balance sheets will compare favourably with those practising the more exclusive methods. It must be admitted that there are in many place3 serious obstacles to be overcome before mixed husbandry can be coiulucted in Manitoba with certainty and ease, and the most sei'ious of these is the laying down of the ploughed lands in grasses for the purposes of hay, pasture, and rest. I have, however, already indicated what is being done by the Government to ascertain for the guidance of the farmer the best possible knowledge on this important subject. The grass plots at the experimental farm at Brandon, in which I took considerable interest, indicate clearly that the difficulty is not insuperable, and that culti- vated and imported varieties, as well as some \\hich are indigenous to the soil, may be counted upon to supply a want at present felt. It is not my intention to attempt to describe in detail the lands passed through by rail, or in our drives of hundreds] of miles in Manitoba ; sutHce it for me to say that almost the wi\ole oi the soil is of fine staple and easy to cultivate, and that strong and energetic young men with a knowledge of agriculture can scarcely go wrong in making for Winnipeg, whence they can readily reach sucli excellent centres as Brandon, Neepawa, Glenboro', Miunedcjsa, and Fortage-la- Prairie, in the neighbourhoods of which good lands are procurable at a reasonable cost, and where there is plenty of to he had. Emigrants with a good knowledge of kitchen of settling in Manitoba, would find the soil around AVinnipeg every thing they can desire, and capable of producing tine roots and vegetables of all descriptions for consumption in the city. It should be stated that the area of Manitoba is nearly equal to the whole of England, Scotland, and Ireland. It is not surprising, therefore, that a portion only of the Government free grant lands have been taken up, and that thei'e will be ample room for many years for those who ai'e desirous of reaping the benefits derivable from the breaking up of the virgin prairie, and who are not afraid of the small amount of hardship entailed in this pioneer work. The Hudson's Bay Company, the Canadian Pacific, and the Manitoba and North Western Eailway Companies, and tlu; several Colonisation and Land Companies, are owners of most extensive and desirable properties, and are only too willing to give information to intending settlers, and to accept reasonable prices, and, if necessary, deferred payments. A great deal has been from time to time written respecting the climate of Manitoba, and I certainly should prefer to have had a whiter s experience, that I might with greater confidence give expression to my views. I did, however, at each point touched, endeavour to worii at good wages gai'dening desirous 2o0 The Afjrleulturnl Jicsources of Canada. procure the best information from English and Scotcli residents : and I urn perfectly convinced that there is not a inorc^ invi{»oratine; and healthful climate in any country. There was an universal testimony to the extreme d(>£free of cold as rej^istered by the thermometer, but over and over ajc;ain was it pointed out that the extreme dryness and clearness of the atmosphere rendered the sharp bracinf» winter weather endurable, and even enjoyabl«». Kesidents protect themselves from the cold by warm clothing — especially for driving -and plenty of fuel, so that women and children pass the winters without discomfort. Greater drawbacks, to my mind, from an agricultural standpoint, are the occasional storms, blizzards, and summer frosts, which are sometimes of a character sufficiently severe to injure vegetation, especially in those districts where there is a minimum of shelter. As civilisation extends, and the planting of belts of maple and other trees on the wide prairie becomes universal, there must be a very considerable diminution of the inconvenience now felt from these causes. It is impossible to imagine a people more sanguine of their success, and the future of their country, than are the Manitobans. All inter- viewed, of whatever nationality, were unanimous in declaring their preference for Manitoba over Quebec, Ontario, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, or whatever country they happened to hail from, and were equally emphatir in their disinclination to return, except to visi'i friends and relatives: whilst they are robust, independent, and happy. It would be easy to gr\'e many instances of exceptional individual successes achieved ; it will be less misleading, however, if I give a few taken at random from my note-book, which may be accepted as repre- sentative of the general body. Visiting the crofter settlement south of Glenboro' and near the Pelican Lake, Donald Stewart was interviewed. Stewart was one of the crofters sent out under Government auspices in 1888. He has worked steadily and well, increasing the area of prairie broken each year, until, at the time of our visit he had 60 acres under crop, from t50 of which he expected a yield of 2,000 bushels of wheat. His oats (10 acres) were good ; he had 20 head of horned stock (includ- ing two teams of working oxen, and eight in-calf cows), besides pigs and poultry. His potatoes wer§ fine. He possessed a self-binding reaper, a waggon, plough, harrows, and other necessary implements, and being the owner of his 160 acres, has every reason, as Mrs. Stewart remarked, to *' bless the day we came oufc." After visiting Roderick McKay, another crofter who had also been successful, but in a lesser degree, I halted on the borders of Pelican Lake to interview the son of a Liver- pool merchant, who was educated and intended for a commercial career, but who elected four years ago to try his chances in agriculture. He has married and settled, and expressed himself as more than satisfied he did not go into an office or bank, as was originally intended, and where he could not have led the free and independent life he is now doing on his own farm of 320 acres in a beautiful locality. His crops, which he was busy harvesting, were very good ; and he informed me that his brother was farming the adjoining 320 acres, and that two sisters who bad come out on a visit to him had married Scotch farmers on the north Mr. J. T. WowVs licfort. 2'>1 side of Ghmbonj', who wore also prosporing. A most interesting; half- hour was spent with Mr. John Barnet Watson, of Kindar House, Stockton, Glenboro', a native of Northallerton, Yorkshire, who, prior to leaving Enj^land four years since, was a gamekeeper in that county. Mr. Watson says, that on arriving out he had five cents. (2^d.) in his pocket, but, being willing to work, was soon able to save money, and ultimately purchased his present holding of 160 acres for £oO. At that time 80 acres had been broken but had run to weeds ; now, out of the total, there are VAO acres in wheat and 10 in oats, all very full crops; he has 17 head of horned stock, a pair of large working oxen, and a comfortable home and good living. Mr. Watson states " the winters are not so bad, and the dry climate suits me ; there are about three or four days each year when you can't go about during high winds or blizzards, but I work out getting posts, rails, &c., during the full winter." I should add that he suffered very much in England from a weak chest, but as this does not now trouble him, and as he is evidently pleased with his success as a farmer, he expresses regret that he " did not come earlier." Mr. Watson estimates his yield of wheat at 40 bushels per acre on the newly broken ground, and iiO bushels on that previously cultivated, and the value of his freehold has advanced to three times the price he so recently paid for it. One of the best managed farms in the neighbourhood of Brandon is that of Mr. Sandison ; and although his success must be taken as being much above the average, it, nevertheless, shows what is possible in a good district when the farmer is thoroughly master of his work, and understands the management of his soil. It is Mr. Sandison's pride to relate how, in 1884, he, as a farm labourer, entered the North West, hiring himself as a servant at Carberry, and saving money until he was in a position to gradually and quietly acquire land ; how, in 1886, he commenced farming on a half-section (J320 acres), and being fortunate with each succeeding crop, has added annually to his area until in 1890 he had 2,000 acres under cultivation, the purchase price of which had nearly all been paid ; he has 70 men who are housed and fed on the premises, and durin^!; the harvest season just completed had 40 horses, and 14 self -hi uding leapers. Mr, Sandison's crop of wheat, oats, and barley, (principally wlieat) aggregated 60,000 bushels, and ho estimates the value of his present property at .£10,000, giving quite as much credit to the wonderful soil and climate as to his own pluck and clear head. Mr. Sandison maintains that Manitoba compares more than favourably with Dakota, and that its superior advantages will soon be universally recognised. At Binscarth on the Manitoba and North Western Railway, I met with the son of a well-known Liverpool Steam Ship owner who has been out six years, and who, prior to going to Canada, had no experience of agriculture, and, indeed, still admits he has much to learn. He claims, however, to have been successful, and is loud in his praise of the life, preferring the climate and the freedom obtaining everywhere, to his prospects in Liverpool. At Moosomin in the extreme west of the province I called on a farmer's wife, who a few years ago left Runcorn with a lady then going to Canada, After being there some time, she 252 The A(jrlc>dlHml liesourcea of Cimadu. marvitvl a native of Ontario who had pjonc wost, and she was alno most; cuthuHiastic in dcscribinji; \\w lite; sho c()n.sid»n't>d tho cliumtiMi j^ood one, and said shi^ wo\ild like! to visit F^nf^land to fetch her iiiotiier, but that sh(* prefeiTi'd Manitoba to liv(* in. CoiintU'SH instances of such contentinent could be quoted. It will be observed, that so far 1 have not dealt with the growth of roots and veoff. Sfi8 hidings irging m or thoy tlion pay lor tlu^ articles so purchasod. Tlw. above arrangfnKmt applies to any ot tlio Company's iVeo grant lauds, whother in Manitoba or Assiniboia. Whilst W(^ wort* at Saltcoats, an agent, acting on beliall' of a number of Meunonites Farming iv Dakota, took up MO (|uarter-s('ctious of land (160 acres each), in readiness for their reinoval during tho ensuing spring; the gentleman in (juestion having travelled over a very largo extent of eountiy, atul finally se'ttled on that district as ti\e one best suited to their requireincsnts. 'I'Lis is o\u\ of nuuiy evidences of emigration from tho L'nited .States to Canada. To describe in detail the remaiiuler of the huge territories of Assiniboia and Saskatchewan would occupy too Jiiuch space. 1 may Ray, however, that 1. hold the opinion that Englishmen may settli' and succeed in many districts, and notably in the vicinily of the Saskatche- wan and other rivers which flow thj'ough this pctrtion of the Dominion. Prince Albert, for instance, is a rising town at the conlluenco of tin* north and south branches of the Saskatciiewan Jiiver, where- tho prairie land is undulating, well sheltered, and watered, and the elimato good, and where mixed farming nuiy be successfully conducted. On Mr. McNiven's farm at Kirkpatrick, n(;ar Prince Albert, I examined probably the best sample of two-rowed barh^y I saw in Canada ; whilst his " Prize Prolific Oats " were also heavy and good. Tin; seed of both these grains had originally been sent from the experimental farm at ( )tta\\ a. Roots and vegetables also grow to perfection here. On the return journey from Prince Albert to Eegina, we had a few minutes to examine sam])les of roots and grain grown in the neighbourhood, and brought down for inspection to Saskatoon station. Here again the best samples of grain were grow n from Ottawa seed, the Danish Chevalier barley and prize cluster oats being bright and well-matured. The inspection of a very creditable exhibition of agricultural produce at the annual show at Eegina next engaged our attention. i3utter, roots, cereals, and the spt^cial exhibit of grasses and grain from the Indian Head farm, were all pleasing. A similar examination was made of the exhibits at the show at jNIedicine Hat, where a fine display of potatoes was especially worthy of note, whilst the cabbages, mangolds, turnips, red and white carrots and parsnips, all bore testimony to the special adaptibility of the soil to pi-oduce them. I have now to deal ^ith Alberta. Here Calgary became our head- quarters whilst the surrounding country was explored. This district varies in many respects from all otlier portions of the Dominion already dealt with. The Eocky Mountains extend along its western boundary, and lend special features to this area of natural wealth. The country abutting on the foothills of the far-famed range, possesses scenery of the most magnificent description, whilst the numerous streams and rivulets descending from the sides of the jnountains provide water in abundance for man and beast. Agriculturally, Alberta is distinctly a stock-raising district, where horses and cattle thrive remarkably. The inhabitants claim that it is also suitable for grain growing; and no doubt a certain quantity of corn and roots can be produced in favoured localities. Eauching and 254 The Afjr'icuVural Besoxirccs of Canada. 1 ii dairying, however, are the pursuits to be adopted by those who desire to make headway. The climate of Alberta is probably much more liable to changes of temperature in the winter time thac. any other part of Canada. During the prevalence of a north wind, a, dpgree of cold is experi- rnced as great as anywhere in the North-West. The prevailing winds, howevi?r, blow from the Pacific, and during its continuance milder weati'. ^r is exj^)erienced, which clears awa> the snow, enabling horses to obtain their own feed and live i)i the open all the year round. In considering and estimating the future of Alberta, it should be borne in mind that it is the districL nearest to British Columbia, and that, as the latter province develops and extends its industrial opera- tions, a very considerably increased quantity of butter, bacon, poultry, eggs, and beef will be re .quired, and these are commodities Alberta is fully capable of supplying. 1 was informed that British Columbia now imports 75 per cent, of its beef, 50 per cent, of its bacon, GO per cent, of its flour, and 40 per cent, of its dairy produce, besides poultry and eggs; and there is the probability that its increasing n.ercantile, mining, manufacturing, and oilier industries will more than keep pace with the development of its agricultural resources. Alberta already possesses on its ranches an enormous numbei* of cattle and horses. The former are low grades of shorthorns, large framed, vigorous, and healthy, but devoid of quality, and of the characteristics of feeding and early maturity so h.:\ \ ' ' appreciated Ly butcho'^s and consumers. In looking through the lar^' ; oerds, one could not help wishing that a ship load of hardy polled Angus bull: , which have proveu such a success in the West wherever used, could be ' imported. Were this done, the present prices obtained for stock exported would bo considerably augmei'ted, and an all-round benefit conferred. The polled Angus cattle at the Toronto show were remarkably good specimens;, exhibiting a quality to fully satisfy any useful breed, on extensively, horse can realise a t^ood profit lover of ranching this most carried IS As t h'ive intimated, horse- aiul it would appear that a when sold at four years (dd for i'22 or £2'j. Here there is scope for the capitalist farmer in breed- ing high-class animals — say roadsters and shires — for the Dominion, United States, and English markets. If this wers ittempted, after allowing for intere^^^t o\\ capital and all expeises, a very handsome profit might be realised, in comparison with what is now obtained from the brei'ding of the hivid but weer^ anhmils usually found, which are ])roduced from a second or third rate i 'rjughbred stallion and a nondesc* Ipt mare. In the whole of the Dominion there is no district equal to Alberta for horse breeding. Great a'' art^ its possibilities in ranching, however, thpre pve still greater iji mining. Immense deposits of iron ore have been iound to lie in the Bow Siver and other valleys, and few countries possess such an exteiisise coallieid, with qualities ranging from high-class lignite to semi-bitu ruinous, s onii-anthracite, and anthra- cite pi jper ; whUst iu the Eoo*. Hills an excellent gas and coking coal }ias been found, which yields as high as 60 per cent, of coke. Coal mining is at present earned on at Lethbridge, the output being 1,000 Mr. J. T, WooiVs Rqm-t. 2or, coai Coal 1,000 tons per day, and gradually inci-easing. It i.^ exli'emely probable that this coal will vsoon be used at the great smeltiug centres of Montana, as a railway connection has been established. Two deposits similar to the Lethbridge coal crop out at Grassy Island, in the Bow Kiver, and on the Rosebud Eiver, north of the Bow. Recent geological explora- tions have discovered deposits of anthracite, extending probably 50 miles along the north branch ct the Saskatchewan River; and at Canmore, where most of the exploration has been carried on, no less than 14 seams varying from 2 feet 6 inches to 14 feet in thickness, and in quality from bituminous to anthracite. I have it on the authority of Mr. Pierce, the Inspector of Mines, that the adjacent immense beds ot iron ore are equal to producing the highest grades of steel. It is said, that the greatest undeveloped fields of petroleum are those of the Athabasca and Peace Rivers and their tributaries;, a basin covering thousands of miles square ; and arrangements are now being perfected, to have thorough tests made. Alberta is rich in sandstone, and limestone, and clay for building and lire-bricks, whilst its proximity to British Columbia enables a good supply of timber to be obtained at an easy cost. EllITISK COLUMIJIA. Area about 343,305 square miles,'— Popidaiion about 100,00ii, British Columbia is that portion of Canada abutting on tlie Pacific Ocean, and includes Vancouver and other islands along the coast. Its principal towns are the capital city of Victoria, and the coal-mining town of JS^anaimo on Vancouver Island, and the cities of Vancouver and New Westminster on the mainland, liie province may be described as generally densely wooded, and, to a very great extent, unexplored ; yet it is known to possess immense mineral wealth, and probably ths finest coni^n^us timber in the world. Compared with the rest of Canada the availabh^ area of agricultural land (other than the uncleared forests) is small, much ot' it is, however, very ])roductive, and capable of growing tba very finest fruits and cereals. The climate of Vancouver Isluad and the coact districts of the mainland already populated is equable and good, and much resembling tliat in the more favoured districts in tlie south of England, thougli with a heavy rainfall ; the combination produces a luxuriance of growth. Snow is seldom known to lie. The climate of the interior of the pro- vince varies cousiderabl)' , the extensive valleys lying between the moun- tain ranges being subject to warm days and cold nights. A-^ancouver Island is well wooded, yet a considerable portion ol' arable land may be obtained, and this will, in all probability, be utilised in the production of butter, ])oultry, eggs, fruit and vegetables for the supply of the populated districts. The Chinese population in Victoria are excellent .market gardeners, and compete with the Canadians in producing saleable a egetables ; there are, however, many openings for emigrants who understand garden and dairy work, and a good living is obtainable from a small farm, the short- ness of production maintaining excellent prices. 2uG The Afjrictillurol Ilesourcfis of Canada. Iv '' CITT OF VICTORIA. The city o£ Victoria is beautifully situated on a lovely iiarbour on the south-east coast of the island, and here the value of real estate would appear to be a decidedly improving one. There is an electric tramway running to Esquimalt, and the city is lighted by electricity. The buildings are substantial, and the people thoroughly English in style and feeling. A railway connects Victoria with Nanaimo, mIucIi is at present tlin -^eat o+' che coal-mining industry of the province. Here and at "Welhngt^ n oout 2,500 men find employment, the output being approximately 550,000 tons per annum, of wliich 500,000 is raised for export. This has been proved to be th(; best coal obtainable on the Pacific coast. All kinds of hardy and half-hardy fruits flourish, such as pears, plums, peaches, nectarines, grapes, quinces, and apricots ; and 1 shall long rem(>mber the enormous croj) of beautiful apples, the weight of fruit in innumerable instances bringing the branches of the trees to tlie ground. The city of A'ancouver is the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Eailwav, and is built on the shore of a splendid harbour. Its population in :iS86 was 600; in ISsS, 0,00(>: and in 1890, 15,(»0ii; it is therefore not surprising, when the extraordinary extension of the city is considered, that the value of building lands has inci'eased by leaps and bounds. Electric lighting, electrical trams, gas and water works, are established ; and, when the ov(n>land tralHc to China and .lapan is fidly developed, Vancouver must become a greal sliipping ])ort. The magnificent growths of fir trees and cedars in the vicinity of the town render farming practically impossible ; the day is neai', however, when these giants of the forc«t will be turned to account, and a lumber industry of an extensive character further developed. As i .Vj\ J. T. WooiVs Jfrporf. 257 instances of the grandeur of the specimens of conifers to be found, I may state tliat trees of reinarkiible straightness and qualitv were measured 54 feet, 'A') feet, .'56 feet, and .'59 feet in circumference at 4 feet aboA'e tlif ground level. VANCOLVKli. New Westminster is a rising town of pro1)ably 8,000 inliabitants, and o\viu<; to its situation on the bank of the i'raser Biver (about 16 miles from its mouth), it is within easv' communication by steam- boat and road with the best agricultural lands in th'; coast districts of the Province. 1 jnay at once say that in my judgiiient I have never seen bett'n* land for all-round farming and gardening purposes than the rich black soils of Lulu Ishmd and other delta lands of the Fraser. There are ])robably ')0,0{H) acres of these strong and rich alluvial deposits, Mhich five or six years ago could have been purchased for 4s. or 5s. an acre. !Such, however, is the opinion of the present owners, that £15 to £20 an aero now is asked ; and, when its compara- tive proximity to the I'apidly increasing cities is considered, in con- junction with its capability to produce the heaviest crops obtainable in any co\ni1ry, its present price must still be reasonable. There is nothing this land and climate will not jiroduce which now goes to make up the £250,000 worth of farm and garden produce annually imported into British Columbia. The lands of the Chilliwhack district are also very fertile, but further removed from the town populations; they are, however, desirable localities for fruit and dairy industries. The Okanagan and other valleys possess 300,000 acres of land '2oS The Agricultural Resources of Canada, puitiible for arable farmiug, and probably J, 500,000 acres more or less suitable for grazing. 1 was not able to visit this neighbourhood, but from the products exhibited, and the information obtainable, it is clear that this is a productive country. I have beside me while I write, several well-grown and well-' "pened ears of Indian corn raised there ; and the cultivation of wheat and other cereals is proceeding so satis- factorily, that in 1890 20 tons of binding-twine was sent into Okanagan Valley, which is now being opened up by a branch railway from biccamous, on the Canadian Pacilic Eailway. The town of New "Westminster is destined to become the manu- facturing city of the mainland of British Columbia. Already energy and capital are developing the valiable resources of the district. Extensive lumber mills are in operation ; the salmon-canning industry is very largely conducted, giving employment during the season to 5,000 workmen ; woollen and cigar factories are started, and machine shops and foundries at work. A branch of the Canadian PaciHo Kail«ay runs into the town, and th(5 Northern Paciiic Eiiilway has a terminus also ; so that by sea and rail it may be said to be in touch with almost every part of the globe. Good labourers are paid high «ages here. The mineral resources of British Columbia constitute its gi-eatest wealth, and the gold, coal, silver, copper, iron, and other minerals are M-idely distributed. Geneeallt. Having now completed my attempt to condense the vast amount of knowledge of the country, gained in a tour which extended from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans, and from the boundary of the United iStates in the south to Prince Albert on the Saskatchewan Kiver in the north, and which comprised 17,000 miles of ti'avel by steamer, rail, and road — the latter necessitating a distance of over 1,100 miles, in order to thoroughly examine lands situated, in many instances, long distances from the railway — it is necessary that I should state the object the Canadian Government had in view in issuing the invitations ; and also that I should give my opinions, recommendations, and words of warning to those who, being interested in emigration, muy read my report. First, let me say, then, that the Dominion Government have for some time felt, that, considering the great advantages the country possesses for settlement, they were not obtaining a proper share of the emigrants from the United Kingdom : and conceiving, that, notwith- standinjr the excell<>nce of education in Canada for a long time has been such that her people have received a sui)erior training to that obtainable in America; it is not surprising, therefore, that Canadians were at a ])remium. This moveiiKMit has now stopped: indeed, many of those who left and adopti'd agricultural pursuits ai-e returning sadder but wiser men ; and we at numy points met American farmers, acting on behalf of their fellows in the States, examining into the agricultural capabilities of Canada, in view of their settlement in the Colony, and that this tide, which has already connnenced to flow — especially from Dakota — will continue, I. have no reason to doubt. Amongst the many ad^'antages Canada offers to the emigi'ant, the following may be enumerated : — The Dominion Goverment is composed of nu»n of the highest integrity and honour, whose sole aim antl work are exercised for the good of the community at large, and mIio are keenly alive to anything which will t(!nd in t)ie smallest degree to improve tlu* ]>roud position the Colony at present oecujiies. The I'rovincial (Jovernments, and even those of the ^Municipalities, are equally tree from siis])icion, and would compare most favourably with similar institutions at home; ami this is the more pleasing when it is remembered that frequently, and especially in the recently settled districts, the class of men obtainable are not always of tl\e social status we in England are accustomed tu elect. The educational system of tlu- Dominion is exceedingly good, enabling children to obtain a grounding which is not <\xcelled in an\ older country, and at quite a minimum of inconvenience to the children, and cost to the parents. The school teachers are capable, and the school districts so arranged, even in the sparsely populated areas, that no habitation is more than three miles from the school house. The taxes are very light, and those raised ani spent entirely in the Municipality producing them, on necessary road and works, 260 The Aijricultuml liesouras of Canada. and for educational and other purposes. There is an absolute safety of life and property, and crime generally is quite, you may say, unknown, as instanced by the absence of even a single prisoner, at the time of our visit, in the district gaol at Brandon, in Manitoba. There is no class distinction as in England, and especially is this so in Manitoba and the Territories, whilst political and religious freedom are universal. There are no paupers or beggars, and consequently an expensive poor-law system is not required. The invigorating climate, the educational advantages, which are highly valued, and the intelligent interest taken by all classes in everything appei'taining to Federal and Local Government, combine to produce the vigorous spirit of independence and contentment met with throughout the length and breadth of the land. Finally it may be pointed out as worthy of the intending emigrants' consideration, that, if he finally selects Canada for his future home, he will be welcomed there by a people of kindred sympathies, who live under the protection of the British flag, and enjoy the right to acquire and hold real estate without being called upon, as in many parts of the United States, to renounce his birthright, and swear allegiance to the President, and his willingness to take u]) arms especially against Her Majesty the Queen, which also means, in the majority of instances, against those who are most dear to him in his old hoijie. Now for a few words of warning to those, who, being from any cause dissatisfied with their lot here are contemplating a new start in life abroad. First, let me say that there is no royal road to making money and be successful, without labour, in Canada ; there is, however, ample scope for those, who, understanding agricultural operations, whether as farmei's or labourers, are not afraid in the early part of their residence in the country to inidergo a certain amount of hard work. To such men, Canada offers a fine field and successful future ; but to those who have been accustomed to a life of comfort and refinement, and who do not care to devote their entire energies to the pursuit of their occupa- tions, I would say by all means stay at home. Intending emigrants would do well to obtain all the information possible respecting t!:" varicnis parts of the Dominion, for when it is remembered that Canada is nearly as large as the whole of Europe, and is 600,000 square miles larger than the United States, leaving out Alaska, it A\ill bo seen how easy it is for a man who wcruld make a most certain success in one province to make an utter failure in another. In the selection of the district to which he emigrates, regard should be had to his training, and his capacity to engage in any one of the multifarious branches of the work of the garden or farm ; and to those who have the opportiniity before leaving England, I \^ould say, make yourselves thoroughly conversant with the best known methods of butter and clieese-making, for assuredly thi've is a great future in many parts of the Dominion for a dairy industry, and it is almost unnecessary for me to ])oint to the advantages gained by those who producing the best articles command the highest prices and the readiest sale. In my judgment it is undesirable that either a farmer or labourer ii i 1 Mr. J. T. Wood's Ii<'port, 261 3gard e in most wliu liest should emigrate and immediately purchase or take up land. The prominent and successful men in Canada are those who have not been impatient, and many of whom, whilst earning good wages as labourers, acquii'ed a local knowledge of the greatest import, and at the same time saved money to purchase their subsequent holdings. With regard to carpenters, joiners, bricklayers, masons, blacksmiths, and other tradesmen (^migrating, I should advise in every instance that they obtain from the nearest agent of the Canadian Government, infor- mation as to the precise points to which they should proceed, the rate of wages at the time being paid, and the cost of the necessaries of life ; there are many openings for skilful men, but by following this advice disappointment may very frequently be avoided. There is room in Canada, and good wages, for domestic servants of all kinds ; but ladies who obtain their living by teaching music, languages, or other accomplishments, should not go out unless they have previously obtained appointments. This applies also to clerks, male and female, whose past lives have been spent in offices. There are very few openings for professional men. Capital is required almost everywhere, and many openings are thus available for the employment of money, ^^•hich at the present time brings such a poor return in England. Excellent freehold securities, and 7 per cent, and 8 per cent, interest are obtainable in Manitoba, and 6 per cent, and 7 per cent, for similar securities in British Columbia; and a still better return can be ensured by those who assist in extending the numerous manufacturing industries. I look on Vancouver Island and thc^ mainland west of the Eocky Mountains, as the portion of the Dominion having the greatest manufacturing future by reason of its geographical position and great wealth of minerals ; and where the manufactories centre, there will the best prices for agricultural produce be obtained. British Columbia is, undoubtedly, a province with a grand destiny. I have been frequently questioned since my return, on the subject of the Indians resident in the Dominion, and it may therefore be useful information to intending emigrants to know that tlie wise policy of the (xovernment in originally settling the Indians on some of the best lands — and through the Indian department and its agents, clothing, and, where necessary, providing them \\ith food, teaching them in schools, and instructing them in the cultivation of their reserves, and generally in pursuing an honest policy of civilisation, as opposed to a policy of extermination — has borne good fruit, and I do not fear in the futiure any such risings as those we hear of at the present time in the Unitod States. Indians in Canada are now frequently employed as farm labourers, fishermen, and in other branches of work, and are contented. The wild animals of the Dominion, too, are sometimes alarmingly spoken of, but extermination has been carrier on to such an extent, that residents who are fond of sport regret that the gradual settling of the country has deprived them of their pleasure. There are still, however, deer and moose in some districts, and prairie chickens, ducks, gees(», and other wild fowls in abundance. 262 The AgnctiU ral lietources of Canada . Emigrants have therefore nothing to fear; indeed, it will surprise me much if there is not a very considerable exodus from the United States to Canada, where, as I have incimatod, socm-ity of life and property is equal to that prevailing i/v England. The last week in March is the best time for arriving in the country. In conclusion,! desire to bear testimony to the kindly consideraticm I received from Canadians generally in the course of my investigations, without which it would have been difficult to have accomplished my task. I also desire to thank the officials of the Canadian Pacific, Gran" CM •-I.V ^'^' '^ *-. X IPrtBM Pitolua './^ T \K or«w' H .V ,V„ y s^y LlJr- A V^ yv" 'J'^ *'**»aSS" xMUk misf. M 'n«.tion«r N loui Nl'rrvilo '^1 jrv -^^{^ I 'fiAia 180 MO (M) lao 100 4Q N .^ jki^5^:- c < AN. P MJ- M OVJiAW AiMrliMtb. 'fKff.i U, K*| ••0^ iW p« t'l b. I4« cqu/ Ton Tihul^ il^ « ?j^' «»& vfoim lUoit I BriUh biM AttoBRI Iwsrttjr hlian ]ll w 70 40 30 1 yr )0 /5*J I \ \\V, *« '''tird ,J ttl DiMlioiii'P HL m''''^ ^ Horn |r^v*\ *"'' I v»«t»««^X\-- — — " \ u^ 120 100 40 (0 40 -Ji- 110 100 Dart G ^'■■m^-^^ \\^ ; .^^ £onfcon rRIKTKD BY MffORC^UODALK & CO., LIMITED. EUSTON, N.W .?■■■■