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J 32X 1 ■ 2 ■. Z :■- -, ■■■-- - 4 5 6 ^ INI THE UNDEVELOPED LANDS IN NORTHERN & WESTERN ONTARIO. INFORMATION REGARDING RESOURCES, PRODUCTS AND SUITABILITY FOR SETTLEMENT— COLLECTED AND COMPILED FROM REPORTS OF SUR- VEYORS, CROWN LAND AGENTS, AND OTHERS, WITH THE SANCTION OF THE HONOURABLE THE COMMIS- SIONER OF CROWN LANDS. BY A. ilMWOOD AND J. J. MURPHY. iorottto : PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO., WELLINGTON STREET. 1878. PEEFAOE. At the present moment, there appears to be a general movement all tliruugh this Province, as well us in those to the east of us, to emigrate from the older and more crowded districts to newer ones. Some find their old homes too contracted for the wants of their increasing families ; others — young m.n, who have been brought up to agricul tare, and men of more mature age, engaged in trade and business, but who on account of the continued depression find it necessary to make a change — are seeking lands that can be obtained at moderate expense ; while others again are impelled by the mere spirit of unrest, and a desire for newer scenes. In almost every issue of our leading newspapers, since the opening of spring, we read of parties leaving, or being formed in different sections of the country, with the view of settling in our sister Provinces of the North- West, or in some of the Western States. To judge by this movement, one would imagine that the settlement lands in Ontario were already exhausted, or that what remain are barren and unfit for agricultural purposes. Tliis is by no means the case. We have millions of acres of land still lying idle — the greater portion of which is well suited for settlement, of easy access, and oflfers to the industrious and intelligent, a comfortable home and ultimate independence. It is true that a fair proportion of those who are leaving us for the Great North- West, are attracted by the glowing accounts which they receive of the vast prairies and fertile soil, which are to be fc<-\nd there ; but many, if they were aware that in the unde- veloped territory of their native or adopted Province, they could find fields for settlement which although not possessing the attractions of the prairie lands of the North-West, are preferable in other respects, would hesitate about breaking up old associations and moving to such a distance from home and kindred. It is desirable that fuller information should be given on tliis subject, especially as while Manitoba and the North-West are brought before the public eye in every form — by pamphlets. Parliamentary Reports, &c., &c., which are circulated b^ i ae thousand, the information offered to the immigrant or intending settler respecting the undeveloped portions of this, the wealthiest and most progressive Province in the Dominion, is but very meagre. The object of this pamphlet is, therefore, to endeavour to furnish these parties with correct information, and bring the claims of this Province before them. It has no pretensions to literary merit, but it is hoped that on account of the useful information it contains, which has been collected from the most reliable sources, it will supply a want now much felt, and satisfy the class of readers for whom it is intended. The compilers take this opportunity of expressing their gratitude to the Hon T. B. Pardee, Commissioner of Crown Lands, without whose sanction, encouragement and assis- tance, it would have been impossible for them to have presented the work to the public, and also to thank tlie several Gentlemen who have kindly supplied them with items of interest respecting their respective districts. The pamphlet will be accompanied by a valuable map of the Dominion, prepared by the Deputy Surveyor-General of tlie Province, T. Devine, Esq., F.R.G.S. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PART I. Chapters. Pages. Introduotioii 1 I. Tho Ottawa and Georgian Bay Territory 3 II. The Territory between Fioncli River and Saiilt Ste. Marie ... 7 III. Lake Superior Region 9 IV, The TeiTitory between Lake Nip- pissing and the Height of Land north of Lake Temiscaining . . 11 Chapters. Pages. V. Natural Productions 14 VI. Geology and Mineralogy 22 VIL Climate 29 VIII. Settling in the Bush 34 IX. Required Outfit 39 X. Modes of Survey 41 XI. Municipal Institutions and Edu- cation 44 XII. Colonization Roads 46 PART II. Lands open for Settlement. I. Free Grants 53 II. Muskoka and Parry Sound, and Miiskoka Agency 55 III. Parry Sound Agency 100 IV. Maganetawan Agency 109 V. East Parry Sound Agency 113 VI. Haliburton Agency 119 VII. Burleigh Road Agency 125 VIII. North Hastings Agency 131 IX. Frontenac and Addington Agency 140 X. Renfrew and Nipissing 145 XI. Renfrew and Nipissing Agency . . 146 XII, South Renfrew Agency 154 XIII. North Renfrew or Pembroke Agency 161 XIV. North Shores of Lakes Huron and Superior 168 XV. Bruce Mines Agency 168 XVI. Sault Ste. Marie Agency 171 XVII. Thunder Bay Agency 173 XVIII. Townships within the Free Grant Territory, but not yet in the market 187 XIX. Crown Lands open for sale 209 XX. Indian Lands 238 I. — Saugeen Peninsula 240 II. — Grand Manitoulin Island ... 241 ' III. — North Shores of Ln-kes Huron and Superior 257 APPENDICES. A . Free Grants and Homesteads Act . . 208 B. Act to preserve the Forests from Destruction by Fire 272 C. Ontario School of Agriculture and Experimental Farm 274 D. Close Season for Game and Fur- bearing Animals 275 E. Close Season for White Fish, Salmon Trout, &c 276 F. Immigration to Ontario 277 G. Dominion Immigration Agents, «S:c . . 279 Index 280 I ! n THE UNDEVELOPED NORTHERN PORTIONS OF ONTARIO PART I. INTRODUCTION The Province of Ontario* is comprised within the parallel of 40° north, and the Conventional Boundary of the fifty-first parallel of latitude, and the meridian of 71° west of Greenwich, and the Conventional Boundary of the meridian line passing through the most easterly point of Hunter's Island. There is no country in Vmerica that can rival Ontario in diversity of climate :;nd productions, and geographical and commercial position. She possesses along her entire eastern and southern borders, an inland navigation in a series of lakes and rivers unriv- alled for extent and grandeur. From the mouth of the River Ottawa to Lake Superior this Province adjoins, and even penetrates, so as to divide, one of the most commercial as well as important agricultural portions of the United States. Passing from the rich alluvions on Lake Erie's shore where the peach tree, unpro- tected, matures its fruit, to the Lake Superior region of trap and granite, we can see where the old volcanic action has left its marks of force and fire in bold upheavals, in great mural escarpments, in huge metallic veins driven upward to the surface through rocky fissures, and where the spray of innumerable cascades touches with a fresher l)eauty the perennial verdure of the spruce and pine. Ontario may be said to comprise part of one vast valley through which the great River St. Lawrence takes its course, issuing from Lake Superior, and Howuig successively through Lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario, until it falls into the ocean after a course of 2,000 miles.f This immense valley is on each side encompassed by different mountain ranges, sometimes nearly approaching the water, and at other times receding into the in- • From the Indian, and signifies "The Beantifnl." t The Lakes and Rivera of Ontario are innumerable. The large inland seas are M follows :- NAMES. Length. Superior . Michigan Huron . . Erie Ontario . . Miles. 400 800 •260 2(50 180 Breadth. Circum- ference. Miles. IGO 70 ICO 50 40 I Miles. 1,.500 1,000 1,100 700 500 Average Above depth. the sea. Feet. Feet. 1,000 640 1,000 599 900 595 120 565 500 1 234 Area. S(iuare Miles. 35,000 17,000 24,000 9,600 7,000 s terior, and thus forniiii5 3 O s C J.s o 2 24. s 29A 27 m 3 10 5 2 18"" 26^V 99*8 m 2 10 13 1 -Ur 12#t lO^^T 19 13 5 6 su 28A- 19^1 7 9 6 13|« 33" 2 It 25iY 45,4 44 14 8 5 f;q2 3 23 1 2 4 5«A 50 62f 12 11 8 4 11 12 3 58A 72.U 66AI 65§ 9 8 3 11 56|^- 71,«j 63^» 64 10 6 15 48 63|r 56| 56 13 7 1 9 3'IA 46 42^^ 40^ 11 8 1 5 o c 10 / 7 4 1844-5. >st he !t, id It r. h h MONTH. 1844. November ,. December .. 1845. January February ... March April May June July -.. August September . October rd ns Sunrise. s o o CO B B Mean for each mont Clear sunshine. Clear and cloudy. B O o Cloudy an rain. •11 4 28A 28 4 7 8 3 ^m 16tv\ 15| 9 8 8 8K- 172 3 13U 13* 6 15 3 1 1 1 I r. m.i 20^ 18^ 7 8 5 3 19 3411 .>Qao 27* 9 10 3 2 26AJ} 43Ali 36 35* 5 11 8 5U4^ 56 6945^ 49 62*^ 47^ 61* 67 13 12 7 7 5 5 6 6 3 58 ""30 753T "7(1) 67=1 8 12 11 58 76U 67^ 67* 15 10 . . 6 48A 58X 53* 44§ 1 8 2 19 38 50 46 11 10 3 7 t3 a B ^ -2 2 8 6 6 5 7 6 14 CHAPTER V. NATURAL PRODUCTIONS. Flowers. — Flowers grow in great variety, and in rich profusion, favoured by the soft genial atmosphere of a Canadian summer, and one of the most kindly soils. The woods in many places are literally carpeted with them. " Many of the cherished pets of our gardens and greenhouses are here flung carelessly from Nature's lavish hand among our woods and wilds," writes the accomplished authoress of the Backwoods of Canada. Amongst the variety of Canadian wild flowers may be mentioned a few, such as the scar- let lobelia, blue lupin, purple gentian, columbine, violets in great variety, honeysuckles, campanula, hare bell, Michaelmas daisy, pitcher plant, two-flowered balsam, rasp-leaved aster, calceolaria, lily of the valley, besides wild roses in profusion, with their sweet per- fumes ; and among the grass of the meadow-land, and by the stream side are to be found the well-known spearmint and peppermint. Besides these, there is the magnificent white Wiiter-lily, the queen of aquatic plants. The shallows of the lakes, and quiet nooks of rivers, present at times so gorgeous and beautiful a sight, as to be not inaptly compared to floating gardens. Forests. — The forests of Canada abound in the finest and largest trees, adapted to almost every variety of purposes, useful or ornamental. Amongst the monarchs of these forests are the white and red pine, of which so large quantities are annually exported. Individual trees of the white pine are frequently found measuring 100 feet to. the first branch. Besides these, may be mentioned oak, elm, beech, ash, maple, birch, lime, tulip-tree, tamarack, cedar, hickory, butternut, and black walnut. The white oak serves largely to supply staves for both the Pjnglish and West Indian market. The sugar-maple is famous for the sap which it yields during early spring, from which excellent sugar is made in large quantities all over the country. Maple groves, as collections of these trees are called, are therefore considered very valuable upon a Canadian farm. Of the ornamental woods of Ontario, the bird's-eye and curled maple, and also the black walnut, deserve prominent notice. The importance of these immense forests, both to Canada and England, and even to the northern parts of the United States, is fully appreciated. In some years, according to offi- cial returns, the products of Canadian forests exported from the country, have been valued at £1,350,000. It is computed that no less than 200,000 tons of sawn lumber have been exported from Canada, in one year, for the supply of the United States market, on the Hudson River. Of the various districts of Ontario, where the cutting down of the forests is carried on most extensively, the valley of the river Ottawa may be classed second to none. This particular branch of trade, known by the name of " lumbering," is in a great measure, carried on by persons of capital, who employ large bodies of men at points far removed from markets, and who are therefore called upon to make con- siderable advances in providing food and necessaries, as well as in constructing slides and otherwise facilitating the passage of the timber along the streams and rivers. Many thousands of men are employed during the winter in these remote forests, preparing the tim- ber which is transported during the summer in rafts, or, if sawn, in boats to Quebec when destined for England ; up the Richelieu river when intended for Albany ; and across Lakes Huron and Michigan, when cleared for Detroit and Chicago. " It is a most interesting fact," the Earl of Elgin observes, in his despatch of August, 1853, "both in a moral and hygienic view, that for some years past intoxicating liquors have been rigorously excluded from al most all the shanties (as the dwellings of the lumbermen in these dintant regions are styled) ; and that notwithstanding the exposure of the men to cold during the winter, and wet in the spring the result of the experiment has been entirely satisfactory." The prosecution of the lumbering trade has by many been considered hurtful to the interest of Canada. With re- habi| It Thel wild juni plant to ni 15 gard to tliis interesting and important mutter it has bccen observed, that apart from the question of the shipping interest, and that of square versus sawn himber, the bearing of the lumber business on the settlement of the country is a point well worthy of notice. The farmer who undertakes to cultivate unreclaimed land in new countries generally finds that not only does every step of advance which he makes in the wilderness, ^ y removing him from the centres of trade and civilization enhance the cost of all ho has to purchase, but that, moreover, it diminishes the value of what ho has to sell. It is not so however, with the farmer who follows in the wake of the lumbermen. lie find.s on the contrary, in the wants of the latter, a steady demand for all that ho produces, at a price not only equal to that pro- curable in the ordinary marts, but increased by the cost of transport from them to the scene of the lumbering operations. This circumstance, no doubt, powerfully contributes to pro- mote the settlement of those districts, and attract? population to the sections of the country which, in the absence of any such inducement, would probably remain for long periods unin- habited. In our forests are found hemlock, tamarack, black spruce, poplar, aspen, and white birch. The trees of smaller growth common to all the coiintry are the cornel tree, willow, alder, and wild cherry. In our forests and swamps are found also gooseberries, currants, strawberries, juniper berries, whortleberries, cranberries, raspbijrries, and other trees, shrubs, berries and plants, some of which arc useful as medicines or for dyeing, among which we must not forget to mention the ginseng, so famous in China. EVERGREEN TREES. ) the offi- lued een the ests to 3t," pnic al Ithc Ithe Ire- Red Pine. Pinus liesmosa, Pin Rouge. Is a large handsome tree, with scaly red b.ark. Its timber enters largely into commerce, and is fine grained, and of close texture. It irf shipped in the form of squared logs, and as well undres.sed as spars for masts and yards, for whicli purposes it is in great request ; some deals are also manufactured from this wood. From its superior strength, it is used for rafters in England, and is well adapted for supporting the slate and tile roofs of Britain ; and owing to the great distance lumberers have to go in search of it, it brings the highest price in the market. By far the largest (juantity of red pine is derived from the Ottawa, and on the banks of some of its tributaries large tracts of sandy land are entirely covered with it. White Pine. Pinns Sfrobtts, Pin Blanc. This is the commonest and most majestic of all our pines — towers over all the other trees of our forest, and attains a very great sizei. When growing in open situations, it is often feathered down to the ground, and when loaded with its large pendulous cones, assumes a very beautiful and piotures([ue appearance. White pine is easily wrought, com- paratively free from knots, and very durable. Its timber is most in demand for ordinary domestic purposes, a fact fully demonstrated by the t(Mis of thousands of logs we see every- where about our saw-mills. From its superior size and lightness, the lower masts of ships are generally made of it ; and its possessing the property of not splitting by the sun fits it for their decks. This wood is onr most extensive article of commerce, and is shipped in the shape of masts, planks, boards, shingles, latlis, and squared logs This is one of the trees which furnish the gum with which the Indians pay over the seams of their canoes. Fitch Pine. Pinus Ridiga, Pin a goudron. Is the most symmetrical and beautiful of all the family of pines, although it seldom attains a great size, and never thrives except on the most arid and sandy soils. As its 1(5 name indicates, it is chiefly employed for making pitch. It is an extremely rapid growing tree. Tar and laniphlack are nianut'actured from it by a very simple process. The knot.s being incon'n]>til)lH are found al)undaiitly in groves of this pine, and an; collectttl and piled upon a stone hearth, covf^rcii witli sods and earth, an that whicli is pre- pared from tiiis li(|iii(l resin. The branches of this tree, as well as the hemlock, furnish the Indians, the lumhentr and the (Canadian voyaj^eur with a rude and primitive bed, when far removed from the abodes of man. In winter voyai^es they scrapti the snow into heaps with their snow shoes, making a kind of snow wall on each side of their lair, then stn^wing the ground witii branches, wrap themselves in their blankets, and thus sleep, when the ther- mometer is many degrees b(dow zero. Red Cedah. Junipcrtis Firr/iniana, Chlre Koxuje. The Canadian red cedar is identical with the Bermuda cedar, which is so largely em- ployed by the pencil-makers. It attains a height of about sixty feet, grows on th(^ most sterile regions, and may frequently be seen springing out of the crevices of rocks, growing most luxuriantly without iny ap[)arent nourishment. The essential oil is very fragrant, and imparts a most agreeable odour to leather. White Cedar. Thuja OccidentaUs, Chdre Blanc. American Arbor Vitm. This tree which sometimes attains a height of seventy feet, is so universally known as the occupant of cedar swamps, that any lengthened description is unnecessary. Tiie wood is soft, smooth, extremely light, and p(jssesses an aromatic smell. It retains a |»ermaiient shape, and is so extremely durable as to iiave led to the saying, " as sound as a cedar post." It is chiefly used for fences and the sleepers of cellars, and from it the Indian shapes the ribs of his frail bark canoe. ANIMALS. The two most noted and mischievous animals of the Canadian forest are the bear and the wolf. Both of these, however, now are almost exclusively confined to the more remote and unsettled parts of the country, where their depredations give them occasional notoriety. It is very seldom that either animal is seen, and the iumters in search of farm-yard depredations may have sometimes to pursue their search in vain for days together. The beaver is now seldom found within reach of white settlements. Foxes, silver-gray, red and black, racoons, otters, fitchets, martins, minks, and musk-rats still remain in diminished numbers. All of these are eagerly sought, chiefly by professional hunters, for the value of theii furs, considerable quantities of which are yet exported. Amongst the smaller animals of the woods, squirrels must not be omitted. The large black squirrels are shot in great numbers, while scampering among the branches of the forest trees. The gray, the red, the ground or chipmunk, and the flying squirrel, are the other varieties. The most valuable game in Canada are the moose-deer (a kind of elk), caribou, (great rein-deer), and the buck. Fine specimens of these noble animals, which are still found in many parts of the country, occasionally afford excellent sport. Our birds comprise every variety of ducks, wild geese, fresh water divers, partridge, quail, woodcock, snipe, crant-s and herons, plovers of all kinds, wild swans, birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks, and others ; crows, screech-owls, ortolans, the thrush, the wood- pecker, the tit-mouse, and many others, some remarkable for the beauty of their plumage, others for their melody. The smaller kinds of birds are in many instances remarkable for beauty of plumage. In the list of these native and migratory, may be mentioned the jay, several species of 2 IH wood-pt'ckcr, tho Hcarlot taimgcr, bluf bird, the indigo bird, tlu' orioh*, tlin'e HpccicH of bliickbird, tlio },'()ldlinch, tho robin, tb»i nuwlow liuk, sisvond lliruHlmH, tlif kiiij,' lisiu^r, the Hwailow, iind two or three very bcuutii'ui Hju'cios of huniniinji-birdH. Scvoral of these, althoiif^di iMjiriii^' tiic iiann'H oi' Knglinh l)irds, an- .speciHcaily ditfcrt'Ml. Tlio ("anadiai\ jay in about tliti Mizc of the Hn^lisl. bird, but the whole of tlie pluniano i» bhic, and Itcau- tifully marked. The woodi)ecker8 disphiy gay phiniage of scarlet, crimHon and green, and the largest of the Kpecien, known as the "cock of the woods" carries a tuft of scarlet feathers on his head. T\\v Caiuidiaii rol)in is more than double tho size of the little English favourite. As for the little liumniing-birds, nothing can exceed their rare beauty of plumage, tiny elegance of form, ami rapid graceful movements. FlHlI AND FisiiKitlKS. — We uow leave the lanil for the waters, to note some of the more remarka))le of tint finny tribes of the rivers and lakes. In the fisheries of tho great fresh water lakes, Ontario is possessed of no inconsiderable resource. The waters of Lakes Huron and Superior are teeming witli life, and on the north shore of Lake Superior alone, 30,000 barrels of white tish and salmon trout might be yearly put up for iiuirket. Great numl)».'rs of siskawit {xalmo sis/aivif), the fattest and finest species of the lake trout family ; and large lake trout, nanuiycush {mIiiiu (tmtl/ii/slKs), and white fish, atti- hawmeg {coregonus alba), are packed annually for market on the shores of Lake Superior. The siskawit may l)e said to be peculiar to this lake. They are caught readily by the hook, but are more commonly taken by means of gill nets, which are set a yard or two from the bottom, in water of about 20 feet depth — the lower edge of the net being anchor- ed by means of small stones attached to cords, while the upper edge is sustained vertically by means of thin laths or spindles of light wood. These nets are set at night, and are drawn in the morning. The siskawit weighs from five to twenty pounds, while the lake trout often weighs as much as forty or fifty i)ounds. Of all the fish caught upon the lake the siskawit is most prized on account of its fat- ness. White fi.sh arc, however, much more delicate, and arc preferred to all others by the white inhabitants and travellers. The fisheries of Lake Superior and Huron are of great value to the people living upon the shores of these; lakes, and of importance to the countries on the other and lower lakes, and the inland towns, near their borders. To the poor Indian the bounties of the great lakes are of vital importance, ibr, without the fish, the native tribes would soon perish. The fish which are the most plentiful in our lakes and rivers are the salmon trout, the common trout, maskinonge or maskelonge, white fish of great variety, pike, pickerel, bass, perch (a good pan fish,) and herrings. The sturgeon is caught in our waters frequently weigh- ing I'rom 80 to 100 pounds. The smaller rivers and streams teem with the speckled trout. Perhaps the chief favourites of our waters are the white fish and maskelonge. Many thou- sands of barrels of salmon, white fish, and herrings are annually exported at present, chiefly to the United States. Trolling for bass, pickerel, and lake trout furnishes good sport in the Muskoka and. Parry Sound Districts. A visit to the Maganetawan, and the south branch of the Muskoka River, as well as to Trading Lake, amply repays those who go there. These waters are much resorted to by anglers from the United States. Abuses in these districts are chiefiy confined to spearing, but it is hoped that this will very soon be at an end, owing to the vigilance and energy displayed by the over.seers, as well as to the intelligence of the residents themselves, who will soon understand the benefits of protection. The quantity of oil made from the lake fisheries is so trifling as to be scarcely worth noticing. It is easily made from the offal, and is a saleable article at 75 cents per gallon. [out, thti }el, bass, weigh- ed trout, ly thou- |, chiefly aka and. tuskoka |*e much Bus will as well lefits of worth [lion. in VaLUB of the DiKFEIlKNT FlHllBRIES IN THE PROVINCE OK OntAKIO, DtUlINd THK Year 187G. Kinds oi- Fisn. Whitefish .. Do Do Trout Herring .... Sciscoa Maskinonge Bass Pike Pickerel . • Coarse Fish. (^ITANTITY. 1 1 ,!>»!) barrels l,0.')2,490 pounds 471,4(12 piccos 11,744 barrels 10,781.^ " 31(5' 041 J 879| fi80| 2,300 5,.') 10 o > d 03 W CS h-t H ID s O P3 a) 5 13 O .a 05 5 i c3 O PQ ,3 •sn^A ■OW •8A{«^l^^ •spojx •ON -.^ninA •spoji •ojst •9niB_^ CO M* •spog •ON •n9j\[ •aniTJA c© ■ON S5 ■ngj^ •snirsA •aS'Buiioj^ ■ON 1» o M QQ M M o s M SI o (M 18 8 M M O O O w 13 2 1-^ O ■a s ~8 8 ^ ^ ■^ s o fe OT t^ o iH C<5 ■* lO 00 o ■^ Oi *< t>. «£> iH 05 iH in o r-f CO s o o S ■i I m I— I OS 0) I 03 21 i o CO I .g I 01 . o 4 m 0) pa IZi f ^ S3 -s g? g 5 3 «. 'n, ®, l-H 1 S ?? 5? IC i S S 8 > "S i Pm !:; S 5 rH isx!j^ H •qjaq 'sooBiog 5 •sjaq 'Suujajj 1 ^ 00 2 •sjjq '^nojx ?! ■^ •ON 'qs!^ e*tqAV i 1 g s 2 •sqi 'R8i,i a^iHAV 1 i 1 CC t~ >o •Hl-iq 'qsij 9?itjAv i 5i? i 1 •eni«A 1 tz; a ^ o a SB •"N 15 A £ 3 w « m M ^ O 13 M S !» "O M > M 1 C 'to M ^ 1 1 f :i 13 1 1 C5 ) 22 CHAPTER VI. GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY. GENERAL VIEW. gratl in bl thesl blenl zircii ofteil and idocij whet THE LAURENTIDES.* The Province of Canada is traversed, throughout its whole length, by a mountainous region dividing it into two basins, which may be distinguished as the northern and southern basins. These mountains, which have been named the Laurentides, form the north shore of the St. Lawrence, from the Gulf as fiir as Cape Tourment, near Quebec ; from which point they leave the river, and while they follow its general direction become more and more re- mote, until near Montreal, they are at a distance of ten leagues from the St. Lawrence. Go- ing further westward, this mountainous region follows the line of the Ottawa, and crosses this river near the Luc des Ghats, fifty leagues from Montreal. Thence taking a southward direc- tion, it reaches the St. Lawrence near the outlet of Lake Ontario, and from this point run- ning north-westward, the southern limit of this formation reaches the south-eastern extremity of Lake Huron, at Matchedash Bay, and forms the eastern shore of the lake as far as the 47th degree of latitude, where quitting this lake, the formation gains Lake Superior, and ex- tends in a north-west direction to the Arctic Sea. THE LAUKENTIAN SYSTEM. The rocks of this system are, almost without exception, ancient sedimentary strata, which have become highly crystalline. They have been very much disturbed and form ranges of hills, having a direction nearly north-east and south-west, rising to the height of 2.000 or 3,000 feet, and even higher. The rocks of this formation are the most ancient known on the American Continent, and correspond probably to the oldest gneiss of Finland and Scan- dinavic, and to some similar rocks in the north of Scotland. The rocks of the Laurentian formation are in great part crystalline schists, for the most part gneissoid or hornblendic. Associated with these schists, are found large stratified masses of a crystalline rock, which is composed almost entirely of ii lime and soda felspar. This rock is sometimes fine grained, but more often porphyritic, and contains oleavable masses of felspar, sometimes several inches in diameter ; these felspars are triclinic, and have ordinarily the composition of andesine, lahradorite, anorthite, or of intermediate varieties. Their colours are various, but the cleavable felspars are generally bluish, or reddish, and often give coloured reflections. Hypersthene is very generally dis.«eminated in these felspathic rocks, but always in small quantity. Titanic iron-ore is also found in them, in a great number of places, sometimes in small grains, but often in considerable masses. With these schists and felspars are found strata of (juartzitc, associated with crystalline limeston(;s, which occupy an important place in this formation. These limestones occur in beds of from a few feet to three hundred feet in thickness, and often present a succession of thin beds intercalated with beds of gneiss or quartzite ; these latter are sometimes quartzite conglomerates, and have in certain cases a bi' , of dolomite. Associated with these lime- stones, are sometimes found beds composed in great part of wollastonite and of pyroxene, species which evidently owe their origin to the metamorphism of silicious limestones. Beds of dolomite and of limestone more or less magnesian, are often interstratified with the pure limestones of this formation. ore. * We ai-e indebted for this chapter to the labours of the GeoloRical Survey of Canada. m 23 The limestones of this system are rarely compact, and most frequently are coarsely granuted. They are white or reddish, bluish or grayish, and these colours are often arranged in bands which coincide with the stratification. The principal mineral species met with in these limestones are apatite, fluor, serpentine, phlogopite, scapolitc, orthoclase, pyroxene, horn- blende, woUastonite, quartz, idocrase, garnet, brown tourmaline, condrodite, spinel, corindum, zircon, sphene, magnetic and specular iron, and graphite. The condrodite and graphite are often arranged in bands parallel with the stratification. Beds of a mixture of woUastonite and pyroxene are sometimes met with, which are very rich in zircon, sphene, garnet and idocrase. The most crystalline varieties of these limestones often exhale a very fetid odour when bruised The limestones of this formation do not yield everywhere well crystallized minerals ; near the Bay of Quint6 there are met with beds which still preserve the sedimen- tary character, and show only the commencement of metamorphism. The conditions in which they are sometimes found, indicate that the agents which have rendered these limestones crystalline, have been such as to render the carbonate of lime almost liquid, and that while in that state, it has undergone great pressure. As evidence of this opinion, we find that the limestone often fills fissures in the adjacent silicious strata, and envelopes the detached, and often folded fragments of these less fusible beds precisely like an igneous rock. The chrystallinc schists, felspars, and quartzites which we have described, make up the stratified ; jrtion of the Laurcntian system, but there are besides, intrusive granites, syenites and diorites, which form important masses. The granites arc sometimes albitic, and often contain black tournoline mica in large plates, zircon and sulphuret of molybdenor. Among the economic minerals of this formation, the ores of iron are the most important, and are generally found associated with the limestones. The magnetic iron ore which sup- plies the forges of Marmora, is brought from Belmont, where it forms a succession of beds associated wtth crystalline limestone, and a greenish talcose slate. The strata are here arranged in the form of a basin, and the iron ore predominates for a thickness of more than 100 feet. A few miles distant from this locality, in the Township of Madoc, there has been wrought a bed of magnetic iron ore which occurs in a micaceous schist and has a thickness of 2b or 30 feet. The ore, which is very fine grained, often possesses magnetic polarity, and contains a mixture of small quantities of actynolite with a little yellow uranite ; it furnishes an iron of superior quality. Many other masses of this kind of ore are found in the surround- ing region ; that of South Sherbrooke has a thickness of 00 feet, and that of Crosby on the Rideau is nearly 200 feet thick. At Hull, on the Ottawa, a bed of ore 100 feet thick is exposed by an undulation of the strata, forming a sort of dome, so that the ore is wrought with groat facility. These ores are for the most part pure magnetic oxyde of iron, some- times luixed with a few hundreths of mica ar quartz. A compact variety of oiigist ore (red hematite) often replaces the magnetic ore in this formation. At Mo. Nab upon the Ottawa, a bed of this species twenty-tive feet in thickness, is found in the crystalline limestone ; the ore is mixed with a little silica and carbonate of lime. A large extent of crystalline oiigist ore exists upon Iron Island in Lake Nipissing. The limestones of the Laurentian system arc often traversed by veins of calcareous spar and sulphate of baryta, containing sulphuret of lead in disseminated masses, or in veins which are often two or three inches in thickness. One of these localities in the Township of Lans- downe is already explored ; what appears to be a continuation of the .same vein is met with in the Township of Bedford ; these 'ocalities are in a general direction N.E. and S.W. The galena is sometimes accompanied with small (|uautities of blende and iron pyrites ; it is very slightly argentiferous, yielding by cui)ellation only about two ounces of silver to the ton of ore. Veins containing copper pyrites have been observed in several localities in the Laurentian system; but the quantity of metal which they contain, nppears very inconsiderable. Graphite (black lead) is frecjuently dis.seminatod in small p' ites in the crystalline lime- stone, and also forms veins, sometimes of con.siderable thickness. It is accompanied in some localities by woUastonite, ortliodnso, idocrase, garnet, y.ircon, and sphene. The graphite of these limestones being very crystalline and lamellar, cannot be sawn like that of Cumberland, and besides, its colour is grayish and its lustre metallic, so that it is not .suited to the manu- facture of pencils. It may, however, be very well employed foi' the fabrication of refractory crucibles. 24 The sulphate of baryta which is now very much employed in the ta])rication of paints is common in the Laurentian formation. The gangue of the lead veins already mentioned, often consists of this mineral, and in a portion of that of Lansdownc in which the galena disap- pears, the vein which has a breadth of about two and a half feet, is filled with pure sulphate of baryta, often in large crystal. Bathurst and McNab are also locaUties of this mineral. The titaniferous iron ores of this formation merit the attention of mineralngists by their abundance as well as by their associations; although these minerals are not adapted to the priiduction of iron when they contain a large proportion of titanic acid, they may be- come important as sources of titanium. The principal deposits of titanic iron in Canada, are at Baie-!St-Paul, whcrt; a single mass of 90 feet in breadth and 300 feet in length occurs with many other smaller ones in a rock which is chiefly composed of a triclinic felspar. The ore which is granular has the composition of the ilmenite of the Ural Mountains ; it gave to Mr. Hunt titanic acid 48.60, protoxyd of iron 10.42, magnesia 3.60 = 99.08 ; it contains in some parts a considerable proportion of orange-red transparent grains which are pure titanic acid and belong to the species rutile or brookite. The felspathic rocks of this formation, in several other localities, contain titanic iron often in small masses an inch or more in thickness and always marking the lines of stratification. If, in the progress of chemical science, titanium or its compounds should ever become important in the arts, these localities will aiford inex- haustible supplies of titanic iron ore. Crystalline limestone furnishes a great quantity of mica in large crystals, capable of being divided into very thin plates, having a length and breadth of from twelve to twenty inches, and perfectly homogenous and transparent. Some localities are already wrought, and the mica is largely employed in the construction of stoves and lanterns. The gneiss and quartz rock of the Laurentian system furnish in many localities excellent building materials, but as these rocks occur for the most part in regions as yet but little inhabited, and as they are besides, more difficult to work than the Silurian limestones, these harder materials are as yet but little explored. The Laurentian lime- stones furnish a white marble which is often marked with bluish or grayish undulation, as for example that of Arnprior ; or it is mixed with grains of green serpentine as the mar- ble which is wrought at Grenville. These limestones are fine-grained, but the dolomite of Lake Mazinaw may be compared with the marble of Carrara. Among the minerals in this formation having an economic value, we must not forget the phosphate of lime so precious for agriculture, which is often met with in these crystal- line limestones. In the Township of Burgess, there is a remarkable locality of this mineral in a bed of coarse grained reddish limestone, containing also large crystals of mica. The phosphate of lime of a pale green colour, often forms long prisms two or three inches in diameter ; the angles of these crystals are never very well defined, and the mineral often takes the shape of rounded masses, giving to the limestone that aspect of a conglomerate, and recalling those beds of Silurian limestones which we find tilled with coprolites com- posed of phosphate of lime. The proportion of phosphate of lime in the limestone of Burgess, may be estimated at about one-third of the mass. As stones capable of being employed for the purposes of ornament, we may cite from this formation the Aventurine felspar to which Tiiompson gave the name of perfhUe, but which is an orthoclase, and peristeriie of the same author which is a white translucent albite, remarkable for its beautiful reflections of blue, yellow aud green, resembling those of labradorite. A beautiful variety of this latter species, which is abundant in the hyper- stenic rocks, is found in several places in erratic blocks, and exists in place, in the seig- niory of Mille-lsles. In the Township of Burgess a red variety of corundum resembling the ruby, is found in small quantities, and the red zircons of Grenville are sometimes transparent and of a fine colour, constituting veritable gems. THE HURONION OR CAMBRIAN SYSTEM. The shores of Lakes Huron and Superior otfer a series of schists, sandstones, lime- stones and conglomerates interstratified with heavy beds of greenstone, and resting uncon- formably upon the Laurentian formation. As these rocks underlie those of the Silurian system, and have not as yet afforded any fossils, they may probably be referred to the Cambrian system (lower Cambrian of Sedgwick). The schists of this system upon Lake 26 Superior are bluish in colour, and contain beds of chert, silex, marked b}' calcareous bands, and holding anthracite in its fissures. These are covered by a considerable thickness of trap, upon which repose raassive beds of red and white sandstone, which sometimes becomes conglomerate and contains pebbles of quartz and jasper. Beds of a reddish argillaceou.s limestone are often interstratified with these sandstones, which are intersected and overlaid by a second erup- tion of greenstone of great thickne^ ; and columnar in its structure. This formation, which, according to the observations of bir. Wm. Logan, has, (jn Lake Superior a total thick- ness of about 12,000 feet, is traversed by a vast number of trappean dykes. In the corresponding formation on the north shore of Lake Huron, the sandstones are more vitreous and the conglomerates more abundant than on Lake Superior ; they are, however, associated with conglomerates and schists similar to those we have just described, and the formation offers great intercolated masses of greenstone. A band of limestone fifty feet in thickness forms a part of this series, to which Sir William Logan assigns a thickness of about 10,000 feet. He has shown after the irruption of the interstratified greenstones, that of two systems of trap dykes and a third of granite, intermediate in time between the two eruptions of trap. The formation of the motallifareous veins is still more recent. The principal mineral species of these veins are native copper, quartz, calc-spar, dolomite, fluor, r.nd sulphate of baryta, with several zeolites, of which laumontite is the most common, heulandite stilbite, thonisonite, apophyllite, and analcime are also met with, as well as prelnite and datholite. These veins are only metalliferous where they traverse the beds of greenstone. The most important localities of native copper are the islands near Nepigon Bay, Lake Superior. Upon the island of St. Ignace a vein coincident with the stratification has been traced from one end of the island to the other. This vein affords, wherever it has been explored, native copper often finely chrystallized and associated with gray copper ore. Native copper has also been wrought on Michi])icoten islands at Maimanse, and at Mica bay, on the eastern shore of the Lake, where it is associated with gray snlphuret of copper and with copper pyrites. Native silver, often well chrystallized, accompanies the copper in all the localities indicated in Michipicoten and St. Ignace islands. At Prince's mine on Spar Island, this metal is found in a vein of quartz and calcareous spar, accom- panied with sulphuret of silver and copper, blende, galena, malachite, and arseneated co- balt. The native silver occurs in the form of little laminae in the calcareous spar; several assays upon a mass of several hundred pounds weight have yielded from three to four per cent, of silver, containing traces of gold. Upon Michipicoten Island arsenical nickel is found with an arseniureL of copper, and a green hydrated silicate of nickel and alumi- na, containing 31 per cent, of oxyd of nickel. Nickel is also found at Wallace mine on Lake Huron as an arsenical sulphuret associated with pyrites; this ore furnishes 13 per cent, of nickel with a little cobalt. The veins as yet examined on Lake Huron do not contain native copper ; copper py- rites are there the predominant ore, but the Bruce mines have furnished c()nsi3 of clay and sand : the whole, with a stratum of sand at the top, constitutes a bank of from twenty to twenty-four feet high. The bed of vegetable matter which is from one to three feet thick, and about ten feet over the river at the western end of the exposure, dips gently and evenly up the stream ; while a thin bed of reddish clay, intervening between the overlying arenaceous clay and the stratum of sand which forms the surface, seems to be perfectly horizontal. Behind tlie Sault Ste. Marie, a terrace varying in its height, but averaging perhaps one hundred and fifty feet above Lake Superior, and often composed of clay in red and drab layers, stretches from the Laurentide hills southward toward the St. Mary River. About a mile below, and again about four miles above the foot of the Sault, this terrace comes near the edge of the river, and recedes in sweeping curves in both directions from each of these points. A bay two miles and a lialf in depth, is thus left between them, and is occupied by a barren plain of no great elevation above the river, partly covered with coarse brown sand, and partly strewn with boulders of northern metamorphic rocks, and angular fragments of silurian sandstone, which are sometimes arranged in small bare ridges parallel to the present direction of the river. The surface has thu? the appear- ance of having formerly been covered with swiftly flowing water. Thinly stratified red and drab clays, with beds containing nodules in great numbers, occur in several places in the lower part of the Garden Ri^er. Many of the nodules were Ijroken, and found to be devoid of organic remains. A considerable depth of brownish drab, thin bedded clay, holding nodules, is also seen in the banks of the Thessalon and Mississagui Rivers. The section^: met witli fartliest up the Mississagui, and in its tribu- tary the Little White River, exhibit near their summits thin scuims of yellow sand inter- stratified with the clay, and the whole deposit is overlaid by the same kind of sand. On the little White River, the clay is fifty feet thick, and at one place a bed was ol)served to be curiously contorted, while those above and below it were even and undisturbed. Tiie 27 clay deposits of the Mississagui and Little White Rivers do not attain an elevation of more than I GO feet over Lake Huron, or 738 feet above the sea. A similar clay is often seen under the sand in tiie hanks of the Spanish River, helow the Whitefish branch ; and a portion of the same kind of clay exists on a small island near the north shore, six and a half miles east of the Hudson Bay Company's Post at Lacloche, and directly oj)posite the hifihest mountain in the neighbourhood. At the elbow of the Nahmanitigon or Red (.'lay River, which enters the south-east corner of Lake Nipissing, stratihed red, blue and l)uff clays, holding spherical nodules, occur at an estimated elevation of 710 feet above the sea. Laminated brownish drab clay has been found in three places in the upper part of the Magenatawau River. The highest of these has an elevation of about 1,000 feet above the sea. Drab clay of the same character was found between Ox-tongue Lake and the Lakejof Bays, on the upper part of the^Muskoka River, clay, probably similar to these just noticed, is also met with among the hills in tlu; Townships between Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe. Algoma Sand. 'ihaps Id and River. irrace from Ithem, Ivered rocks, bare ppear- Ibers, I we re ^nish and I ri bu- ll! ter- On pd to The This sand overlies the clays in the region to the north of Lake Huron, and between (rcorgian Bay and the Ottawa River. It is almost largely developed along the principal rivers of the district, and it also covers St. Joseph's Island, and [art of the grand Mani- toulin. It is largely developed on the Dog and Kamanistiquia Rivers, and sprt^ads over a considerable tract below the Great Falls of the Michipicoten, as well as over a smaller area on the Batchehwahnung River. The Goulnis River, in its lower stretch, flows in a very tortuous course between mountain ranges, through a wide and fertile valley, which has yellow sand as ii subsoil over a great part of its area. This yellow sand also extends far and wide over the higher table lands of the Thessalon and iMississagui Rivers. On either side of the Spanish River, below the great bond, it forms an extensive plain, bearing a heavy growth of pines, and it is also found io large patches north of that part of the coast lying between the mouths of the Mississagui and Spanish Rivers. About Grand Portage on the Mississagui, gravel takes the place of tlie clay and sand which are found further down in the valley, and becomes coarser and more prevalent in ascending the river. At its inter'^ection with Salter's base line, the Mississagui is 830 feet over the level of the sea ; and farther up, the banks and flats of the river are covered with coarse shingle and boulders. The sand is widely spread almost all along the valleys of the Whitefish and Sturgeon Rivers, the upper reach of the W^ahnapitae, and the head branches of the Maganetawan. Similar sands extend from the Muskoka Lake, up the river of the same name, into the Lake of Bays. The deposit sur- rounds Lake Nipissing, with a varying breadth on all sides except the south, and appears to be extensively developed between this lake and the Ottawa. It is reported to be pretty con- tinuous over the whole district between t,he line of the Mattawan and Lake Nipissing, on the north, and the head waters of the Ma -^ netawan and IMuskoka to the south. Below Cedar ijake the Petewawa is flanked on either side by a wide plateau formed of yellow sand, which is again largely developed on the Bonnochere, about the third chute, and covers much of the country between this river and the j\Iadawaska It likewise occupies a cijnsiderable area around Lake Kamaniskaik, and between Muskrat Lake and the Bonnechere. Much of the region thus covered, lies within the district of Algoma, and this great arenaceous deposit may be conveniently designated as the Algoma sand. It has hitherto proved unfossiliferous, and it is uncertain what relation it bears to the fossiliferous sands further down the Ottawa. THE GREAT NORTHERN BASIN. This great basin, of which the Laurentides form the southern limit, is very little known. Among the Laurentian rocks at Lake Nipissing, small areas of lower silurian rocks are met with, which are to be regarded as detached portions of the southern basin. The last of these localities occurs on the Ottawa, at the nmuth of the Mattawan, and sixty miles further north. After having passed the givat Laurentian axis, we reach the valley of Lake Temiscamitig, which belongs to the northern basin. Here Sir Wm. Logan found a series of chloritic schists, sometimes conglomerate in character, nearly horizontal in their attitude, and having a thickness of about a thousand feet. To these schists succeed 500 ij 28 feet of massive greonish-white sandstones, overlaid by a calcareous formation 300 feet thick, and composed of strong beds of yellowish and greyish limestones, intercolatod with cal- careous shales, the whole filled with the characterstic fossils of the upper Silurian period. The chloritic schists probably correspond to the lliironian rocks, but it is difficult to fix the jige of the sandstones which are destitute of fossils. In all the collections brought from this northern region, there have as yet been found no fossils more ancient than those of Lake Temiscaming. The numerous fossils founil in the diluvium on the shores of Lake Superior, also help to show that the lower silurian system is entirely wanting in the vast basin to the north of the Laurentides ; from which fact Sir VVm. Logan concludes that these mountains, from the coast of Labrador to the Arctic Ocean, formed the limits of an ancient Silurian sea. OATALOaUE OF THE ECONOMIC MINERALS OF ONTARIO. Metals and thnv Ores. Magnetic Iron Ore. — Marmora, Madoc, South Sherbrocjke, Bedford. Specular Iron Ore. — Wallace Mine (Lake Huron), McNab. Limonite {Bo i-esult of th(!se obser- vations go, which we have taken for our guidance, is the month of January. The mean temperature of thismonth at Toronto was 24-04", antl at Greenwich it was 37-79". The mean highest temperature at Toronto was 45-7!)"-', ami at (Ireenwich, 52.83'^. Tlie mean lowest at Toronto was — 5.12", and at Greenwich it was 20.97". We have now for the first time the thermometer below zero at Toronto, to the extent of a Httle over five degrees. At Mont- real the mean lowest temperature for January was— 15.50°, the mean temperatiire IS.SS*^, and the mean highest 42". The average quantity of snow at Toronto in Jamiary was sHghtly over 13 inches. The average quantity of rain was not quite 2^ inches ; at Green- wich it was a little over H inch. We now arrive at February, when the cold, according to our present data, has com- menced to be less severe. Observations from another series of years might show the cold in February to be quite as great as in January, and perhaps more so, as it sometimes is in particular seasons. The winters in Canada, a.« in England, vary a good deal. Certain seasons are much more open and less severe than others. The months also differ at times in their general character. By the observations which we have now for our guidance, however, the difference in the mean lowest temperature between the two months of Janu- ary and February is very slight. At Toronto, in Feljruary, the mean lowest temperature was — 4.59''. At Montreal it was — 13.50". At Greenwich the mean lowest temperature was 17.70". The mean temperature at Montreal was 13.32° ; at Toronto, 24.21" ; and at Greenwich, 37.00°. The mean highest temperature at Montreal was 40.25" ; at Toronto 45.32 ; and at Greenwich 53.70". The average quantity of snow at Toronto in February was slightly over 21 inches. This month gives the greatest quantity of snow. The aver- age quantity of rain in February was t;ot quite 1 inch. At Greenwich it was slightly over 1| inch. March now brings milder weather. The mean lowest temperature in this month at Montreal, was 4-20" ; and at Toronto it was 4-74'. At Greenwich, it was 23-79°. The mean temperature at Montreal was 28-90", at Toronto 30-49°; at ireenwich the mean temperature was 42-20°. The mean highest temperature at Montreal was 57-40°; at Toronto, 54-14° ; and at Greenwich, 61-84". The average quantity of snow at Toronto was very little over nine inches; the average quantity of rain was a little over 1^ inches. At Greenwich, the average quantity of rain in March was not quite one inch. The depth of snow usually is from eighteen inches to two feet ; the depth of frost in the ground from twelve to eighteen inches. The appearance of the snow is hailed with much pleasure, both as the means of enjoyment and as affording facilities to the farmers for bringing their produce to the markets. The absence of good sleighing at any time during the winter season is universally considered a loss, in limiting the means both of business and pleasure. The first snow of any amount very usually falls in the Province of Quebec about the beginning of December ; and in Ontario about two or three weeks later. 32 Tho tnotitliH of Jnfjuary nn»l Fohriiury are tho b«^Ht for j^ood steady Hlrighing. The season tor iliiH iwistinif lasts fully a month longer in (.^lu'lu'c than in the neijjhhourhood of Toronto. Tilt! nion? Houtli-wcstcrly parts of Ontario, hiicIi as along tlm sliorcs of Luke Kric and tho Detroit Kivi-r, hav\v aro UKually accoMip.inicd hy caHtcrly witids. Tlui wind hloWH li'ss frc(|ii(MUly from tim west and sonth, aiirl still scldonuT hdm dnt- north, 'riu' ^ri'at lakes i.f Canada are not frozen over during' winter. Lake Erie alone, whieh is very hIuiIIow, is said to have heen frozen ov(t otdy two or tliiee times within the last sixty years. Oidy the hays and shores of the lakes, for a eonsiderahle tlistunce from land, are frozen ; and the ie(> in such sitnations and on the rivers is so thick and strong that luiavy loaded sleighs pafis over it with jjerfect safety. The steamboats on Lake Ontario, between Toronto uiid Niagara, not unlre(|iiently cuntiime running through the winter. Tho steamboats plying across and along the lower part ni the lake gcuierally continue running till about Christmas. The navigation of the St. Uawrence almost in- variably opens from about the middle of April to the beginidng of Maj, when the Krst steamboats arrive at (Quebec from Montreal, a rivei' voyage of INO miles. The short but very delightful jjcriod of Indian summer, whitdi occurs usually about tho end of October or beginning of November, is a chief peculiarity <>f the Canadian (ilimate. The [jcriod of its duration is variable, being from a few days to two iir three week.s. The atmosphere is most agreeably soft, accompanied with a peculiar and not unpleasant hazi- ness, mellowing the rays of the sun, which has led to a jtopular bi^liet that the Indians, fir to the s( CO -4 r,:i-H .'•)4 45-0 48-(i 46-0 p 41-5 44T) 4'2'0 43-4 481 391 36-0 46 22 44 ti 4:fH 43-3 491 41-7 (;3-(i m-i 441 44 4.5 • 86-0 8:vo 89-7] 82 -51 79'0| 8H-5| 78-9 80-9 85-3 ill -8 87-8 84-9 87-8 85-0 88-1 85-0 80-5 75 70-0 78-5 64-0 62-0 85-6 90-7 90-0 9.5-5 8(;-0 81-7 93-1 84-7 98-8 90-2 941 90-4 87-2 97-8 88-9 o 'A 69-6 73-8 740' 950 72-5 76-4 85-0 79-4 86-3 85-7 76 -8 i 83-0! 77-81 82 0, 77-8 80 79-0' 81-7 68-0 00 -fi 68-8 (i8 75 -8 i 67-0 {;s-Oi .58-7 64-7 72-2 66-7 68-2 75-8 64-6 73-0 68-7 7(1 -8 ()9-0 67-8 65-0 61-6 57-8 .58-0 57-7 .55-5 .58-6 60-2 60 .54-5 47-7 62-4 73-3 58-8 65-4 .55-8 76-8 61-0 54-0 51-0 72-2 70-0 62-8 69 66-7 60-2 70-0 71-0 75-5 79-0 74 60-0 55-0 68-0 78-0 42-0 58-0 44-5 63-6 62 .-J5 5 -2-9 -9-;5 -3-5 -14-7 -10 i) 12-3 If) r,-i 10 11-8 3 5-1 -6 -5 -15-0 -8-8 -15 -6-0 -120 Manitoba & N. W. Territory. Fort Garry 1-35-*! Fort Mc].,eod -30-0 York Factory :-48'0 -10 '2 ■13-7 ■12-5 -32-7 -25 it 4-5 0-(i -3-!t -5-0 -1'4 2-0 -5-1 -1.5.4 -20'0 -l(i-!l -13-0 -I'J'O -190 11-3 -19-2 -18 -0 -18-2 -18-5 -4-9 .5-4 -1.2 -12-5 -G-4 6f) 1-9 -2-9 -I'O 4-() - s V 1 1 > o V 0^ (-1 1> sal il .30 '8 22-0 -4-7 -21-4 39-83 .371 18-5 -5 -30-4 40-35 .34.0 20.0 O'O -20-7 40-70 30 Ki'O -4f) -31-0 37-97 .35-0 21-0 -3-2 -28-5 38 '0 22-9 3-3 -81 43-05 34 21-1 30 -18-5 43 85 40-5 24-3 7-4 -10-5 44-25 347 21-3 1-8 -33 '3 41 -OC 33-7 22 3-5 -30'0 42-13 .39 '9 25-5 11 '5 44-00 40 '0 23-0 8-81 -2 '5 40-86 ■38-5 23-0 5 -41 -9-5 43-98 40 '0 12-5 13 -o -0-8 45-40 41-0 28-0 10-8 -4 '4 45-23 381 23-0 Ki-O -14-5 47-69 32-8 25 1 7-0 -41 42-57 40-5 25 •; 7-7 -21-8 41-62 34-0 25-0 110 -23-0 39-29 37-2 27-0 18-1 -1-0 42 07 ■30-0 2()-3 210 -2-0 40-87 39-0 20-0 15-0 -15-0 39-84 31-5 21-5 13-5 -15-5 35-57 25-0 15 -32-3 -38-3 31-32 20-0 18-0 -18'0 -23 36-82 28-0 8-0 -25-5 -38-0 19-49 CHAPTER VIII. SETTLING IN THE BUSH. Emigration from the front to tlie back settlements of Ontario is continually taking place. The forest has no terrors for men who have made Canada smile like a garden, and blossom as the rose. There is an excitement about ])ush litV, and a charm about winning more we.alth from the wilderness, which the active-minded settler never gets over. It is true there are inconveniences, but they arc counterbalanced by advantages so great, as to be completely outweighed. The first cultivation of new land is attended with but little labour, and the fact has been patent fi-om the first settlement of this country, that the earlier processes used on a new farm are more advantageous, attended with less labour, need 35 39 '83 40-85 40 70 37-97 ' 43''65 43 85 44-25 41 -Oi; 42-13 44-00 40-86 43-98 45-40 45-23 47-69 42-57 41-62 39-29 42 07 40-87 39-84 35-57 m 31-32 36-82 19-49 I taking bi, and ming It is as to It little |at the I-, need less capital, and require less knowledge of the science of farming, than the subsequent cultivation of the cleared land. The chopping and chniring of land is hard and at times dirty work ; but it is also pleasant, and is attended by an interest, and a satisfaction, of which people never seem to tire. The axe is a jileasant tool to use, and conquering the forest is, as it were, conquer- ing an enemy worthy of a man's energies. A poor man, or one without much capital, usually gets some return for his labour in the course of the first year after he has taken possession. The usual course of the man without capital is as follows : — Ho goes on tlie land in September or October, and undeibrushcs as much as he intends to clear the next spring. He then gets up his house or shanty and piei)ares for the winter, moving in his family, either in the late autumn or the winter according to the state of the roads. During the winter he chops what he has underbiusbed, sometimes, but not often, a little more — usually, however, somewhat less. If he has made a fortunate selection, and got good, dry, rolling ground ; if he is also fortunate enough to have a good diy early spring, he manages to get his chopping burned off and partly logged, time enough to get in a few potatoes, some Indian corn, and possibly a small patch of spring wheat. All this helps his family through the summer. By about Sept('ml)er he will have got a good patcli ready for winter wheat, which is then sown, and afterwards fenced. A good burn is half the battle in clearing land. Tt is a thing to be waiteil and watched for, and the settler must be ready to take advantage of the lucky moment, which may probably not come till the end of June, or beginning of July, quite too late for any kind of spring crop that year. There is a prosaic reality about Canadian pioneering. There is the first clearing, and the rude, yet not uncomfortable log house. Having inspected his lot, and selected the most advantageous site for his future residence, the settlei' plies his axe, and l)y felling a few of the trees on the chosen .spot, lets in the long excluded daylight. His dwelling is to be constructed of materials that are close at hand. He need not haul tlu! logs that form its massive frame-work many yards from where t\ey grew. A well-built log-house is by no means to be d(>spised. There is a fitness about it that cannot fail to impress every obse'-vant mind. Our wonder is that with tlie architectural capabilities possessed by the new settler, Ijetter and more permanent log-houses are not erected. One mistake usually maile in putting up the settlers first habitation is, neglecting the foundation. A moderately level spot of gi-ound is pitchenter them, you will find they have earth — or, as they are more appropriately called sometimes, " dirt"— floors. Others are spacious ; made of straight logs, gradually decreasing in size towards the eaves ; the ends cut smoothly, and the corners finished true and scpiare ; the ceiling high, windows of good size, roofs neatly shingled ; and inside you will find a good floor of sawed, and pei'baps, planed lumber. It may be urged that many settlers have neither the means nor the skill to manage all thatisdesiralde ; but, generally. speaking,byarrangingan exchange of work with some skilful neighbour, tlie most important points might be secured. P^lbow and liead room, aiiiness, neatness, and workman-like apjiearance, might be achievcMl from the outset. Even though a bark roof and a " dirt " floor must be borne with at first, they might soon be exchanged for shingles and planks. Sawing and planing are not needed about the ex- terior of a log-house ; with the axe alone a good wood-cutter will make very smooth, neat, and handsome work. We suppose that the settler has taken up a lot of land in the unbroken forest, and is in the act of beginning to rid it of its timber, as a preparation for tilling the soil. Geneially speaking, chopping is a winter job. Other work is scarce at that season in the newer parts of 36 the country ; and by proper raanagement,whatis chopped in winter can be gotreadyfora crop during the following summer or fall, if not indeed in the spring. As there is usually more or less snow on the ground during the M'inter months, it is very im])ortant to have the land int'.!nded to be cleared, nicely underbrushed the previous fall. Twigs, saplings, and the smaller tr^es, those not more than about six inches through, should be cut close to the ground, in order to facilitate dragging in the first crop. It is a very slovenly, awkward afi'air, to have a lot of little stumps bristling up in a clearing after the burning off is done. In the primitive woods most of the trees stand perpendicularly, and therefore they may be felled in any direction that is desired. Much labour is avoided by making a careful examination of the ground and timber before beginning,and especially ascertaining the direc- tion of the prevailing winds in spring and summer. This will sometimes be indicated by a slight lean on the part of the trees, anJ more distinctly perhaps by the inclination of the tops. The importance of this examination will appear in connection with the process of burning off. In commencing a piece of chopping, the largest and most unmanageable tree should be felled first, and if the prevailing wind be from the north-west, the tree should, if possible, be made to fall toward the south-east. Then by carefully cutting the rest of the trees within reach of this largest tree, they will all fall with their tops on the first tree felled — their trunks forming various angles with it. As each tree is felled, the branches should be all cut off so as to form a compact mass. Where the timber is thick, these heaps will often be close enough to walk on through a great extent of the fallow. When the time for burning arrives the fire will run with the wind lengthwise of the heaps, consuming all before it, and often leaving a clear lane ; brush, tof s, and even the smaller logs being burnt out of the way. When a tree is bent so as to fall the wrong way, it will often reach another row, or if the inclination be not two decisive its course may be directed by the use of a " spring-pole," as it is called. This is a light, tough pole, about 25 feet long, with a strong, sharp spike in the small end, protected from splitting by a ferule. When used, it is placed on the side of the tree opposite to that towards which the tree would fall, the spike thrust into the trunk about 20 feet from the ground, and the bottom end jerked toward the stump of the tree. A small rope may be attached about half way up the pole, and fastened roand the trunk above the place where it is being cut off. By doing this tightly, the pole will bend, and all its elasticity made to contribute toward forcing the tree to fall in the desired direction. The use of the " spring-pole " requires much judgment and caution. A tree will usually fall on that side of the stunij> which is out the lowest. If it be desired to throw a tree in a given direction, let it be first cut on that side three or four inches lower down than on the other side, and it will surely fall as intended, unless the wind is contrary, or the tree leans. These circumstances must always be taken into account at the outset to prevent mistakes and avoid accident. The direction in which the chips fly, and the line they form as they lie on the ground, will indicate where the tree will fall. Care niust be taken and judgment exercised in fel- ling trees to prevent mishaps. Accidents occur through ignorance or carelessness, and there are few cases in which injury is done by the falling of branches, or the tree going in the wrong direction, that the chopper is not to blame. Many act very recklessly, especially when the tree gets lodged in an adjacent tree. In such a case great caution should be used, no risks run, and no hasty measure attempted. Better take a little more time than hazard life or limb. When the tree is felled, it requires to be cut into suitable lengths for the log heap, in which it is to be burnt out of the way. No particular rule can be given as to the length of the logs ; it depends very much on the size of the tree. As far as possible, the logs ought to be such as a yoke of oxen can draw ; or, in the case of the very large ones, twist round to form the beginning of a heap. In cutting oflF a log there is a right and a wrong way of forming the kerf or chip. The rule among good choppers for the length of the out- side kerf, usually is that it must not be less in length than the diameter of the log. Thus, if a log be two feet through, the kerf should be commenced two feet long. It is best to do this in the shape of a double chip, each half being about one foot in length. A chip of more than a foot long will not fly readily. The outside chips will come off more readily, in the case of large logs, if the end of the chip is cut off square in the centre of the kerf. When this is done every blow tells with redoubled effect. We now come to the most important of all the operations connected with clearing 37 land. If the logging and burning are badly done, or not finished at the proper season, much difficulty and annoyance will be experienced. The best time to commence is as early in the summer as possible, — that is to say, as soon as the land is dry and warm enough for the fire " to run," as it is called. In a good burn the sparks fly readily,. and ignite all the half-decayed timber, while the fire literally " runs " along the ground, consuming the chips, leaves, and rubbish, and leaving a clean surface behind it. It is supposed that the chopping lias been well and thoroughly done, the trees having been thrown as much as possible into long rows, and the heads forming almost continuous lines of brush heaps, from which the logs extend in all directions. We have already in- sisted on the necessity of throwing the tree-tops in the course of the prevailing summer winds. The wisdom of this precaution will now be seen. A fine warm day, succeeding a month or two of dry weather, with a good stiff breeze blowing, should be chosen to burn off the brush. Care should be taken to select a day when the wind blows in the same direction in which the rows are laid. At the leeward side of the fallow set fire to some old rotten maple stump. This will catch in a moment, and burn like tinder. With an iron shovel you can carry great pieces of the blazing touchwood from heap to he.ap, and soon have your fires well going. Always begin at the stump end of the piles of brush, as it is assumed that they have been carefully made by falling the tops from the quarter whence the wind comes. Light, as rapidly as possible, every brush heap or row of tree-tops. If they catch readily and burn well, you can miss a wide portion on your return across the fallow with the blazing brands. If difficulty is found in communicating the fire from heap to heap, you will see the importance of beginning to leeward as directed ; for were you to commence at the other end of the rows the smoke would soon drive you away, and prevent you lighting the heaps thoroughly. When all is going on well, and the fire is running freely along the ground, you may go to the windward side and fire the whole line of brush. The entire clearing should be one blazing mass by 1 1 o'clock in the morning ; and before the dews of night fall there will be a clean sweep made of all the brush, the tree-tops, and many of the smaller logs, long lanes of smoking ashes attesting the thoroughness of the work. Next morning, as you survey the smouldering ruins, you will wonder at the extent of the destruction effected. The next step to be taken is raking the ashes, with a view to securing some return from the potash. This is done with a wooden scraper, the head of which is about two feet long, and the handle eight feet. With this you proceed to rake the ashes into heaps, containiug from one to two bushels each. The whole fallow should be gone over as quickly as possible. Leave the heaps high and conical, to protect the ashes as much as possible from rain, and to secure thorough combustion of the cinders, twigs, and charred ends, of which there will always be some left, however clean the burn. It is most import- ant to have these scraped up into heaps before the fire is out. The next thing will be to take a " hand-barrow," as it is called, i.e., a box about two feet by three, with poles fastened to the sides, and pass from heap to heap, carrying the ashes into piles of perhaps a waggon-load each ; taking care to make each pile in an open spot where the cart or waggon will have little difliiculty in turning. When this job is completed, proceed with your waggon to haul the ashes to the leach- ing place. An axe-man will be needed to precede and attend on the waggon, in order to chop out a kind of road. Usually it will not require much additional use of the axe to do this. All ought to be chopj)ed into manageable lengths when first felled, but as trees are sometimes buried in deep snow at the time of felling, a few are overlooked, and require cutting across at logging time. In making a road foi- the ash-waggon, the oxen will be retjuired to pull the ends of cut logs o-it of the way, so as to leave a free passage for the wheels. Having piled up the ashes at the leaches, they should be protected from the rain, as otherwise there will be great waste and loss. i>y care and attention, potash of prime quality can be made with the ashes accumulated in the way just spoken of. You are now ready to proceed with the work of logging up—and the sooner it is pushed forward the better, as, if wet weather comes on, it is very difficult to get the log heaps burnt out of the way. By having the logging done in good season, a dry time can be chosen for the brrn, and an effective job made of it. Four or fiv« men, and two yoke of oxen are needed for logging up. " Bees" as they are called, are frequently made for the purpose. A number of adjacent settlers, with their teams, meet in the clearing of one 38 of their number, and by combining their forces, a lars^e day's work will be done. The systt!m of ciiangintc work is often foMi\(l very convenient in a new country, wlua'e both labourers and money are scarce. Logging up may be lightened considerably V)y the exer- cise of Judgment in making the piles. The butt logs of the larger trees should fix the places, and form the l)eginning of the heaps. The second cut though heavy can be twisted round with tar less exertion on the part of the oxen, than is required to draw it eudwis(\ By the help of skids, and the use of levers, or " hand-spikes," as they are called, the men will roll up the logs as they are drawn, with comparative ease. When tlie work is well done, the heaps present a compact, neat appearance, and, if a dry time be chosen, will burn very nicely. It is with no little satisfaction that the settler beholds the flame and smoke wreathing and curling upwards from a hundred log heaps. These got rid of, only the stumps remain as cumberers of the ground. These, however, although eye-sores and obstacles for a time, do not preclude cultivation. It will be many a day before skilful tillage will secure a better crop than that yielded by the virgin soil, even though it be studdetl with a host of stumps. Putting in the first crop is a very simple operation. Ploughing is at once impracti- cable and unnecessary. The land is light and rich. All it needs is a little scratching on the surface to cover the seed. This is done with a drag or harrow, which may either be a very rough primitive implement — a natural crotch with a few teeth in it — or it may be carefully made and well finished. Carefully but surely the work of improving a new farm goes forward, until it is astonishing what a change is brought about in a few short years. The wilderness is transformed into a fruitful field. One by one the stumps have rotted out and given the plough free scope to work. The log-buildings have given place to structures of frame or stone. A garden has been laid out ;md stocked. The small fruits and fresh vegetables plentifully supply the family table. An orchard has been planted and brought into bear- ing. Apples, pears, plums and cherries grow abundantly, and even the grape ripens well in the open air. Other improvements have been made on the farm. The front fences have ceased to be of rails, a neat, ornamental paling or hedge skirts the public road, and a tasteful bit of shrubbery environs the house and out-buildings. Altogether there is an air of beauty and attractiveness about the scene but recently so wild. Since this chapter was written an Act has been passed by tlie Ontario Legislature re- specting the Preservation of our ^/orests from destruction by fire.* On account of the great damage which is continually being caused by carelessness and negligence in setting out fires in valuable timber districts, the Legislature has found it necessary to take some steps towards endeavouring to prevent it. Tlie 5th section of the Act particularly refers to settlers, and provides that persons making or starting fires for the purpose of clearing land, between the Ist April and 1st November, shall exercise and observe every reason- able precaution in doing so, and also in managing and caring for the fire after it has been made, so as to prevent it from spreading and burning up the surrounding timber. Negli- gence or refusal to comply with the requirements of the Act, renders a party liable, upon conviction, to a penalty extending to $50 00. The Hon. Mr. Joly — Premier of the Province of Quebec— in his recent report on the Forests of Canada, Avhen referring to this point, states that a frequent cause or disastrous fires in the woods, is the mode of clearing land now generally followed by settlers, and from personal experience, he recommends one which can be adopted with very little dan- ger. The following is an extract from his re2)oi't : " Wood land can be cleared with comparatively little danger from fire, and be made ready to sow earlier than by the mode now generally in use (as I know from practical ex- perience), if the settlers will only burn the shrubs, branches, leaves, and tops at once, as they cut them down. Light a good bright fire to start with, after having made a safe place for it, and then begin cutting away, and as you cut, throw upon the fire at once ; children will help immensely with the light stuff, and willingly, too. The fire once well started, everything will burn up, the green wood with the sap running out, and the green leaves, too, not only those of fir trees, but of every hardwood tree. As you throw in the br de tin P''< ,V" coi bui tli( yes * The Act will be found in the Appendix. 39 branches the whole of the green leaves upon them catch fire simultaneously with a sud- den flash and burn up with a crackling sound as if they had been steepi'd in grease." " I have often done it, frequently in wet weather. We get rid innnediately of all the light iMflammable material, from whicli the greatest danger of bush-fires is to be ap- prehended ; the larger branches and trunks of trees, if you must burn them (which you ought not) present little danger of fire in dealing with them. When you get in- conveniently distant from your first fire, you liijht a second one and let your first one burn out ; it is remarkable that those fires gtsnerally burn down to the ground more tlioroughly than the carefully constructed piles that have been drying up for a whole year. " Increased safety from fires is not the only advantage that would accrue to the settlers from the adoption of this mode of clearing wood lands. Take them as a whole for the sake of comparing them, and this mode does not give more work than that now in use. True, you have got to convey the stuff you intend burning a little further, because one single fire, continued and replenished for some hours, will dispose of as much stuff as would have made one or two dozc^n average piles, but then tliink of the advantage of having got all that rubbish out of the way at once, instead of having it to cumber the ground until the next year, when perhaps the season will be too rainy for burning, or so dry that you will run the risk of setting fire to your own farm, and the whole surrounding country. As the work is now done, even in a small clearing, no settler can keep all his fires under absolute control ; he is obliged to wait for dry weather, and thei; he has got twenty, thirty, and more fires going on at once. A sudden gust of wind, which is often produced by the intensity of the fire itself in the stillest weather, and off the fire goes, reaches the woods close by, and meets there with such encouragement as to get very soon beyond human coutrol. '' CHAPTER IX. REQUIRED OUTFIT. The motto of the Ca^ntal of Ontario is " Industry, Intelligence and Integrity," and her emblem is the Beaver. These three qualifications are required by all who desire to make speedy and honourable progress in life, and w\un\ possessed and exercised they cannot fail, humanly speaking, to command success in Canada. There are no monopolies, exclusive privileges or great and impassable gulfs between gradre of society, such as exist in older countries, to check or arrest the ))rogress of the honest and industrious man. Many of the wealthy people in Ontario originally landeil in her territory without a a friend to receive them or means to provide for their future support ; and there are still many who arrive during the spring and summer months to whom the future seems doubt- ful and dark, but who will most assuredly find themselves i;i a few years enjoying the luxury of well-earned independence, witli ample and increasing provision for declining years or a growing family. The following is a careful estimate of the quantity and cost of provisions required for 12 months for a man and his wife and three young children ; and also a list of articles required by settlers going into the busii. The prices are attached at which they can be purchased (as a rule) at the villages near the settlements. The total capital required is about f 250.00 or £50 sterling, although very many have succeeded, and are now independent, who had not £10 in the world upon their first settement : — !* PROVISIONS NECESSARY FOR A FAMILY OF I iVE SAY FOR ONE YEAR. 8 Barrels of flour, at i|5.25 per barrel $42 00 2 " pork, at .f 13.50 " 27 00 80 Bushels of potatoes, at 50c. per bushel 40 00 40 30 Lbs. of tea, at 50c. per lb $15 00 1 Barrel of herrings 6 00 i " salt 75 Cost of provisions 130 75 SEED. 20 Bushels of potatoes, at 50c. per bushel 10 00 3 " wheat, at f 1.20 " 3 60 10 " oats.atSOc. " 5 00 Cost of seed 18 60 OTHER NECESSARIES. each 1 Axe 1 Grind-stoue 1 Shovel 100 lbs. Nails 2 Hoes, at 70 cents each,. Reaping-hooks, at 30 cents Scythe Inch Auger Inch and a half Auger Hand Saw ... Water Pails, at 30 cents each Window Sash and Glazing .... Bake-oven — Pots at $1 each Kettle ... Fryingpan Teapot Small tin vessels Large tin dishes, at 50 cents Spoons , Knives and Forks Pairs of blankets, at .f 5 per pair . . . . Rues for Quilts, at 50 cents each. Pairs of Sheets , 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 6 3 6 6 3 2 2 1 1 each. Smoothing Iron Pijr Total Add one Hay for 1 1 15 1 2 3 50 50 40 00 40 90 00 00 50 50 60 00 00 00 00 60 50 40 50 25 00 00 00 00 50 00 Cow do first year. 46 05 40 00 12 00 $247 40 Free grants of land to actual settlers is as much as can reasonably be expected from Government. Too much encouragement and indulgence are as detrimental to the true in- terest of the new settler, as they ure to the prosperity and advancement of the settlement. The most thriving and independent farmers in this country are those who, on their outset, carried their provisions on their backs several miles into the wilderness. No man unaccustomed to manual labour should go into the wilderness under the im- pression that he will there be able to earn a livelihood by his own exertions.* * For further information on the subject of outfit, Ac, the reader is referred to the end of Mr. Ham- ilton's article on Muskoka. Tart 2, Cap 2. 41 CHAPTER X. M0DE8 OF SURVEY. A proper survey of the Public Domain is a muniment of title antecedent to the grant from the Crown. An incorrect survey is a bitter evil to a country, engendering strife and law-suits amongst neighbours, in order to determine boundaries. The accuracy and completeness of the surveys recently made in Ontario have proved more satisfactory than those made by contract in former times. Land is commonly measured with a cha'n called Gunter's chain. It is 4 poles, or 22 yards, or GG feet long, and composed of 100 eqv, 1 parts called links, each link being 7jV?t inches. At every tenth link is a mark made of brass. An acre consists of 10 square chains, or 100,000 square links. A statute pole, perch, or rod is 16J feet long. There are 80 chains in a mile, and G40 acres in a square mile. The following diagram of a Township will illustrate the mode in which surveys are per- formed in the territory between the Ottawa River and Georgian Bay, but the lots are some- times numbered from the east side of a Township instead of from the west as in the figure. North 70" 30' East o 50 IX ! I IVIII I 1 I VII VI IV III 20 chs II 20 chs 2 I 3i 4 5 6 9 1 101 11 I I Co 121 1.3 I 14 nc ; es 1.5! ! 16 sio n I7I 18 191 20' 211 221 23 24 25 O CO Oi ^ North 70° 30' East 42 The Surveyor is instructed to trace all tlie lines in the middle of the road allowances, and to plant posts at the distance of fifty links from the lines on both sides thereof He is to make the posts of the most durable wood he can find, squaring about two feet of the top, and cutting the numbers of the lots, concessions, (*k(;., with a proper marking iron ; the posts at the corners of the Township are to be at least six inches scpiare, those at the ends of Concessions five inches, and the lot posts four inches, all planted firmly in the ground. From the posts that he plants, he is to take the course and distance to the near- est tree, which he is to blaze in a conspicuous manner and mark B. T. (Boundtary Tree), and to enter the courses and distances of those trees from the posts in his field-book. Where a tree stands in the place for a post, he is to blaze it on four sides, and mark it as he would the post. "Where they can be had he is to place stones round the posts at the corners of the Township. The regular farm lots are twenty chains in breadth by fifty chains in depth, and con- tain one hundred acres each. There is an allowance for road of one chain in width be- tween each alternate concession and every fifth and sixth lot. SURVEYS ON THE NORTH SHORE OF LAKE HURON. The United States system of survey has been partially adopted in this District. The country to be surveyed is first divided by meridians six miles distant from each other, and then again by a system of east and west lines also six miles from each other. The country is thus divided into equal squares which are called Townships. Hence each Township is a square, six miles on a side, and contains thirty-six square miles. The principal meridians and the principal base lines are established by astronomical observation. Each Township is divided into equal squares, by meridians one mile apart, and by east and west lines at the same distance from each other, hence each township is divided into thirty-six square miles, each one of which is called a section. The sections of a town- ship are numbered from one to thirty-six, beginning at the northeast angle and each con- tains six hundred and forty acres. The diagram exhibits the thirty -six sections of a township. ■ G 5 4 3 2 1 7 8 9 10 11 12 18 17 Ifi 1.5 22 14 13 19 .30 20 21 23 24 29 28 .33 27 2G 25 31 .■^2 34 35 36 48 To describe a section accurately, we say, section number five, in township number four, north of a known l)ase lino, in ranj^e third w(!8t, of a known meridian. The descrip- tion fixes precisely the place of the section. Go to the tiiird range of townshii)H west of the known meridian, find townshij) number four north of the base line in this range, and lustly, section number five of that township. The surveyor is instructed to mark the corners of the townships, sections, and quarter sections in the following manner : — On thi! exterior township lines, corner posts are to be erected at the distance of every mile and half mile from the township corner. The mile posts are for the corners of sections, and the half mile posts for tiie corners of quarter sec- tions. These posts are to l)e made of the most durable wood that can be had, and securely set or driven into the ground, and the sides neatly squared off at the top — the angles of the square set in the direction of the cardinal points of the compass. All mile posts on the township lines must have as many notches cut on them, or one of the angles thereof, as they are miles distant from the townshi)) corner where the line commenced. But the township corner posts shall be notched with six notches on each of the four angles of the squared part. The mile posts on the section lines shall be notched on the south and east angles of the square respectively, with as many notches as those posts are miles distant from the soutli and east boundaries of the township. Wherever a tree is situated so as to supply the place of a corner post, it is to be blazed on the four sides facing the sections to which it is the corner, and notched as the corner posts are, aiul at least one bearing tree must be taken in addition thereto, and marked in the usual manner. At all posts thus established for section or township corners, there shall be cut with a marking iron, on a bearing tree, or some other tree within each section, and as near as may be to the corner thereof, the number of such section, and over it the letter T, with the number of the township, and annexed thereto the letter N or S, as the township may be north or south of the base line ; and above this the letter R, with the number of the range, and annexed thereto, the letter E or W, as the range may be east or west of the principal meridian, thus — K 5 W T 3 N 36 The letters and numbers thus marked must be neatly and distinctly cut into the wood of such tree with a good marking tool, the bark thereof having been first hewn or peeled off on the side facing the corner, large enough for that purpose, unless the tree be a beech, in which case if the bark be smooth, it may remain on. But at the quarter section corners there arc no numbers made, the post is to be flattened on two opposite sides and thus marked — " 1-4 S " to indicate that it is a quarter section i)ost, and the nearest adjoining tree on each side of the sectional line must be similarly marked. A modification or variation of this system nf survey has been adopted in some townships on the North Shore of Luke Huron, in which the old and familiar nomenclature of lots and concessions has been retained, while the outlines of the township remain the sume. The lots are divided so as to contain 320 acres or a half-section each. In both systems there are no road allowances staked off upon the ground, but five per cent, of the area is reserved for roads in the patents. \ # CHAPTER XL MUNICll'AL INSTITUTIONS AND EDUCATION. Tho Municipal Institutions of Ontario aro an admirable illustration of the advantages of local self-government. The province is divided into 42 counties and T) judicial dis- tricts ; these being subdivided into town, village and township municipalities — the cities l)eing separate and distinct for municipal purposes. The cities are governed by a mayor and board of aldermen who are elected annually at the beginning of the year. The incor- porated towns have a mayor and town council, while townships and villages aro governed by a council of five, (on(i of whom is the reeve) who are also elected annually. Where the number of ratepayers in a township or village is over 500, a deputy reeve is appointed, instead of one of the four councillors, where over 1,000, a second deputy instead of a councillor, and so on — one for each five hundred ratepayers. The electors in a municipality are the male natural-born, or naturalized subjects of Her Majesty, twenty-one years of age, and who are rated on the last assessment roll as freeholders or tenants of property of the actual value — in townships of $100, — in incorpo- rated villages of $200— iii towns of $300,— and in cities of $400. The reeves and deputy reeves of the different municipalities in a county form the county council, which has control of all boundary roads between townships, and other matters that effect more than one municipality and are of general interest. The territories treated of in this work being situated chiefly, outside the limits of the old counties, have been organized into territorial districts for certain judicial purposes, and provision is made that the inhabitants of any locality, in these districts, having a population of not less than one hundred persons within any township or within an area of 10,000 acres, may organise themselves into a township municipality. The stipendiary magistrate upon the petition of 30 inhabitants may call a meeting to decide upon the question, and upon receiving a report of the said meeting for the establishment, he fixes the time and place for the first election. The officers to be elected are a reeve and four councillors as in ordinary townships, and the electors are the male British subjects twenty- one years of age, who are householders resident in the locality. The council elected has the same powers as are granted to township municipalities by the Municipal Act. These municipal bodies levy by direct taxation, such moneys as may be required for local im- provements, such as roads, bridges, drainage. Arc, and at the requisition of the Boards of School Trustees, for the maintenance of the Public School System. They also have power to pass by-laws regulating a great variety of matters and interests, which would take up too much time to set out fully here. There is one subject however about which many in the newly settled parts of the country have mistaken ideas, and to which reference might be briefly made. They imagine that the Provincial Government retains control over the public roads and road allowances in the municipalities — this is not the case : Although the Municipal Act provides that the soil and freehold of every highway or road allowance, shall be vested in the Crown, yet the jurisdiction over them is placed in the council of the municipality, who have power to widen, alter, divert or stop up roads, and open new ones as they deem it neceesary, and to take and use any land for such purposes. Where a new road is laid out instead of an original road allowance the council may convey the ori- ginal allowance to the party whose land they have taken for the new road if it adjoins him, or they may pay him compensation therefor. For purposes of taxation, an assessment of the municipality is made each year, the right of appeal against the assessment being allowed to each rate payer to the Council sitting as a Court of Revision, and from them to the County Judge, or, in the now dis- tricts to the Stipendiary Magistrate. These Municipal Councils are generally well and economically managed. The taxa- tion for municipal purposes is not large, and counties are restrained by law from incurring any debt which, with all other charges, would raise the taxation to above two percent, of 46 the assessed value of the property of tlie municipality, exchisivt! of school-rates. This system has infused a Kiie spirit of self rclimice in tiic people, and excited in tiiem a lively interest in •ill public (|uestions ; an•<« of (til rhartje ; they are bound to keep the schools ojjcu the whole year, and to s(nul to the Inspectors and the Department the accounts and reports required by the Law and Kegidations. They must also take a census of the children between the ages of five and sixti en years inclusive, and especially those between seven and twt Ive )ears of age ; and in case any of the latter have not been under instruction for four months in the y(!ar at least, they must notify the par- ents, and can impose a rate of one dollar per mouth for each child in case the neglect con- tinues, or may hay a complaint before a Justice of the Peace, who has power to fine, and in default imprison for the offence." " Separate Schools ajiply to Protestant and coloured persons, as well as to Roman Catholics ; but th(!y are chietly confined to the latter, who desire to establish separate schools where their su))porters are sulHcicntly numerous to support one. The principle is that any Roman Catholic ratepayer can elect to s.rpport a Separate School, and upon giving the prescribed notice he is exempted from the Public School rate. They are go- ed by trustees elected by their supporters, and are a corporation with powers similar t ot'>er school trustees. Their teachers arc- required to po.ssess proper certificates of q... vtion, and their schools share in the Legislative Grant in proportion to their attendance, and they are also subject to inspection by the Education Department." The number of schools in this Province in 1876, was — Public Schools 4,875 Roman Catholic Separate Schools 167 Total 5,012 The school population returned for 1876, was 502,250; the total numl)er of pupils attending the schools, 490,537 ; and the total expenditure for all school purposes was $3,006,456, of which 61, 838, .321 were paid for teachers' salaries ; the balance having been expended on buildings, rents, maps, books, etc. CHAPTER XII. COLONIZATION ROADS. Colonization Roads are understood to mean such as have been opened and constructed by authority, and at the expense of the Government for the purpose of facilitating the colonizing or settling tlie new lands of the Province. The general principles observed in this work have been 1st. To open main leading lines which shall pass to and through large sections of land which have been previously explored and reported fit for agricultural settlement. Along these lines in the first instance, Free Grant lots have been fronted from ten to twenty chains in width. After these lots have become occupied, the townships through 47 whicli tlicy pnHH Imvo been surveyed, and'tlio Frcn f Jrunt System extended tliroughout tho whole district. 2iiil. Interinediiite .sliort roads of greater or lesser extent, nil subsequently opened, atTording access to within short distances to all the lands embraced within the townships. COLONIZATION ROADS OF ONTARIO. Leai»ing Roads in I.st Division. 1. Pcmhrolr and Mattawan • ' Begins at the Town of Pcndjroke, in the County of Renfrew, thence in a northwe.storly direction generally parallel with the Ottawa River to the mouth of tho Mattawan River, length, about 100 miles. 2. Opeongo Begins at the Village of Renfrew, in the same County, thence in a northwesterly direc- tion to Great and Little Opeongo Lakes. It is opened for travel about bO miles. 3. Addington Begins near Tamvvorth Yiliage, in the ' ownship of Sheffield, in the County of Addington, thence in a noitherly direction to its in rsection with the Peterson Road, in the Town- ship of Brudenel, about 75 miles. 4. i'ninlaiac Begins at Lot 10, in the .3rd Concession of Hinchinbrooke, and extends in a northerly course to the intersection of the Madawaska River, on Lot 20, 6th Concession of Matawatchan, about 62 miles. 5. I\Iississippi Begins at the Missis.sippi River, in the Township of North Sherbrooke, near the west boundary of Palmerston, thence in a nortiiwfsierly direction to the intersection of the Hastings Road, in the Township of Dungannon, about 75 miles. 6. Monck Begins at the terminus of the preceding road at its intersection with Hastings, thence in a westerly direction to Kinmount village, and thence westward to Lake Couchiching, be- tween the Townships of Mara and Rama, about 100 miles. 7. Peterson Begins at a point on Muskoka Road, J of a mile south of High Falls on the south branch of Muskoka River, thence nearly due east to the intersection of the Opeongo Road at grant lot 290, in the Township of Brudenel, about 115 miles. Between 30 and 40 miles of this line pass through the Canada Land and Emigration Company's lands. 8. Hastings Begins at Madoc Village, thence in a northerly direction to the intersection of the Opeongo Road between the Townships of Airy and Murchison, about 82 miles. This road has been constructed about 70 miles to the intersection of the Madawaska River. 4-8 S). Burleigh Begins at Burleigh Kapids, iti the Township of Burleigh, tlience in a nortli-easterly direc- tion to the intersection of the Monck Road, on lot If), in the 11th Concession of Cardiff, ahout 38 miles. Begins again on lot 10, in the same Concession, on the Monck Road, thence north about 9 miles to the intersection of the northerly boundary of Cardiff, in all about 47 miles, 10. Buckkorn Begins at Buckhorn Rapids or Hall's Mills, in the Township of Harvey, tnence northerly to lot 25 in the 5th Concession of Glamorgan, about 34 miles. 11. Bobcaygeon Begins at Bobcaygeon Village, in the Township of Verulam, thence northward through the Villager of Kinraount and Minden, exten^Mng in the same general direction to the northerly boundary of the Tow nship of Franklin, about 70 miles. 12. Muskoka Begins at the Village of Washago, in North Orillia, thence in a nortli-easterly direction through the Villages of Gravenhurst, Bracebridce, Utterson and Huntsville, thence north- erly to the outlet of Doe Lake, in the newly located Township of Armour, about 75 miles. 13. Parry Sound Commences at the Village of Parry Sound, in the Township of Macdougall, thence in a south- easterly direction through the Townships of Foley, Humphry, Oardwell, Watt and Stephenson to the intersection of the Muskoka Road, about 6 miles north of the Village of Bracebridge, about 4G miles. 14. Rousseau and Nipissing Commences at the head of the North Bay of Rousseau Lake, running in a northerly direc- tion to Lake Nipissing, about 6C miles. This Road passes through Townships Humpliry, Cardwell, Monteith, 8j)ence, Ryerson, Chapman, Lount, Pringle, Gurd and Nipissing. It crosses the Maganetawan River midway of its length, viz., in the 33rd mile. 15. Northern. This Road commeuces at the Village of Parry Sound and extends in a northerly and north-easterly direction through the Townships of Macdougall, Ferguson, McKellar, Hagiirman, Croft, McKenzie, Ferrie and Pringle to the intersection of the Rousseau and Nipissing. 16. Victoria Road Commences at Lot 20, on the westerly townline of the Township of Fenelon, thence in a northerly direction, following generally the townlines between Fenelon, Bexley, Laxton and Digby on the east, and those of Eldon, Dalton and Garden on the west, thence diver- ging more eastward through Longford — terminating on the Peterson Road, where the Black River intersects the latter ; about 40 miles. Besides the above list of leading and more important Roads in the 1st Division there are numerous short roads forming ingress into the various intermediate settlements. Gen- erally speaking, these latter roads are of a cheaper class, built sufficiently substantial to meet the reriuirements of small settlements. The local travel upon them being small, it is only necessary in most cases to make what is called a good winter road. Sometimes, however, where conditions appear to justify it, they are of better construction, and are little inferior to the leading lines. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. q 6. 7. CI 49 rdiff, ■ 1. tt, in H 3. 1 4. ■ 5. ■ C. ;herly 1 7. 1 8. 1 9. H 10. 9 11. ri)Ugh ■ 12. the 1 13. H 14. B 15. 16. 17. action 18. north- 19. miles. 20. 21. 22. 23. e in a 24. tt and 25. Village 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. y direc- ■jl. mplirv, 32. Hi;. It 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. rly and 38. ;Kellar, 39. au and 40. 41. 42. 43. ce in a 44. jaxton 45. ! diver- 46. ire the 1 47. H 48. 1 there H 49. Gen- ■ 50. tial to H 51. mil, it H 52. 3times, 1 Ij. nd are 1 54. 55. The following is a list of these in the 1st Division with their localities and lengths. Name of Boad. Length in Miles. Locality - Township. Alport Road 8 Muskoka. Armour 5 Ryerson and Armour. Bridgewater 10 Elzevir. Brunei 24 Stephenson, Brunei and Franklin. Baysville 16 McLean and Brunei. Broadbent's 3 McKellar. Cameron 20 Somerville and Lutterworth. Chandos 2 Chandos. Cardwell 16 Cardwell. Carlow 22 Carlow and Bangor. Christie 20 Christie and Foley. Garden 10 Garden. Croft 3 Croft. Carrington 3 Foley. Dane's 14 Monck. Douglas and Eganville 10 G rattan and Bromley. Distress River 5 Chapman. Doe Lake 5 McMurrich. Dalton and Washago 11 Morrison and Dalton. Eganville and Foy's 15 Sebastopol and Grattan, Eganville and Opeongo 12 Grattan. " " Cobden 13 Will lerforce and Bromley, East River 7 Chaffey. Fliuton 3 Kaladar. Fenelon and Kinmount 20 Feiidon, Verulara and Somerville. Hyde Shute 12 Grifiith and Brougham. Hagarty 5 Hagarty. Hagarty and Brudenel 4 Brudonel. Hoods 5 Stiste:!. Julien's Landing 3 Burleigh. Junction No. 1 17 ]\lcKellar. Junction No. 2 24 McKellar and Christie. Junction No. 3 3 Croft. Lavant 15 Lavant. Lobovo' and Bedford 20 Loboro' and Bedford. Lake Joseph 40 Monk, Medora, Conger. Lavalle 2 Dunganuon. Long Point 7 Wood. Musquosh 24 Muskoka, Wood, Medora. Macaulay 22 Macaulay, McLean. Muskoka and Bobcaygeon 15 Chiiffcy and Franklin. Methuen 6^ Methuon. Muskoka and Peterson 9 Muskoka. Monteith and Perry 22 IMonleitli, McMunich. McDougall 11 McDougall. Maganetewau 10 Chapman and Ryerson. Minden 22 Lutterworth and M inden. Mississippi Junction 7 Palmerston. North West 10 McDougall and arlinj. Oso and Olden 16 Oso and Olden. Pembroke and Eganville 24 Wilberforce and All h. Point Kaye 3 Monck. Peninsula 5 Medora. Renfrew and Addington 22 Lyndock, Giiffith, &c. Ryerson Junction 12 Spence and Ryerson. 4 50 Name of Road. Length in Miles. 56. Ryde 10 57. Skeleton Lake 6 68. Scotch Settlement ... 3 59. Stisted 24 60. Stephenson Town Line 3 61. Tamworth 18 62. Three JVlile Lake 8 63. Wiibainik..... 5 64. Wilberforce 15 65. Watt Town Lme 3 Division No. 2. Locality— Tovmahip. Ryde and Morrison. Watt. Grattan. Stisted and McMurrich. Stephenson. Sheffield and Kennebec. Watt. Ferguson. Wilberforce and Bromley. Watt and Monck. There are no Colonization Roads embraced in the limi<^s of this Division. Division No. 3. There is only one leading Road in this Division, viz : The Great Northern. This road has been opened from the Village of St. Marys situated below the Sault Ste. Marie ay far as the intersection of the Thessalon River. It was intended to locate the road upon a course generally parallel with the coast of the waters forming the national boundary between Canada and the United States. Between the two points above named the distance is 38 miles. List of Shortek Settlement Roads in the 3rd Division. Name of Road. Length in Miles. 1. Bruce Mines 6 2. Base Line 10 3. Korah 8 4. Rose & Lefroy 8 5. Root River 4 6. Hilton 12 7. Richards 6 Locality — Townships. Plummer. Awenge & Parke. Korah. Rose & Lefroy. St. Mary and Mining Location. St. Joseph's Island. St. Joseph's Island. Division No. 4. Leailing and more Important Lines. No. 1. — Black Bay. This road commences at Prince Arthur's Landing and extends in a north-easterly direction to Black Bay, a distance of forty miles. It is located as far as the latter point, but is opened and constructed only to the distance of twenty-five miles. This road runs f(ir the greater part of the con; tructed length adjacent to the coast of Thunder Bay. It affords access to two or three of the Silver Mines 'f this section. No. 2.— Fort WUliam. This is a short but important piece of road connecting the Village of Prince Arthur's Landing with the Town plot of Fort William. It is between five and six miles long. The greater part of this line passes through a deep swamp or morass, and the construction of the road across the same has been laborious and exceedingly expensive ; neverthe- less an excellent foundation for a road has been formed, which will need, however, some attention and improvement for a few seasons until the whole road becomes thoroughly compacted. 61 No. 3. — Pigeon River. This road was opened ostensibly for mail accommodation in the summer season, be- tween the United States mail station at the National Boundary at Pigeon River and Fort William. It has been opened through, in some way, the whole distance, — thirty-four miles, — but affords no other benefit in its present condition than that of a foot-path, or a rude sled track in winter. Besides the above there have been some two or three short lengths of road constructed in the Township of Oliver under the general supervision of the Crown Lands Agent in that locality. These have been in some manner connected with the Dawson Road and afford facility of access to Prince Arthur's Landing. ,he Sault to locate 3 national ve named luu. -easterly |;er point, toaing — mechanics, schoolmasters, store-keepers, hotel-k(( ;iers, saw-mill and grist-mill owners, and a legion of other non-agricultural men. Muskoka has suflered alike from the extravagant puffing of so-called friends, and from the attacks of avowed enemies. A certain amount of jealousy exists in some of the territory to our immediate south, towards Bracebridge, which village has become the business centre for INIuskoka. At one time, Orillia was the business capital and supply depot for Muskoka, and flourished greatly on that trade. Now, Bracebridge has almost completely supplanted it as a business centre, and is fast replacing it as the headquarters for lumber agents. It is the endeavour of the writer to give a verbal photograph of Muskoka and Parry Sound, painting it as Cromwell desired to be painted, with every blemish and roughness of feature, faitlifuUy retained. He has availed himself of all means within his reach of checking the statements made in the following pages, and expresses his acknowledgments to Messrs. A. P. Cockburn, M.P., C. W. Lount (Crown Lands Agent), and D. F. Mac- donaid, of Parry Sound ; also to the Bishop of Sarepta; Revs. E. W. Brown, G. F. Lee, and A. Findley, and Messrs. Clerihue, Hollingsworth and Meiser, for valuable information. If there are any other informants not expressly thanked, let this general acknowledgment sufHce that he has found every disposition existing to aid his labours. This portion of the book is divided into the following subheads : (L) Prefatory. {2.) General statements. (3.) Climate. (4.) Agriculture. (5.) Manufactures. (6.) Navigation. (7.) Social aspects. (8.) Religion. (9.) Notes on lo- calities. (10.) Hints to immigrants. General Statements. Muskoka (using that name for shortness, henceforth under this sub-head to designate the wliole two districts) is bounded principall}' by the Bobcaygeon road on the East, the Georgian Bay on the West, Lake Nipissing and French River on the North, and the Sev- ern on the South, includes a total of about 5,500 square miles, or about 3,520,000 acres, and presents a marked resemblance to the eastern townships, though containing far more arable land and being fiir less encumbered by field stones and boulders. Like the east- w ern township, it is full of great and small lakea ami rivers, which, however, in our case are largely available for navi<^atiuii. Fiike them, it is on the whole, a ])roken or hilly country, with rock protnidiiii; at intervals, hut witli abundanoe of good soil, and it is also somewhat similar in latitude and elevation above the sea level ; the climate is, however, milder, and on the whole, probably nii)ister. In one respect, nature lias liecn unkind to ns ; she has walled in the Eastern and Western portals through which access is gained to thesis Free (jrraiits, with frowning bar- riers of inhospitable rocks, and many a visitor has recoiled frim fuvtlier entrance into our territory, when he saw the barren jutting masses of (piartz — seatued gneiss wliich crop out at Parry Sound, ami the wilderness between Lake Couchiching and Uravenhurst. True, it is that after leaving Gravonhurst, and having been ri'i^'lled agriculturally by the picturesque but stony islands which dot its harbour, we greet him at Bracebridge liy a foretaste of the smiling meadows and ricli tillagedaiids of our inteiior ; but the impres- sion of sterility acts to our j)rejn(lice with tile hasty tiavrller. Nor does the western in- comer fare better. If he takes Parry Sound with its rocks and yellow sand, or the rock- encumbered belt of land which skirts the Georgian Pay tor his index of our soil, he will probably return by the next steamer to Collingwood, nnli'ss hunting or trapping should tempt him northwards. Even those who do penetrate Muskokaand travel over our roads, are often unduly prejudiced against the (country Ity tiie abundance of rock which they see, and soinetimes jolt over in their journey. They should, however, remend)er that ro.ads are not made as advertising platforms, whence to view our best lands, but as the most direct lines available from one given point to another. The sidediill of a rocky gorge — a playground but not a pasture-tield for goats — may be the most direct path, and the road- locater will not deviate to gain the rich clay loam lands which lie beyond this natural highway. Less than an hours' walk from Bracebridge will lead to a farm in Monck, which at once dispels the bugbear of Muskoka sterility. The owner, Mr. Beaumont, bought it six years ago last September, witii a rough clearing of al)oiit ten acres, and has now twenty- tive acres out of seventy eight cleared and in thorough cultivation, while sixteen acres are free from stumps. He raised ;]() tons of hay last year, and has successfully c-ultivated wheat, oats, and all the other usual crops. The surface of the farm is mostly rolling, sufficiently for drainage, and it is curious to notice the heavy hay crop raised in one portion of it, where the rock is only concealed by less than a foot of soil. It is singular to notice tlio large crops which are raised in what at tirst seems useless ground. The writer saw splendid corn growing in a rough stony corner of a field in Kagerman, and close by, potatoes of the best quality and largest yield, which had been )>'anted between the loose stones wliich formed the ilchris from an adjoining hill. Our Muskoka rocks are not altogether an unmixed evil. Wlieii of large size, they act as l^arriers against the north and north-west winds, and as shelters to our grain-fields. The ui)[»er surface of the rocks is of a porous nature so.tliat they act as natural reservoirs for moisture, which they impart in time of drought to the parched groun-l in their vicinity. They also act as storehouses of heat and raise the temperature of the ground. These rocks are mainly gneiss, but limestone (crystaliztMl) is found in various parts o*:" the dis- tricts. Nature is full of compensations, and the same rock which juts out with such un- pleasing abruptness, descends below the surface with equal rapidity, so that corn and oats on deep soil often touch the rock. x\ll varieties of surface are to be found in our Muskoka farms. Some are on clay tiats, some on the sides of loamy undulations, while sometimes both kimls of surface are united in the same farm. Beaver meadows, which are in fact green gems of prairie, re- lieving the monotomy of the forest, are not merely fair to look on, but furnish a useful food for cattle in the " blue joint," a nutritious wild grass which defied the grasshoppers when they paid Parry Sound an unwelcome visit a few years ago. It would be a very hard matter to find a farm on which there was no spring or running water, and impossiljle to pick out a parallel to the state of things which exists in dry summers in the " front," when farmers have to drive their cattle over 5 miles to water. In addition to its navigable waters, the country literally swarms with small lakes, the fish obtained from which forms no unpleasant burden on the shelves of the settlers' larder. Ague, unless imported, is unknown. Ague patients after the first year very often recover completely. Stagnant I 58 swamps, with tlu'ir long train of malarial diseases, aro vainly to he sixij^ht for, and the writer hoing onco sort'ly Itost^t with thirst whil»d in some places and sulfered severely in others ; corn, wheat, liarley, apples and even forest trees were much injured, the total damage being $1,500,()()() in the United States, In sections of New York where ice formed hall' an inch thick, and the wheat was hut just coming into head, unusually good crops wtTe harvested. (Seni'tally the protective inthience of largt! bodies of water was very nmrkud, a strij) of the northern shores of Lake Krie, and the itKtrfjinal IwUh of the lakes in Central New York escapeil the fr )!. Vincent and Me.iford ; winters in Banie and Minneapolis, and two years in the West Indies, New (Jranada and Nicaragua, besides temporary visits to France, (Jermany, Belgium, most parts of Canada and many in the States,) may, perhajis. witlmut presumption, ady the; student of the history of theso two districts so widely separated in distance. With this exception possibly, of goitre, which is supposed by some to be caused by drinking snow-water in winter, there is no disease so far as its medical history is recorded, peculiar to Muskoka ; though it would be presumptuous to call it a land of Goshen, always shunned by the dread Angel of sickness as he smites Canadian homes. Fever and ague is unknown unless when imported, and here again, as in the Eastern To^vnships, settltirs live for years on the margins of swamps — which would be hot-beds of fever and ague by Lake Erie or in Michigan — with perfect immunity. Gout could doubtless be developed by the liberal use of crusty port, accute rheumatism is often caused by reckless exposure to severe weatlier ; but the doctors' two sheet-anchor in Muskoka are bush-accidents and the results of a faithful obedience to the injun''*'"" •>'' Gen. 1 : 22. The ruddy children and boys, tough as hemlocks and utterly in'''"'" \h to severity of heat or cold, are living certificates of character for the Miislt which has ccmipletely renovated many invalids. A common joke, i' ' ' nu is to ask a new comer, in tones of pitying solemnity, "have you hi -i l,. kok. fever ? " To this question put by a staid government official, the wi r in tht iwn ot his Muskoka life had to answer " no," and was immensly relieved by hearing tb solution, "when one man eats as much as a yoke of oxen." Personally, the writpr, (with the exception of .ivoidable ailments traceable to impru- dence and occasional coughs to which he was alway.s subject) has never known a day's sickness in Muskoka for three years, has never felt the slightest return of fever and ague which he had seven times severely in Jamaica and Nicaragua ; and, on the whole, has en- riched the medical fraternity by one dollar and five cents of lawful money of Canada dur- ing that interval. Having said so much generally as to the Muskoka climate, let us allow the records to speak for themselves, beginning with extracts from a hitherto unpublished diary kept by Ml. James Clerihue, in Braccbridge, and covering a period of eight years. These ex- tracts which were kindly placed at the writer's disposal by Mr. Clerihue, relate mainly to the spring and fall, and show the opening and closing limits of Muskoka navigation. It ai will b« noticed that the Muskoka steamers in each year, commenced ninniin; earlier and iliscoiitiniitMl later, than thoHo ut' Lake (Juuchiching. It iu also, by no nieiuiH to be sup- posed that the ceasing of t)iu' steamers to run in the fall of any given year, implies the immediate freezing over of our lake.s or rivers. Sonmtiines a boat may be laid up a week or HO before the lat(!8t poHsible date, in order to be repaired befori; the coming of seven? weather; and after t\ui formation of seriously ol).>trnctivo ice, (which generally blocks up the hjcks at Port Carling and the bay at Gravenhurst, lung before the river and lakes are frozem over) jjeriods of open navigation may occur, too short, however, and above all, too uncertain, to warrant a re-oi)ening of navigation after the dismissal, till next season, of the crews of tlie steamers. Again, in spring, the steamers are under a thornuuh course of painting and general re]Kiiring which is sometimes delay«'d too long to allnw the pioneer bout to make her lir.st trip as early an the ice would otherwise permit. 'I'liwiirds the clos- ing portion of Mr. Clerihue's journal a discontinuance of the compari.son of the dates ol opening and closing of luvvigation on iiakcs Muskoka and C(mcliiching, will bo noticed ; the H'ason lieing simply that owing to the completion of tint railway to (iravotdiurst hav- hig super,s(!ded the running of the Lake Coucliiching boats, as far as the mixed land-and- Wiiter jouriuiy to Hracebridge is concerned — our records of these steamers ceased. Tjio following is Mr. Clerihue's Journal : — I8f.!) (Fall.) 1870. (Spring.) 1870. (Fall) On Oct. 25, nine inches snow and good .shiighing ; no thaw or much subsequent fairly set in Kov. 18; Nov. 18, ID, 20, snow snow till Nov. G ; winter storms ; 22, snow again. 1871. (Spring) (Fall, 1S72. (Spring) (F ") Ih April 7, Mnskoka river open, beautiful weather ; Aj)ril 8, Do. ; 18, Muskoka Lake open ; Simcoe Lake did not open till 25th April. Oct. lt)-27, rainy; 31st, one inch of snow, first snow of season. Nov. 2, thunder and lightning, warm ; .'?-7 inclusive, beautiful warm Indian summer; 8, hanl rain, ihundtr and lightning, then up to lith beau- tiful weatlier ; 15, Fllt.sT snow of month, then tine frosty weather till 25th ; the Ida Ilnrfon, on Lake Simcoe, stopped running on Nov. 24 : 26, Weiv- viKih stopped running on Lake Muskoka. March 9, thawing fa.'it, sleighing b.ad ; 10, snow going fast, very bad sleighing; 1(), raining hard, roads very bad ; 17, raining, snow nearly gone; 20, Mus- koka Iviver open. April 7, very warm weather. Nov. 2, sliglit fall of snow, but up to 9th beautiful fall weather ; 10, first con- .^iderubli' fall of Know. 17, last trip of "Nipisnimj," then thaw; 20, sloppy; 21, snowing again; 22 good sleighing. Api .1 0, sleighing getting bad fast, weather being beautiful and warm ; 9, very warm, snow almost gone ; 11-12, raining bard; 18, Muskoka River open ; 30, thunder and lightning, warm and showery. May 2, IVcnomiKs first trip ; 4, Lake Couchiching open; G, Ida 7/H?/' (Muskoka) boat. Dee. 6, not much snow, cold weather ; 27, fine weather ; 30, raining ; very open winter. 1876. (Spring) Jan. 3, waggoning and snow all gone ; 7, mild spring weather ; 13, no sleigh- ing, bare rough roads ; 1 8, rivers all open, boys out in boats ; 19, no snow ; 27, not much snow ; 28, raining. Feb. 11, rainy spring-like wa'ather. .March 7, rain, very little snow visible ; 9 fine, frosty ; 10, thunder and lightn- ing and rain, some snow and gojd sleighing towards the end of month, and plenty of snow on the 28. April 10, fine spring-like, very nHidd;y ; 20 to 28 mud, mud ; backward spring. May S, first trip of steamer ; l)ackward spring till 17th. (Fall) Oct. wet weather and l)ad roads in tirsi part of month, beautiful weather 10 to 21, (inclusive in every case) which was quite warm ; fine cold weather till 30, when it was warm again till 29th Nov., when a little snow fell; (beautiful autumn). Dec. 5, last trip boat (could have run a few days longer) ; 11, wintry weather, but very little 8:;ow ; 14, beautiful day, soft, fine, but cold afterwards till end of of montii. 69 1877. (Spring) Jan. fine open weather all through till 24th ; 31, spring-like weather. Feb. 2, beautiful pleasant month, fine spring-like days. March, wet and some sleighing, stormy weather interspersed with fine days till 20 ; 23, 24, beautiful weather ; sloppy and soft towards end of month, ending in snow and stormy weather. April 3, bad roads and waggoning, snow nearly all gone by 5th ; 12, (no fires in sitting-rooms) ; 13, uncovered my grapes, warm summer weather; IG, fine, dry, warm, ploughing and sowing ; ] 7, warm, mosquitoes and grasshoppers out; 18, warm, dusty ; 19, sowed peas (in garden); 21, ground ready for jtlanting ; 23, very warm, lake open; 2b, Jirat boat in, very dry; 27, planted potatoes. By way of supplenieit it may be added that to-day (Nov. 28th) it is snowing slightly, and it looks as if peimanent snow was setting in, We have had a wet season for the last two months ; last week there was not a vestage of snow, frost or ice, with a thermometer standing at 46° Fahr. in the shade, out of doors. Indeed it was all shade, some rare glimpses of the sun excepted, which luminary was more an object of faith tlian sight. The rain ceased yesterday, "ad the writer going down (with a straw hat on) to the Post Office (Bracel)ridge); and reading an account in the Mail of a boy having been tVozen to death on a small island near Coboconk, County Victoria, in sight of his parents, last week, was much struck by the contrast of two climates in the same county. This boy chased a deer over the ice some 400 yards from the shore, broke through into the lake, and managed to reach a rock, on which he froze to death in some hours, while, according to present appinar- ances, no obstacle of ice need prevent our Muskoka boats from running for the next fort- night or three weeks to come. Indeed, the only ice as yet reported, liut long since vanished, was a film over a small bay in tho upper part of the Muskoka River, and some, equally thin, near Port Carling. Mr. Hollingsworth kindly sjnt in his Journal, which mainly relates to farming epochs. He Yim'S at Beatrice (Muskoka), and is one of the observers in ct)imection with tlie Meteorological Observattjry, Toronto. The Journal, received last Monday, reads as follows, verbatim : — 187G. April 10th. Began tapping maples for sugar-making. 12th. Got out first batch of maple sugar. May 1th. Began ploughing. 8th. Turned out tlie cattle, and gave overliving them feed, 13tli. Sowing spring wheat. 15th. Sowing peas. IGth. Sowint; oat.s, began to shear the sheep. 20th. Suckers on the run, pickerel over. 22nd. Began planting pota- toes. 3ist Advent of the black flics and mosquitoes for the season. [Very wet and late spring.] June .5th. Planted white beans and flax. 20th. Put in Swede turnips. July 14th. Began to cut flax. Aug. \\ui\. Began to cut fall rye. 15th. Ditto fall wheat. 2lst. Began to cut spring wheat, oats and peas. 31st. Got in the last of the grain. 187G. Sept. 18, putting in fall rye ; 22, finished taking up potatoes. Nov. G, begun to stable the cattle ; 14, ploughing bee on a neighbouring farm ; 24, snow fell to stop fo' the winter. 1877. April 0, tapping maples for sugar making ; 7, got out first batch of sugar ; 26, sowing spring wheat ; 28, sowing peas. May 3, began to plant potatoes; 7, began shearing sheep and sowing oats; 26, put in flax, .lune 14, put in buckwheat ; 22, put in sweede turnips. July 11, began to cut hay. Aug. 7, cutting fall rye ; 13, pulling peas; 17, cutting oats; 21, begun to cut spring wheat ; 27, pulled flax, Sept. 4, cut buckwheat ; 12, began taking up potatoes ; 17, sowing fall rye. Nov. 3, finished taking up turnips; 25, ploughing; 2G, do. s* 64 From these journals, combined with the meteorological report for 1876 * (Dominion Blue Book), which has been partially discussed, the reader will be able to form as good an idea of our climate as can be gleaned from the brief records at our disposal — brief at least in number of years, though perhaps too full for the reader's patience. However, as we do not write for the luxurious idler, but for the intending settler, who keenly pries into the things which concern his new home, we think it right to give the actual verbatim records — facts from which he can partially decide the character of the Muskoka climate. As a confirma- tion of the generally open character of our Muskoka river in tlie winter, Mr. Spreadborough, of this neighbourhood, mentioned to the writer, tliat on the 8th of January, 1862, there was no ice visible, and that he saw a beaver give the last " gnaw," which threw a lurch tree into the Muskoka river, as he was going from Bracebridge to the mouth of the river in a boat, also that he was working in his shirt sleeves on Christmas Day (1861), — no frost. Nothing is less possible than to lay down any statement about a district with so short a record as our own, whicli shall embrace the past and predict the future history of the Free Grant climate. The rescuing of these records from oblivion, however, may tend to pur^e Muskoka from the stigma of Artie severity which has so unjustly attached to it, and to paint it in true colours, as peopled by a happy and a healthy race. Pan Assi year the roots three grist Agriculture and Stock-raising. •f* Amongst our Muskoka cereals, wheat, oats, barley, rye, corn, and buckwheat may be . enumerated. Some chemical theorists contend that we cannot raise wheat, because there is no lime in our soil, Mr. A. White, of Bracebridge, replies by asking them to explain on their theory, where the lime conu's from wliich is in tlie bones of our M'lskoka cattle. Perhajts we are violating tlio ru'.i^s of agi'icultural chemistiy, but we actually c/o raise good wheat in various parts of INIuskoka and Parry Sound. One sample of wheat at our last Bracebridge County Show, was ])ronounc('d by judges of long experience from the " front," to be of very excellent quality. That lime, however, does exist in the soil lias been ])roved by analysis of the water, Avhich contains a quantity of lime far too small to affect its softness, but yet appreciable. Again, if we accept the usual theory that those singular nodules which are found in our clay, sj)ring from the gradual (l(']i<>sitions of carbonate of lime round a central luicleus, — in short, if we believe that those curiously-shaped stones which are undoul)tcdly lime-stone, were made?'/; the soil, .and not trans])orted thither by glacial action, then we may set our minds at ease on the lime question. However, it may console us to know that three-quarters of a pound of lime will sup[)ly enough of that ingredient to form twenty bushels of wheat, which is a good yield from an acre. To ensure the ri])ening of whe.at we must have a mean summer temperature of atle.ast 67" in round numbers. In Esquimault, B.C., for instance, and in three stations in the North-West Territory, the temperature did not reach that wheat-ripening limit in 1876 ; whereas our inland summer average of three stations was 61'73° and 65-4^ for Parry Sound, showing a margin of more than SV in our favour over the wheat growing minimum. The drawback with which our wheat-growers have to contend is not want of lime in the soil, but arises from the smallness of the clearances in the newer parts of Muskoka and Parry Sound— a drawback which has afflicted the early history of some of the best wheat-growing sectior.s of Ontario within the memory of living men. The direct loss of afternoon suidight, caused by the long shadows projected ovei* a small clearing from the walls of foliage from GO to 80 feet high which enclose it, is injurious; but the great evil is that which adds so much to the comfort of the settlers in the winter — the sheltering screen of forest which stops the breeze. More or less damp vapour — an imperceptible fog — rises from new land and settles on the straw and head of the wheat. There is no wind to dry it off, and hence the wheat is mildewed. As settlement progresses, however, the clearances grow in size, and this evil vanishes. We do not claim a wheat-growing future for Muskoka which will enable it to take rank with the County of Simcoe or with Mani- ti>ba ; yet crops of the best fall and spring wheat, averaging 20 bushels to the acre, have hiivr becM and can be raised here. The immense importations of flour into Muskoka and See Extracts from Report, ante pages 33 a ul 31. 65 Parry Sound are due to the immense immigration and the newness of these districts. Assuming a family (five in number) of new settlers to need twelve barrels of flour in tlie year, they must raise 54 to GO bushels of wheat and (making allowance for accidents atid tlie quantity of newly cleared land which is taken up by stumps and their surrounding roots which may be rated at 20 per cent.) they would have to cultivate at least three or three and a half acres of wheat in order to " bread " themselves. Often, too, there is no grist-mill near enough to his lot when tlie settler first comes in, and he finds that it pays him better to raise potatoes, corn, and o.its, for which he can get a good price almost any- where from the lumbermen. He therefore l)uys his Hour, sometimes for sovcral years, and since every 100 families require at least 1,000 barrels of Hour, we need not wonder at the immense importation to supply the new settlers, even f each mau's lot, at least within easy reach. We have also the valuable auxiliary of the " bush," through which cattle roam, and feed on the succulent shoots and wild herbage which it affords, 67 diminishing the need for artificial pasture, and permitting the farmer to set apart his grass fields for raising hay. Visitors from the " front," ignorant of this stock-raising resource, often wonder at the smaUness of our pasture fields, ami still more when they encounter our cattle "burstin the Bracebridgo fall of 60 feet into three parts and utilizing it on both sides, five additional large sized factories could be accommodated. Mr. Bird only uses l.j-horse-powor and could easily get 50 h. p His turbine wheel would give 22 horse- power, of which he has never utilized over two-thirds. Going up the north branch of the Muskoka river tliere is a smaller power within the village limits, which has been utilized for a furniture factory ; then at Wihson's mills, still higher up and within one mile from the Corporation limits, there is a power (over 40 feet) nearly equal to that of Bracebridge, but which at present is only occupied by a saw-mill, and where a sash and door factory is on the eve of erection. At the south Falls on the south branch of the Muskoka river there is a descent of 150 feet. These Falls are two miles by road or three by boat or canoe from Bracebridgo, and well worthy of a visit for their picturesque beauty. At one time owing to this water power, South Falls seemed destined to bo the capital of Musko- ka, and although the sceptre has been transferred to Bracebridge, yet the former site gives ample scope for the erection of factories. Hundreds of water powers are scattered over Macauley, McLean, and other parts of Muskoka and Parry Sound. Cotton and woollen mills, spool factories, and all the innumerable industries which dot the eastern townships, and which utilize water power, can and will be established in Muskoka with a rapidity which the past does not enable us to conceive. Muskoka is clearly mapped out by nature to bo to the older and flatter portions of Ontario what the eastern townshii)S (to which also, On- tario is largely tributary as a purcliaser of manufactures) is to the Province of Quebec. What suddenly lifted Sherbrooke from a dull town of 4,000 only served by the Grand Trunk, to a stirring City of 7,000 souls, with three new railways converging on it as a business focus and all in the interval separating 1870 and 187G ? Was it any new de- velopment of Agriculture outside its barren and rocky site ? Was it some rich nugget- laden gold mine ? Emphatically no. It was the establishraeut of manufactures long de- layed by an obstructive land Company. Here in Muskoka where we are hampered by no such incnbus, an equally rapid seizure of the manufacturing openings which lie within the reach of capitalists, great and small, may safely bo predicted. Then the relative propor- tions of manufactures and Agriculture will be reversed, and instead of the former being local and tributary to the needs of the latter, we shall have local markets in o ir midst, afforded by our manufacturing towns anIcCee leturned Mr. Cockburn's communication, with a flattering recfuest that Mr. C. should have it printed, which was done, under the title of "' A few wetks in the North." The result of tbese negotiations was, that the keel of the Wenomih was immediately laid, and this steamer opened uj) steam navigation trade by making her first trip in 18(50, arriving at North Falls (Uracebridge) when there were not twenty [)eoi)le in the place to greet her arrival. The rate of freight from VVashago to North Falls was reduced at once from 75c. $1 per cwt., down to 40c. per cwt., ami freight was always brought through punctually from McCabc's Bay (fSravenhurst). The lypuonah continued to [)ly alone, and generally at a loss to her owner, until in 1869, the Jfalnimtk was brought up to assist in the despatch of the growing traffic. In 1871, the fine low-pressure steamer A7/>/.->/'/'.'/ was added, and in the spring of 1870, the powerful steam tug .S'/Vnfoe formed another auxiliary to the Muskoka fleet. This year, a marine slip (or railway) was constructed, on which the Mpinshiff was raised, overhauled, and a hurricane deck added, together with a cabin added on the promenade deck. A large scow was also built, and there are rumours of a new steamship next year. June 18, 1877, was a fresh steamboat epoch, the paddlewheel steamer Northern, having been launched o?i that day at Port Sydney. Her owners and builders, Messrs. Denton and Smiley, had a very successful season which closed early in December. The Northern is a [laddle wheel steamer dt-signed to carry 400 passengers, 80 feet x 24 beam, |i tonnage, 60 ; cost, $7,000. She I'uus 25 miles from Port Sydney to the head of Lake Vernon, and returtdng goes to iTuntsville and Fairy Lake, making a distance of r>6 miles for the entire route. Siu; traverses Mary, Fairy and Vernon lakes, and has seven ports of call. It may be mentioned that her smoke-stack is hinged on the plan of the London (Eng.) river steamers, so as to enable her to pass under the arches of low bridges. A vista of future extensions of Muskoka navigation opens before us, when the Lake of Bays, the Maganetawan River, and Lake Nipissing shall have been provided with steamers. Even lunv the timbers and knees have been ordered and partly got out, for a steamer on the Lake of Bays, where there would be at least thirty miles of navigation, without counting the return journey. The Maganetawan River is now navigable for steamers of a large class for twenty-five miles above and twelve miles below the village of Maganetawan. In their upward voyage they would now be stopped by Burk's Falls, but at a moderate expense, the Government, by the construction of a lock at these falls could ensure continuous steamer navigation to the falls below Lake Ah-mic, a distance of forty miles in a direct line through splendid farming land, beautiful scenery, and the acme of hunting and fishing facilities. Many requisites for successful steam navigation are found combined in the inland waters of Muskoka — early opening and late closing of the lakes and rivers, depth of water, and freedom from incrustation of boilers. The last boat this year ran on the 11th of Decem- ber, and to all appearance, nothing in the shape of ice need lay the steamers up till the 20th ; in fact, a steamer armed with a slight protection of iron at her bows, could navigate till the end of the year in many seasons. The Muskoka River has a very deep channel, and the rocks descend below the water so abruptly in the lakes, that a boat can steam almost touching the rocks. Lastly, boilers having been tested after years' use in our lakes, have been found perfectly free from the slightest incrustation, and presenting the original blue tint of the iron. Mr. A. P. Cockburn, the father of our Muskoka navigation, is said to have required only one cart to draw all his freight for his pioneer trip, and may well look back on the past with pride when he sees one hundred tons in his freight house waiting removal, and CUV people wish him a bright future in which he shall more fully reap the reward of his labours. ll 74 Social Asi'ecth, There is an ori^iimlity, viirietv, frcshncHS ami riiii^o i)f intulloctual life to be found in thcRe tliHtricts, which is only piualh'h'd in two or (hrt't- citit'H in tho " front." Our people come, in pretty evenly balanced proportions, frt)in Kn^land, Ireland, Scotland and Canada, with a sprinkling of (ItirnianH, Icelanden*, Swiss and Americans to swell the list. Wo are so blended topograpldcally that all clanniHli replantin'ige Lodge, Winter Entertainment Society. Our Idcal pre.ss once consisted l e Northern A'hvate and the Free O'raiit Gazeti' 78 (proprietor, E. F. Stephenson), both weeklies. The latter journal is now the only one in Bracebridge, is the official organ of Muskoka, and contains full local news of Muskoka and Parry Sound, furnished by a staff of some twenty-five correspondents. We have 1^ miles of sidewalk, and are not now compelled to walk through the muddy depths of a hill (lliggins' Hill), for the macadamizing of which a gentle but in- creasing pressure has been brought to bear against our village fathers. The storekeepers, as a rule, have their private residences apart from their stores, and some large and hand- some villas are erected in retired sites ; though the future Belgravia of Bracebridge seems to be the left bank of the river, above the falls. Some of our business men live on the lower part of the right Imnk of the river, just inside the adjoining township of Monck, Bracebridge being in Macaulay. liracebridge is the natural business centre, outlet, and distributing point for Muskoka and large portions of Parry Sound. In the winter, merchants, even in the latter village, must either come to Bracebridge to traffic, or pass through it to reach the front. Parry Sound (" Wau-sak-ah-sing " is the Indian name, meaning "shining light,") was discovered about the year that Marquette and the other Jesuit priests coasted round the shores of Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay. Captain Bayfield, R.N., named it Parry Sound after Parry, the Arctic navigator. Bayfield made the survey of Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay, in the years 1822-5. Relics of the old French times occasionally crop up in the process of clearing wild land. For instance, the writer saw an old bronze mor- tar, supposed to have been carried away from the Christian Islands at the time that the Hurons were massacred by the Iroquois. It was found on the Portage route, near Trout Lake, in the Township of McDougall, on the banks of the Seguin River. It has an in- scription bearing date 1632, and is now in the possession of William Beatty, Esq., of Parry Sound, who purchased it from the owner, Mr. Little. Parry Sound was first owned by Hon. David Gibson, of Willowdale, County York, who built the first mill in 1857. The Beatty|Bros.,of Thorold, l)oughttae mills and timber limits from Mr. Gibson in the autumn of 1863. In the fall of 1869, Mr. Beatty had the plot of the village surveyed, and lots were offered for sale at fancy figures. Rigid prohibition of intoxicants, so far as legal restrictions can make men sober, reigns in the Village of Parry Sound ; and those who purchase lots from Mr. Beatty are bound by the most stringent clauses which can be introduced into a conveyance, not to deal or in any way traffic in stimulating liquors. In the fall of 1869, the Nortliorn Advocate (..eekly), was first pub- lished in Parry Sound, and transferred to Bracebridge in the spring of '70. In the autumn of 1871, Mr. BeHtty sold the mill and timber limits to Messrs Rathbun & Son, of Mill Point. The Rathbnns sold out in a few days to A. G. P. Dodge & Co., who fV)rined the ] arry Sound Luinl)er Company, under incorporation. The conqiany was bought out by J, C. Miller, M.P. P., in 1877, wiio comlucts the management of the entire business. In 1873, the Gueljih Lumber Co. bought their mill site in the Village of Carrington, near Parry Sound, and had their mill com])leted in 1875. At present there are the following business lines going on in Parry Sound, which numbers 500 souls : — Oddfellows' Hall, Masonic Lodge, Reading-room, Literary Club, School House, Crown Lands Office, Registry Ofiice, Gaol and C rt House, Telegraph Office, Customs Office, Orange Lodge, newspaper — (one each), three churches (Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian), one furniture store, one grist-mill, three gtiieial merchants, two tem])erance hotels. Besides the three resident ministers above enumerated (who get $700 per annum each), there are ten lay readers and local preachers. The value of church property : — Trinity Church (Anglican), cost $2,300 00 Presbyterian 1,000 00 C.Methodist 4,500 00 Total $7,800 00 Ve may incidentally dovetail in the fact that Carrington (within a few minutes walk of the Sound) contains one saw-mill, one shingle factory, two hotels, and one school- house ; it contaii's 200 souls. 79 The writer, who entered Parry Sound towards the end of the summer of 1874, and had been led, before leaving Cdllingwood, to expect to see a village with very diminutive places of business, was much astonished to see the immense store, owned by Mr. William Beatty, where 5 clerks seemed fully employed, and the cash receipts of which he was told, reached $300 on one of the busy summer days. There are two very largo stores owned by the P. S. Lumber Company, and Mr. W. Beatty, respectively, which supply an im- mense back country, in addittion to the local trade. Tl:e various great lumber comi)anies which operate from the Sound as a common centre, own a largo fleet of vessels engaged in .shipping lumber to various ports (Tonowanda, Sarnia, &c.) from the magnificent land- locked harbour of the Sound, ^which can accommodate vessels of the ia.rgest tonnage used on Canadian waters. Parry Sound District is too recently settled to be able to furnish the immense supplies required for the shanties of these great lumber firms, or to raise provi- sions enough for their own use. Accordingly, during this year's season of navigation, the following quantities of provisions and fodder were imported f»''im the front into Parry Sound village :- • The Parry Sound Lumber Company's Mill saw about eleven millions feet, the (luelph Lumber Companj nine millions, and the Seguin Mills three millions annually, making a total of twenty-three millions feet in a season. During the season of 1877, the Parry Sound Lumber Company shipped from their yard in 13 distinct vessels, and iii the course of 24 trips, (during which the load of lumber varied from 33,769, to 690,197,) 9,080,267 square feet of lumber; lumber sold, wintered in Parry Sound, 2,.')00,000 feet; do unsold do 3,000,000 ; total lumber 14,580,267. Laths (9 trips, load 5,000 to 327,800), 1,078,900 ; do un.sold in ore at the Sound, 2,150,000 ; total 3,228,000. During the same season the Guelph Lumber Company in 58 trips of 11 distinct vessels, .shipped 10,111,923 feet lum- ber, (the loads varying from 109,600 to 316,650); laths, 2,208,700 ; shingles, 256,500. Parry Sound Village having regular weekly steam connection in the summer season, with Collingwood and the Northern Railway, and also with Byng Inlet vid steamer "Maganetewan," and being the focus towards which many important roads converge, and being the centre of a lumber trade which aggregated last season (see North Slar) over :^0,000,000 cubic feet of lumber, 6,(>00,000 laths, and 700,000 shingles— is destined to grow into a large town. The most inipctant road leading into Parry Sound at jjresent is the North Road, ending in the nresent terminus in tin Townshipjof Ferrie. The first twelve miles north from Parry Sound is a rough, rocky and broken country, timbered v.ith hemlock and pine ; about nin(! miles from Parry Sound, a cluster of houses, called Waubamik, or the Junction, is passed, and about sixteen miles from the Sound the rising village of M kellar, delightfully situated between two beautiful lakes, on which excellent pickeiel and other fishing can be enjoyed. The village is laid out in building lots, and contairv pj very good store, grist mill, saw mill, shingle mill, blacksmith's shop, C. M. church, Orange hall, &c. The citizens are enterprising, and have started a profitable business which has been strangely neglected in other parts of Muskoka and Parry Sound, r.imely — the shipment of pressed iuiy. 80 After passing some snug houses and clearings near the village, about seven miles of miserable clusters of rocks, varied occasionally by small swamps, and almost deserted by settlers, is traversed. At or a little before its termination things improve, and at Kelceys the rock almost disappears, continuous roadside clearances become the rule, and a good clay loam predcmiinates. Some five miles further north brings us to one of the most charming sites conct;ivable for a village. It is called Dunchurch, on the Narrows, being a very narrow natural canal joining two branches of Whitestone Lake. The writer, towards the close of the Fall of 1874, rowed in a boat with Mr. Kelcey, who has a large hou eand clearing at the Narrows, to the oi)posite side of the Lake, where he went over some 70 acres, which with the ex<"c;;tion of some 3 or 4 acres was a most excellent tract of clay loam, free from stone, and gently sloping towards the Lake. The writer spent a very enjoyable winter at Mr. Kelcey's, living on venison of the best quality, stall fed beef which would not disgrace the Toronto Christmas market, de- licious hams and many kinds of vegetables (carrots, parsnips, potatoes, itc.) from the cellar. Mr. Kelcey is an instance of success achieved in Muskoka, by an Old Country settler not brought up to farming. H a cellar — a root house is healthier." The expeiliency of strict te«!totalism cannot be too urgently pressed on the immigrant. Many a man who in the front has been a moderate drinker, has lai)sed into drunkenness ill the bush. He is alone, perhaps in his shanty, no sound is heard but the plaintive hooting of the owl, or the twittering of an occasional bird — a moment of mental depres- sion, from which none escape, visits him — he thinks perhaps of some gixy town in the front which he used to visit every market day. Memory seems to taunt him with a mocking picture of unattainable pleasure. He catches sight of the fatal demijohn, drinks till solitude is drowned in stupor — a deadly habit is formed, and we know the rest. Muskoka is not a little besprinkled with wrecks so caused. More especially is this result to be dreailed in the case of old bachelor immigrants, who abound in Muskoka, and who have no wife to cheer them as tlu'y return from their daily toil. If our immigrant belongs to that .solitary species he will find many comrades in aflliction in Muskoka. Six years ago it was estimated that there were forty old bachelors between Kousseau and Parry Sound, and that the township of Watt surt'ered from matrimonial destitution. The numbers have not probably diminislied since, but it may console him to know that there is a gootlly num- ber of celibate ladies, who might be induced to enter the matrimonial paradise. Let us finally take the case of a man with a wife and five or six children — oldest a hoy, fifteen years of fige — all brought up to Canadian farming. He has money enough to buy a cow, a yoke of cattle, and a logging-chain, say Cow $40 00 YokeofCattle 100 00 Chain 3 00to4 00 Neck-yoke, (goes with the price of the oxen) 8144 00 This money he puts in the Government Post Office savings bank at Bracebridge, where it draws interest at the rate of $7 20 per year, and draws it out at the proper time for the above specific purpose. I assume that he has S300 nett when he lands in Bracebridge, besides money enough for incidental expenses of landseeking, &c., which may cost say §25 or less. He gets on his farm in the middh; of October, gets his house up, made well and substantially, chinks the logs with moss if he cant get clay, chops an acre, burns or forks away the brush so as to get himself elbow room, and obviate risk of fire consuming his shanty in dry weather, builds his house the regulation size — 22x16 — or better still, 20x20, which will not cost much more — rooms, 8 feet high. If he can't find lumber, he can make the floor of hewed slabs. Some old country s»!ttlers accustomed to such work have pit-sawed what lumber they needed. Let him hew his slabs well with the broad-axe. His shanty is raised by his own and his son's work, aided by neighbours, his cash outlay will be 86 Weiqiit. ti -5 uu o a ^ o^ 11 ff the lie nee O to a 'Sin O :^ c (O "^ •c V s XI o o M)^ n f he meat o -4J '-' a 3 ti o i) u Dkhckd'Tion. ^""'°* I J do 2^ incl. do. f Windows, 4x3 Lock, liitch, .screws, &c 1400 7 bk flour 500 5 cwt. pork 100 1 do. sdt 50 Tobacco, sugiir, tea, I've. Teaming say 50 miles from Bracebridge. 2150 Pkice. .f 3 20 2 00 4 80 30 00 50 00 80 10 00 20 00 U2( J 80 ^ to -I Is 2 '/I PQ .2 a 0.4 S? Say 22 cwt. Say W27 00. He comes on his farm 20th October, he ought (aided by his son) to have his house up and his f imily into it in a fortnight, and to have ton acres chopped, or liftt'oii acres with haul work, during tlie winter — let us a.ssume the latter number. In the spring let him hand- burn, brush, and log live acres, but not start the lire till his clearing is finished. He puts in a crop of IJ acres [mtatoes, and the icanainder (."5^) of oats. If lie does not sell tlif oats, he would have enough, together with the browse (as the cattle feed eagerly on the tops of the freshly fallen branches during chopping), to winter his cow and his yoke ot cattle (in the second winter). Turnips need not be sown till the 20th to 22nd June. In the spring he coulil log up one acre for turnips. He has now liine acres still not logged— they must be logged, cleared and fenced before next winter. If his money runs short, he could work out in the "front," leaving his boy to hoe the potatoes. His provisions arc run out by the end of May — he gets the same amount as before, costing $130, whicli supply would last till November. He ought to have 200 bushels of potatoes and 300 bushels of turnips. Let him put some in the cellar or root-house, and pit the rest. Next year (second year) he ought to raise wheat enough to bread his family — ln' could i)Ut in nine acres (second year) into oats, sell 270 bushels at 50c. per bushel r^ $13;'). From his old potato and turnip land he ougla to have three acres in wheat, giving him 60 bushels, or 12 barrels of 'iour. We forgot to allow for his seed in the first year, viz. : — 3 J acres oats — 7 bushels at 5Gc. per bushel $4 00 1^ " potatoes, 20 " 75c. " 15 00 1 " turnips, i lb., at 70c. per lb 35 Say !?20. 19 35 Second year — he has his own seed oats, and only his wheat to buy — 3 acres, 1^ bush. at !?! = $1.50. As to money, he had $300 nett, after buying cow, yoke of cattle, &c. Hf spent $127 the first winter for building requisites and provisions, and $20 for seed, making $147, so that he has $153 lelt in hand. When he makes his second purchase of flour and pork, he needs no nails, itc, as at first, so that he only has to spend $117, leaviiij; him ^3r» yet remaining of his t)riginal capital. Having now seen our "settler " turn the corner, and on the high road to a compe- tency, if not to wealth, we may add this farewell word of encouragement, that he has not known one tithe of the hardships endured by our first settlers, who had to pay $i a barrel for salt, instead of $1.50, and $20 a load from Washago to Bracebridge. He has not had the grinding toil of burning his brush in the snow, like the Ewings of Monck, a family of heroic pioneers. His way has been made plain before him by the labours of his fore- runners, and by the liberal government expenditure on roads and public works. He arrives on the eve of a future, when the Pacific Railway and its connections must convert the back townships into front ones — a future which will even dwarf by comparison the past of the Free Grant Districts, and eclipse the record of that magnificent success. 87 I ^ a; « a; ^ .2 a J house u|i witli haul lim luuid He puts b sell thr I'ly on till' s yoke ot June. In ■j loj^'ged— ! short, he ision.s !uv 3G, vvhicli and 300 St. unily — 111' el ..$13:). iviny him I, l^busli. , &c. Hf J for seeil, Irchase of leaving compe- |e has nut a barrel not had Ifamily of Ihis torc- iks. He convert fison the EXTRACTS FROM SURVEYOR'S REPORTS.— MUSKOKA. TOWNSIIIP OF Maoaulay. On tho north branch of the Muskoka River, contains 38,039 acres of land, and was jiartly surveyed \>y Provincial Land Surveyor John Ryan, in IH")?. The subdivision of the 'Pownsliip was completed by P. L. S., W. 11. Deantt, 18G2. The following is an extract from P. L. S. Ryan's Report of Survciy : — " Of th(! })ortion of the township surveyed, the soil generally is good cl.iy, in some cases a sandy loam, growing a "ery fine (piality of hardwood, with but very few good pines. A considerable portion of the land is rocky or strewed in detaclmd patches, with boulders, but is not, upon the whole, inferior in genciral character to that of the southerly and westerly boundaries, &c. " As far as has been observed and could be judged, the portion left unsurveyed is either too rocky or swampy, and unfit for settlement, at least for the present. „,.. "From the survey and examinations made, I incline to tiu* opinion that some improvement in tlu; character of the soil may be fcMind to tiic^ eastward of Macaulay, and may be sought for with better prospects of success in that direction, than in those of the other boundaries." Extract irom P. L. S. Dean's Report of Survey : — " I am pleasetl to be able to report favouiably of this part of the township as a field for colonization aiul settlement, the soil being generally of a good depth and of a rich sandy loam, resting in places on a substratum of clay, and favourable to the growth of the crops usually produced in the most favoured parts of the country. " The country in general is undulating, and, in a geological ])oint of view, the forma- tion is entirely granite, which cro]« out, on the sidi's and tops of the hills in places ; dur- ing the progress of the survey indications of iron were met with in several places. "The timber is composed of maple, birch, beech, hemlock, white pine, cedar, balsam, tamarack, and spruce ; there is no pine in this })art of the township suitable for the (Jiiebec market ; saw log timber is abundant in that part of the townshii) marked section No. 1 on the timber tracing herewith forwarded. " The township is well watered by the north branch of the IMuskoka River, which flows in a southerly direction through it, and its several small tributaries, in the valleys of which, the soil is alluvial ami deep, and by a small outlay in di'ainage would produce the most abundant crojis. On the Muskoka River there are several falls and rapids com- bined with an unlimited sup|)ly of water, admirably adapted for manufactuiing purposes, and which must, at no distant day, be a source of great profit to the owners and a con- venience to the inhabitants of this and adjoining townships. During the progress of the survey arrangements were being made for the erection of a saw mill at the intersection of the Muskoka Road and the north branch of the Muskoka River. " The facilities for ingress to this section of country are of the most favourable cha- racter, having the Muskoka Road on the west, leading from Lake Couchiching and con- nected by steam navigation on Lake Simcoc with the Northern Railway from Toronto ; the proposed continuation of the Victoria lioad, leoiling from Lindsay, the terminus of the Port Hope and Lindsay Railway ; the Muskoka Lake and River are also used in the summer season as a means of gaining access to the township Dy the settlers, who forward their provisions and supplies by those waters. " The Muskoka Road, at the time of tht^ survey, was completed to the north branch of the Muskoka River, aiul the contractors were pushing on the work northward. " The Muskoka waters abound with the choicest descriptions of fisli, salmon, and speckled trout, which are constantly taken of a large size. " Deer, and furs of the best description, are also plentiful, and are eagerly sought after in the proper seasons, by Lidians and others." There does not appear to be any land in this township unlocated. The Village of Bracebridge is situated in the south-west corner of it, and there is a small village about six miles from Bracebridge called Falkenburg. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) / O 4i X? / H WJ.x (/. 1.0 I.I 1.25 ia|im ||||Z5 111119 " IM 2.2 |40 2.0 1.8 1.4 !l 1.6 "/a ^ 7a ^a e. c7. '^ ^. 9M o % J' 7 "9 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MA'N STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^ '^ :* f^- &P/ c? "'^ ■>i. 88 MONCK Is situated on Lako Muskoka, west of the Towtisliip of Macaulay. It was surveyed in 1864 by W. H. Doane, P. L. S., and contains 27,835 acres of land. Extract from Surveyor's Report : — " The Mnskoka Colonization Road, made as far as practicable mi the eastern boundary of this township, presents the means of easy access thereto at all seasons of the year, the distance from Severn Mills on Lake Conchi- ching, being about 21- miles. In order to more fully describe the land, timber and capa- bilities of the township, I have divided it into sections on the timber tracing accompany- ing the returns. " Section 1 is a narrow belt of tolerably good land, extending along the shore of Muskoka Lake from lot 19 in the (Ith concession to the northern limit of the township. The soil is sandy loam, with clay sulisoil in places. The granite rock cropping out on the sides and tops of the hills, and occasionally on the shore of the lake. The timber is com- posed of maple, beech, hemlock, elm, birch, bal;;am and some white pine of a superior '[uality. Thifi ic the only part of the township in which the pine timber is of any value. In the other sections it is not at all of a merchantable character. " Section 2 is much broken by rocks and hills, the land generally being of a very inferior ((uality, and on the whole affording no attractions to the intending settler. Patches of good land, however, are to be met with in the valleys, but not to an extent to merit special remark, the timber is composed of hemlock, pine, maple, birch, beech, cedar and balsam. " Section 3 is a lai-ge tract of land extending from the Muskoka River to the northern boundary of the township, and from Muskoka Road to Muskoka Lake. The .settlement of this tract commenced in 18G1, has progressed steadily to the present time. There may be large tracts of excellent land found in it, and there is scarcely a lot that does not con- tain a fair proportion of good land, and free from rock, which is occasionally to be met with on the slopes and summits of the hills. The soil is sandy loam, with maple, beech, hemlock, birch, ironwood, elm, Ijalsam and some pine and wliite oak. " Sections 4 and 5 are small tracts of very inferior land, being high, rolling and rocky, and not at all suitable for settlement. The timber is hemlock, maple, birch and pine. " Section 6 is a small tract of good land on the north bank of the Muskoka River — the soil being sandy loam with clay subsoil and timber, chieHy hardwood. " With regard to the capabilities of the township in an agricultural point of view, I have much pleasure in being able to state that the crops of wheat, oats, corn, peas, potatoe.s and turnips grown by the settlers in the year 18G3, I have not seen surpassed in the most favoured parts of the country. " There is only one lake worthy of notice. It is situated on the 8th and 9th con- cessions, and contains about 400 acres. The water is clear and abounds with excellent fish. Muskoka liake being dotted with numerous islands, presents many charming views, and dui'ing the seajon of navigation it is much resorted to by tourists and sportsmen. It abounds with fish — salmon trout ami bass being the most valuable. Deer and fur-bearing animals are numerous in this section of the country, and are taken at the proper seasons by Indians and others engaged in the trade." There are only a few lots in this township remaining unlocated, and they are not very likely to be fit for settlement. Muskoka. Bounded on the south-west by the river Severn, and on the north by Lake and River Muskoka, and partly sub-divided into farm lots by P. L. S. Rankin, in 1857, contain^ 33,777 acres. The Muskoka road runs in a north-easterly direction through the township. The fol- lowing extract is taken from Mr. Rankin's report of survey : — " I have to report, that for the purpose of forming a settlement from the Severn to con- nect with Bell's Line to the Ottawa, a sufficiency of good land is found, so far as this town- ship is concerned, lyinaf in a tolerably direct voute from near its S.-W. corner to the Great Falls of JMuskoka, viz: up, or near the side road between lots 20 and 21, to near the top of the 4th concession, and thence along or near to the line by P. Ji. S. Unwin, leading directly fit bri 89 to the Fall, where there is abundaut water-power for mills or any other sort of machinery, and in the neighbourhood of which there is much excellent pine. " As to the character and general features of this part of the country, 1 need only briefly observe, that the rocky ridges (granite) lie generally N. E. and S. W,, and are of greater or less elevation and ruggednsss, — hy far the worst part of the township in this respect being within the limits of the first three concessions. " The shore of the lake also is, almost throughout, rocky and rough. " The best part of the township, and where the largest portions, together, of good land fit for settlement are found, is the N. E. part, bordering on the Muskoka River in both its branches, along the Beaver River, and around the head of Muskoka Bay. " Some of the larger swamps, on being cleared up, and the Beaver Dams, which back water on them taken away, will no doubt prove de.>-irable for cultivation. " The only stream (except Muskoka River itself) of any note is the Beaver River, and that gets very low in summer. " No mill sites, except that at Muskoka Falls, were observed. " The lake abounds in islands — mostly chimps of rock, though generally timbered. " The fish caught here arc Pickerel and Bass in the summer — White Fish and Trout, as I am informed, in the autumn." Gravenhurst — the present terminus of the Northern Railway — is situated on Lake Muskoka in this township. There appear to be about 0,000 acres unlocated. Morrison. Partly bounded on the south-west by the River iScvern and Sparrow hake, and to the north by the township of Muskoka, contains 41,033 acres of land. It was sub-divided into farm lots by J. 0. Browne, P.L.S., in 1800. Extract from the iSurveyor's Report : — " The township upon the whole presents a fine field for settlement, as is witnessed by the number of squatters who have made improvements on the land. The soil is varied both in surface and quality, generally intersected by ridges having a bearing from novth-west to south-east, and of more; or less abruptness as they approach the deep channels of the lakes and rivers, or have been denubed and covered by alluvial soil in the flats and valleys which intervene. " The most rugged and unfavourable portion of the land is in the north and north-west portions of the township. The north east shore of Leg Lake, and some parts of Lake Kah-she- she-bog-a-mog, being flanked by steep bluffs, dripping down into deep water, and producing a stunted growth of dwarf oak, birch and inferior pine. The adjacent rock is gneiss, traversed by intrusive veins of highly crystalized granite and pure quartz, and passing gradually into mica-schist and clay slate. The dip of the strata, where exposed, is from 30° to 45" to the east. " On the more exposed ridges, in several parts of the township, there appears strong in- dications of iron and copper ore of much purity. The spots on which 1 more jiarticul :rly ob- serve, these are on lot 1(5, in concession A; lot 5, concession G ; and to the north of conces- sion line 1 and 2. about lots 30 and 31. " Approaching the southern jiortion of the township the land gradually improves, and particularly upon the eastern shore of Sparrow fjake and the River Severn, and the River Kah-she-she-bog-a-mog on the western side, and upon the southern, and some parts of the eastern portion of the east side, tliere is good breadth of excellent land, j)roducing a prolific growth of valuable timber with indigenuous white clover and nutritious grass. This last n;imed description of land extends into Ryde upon the cast, and into the unsurveyed portion of Rama on the south. The latter I cursorily explored whilst fetcrhing a canoe up the lilack River, which intersects it for about five miles on the south, and I believe tliat it would not only be highly favourable for cultivation, but would materially aid the settlement of the southern and eastern districts of the township of Morrison, if it were opened for sale, as it would afford access to the land which I have described above, on which, to my knowledge, settlers have been deterred from improving by want of access through the wilderness whicli now intervenes between it and the surveyed land. " A very favourable feature in the topography of the district is the extent of water by 00 which it is traversed, affording with little interruption, in its unimproved state, an unbroken chain of communication from either extremity o!' the township to the other, and abounding in excellent fish. " Upon the upper lakes and the river Kah-she she-boga-mog there are several falls well adapted for mill sites. " The central portion of the east side is much occupied by large beaver ponds, which at present obstruct the natiiral drainage of the country, and drown much otherwise available land. The effect of settlement would be the immediate retreat of the beaver and the des- truction of their dams, which would drain down wide breadths of land naturally productive of valuable crops," There are about 19,000 acres unlocatcd. The village of Severn Bridge is situated in the southerly part of the township and is a station on the Northern Railway. Ryde It is bounded by the Township of Dalton on the south, Rama and Morrison on the west, Draper on the north, and Longford on the east. It was surveyed in 1801, and contains 39,054 acres of land. The follow' ' is an extract from P. L. Surveyor Burns' Report of Survey : — " As rc^ .s evenness of country, this township appears to be naturally divided into two section." ^y a stream flowing through it, and coming from the south-eastern portion of Draper, passing through the Kah-shah-bog-a-mog Lake, on the western boundary, into the Severn River. To the south and east of this stream the country is undulating and hilly, containing many excellent hardwood valleys of great or less extent. Throughout the first four concessions, with the exception of about two thousand acres at the south-eastern corner, the approach of the granite rock to the surface docs not render that portion favourable for agricultural purpo.ses. North of the fourth concession the rock is less abundant, and the cha- racter of the country greatly improved. The whole of the south and eastern portion of the township is largely interspersed with swamj,.^, marshes, beaver meadow, and ponds, all con- taining rich and excellent soil, resulting from the debris of matter annually deposited therein, and with proper drainage might be rendered very effectual in producing good crops. To the north and west of the stream above-mentioned, there is a fine level tract of country, well tim- bered with beech and majile. The prevailing soil is a sandy loam, but in many places we find a rich, black mould, and fre({uently a clay sub-soil. The timber consists of maple, beech, hemlock, pine, balsam, tamarack, birch, ironwood, basswood, and spruce, while cedar is plen- tiful in the small swamps. Small poplar may be found in the extreme south-western portion. As a general thing the pine is ncu suitable for merchantable purposes, although in some places a fair proportion exists. " The approach of the Victoria Road will this winter afford an easy mode of access, and will, I think, cause a speedy settlement. The most advantageous site for a village plot would, I think, be at the junction of the townships of Dalton, Digby, Ryde, and Longford. The Black River affords many privileges." There are about 16,000 acres still unlocated in this township. Draper Is situated east of the Township ol Muskoka, and south of Macaulay. The Peterson road runs through almost the centre of the township, until it meets the Muskoka road, which passes through the north-west corner. A portion of the township was surveyed in 1853, by J. K. Roche, P.L.S. ; and the residue was surveyed in 1862, by W. II. Deane, P.L.S. It contains 41,758 acres of land. The following is an extract from P.L.S. Roche's Report of Survey : — " The township of Draper is very well situated in regard to water and mill privileges, the Muskoka River flowing through the township, upon which there is an abundance of power ; and in addition it is cut up in every direction by streams and beaver ponds possessing capabilities of being turned to useful purposes, " The surface of the township is generally hilly, undulating, and rolling, and very much 80 towards the south-eastern part ; the granite rock shows itself near to the surface in most 91 parts, and there is a total absence of limestone throufjhout The soilis principally composed of a sandy loam, in many instances covcitid with a rich black mould ; and in the north-wt'st part of the township wo found a clay subsoil, but sandy loam is the prevailing; soil, and where it is suflBcicntly deep will produce excellent crops. The j^ranito rock, in s:;eneral, is too near the surface to favour the township for agricultural {lurjwses, thouv;h I have no doubt a settlement will soon form, as thoie is a fair proportion of f;oodland adjoininji; the centre line in the valley of the Miiskoka Iliv.jr, and about the north-west corner of the township, where good clay land is to be found. " The timber consists principally of hemlock, maple, beech, balsam, tamarack, and pine, the latter inferior in into three sections, so as to enable a classification to be made, as nearly as possible, of the soil and timber. " Section No. 1, forming thf southern portion of the township, is composed of a 92 lij^ht, sandy loam, and broken by ridges of gneiss rock, and timbered principally with hemlock and pine. " Section No. 2, forming the central portion of the township, is a good, sandy, dark loam, in many portions black, good soil. Along the banks of the Black liiver, there is good clay for lirick-making purposes. In many places along the river there arc flats of rich land. This section is well timbered with maple, beech, basswood, ironwood, elm, lire, and is well adapted for agricultural purposes, having good water privileges for mills and machinery. " Section No. 3, forming the northern portion of the township, is very broken and rocky, and where there is not r- ck, it consists of puro sand, timbered with hemlock, birch, pine, poplar and undergrowth, which renders it cpiite unfit for settlement. " The lakes are very picturesque, and most of them abound with speckled trout. Wood Lake particularly, and also Clear Lake — the latter being named from the purity and clearness of its waters. The Rluskoka Kiver abounds with large speckled trout ; its banks are flat, and composed of pure sand. " Tlu! advantages of settlement are good, owing to the Peterson Road being opened through tlie town.ship, and where it crosses Black River there is an eligible site for a town plot, having advantages of never toiling water privileges, and good land in the vicinity, besides being a central place between the Muskoka Bridge and the junction of the Bobcaygeon and Peterson Roads. " The prospect of settlement is promising, as even now intending settlers are choosing lots, and numbers are flocking to that section of the country from all parts of the Province and elsewhere. On the whole, the township has a fair average of good land for that part of the country." Extract from Mr. Bolger's Report : — " With regard to the land in this portion of the township, I have to say that those lots lying to the west of the Muskoka River, in con- cessions 11, 12, 1.'? and 11, are all tolerably good lots — principally covered with hardwood timber, with a grent deal of pine scattered through. On the east side of the River, there are some fair lots along the northern boundary as far east as lot No. 24, but generally the land to the east of the river is of poor quality, and ill adapted for settlement. The tim- ber is chiefly hardwood, with some hemlock and pine. The pine is mostly of poor quality ; the soil is light, ami the surface rocky. " There is a good road leading from Bracebridge to the bridge across the Muskoka River, on the town line between Oakley and McLean." There are about 34,000 acres still unlocated. McLean. It is bounded on the north by the Township of Brunei, on the east by the Township of Ridout, and on the south of the Township of Oakley, and on the west by the Township of Macaulay. It was surveyed in 18G2 by Provincial Land Surveyor Burns, and contains 37,544 acres of land. The following is an extract from the Surveyor's Report : — "As to the character and general features of this township, I would say that the greater portion of it is well adapted for settlement, much more so than those townships to the south. The extreme southern portion, viz : that adjoining Bell's Line, is rough and rocky, the timber being principally liemlock and small hardwood. The north and eastern portion (the greater part of the township) is well timbered with beech and maple, and is comparatively level. The most western portion is undulating and hilly, consisting chiefly of hardwood intermingled with pine and hemlock. Here there are many beaver ponds and swamps, but all of which might be turned into useful purposes. " The Muskoka River runs (iiagonally through the township, and affords many privi- leges, being broken by many falls and rapids. The country in the immediate vicinity of the river is, for the most j)art, rocky and timbered with pine and hemlock, but a short dis- tance from it on either side, very excellent lund may be found. The township is largely interspersed with lakes, he largest of which i; the Lake of Bays, situated at the north-east corner. The character of the shore of that part of the Lake of Bays that came under my 98 skoka U acres lat the ships to igh and eastern )le, and chiefly [ids and ly privi- linity of lort dis- largely rth-east Ider my notice, like that of the small lakes is rocky and bold, the principal trees consisting of stunted evergreens, luit back from the lake there is a fine, and for the most part level country, with an cxollent growth of beech, maple and birch, with a scattering of oak, A few acres have been cleared by the Indians, on which I noticed corn and potatoes i:rowing. " The geological formation of this part of the country is simple, being composed entirely of granite. " (Tueiss may be found in abundance round the Lake of Bays. There is a total absence nf limestone throughout. The prevailing soil is a sandy loam, but in some places a clay subsoil may be found. The timber, l)esidcs that already mentioned consists of basswood, birch, ironwood, balsam, tamarack, and spiuce. In the western and southern portions of the township a very fair proportion of merchantable timber exists." About 10,000 acres appear to be still unlocated. Baysvillc is situated about the centre of the township on the Muskoka River. Popula. tion about .300. There are saw and grist mills, school-house and three or four stores. A steamboat has recently been put on the Lake of Bays. RiDOUT, Is situated east of the Township of McLean, on the west side of the Bobcaygcon Road. It was surveyed in 18G2, by P. L. Surveyor Rykert, and oontains 33,785 acres of land. E'^tract from the Surveyor's Report : — " The land throughout the township i.s high and rolling, and dotted with lakes and beaver ponds. There are but few swamps, and those of no great extent and readily drained, as many are formed by beaver dams. The soil is a sandy loam, some portions dark, some portions light. The eastern portion of the township is scarcely li!*.ely to be ever fit for tillage owing to the immense amount of loose stones immedi- ately beneatti the surface. The western and north-western portion cannot be excelled for agricultural purposes, and is in every way .superior to most of the land already settled along the Bobcaygeon Road. The whole township is covered with the first description of timber — white and red pine prevail in the east and south ; the roughest portion lying in the central part covered thickly with hemlock, S:c., of large size, and the north-west with the very best of beech and maple. The lie of the land about Trading Lake is very beautiful ; the scenery can scarcely be excelled, and only needs to be examined and a passable route from the settlements opened, to cause a speedy settlement. The lake abounds in fish, maskinonge and speckled trout of the first description are there caught in great abundance by the Indians. The woods abound in wolves, deer, otter, mink, marten, fisher, and beaver. The land, for the most part, about Trading Lake rises gradually from the water's edge ; this, in my opinion, is the only portion or point in the township fit for village settlement. " There are no settlers or any evidence of the township ever having been visited save by hunters and trappers ; it is the favourite hunting ground of the Lake Simcoe Indians in sum- mer, who also make large quantities of sugar. The lakes, for the most part, are deep, and skirted with cedar and hemlock, many with hold rocky banks. The fixed rock, and, in fact, nearly all the rock, is a grey granite, and though I collected specimens and examined the rock and soil in all parts, one specimen will sufiice for the whole township. " The pine, particularly about Black River and the eastern portion of the township can- not be surpassed — the best of mast, spar, and square timber is abundant, many trees excecil- ing six and a half feet in diameter and seventy to one hundred and forty feet high, free from knots or twists." About 21,000 acres appear to be open for location. "Watt, Is .situated east of Lake Rons.seau, and north of the Township of Monck. It was sur ▼eyed in 1865 by T. W. Nash, P. L. S., and contains 35,226 acres of land. Extract from Surveyor's Report: — "The soil of this township has a local reputation of being the best along the Parry Sound Road. The valleys furnish a rich clay loam in some 94 places, inclined to sandy loam — in the hif^h parts the land is not so good, being light sandy soil. " The good land is found in the valleys in all parts of the township, in larger or smaller tracts, there being but few lots but what have some on ; perhaps the valley of Three Mile Lake contains the best lots in the township. There is, however, much good land near Lake Rousseau. " The land taken by squatters is generally all good ; some of the best lots, however, lire still vacant. The poorest portion of the township is that northeast of the Parry Sound Road lots, and that adjacent to the northern boundary, the fourteenth concession being mostly liroken land. The shores of the waters are mostly lined with hemlock and scrubby pines. Maple, balsam, pine, and birch, are found in all parts of the township, beech is found on the high sandy soils ; the pine is not found in groves, so that no portion of the township contains sufficient to reserve for timbering, but it is scattered pretty equally throughout the town- ship, the best perhaps being oa the portage from Lake Rousseau to Three Mile Lake, the largest found were about 3J to 4 feet in diameter, *' The water system is that of the Muskoka River, the whole drainage being to the west, into Lake Rous.seau, thence by Muskoka Lake and River into the Georgian Bay. The surfaces of the lakes are about 100 feet below the main level of the country, and in many places have precipitous banks. Mill seats were found on lots No. 30, con. 1 ; No. 13, con. 4 ; No. 24, con. 8 ; No. 42, con. A. " Tlie very best means of developing the resources of this township and neighbour- hood is that already adopted by Government, by improving the Parry Sound road ; this road effectually opens up the whole of this township for settlement as well as most of the country immediately north and east of Lake Rousseau ; it possesses besides, military considerations of some importance, as it affords military access to the defensive harbour of Parry Sound." About 8,000 acres appear to be unlocated. Stephenson Is. situated north of the Township of Macaulay. It was partly surveyed in 1862 by P. L. Surveyor Gilmour, find contains 42,973 acres of land. The Muskoka Road runs through the township in a north-easterly direction. Extract from Surveyor's R(;port : — " The land in Stephenson, south of the 7th con- cession, is generally of a j;ood quality, and some of it through which the Muskoka Road runs, along the western town line, and in the valley of the Muskoka River, is of the first quality. The soil througli the whole of this tract is a deep and rich sandy loam, with occasionally rocks showing above the surface, but not in sufficient quantity to deteriorate the general excellence of the land, all that portion lying in the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth concessions, and from lot 15 to 22 inclusive, is of excellent quality, undulating and level, and the soil deep and rich. Also the land on the 14th concession from the 21st lot to the easterly boundary, with the exception of some swampy portions, is of the same rich quality. The whole of the above tracts are admirably adapted for settlement, and as the Muskoka Road, now in course of being opened, and the Muskoka River, give the means of ready access to most parts of them, they will soon be occupied by settlers after being opened for sale. The prevailing timber, through the above portions of the town- ship, is black birch, maple, pine, beech, ironwood, hemlock, spruce, balsam and baswood ; although there is a great deal of pine, it is not of much, if any, value, commercially, as it is crooked and knotty, and frequently branches from near the base of the tree ; this is the more to be regretted as they grow to a very large size and are very sound. Through the seventh, eighth and ninth concessions, west of lot 15, the land is of inferior quality, rough, hilly, and in many places rocky, but still with some good scattered patches capable of settlement. North of this the land is utterly valueless, being very much broken into deep narrow valleys, with streams, lakes, or swamps in the bottom, while high, steep, and rocky hills are interspersed all over. The land is composed of hard gneiss rock, covered with a sandy soil a few inches in depth ; and so rough is the country generally that it renders the making of I'oads through it almost an impossibility. I have not surveyed the whole of this portion in detail, in accordance with your instructions on this point, as I the peninsula between the two lakes, although some of the finest white Pine m the township is to be found here. To the south of Echo Lake it is rising and rocky with small hemlock, pine, and oak tim- ber. Lots 20, 21 and 22 are generally good land with beech, maple and large birch tim- ber. The remainder of the concession is broken and rocky with patches of good land. In concessions 11 and 12 the country is generally rocky with swamps intervening in places. Lots 14 to 18 are good land along the front. In the peninsula between the two Bays of Leg Lake, some very fair land is to be found with a light sandy soil. In concessions 15 and IG, it is broken and rocky with small patches of good land. In concessions 18 and 17, from the boundary to lot B, the land is chiefly good, also lots C, D, E. and F are very fii.e clay land with beech, maple and birch timber. There is a fine black-ash swamp in lots E and F. Concessions 19 and 20 are almost one continuous row of rock ridges with small alder swamps intervening. The timber is chiefly small pine and hemlock. " The farming lands in this township present advantages to the settler rarely found in any new township. The Musquosh road passes through it from the Village of Bala at the Musquosh Falls, to Gravenhurst, the terminus of the Northern Railway, and this road is easily accessible from any of the lakes south of it. From Morrison Lake a water route by the Severn River to Severn Bridge is available ; also by the outlet of Leg Lake to that lake ; and a good road is now in use from here to Gravenhurst, only 2J miles, as well as to Lathficld, another station on the Northern Railway, distance only five miles. A good winter road is now in use, so that the settler meets on all sides good and easy means of getting to and from market. Large quantities of logs are yearly taken out by lumbermen in the vicinity, who generally employ a number of men and teams, thus giving winter em- ployment to the settler; and they also pay the highest prico for hay, oats, potatoes, etc." There are about 56,000 acres still unlocated. C!HAPTER III. PAKRY SOUND AGENCY. This agency contains ten townships, situated in the south-westerly portion of the ilis trict of Parry Sound, viz. : Card well, Carling, Christie, Fergu son, Foley, llagerman Humphry, Monteith, McDougall, and McKellar. The agent for these townships is Thomas McMurray, Esq., who resides at the village of Parry Sound, which has already been referred to by Mr. Hamilton in the preceding cliapter, in his " Notes on Localities." During the summer months this place can be easily reached from Toronto in one day, by the Northern Railway from there to CoUingvvood, and thence by steamer to Parry Sound; or it may be reached, both in summer and winter, by the Northern Railway from Toronto to Gravenhurst, thence (in summer) by steamer to Rousseau, tliirty miles, and by stage from Rousseau to Parry Sound, 23 miles. In winter, by stage from Gravenhurst to Parry Sound, via Bracebridge, fifty-five miles. These tcvv uships contain 417,407 acres of land, and there are about 214,000 acres 101 still unlocated. The Crown Land agent reports that about sixty per cent, of the land is fit for settlement. It is considerably broken by ridges of rock, but the valleys between are ex- cellent soil. Although there are considerable flats of clay, the principal part is loam, and the land is rolling and well-watered. Wheat has been raised with great success, also oats, peas, barley, fall rye, and Indian corn ; roots and vegetables produce a large return, and fruit, so far as it has been tried, has been successful. Grapes of the Delaware and Isabella stock have been raised to perfection. On account of elevation and close proximity to the lake, there is more moisture there in summer than in some of the older townships, the beneficial effects of which are realized by the settlers ; for often they enjoy the most delightful growing weather when farmers outside are suffering from drought. Mr. McMur- ray states that stock-farming has been found very profitable, not only because grass-seed and clover grow luxuriantly, but also on account of the native browse, which is very abundant in the woods. It is tender and nutritious ; the cattle are also very fond of it, and fatten quickly on this feed. From this point of view, therefore, those rocky portions which are unfit for cultivation may be utilized for stock farming, as well as for firewood. He considers that there are good openings in the village of Parry Sound for a woollen factory, a tannery, foundry, and a furniture factory. Improved farms can be purchased at from two to five dollars per acre. EXTRACTS FROM SURVEYORS' REPORTS. MCDOUGALL Is situated on the Georgian Bay. It was surveyed in 180G by J. L. P. O'Hanly, P. L. S., and contains 35,521 acres of land. Extract from report of Survey: — " This township has considerable diversity of surface and soil. The surface is generally Hat, having few elevations 100 feet above the level of Georgian Bay. Yet it is much broken both by hills and lakes. The hills for the most part are abrupt and precipitous, falling and rising by steps like a terrace, gradual slopes being rare. The land in many places is of the worst kind, being almost destitute of mould or verdure, while in other parts it is well adapted for settlement. "The timber consists of birch, maple, hemlock, beech, balsam, iroi. /ood, oak, cedar, basswood, spruce, tamarac, ash, elm, poplar and white birch. This is the order of pre- dominancy. There is a great deal of white pine but much scattered, and therefore very difficult to fix its limits, except along the valleys of streams and the margins of lakes and of Parry Sound. Along the latter there is much of inferior quality and stunted growth. It is nowhere to be met with in groves, and nut often in clumps, yet there is scarcely a spot without it ; and the country, viewed at a distance, would be probably considered as a vast pinery. Red pine is entirely unknown. " This township is principally watered by the River Seguin, which enters it from the east by two branches, the northern at lot No. 1, in the 8th concession, fiows southerly a distance of about five miles, and the southern branch at lot !No. 1, in the 4th concession, flows westerly a distance of three and a half miles, uniting at lot No. 11, in the fifth con- cession, flows westerly a distance of three miles, makes an acute angle with its last course, flowing south-easterly enters Mill Lake at two miles, then forming the outlet of Mill Lake flows south-westerly one and a half miles into Parry Sound. " At its mouth is situated the nucleus of the town of Parry Sound, and lumbering establishment of Messrs. J. & W. Beatty & Co. " Between the village and foot of Mill Lake there are three rapids, to obviate which there is a very fair portage road, At the foot of Mill Lake there is a fine water privilege and an excellent site for a mill, on which the Messrs. Beatty have erected a dam, and made other improvements to facilitate the descent of saw-logs, and husband the spring's flood for the summer's consumption, of which Mill Lake is the reservoir. The chute is about 18 feet high. " Mill Lake, the largest inland lake in the township, is very picturesque with its deep bays, I: old blufi's and pretty islands. From Mill Lake to the forks there is very 102 little obstruction to the navigation, except in the dry season that it becomes very shallow and unsafe for bark canoes. " From the forks, for about two miles, the north branch is composed of a series of rapids and cataracts, alternating with small basins of still water. The navigation here is wholly impracticable. The scenery is extremely wild and romantic. There are many water privileges, which are not likely to be useful within a reasonable time, and therefore for the present, at least, absolutely worthless. To obviate this there is a canoe route by Trout Lake, and two smaller ones, and entering the north branch at the head of these rapids. From this to the eastern boundary, the river may be called three narrow, shallow lakes divided by three short rapids, where it crosses at the foot of the Chutes from Mana- tawabi Lake. " The south branch, from the forks to the eastern boundary, has but one small rapid, but nearly the whole way it is swift and shallow. This stream, as far as I have seen it, is well adapted for the descent of saw-logs and timber. " There are primarily two conditions essential to the success of a new settlement. The fi'ot is good land, and the second cheap and expeditious access to markets or centres of trade, without both these conditions new settlements cannot flourish, and it is unfor- tunate they seldom go hand in hand. The former to raise abundant crops, and the latter to dispose of them at remunerative prices. I have seen uew settlements where the land was of good quality in a very languishing condition for the want of the other. For with- out competition the redundant crop is sold at a sacrifice, whilst purchasable necessaries are exorbitantly high. " Though this township has not the first condition in a pre-eminent degree, yet it has a good deal of land well calculated to recon pense industrious labour, and has very supe- rior advantages in the second condition. A steamer plies between Parry Sound and Collingwood, and thence by rail to Toronto, so that Parry Sound, in the summer season is in direct communication with all the civilized world." There are about 8,000 acres still unlocated in the township. Foley Is situated south of the Township of McDougall — the north-west corner of it touch- ing on Parry Sound. It was surveyed in 1866 by George A. Stewart, P.L.S., and con- tains 36,043 acres of land. Extract from Surveyor's Report : — " The Parry Sound Colonization Road passes diagonally through the township from south-east to north-west, thus facilitating in the best possible manner the settlement of it. " A large proportion of this township is occupied by water, a cliaracteristic common to this portion of the Province. The lakes throughout the township are generally very irregular in outline, presenting bold, rocky shores, and great depth of water. An ex- amination of the map will show their position and extent. It will be observed that towards the western part of the township they become more numerous and irregular, as we approach the Georgian Bay. These lakes present scenery of singular beauty and variety, and possess many attractions to the sportsman and tourist. The hills throughout the township are generally rugged anci rocky, presenting in some cases im- passable barriers. " The rivers are of small dimensions, connecting the several lakes. The principal river, after passing through several lakes, continues its course westerly along the tenth conces- sion, and empties into Parry Souml near the western boundary of the township. It has several lulls in its course, which miglit be made available for manufacturing purposes. " A lake of some magnitude occupies a considerable portion of the centre of the township. It is named by the Indians Nig-ga-go-bing, and extends its numerous bays in several directions from the main body, its shape being very irregular. Its waters are discharged through a short river into a small lake on lots 130, 131 and 132, in concession A, and from thence into Lake Pot-tah-cah-win-wa-na, and from thence through a longer stretch of river into the Sound, at lot number tliirty-five in the ninth concession. Where this river crosses lots 139 and 140, in concession B, are falls of some twenty feet head. *' The only other rivers of any consequence are, that ruiming from Pah-she-gong-ga 103 Lake into a small lake on lots six and seven, on the third concession, and ''nother from Lake Che-pah- gua-ne-ne-na, across lots 128 and 129, in concession A. The former is sluggish in its course and contains no falls, but the latter is precipitated over several ledges of rocks, and affords some mill power for manufacturing purposes. It falls probably some twenty-five feet. " I have endeavoured to indicate on the timber plan accompanying tb'^se returns the general divisions of the timber throughout the township. The difficulty of rendering anything like a correct representation of all the various characters which the country presents, is well known to those who have made the attempt, so that only the general subdivisions are attempted, as being all that is deemed necessary. It will be found, therefore, that in many places throughout the portion shown as hardwood land, rough precipitous barriers of rock present themselves, and low wet swamps incapable of drainage ; but on the other hand, there are small patches, containing perhaps several hundred acres, to be found throughout the portion shown on the plan as rough rocky land. " Land of excellent quality will be found in several places alone; the southern boundary, particularly from lot number one to number eight, and from fourteen westward to lot twenty-four. Towards the western end of tbis boundary the land becomes rougher and more broken, altliongh still containing .«mall patches of gooil land. At the south-west angle of the township a very extensive marsh occurs, which rendered it difficult to con- tinue the survey to that corner. " Along the line between the second and third concessions are considerable tracts of very excellent land, more particularly at lots seven, eight, nine and ten in those conces- sions, and westward from lot number twenty-eight may much good land be found. In the north-eastern part of the township are large tracts of good land, particularly from lot three to lot ten, in the tenth and eleventh concessions. Also from lot fourteen to twenty-three, in those concessions. So that generally throughout the township large tracts may be found well suited for settlement. Indeed, I have no hesitation in saying that the whole township will compare most favourably with any other that has come under my observation throughout the surveyed lands in what is commonly known as the Ottawa and Huron tract. " The numerous lakes throughout this country offering difficulties to transmit from one part of a township to another are often the cause of reported tracts of good land not being taken up, and the township of Foley will be found to be no exception in this respect, con- taining, as it does, a moro than usually large water surface ; but the position of the Parry Sound Road counteracts in a great measure the evils arising from that source. " There are no large tracts of good pine found in the townslnp, though occasional groups of very excellent red pine may be met with throughout the hnrdwood tracts wortliy of the attention of the luiubermun. Oak of good quality may be soen in various parts of the town- ship, and birch is very abundant generally. " All rock exposures throughout the township bear the strongest evidence of its being situated wholly within the Laurentinn formation, enormous masses of gneiss rearing their faces like perpendicular wall are constantly met with. These rocks bear the usual cliaracter- istics of the gneiss. Stratified beds, varying in thickness from an inch or less to many feet, composed generally of quartz, feldspar and mica, and sometimes hornblende. I looked in vain for any indications of a higher formation, or for any tracings of crystalline limestone, and for that reason I did not think it necessary to transmit any specimens of the rocks to the Department, as they appeared to be ordinary gneiss, differing only in the proportions of the constituents — quartz, feldspar and mica. There were strong indications, however, in many places of iron ore, and the effect on the magnetic needle was very troublesome, at times causing a variation of as much as fifteen or twenty degrees. I was not able to discover anything resembling ore on the surface, or samples would have been forwarded." About liJ,000 acres appear to be unlocated. Humphry Is situated north of Lakes liosseau and Joseph, and south of the town.ship of Christie. It was surveyed in 1860-67 by F, L. Surveyor Gibb'*, and contains 35,0.") 1 acres of land. The Parry Sound runs tin.i jh the township in a north westerly direction. 104 Extract from report of survey : — " The township of Humphry embraces an area of 49,596 acres, about 12,496 acrcB lying under the waters of Lukes Rousseau and Joseph, and sundry others of less size. The two first named extend across a considerable portion of the south part of the township, and are in great part environed by hilly banks, with here and there high and precipitous rocks of gneiss, syenite, and others of granitic and quarztsose cha- racter, which kinds prevail pretty generally throughout the adjacent country. " The surface, although a good deal broken in this manner, is freely diversified with rolling hills and land more slightly undulating, covered with a growth of heavy timber, con- sisting of maj le, beech, birch, basswood, ironwood, hemlock, white pine, and other kinds common to this section of country ; also tamarac, balsam, spruce, cedar, black ash, and alder swamps. Beaver meadows with an exuberant growth of grass (the " blue joint "), cranberry marshes, and some portions too rocky for cultivation — the whole interspersed with lakes and small streams, in the greater numl)cr of which Hows clear and limpid water. " The streams being inconsiderable in size do not afford very j)ermanent privileges for ma- chinery, but the falls situated on both sides of the north boundary of concession B, upon Oak Creek which is the largest stream in the township, I have no doubt will be found a great con- venience for mill purposes to the settlers. Skiffs and canoes have access for upwards of about two miles from the mouth of the creek, and at low water , and it could be made available for driving pine logs and timber several miles from Lake Rousseau in the spring of the year. The lakes and streams abound with fish in variety, as salmon and speckled trout, white-fish, pickerel, bass, porch, &c., and there is ample scope for the sportsman along their banks and in the adjacent woods, in pursuit of game. Deer, rabbits and partridge are especially plentiful. " A portion of the tract of high land situate between the north westerly bays of Lake Rousseau and Lake Joseph, together with a strip of land extending along the easterly boundary line, northward from the Pariy Sound read and along the northern boundary, next the north east angle of the township comprising about 8,000 acres, being much broken with rock, affords little inducement for settlement ; but after this deduction is made T believe the township gen- erally contains more good land than most others recently surveyed, with which I am acquaint- ed. The rich loamy soil of the higher land, not rocky, is well suited for agriculture, and will doubtless produce excellent crops of the different kinds of roots and cereals adapted to the climate ; and the low lands produce most luxuriant grass — a great advantage to the enrly settler, in feeding and raising stock. " During the past season, peas, oats, Indian corn, potatoes, turnips, tobacco, melons, and sundry productions were cultivated by the few settlers present, with much success." About 10,000 acres appear to be unlocated. There are two villages in this township — Rousseau, which is at the head of the Lake of that name, and is about 35 miles from Brace* bridge ; and Ashdown, which is about 27 miles from Bracebridge and 14 from Port Car- ling. Cardwell witb| fur-i hard] of ql quirc[ ship, I the prim.1 small Is within the limits of the district of Muskoka, although belonging to the Parry Sound agency. It is situated cast of the Township of Humphry, and was surveyed in 186G, by F. A. Baldwin, P.L.S. 'i'he area is 46,275 acres of land. Extract from the Surveyor's Report : — " The country through which the old Parry Sound road passes, being composed of ridges of rock, with swales intervening, the soil red sand, and timbered with hemlock and alder, I consider it to be altogether unfit for settle- ment. The remaining portion of the township, with the exception of the 13th and 14th Con- cessions, from lot number five to lot thirty-five, is fit for agricultural purposes, and especially along the easterly boundary, which is very fine land, extending eastward to Vernon river and lake. Also akmg the banks of a small stream, called by tlie settlers Rosseau River, and by the Indians Rinuwahbiking, which is from thirty to forty links wide. " The valley along the stream, up to the 9th Concession, is extremely good land, having a heavy clay soil, which is flooded by the creek every spring. This stream is used by the Indians as a canoe route in the spring, when there is plenty of water, but during the summer is abandoned, owing to the want of water. It drains the whole of the Township of Cardwell, and is principally fed by large swamps ; the water is very dark and offensive during the warm weather. " The lakes of this township, for this section of country, though few in number, abound 105 with fish, principally Balmon trout, and the woods are well stocked with deer and partridges. The fur-bearing animals have become nearly extinct. The timber in the township is composed of hardwood and hemlock, with some small pine — the pine not being in sufficient quantity or of quality to admit of" being retained for lumbering; purposes, though ample for local re- quirements. " I have carefully noted all mill sites in my field notes — there are several in the town- ship, principally along Rosseau river, having a good supply of water for the greater part of the year. " The geological features of this part of the country are wholly of the g issoidal or primary formation, specimens of which I have secured to send to Sir W. Logan. " I have not noticed any point in the township which would be suitable for a town-plot, owing to the town-plot in the Township of Humphry (Rousseau) being close to the town line, and at the head of Lake Rousseau, which is the most suitable place for it." There are about 30,000 acres still unlocated. Christie Is situated north of Humphry. It was surveyed in 1869, by John Grant, P.L.S., and contains 43,959 acres of land. The following is an extract from Mr. Grant's report : — " The land on Concessions 2 and 3, from lots 5 to 11, I did not post owing to its being exceedingly rough and unsuited for agricultural purposes, being broken with rock and hills of steep declivities. The South-eastern portion of the Township is rocky, with small patches of good land intervening. " Concessions 1, 2 and 3. From lots 11 to 22 is good land of a rich sandy loam and timbered with maple, pine, balsam and birch. Con. 1, Lots 27 to 35 inclusive, with the exception of lots 32 and 33, the soil is of a clay loam. " Con. 4 and 5, lots 10 and 11, and 15 to 21 inclusive, the surface is undulating; soil clay loam ; timbered with elm, oak, ironwood, maple, basswood, birch. Cons. 6 and 7, lots 15 and 16, and from lot 20 to 25 inclusive, the land is rolling sandy loam; the tim- ber is very much mixed. Con. 8 is much broken by hills, and rocks, and water, and contains very little land fit for cultivation excepting lots 14, 15, 16 and from lot 20 to 26 inclusive. The soil is a light clay loam, timber, hardwood — a fvjw pine. " The central part of the Township, North of Concession 8, comprised between lots 15 to 26 inclusive, presents throughout nearly the same features as previously described, namely of a good quality. " Con. 1 1 and 1 2, from lot 1 to 5 inclusive ; is generally low land and capable of drainage, by a gentle descent to the Seguin River which runs through the Western part of the block. " With the exception of many isolated patches, I have described the good land con- tained in the Township. " The residue is hilly, rocky and swampy. A considerable portion of the Township is occupied by water ; the lakes being abundantly supplied with fish, such as trout, pike, bass and perch. "The road allowances are so much broken up with rock, hills and water that I can- not recommend any particular one to to the notice of the Government for a leading road through the Township — for the reason above assigned. " There is a good water-fall or mill site on lot 17 in the 3rd Concession, at the nar- row portage, and at the outlet of Star Lake. " The rocks are all of the Laurentian formation." There are about 27,000 acres unlocated. MONTEITH Is situated north of the Township of Cardwell. It was surveyed in 1870, by Thomas Byrne, P.L.S., and contains 46,373 acres of land. The following is an extract from Mr. Byrne's report : — " The Township may be considered as having three natural divisions. 106 " The first, comprising the south eastern and north-western portions, and covering an area of about one half of the Township, is generally good hardwood land of a rich sandy loam with a clay subsoil, and well suited for agricultural purposes. Tlie timber is princi- pally maple, birch, beech, basswood, iron wood, hemlock and balsam. " The second, or central part, is very much broken by rocks, swamps, lakes and streams, although tracts of good land occur. It is chiefly timbered witli pine and hemlock, the former of excellent quality and in sufficient quantities for lumbering purposes ; and the Parry Sound River, which runs through this portion of the Township, affonls a good means of taking out timber. "The third, or north-eastern and south-western portions, with an area of about one- eighth of the whole, consists of burnt land, the timber, and in many places the soil, having been consumed by fire. " The rock exposures are invariably of the granite or gneiss formation, common to the surrounding townships, so I did not deem it necessary to collect any specimens. " Settlement has already made some progress along the Rousseau and Nipissing rf)ad, and I have no doubt that during the present summer every lot along the road to the north of the Parry Sound River will be occupied. " The liousseau and Nipissing road, in coimection with the Parry Sound road and the steam navigation of Lakes Rosseau and Muskoka, afford a good means of developing the resources of the Township." About 35,000 acres remain unlocated, but as there were a number of squatters in the township when it was opened for location (which took place quite recently), it is not con- sidered that near that quantity is available. Fergusson Is situated north of the Township of McDougall. It was surveyed (in part) in 18G9 by J. W. Fitzgerald, P.L.S., and the residue was surveyed in 1873, by Francis Bolgt-r, P.L.S. It contains 31,837 acres of land. The following is an extract from Mr. Fitzgerald's report : — " The surface of the portion surveyed is generally of a rolling character, and although not what may be termed broken, yet contains a very large portion of rough land unfit for settlement. The Great Northern Road, commencing at Parry Sound, follows very nearly the course of my line surveyed in 1864-6.5 ; but, on reaching this township detours to the east, instead of following the exploring line, which takes a more northerly course. Along the course of both these lines the land is more level and uniform than is met with else- where, and it may be that the deviation to the east is an advantage in view of the existei.ce of good lands in McKellar, and of forming a connection with the projected line from the Nipissing Road " In Concessions A and B, which front on the road, there are some fair lots, covered chiefly with hardwood timber. The best of these are occupied by settlers, who, in a few cases, have erected shanties and made some clearings to place under crop this spring. Tlie east of the township surveyed north of these Concessions, is of an inferior kind, although small isolated patches of clay land are occasionally met with. Where these are found, the soil is usually deep and rich. " In that portion of the township bordering on Long Lake and further north, a tract of about 6,000 acres has been over-run by fire and the timber on it, at no time of much value, destroyed. " The whole of this section is worthless and unfit for settlement, being rendered com- paratively destitute of its soil, and broken by rocky ridges enclosing small cedar, spruce and tamarack swamps. " Towards the N.E. front, in the vicinity of Shawanaga Lake, some fair scattered white pine occurs, suitable for board timber, but there is very little, if any, in the township large or good enough for square timber. Over the whole of the rest of the part surveyed, the timber is of inferior quality and very mixed. It is princip*lly composed of hemlock, birch, maple, spruce, balsam, &c., of average size. There are no streams of importance in the surveyed part of Fergusson, except Shawanaga River, which passes out of it at the north-east corner. Survc to the Along coyered Im a few ,g. The ilthough UnJ, the a tract I of much |red coni- r, spruce ted white hip large jyed, the lemlock, Iportance lit at the 107 "The lakes all through this section are of clear, good water, and abound in all the va- rieties of fish usually found in the waters of Georgian Bay or Lake Huron. The rock is. of course, granite, but in no case that I have seen, attains to any height. " Reviewing the whole of what I surveyed of this township, I should hardly say 30 per cent, of it is fitted for settlement, although a large proportion beside may be found fit for grazing and other purposes." Extract from Mr. Bolger's report : — " The part of the Township of Fergusson that I surveyed, has been to a large extent run over by fire, leaving only a border of about half a mile in width abutting on ' Long Lake ' untouched. There is some excellent well tim- bered land to bo met with here." There appear to be about 21,000 acres unlocated. MoKellar, Situate north of Christie ; surveyed into farm lots, in 1869, by Provincial Land Surveyor J. W. Fitzgerald ; contains 44,755 acres of land. The following is an extract from Mr. Fitzgerald's report : — " A large portion of the easterly part, comprised between the east boundary and side line 15 and 16 is considerably broken, with the exce})tion of a good tract around and north of Oliver Lake, containing some 3,000 Mcres, and some occasional flats of a few hundred acres each along the course of the Manitouwabin River. There iire in this part of the Township a few granite ledges separated by swamps of various extent, yi( Iding cedar of enormous size, running up to five and sometimes six feet in diameter. " Good sized spruce and tamarack are also scattered over this tract, interraixedwithhem- lock, pine, liirch, maple, balsam, &c. The pine is generally of inferior quality, though a large proportion of it may bo found answerable for local purposes. " Some scattered white oak, varying from 12 to 30 inches in diameter, and 20 to 30 feet in length, are of frequent occurrence all through McKellar, and in places sufficient may be found to render its manufacture a profitable investment. It is all sound aad very straight. The soil throughout this easierly division of the Township is clay and clay loam, variously mixed. On side hills and upwards it is generally lighter, more stony and gravelly, but along the course of streams and in the valleys the soil is always deep and heavy. " I would put down the aviiihible land of this division, containing some 21,000 at acres about 40 per cent, or say from 8,000 to 9,000 acres of good land. "From Lot 15 to the west boundary, embracing about 29,000 acres, the whole may be described as fair land ; some very good and equal to the best I have seen in any part of the Ottawa and Huron territory. The surface is generally level and seldom broken by naked rock in the neighbourhood of Manitawabin Lake, and along the river there is excellent clay land, yielding large pine and hemlock, with the u.sual varieties'of hardwood ; a quantity of white oak, growing perhaps thicker and larger than elsewhere in the Township, is found in patches in the south part of this division. These are known as " Oak flats," though I hardly think they are fully entitled to the name, as the oak in general is found mixed with the other timber and forms only a small proportion of it. " On the three streams that flow into Manitouwabin Lake, there are some tolerable mill sites, capable of aflFording sufficient head of water for ordinary purposes. " One on lot 16, concessionsjlV. and V., is favourably situated, being surrounded by a fine tract of land, yielding a quantity of good pine and oak. Another mill site, with a natural waterhead of five feet occurs in rear of lots 24 and 25, Concession A, in the midst of a fair pine country, apparently extending into ' Ilagerman." " Within a few yards of the Great Northern Road, on Lot 20 Concession B, there is another pretty mill site claimed by one Daniel Armstrong, who has taken up the Ijot and made some improvements on it. In this neighbourhood and on the south shore of Manitou- wabin Lake, a great many lots have been taken up and partially improved. " Of the land area of this werterly division of the township 1 should certainly say that 80 per cent, is fit for cultivation." About 18,000 acres appear to be still unlocated. The Village of McKellar ia situated in the western part of the township about 16 miles north of Parry Sound. It has a popu- lation of about 100. 108 Haqerman Is situated north of the township of McKellar. It was surveyed in 1869 by Thonia& Byrne, P. L. S., and contains 45,389 acres of land. Extract from Surveyor's report : — " In order to describe the land, timber and capabilities of the township, I have divided It into seven sections, on the timber tracing accompanying the returns. " Section No. 1 is a large tract of land extending from the western boundary to lot 29, and from tho southern boundary to conces.sions lines 4 and 5. There are large tracts of excellent land in it. With the exception of that portion lying to tho south of Lorrimer Lake, and west of the rear line of concession A, which is much broken by rocks and swamps, there is scarcely a lot in it tliat does not contain a fair proportion of good land. The soil is sandy loam, with clay sub-soil in places. The timber is composed of hemlock, black birch, balsam, basswood, ironwood, maple, pine, oak, cedar, spruce, tamarack and black ash. Tliero are a few lots in this section taken up by settlers. " Section No. 2 is much broken by rocks, hills and swamps — the land generally being of an inferior quality, affording no attractions to the intending settler ; small tracts of good land, however, are to be met with in the valleys. The timber is composed of hemlock, balsam, birch, maple, tamarack, cedar and black ash. " Section No. 3 is a large tract of good land, and by far the most important portion of the township. There is scarcely a lot in it that has not a fair proportion of land fit for cultivation and free from rocks. The soil is principally sandy loam, with clay sub-soil. The timber is birch, maple, hemlock, balsam, black ash, cedar and a few pine. " Section No. 4 is a large tract of very inferior land, affording no attraction to the in- tending settler, being liigh, rolling, rocky and barren, with a few second growth pine, white birch, poplar and balsam. " Section No. 5 is a narrow tract of tolerably good land, the soil being sandy loam with clay subsoil in places. The greater portion of it is fit for settlement. The timber is ma[)le, hemlock, birch, beech, balsam, and a few good white pine. " Section No. 6 is a small tract of swampy land, the soil being vegetable overlying clay cr gravel. The timber is spruce, tamarack, cedar and black ash. " Section No. 7 is a large tract of land, which has been recently run over by fire. The timber and soil are all burnt, leaving the rocks bare. "Although I have endeavoured to indicate on the timber tracing the general division of the timber throughout the township, the difficulty of rendering anything like a correct representation is well known to those who have made the attempt, so that only the general sub-divisions are attempted. The timber throughout the greater part of the township is so mixed that I can scarcely tell in what order to put it. Cedar, hemlock, maple, all mixed together. " There are a number of small lakes in this township, otdy three of which, however, are worthy of notice, viz : White Stone Lake, Shawanaga Lake and Lorrimer Lake, the latter of which abounds with excellent fish. " The township is well watered by numerous brooks and streams, none of which aflford mill sites. Deer and fur bearing animals abound in this township. " The rock exposures in this township present no variety ; they all bear the strongest evidence of being situated wholly within the Laurentian formation, stratified beds varying in thickness from an inch to several feet, composed generally of quartz, feldspar and mica. I could not find any indications of a higher formation. There were strong indications in many places of iron ore, and the effect on the magnetic needle was very troublesome. I was not, however, able to discover anything resembling ore on the surface, or I would have transmitted it with the other specimens collected to the Provincial Geologist at Montreal. " With regard to the Great Northern Road, I have only to say that the position selected is the best in the township, and affords the best line of communication with Parry Sound." About 26,000 acres appear to be still unlocated. 109 , Cauling I.S situated on the Georgian Bay, west of the Townships of McDougall and Fergusson, It was surveyed in 1873 by Francis Bolger, P. L. S., and contains 52,92G acres of land. The following is an extract from Mr. Bolger's Keport : — " From a close examination during the progress of the survey, I consider there is a little over one-third of the Township of Curling fit for settlement. The larger part of the good land lies to the south of tlie land between concessions two and three, having Parry bound as its southern limit. There are, however, some excellent tracts of land to be found in the more central parts of the township. The line between lots 25 and 2G may be said to be the dividing line between the good and the bad land. The tract of country lying to the west of this line, extending to Parry Sound on the south, and to the Georgian Bay on the west, is valueless. " The timber met with in the hardwood sections is of the best quality. It consists of maple, birch, beech, elm and oak, with pine of very excellent quality largely interspersed throughout. The land where maple and birch are the prevailing woods is generally of a ricli, sandy loam ; where beech constitutes the principal timber, the land is of a gravelly or sandy nature. " There are about sixteen settlers or squatters in the township. They have selected localities in the part originally known as the " McDougall flxtension." Many of them have made considerable clearings, and put up comfortable shanties. I have made surveys of tlieir clearings, which I have indicated on the accompanying plan by a red tint. They raise very good green crops, such as potatoes, cabbages, turnips and beet roots. There is not much grain as yet sown by them, but, I have no doubt, as soon as the north-west colonization road is extended into the township, so as to allow them a means of transport- ing their grain to the nearest market, (Parry Sound,) that it will be cultivated to a large extent. The farmer in that district can commence his spring work somewhat earlier than in other portions of the country, owing to the fact of the ground not being frozen to any depth. The snow falls early in the year, and covers the gro>ind before the severe frost sets in. I found this to be of great advantage, as I was enabled to have the posts firmly driven into the ground." There are about 33,000 acres still unlocated. CHAPTER IV. MAGANETAWAN AGENCY. This agency contains three Townships — Chapman, Croft and Spcnce. The ag«int is S. G. Best, Esq., who resides at the Townplotof Maganetawan, situated in the Township of Chapman, where the Maganetawan River crosses tlie Nipissing Road. It is about 40 miles north of llousseau, the head of navigation, and communication with the latter place i» at present by stage. Maganetawan promises to be a thriving place — there are very valuable mill privileges there, with water-power sufficient for a number of mills and other factories. A large saw-mill is now in operation, and it is expected that a gx'ist and oat- nieal mill will be erected in a short time. There is also a Public School ; and two churches lie spoken of. From this point the Maganetawan River is navigable for quite a large- ^ized steamer for some 25 miles to the east — through the Townships of Chapman, Ryer- son, and into Armour, and from 12 to 15 miles to the west, through the Township of Croft. Should a lock be built at the Falls there would be unbroken navigation on this river for about 40 miles. These Townships contain 138,710 acres of land, of which about 80,000 acres appear to be available for settlement. 110 Chapman, ♦ Is nituatod on thf' Kousseau and Nipissing road, north-west of Ryerson. It was surveyed in 1870, by Henry Jjillio, P.L.8., and contains 45,186 acres of land. Extract from Surveyor's lloport : " The land in this township is generally brolccn and hilly. The northern and north-weatern part is roU{;;h and broken by rocky ledges, varying in height from 50 to 150 feet. " This quarter is also interspersed with some heavy swamps. The easterly portion is high undulating land. The central and southern parts are more level. In the vicinity of Se Sebc Lake, and along Distress Kiver, for some distance on each side, from its mouth to about the TJth Concession, there is a good deal of what may be termed bottom land inter- woven with swamp. " The soil on the higher portions is chiefly a sandy or gravelly loam. In the more level sections it is principally a whitish clay or clay-loam of excellent quality. This produces lux- urient crops of hay, oats, and cereals, clearly evinced by the crops grown during the past season by the settlers, along the Rousseau and Lake Nipissing line of road. Beaver meadows are quite numerous. Some of them large and producing a fine quality of wild hay. The beavers have mostly abandoned their works in this township, so that settlers can with but little labour procure large quantities of valuable hay, at a trifling cost ; by draining, many of these meadows might easily be reclaimed and made arable land. " The timber is varied. In those section.s where the land is unduiaiing but not lediry, the timber is chiefly birch, hemlock, maple, and balsam. The higher and more rooky portions are timbered with hemlock, maple, birch, ironwood, balsam, and cedar, and in the north and north-western parts with pine, hemlock, balsam, and cedar. In these sections there is con- siderable pine generally of good size. Messrs. Dodge & Co., who own extensive lumber limits in that vicinity, have already culled the best of the timber from this tract. It is now considered too scattered to be of sufficient importance for lumbering purposes. Beech was only found in small quantities, mostly in the easterly part of the township. Basswood, elm, and ash are rarely met. " On the more level portions the timber is birch, balsam, hemlock, spruce, and cedar, with an occasional pine. " The swamps are considerable, and, in the north-western part, contain much valu.ible cedar of large size. Those, in other localities, being mostly tamarack, or tamarack, cedar, and spruce. " I may remark here, that birch and balsam abound to a very large extent in this town- ship. The former grows to a large size. Not unfrequently to from 2j to 3J feit in diameter. " The township is generally well watered with brooks and streams which empty into the larger streams and 1 ikes ; the most important being the Maganetawan River, Se Sebe Lake, and Distress River. The former crossing the south west corner of the township, and the latter flowing from the northern boundary of the township in a southerly direction, and emp- tying into Se Sebe Lake, near Miller's Falls. " The banks of Se-Sebe Lake, for the most part, rise gradually from the shore, whicii, in many places, is shallow and sandy. They afford many desirable locations for agriculture and eligible sites for building. At the foot of this lake are Miller's Falls, where the water is divided into three branches, each branch affording abundant water power for extensive mills and manufactories. " The water here is durable at all seasons, and the site affords great natural facilities for manufacturing purposes. From its situation, 1 think it is destined to become the centre of business for a large circle of the surrounding country. '' They are claimed by and in possession of Mr. James Miller. " Distress lliver is a very crooked stream, from 80 links to 1 chain in width, with only a gentle current and low banks from its mouth to the llth concession. From iliis poiut to the northern boundary, the river has a more rapid current, with high and generally bold and rocky banks. We met with no falls of any importance on this stream. On lot 21, con. xi., there are rapids in all about 3 feet, where, by coustructiug a dam across the stream, a very good mill site could be procured. " Horn Lake, named from its peculiar an are deep and exceedingly transparent. Its shores are generally bohl and rocky. With, its islands, it affords much striking and beautiful scenery. " Ah-Mik Lake, in the south-west corner, is mostly situated in the Township of* Croft. It is a noble sheet of water, and one of the principal waters of the Maganetawan Kiver. Its batiks on the east, in Chapman, generally slope gradually from the shore. It affoids an easy access from Dodge (fe Co.'s depot, in Ryerson, up the Maganetawan to Miller's Falls. Ah-Mik and Se-Sebo Lakes abound with excellent fish, consisting of bass, pikerel, white fish, and speckled trout. The latter are frequently met with in some of the smaller streams. Of the other waters little can be said. The slmrt's of Diie Lake, on the wustt!rn boundary, are chiefly bold and rocky. Its outlet on lot 35, con. ix., is a considerable stream. " The geological features are not very striking. As I have before remarked, a great portion of this township is broken and rocky, and when rocky, characterised chiefly by ledges. These embrace the gneissoid rock of the Laurentian formation, and are very similar in the different sections of the township. In some places, near the lakes, there were indications of a drift formation. Large boulders were quite numerous, some of tliem being from 12 to 15 feet across, and 6 to 8 feet high. I met with no quartz, sand, or lime-stone rock. "Finding but few indications of mineral ore, I have not considered it necessary or important, tliouuh I collected a few, to transmit any specimens of rock to Sir W. E. Logan, Provincial Geologist. "The local attraction of the needle was but slight, as a rule, though somewhat fre- quent, and troubl(!some in the north-west corner of the township, and on side line 20, 21, ill concession 3 and 4. " This township ranks among the first in its advantages for settlement. The Lake Kousseaii and Nipis.sitiu' ColDnization road, running diagonally across tlio township when completed will, in my judgment, shortly become a leading thoroughfare from tli*i\., whi, reiidea in the township ol' i'»rry, at Knisdale. It iH about oi'^hteon niiluH north of lluntsville at the orosHinj? of the Muskoka and tlic i'orry and Montoith roads. These townshijis contain r25,7i>l acres of land, of wliioh about '^'tfiOO acres are still un- located ; but all of this (|uuntity is not open for Hetleuiont.as ijuite a number of the S(|uattorH who settled in the townships (especially Perry and Armoui ) before they were placed in the mar- kct, have not as yet taken the necessary steps to be iooatod. McMuuRicn ! ridges can believe success IS well ip, but on the Tovvn- n, a is the 5chool. Is situated north of the township of Stisted. It was surveyed in 1870 by C. F. Miles, P.L.S. and contains 3)S,787 acres of land. The following is an extract from Mr, Miles's report ; — "With regard to the land, the greater portion of the township is composed of open roll- ing hardwood land, interspersed witii a certain proportion of tamarack, spruce and cedar Rwamps very wet in some places, owing to the Hooding of crt^eks, dammed by beaver. " There is a fair proportion of good land in the neighbourhood of ' Big I'^ye ' Lake, tim- bered with hardwood, and mixed with basswood, elm and oak, which, as a general rule, is a siiiu of good land in these regions. " The soil wherever examined, consists of a good sandy loam, on the uplands, and of u rich block loan) in the low lands, the latter generally having a clay subsoil in the tamarack and spruce swamps, and very often a sandy subsoil in the cedar swamps. " The local rocks, which are often exposed on the hardwood ridges, and on the edges of cedar swamps, consist of a red granite, with veins of gneiss running tbrough, and are the same throughout the township. I examined the rock, wherever exposed, but found no trace of mineral matter. " The timber is distributed in the following order and quantity, viz : — black birch, which grow to a large size, maple, hemlock, balsam, pine, spruce, tamarack, cedar, ironwood, bass wood, elm and oak. •'The township is watered by numerous small streams, running into the larger lakes, such as Axe Lake, Round Lake and Buck Lake, the former two emptying into the latter, and ul timately into the Muskoka River. Also ' Big Eye ' Lake, or ' Miuneh !j;at-bish-ing.' Into this lake empties itself, a small stream called by trappers ' March Creek,' which is navig- able for canoes, some seven or eight miles, and often used by Parry Sound Indians, us a short cut for the Maganetawan, by way of ' Big Eye ' Lake, which empties itself into that river. " In regard to advantages for settlement, McMurrich compares favourably with the townships lying to the south, and previously surveyed. "The largest tract of uninterrupted good land, also having a fair proportion of good pine thereon, lies along the line between concs.sions 4 and 5, west of Lot 16, and comprising about 2,000 acres, the greater portion of which is perfectly level. As a general thing the ridges run about north and south, through the swamps and marshes, and wind themselves round in every direction. " An excellent tract of meadow land, with a fine stream, five or six feet deep, meandering through it, lies west of Lot 25, on line between Concessions 8 and 9. A similar tract lies on Concessions 1,2, and 3, near Axe Lake. " While the Lakes are open, access can be had from the south by way of the Stephen- son (Muskoka) road, Vernon, Fox and Buck Lakes, with two short portages. From the north by way of the River Maganetawan, and Big Eye Lake, into the north east corner 8 114 of the township These routes would be only available while navigation is open, and with li:;ht canoes owing to the portages. Buck Lake and Big Eye Lake are connected by Indian trails or portages, by way of Kound Lake, but at present only made use of by trappers and hunters, and made more with a regard to shortness than for a good road. I have no doubt that ere many years have passed, steam boats will be plying on these waters, both for the accommodation of settlers, as well as for tourists, sportsmen, lumbermen, &c. '• Round Lake is will stocked with salmon trout, whereas bass, pickerel, etc., abound in Big Eye Lake, and in the Maganetawan, speckled trout are also to be met with. " There are some very fine pine scattered through the township, and well suited for local purposes ; but, in my opinion, neither in quantity or quality adapted for manufac- turing or exporting purposes." About 13,000 acres are still unlocated. There is a saw and grist mill, and also a Post Office, at Beggsboro' in the northerly part of the township (lots 13 and 14 in the 13th Concession). Perry. The Maganetawan river in its course through this Some good mill sites may Situated north of the Township of Chaffey, surveyed into farm lots in 1874 by Provin- cial Land Surveyor, C. F. Chapman, contains 4(),324 acres of land. The following is an extract from Mr. Chapman's Report : — " Th(! Township of Perry is mostly composed of the watershed or divide of land be- tween the Maganetawan River and the streams, &c., which run into the Muskoka River. The Fall towards the north or Maganetawaii being comparatively short, renders all the streams in this Township running in that direction swift and broken, while the southerly streams have generally a slow winding coui'se, passing through many swamps, &c. The principal creeks are Iwgged Creek, and the one running out of Bay Lake. On Ragged Creek a good mill site on lot 17, in the 9th concession occurs ; also another ou a small creek on lot .3, in the 12th concession Township is mostly very swift and much broken by rapids also be ultimately used on this river. " Few lakes occur in the Township ; the principal ones being Clear Lake, Bay Lake, and Loon Lake, the latter in fact only an expansion of the Maganetawan River. The water in all is clear and good, and in most cases deep. " The Township is for the most part heavily timbered with hardwood, maple, birch, beech, and balsam, occurring on the ridge, while in the lowlands, cedar, hemlock, tamarack and spruce abound, pine oidy appearing in limited quantity, principally along the valley of Ragged Creek, on Loon Lake, Clear Lake, and Long Lake, but in no place either abundant or of good quality. Only one windfall occurs in the Township, and it appears to be of very old date, overgrown now with a second growth of cherry, soft maple, and balsam, and has not been overrun with tire. It extends in a N. E. direction from lot 3, in the Cth concession, to lot 18 in the 9th concessior. "The soil is chiefly a light sandy loam, in many places stony. Towards the N.W. corner some very fair land occurs, the ridges not being so abrupt as in the south and south-east corner, while the swamps are more dry and open : a good bottom of clay exists in the Ragged Creek Valley, but not to any great extent. " Masses of rock appear in many places on the north and east sides of the ridges, especially on the hills about the Maganetawan River ; they consist principally of granite, intervened with quartz. " Some of th(? swamps on the head waters of the streams rnnring south, are large and wet, generally lightly timbered, and many of them being capable of drainage at some future time for cultivation. " The Township appears best adapted for stock-raising, ajid I have no doubt it will be ultimately useougaU Fiiley Chiistie McKellar Hiigernuiu McKeiizie Brown Moiitsith Snence Croft McMurricli . Ryerson (■hai)iiiuii Loiiiit Niiiissiiig (part). Vcn-y Huiuiihry . . . . Miifhar." Priiigle Giird Amiimr StrouL,' Patterson Hiiusworth . . . . Burton Harrison Bur[)fe Shawanaga Ferric Mills Wilson Hardy Betlinne Prouilfoot . . . . Sinclair Area of Lots. Area of Water. Acres. .-.2926 31837 35521 :^->«43 43959 447.55 45:W9 43S44 42518 4(;373 48358 448G6 38787 46908 45486 45115 32627 46324 35654 45832 48336 30716 40653 3889.3 42851 58498 50386 55671 37122 27479 47430 4.5270 41985 35.559 45238 44491 40829 Acres, 2231 3110 4420 .5,544 3328 4163 3577 4991 5(j30 2169 120() 4942 3224 2812 3120 2718 1510 1610 r249(i 2804 1251 249 34,50 5530 5764 45 5499 6029 21545 1133 1141 3078 6401 3318 2232 3768 3298 Area of Roads. Total Area. cres. Acres. 1785 i 5(i942 937 1 3.5884 880 i 40821 910 42497 885 48172 925 49843 8()5 49831 1382 .50217 1836 49!»84 1157 49699 1110 .50074 929 50737 838 42849 1015 49735 914 49.520 1399 49232 669 34806 974 48908 1446 49590 1221 498.57 1103 50(i90 849 37814 1145 45248 1120 45543 1,510 50125 1203 59806 18.50 57735 2300 (54000 1060 40733 972 29584 1429 ,50000 1475 49823 18.52 .50238 113.3 40010 1331 48801 1237 49496 889 4500(i 11!) CIIAPTEK VI. HAUBURTON AGENCY. This agency cont.ains seven toAvnsliips, viz : — Minden, Snowdon, Glamorgan, Stan- hope, Anson, Hindon and Lntterwortli. Th(( agent — J. W. Fitzgerald, — resides at Minden Village, and to reach this place thert- is a choice of two routes from Toronto ; — to Port Hope by the Grand Trunk, from Port Hope to Lindsay (43 miles) by the Midland Railway, thence to Kinmount (33 miles) by the Victoria llailway and thence to Minden by stage, or, from Toronto to Coboconk (87 miles) by the Toronto and Nipissing Railway, and from Coboconk to Minden by water or stage. Minden is situated on the Bobcaygeon Road where the Gull River crosses it and is now the County Town of the Provisional County of Haliburton. It is twelve miles distant from Kinmount and twenty-four miles from Coboconk, and contains a Registry Office, post office, thro* hotels, eight stores, cabi- net shop, &c., also three churches and a good school-house. The townships in this agency contain about 316,188 acres of land, and about 191,- 000 acres are still unlocated. Of this, from 50 to OG per cent, is fit for farming purposes, and a large portion of the balance is well suited for grazing. The whole District is well watered by lakes and streams and the general opinion is that eventually it will become a stock raising country. Hay, oats, corn and root crops are the principal ])roducts, and in fair seasons are a good and sure crop — in roots and grasses particularly, these townships compare very favourably with those more to the front. Wheat and barley are also grown, but not to any great extent. Considerable lumViering is carried on all through tjie Dis- trict, and there is consequently more demand for the other produce. So far the settlers have been able to dispose of all their surplus produce at Minden to better advantage than they could in Toronto. The townships are also well supplied with mills, and, for a new country, the roads are good. The accessibility of these townships, and the proposed exten.sion of the Victoria Rail- way from Kinmount through the Township of Snowdon to Haliburton, is a great induce- ment to intending settlers, and it is safe to predict that they will be quickly fiUeil up. Mtnden. Situated on the Hast side of the Bol)caygeon Road, surveyed into farm lots in 1859, by P. L. Surveyor, J. W. Fitzgerald, contains about 40,000 acres of land. The following is an extract from the Report of Survey : — "The soil is generally composed of sandy loam, in some cases resting upon a substra- tum of clay and gravel, it is of good depth, and capable of atfording a profitable yield to the industrious husbandman. "The timber in the Township is principally Beech, Maple and Pine of average size, and well balanced to supply all the wants of the inhabitants ; there are occasional Cedar and Spruce swamps, which by a little drainage could be rendered exceedingly fertile. The Gull and Burnt Rivers have their sources in Minden ; upon them are several mill privi leges which will soon be required to be put into operation to satisfy the demands of the settlers. There is one mill site on Gull River, on lot No. 3, in the 3rd Concession, having an unbroken fall of 14 feet, and capable of being easily a})plied. •' Further up the River, towards its source in Horse Shoe Lake, are several rapids with high banks which could, by means of dams, be taken advantage of. " A large portion of the Township is occupied with Lakes, in which Salmon Trout are very abundant, and from 3 to 5 lbs. weight. I have found none of the Speckled Trout, Maskilonge or White-fish in those lakes, nor do I think they are to be found North of Balsam Lake, though from the nature and character of the shores and spawning beds of the Salmon, I consider them equally adapted for the other kinds of fish. Beaver, Mink, 120 Otter and Martin, are very abundant all through this part of the country, and Deer are very plentiful. I have counted as many as seventeen in a drove. •' The Geological and Mineral features of the country are also deserving of some no- tice. The formation is entirely granite, and crops out in a North- Westerly direction, at right angles to the ridges which define the valleys and water-courses, in a North-Easterly direction. I have found good specimens of Galena, which would probably yield from .30 to 50 per cent, of Lead, and 20 to 30 of sulphur ; evidences of Copper ore also exist, though not abundant." This is the best settled township in the agency, and nearly all the land fit for settle- ment has been taken up. Tt contains three saw-mills and a grist mill — the latter and one saw-mill is situated about half a mile from Minden Village, on the Gull River. It has also seven schools and five churches. Improved farms can be purchased at from one to twenty dollars per acre. The roads through the township are good. Snowdon. Situated on the east side of the Bobcaygeon road, south of the Township of Minden. It was surveyed in 1859 by M. Deane, P.L.S., and contains about 50,938 acres of land. The following is an extract from Mr. Deane's Report : — " For the purpose of more fully describing the land and timber, I have made a trac- ing from the plan to accompany the returns, on which I have divided the township into five sections — number one, embracing the north and north-western portion of the town- ship, is a tract of hardwood land composed of a sandy loam soil, generally stony and rocky in places ; the prevailing timber is maple, beech, elm, birch, hemlock, ironwood, basswood, and balsam. Section number two is a small tract of inferior land, very rocky and tim- bered with pine, hemlock, and balsam. Section number three is an extensive tract of high rolling land, being a succession of hills, ridges and knolls, the summits of which are all more or less rocky, while the intervening valleys, owing to deposits washed from the sur- rounding heights, possess a deep, rich and fertile soil ; the principal timber is i)ine, hem- lock, cedar, balsam, and tamarack, each ranking consecutively acconling to its abundance ; and with respect to the pine, of which there are white and red, the former is not of a good quality, and the latter is generally too small for merchantable timber. Section number four is a tract of land which was burned about twenty years ago, and is now over-run with a second growth of poplar, birch, hemlock, and pine. Section number five is a small tract of undulating land of a good quality, timbered with maple, beech, basswood, hem- lock, elm and ironwood ; the soil is sandy loam, and stony in places. " The township is well watered by the three branches of the Burnt River and its numerous tributaries, on which there are several falls and rapids, which could be advan- tageously used for manufacturing purposes ; amongst these, I would mention the following lots, viz.: lots Nos. 2 and 3. on tlae 2nd Concession j 15, in the 14th Concession ; 21 and 22 in the 12th and 13th Concessions, and lots Nos. 29 and 30, in the 4th Concession. " The township is altogether of the primitive formation, presenting many varieties of granite, with very few indications of mineral. " There are many settlers in the township at present, particularly in the northern part, where, ere long, there will be a dense settlement." The resident agent reports that the southern, western and northern portions of this township are well settled — the construction of the Victoria Itailway through it, assisting greatly towards its settlement. The eastern portion is not suited for agricultural pur- poses, being broken by rocky ridges, marshes, small lakes and beaver ponds. There are six schools in the township. Improved farms can be purchased at same prices as in Minden (from I to 20 dollars per acre). The roads are very good except for a short time duiing the spring and fall. Glamorgan Is situated north of the Township of Cavendish, and east of Snowdon. It was sur- veyed in 18G2, by E. R. Ussher, P.L.S., and contains 50,G03 acres of land. smal Riv( fifth crosf of a abou bank 121 The following is an extract from the Surveyor's Report : — " The land in Glamorgan is in general undulating, and intersected with numerous small lakes, beaver ponds, Ac, as shewn on the plan. The principal branch of Buint River also flows through this township, crossing the east boundary, on the rear of the fifth Concession, and flowing in a south-westerly direction through the township, till it crosses the west boundary, about the centre of Concession G. The water of the rivei is of a darkish colour, and strange to say fish are not to be found in it. The river avera,::es about a chain in width throughout the township, and an average depth of four feet, the banks rather low, but rise at a short distance from the river on each side. There are numerous falls and rapids to be met Avith on the river, many of which, with a little labour could be made very good mill sites. There is, on lot 26, in the sixth Concession, a fine site for a mill, having a head of some fifteen feet, the stream flowing out of a large lake, in the same Concession, into Burnt River. I also found a good site on lots 5 and 6, Concession 15 ; both of these sites I have marked on my plan. The lakes are deej), and connected with one another, by small streams, the banks of the lakes are high, steep, and rocky, mostly fringed with pine and hemlock. The rocks are chiefly granite, or gneiss, and boulders of the same description of rock are often met witli on the surface. The land in the centre of the township south of Burnt River is of an inferior description, being a light sandy loam, timbered mostly with pine of a dwarfish size. In the south- east and south-west corners of the townsliip, land of a better quality is to be met with, being a good sandy loam, timbered with maple, beech, birch, hemlock, elm, basswood, and scattered pine of a large size. The portion of the township north of Burnt River from lot 28, Concession 5, to lot 3, north boundary, al)ounds in pine, mostly of a poor description, the soil light, and unfit for cultivation. The land to the east of this, antl extending to the east boundary, is a deep sandy loam, timbered with hardwood, and well having some of the largest lakes in it, and being well adapted for a large settlement, watered. " The pine, throughout, is of a dwarfish size, and quite unfit for mercantile purpo.ses." This township is being settled rapidly, but there is a considerable quantity of good land left. There are three schools in the township, also a saw mill, which is situated on Pine Lake. Stanhope, and its advan- jUowing 21 and Northern of this Lssisting Iral pur- \ere are h as in )vt time Ivas sur- Situated on the east .side of the Bobcaygeon Road, and north of Minden township, and Peterson's line, was sub-divided into farm lots in 1860 by P. L. S. G. .Stewart, and contains 33,437 acres of land. Extract from M". Stewart's Report : — " A large port ■ : of the township is occupied by water. The numerous lakes through it, and the boldness of the scenery generally, render it particularly attractive to the sports- man and lover of natural beauty. The water is deep, clear and pure, the lakes in many places being over 100 feet deep ; the rivers running from these lakes generally pass over high ledges of rock, forming cascades of great beauty, in some places 40 oi' i)0 feet in height. Bosh-kung Lake occupies the lowest level in the township, and its waters are sup- plied from three different directions ; the water coming from the east, after passing, as I am informed by the Indians, through an extensive chain of lakes, flows from Grass Luke immediately to the east of Stanhope to Maple Lake, thence through Maple and Be<'ch Lakes, and the connecting rivers, to Bosh-kung Lake. The total fall on these waters while jiassing through Stanhope does not exceed five or six feet ; the levels from Bosh-kung to Beech Lakes were taken, and a fall of only two and a half feet found ; the other two rivers were not deemed worthy of the time necessary to level them. These rivers are navigable for small crafts the whole way through the township, and owing to the falls- being so inconsiderable, portaging is rendered unnecessary. This will be particularly ad- vantageous to settlers in the eastern part of the township. " The northern branch attains its greatest height at the small lake at the north-eastern angle of the township called Kah-sha-gance, from its shape resembling that of a cat. The waters from it flow south-west in a small stream, and enter Pee-pee-wah-be-cung at its eastern extremity. This latter lake is also supplied from numerous small .streams, coming 122 in on all sides ; its waters are deep and clear, its sliorcs hold aiid rocky, and clothed with pine of a I lescription generally suiublo for iiiaiiutiicturini;. Tlie waters flow northward by a short river, with a fall of two feet, into Cay-kah-kewah-be-cuiig Lak<^ This lake, as well as that last named, is of tlie greatest irregularity in its outlines, being cut in all direc- tions by deej) bays and numerous projecting promontories, peninsulas and islands ; the land, however, as seen fi-om it, appears better than that of its neighboui-. To the south it obtains its water from the river before mentioned coming from the south, and also from a considerable stream entering one of its bays, which extends northwards across Bell's line at lots numbering nineteen and twenty. There are numerous small streams entering on all sides — those on the eastern end, form connecting links of smaller lakes extending north- ward into the unsurveyed lands, The water thus accumulated in Cay-kah-ke-wali-be-cung Lake, find their exit at the south-western extremity, by a river of consideraldc; importance flowing southward a distance of over three miles and a half into Hall's Lake;, or Kah-wah- she-be-mah-gog Lake, as the Indians call it; it falls in this distance, according to my levels, 91 feet 4 inches, atlbrding numerous and valuable mill privileges. Nf^arly the whole of this fall is on the northern half of its length. The southern part of the river is more sluggish, and consetpientlj' navigable for boats without poi'taging for a considerable distance. It enters Kah-wah-she-be-mah-gog Lake at the north-east side of a deep bay occupying the eastern extremity of the lake. " Kah-wah-she-be-mah-gog Lake, presents an appearance (juite different from tliose to the north ; its shape is more regular, approaching that of a circle. Its shore loses that bold, rocky ruggedness, and the land adjacent presents an appearance much more inviting to a settler. Among the numerous small streams entering Uiis lake, the most ira))ortant is one at the noi'th side which discharges the waters of several small lakes occupying por- tions of lots numbers eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve and thirteen, in the eleventh and twelfth concessions ; the stream, though small, may \w rendered available for mill power on account of the large supply of water these natural reservoirs contain at tiie head of it. " The waters of Kah-wah-she-be-mah-gog discharge at the south side into Bosh-kung Lake through a short I'iver of only a quarter of a mile in length, but a fall of forty-seven feet nine inches, which gives it great importance in a mechanical point of view ; it is well adapted in many respects for manufacturing purposes, and possesses advantages indepen- dent of its inexhaustible power. It commands the extensive sheet of water at its head, the whole of the water communication above, extending into the timber country, aftording facilities for conveying timber, &c., seldom equalled. The low, flat terrace at the exit of the river on the north shore of Boslikung, extending east and west, affords ample room for manufacturing structures of any kind ; and lastly, the large expanse of Bosh-kung, itself extending to the southward, navigable for vessels of any draft, and connecting with the lakes to the southward, adds not a little to the importance of this river. " The western waters enter the township near the noi'th-west angle, and after pass- ing through a short river of no importance, enter Kah-shagah-wig-e-mog Lake at its north- eastern extremity. " This lake, lying in a south-easterly and noith -westerly direction, extends nearly the whole length of the township, widening and contracting in numerous bays and points in its length ; the Southern extremity is formed into an irregular bay or almost separate lake, extending to within sixty chains of the southern boundary of the township. " The northern borders of this lake are generally rocky and barren, clothed with pine of an inferior description, but in parts pine has been found well situated for manu- facturing. "The land on the south end of the lake is better and more likely to attract settlers; it is already occupied by several. " The waters of Kah-shah-gah-wig-e-mog, after passing through the Bay, are precipi- tated down in great falls on the river Bosk-kung. The length of this important river is about sixty chains, and ftills in that distance seventy-nine feet seven inches, thus affording one of the finest water-powers in that part of the country. The many advantages this place possesses, induces me to recommend the tract which it bounds on the north, for a town plot." Nearly all the land in this township fit for settlement has been taken up. It con- led with irtliward s lake, as all (Urec- ida ; the south it o from a ell's line jering on II g north- i-bccung iportance vah-wah- ny levels. )le of this sluggish, ance. It jying the fi those to loses that e inviting im])ortant ying por- 'cntli anil lill power icale room osh-kung, Iting with |fter pass- its north- liearly the Ipoints in separate thed with for manu- settlers ; precipi- kt river is [atfording iges this kh, for a It con- tains a saw-mill, three schools and a church. Improved farms can be purchased at from one to fifteen dollars per acre. Anson Is situated on the west side of the Bolicaygcon Road, west of the township of Minden, and north of Lutterworth. It was surveyed in 1859, by C Brady, P.L.S., and contains 40,308 acres of land. Extract from Mr. Brad '^'s Report : — " The townshi]) may hv. sonsidered as having three natural divisions, presenting dis- tinct varieties of soil and timber. " The first, comprising the northern and eastern portion, and covering about two- thirds of the whole area, is generally good iiardwood land, with a soil of sandy loam, and well adai)ted for agricultural pur|)oses. " The .second, or soutli western part, is chiefiy timbered with jnne and hemlock, ami very broken and rocky, although patches of good land occasionally occur. TIih third divi- sion, lying about the middle; of the west half of the town.ship, and with an area of about one filth of tlu; whole, consists of burnt land — the timbei', and in many places the soil, having been consumed by fire. The former is now replaced by u. dense second growth of hemlock, pine, white birch, etc., on an extremely rougli and rocky surface*. " No niinerulogical specimens of any vnluc were obtained ; indeed, the sea.son of the year during which the grenter portion of the survey was carried on, was unfavourable to incidental discoveries of this nature, snow lying on the ground to a depth of from two to three feet. The rock exposed is invariably of the granite or gneiss formation. This section of the coun- try possesses advantages which siiould attract the attention of intending settlers. " Settlement has already made considerable progress on the banks of Gull River, and in the new townships adjoining. Potatoes and other crops, the usual first-fruits of newly-clcarod land, yielded well, and in one or two instances fall wheat has been tried with .success. " There is an abundance of pine to supply the wants of any settlement which may hero- after be founded, while a glance at the map will show that the whole township is well watered by lakes and streams of greater or less capacity, the latter frccjuently offering good water- powvr at different points on their courses, and the former often forming the prominent feature in landscapes of great beauty. •' A good road has already been completed from the villase of Bobcaygeon to Gull River, in thejstmth-eastern jiart of Anson, a distance of about twenty-eight miles ; and the chain of lakes and rivers from (Jull IJiver to Fenelon Kails, also affords a valuable summer highway, easily navigable for the whole distance, with the exception of a few intervening rapids. The portages, neither from their length or profile, offer any serious obstacle to transportation. •' From (lull River to the Bobcaygeon Road, the good lands in the south-eastern portion of tlie township can easily be approached, and the road allowance between Concessions 10 and 11, offers every facility for the cheap construction of a road through the hardwoo'l lands to the north, which may be looked upon as only a pai't of a tract of similar land extending into the yet unsurveyed township of Hindon." This township is well settled along the lino of the Bobcaygeon Road and in south-east corner, but there is a quantity of good land still to be disposed of. The roads through the township are good. It contains three schools. Hindon Is bounded on the east by the Bobcaygeon free grant road, on the north by the Town- ship of Ridout, on the west by Oakley, and on the south by Anson. The Peterson free grant road runs along the south boundary. This township was subdivided in 18G1 ; it coa« tains 42,048 acres of land. The following is an extract from P. L. Surveyor Brady's Report of Survey ; — " Hindon is well adapted for settlement ; colonization roads now under construction on its south and east boundaries, — and, for small craft, an almost unbroken water communica- tion from Lindsay, to within half a mile of its eastern limit, — afford intending settlers a readiness of approach, not often found by those seeking homes in newly surveyed districts. 124 A large proportion of f^ond land in found in the south-eastern, central and western portions of the township. The northern part is more broken, but contains a considerable i|uantity of good pine, and occasional tracts of hardwood occur. " No mill sites of any importance were seen in the vicinity of our lines, but it is pro- bable that from the number of streams crossed, and the hilly nature of the country in places, there are some which escaped observation. The Black River was not travt^rsed, as I did not think it of sufficient size to authorize the expenditure of time necessary, its banks being covered with a dense underj^rowth, and in many places flooded. Its position on the map is however, through careful exploration, not far from correct." There are only a few settlers in this township as ytit — they are located chiefly in the south-easterly portion of it. There is a large quantity of good land to bo disposed of; it con- tains one school. LUTTERWORTFI Is situated on the]west side of the Bobcaygeon Road, north of the Township of Somer- ville. It was surveyed in 1859 by Charles Unwin, and contains about 41,776 acres of land. Extract from the report of survey :— ' The land in Lutterworth is]in general undula- ting, and inter^■ected with numerous small lakes, beaver ponds, (K;c. The township is divided by a ( hain of waters (which runs southerly through Balsam Lake, and connects at Feiielop Fulls with Sturgeon Lake) viz : Gull Kiver and Gull and Moore's Lakes, which, as will bt! seen by the map, run diagonally across the Township. (Jull River is deep, as also Gull and Moore's Lakes. The land on the east side of the Gull Lake is of fair farming quality, the soil in general being sandy, and a light sandy loam. The land is stony — rocky ledges are frequently met with, also boulders of granite and gneiss on or ■ear the surface. " The timber is hardwood, in most places^abundantly intermixed with hemlock. Pine of very good quality is often met with, which is also mixed with hemlock, whic^h latter timber is large and appears to predcmiinate. " The lakes are deep, and connected with one another by small streams. The banks are generally high steep and rocky, fringed with pine and hemlock timber. ''The land to the north-east of the township, and along CUiU River to the lake, is of a very good quality, and comparatively free from stones ; also, on Moore's Lake, the banks of which are generally low, the land is of good quality. " The land in the valleys running down to the lakes is mostly of good description, less stony than the high lands, and with a fair sample of hardwood, consisting of maple, beech, rock elm, bass and ironwood. " On the west side of Gull Lake, the land is of a less favourable character, being rough and very rocky, and although tracts of j)retty good land are occasionally met with, the difficulty of making roads and getting at these spots, is unfavourable for settlement at any distance from Gull or Moore's Lakes. " The land on the west side of Moore's Lake, the banks of which are comparatively low, is of good quality for some distance back ; the timber being chiefly hardwood, with some good i)ine and hemlock. " The land on the Laxton line, or the south-west boundary, at that point is good, and comparatively free from stones. Timber, pine and hardwood, — and a light sandy soil. " Also on the north boundary the laud is of a good description as far as lot 16. Tim- ber, in general hardwood, occasionally intermixed with hemlock and pine. From lot 16 to 30, the land is rough ami rocky, with timber of pine and hemlock. " The western boundary is chiefly very rocky rolling land. The land in some places has been burnt over, and is now covered with second growth timber ; in .spots the rock which is solid and smooth, is scarcely covered with soil. I met with a great quantity of small bushy hemlock, white birch, poplar, &c., which much retarded my progress on account of its thickness and difficulty in cutting. " At the north-west, the land improves, and the western boundary on lot 30, Conces- or 125 flion XIV., croHsea about half-a-mile of excellent hardwood land, which appears to run in a westerly direction. " There is abundance of pine distributed over the township, some of which is of an excellent quality. Every facility is afford«^d for gottinj,' nut this pine by ilw. numerous small lakes and beaver ponds which intersect the country, and the streams connecting these lakes with Gull Lake or River. These streams are capable of being easily Hooded by the lakes. "There are three excellent water privilegs in the immediate vicinity of Gull Lake ; Moore's Falls, a never failing water power, connecting Gull and Moore's Lake's. On account of the evenness of the land, there would not be any difficulty in the erection of mills on either side of the falls. "The second falls or rapids are on a stream running out of a lake on lots 17 and 1^, Concession VI. into Miner's Hay, Gull Lake. The distance between the two lakes is but short. There is considerable fall, abundance of water, and power capable of driving any ajuount of machinery. " The third water privilege is on a stream running out of a lake on lots 13 and 14, Concessions XL and XII. into Gull Lake. This also, is in every respect iidapted as a water-power for mill purposes." This Township is convenient to the Victoria RaiWay. The most of the good laiul has been taken up. It contains a shingle mill, (and there is a saw mill in course of con- struction on Racketty Creek, near Gull Lake,) also three schools. Improved farms are worth from one to ten dollars an acre. CHAPTER VII. ! oa nks is of banks : rough th, the lent at good, sandy Tim- lot 16 places e rock tity of |ss on jnces- BURLEIGH ROAD AGENCY. This agency contains four Townships, viz., Anstruther, Chandos, Cardiff' and Mon- mouth. The first two are in the County of Peterborough, and the last two in the Pro- visional County of Haliburton. 3 he Crown Land Agent, D. Anderson, resides at Apsley, in the Township of Anstruther, wu jh is about 40 miles from the (!ounty Town — Peter- borough. There is a tri-weekly mail from Peterborough, and good stage accommodation from Laketield. In summer the route is from Port Hope to Lakefield l)y the Midland Railway, thence to Julian's Landing by boat, and from the latter place to Apsley — which is about 15 miles — by stage. In winter the conveyance from Lakefield to Apsley is by stage. As these Townships are just east of, and partly in, Haliburton, the general remarks at the Head of the Haliburton Agency, as to the adaptability of the district for successful settlement, &c., will apply to this agency also, and need not therefore be repeated. The Townships contain altogether about 239,080 acres of land, and about 173,000 acres are unlocated. The following extracts from the Reports of the Surveyors and the Resident Agent show that a large proportion of this is fit for agricultural purposes. ^ Anstruther Is bounded on the south by the Township of Burleigh, on the north by Monmouth, on the west by Cavendish, and on the east by Chandos. It was subdivided in 1861, and con tains 68,535 acres of land. Extract from report of Mr. Fitzgerald, P.L.S : — " From side lines between lots Nos. 20 and 21, I commenced the survey of the line between concessions Nos. 4 and 5 towards the west boundary, running north and south at every 100 chains for side lines. For about 110 chains from the starting point to Eagle Lake, ;iii 196 the hind is cxccedinj^ly rou^h nnd broken, covered with u variety of timber of a vory poor description, viz. : hhiuU pine, hciulocic, serubby oak, bird), poplar, ito. " FaHHing over Kaj^^le Luko, the country bccomca nmre uniform and level, and a fine tract of land, lyini^ chiefly to the north cast, extends alwo to the westerly boundary. Here arc scattered many larj^e and valuable pine trees, j^irtin^ an avcra^^e of 10 to 15 feet for a height of 50 to (10 feet. Between this place and the south boundary of the township, thoro IH very littlo land suitable for agricultural pursuits, except a small tract on the south shore of Kai;lc Lake. On the stream flowing out of this lake, called the ' Missis.s»ga Creek,' farther on its course, and on which a saw-mill is already in operation, are many excellent water privileges, capable of working a vast amount of machinery, and from the eliuruoter of ito banks, of very advantai.;;e()us application. " Eagle Lake, and the small lakes which arc tributary to it, are fed by streams hnving source within the township. 'I'he shore of the former, on the cast side, is very l)old and pre- cipitous, in some places rising to a perpendicular height of 100 feet of .solid granite rock, partially stratified, and dipping at an angle of eight degrees in a .southeasterly ilirection ; a disposition which pervades the geological formation all through this section of the country. As a general rule, the water-shed south and west of the tributaries of the Ottawa, is in a south westerly direction, along the foot or dip of the particular stratification, the outcrop of the rock being on the cast shore, while the land gently a.seends from the water on the west side, up along the bed of stratification to the summit of the next outcrop, or precipice over looking a lake or stream. In these lakes are a ipecies of trout, resembling very much the ordinary speckled trout, ((uite as large, but not so mottled on the back, nor are the specks (juitc so brilliant as of the true speckled trout. Whitcfish, ba.ss and perch are also very abundant ; and in the lakes further north, in Mindcn, Dysart, and Stanhope, any quantity of salmon trout nuiy be had, weighing from 6 to 15 pounds each. I have often in a few hours hooked ten or more of those beautiful fl.sh. " Along the west boundary, through part of concession 4, all of concessions 5 and fi, and part of seven, the land is capable of being profitably farmed. It is chiefly timbered with beech, maple and bas.swood, and is tolerahly free from stone. The soil is a sandy loam of dark colour and good depth. Passing out of concession 7 towards the north boundary, the timber is chiefly white and red pine, valuable only for saw-logs and small spars. The soil is light and sandy, and flat bare rock, in a few cases comes up to the surface. Nearly through the centre ot what may be considered the west half of the town.ship, runs a narrow strip of good hardwood land, widening towards the north boundary, and extending north of it into the township of Monmouth. All this tract is fit for cultivation, except where partially broken by a small swamp or lake. The same observation, as regards the land, will apply to the north part of this half of the township, but the hardwood is to some extent replacea by pine, hemlock, balsam, spruce, &c. The south part, however, is not ,so favourable, par ticularly towards the side line 20 and 21, which passes through a very barren tract, the extension of the same ridge of rocks as at Burleigh Falls. The timber is chiefly small pine, hemlock, balsam, &c. The remainder of the township, from lot No. 20 to 39, which may be considered the east half of the township, is much better, particularly towards the north, and around Eel Lake in the north-east comer. Here I have seen hundreds of trees of white pine, perfectly clean, straight and sound, and of a diameter from 3 to 5 feet for a height of 40 feet. The land is also of a superior quality, consisting of a dark, rich, loamy soil, almost entirely free from stone. The latid is chiefly covered with beech, maple and basswood, scat- tered through which are occasional groves of such pine as above. In my opinion too much attention cannot be paid to this part of the country. There are three townships, viz, : Chaa- dos, Cardiff, and Monmouth, which would favourably compare with any in the county of Peterborough." The resident agent reports that there is about GO per cent, of this township fit for settle- ment, and there are now about G5 families settled in it who appear to be contented and doing well. Lumbering is extensively carried on, and gives employment to the settlers during the winter, and consumes all the surplus produce. It is well watered by numerous lakes and streams — the largest stream is Eel Creek, on the bank of which is situated the Village of Apsley, where the Crown Land Agent resides. There are here a good grist mill, a saw mill, two stores, a Town Hall, two hotels, blacksmith, waggon-maker and cabinet-maker's shops. It 187 containfl an Epinoopnl ohurcli, with resident olergyman, and other churehps are in oourso of erection. The aji;(!nt Htuten tlmt tiierc aro good openings iiore lor otiier int'ohanics, suoh n» shoomakorH, tailorH, tinsmithH, dfeo. Iinprovi'd t'arniH can bo purchaNcd at from 4 to 12 dollars per aero. CnANrtos Is bounded on the north by the township of Cardiff, on tho eiift by Wollaston, on the south by Mcthucn, and on the weHt by IJurhMgh and Anstruthcr. It was surveyed in \H('>2, by Provincial Land Surveyor Kitz^'orald, and contains 48,7 7!> acres of land. The resident agent reports that this is one of the best townships in the agency ; fully 80 per cent, of the land being suited for cultivation. It is chiefly a sandy loam ; it is well watered by lakes and small streams, and several of the former have been stocked with fish by the (lOvernmoiit. Loon Lake is a largo, beautiful sheet of water, and the land around it is exocUcnt and tillable to the water's edge. There aro about 10(1 settlors in tho township ; they have good school accommodation and several churches. Wheat, oats, pease, rye, and barley, do well, and there is ready sale (or ah farming produce. Improved patented fartus can be piircliased at prices from $') to !^L') jier acre. The following is an extract from Mr. Fitzgerald's Report of Survey : — "Following tlie line of the Burleigli lload, which enters tlie township on lot No. 1, line between Concessions 8 and U, and runs in a general northerly direction, meeting the noi boundary on lot No. 9, in the l8th ('onoession. I will lake that portion of tho township I" - tween it and the westerly boundary, and extending ea.stward to lot Mo. 15, and .south to Loi , tjake. This wiiole tract may be described an composed of a dark sandy loam, resting in places on darker mould of an earthy character ; in a few places, however, it rests on a bed of coarse sand and gravel, in which aro embedded small granite, ami in a few cases limestone boulders. The granite rock, also, in one or two instances, protrudes to the surface. This, however, occupies .so very small a proportion that it offers no impediment to settlement, every lot for some distance at cither side of the road having been squatted upon ; indeed, the ivhole north- west ((uartcr of the township may be described as rolling land, fully two-thirds of its area being covered with a healthy growth of beech, maple, birch, and l)asswood, which are always indiea- tivc of a warm productive .soil, and aro a good criterion of its fertility. " The remaining one-third of this part may be described as more broken ; the swamps which arc generally open and in places wot, aro timbered with cedar, spruce, and tamarack, the latter small and stunted. " The only stream of importance, with the exception of Eel Creek, upon which arc many valuable mill sites, is one flowing out of Tallans into Loon Lake. It averages 12 feet wide by 18 inches deep, and has several pretty fails ; it is of capacity sufHcient to be applied to manufacturing purposes. The banks arc in places rock, and the bed strewn over with granite boulders. •' The entire east half of tho towu.ship may be considered undulating, but becomes low and flat towards its .southern extremity ; it contains fully 75 per cent, of good farming land, covered with heavy beech, maple, basswood, and birch. The soil is a rich sandy loam, resting i;enerally on a substratum of compact dark mould, and free of stones. A large pine grove (white) of about 3,000 acres, lies immediately north of Loon Lake ; it is very large and clean, and would turn out some excellent square timber. A similar one, and of about equal extent, lies directly south of this lake, and has boon partly lumbered on by the Messrs. Gilmour ^ (Jo. The south-west quarter of the township, though not broken, is more rocky, and covered chiefly with hemlock, pine, and balsam ; the pine will make tolerable saw-logs, but is not generally fit for square timber. Tho soil is sandy loam, and free of stone : about i)0 per cent. of this part is capable of being immediately cultivated. The shores of Loon Lake are low, and in places rocky and stony, but in no ea-se precipitous ; the water is of a brackish hue, and must, from the paucity of feeding streams, be chiefly supplied from springs." Cardiff Is bounded on the north by the Township of Harcourt, on the east by the Townships of Herschel and Faraday, on the south by the Township of Chandos, and on the west by the Townships of Anstruther and Monmouth. 128 The Burleigh Road runs through the south-west corner of this Township. The west part of Cardiff, bonUn-ing on the Burleigh Road, and containing 35,825 acres, including roads and waters was surveyed in 18G2 by Provincial Land Surveyor Fitzgerald. The Township contains 68,238 acres of land. The following is an extract from the Report of Survey : " This portion of Cardiff may be divided into three sections, and generally described as follows : — " Section No. 1 extends from the south boundary, or Concession No. 1 up to Con- cession No. 14, and from lot No. 1 to No. 15 in an easterly direction. It is of an undulating character, and in places rolling, wliile in a few instances small isolated patches of broken land are met with ; the granite rock is seldom seen on the surface, except in sucli places, and in the neighbourhood of lakes and streams, when it crops out and generally dips at an angle of about 20° S.E., when the stratification can be distinctly seen. " The soil is a sandy loam of a fertile character and free of stone, it averages a depth of 20 inches on the plains and table lands, while in the valleys it is much deeper and richer, but on the higher elevations is lighter and more sandy ; it generally rests on a stratum of coarse sand and gravel, but sometimes on a thick yellowish compact mould containing granite boulders ; these boulders in many cases differ in colour and in the pro- portion of their constituent parts from the native formation. " Around the shore of Eel Lake are several heavy pines, capable of squaring 25 to 30 inches for a length of 75 feet, they are clean and healthy looking. The timber on this tract is chiefly composed of beech, maple, and basswood of average size, except when a small swamp, beaver meadow, or pond occurs, in which case a narrow band around the shores is invariably covered with cedar, hemlock, and balsam. " From Concession 14 to Concession 19, or Section No. 2, the country is more uneven and hilly, and ridges of small white and red pine ir a north-easterly direction frequently occur ; the valleys between, when dry, are very fertile, while the swamps are open and chiefly composed of tamarack, cedar and balsam ; some few fine patches of hardwood land are also met with in this tract, the soil being like that of the preceding section. "Section No. 3, extending from Concession No. 19 to the north boundary, is in many respects similar to Section No. 1 ; the character and quality of the soil and timber being as nearly as possible the same. The only stream of importance in this part of the township is the head water of the S.E. branch of the Burnt River touching the N.W. corner ; it is about 40 feet wide and 3 feet deep in summer time, its banks are generally low and earthy. In Eel Lake 1 found no fish of any kind, but in Potash Lake in the unsurveyed part of the Township, I got some salmon trout from G to 9 pounds in weight, and I am told that much larger have been taken there." The residue or east part of the township was surveyed by Mr. Fitzgerald in 18G3. " That tract of country lying between the south boandary and concession No. 0, and side line 20 and 21 and the east boundary, is undulating, and in places considerably broken by low ridges of granite, only partially covered with a shallow soil; in the valleys, how- ever, occasional tracts of fair land occur, sufficiently extensive to induce settlemout thereon. The prevailing timber in this section is white pine, of a good quality, and from its proximity to the North River, which runs obliquely through this tract, could, with advantage, become marketable. The river, however, though possesaing sufficient water. and being comparatively free from sudden abrupt bends, would rt.(iuivo a sjood deal of blasting, and small packs of drift wood to be cut away to make it profitably avail- able. Hemlock, maple, beech, birch, &c., of average size, are alsr frequently met with in this tract. "Between concessiou 6 and Paudash Lake, is a tract of land possessing a much more favourable appearance ; the surface is gently undulating, gradually sloping towards the lake ; the soil is composed of sandy loam of good depth, resting generally on a bed of gravel and coarse sand, and covered with a healthy stout growth of hardwood timber. On the west shore of this lake, from concession 6 to concession 11, is also a tract of land of very good quality, and covered with heavy beech, maple, hardwood, birch, and hemlock. Small isolated patches of healthy average sized pine are al.so met with. " With the exception of a part of the east shore of the novth bay, and a portion of the north shore of the east bay, the land around Paudash Lake offers every induca- nie sin in;; Bui lane .stut coll( tiiiK loa IS a tiiii abui 129 l; 35,825 Surveyor lescribed p to Con- idulatiug )f broken li places, lips at an s a depth jeper and ests on a ict mould 1 the pro- ; 25 to 30 T on this it when a •ound the )re uneven frequently 0])en ami vood land ary, is in lid timber irt of the .he N.W. generally ke in the \n weight, 5G3. fo. G, and lly broken leys, how- lettleraent land from lid, with it water, deal of )ly avail- It with in ich more the lake ; lavel and the west ery good |l isolated portion induca- nient to the settler ; the soil is rich and fertile, and the situation in every way a de- sirable one for settlement — from its proximity to this large and beautiful lake, abound- ing in salmon trout, and smaller varieties of fish, and also being within e»sy access of the Burleigh road. "To the north and north-east of the lake, extending to concession No 13, the lund again is broken by low granite ridge.s, the soil is shallow, and the timber of a .stunted growth. To the west of this suction, and along side line 15 and IG, is an ex- cellent tract of land, extending northwards to concession 14. The surface is gently undula- ting, and grows stout beech, maple, and basswood ; the soil is of great depth, and of a rich, loamy nature. " The land through which side line 25 and 2G passes, in concessions 10, 11, and 12, is partly broken ; but further east it improves very much, and towards the boundary presents a promising aspect. "In concession 12, on side line 25 and 26, the land improves. Eastward of this line is a small lake, surrounded by land of a very fair quality, covered chiefly with hardwood timber. Some excellent white pine also surrounds the shore of this lake, though not in great abundance. "In concession 14, the line crosses a neck of this lake, beyond which the land is rather hilly, but the soil of good depth, and the country in every other respect well suited for agriculture. " The land on concession line 14 and 15, from lot 16 to the east boundary, is of nearly the same fair character — a very large proportion of this part of the township being well fitted for settlement. " On side line 25 and 26 the land is rolling, about three-quarters of a mile north of concession line 14 and 15, where it begins to become more uniform and level in concessions IG and 17, a very large proportion of which is beautiful land, sloping eastward ; the soil is a rich sandy mould, and is covered with very large beech, maple, basswood, birch, and swamp elm. This hardwood tract extends to the north boundary, and eastwards to the township of Herschel ; 'i comprise? ubout eight or ten thousand acres, and is drained al- nicst entirely by tributaries of the lork branch of the Mad.iwaska. Along side line 15 and IG, from concession 15 to 20, the land is not quite so good, an 1 is chiefly covered with small pine, hemlock, balsam, &c. This part of the township is well watered ; a number of small 1 ikes are immediately north of Paudash Lake, and connected with it by a good creek, afford- ing some good mill sites. " Paudash Lake is a large body of water of a very irregular form ; its banks are generally low, and in places rocky and stony. Some very pretty islands are also scattered through it ; its outlet is in the township of Faraday, butting on the Hastings road, and flows vry gently for a long distance." The resident agent reports that the land in this township is heavier than in Chandos, approaching a clay soil. It gives excellent crops of all sorts. There are about 58 settlers, and a large quantity of land, suited for settlement, still unlocated. There is a saw mill now in operation ; one or two schools and a church. The Monck road runs through the town- ship from east to west. Monmouth Is bounded on the north by the township of Dudley, on the east by the township of Cardiff, on the south by the township of Anstruther, and on the west by the township of Glamorgan. The Burleigh road runs through the north-east corner of the township. The east part of Monmouth, bordering on the Burleigh Koad, and containing 17,500 acres, including roads and water, was surveyed in 18G2, by Provincial Land Surveyor Fitzgerald. The township contai.is 53,52^ acres of land. The following is an extract fro.a Mr. Fitzgerald's Report of Survey : — "From Concession 1 to 7, and from lot No. 2G to 35 inclusive, the country is undu lating, and is chiefly covered with a stout growth of beech, maple, basswood, and other varieties of hanlwood timber ; a number of very large hemlock trees are scattered through this tract, and are for the most part dead. These trees, when fmnd in hardwood land, are 130 generally indicative of rich heavy soil ; such trees are usually met with on flat table land, very seldom on lands of a higher or lesser elevation ; large birch tree.^, also, are generally found on this level, aivl when met with under such circumstances are likewise a sign of heavy, productive soil, composed of a good deal of earthy matter. "From Concession 7 to 9, although the hardwood predominates, some groves of very large white pine occur ; they appear to be of good quality and very sound, as pine found on hardwood land generally turns out to be. Under the present condition of the streams, they cannot become available as square timber, but as saw logs can be carried, by way of Eel's Creek down to Stony Lake ; in every other respect this tract is similar to that already described. "The remainder of this part of the township, extending from Concession No. 10 to No. 17 incclusive, is covered with a mixed variety of timber of average size ; the hardwood, however, predominates, and when it occurs the soil is heavier, of greater depth, and, of course, more productive. " Where pine, hemlock, etc., prevail, the country is more broken and hilly, and not so well adapted for agricultural pursuits, neither is the pine sufficiently gross to make it marketable as square timber, but is nearly all useful for ordinary saw logs. The soil in this description of country is generally light and sandy, and of a yellowish colour ; of this part of the township I should say that fully 60 to 70 per cent, is well suited for farming purposes. " The south east branch of the Burnt River flows through this tract in a south- westerly direction. Its banks are generally low, though in places steep, offering very fair mill sites. Along its banks, also, are some very fine flats of land, of deep alluvial soil, and timbered chiefly by a growth of average size beech and maple ; the ground being entirely covered with a thick growth of ground hemlock, from 2 to 4 feet high." The following is an extract from the report on the westerly portion, which was sur- veyed in 1863 : — " The country along the boundary from lot No. 15 to the lake, which commences on lot No. 22, presents a favourable appearance, for with the exception of an occasional swamp, the land is almost exclusively covered with hardwood timber, the surface gently undulates, and the soil is deep and of a rich loamy nature. Side line between lots 20 and 21 com- mences in a swamp, which continues along the line for one-quarter of a mile ; the line then enters a fine tract of land, gently undulating, and covered with maple, beech, basswood, and large hemlock. The line runs through a country presenting the same features, to the middle of concession G, and on concession line 2-3, the land is of the same undulating character from lot 16 to lot 25, On concession line 4-5 the land is broken and rocky westward of lot 20, but eastward to lot 25 the hardwood tract still continues. Abou*^. the middle of CGMcession 6, side line 20-21 crosses burnt Kiver, the south shore of which is steep and rocky, the north shore is low and level for a short distance, and beyond, the land is high and rolling. " In the 7th concession the line crosses a large tributary of Burnt River called Otter Creek. In the 8th concession the land improves again, and from this concession to the north boundary is a fine tract of land covered with maple, beech, basswood and elm of ;i very large growth, this tract extends from lot 10 to lot 25 in all the concessions from tlif 8th northwards. The soil in this section is of excellent quality, of a dark colour, great depth, and very free from stone ; in sonu' places granite boulders appear at and above the surface, but rocks are not prevalent in this locality, except in some hardwood ledges, which occasionally traverse the country. '• It is remarkable that in many places partial windfalls occur, although the soil through- out this tract is of great depth. The timber here is of large size, maple, beech, elm, and basswood predominating, pine being rarely met with. The surface of the country is undulat- ing, but in some places rather hilly, the country it well watered by large streams and inter- spersed with swamps of cedar, black ash, and spruce ; beaver ponds are frequently met with ; beaver, otter, and mink are very plentiful, and deer are also in abundance. There is a large lake, called by the hunters Otter Lake, towards the north of this township ; it is of a long, narrow, shape, and the shores, in most places, rise abruptly from the water's edge — in some instances in almost perpendicular escarpments, the waters from it flow into Burnt river by a large stream, called Otter Creek. In the vicinity of this lake is an excellent tract of farmiug 131 le laud, merally sign of of very e found streams, ' way of to that lo. 10 to krdwood, , and, of and not I make it lie soil in ■ ; of this [• farming a south- very fair 1 soil, and g entirely a was sur- mences on al swamp, Liudnlates, 21 com- line then basswood, es, to the ndulating nd rocky Vbou*^, the ivhich is fond, the lied Otter ])U to the elm of a from the lur, great \bove the 1l1 ledges, through- |clm, and undulat- knd inter- net witli ; Is a largo [f a long, -in some |ivcr by h fin-miug land, the soil being of the most fertile nature, composed of a dark, rich, sandy loam ; it is everywhere of great depth, and generally rests on a substratum of gravel or coarse sand. Large, healthy elm is very abundant in this section, and the other timbers also grow to a great size. '■ Along concession line 14-15 the land presents the same favourable aspect, as far as lot 9, where it becomes more broken and rocky. " On lots 9 and 10 is a small lake, through which a large creek flows in a northerly direction ; and at the scuth of the lake where this stream Hows in there is a very good site for a mill — a fall of from 12 to 14 feet could easily be obtained, and the situation is in every way admirably adapted for the erection of a mill. There is some good pine in the neigh- bourhood, not in great abundance, but in sufficient quantity to supply all the wants of a settlement. The land from lot 9 to lot 4 is rather broken and stony, and on side line 5-6 is very much broken — to the north boundary it being nearly all windfall. " Along the west boundary, from concession 15 southwards to concession 11, is a tract of good hardwood land, which extends eastward in some places as far as lot 6 ; the soil here is very fair, and the surface undulating. " Between this and the large tract of good land to the east there is a rough, granite vein, covered with hemlock, pine, birch, and balsam. In concession 10, side line 5-6 enters a very broken country, ..hich continues to the south boundary ; this tract is tra- Voiseu by rocky ridges, and interspersed with cedar and spruce swamps — the timber is small and stunted, hemlock, pine, birch, balsam and maple predominating. The pine in some places is of considerable size. On concession 6, side line 5-6 crosses Burnt river a little to the eastward of a high fall, and further south the line passes within a few feet of another fall, where the waters rush over an almost unbroken descent of between 20 and 30 feet. The river here is very large, averaging about 80 feet in width ; between the falls the current is rapid, and the banks are steep and rocky. Pine is abundant in the neighbour- hood. The land continues rough and broken, and on concession line 4-5 this rocky tract extends eastwards as far as lot 18. Swamps and beaver ponds are thickly interspersed over the country and the soil is very light, indeed in that section lying between lot 1 1 and and the west boundary, the flat rock is within a few inches of the surface, and in some places visible. With the exception of thi? rough tract to the south-west, the land in this township is well adapted for settlement, a greater portion of the area being one unbroken tract of hardwood land, through which the soil is rich and fertile. The country is well watered by lake.s and large streams, and there are numerous mill privileges on Burnt river and its tributaries. Pine is in sufficient quantity to supply all the wants of the settlers, and large liealthy elm is very abundant throughout the township." The Crown Land Agent reports that this township is a fine tract of country — princi- pally hardwood and rolling land- gives excellent crops of all kinds, st-mill about being erected. There are 80 settlers in the township. some fine soil, not quite as heavy as in Cardiff, and it There is a saw-mill in operation in the township, and CHAPTER VIII. NORTH HASTINGS AtiENCY. There are nine townships in this Agency, viz. : — Bangor, Carlow, Dungannon, Faraday, lierschel, Mayo, Monteagle, McClure and Wioklow. The agent, J. 11. Tait, Esq., resides iit L'Amable, on the Hastings iload, in the Township of iJungannon. The route at present is from Belleville to L'Amable along the Hastings road by stage. These townships contain about 420,105 acres of land, and about .320,000 acres are still unlocated. The agent states that fully fifty per cent, of the land is suitable for tillage, and 132 the greater part of the balance is well suited for meadow and pasture land. There is a suflS- cient quantity of excellent land to maintain 3,000 families, and there are about 700 families now settled there — the only drawback to their more rapid settlement appears to bo the want of proper communication with the front. The Hastings Road is the principal thoroughfar,; at present, and although the Government has expended large sums on it, it is diflB.ult to keep it in such a state of repnir as to be of use for the transport of produce to the markets in the front. It is expected, however, that this difficulty wiil not be of very long standing, as a railway from Helleville to tlie northerly part of Hastings is projected, and a portion of it is now undiT construction. The cultivable land lies in blocks, varying in size from 100 or 200 up to 20,000 acres — generally rolling, but in many places level. The village of Madoc —about 45 miles from L'Amable — is the nearest market, and Belleville is about 70 miles distant; but the proximity of the settler! to a number of the lumbering establishments, gives them as good a market for their surplus produce as can be obtained in the Province. There are grist and saw mills at L'Amable, York River, (in the township of Faraday,) and at Douglas Corners, (in the township of Wicklow,) —and al.so several schools through the district. Improved I arms can be purchased at from $2 to $8 per acre. The.'ie townships are considered as well adapted for stock raising and dairy farming as those ill t'lie front, which are among the best in Canada. In 1876, 4,762,518 pounds of cheese were shipped at the port of Belleville, besides large quantities of butter. Five month.s in the year is the average that stock need to be fed and sheltered. The soil throughout is lim' stone loam, formed chiefly fiom the decomposing Laurentian limestone rocks, and contains very little quartz or feldspar — in fact, the greater proportion is plant food, and has proved fertile beyond expectation ; and this fertility is not confined to the valleys, but may be said to extend to the high lands. Fall and spring wheat, oats, peas, barley, beans and corn are grown witli about equal success, It is also well adapted for all kinds of vegetables, and fruit trees are being tried with lair prospects. DUNGANNON. Is situated north of the Township of Limerick. A portion of it was surveyed in 1857, by Quinti.i Johnstone, jP.L.S, and the residue in 1861, by J. L. P. O'Hanly, P.L.S. It contains an area of 54,337 acres, including water and roads. Tiie following is an extract from Mr. O'Hanly's report of survey : — " This township is naturally divided by York River and its main tributary, Egan's Creek, into three sections, viz. : the north-western, south western and eastern. " The northwestern section is in the form of an irregular trapezoid, and contains in round numbers 16,000 acres. It is generally rugged and hilly. Somes of its hills attaining the magnitude and continuity of mountains, and the surface in many places consists of bare rocks. The soil is a red sandy loam, and where free of boulders is tolerably productive. Some patches of pretty fair land are here and there to be found. About a fourth of this section is fit for settlement, and I have no doubt that at least that proportion will in time be settled. Tlie prevailing timber along the York River is greenwood, principally pine of a very fine quality. The remainder is covered with hardwood, pine and hemlock, one or other predominating, according to soil and situation, excepting the swamps and the alluvial fl its along the river, which arc mostly timbered with elm and ash. Crystalline limestone in this section is almcst entirely confined to tlie south side. "The sou'h-western section is in the form of an oblong with two serrated sides. It contains about 16,000 acres. The surface is rolling, here and there abruptly broken by narrow ravines and steep rocky declivitiis. The soil is a deep sandy loam, generally free from stones, capable of yielding very fair crops. The timber of this section, swamps excepted, is principally hardwood mixed with piie, in some places only S';attering, in others bearing a fair proportion, and along Egan and L'Amable Creeks, almost exclusive on the high lands. I consider that about one half of this section is fit for settlement. Crystalline limestone i> very abundant throughout. " The eastern section is in the form of an upright mill saw, irregularly worn, and with broken teeth. It contains, un-ubdivided portions included, about 14,000 acres. It consists 133 » a Buffi- fiimilies the want ghfar.! at ,0 keep it ts in the ing, as a 1 of it is acres— rket, and er of the IS can be Faraday,) trough the arming as pounds of ve months Liaurentian oportion is lonfined to oats, peas, ted for all (1 in 1857, L.S. It Egan's kontains in Is attaining ks of bare )roductive. "th of this In in time pine of jk, one or alluvial lestone in sides. It jroken by erally free excepted, bearing a lands. 1 icstonc i> of low, flat hills, alternating with narrow swamps and marshes along the principal streams. It is less elevated and more nearly approaching a level surface than either of the other sec- tions. The soil consists of sand and gravel, bare rocks in many places protruding. The pre- vailing — almo.st only timber, is greenwood, consisting of red and white pine of superior quality, hemlock and balsam on the liigh lands, and cedar, spruce and tamarack on the low lands and swamps. This portion is mostly, if not altogether, unfit for settlement, and in my opinion, should not be offered for sale. For whilst I doubt not but it would command a readier sale than any other section, I am satisfied that it would be purchased by pretended settlers for the sake of the pine, to the great injustice of the limit-holders, and loss to the revenue. " In this connection I may remark, that continued observation and considerable exper- ience have convinced me that the exclusively pine districts are more regular or level than either the hardwood or mixed timber countries in the Ottawa and Huron territory. I have found no trace of crystalline limestone in this section. " Of the whole residue of this township, about a fourth consists of middling or fair land very well fit for settlement, and the remaining three fourths are rough, rocky and barren, and thcrefure wholly unsuited to agricultural pursuits. This may appear a small proportion, but I have seen enough to convince me that it is equal to that of any other township on the Hastings Road ; nay that many townships in t!ie Ottawa and Huron territory, supposed lo have much good land, cannot boast of a like ratio. " The prevailing timber is pine, which is to be met with in more or less quantities throughout the whole township. " Tliis township is well watered, the principal streams being ifork River, Kgan's Creek, and L'Amable's Creuk. York River, a tributary of the River Madawaska, itself a tributary of the Ottawa, a tributary of the St. Lawrence — so that York River may metaphorically be .styled a great grandchild uf the mighty St. Lawrence— enters the township on the west side in gift lot No. 54, and flowing north-easterly, in a circuitous and very serpentine course, leaves it in lot No. 4, in the 16th conces,->ion. Its bed is deep and narrow, current sw ft, and high banks generally to Egan's Farm, where it becomes broader and less swift, with low bunks and large mar.shes adjoining, which in high water present the appearance of a long, irregular lake. Its navigation, suitable for the cauoo, skiff or punt, is interrupted by three ra{)ids, composed of a series of chutes or cataracts of great hydraulic power, and forming excellent mill sites." There are three post offices in this township ; mills are in operation at L'Amable, and a Presbyterian church is about being erected there also. The laigest portion of the township is still unlocated. PAaADAY Is situated west of the township of Dungannon. It was .surveyed in ISG'J by Provincial Land Surveyors Forneri and Kennedy, and contains about ;VJ,07l acres of land. Extract from the Surveyors' Rej)Oi t : — " The township of Faraday contains an area of 50,900 acres of land, of which about 27,800 acres are arable lands, and for your information we subjoin a tabular statement of them, showing the amount in each concession : — and with [t consists 134 No. of ConceBgion. No. of Acres. Total. Kind of Soil. Remarks. I. 2,300 Sandy Lnani. Except lotB 16, 17, 18, lit anc 20, which are clay. n. 1,500 III. 1,500 i( IV. 1,200 11 V. 1,200 ii VI. 2,000 VII. 2,000 VIII. 1,400 <( IX. 1,700 X. 1,200 XI. 1,300 . It WHS width, is ttid cedar, lississippi r is white r, uneven North ot lusive, on 11 average timbered of hard- )iu'ession, Itiinbereii d, and a •icultund le Lavant |in ranges pe arable, Ith in ro- j-ticuhirly jf water lur & Co. land five (all these ie North ia to the )Ugh for [ist-raills ■test. At the foot of Trout Lake, near the north boundary, in the township of Canonto, ig an excel- h'lit flite for mills; situated as it is in the c«'ntre of a lar^e nj^iieultural tract. Mr. JamcH Ciinipbell has settled here, intending to erect mills; hut I believe has not yet acquired a title to the property. The entire township is well watered by creeks and springs, fecarcely a lot could be found witliout excellent water on or convenient to it." The Resident Agent, Mr. Dawson, reports as f(dlow8 : — '• At least throe-fourths of this township is fit for settlomont, about ono-h.df is already occu- pied. The land is generally hilly, and in many places much broken by rocky ridg(!s, between which arc found good stretches of agricultural laud. The soil is chiefly a sandy loam, tim- bered with, maple, beech, birch, elm and hemlock. It also abounds in rich bliick loam flats, which are easily drained ; in many cases it is only found necessary to cut through the remains of an old beaver dam to render them dry enough for all purposes, these are timbered with cidar and black ash, with some tainarac. Wheat, oats, barley, rye, corn and potatoes arc all successfully raised, and the township, when suHicicnfly cleared, is peculiarly adapted to dairy and stock farming. The Mississippi Colonization Road crosses the township from the Mutheast to the north-west. The Lavant Road running through the north east of the town- ships joins the Missi.>pi Koad, while the Junction Road passes throug'i a portion of thn north west of the township, cros-es the Mis.sissippi River, connecting the Mississippi Road with the Frontonac l{oad, in the township of Clarendon —from these branch roads lead through the several settlements. " The Kingston and Pembroke Railroad is now in operation, running daily p issnger and freight trains from Kingston to the Mississippi River in the south-east part of the township. The continuation of the road is surveyed, and will shortly be built through nearly the whole length of the township from south to north "Thf^re ave at pri ent no mills in the township, but they are so convenient In the adjoin ing townships that the: is no want of lumber or grinding felt. There are many first-class water powers, chiefly o 'ho Mississippi River, which crosses th'^ township from west to east. Besides this grand river which is t e chief outlet of the pine timber cut in this and other townships west,' there ari veral beautiful lakes, on which the settler can indulge in pisca- torial pleasures, surrounded with the most charming scenery. As creeks and springs of the purest water abound, there is no scarcity of water felt in any part of the township in the very dryest seasons. " As to the healthrulness of the climate, it is everything that could be desired short of an entire freedom from bodily ailments. "There are five schools in operation, and others will be established when the settlement becomes more compact. " There is a Rom m Catholic Church on the Mississippi Road, about two miles east of Ompha. " Ompha is a small village on the Mississippi Road, near the north west corner of the township, distant from the Mississippi station on the Kingston and Pembroke Railroad 12 miles. Here there is a commodious H dl, open tor ministers of all Protestant denominations; here is also the olBce of the Resident Crown Land Agent, doctor's residence, store, post office, blacksmith's shop, hotel, &c. Improved farms can be bought at from 2 to 8 dollars per acre, according to the nature and extent of the improvements. Clarendon Is bounded on the north by the township of Miller, on the east by the township of I'idmerston, on the south by the townships of Olden and Kenebec, and on the wist by the I'.wnship of Barrie. The Frontenac Road passes througii Un; township in a nor'dierly direction. It was surveyed in 1862 by Provincial Land Surveyor S low, and contains 55,107 a I res of land. The following is an extract from the Surveyor's Report : — "For the purpose of describing the township of Clarendon it m.xy be separate I into three portions or tracts. The first embracing all that part of the township lying to the 5outh of Green Lake, including only the first concession to the outlet of Pine Creek on i it No. 15, thence following that creek to Pine Lake and then, on nearly a west course, 142 to the foot of Long Lake, and thonce along the south shore of that lake to the township of Barrio. Tliis tract, comprising about 19,000 acres, the surface of which is composed of low rocky ridges, with swamps atid beaver meadow between, is generally timl)ered with white pino and hemlock on the ridges, and cedar, tamarack, spruce, alder, &c., in the val- leys. On the greater part of this tract the soil is sandy and shallow, and generally unfit for settlement. The timber on about one-third of this tract lias been chiefly destroyed by fire, leaving but few green trees. On the other portion a large quantity of good white pine remains. " The only valuable lands in this section of the tow hip to the agriculturist are the natural meadows which are remarkably large and numerous. A very large quantity of beaver hay is annually cut by the lumbermen and settlers, and is of great service, es- pecially to the new settler in the woods, in supporting his stock through the winter, and these meadows also furnish excellent pasturage during the summer i.ionths. A large portion of this tract will, no doubt, be purchased for the meadows alone ; besides these only small patches of arable land are to be met with in this section. Probably one-third, or six thousand acres, of this tract will ultimately be valuable for agricultural purposes. " The next tract embraces about one thousand acres in the 14th Concession, being from No. 2G to 36 inclusive, which is timbered with large white pine and hardwood ; the surface of this small tract is extremely rough and rocky. " The remainder, comprising about two-thirds of the township, is generally suitable for colonization. The surface is hilly and in many places strewn with boulders, but the soil is a rich gravelly loam, generally deep and covered with a splendid growth of maple, basswood, birch and beech, with scattering hemlock, white pine, and balsam on the high land, and cedar, ash and elm on the low land." The agent reports that — "About three-fourths of this township is fit for settlement about half of this on three-eights of the whole is now occupied. The general description of the land and timber, nature and capability of the soil given for the township of Pal- merston may be read as describing this township also. "The Frontenac colonization road runs through the whole length of this township from south to north. The Missipippi road crosses the north-east corner, and the junction road leaving tlie Frontenac road about the centre of the township runs north of east to the Palnierston boundary, thence to the Mississippi road, giving access to the Kingston and Pembroke Railroad — distant from the Frontenac road 19 miles. When the next section of the Kingiitoii and Pembroke Railroad is built this distance will l)c shorter by 5 miles. Besides tliese leading roads there are several good branch roads built by the settlers as- sisted by Municipal giwnts. " This township is exceedingly well watered. The south branch of the Mississippi river crosses the s(tuthern part of the township. The north branch cros.ses the centre, and Swamp Creek and Buckshot Creek run through the north-western section. " Tliere are thret? schools in operation. There, cvre no churches, but Divine service is held in the school-liouses as also in the Union Hall, lately erected in the village of Plevna (late Buckshot). This village is situated in the northern part of the township where the Frontenac road crosses Buckshot Creek. Hero there is a grist mill with two runs of stones, and lately fitted up with first-class machinery, there is also a small sawmill, general store, blacksmitli and waggon-makers' shops, doctor's residence school-house, hotel, &c. "There are three other saw mills in the town.sliip, one on Buckshot Creek, 2 miles below Plevna, one on Frontenac Road, at tlie outlet of Macolm's Lake, another on the out- let of Pine Lake. "Improved farms can be purchased at from '■'> to 7 dollars per acre in 100 acre lots, pricj depending upon locality aiul improvemeuis. Miller Is bounded on the north by Matawatchan Township, on the east by North and South Canonto, on the south by Clarendon, and on the west by Abinger. It was sur\ jyed in 1860 and contains 46,600 acres of land. The following is an extract from the Report of Sinvey : — ^-TTfMaHF-TJFTB^'i 143 psissippi centre, Irvice is 1 Plevna lore the runs of Iw mill, house, I2 miles The out- Ire lots, South lyeil in " The surface of the land is generally undulating or rolling, rising into rounded or oblique truncated conical hills, varying in height from 20 to 100 feet, presenting their more abrupt sides to the south, which in some places are short escarpments of naked rock, with a talus of debris in angul.ar blocks and fragments at the base, and the summits spread- ing back into a level or rolling surface. A few chains south of these precipices, the soil is generally good and deej), but usually strewn over with boulders. " Corresponding in contour with the features of the hills and valleys, the nortlieru banks of the lake are usually bold, though seldom precipitous, the water generally deep, the southern banks comparatively low and flat, and the water shoal, upon a gravelly or rocky bottom. " In the eastern part of the townsnip adjacent to the Mississippi Road, the soil is of a light sandy character, and the surface broken by rocky hills and ridges. The part of this road which came under my observation is apparently well constructed, and the gravelly nature of the soil seems an assurance of a clear firm track, almost at all seasons. " In the 1st, 2nd, Srd, and 4th concessions noth of Indian Lake, a good sandy soil prevails, the surface broken at intervals by patches of rock, more particularly on the top^^ and southern slopes of the hills. This part is chiefly clothed with hardwood, hemlock, spruce and balsam. Along the 5th concession line, from lot number 16 northward, the surface is broken and rocky ; from the 7th to the 14th concessions, on the north- west boundary, and thence southward through the valley of Mackie'a Creek, the land consists of a fertile sandy loam, resting in the valleys on a whitish coloured clay subsoil, and yielding a large growth of white pine, maple, basswood, beech, balsam, cedar and elm. " In reference to an unfavourable opinion which appears to prevail with those ix'rsdns unacquainted with this part of the country, regarding the fitness of the pine-tinihcred tracts for cultivation, I may be permitted to remark, that the best lands are usually covered with white pine — hardwood, balsam and cedar, generally prevailing in the order mentioned ; and the lighter quality of soil chiefly or exclusively clothed with hardwood. " With the exception of a few isolated patches, the land in the 12th, 13th, and 14th concessions, from lot number 16 to 25, inclusive, is very rugged, rocky and broken, timl)ered with a small sized growth of pine, hardwood, hemlock and spruce. This part is not sub-divided. " ' Mackie's Creek,' a northerly flowing tributary of the Madawaska, affords several good mill sites, and as this stream is navigable for timber, I have laid out a road allowance along the banks on both sides. " The geological features of the townships present but little diversity of cliaracter ; the rocks appear to belong to tlie samj formation, and consist for the most part of granite gneiss, intersected by veins of white, and yellowish-white coloured quartz, from 2 inches to 4 feet in l)rcadth, associatinl in some places with white and whitish-grey coloured crys- taline limestone. "The surface of the country is indented with lakes and ponds, and broken in places by rocky knolls and ledges ; yet there are few lots subdivided but of which at least a part of the area is fit for tillage ; and, the pleasant situation of the lands adjacent to several of those lakes, the picturesque scenery, the water clear and deep, nsually stocked with fish, chiefly trout, which are caught both winter and summer, have a tendency to lead the ex- plorer to the conclusion that these pieces of water may in some respects be considered as iiulucements, rather than obstacles, to settlement. " As part of the dividing ridge between the Madawaska and Mississippi waters, within the township is narrow and sinuous, there is no considerable intermediate area undrained, iind the surface of the lanil generally is almost continually rolling or undulating, traversed by numerous brooks and streamlets of excellent water, which render the aspect of the scenery enlivening and h( althy." The resident Agent reports that : — '■ About one half the land in this township is fit for settlement ; about one-eighth of it is now occupied. The general description given of the lands in the Township of I'almerston will also answer for this, exct^pt that the S(Kitliern part of this township is more sand than loam, while the soil in the centre and north-western sections is inclined to a ckj loam. In these sections there is a superior quality of wheat raised. The lands not fit for settlement are chiefly pine lands. The Frontenac Road runs the whole length 144 of the western part of this township from south to north. There is also a part of the Mississippi Road crossing it for a short distance in the south and again about the centre. " There is only one school in the township yet — il is situated on the Mississippi Road near its juntion with the Frontenac Road in the southern part. The settlers in the north-west corner have a school convenient in the township of Matawatchan, while the central western section have a union with Abinger. There are no mills, but there are several fine water powers on the chain of lakes and creeks which extend over the whole length of the township." Denbigh Is bounded on the north by the township of Lyudoch, on the east by Matawatchan, on the south by Abinger and on the west by Ashby. Ic was surveyed in 1859, by W. H. Deane, P.L.S., and contains about 53,000 acres of land. Extract from the report of survey : — " The township of Denbigh is mostly high and rolling, in places undulating and rocky. The greater portion of the laud is of a good description, and well adapted for settlement, having a sandy loam soil, and altliough the tops of the heights are generally rocky, the soil of the table-lands and valleys is deep, rich and fertile. The prevailing timber is maple and beech of a large growth, intermixed with birch, basswood, ironwood, hemlock and balsam. It is situated in the granite region, and the rocks in some places present indications of iron. " It possesses great advantages in a lumbering point of view, being well watered by numerous streams and lakes, which generally flow northward, and join the Madawaska river in the adjoining township of Lyndoch." The agent reports that a large proportion of it is fit for settlement ; about one-fifth is now occupied. The soil varies from sandy to black loam. Wheat, rye, oats, peas and potatoes are successfully raised ; also a large amount of hay, which is sold to the lumbermen. The Mississippi road crosses through the south-west part of the township, and the Addington road crosses the western part from south to north. There are several brancli roads to the several settlements. There is one grist and one saw-mill at the outlet of Cedar lake, near the centre of the township. There is also a Methodist church near the mills. There are two schools. Abinger Is bounded on the north by the township of Denbigh, on the east by Miller, on the south by Barrie, and on the west by Effingham. It was surveyed in 1859 by P.L.S. Perry, and contains 49,300 acres of land. The following is an extrart from his report : — "The face of this township is undulating, occasionally broken by swamps and ranges of granite rock ; the soil is sandy loam, well watered, heavily studded with thrifty mixed timber, well adapted to the growth of our staple products, and fully two-thirds of it is suitable for settlement." The agent reports as follows : — " About three fifths of this township is fit for settlement. The balance being pinery. About one fifth is occupied. It contains some very fine tracts of land — the soil is chiefly sandy loam, with some rich clay ]<\T,m farms. " All kinds of grain ar»' raisi d with success, chiefly wheat, rye and oats. Hay is tht; chief product, whicli finds a ready sale with the lumbermen. The Mississippi road crosses the north-east of the township, a distance of about six miles, while the Addington road runs through the western part from north to soutli, connecting with the Mississippi road in the township of Denbigh. This township has three schools, one on the Addington ruad and two on the Mississippi — one near the northern boundary, and the other near the eastern boundary. "There is one saw-mill on tlie Addington road, about the centre of the township. Tiiis township i.s well watered." A few improved farms could be purchased at from two to ten dollars per acre. SIX •ng, 145 t of the centre, pi Road 3 in the hile the tiere are le whole ratchan, y W.H. ting and ipted for generally revailing ronwood, ne phvcos itered by idawaskii ; one-fifth iniount of , and tho lal branch ,tre of the ools. tr, on the py P.L.S. Id ranges Ity mixed Is of it is pinery, ■is chiefly iiy is the ' crosses ton road (ppi road Idington Bier near Iwuship. CHAPTER X. RENFREW AND NIPISSING. There are three Free Grant Agencies in this part of the Territory, viz. : at Pembroke, Eganville, and Vanhriigh, and they contain twenty-three townships— about 972,748 acres of land. A few of the townships in each agency have been in the market for a number of years, and are pretty well settled already — the available land Ix-ing nearly all taken up ; but in most of tlie others there are considerable quantities of very fair land still to bo dis- posed of The climate of this district is something similar to that of the neighljourhood of Ottawa, and the crops produced are also very niiudi the same. The winter lasts about six months, and the season for plougliing and seeding commences about the first of May. Lumbering has been, and is still (in the new townships especially) carried on to a large extent, and as a consecpience, in order to meet the demands of this trade, hay, wheat and oats, are the crops most generally raised — in fact almost to tiie total exclusion of others. Ready sale and high prices are obtained from the lumber-men for this produce, and the settlers may be said to have the market at their own doors. In the new town- ships which lie closer to the lumbering shanties, very little wheat is raised, as the settlers find hay and oats more profitable. But all through this district, fall wheat is successfully raised and of excellent quality. The German settlers, of whom there are quite a number, raise considerable (juantities of rye — chiefly for their own consumption, and corn, barley, and beans, succeed well wherever tried. Root crops, such as potatoes and turnips, are generally good crops, and of excellent quality. As settlers are rapidly pushing into new townships, and arc able to supply the demands of the lumber-men at cheaper rates than elsewhere, the settlers in the older town- ships have, of late years, been induced to give more attention than formerly to stock-rais- ing, so as to consume the hay they raise ; and also, of late years, there has not been tlie same demand for teams by the limber-men, wliich has I'eally lieen a benefit to the country, as the farmers, instead of going to the shanties, have devoted themselvi's to clearing up their farms— -stoning and stumping them — so as to be able to use mowers atid reapers — a number of which are now being used. The opening of the Canada Central Railway tlirough the length of the County of Renfrew, has been a great benefit to the settlers in the Free Grant townsliips, as amongst other things, it has been the means of bringing buyers of cattle, lamljs and butter, among them. Considerable numbers of cattle have been exported to Ottawa during the last three years, and now purchasers of lambs and sheep are finding their way here also. The .station for the North Renfrew Agency is Pembroke, the present terminus of the railway. It is the County town, chief market town of tlie district, and a thriving place — the population is about 2,000. The Crown Land Agent resides here. The station for the Free Grant townships in the other two agencies in this cout by as well as for a good many of the townships in the Hastings Agency, is Cobdeii Village in the township of Ross. This is now sixteen miles from Eganville, but it is expected the distance will shortly be reduced to twelve and a-half miles liy the opening of a new road which the Government is constructing. Eganville is the chief village in the Renfrew and Nipissing agency, and the residence of the Crown Land Agent. There is a stage running f'ronithere to Brndenell Corners every second day, and from there conveyance can be had to Vanbrugh, the residence of the agent for the South Renfrew townships. Two Colonization Roads have been laid out througli this District, and the Govern- ment has constructed portions of them at considerable expense — the Ottawa and Opeon- go Road, and the Pembroke and Mattawan Road. The former, as laid out, extends from the Ottawa River, in the township of Horton, north-westerly to the Opeongo Lake, ;i dis- tance of one hundred miles ; but only about 78 miles of it have been made. The Pem- broke and Mattawan runs along the southerly bank of the Ottawa River, frT.n the town of Pembroke to the mouth of the Mattawan River, a distance of 98 miles. 10 146 CHAPTEU XI. RENFREW AND NIl^SSING AGENCY. There are seven township.3 in this agency : — Wilberforce, Grattan, North Algona, South Algona, Hagarty, Eichanls, and Slierwood. They contain about 311,097 acres of land, and about 155,000 acres of this ai»pear to be still open for settlement. The Crown Land Agent is James Heeves, who resides at Eganville Village, which is on the Bonne- chere river, and is partly in Wilberforce and partly in Grattan. It is a place of consider- able trade, has a grist-mill, saw-mill, carding-mill, tannery, foundry, steam-planing mill and tradesmen of various kinds ; also, three churches (Roman Catholic, Church of Eng land, and Presbyterian). The population is about 1,000. The route is from Brockville to Cobden, by the Brockville and Ottawa, and Canada Central Railways, and thence by stage, which runs daily to Eganville. The following are extracts from the surveyor's reports, and also very full reports on each township by Mr. Reeves. As to the geological features of these townships Mr. Rooves writes that " In the Townships of Wilberforce and Grattan, there are exposures of Black River, Trenton and Chazy Limestone — all indications of limestone cease at Mud Lake, on the Bonnechere River, with the exception of one small exposure of Crystalline Limestone at the foot of Golden Lake. There are indications of iron along the north side of the Bonnechere, between Golden Lake and Round Lake. Some Bog ore has been found ; and, in many places mineral paint ; but the locality has never been properly explored. Immense beds of Marl are to be found in Grattan and Wilberforce. Excellent quarries of Building stone are to be found at the Fourth Chute, and Jessup's Cascades, oji the Bonnechere. Wilberforce Is bounded on the north by the township of Alice, on the east by Stafford and Brom- ley, on the south by Grattan, on the west by North and South Algona. It was surveyed in 1851 by John Robertson, Provincial Land Surveyor, and contains 61,804 acres cf land. Extract from Report of Survey : — " As regards the quality of the township, about sixty per cent, of it is good land and well adapted for settlement and agricultural purposes. Nearly the whole of this is em- braced in the portion of the township lying east and south of Lake Dore, and a tract lying on the north-east angle adjoining Stafford, containing some four or five thousand acres. The surface of the tracts of country is level, abounds with limestone, and is covered with fine large hardwood. The other portions of the township are quite inferior in quality, the surface is rocky, and uneven, and the timber, which is almost entirely pine and green timber is also inferior. Oidy a few geological specimens were obtained — the characteristics appeared in no way remarkable. Where limestone is found on the tracts above referred to, the strata is horizontal, the oidy place where a section was observed was at Shaw's Mill, on Snake River, where the formation is granite. There the dip is east, and is from fifty-five to sixty-five degrees." The Agent's Report : — " The greater part of the Crown Lands in this township suit- able for farming purposes are taken up and settled upon. About one third of the town- ship consists of excellent land, parts of it being a sandy loam, and parts of it clay loam. Another third of it consists of inferior land, the soil being good hut very stony, and the remaining third is very inferior, being hilly, rocky, and in some places sandy soil. The roads through the township are rapidly improving — the Municipal Council expending each year considerable sums of money upon them — and this fact and the readiness with 147 which work can be obtained induce people to take up lands upon which they would not otherwise settle. The township is well situated as to mills — there being a grist and saw- mill near the centre of the township on Snake Kiver — the outlet of L dee Dor6, and & grist and saw-mill at Eganville at the south end of the township ; and the other parts are near mills in the adjoining township. The township is well watered, the Bonnechere River and Mud Lake forming its southern boundary, Green Lake (a small lake) lies in the northern part of it, Lake Dor<5 a beautiful sheet of water 4 miles long by 2h miles broad lies in the centre, and Mink liake, also a pretty sheet of water about 3 miles long by about one n.lle in breadth, lies about 3 miles to the south-east of Lake Dore. The Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Presbyterians have churches at Eganville, and the Methodists in the centre of the township. "Improved farms can be purchased at from five dollars to twenty dollars per acre, according to improvements and locality. The township is divided into school sections." Grattan lip suit- town- loam. md the The [tending Is with Lies south of the Township of Wilberforco. The front eight concessions were sur- veyed in 1851-52 by John Booth, P.L.S. ; and the remainder of the Township was sur- veyed in 1853 by R. Hamilton, P.L.S. It contains about C)7,oi)t acres of land. Extract from Mr. Booth's Report of Survey ; — '' All the land in this part of the Township, which may be called good and capable of being tilled, I think woukl not exceed 2,500 acres, and there are probably about 15,0(j0 acres answerable for settlement, and iu all probability will be settled by persons necessitated to do so, yet it is doubtful whether more than three-fourths of this can be purchased by the produce of the soil itself, and I think I may safely say the remaining 11,300 acres of the part now surveyed is scarcely worth taking into account. Along the northerly face of the range of mountains or hills crossing the southerly angle of the Township, and between the base of the mountains and the swamps northerly therefrom, there is in some places, laud which may be called passably good. It is green-wooded land, timbered with hardwood, such as beech, maple, basswood, ironwood and black oak, yet the surface of the greater part of the soil is so tilled with boulders and stones that the chance of the husbandman for ploughing and tilling is very slim. One crop may be taken off to advantage, as may also be the case in many other parts of the township. The nutritious portion of the soil is mostly coarse gravel mixed with red loam. We have not met with any argillaceous soils except a very little in the Brunswick bush settlement, and this is the only place where white oak, swamp maple or swamp beech timber has been seen. Not one hickory tree has been seen. Nearly the whole of the high land (except the mountains) and many of the swamps have been burned over, so that the little soil there was is nearly all burned off or rendered useless, and a mass of stone, gravel, and coarse sand is thereby brought to view. These burnings have taken place, to all appearance, at various periods of time within the last 1.5 or 17 years. Nearly all these " Brulures " have lieen timbered with pine, cedar-fir and spruce — the decayed foliage of which has been an ample combustible for raging fires, the intensity of which, in many places, has caused the surface of the rocks to exfoliate and show the dark portions con- taining iron ; which in some places we have reason to believe is very abundant. I have reason to believe that good peat may be found on lots 20 and 27 on the line between the Oth and 7th concessions, and in several otlier places in the township. The chain of mountains leading westerly from Mount St. Patrick strikes into Grattan, near the centre of the front line, and stretches across the .southerly angle of the township and occupies about five miles of the southerly part of the western l>oundary. The fixed rocks along the northerly face of these mountains are mostly of the crystalline lime, mixed with small particles of mica ami generally much coloured with ferruginous matter. The rock.s in the interior of this chain are generally of the quartz description, more or less ferruginous, and in general are covered with coarse gravel and sand mixed with red loam. The lakes are generally shallow water with gravel liottom. Constant's lake is however an exception, the wntor being deep and limpid, and abounds with various kinds of fish. " On lots 9 and 10 in the 1st Con. are two falls of water one of which may be used as a mile site." 148 Extract from Mr. Hamilton's Report of Survey: —"The coimtry throughout is well watered, but there are no streams of any note excepting Kurd's Creek which enters Grattan near the rear of the 20th concession ; and after flowing an easterly and then a northerly courae falls into the Bonnechere about half a mile above Eganville. In general it has high banks and abounds in rapids, and several small slides have been erected upon it, in the vicinity of which one or two good mill sites might be selected. The River Bonnechere is a bold rapid stream, and has capabilities for milling purposes perhaps not to bo surpassed. At the 4th chute there is a fall of about fifty feet, and 182 acresjhave been reserved for the site of a town plot. The face of the country is not mountainous, but it is interspersed with several hills, chiefly in the western part of the township, and in the neighbourhood of Perrault Lake. The soil on these hills is generally sandy and very stony, as indeed it is throughout a large portion of the township. Limestone abounds in many places, but more particularly in the south-east and north-west, as along the banks of the Bonnechere. The great production of the country heretofore has been white and red pine, but the finest and richest portions have been removed. What its future re- sources may be it is difficult to say. The chief natural feature of the country is a vast pinery interspersed with numei'ous tracts jf fertile land. Extensive fires have swept over various portions of these pineries, so that in many places, so far as the eye can reach, nothing is to be seen but the black and charred trunks of pine trees with a thick underwood of pop- lar and white birch." Agent's report : — " The greater part of the Crown Lands in this township suitable for settlement have been taken up ; the most of the lands remaining consist either of hilly, rough lands, or of swamp land. The latter will eventually be excellent land, but the expense of drain- ing it prevents settlers going upon it. " The soil is mostly of a sandy loam — about one-fourth of the township consists of excellent soil ; in about one-half of the remaimler, the soil is good but very stony — and the remainder is hilly, rocky and in parts worthless. " The Township is well supplied with mills — there is a grist-mill and saw-mill near the south-east corner of the township, and at Eganville, at the north end of the township, there is another. " The Village of Douglas, where there are grist and saw-mills, &c., lies within a short distance of the north-east end of the township. " The township is divided into school sections. " Improved lots can be readily purchased at from $4 to $20 per acre, according to quality of soil and situation of land." North Algona. On the north side of Golden Lake and Bonnechere River, and west of the Township of Wilberforce, was partly subdivided into farm lots in 1857, by Provincial Land Sur- veyor J, L. P. O'Haniy. It contains about 25,545 acres, of which 9,849 acres have been surveyed, the residue reported not fit for settlement. The following is an extract from the Surveyor's Report of Survey : — "The soil of that portion between the 5th and Ctli concession line and the river Bonnechere and Golden Lake, is of a sandy formation, intermixed with clay, and in some places loose stones sufficiently elevated to deserve the appellation of what is commonly designated ' ridge land,' pretty level and regular in aspect, formed by the gradual filling up of Golden lake, as the hills which this line traverses seem to be its ancient beach, from which the waters have gradually receded to their present position, leaving a regular surface and a soil tolerably good for agriculture, and where the clay formation predomin- ates, very good : but immediately back of this line the land is rugged and broken— hillocks with flat or oval summits alternating with small swamps or morasses, some of which assume the magnitude of mud lakes ; the soil, if I may so designate it, consists of a thin layer of gravel from which all vegetable mould has disappeared by the fires which seem to have occurred frequently ; the small fens and swamps retain moisture enough to escape this, in some measure, and their verdure strangely contrasts with the surrounding barrenness. 149 " On the west side of the river Bonnechere and head of GoUlen Lake, the laud is, for the most part, low, flat and marshy, with a coating of marly clay, and a surface soil of rich vegetable mould, intermixed, in a few instances, with heaps of stone. I think all this part of the township is an alluvial deposit, and so low and recently formed along Golden lake, that it is inundated tor a considerable distance by spring floods, and which inter- rupted me from completing the traverse of that portion of Golden lake and of running the line on that side between the 5th and Gth concessions. " Thi"! part of the township is thickly wooded, chiefly with green wood, which be- speaks its more recent formation and swampy character — consisting of pine, balsam, cedar, ash, spruce, birch, and some maple on the ridges which intersect it like so many causeways raised by the shovel of the navvy, one of which particularly deserves mention, running parallel to the river Bonnechere to Golden Lake, a naturally formed road route. The other subdivided portion, particularly towards the water, is plentifully wooded with red and white pine, balsam, maple, birch, poplar and beech, whilst the remainder (or unsur- veyed pulsions), is sparsely wooded — in many places bare of mould or verdure, except the few trees of greenwood and pine, which indicate the mud-holes and swamps of the desert, the natural sterility of the soil being aggravated by the frequent fires which have passed over it. " The greater part, if not the whole of the subdividtid portions of this township, is very well fitted for settlement, and will, no doubt, have its full quota of population." Report of the Crown Land Agent : — " All the land in this township suitable for settlement is now occupied. " The soil is generally a sandy loam — in some places almost a pure sand ; that small l^art of the township which lies to the south of the Bonnechere Piver is nearly all excel- lent land. A large part of this township is not surveyed, having been considered worth- less, but of this condemned land there is a strip along the Bonnechere settled upon, and which is excellent land. There are also squatters settled here and there through the con- demned land — but most of the condemned land consists of rocky, barren hills. " This township is watered by the Bonnechere River and Golden Lake in the south, and Cochran's Creek (a considerable stream) runs from north to south through the east part of the township. There are no villages in the township, nor is there likely to be any, though water power could be obtained on Cochran's Creek. Eganville is the place of business for the whole township ; a good road runs along the Bonnechere River ; there is a Methodist church and one school in the township — both at the south-east corner of it. " Improved farms can be purchased at from $4 to .$12 per acre." South Algona. Situated west of the Township of Wilberforce, on the south side of Golden Lake, and the Bonnechere River. It was surveyed into farm lots in 18r)7, by J. L. P. O'Hanly P.L.S., and contains 33,402 acres of land. The following is an extract from the Surveyor's Report relative to the description of the land, &c.. therein : — " The general aspect of the township is level, becoming elevated and undulating towards the county line, and south and west of Brennan's Creek ; the soil consisting of a mixture of clay and sand, the former predominating, is very fertile ; South of Silver Lake and adjacent to Sebastopol, the surface is rugged and broken, interspersed with small lakes, meadows and swamps ; west of Silver Lake and adjoining, the land is level and generally good, the soil mostly clay and sand, with a considerable deal of drift or water- worn stone ; there are but few small swamps, and in that part lying between Silver and Golden Lakes, is level, with scarcely an elevation of 50 feet, and consisting chiefly of alluvial deposit, in some few places intermixed with small conical hills, composed of diluvial stone or sand. The only swamp of much extent is that extending from Silver Lake to the county line and traversed by Brennan's Creek ; this seems to have been at no very distant period the bed of a large lake. " In this township there is mucli land of a good quality, and a proportion of an inferior kind, intermixed ; and I consider that about two-thirds of the township is well adapted for ■SPi 150 Bettlen nt, every 200 acres being captjblc of affording a goud livelihood to one family. It is well wooded, consisting chieHy of maple, bascwood, birch, beoch, balsam, cedar, jiine, ironwood, elm, ash, oak, hickory, spruce and tamarack, varying in quality with the nature of the soil and elevation, but prevailing in the order mentioned. Much damage has been caused by fires in the destruction of valuable pine, and burning up of the vegetation on rocky situations." Agent's Eeport : — " Almost all the land in this township, suitable for occupation is settled upon. There are some thousands of acres of land which are now drownded, but could be easily drained were it not for the dams on Hrennan's Crt^ek. " The soil is mostly of a sandy loom — in some places almost pure sand — and nearly all very stony, though there are a few excellent farms in the township. " The townsliip is well watered. " There are no villages in the township, nor is there any place in it where a village is likely to grow. Eganville is the place of business for most of the inhabitants, thongh some is transacted at Brudcnell Corners, a small village not far from the south-west corner of the township. The Lutherans and Methodists have churches in the township, and the Roman Catholics have their Church at Brudenell Corners. The township is divided into school sections, and the Government have made two good roads through it — one run- ning south to the Opeongo, and the other running from east to west into Hagarty. These roads have been of great benefit, not only to this township, but to the neighbouring town- ships — the latter road having been the means, to a great extent, of settling the Township of Hagarty. Improved farms can be purchased at from four dollars to twelve dollars per acre, according to improvements and situation. " RICHARDS Is bounded on the north by unsurveyed lands, on the east by the Township of Fraser, on the south by the Township of Hagarty, and on the west by the Township of Burns. It was surveyed in 18G2 by Provincial Land Surveyor Hamilton, and contains 41,461 acres of land. - The following is an extract from the Report of Survey : "Round Lake occupies a large proportion of the south of Richards ; it is about 3| miles wide, and contains an area of about 12^ square miles. A low, flat sandy beach ex- tends from the Little Madawaska to the Little Bonnechere, and thence, with little inter- ruption, to about a quarter of a mile beyond Kelly's Creek. In some places, particularly on the north side, bold, steep, rocky acclivities, of a gneissose character, rise almost from the water's edge. On the opposite side of the lake the shore presents a few rocky bluffs of similar character. " There are several streams flowing through Richards, and emptying into Round Lake ; of these, the most important are the Little Bonnechere, which falls into the lake at its north extremity : the Little Madawaska, which joins at the south-west end ; and Kelly's Creek, which comes in on the north side ; besides a few others of less note. " The Little Bonnechere, which is for the most part navigable, runs through the north-east corner of Burns and enters Richards near the rear of the 9th Concession. Immediately below the boundary it opens into a small lake, on leaving which it turns southerly, and continues in that direction for about a mile and a-half ; it then makes a sweeping bend and flows northerly for about a mile and three-quarters, when it turns off to the east and receives Pine River, a tributary from the north. A short distance from the junction the river expands into a narrow lake, at the foot of which there is a strong rapid half a mile long ; about three-quarters of a mile below the lake the stream becomes smooth, but it is again broken by another rapid not far from its mouth. After passing this rapid, the stream flows on with a smooth, but swift current, to its entrance into the lake. From the northern bend to the mouth of the river the courses of the stream are so exceedingly tortuous that their aggregate length, it is said, would measure nine miles, while a straight line between the same points would not exceed three. A good road, 2^ miles in length, connects the north bend with Round Lake. 161 "The Little Madawaska haa its source on the high grounds to the North of Barry's Bay. It flows in a noitli easterly direction, passing near the south-east corner of Burns and entering Richards at the rear of the 1st Concession. From its source to within a mile of its (embouchure, it may be considered as a succession of rapids On the lower portion of the stream several dams and slides have been constructed to facilitate the tran- sport timber. " Kelly's Creek flows from a chain of small lakes lying to the north-east. In its pass- age to Round Lake it incaiiders through a narrow strip of low ground, bounded on each side by level sandy plains almost destitute of timber. " Considerable ((uantities of timber are annually floated down this stream, but the supply is now nearly exhausted. " There are two other streams entering Round Lake from the north, the names of which I was unable to learn. Both are small and unimportant. " The country west of Round Lake, as far as the boundary, and between the Little Bonnechere and tlie Little Madawaska, lias, for the most part, a level or gently undula- ting surface. The soil of the lower half of this tract is sandy, and has now no timber; that of the upj)er half is somewhat better, and is partially covered with small red pine, intermingled with hardwood trees. Beyond the Madawaska, to the south, the soil is also sandy or gravelly, but the surface is broken and rocky, and intersected by low marshy flats ; and on both sides of the river the timber has been mostly swept off by fire, and its place supplied by an almost impenetrable thicket of poplar, birch, and cherry. " On the north side of Round Lake and the Little Bonnechere, the country has a still more dreary and desolate aspect. Detached hills, either bare or covered with a scanty vegetation ; extensive plains with little or no timber ; and deep and narrow valleys, strewn with the debris from the surrounding hills, characterize a large portion of Richards. But, notwithstanding the bleak and forbitlding aspect of the country overlooking Round Lake, there are some good spots in the interior and towards the north-east. At the latter pbce there is a growth of heavy timber, consisting of maple, basswood, and birch, with large white pine intermixed, and should the soil not be too stony a few excellent farms may be selected. " By a devastating fire which swept over the country, between the waters of the Upper Madawaska and the Ottawa, a space of nearly 20,000 acres of forest timber, in Richards, was totally destroyed, and a large quantity of the timber on the remaining por- tion seriously damaged. Tlie largest and best timbered tracts are on the rear Concessions and towards the east side of the townsliip." Agent's Report : — " There are but few settlers in this township as yet, and there being no roads througli it the quantity of land suited for settlement is not known, but from the best information I can get at least one half is suitable for settlement. The soil is of a sandy loam, in some places inclining to clay : those parts unsuited for settlement consist of sand plains or rocky hills : the want of roads has prevented settlement but settlers are now commencing to move in, and I believe that as roads are opened more land will be found suited for settlement than is now expected. " Water powers can be got on the Little Madawaska, Bonnechere and Pine Rivers." Hagarty - Is bounded on the north by the township of Richards, on the east by the townships of Fraser, North Algona and South Algona, on the south by the township of Brudenell, and on the west l>y the township of Sherwood. It was surveyed in 18G2 by Provincial Land Surveyor Hamilton, and contains 53,329 acres of land. The following is an exract from the Surveyor's Report : — " The soil in general is rich and fertile, and produces ample returns of wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes. " With the exception of the River Bonnechere, which is just within the township, the chief streams are Byer's and Brennan's Creeks, which, with their tributaries, may 362 be said to drain tins wliolc towiiHhip. The first Hows into Round Lako, tho latter into Gold»!n Lak(!. JJotli have tlmir .soiircos without tlu? townwliip, and l>otli aro used f(»r tht; floating of timber to tlie lakes in the spring. Dreniuui's Creek consists of two nuiin branches, the eastern one enters from South Algona, the western from Brudonell, and after meandering through a low marshy flat, they at length meet about four miles from the Golden Lake. " From tho junction to within a mile and a half of the mouth of tho creek is broken by a succession of violent rapids, aflbrding admirable sites for milling purposes. Strong and well built timber dams and slides have been erected on tlu'se rupids, I think as many as seven, at an outlay, I was informed, of $10,000. Of the four lower dams which lie within a space of half a milt^, the two middle ones are in close proximity to the location of William MacDonell. Al)out 10 chains below Mr. MacDonell's clearing the stream becomes navigable, and after winding its way through a low wet flat, covered with soft majde, ash, and alder bushes, it discharges itself into tho south western extremity of Golden . ake. " Byer's Creek, like Brennan's likewise consits of two main branches, both ot which enter from the township of Burns ; after flowing towards the centn! of the townsiup thc^y meet in a narrow valley surrounded })y ridges of consideral)le elevation. Immediately below the Junction there is a strong rapid, at the head of which a dam has been erected, chiefly with a view of holding back the water in order to facilitate the transport of tinibei to the lake in the spring. Between this rapid and the lake, a distance of three miles, the waters flow with a smooth but swift current ; in the lower portion of its course it winds through a narrow flat, bounded on either side by ridges and sand planes now denuded l)y fire. It enters tho lake from lot 17, in the 13tli concession. A good winter road leads from the mouth to the settlement in and around the front of the township. " The Bonnechere, on emerging from Bound Lake, flows in an eastern and then in a north-eastern course for about thiee nules, when it passes the district line near the north- east angle of tho township ; its general width, in tho upper part of its course, is from two to three chains. At the end of the first mile, at Foy'to, a series of small rapids occur, with a fall in the aggregate of between three and four feet ; at about a (juarter of a mile lower down, the river expands into a small lake, sixty chains long, and from twenty-five to thirty chains wide ; after leaving this lake it preserves a uniform width of about four chains for another quarter of a mile, when it again expands into a second lake which passes beyond the townsliip. "Ilagarty contains an area of 55,995 acres, of which 1,000 acres are covered by the waters of Bound Lake. This lake, of wliich the greater part lies in Richards, has an area of 12A miles square. The water is pure and, in some places, of a great depth. Fish are plentiful, particularly lake trout and pike, which may be caught in the fall in great Quantities ; speckled river trout were also found in most of the streams falling into Round lake. " Hagarty is not mountainous, but it contains an extensive and elevated ridge sweep- ing round within its southern and western sides, giving to the country the appearance of a half basin open on the sides towards the lakes. This ridge may be said to commence at the rapids on Brennan's Creek, thence spreading out into a wide table land ; it occupies the southern and western portions of the township, and gives rise to most of the small tributaries falling into Byer's and Brennan's Creeks. The timber on this elevated ground consists of a heavy growth of maple, birch, and beech, and the soil, although in some places stony, is of excellent quality. On the northern and western slopes poplar and maple are abundant, and the soil, as might be expected, is of a light loamy character, easdy worked and capable of yielding average returns. There are a few rocky declivities both on the southern and western slopes, but, taken as a whole, the surface is not rugged ; the slopes are even, or gently undulating, while the flats, at the summit, are mostly level. It is, therefore, well adapted for the construction of roads. " Descending to the undulating flats skirting on Round Lake, the country assumes a difierent appearance. Hardwood is rarely seen, except in isolated patches. From Golden Lake, a low, wet, and, in some places, marshy tract of land extends in a north-western direction, until interrupted by a range of low hills or ridges surrounding the south-east part of Round Lake; this flat contains several thousand acres, and is timbered with tamarack, spruce, and black ash. To the south of it there are numerous groves of small 153 pine, mostly of the red variety, while to tli»! nortii and west nearly all the timber, also pine, has been swept off l)y fire. Thf soil is dry and sandy, and others f»!w inducements tor settlement. There aiv, however, several j^ood tracts on both sides of the IJonne- chere, which produce excellent crops. One of these extends from the river to the low ground already alluded to, and is timbered with a short growth of white pine, hemlock, and birch." by the an area Fish |iii great Round sweep- I'ance of lence at |)ccupies lie small ground In some maple easily les both lid ; the ^el. It lumes a rolden i^estem |th-east ll with small The Agent rejwrts tliat : — "There is not over half of this Township yet occupied, though the greater part of it is suited for settlement. " The soil is generally a sandy loam, and there is some excellent land through it, but the want of roads has prtivented its being settled as rapidly as it otherwise w(»uld. During the last three years the (Jovernnient have been extending th»i Algona and lla- garty Uoad into tiiis township, an. scattered through it. Welshman's Island, in Barry's Bay, has an area of 15G acres, one-half of which may be considered arable. The soil ditfers materially from the rest of the township, being blue clay with decomposed vegetable matter on the surface. " The country north of the Opeongo Road is not generally fit for settlement, being, in some places, rough and hilly, with here atui there red pine plains. There is also an exten.sive marsh through which flows the Little Madawaska, a stream discharging into the River Bonnechere. " The soil is a yellow sandy loam, in many places very strong, but occasionally deep and rich. The timber is generally white and red pine, with here and there hardwood, with scattered white and red pine. From lot 1 to 20 in Concessions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, there is some fair land which may possibly attract the attention of settlers. There is 154 also Homn pretty good liiiid iioiir the iinrtlicrly boiiiMlary of tlio towiiHliip, in tho 13th ninl 14th CoiicoHsions, luuir Lako SiirpriHo luid Hliif Son Liikf, and westward up to lot 31. " Of tlic wliolo township, th to thn TownHhip of (Jrattnn, are generally good land ; also tho lots in tho Ist, 2nd and Mrd ranges eastward of tho lino between Noh. 30 and .'U. " The remaining portion of the town, (hip, from lot No. 20 north of dlear Lake, and eastward to the Township of Orattan, is timbered with White I'ino and -toattoring hardwood, nnd in some places witli lied Pino. Tho surface is slightly uneven and the soil sandy ; where liardwood predominates, as is the case in Hinnll patches, the soil is tolerably good. " This part of the township is valuable on account of its white pine timber, and if put into the market, would sell well on that account. " Around tho entire shore of ('Icar Lake, I have made an allowance for road, nnd on each side of Clear Cret;k, to where it loaves tho township ; tho latter I considered ni'cessary as the stream is navigable for square timber and saw log«. Tho creek is generally about one chain wide, very .shallow in winter, but in spring there is a great rush of water ; there is but one fall in this stream, between Clear Lake and Al;;ona, which is situated on lot No. 3l.*, in the 14th range — the fall here is about twenty-five feet. The firm of John Kgan & Co., have built an expensive dam and slide hero, to enable them to pa.sH timber. The dam increases the depth of water up to Clear Lake, between which and the dam there is but a gentle current. "This is a first rate water-power, as there is sutiicient water for a Grist and Saw -mill at all seasons. In tho township there arc but two other streams worthy of notice ; they are Constant Crock, and Hylaiid Creek, both tributary to the Madawaska River, and both having their sources within the township. Ilyland Creek, where it loav(^s the township, i.s thirty feet wide and one foot deep, with a gentle current. The stream has been used to the first fork in Sebastopo! by Messrs. Gilmour & Co., to Hoat timber to the Madawa.ska. From the Town line to the fork there is no fail or rapid, and after the division each branch is rather small for mill purposes. Constant Creek, at the line between Sebastojtol and Grattan is sixteen feet wide and two feet nerally rough, but the soil is good. There are a number of settlers, but plenty of lanu tit for settlement stil lavailable. There are a saw mill, post office and several schools in the township. Brougham Is situated cast of the Township of Griffith. The north-easterly part was surveyed in 1851 by Wm. Campbell, P.L.S., and the remainder of the township in 1872, by Quintin Johnstone, P.L.S. It contains about 65.330 acres of land. Extract from Mr. Campbell's report : — " Having run the lines of the 17th and 18th cons., and 15th and 16th cons., found the lands in the western part of these concessions (say from lot 15 up) very rough, of an inferior quality and wholly unfit for agricultural purposes. In the eastern portions of these conces- sions, the land is, in pi aces, of a better quality, being chiefly a sandy loam. The timber is hardwood, ced.ir, and .some pine. "Commenced at the eastern boundary and run the line of the 13th and 14th cons., across lot 24. The land from lot 17 to this place I found to be very rough and of inferior quality, without any prospect of coming to better. East of lot 1 7 the soil is middling ; sandy in places. Ran the line of the 11th and r2th cons, across lot 19. Found the land on this line, from lot 16 up, of the same (juality as western portions of the 1.3th and 14th cons. East of lot Iti the soil is better — a sandy loam. Ran the line of the 0th and 10th cons, to lots 20 and 21. The land on this line, from ht 8 up, being of the same quality as the west- ern part of the preceding concessions ; also ran the line of the 7th and 8th cons, across lot 14 to the edge of a large lake. The land on the whole of this line I found to borough, stony and similar to the western part of the preceding concessions ; and from the best infor- mation I have been able to obtain, the remainder of the township is unfit for settlement. " The country in which the township is situated is mountainous and rocky, and unfit for agricultural purposes, except in the immediate vicinity of Constant Creek and Mount St. Patrick. " The lumbering, which constitutes the principal business of the country, supplies a ready market for the surplus produce of the farmer ; but this market cannot be considered permanent on account of > e scarcity of the timber. " It may be, however^ reasonably expected, that at some future period, that part of the country may become a mining district, as there is no reason to doubt that there is an abundance of ore in those parts, which would not only furnish a market for the surplus pro- duce of the farmer, but give employment to such of his family as might not be required for labouring the farm." Extract from Mr. Johnstone's report : — " 1 found the greater part of that portion of the township which came under my obser- vation to be rough broken, rocky and hilly— the squatters occupying the best part of it. Large sections have been burnt over, some parts completely bare, destroying what, I have been told, was valuable timber. Some small tracts of pine and hardwood ridges still green. " There are no good sites for mills ; for whenever a bead and fall could be obtained, mills could not be erected on account of the high, rocky precipitous character of the banks. " I observed no signs of economic minerals. The rocks are chiefly granite. However, 161 nt pine the. soil ion also ,ters are ^P with 3ar, and 1. dly, but I am not prepared to write positively what the geological productions may be, not having had time, nor opportunity to make a careful investigation, besides the winter season is not suit- able for that purpose. The advantages for settlement are not good, owing to the roughness of the country and want of area of land suitable for agricultural purposes. The prospects of this portion of the township are not very encouraging for the reasons above stated." Mr. Mahon reports that the good land is nearly all taken up ; but there are some good farms yet available. Improved farms can be purchased at from two to ten dollars per acre. re are a ire a saw CHAPTER XIII. rveyed in y Quintin found tlie an inferior ese conces- j timber is il4th cons., f inferior middling ; he land on 14th cons. |th cons, to the wcst- ucross lot be rough, I best infor- ^ment. and unfit iMount St. I supplies a considered lart of the liere is an Irplus pro- l|uired for imy obser- Ipart of it- it, I have Itill green, icd, mills ;.s. Illowever, THE NORTH RENFREW OR PEMBROKE AGENCY. , Thero are eight townships in this agency, viz : Alice, Petewawa, Frasor, McKay, Buchanan, Wylie, Rolph and Head. They contain about 287,198 acres of land, and about 192,000 acres are still open for settlement. The agent is Adam Kennedy, whose office is at Pembroke, which, as already stated, is the present terminus of the Canada Cen- tral Railway, and the chief market town in the district. The Pembroke and Mattawan Colonization Road, runs from there through the town- ships of Petewawa, Buchanan, Rolph and Head, and in all of these, there are schools and post-offices — the mail, during summer and winter, being delivered not less than twice a week. During the season of navigation a line of steamboats run from Pembroke up to Fort Mattawan, there being three changes on the route on account of obstructions in the river. There is no grist mill yet, north sf Pembroke. The Reports of the Surveyors, and Crown Land Agent, on each township, are as follows : Alice Is situated to the north of Wilberforce, and south of the township of Petewawa, containing 59,495 acres, including water and roads, — was partly subdivided into farm lots by Provincial Land Surveyor, .John Morris, in 1855. The residue of the township was subdivided in 1860, by Provincial La;:d Surveyor H. 0. Wood. The Pembroke and Mat- tawan Road passes through the north-east corner of the township. Extract from Report of Survey by P. L. S. Morris : — " The soil in this township, in the part fit for settlement, is of a sandy loam and gen- erally level ; it is cut up in several places by gullies, which, however, contain for the most jtart good spring water running the greater part of the year. There is one .small section, about a mile square, in which the land is more uneven aiid stony, an, B. His residence is at Point Alexander, where a Post OflBce has been lately established. " Rolph abounds in lakes, none of which arc of any great magnitude. It is also well watered with numerous snudl streams, the principal of which is Chalk River. This stri^am enters Rolph near the front of the 7th concession, and flowing in a south-easterly direction, passes into Wylie on lot No 20, in the 1st concession. " It is hemmed in by high hills on each side, and the banks are in many places rugged aud precipitous. Several temporary dams and one or two small slides have been built at different points on the stream. " The general appearance of Rolph is somewhat hilly, particularly in the north-west, and in the vicinity of Chalk Rivcr and of the lakes in its neighbourhood. Most of the hills assume the form of ridges which take a direction parallel to the Ottawa. They are generally clothed with dwarfish pine and white birch, and the .soil is sterile and of a rocky granitic character. There arc, however, in various parts of the township extensive tracts of hard- wood land, the .soil of which, though stony, may be cultivated successfully. Pine is altun- dant, and is the prevailing timber throughout. "The Pineries, properly speaking, are not numerous. The most extensive is that .stretch- ing from Point Alexander to the Township of I)Uchanan, and from the Ottawa to the lot No. 10, in the 2nd and 3rd concessions. This plain rises abruptly from the Ottawa, near Pdint Alexander, to a height of nearly 100 feet, it then preserves a tolerably uniform .surface sloping gradually towards Buchanan, where it falls into a flat approaching to the water's edge — the timber is small and thinly scattered, and large portions have been swept off" by tiro. The soil is sandy and unproductive. No lime-stone has been found in any part of the township.'' This township is about thirty miles above Pembroke, and can be easily reached by the Pembroke and Mattawan Road, and also by steamboat. It contains a large percentage of good land, the soil being generally a sandy loam. Good crops of oats, hay and potatoes are raised by the .settlers and sold to the lumbering shanties at good prices. About one- third of the township is settled. t' 166 Head Is situated on the Ottawa River, north-weHt of Rolph. The northerly part of it, to- gether with the northerly part of the townHhip of Maria, wore Hurvcyod in 1859 by Duncim Sinclair, P.L.S. The surveyed portion of this township oontainH about 25,844 acres of land. Extract from Report of Survey : — " There is a }j;reat quantity of rough laud in these townships, and what is not stony is generally lij^ht and sandy. The host parts are to bo found northvard atid west of Bennett's (!reek along the road above the ' Koche Capitaino ' settlement ; but the best and most considerable tract to be found is situated between the branches of Bissot's Greek in the U])per side of the Township of Maria, which expands in breadth westward of the township for about three miles, it being a fine undulatory surface of large white pine an! fine hardwood." Head is about 45 miles above I'embroko, and the Pembroke and Mattawan Road runs through it. There if, some very good land in it, but it is nearly all taken up, as the great prices settlors get for produce have been an inducement to settlement. Femiskokk and Mattawan Road. . ' During the year 1863, a survey of a tier of lots on each side of that part of this road lying between the boundai-y line between the Town.ships of Mariaand Clara, andthemouthof the Mattawan River, was made by P.L.S. Sinclair. Extract from Report of Survey : — " The timber is what is usually known as mixed- wood ; pine, either red or white, predominates, but it has been nearly all burned, from the commencement of the survey to the middle of the second township. This has been a very valuable section in its pine timber, but there is not much remaining that is valuable, within the limits of this sur- vey. There are not any large streams entering the Ottawa in the country embraced in this survey. " Its geological features are uninteresting; (it is what is denominated a boulder country) except a belt of Fossiliferous Limestone crossing to the south of the Ottawa River, at the head of the Seviellier Rapids, which gives a small tract of very good land, at and around Bell's farm. " The facilities for settlement along the road are certainly considerable, although the road is far from being what the public interests require, it being the main thoroughfare along the joint frontier of the United Province, which must be the highway for the trans- port of supplies from the east, to the lumbering districts along the Upper Ottawa coun- try, as well as for the ingress of settlers, to the various sections where arable land may be found." Mattawan Is situated at the junction of the Ottawa and Mattawan Rivers, and about 200 miles distant from Ottawa City. It is bounded on the north by unsurveyed land and the River Ottawa, on the cast by the River Ottawa, on the south by the River Mattawan, and on the west by unsurveyed .and. This township was surveyed in 1864, by Provincial Land Surveyor, Lindsay A. Russell, and contains an area of 49,593 acres of land. The following is an extract from Mr. Russell's Report of Survey : — " The present and also future place of business in the township, is Fort Mattawan, at. the mouth of the river of same name. The reserve made there for a town plot, is one of the most suitable and picturesque sites for that purpose to be met with in the province. " There are already at the Port a large Catholic chapel, two good hotels, the Hudson Bay Comijany's general store, and on the Antoine, a couple of miles distant, Mr. McCon- nell's saw-mill. The nearest post-officu at present is the Joachim, to which place there is a weekly mail from Ottawa. The lumberers, however, feeling much the want of a mail to Fort Matawan, are endeavouring to get a post-office established there also. There is as ite: 167 f it, to- Dunciin acres of in these re to bo upitainc ' ween the panda in •y surface load runs the great [ this road ic mouth of or white, survey to in its pine if this sur- [ibraced in country) ver, at the lul around hough the trough fare the trans- awa coun- (l may be yet no grist-mill, the high prices for hay and oats stated above leading the few settlers there are, to cultivate hardly anything else ; it being more profitable to buy flour for their own use, and devote all their land and time to growing the before mentioned crops. " The general characteristic of the country about Fort Mattawan and elsewhere in the township is roughness ; the hills being of the Laurontian formation, there is a great deal of rocky and light sauily land ; but in the low grounds, on the banks of streams, and in some cases on the hills, it is of better quality. " It is wooded with alternating tracts of soft and hardwoods, viz,, pine, hemlock, spruce and birch, beech, maple, &c. " This township rcsfmbles much, in general features of surface, timber and soil, those on the Opcongo Koad. Nearly all its square timber has been taken to market, a few saw-logs remain of what was once a very fair timber limit. " The climate is much the same as that of Ottawa, with perhaps some seasons a little deeper snow in winter. The steamers commence running from .foachim downwards, at from the Ist to the .'ith May. They cease running in fall about the 2.')th November, but l)oats and canoes are used till the middle of ])(!cember. " This township is luit naturally inviting to settlers, but when a farmer receives four times the ordinary price for his produce, he can well afford to live on second rate land. " Its position at the future confluence of Upper Ottawa, and western lakt; trade, gives it importance. The time will come .soon, when scarcity of timber, ami the encroachments of settlers on the lumbcsrers, where they now are, will lead to the bulk of the lumbering l)i'ing divided between the country above this, and tliat on the northern tributaries of the river lower down. The three or four hundred miles yet unexplored and almost unknown course of the Ottawa, may yet furnish much, l)oth in timber and minerals, to a trade of which Fort Mattawan will be the dep6t, when that ultimate necessity — the Ottawa and Georgian Bay Canal — is made ; the lake vessels laden with supplies for the Uppoi' Ottawa lumbering, will there discharire their cargoes, and will receive a return freight for the western people, of the manufactured wood goods of all descriptions required by them, and of the material for which their country is so deficient. Mattawan is particularly suited for such a trade, on account of its abundant water power and its facilities for getting wood of various kinds, much of what would bi; required for such manufactures being in the vicinity of its water-powers, small timber generally answering the purpose .sufficiently well, such as will always be left by square timber and saw-log makers." This township has been brought under the operation of the Free Grants Act, but no loca- tions have yet been made therein. The town plot of Mattawan was surveyed in 187.3, and is now open for sale to actual settlers. There is a post office and a good school at the town- plot now. .\pplicati0n3 for land in the township and town-plot should be made to the agent at Pembroke. There is a line of steamboats on the Ottawa River between Pembroke and Mattawan, and reu'ular communication in summer. 200 miles le east by |nsurveyed iudsay A. Ittawan, at, is one of h)vince. le Hudson 1. McCon- le there is J a mail to liere is as ^Rll lOS CHAPTER XIV. NORTH SHORES OF LAKES FIITRON AND SUPERIOR. The rngion ombracod uudtu- tliis iKiadinj^, extoiuls from French river, to t\w wt'storly limit of the Province, and has alniady been treated of in the iirst part of this work. ConsiihTinj^ its extent, there is as yet but a small portion surveyed, and it is only of late years that there has lieen any great influx of settlers. The surveyed lan stifle May, in some places of a reddish color, in others nearly white, which cruuible.s whe. , ()0Hed io the surface. In some of the swamps this stifi" clay is close to the surface. The surface in many parts of the island is stony — very much so — at the north-west end, in the large windfall, also along the mill road or 1.3th and 1 ith concessions, and the points! on 171 each side of Milford Haven, and on tV.e northerly side of the hill in the centre of the island. In some cases masses of loose rock ion feet in diameter lie on the surface — in general the stones are only on the surface and when removed there is good soil underneath. " In the channel opposite Campement D'Ours Island, a mass of syenitic granite juts out in irregular points — some parts rising about twenty feet above the water. On lot 10, concession 5, white sandstone appears just at the edge of the water, and at the level of its surface, and in the Point aux Gravier concessions, blue limestone appears, rising abrubtly from the water to a height of thirty feet, in thin horizontal strata, of from six inches to one foot in thickness. This limestone extends under the whole point, and also a|pi»ears at the edge of the water in concession 10. It is used for making lime and build- ing at the Bruce mines, and by the inhabitants. " The islanJ is closely wooded — the timber on the hills and dry surface, being maple, beech, birch, often mixed with hemlock, cedar, spruce, bass\/ood and elm. In some parts the timber is all maple, and a great deal of it is bird's eye and curly maple — the latter mostly where the surface is stony. In the swamps, the timber is cedar, spruce, balsam, hemlock, pine, and tamarack, generally mixed, and growing very densely in most of the suamps- -the cedar predominating — in some the tamarack or spruce. " With regard to the capabilities of the island for settlement, I think, about two- tliirds of its surface will be available — the remaining third, being swamps of little use, except as meadows at a future period. Its soil is of good quality for agricultural pur- jiDses, raising wheat, oats, potatoes, turnips, carrots, peas, beans, Indian corn and melons, efjually well with lands in other parts of the Province. From the water communication all around the island, and steamboats passing almost daily each side of it — which call at the wharves at Hilton and St. Joseph when necessary — there are great facilities fur settlers arriving or leaving, or purchasing what they require, or disposing of tlieir produce at the markets of Lake Superior or Lake Huron. The snow disappearing otf the clearings about the middle of April— the farmers commence farming operations a few days after, having very few frosts after that time to injure any crops. The harvest commences aiiout the middle of August. There is an abundance of fine fish in the waters around the i land, and small fisheries are carried on in .several places. " The lake generally freezes over before the middle of December — the ice clearing off ill the spring from the 1st to the 7th May, and the snow lies permanently on the ground from the middle of December to the middle of April. Its average depth is from ''WO to three feet — its greatest about four feet. The lowest range of the thermometer is in Feb- ruary, when it reaches, sometimes, 25° below zero (fahrenheit) for perhaps a fortnight — the average cold being from 10^ above to 10° below zero. In June, July, and August, the highest range is sometimes 100° above zero — the averange range 70° to 80°." CHAPTER XVI. SAULT STE. MARIE AGENCY Contains three Free Grant townships, viz : Korah, Prince and Aweres. The agent is C. P . Brown, Esq., who resides at Sault Ste. Marie. This is the chief town in the district, and pro- mises to be a'place of some consequence. It has aweekly newspaper, and an agricultural society was established in 1^68 — since when $2,754 have been expended in prizes, and property to the value of $2, .3*33 has been acquired. Several fine new churcher liave been erected during the last few years, and the Anglican Bishop of Algima now makes it his summer residence. There are six churches — Church of England, h'oman Catholic, two Pres- byterian, a Canada, and an Episcopal Methodist. It is well supplied with stores and ' 'tel accommodation. The route to this place is the same as to Biuce mines — by steamer from Sarnia '' 1sor, Owen Sound, or (yollingwnod. There is more frequent comrnunif'ation during the a> :. of navigation with tins port than any other on these laker, as be-^idea 172 the Canadian steamers, the American steamers (which are very numerous) must all pass it. In 1876, the number of vessels and steam-boats passing through the St. Mary's Canal, was 2,100. In the winter season, the Sault can be reached from Windsor (by the United States) in three or four days. It is expected that railway communication will soon be completed by the Americans between the town on their side of the river and Duluth. The Free Grant town.ships named contain 55,815 acres of land, and about 24,000 acres still remain to be disposed of ; but there are several other townships to the north of these, both Indian and Crown Lands, which are offered for sale at very low prices, and will be referred to more particularly hereafter. KORAH AND AWENGE. These are adjoining townships on the River St. Mary, west of the townships of St. Mary and Tarentorus. They were surveyed in 1859 bj'^ James Johnston, P.L.S., into sections and quarter sections, and the former contains 22,336 acres, and the latter 2,647 acres. Extract from the Surveyor's Report : — " The quality of the land in these townships is generally good. For an average width of a mile along the shore of the River Ste. Marie it is low and marshy, then gradu- ally rising it l)ecomes dry, and is principally a good clay loam for a distance north of two niile.s. The surface then becomes rolling, the soil a fair sandy loam, and the timber chiefly maple for a distance north of three mile.s. On this section are several sugar bushes, frequented in the spring by the inhabitants of the Sault village. From thence to the northerly limit of the township it is more or less broken with ridges of rock, chiefly granite. " The timber on a considerable tract in the southerly part of these townships has been destroyed by fire, but it is otherwise well timbered. The timber consists principally of hardwood." AWERES Is situated north-east of the village of Sault Ste. Marie. It is bounded on the north by the township of Vankoughnet, on the east by the unsurveyed township of Jarvis, on the south by Tarentorus, and on the west by Pennefather. It was subdivided in 1859 into sections and quarter sections, each regular ([uai^er section containing 160 acres. It contains 21,544 acres of land. Extract from P.L.Surveyor, A. P. Saltors' Report: — " In this township but little land fit for arable purposes was met with, i^: general character being rough and locky. Many of the sections are well timbered ; a.ul, in places, mineral, (specular iron) was observed in the rock. As a whole, this township offers few inilucements to settlers." . PlUNOE , Is situated on Lake Superior, west of the township of Korah. It was subdivided in the year 1860 into sections and ([uarter-sections ; each regular quarter-section containing an area of KIO acres. It contains 22,311 acres of land. The following is an extract from Provincial Land Surveyor Prince's Report of Sur- vey :— " From the point of commencement, I found the land swampy, thick underbrush and burnt timber, mostly of cedar, until about 80 chains from the basf line, when I struck the Gros Cap range composed of granit»> whii h range runs nearly east and west, and at the points where my lines intersect, about 150 or 200 feet above the level of land below near- ly perpendicular, and upon the south side rough and broken ; upon the top of this range tor some distance, I founD by Lake Superior ; and on the south by the Township of Oooks. " Loch Lomond is situated in the north east part of the township, and partly in the Indian Reserve, and is about If miles from Lake Superior, and has an elevation of about 200 feet above it. It is a beautiful sheet of water, stmlded with islands. It has a length in the survey of about six miles and an average width of about' one mile. The water is clear and deep, and abounds with speckled tr()ut. The coast is high and rugged and rocky, with several points and deep bays. The greater part of the south coast, and about one mile of the east coast near Carp River, consi^;ts of cliffs of a columnar trap, rising to a lunght of about 200 feet (frequently) in j)erpendicular columns out of the water. " Tlie north west coast rises witii ledges of rock to the summit level of McKay's mountain. " The country round the Loch is ri-ing, rocky and broken for about a mile from the coast, containing, in places, groves of gcid white and Norway pine. Carp River is the outlet of Loch Lomond, and is a meandering stream with a successi<)n of chutes aul rapids, and has a fall of about 200 feet, and aft'or-ls e.xcellent mill sites, both at and near its mouth on Lake Superior and at various points u|)the stream till the level of Loch Lomond is reached ai alwut half a mile from the Loch. " A road coidd be easily constructed along the valley of the river from Lake Superior to Loch Lomond, any of Slate River. " Sturgeon Bay is a large, spacious and excellent harliour, with ex;ellent holding jrround and easy of access, and I would beg to recommend that a reserve be made of say fifty acres on Sturgeon Point, composing t!ie south-west part of sectiim 2, concession 7, for light-house purposes. The coast of Lake Superior, in front of the township of Blake, is generally well protected by Pin Island, Thompson, Victoria, and a number of small ifilinds between them and the C'pait. A nn^^e of trap cliflPs overlying tiiesla'.e, follows the coast sometimes, coming out to the water's edge, and ris ng to a height of from 700 to 800 fi'et, and the front of concessions 3 and 4 is mostly burned over, the timber being nearly all dead and down, and a thick growth of brush takin^: its place. 12 a 178 " Mining locations ' K XIII ' and ' K XV,' composing section 1 and part of section 2, in concessions 6 and 7, lying between Lake Superior and Sturgeon Bay, is a flat swampy country, with low rocky ridges. Timber of recent growth, and consists of spruce, tamarack, white birch, cedar and alder. The soil clayey, with sandy loam. The rocks hardened slate, with eruptive trap dykes. Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4, south from the valley of Carp Kiver and Loch Lomond to the Prince location, is a broken rocky mountainous country, and particularly that portion lying between Sturgeon Bay and Loch Lomond, two to three cliffs, of from 200 to 800 feet are crossed in a mile. The country is densely wooded with sj)ruco, balsam, tamarack, birch, and, on the slopes, considerable very good white and Norway pine, and also on the top of the mountains this is the case, particularly for about a mile inland from the east and south shores of Loch Lomond. Frequently the pine is mixed through the other timber, but sometimes in groves, with hardwood and underbrush through it. Soil, a rich clay loam, but owing to the broken nature of the country, there are only small tracts of land fit for cultivation — in the whole, perhaps not more than one- fourth i)f the area. " McKay's mountain, Admiral Bayfield says, attains a height in the Indian Reserve, near Fort William, of 1,350 feet above Lake Superior. This mountain extends fram Loch Tiomond to the Karninistiquia River, and has a range of cliffs on the north side sweeping through concessions 5 and 6 in Neebing and Piii-Poong, conjession G, a mountain rises to a height of at h-ast f)00 feet; roek — a grey crystalized diorite. South of this the country fills to the west. The west half of Section 9, concession 7, being good land ; the cast half rises on a mountain 700 to 800 feet high. Here there is also excc-llent pine on the slopes. 1 ho country then falls with ledges into Cry.stal LaV? on the Stuart Location. Range No. 10 is a broken and mountainous tract in concossion-i 1, 2, 3 and 1, with small slopes of good land falling into Pine River, and small flats on the summits of the mountains. There are here small groves of excellent pine on the slopes, and frequently on the summit leT>ls. Section 10, coneession T), is flat land : soil --clay loam ; timber mostly dead and fallen. Along the west braiieh of Pino River ihere are clay bank.s 15 to 20 feet high, broken with ravines. Tlie outlet of Crystal Lake traverses Section 10 from the Stuart Location to Pine River, the valley of which is trood land with considerable pine on the slopes. This stream is from 1 to 2 rods in width, and could, I think, be made navigable for logs from Crystal Lake to Pine River. ll:'ngcs 1 1 and 12 — The greater part of Sections 11 and 12, in concessions 1 and 2, is a flat, swampy country, with rich clay loam, timbered with heavy spruce, poplar, birch, larch and alder, but the most of it is dead and fallen, and the ground covered with a thick growth of raspberries, wild rhubarb, and brush. Sections 11 and 12, in concessions 3 and I, arc broken with rock ledges antl cliffs, but contain largo tracts of level laml, and considerable pine mixeo(l lami. A mountain rises in concessions 7 and 8 in this valh^y to the height of 500 fe.i't, the base of which only covers nn area of 200 acres. The country is there Irroken, and risi:\g into the Stuart Location where a large part of it and section II, conce.ssions 9 and 10, have rv'>eoutly been burnt over. The timber is nearly all burnt up, and acres of the ground are clear of tim- ber and logs. Range 13 is principally in a higher level of country. In oonces.sions 1, 2 and 3, a cliff runs from near the north-west angle of the township in a south-ea.steily 'lirection falling from 200 to 300 feet to the level of the country to the cast. The country is level to the south-west from the north west angle of the township for almost half a mile to the base of another mountain range which here sweeps to the north-west and rises at least 800 feet, with cliffs of from 500 to GOO feet of trap. The country on the top of this mountain maintains its level to the west for several miles. Section 13, concession 1, is "*.-'^; A< A/. <> ^%^ ■•^^^•^^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■^IIIIIM |j|||M '- lilU Vi |40 2.0 1.8 11111= 1.4 III 1.6 •^ 'm M^. 'm ^, r'# .vy ^. /A Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ;s '4.-^ i^ w. (P- C/a %° i ^^ 182 generally good land, broken only by the rock cliff described above ; the east half being in a low level of country of a swampy nature, and west part on a high ledge of good land, consisting of sandy soil. " Section 13, in the 2nd concession, is much of the same character, only it contains more pine timber. The country then falls gently to the south, with a wet cedar swamp which drains itself to the west into Pigeon River. The land then rises in the north-west angle of concession 4, with a steep ascent for about half a mile, rising at least 700 feet. The west boundary line is on this mountain for about 5 miles south. Spurs from this mountain run out to the east for nearly a mile, with cliffs of from 400 to 500 feet high. The top of this mountain is considerable broken with ravines and ridges, and contains but little good land ; the soil is a reddish sand ; the timber is principally white pine, mixed with Norway pine, larch, birch and po[)lar. I met with several very fine groves df good pine, particularly on the slopes on the head waters of Pine River, and around thf small lakes in concessions 5 and 6. The south half of concession 7 and the north half of concession 8 fall into a dry spruce and tamaiack swamp, which extends to the east to the valley of Pine River, and to the west of that of Pigeon River. A mountain of diorite, 500 feet high, rises in sections 12 and 13, concession 9, with cliffs on the north side, striking nearly east and west, and which is cut by Pigeon River about three quarters oi' a mile west of the line, where there are heavy falls. This mountain has no width on tlie top, but falls with a gradual but steep descent to the south. Tliis slope for about three quarters of a mile is lined with very fine Norway pine of large growth ; the soil is sandy. The country continues to fall gradually with clay banks and ravines to Pigeon Rivir. The must of concessions 10 and 11 are burnt over, as well as all the west part of the Stunrt Location, and large tracts of land ure cleared off from timber. Pigeon River is here a rapiil stream about 6 rods wide, with a succession of small chutes and rapids ; the banks an' walls of slate from 10 to 20 feet high. " The harbours in front of the township of Crook.s, are Harris' Bay, Cloud Bay, Trout Bay, and Piue Bay. They are of large capacity, and almost complotely land-locked, easy of access and '^eep, and they have excellent holding ground. " Cldud River is only navigable for small boats for ibout a mile up from its mouth with clay banks rising 15 or 20 feet. It takes its rise in Cloud Lake, and is s rapid stream with a succes.ell, of the Geological Survey, examined the region around Nepigon River and Lake, and reported that there were large areas of land, both in the vicinity of the Lake and River, well situated for agricultural purposes." Speaking of the Nepigon country, he says : "In the Nepigon country the largest tract of good land * From Report on Canadian Pacific Railway, 1877. 186 appears to be on the south western side of the Lake. From the Nonwaten Riy«r, northward to the Pagitchigama, a distance of 50 miles, the country is comparitively level, and the soil generally fertile ; but we could not ascertain from our own explorations how far westward this tract extends. The Indians, and others, however, represent it as continuing nearly to the River Winnipeg, and becoming more generally level in receding from the Lake Nepigon. Some of the peninsulas in LnkeNepi-^on, within the above distance, are hilly; but the soil, gener- ally, is good, even on these, consisting of a brownish loam sufficiently tenacious when moist, to retain its form after boing press( d in the hand. The rivors entering in this part of Lake Nej-i- gcn, aa far as examined, were found to flow, with tortuous courses, between muddy banks of clay, overspread with fine sand. The clay^ as seen in the banks generally, appears sandy from having become mixed with the overlying deposit ; but when clean sections are obtained, it is usually found to be stiff, tenacious and free from grit. On the higher levels the sand is often coarser, and stratified with layers of gravel. " There is a considerable area of good land around the bottom of Sou'.h and McTntyrc's Bays, and on the peninsulas cast of the latter Bay and Gull Bay. From the north to the first rapid on the Foshkokagan, the loamy banks of the river are from twenty to thirty feet high. The River Kabitotiquia is so crooked that by following its windings from the mouth to the portage leading to Chiefs ISays ; the distance was citimated to be fully thirty miles, although it is only nine miles in a straight course. On loth sides the country is level and the soil sandy, supporting a growth of grass and bushes, the timber having been all burnt off by repeated fires within the last few years. The land is free from stones, and very little labour would be necessary to make it ready for the plough." " A number of other localities are mentioned having a good soil, and capable of support- ing a large population. " During the summer of 18G9, I made'extengive collections of the plants in the im- mediate vicinity of Lake Superior and at some distance from its shores, aud ii> no case did I find boreal plants except close to the Lake. Although the greater part of the land was covered with spruce, it was quite evident that if this were cleared away, the land would be drier and a different vegetation would spring up. In the summer of 1870, very extensive fires took place, and much of this timber was consumed. My second visit confirmed the opinion I had formed on my first, that the apparent coldness of the Lake Superior region was caused by a super-abundance of moisture. Even three years had made a change, and the vegetation now springing up was indicative of a drier climate. The vail y of the Kaministiquia contains a large quantity of good fertile soil, and the greater par^ of the land between Thunder Bay and Shebandowan will yet produce, heavy crops of hay and oats and possibly wheat, ^^'hen passing through it in 1872, I noted that all the attempts which had been made at cultivation had been successful. Timothy was exceptionally good and produced im- mense quantities of .seed. I have no doubt, but that much of the land on the eastern side of the water-shed is suitable for cultivation, and that, taken as a whole, it is little behind many parts of the Laurentian country in Ontario. " I have very little knowledge of the country which I designate as the ' watershed.' It seems to be a plateau elevated about 1,000 feet abt>ve the lake, and so studded with lakes as to ajipear to he at least one half water. There can be very little land fit for culti- vation, judging from the section passed over by me, I am led to assume that there are ex- tensive groves of red and white pine throughout the whole area. That this is so, I have no means of proving; but I infer it frpni the country to the south of it — Minnesota — which, in its northern part, is precisely like the area in (niestion. This section may he said to extend from the Minnesota boundary on the south to English River on the north ; and from the Lake of the Woods on the west to near Lakes Nepigon, and Superior on ihe east. " An area of more or less extent, well suited for agricultural purposes, is met with on Rainy River, but whether it extends far to the north seems to be an open question. A gentleman who resides at Fort Francis informs me that there is much more good land along the river than is generally supposed, and that it extends a long distance back from it. There are likewise many fine groves of first-class timber, and he assures me that there can be no doubt of the fertility of the soil, as crops of all kinds are raised at Fort Francis. Here, there will be a very large settlement, which will very possibly extend back, in coming years, to the railway. This is the most favourable point for settlement between Lake Su- 187 northward id the soil westward nearly to I Nepigon, !oil, gencr- I moist, to iake Neyi- idy banks ears sandy ! obtained, 3 the sand McTn tyro's rth to the thirty feet the mouth lirty miles, I level and 1 burnt off very little of support- in the im- case did I land was land would ' extensive irmed the ior region e, and the inistiquia between 1 possibly had been luced im- rn side of lind many Ltcvshed.' Ided with for culti- je are cx- (o, I have linesuta — may be le north ; 3r on the with on tion. A pod land tek from ji;tt there I Francis. coming Lake Su- perior and Manitoba; and as it is in connection with navigable water, will always be an im- portant location. The swamp, said to extend along the right bank of the river, at a varying distance of from one to thirteen miles, will be very easily drained, as it is much higher than it. As the country is cleared, these swamps will naturally dry up, as they are really formed by the deposition of moisture in excess of evaporation, which will not be the case when the summer winds get free play. It may be set down as reliable, that all the land in this region not covered by rock or sand, is good ; and that the extent of this good land is in excess of the amount conjectured. '' Without a doubt, the whole region from Thunder Bay to Lake Winnipeg contains a large amount of fertile soil, and from the nature of the forest growth, there can be little dif- ference between its climate and that of Northern Ontario. White pine, red pine, swamp elm, red ash, red and white oak, balm of Gilcad, poplar, basswood, birch, spruce, cedar, and tamarack abound, and grow in many cases to a large size. A comparison between this region and that of Northern Ontario is not inapt, as the parallelism is almost complete. Rocky ledges, swamps, lakelets, patches of good arable land, larger areas of good or sandy soil, lakes and river.', teeming with fish, and, lastly, a climate cooler and moister thnn that of the lake region, arc found throughout both areas. " Taking the average width of the dry land along Rainy River at eight miles, and its length at eighty, the valley cannot contain an area of less than 300,000 acres of good land, having a soil so rich that it has been the theme of every explorer. The canal now being built at Fort Francis, will do much to attract settlement to this out-of the-way region, and will be a valuable auxiliary in the construction of the Pacific Railway." CH.VPTKR XVIII. TOWNSHIPS WITHIN THE FKEE GRANT TEHIIITORY, BUT NOT YET IN THE MARKET. The following townships have been recently surveyed, but they have not as yet been placed in the market. As tlie demands of advancing settlement require it, they will no doubt be thrown open, and as it appears froTn the Surveyors' reports that, with very few exceptions, they contain a large proportion of arable lands, it may be expected that they will bo quickly filled up. In many of them, in fact, settlers are already flocking in, and have commenced to lay the foundations of their future homes ; and the opinions that have been given througli the public press by these settlers, especially those who have gone into the district of Parry Sound, are very satisfactory. Although these townships are all within the Free Grant territory, it does not follow that the lands therein must necessarily be opened as free grants, as the Act fixing the boundaries of the territory is not obligatory in this respect. But at present it ap[)ears more than probable that they will be opened for settlement on the same terms as the sur- rounding townships now in the market. The nocesisity may occur, however, for a change of policy on this point, and some of these lands may bo offered for sale. Should such be the case, parties who have already settled thereon, will bo allowed to secure their lands by complying with the terms fixed upon. As already mentioned, several ot these townships are being rapidly filled up. Some information as to the rights of the parties who .settle therein, will no doubt be expected : — there is no law or regidation aflfecting this point, but the invariable practice of the De- partment of Crown Lands is — when a township is placed in the market — to recognize the claims of parties who are found in actual occupation of their land, with improvements — bona fide settlers. Persons who decide upon settling in these townships, should therefore be careful not to go to expense in taking up lots and commencing improvements unless they are prepared to settle permanentl}' on them. There appears to be an impression abroad that if a party selects a Crown lot, and cuts down a few trees, he acquires a claim 188 thereto which should be respected. He goes away, therefore, expecting that he can re- turn and occupy whenever it suits him. This is a source of constant dispute in the new townships, as these parties very often find when thf^y return to the U)ts they have selected, that some one else is in actual occupation, and they have no means of dispossess- ing him. Parties visiting these townships sliould also be on their guard against a certain class of persons who, it is reported, make it a business to tralfic in lands belonging to the Crown, and in wliich tliey have no interest whatever. The practice is, to select as many good lots through a township as possible, slash down a few trees, and v ' > ■ a stranger comes in quest of land, to induce him to pay a certain sum for the supposed claim. From complaints that have been made, this imposition appears to have been carried on to a great extent in several of the new townships in the easterly part of the district of Parry Soiind — in some cases the same lot has been sold to two or three differeut parties, and money taken from each. A great deal of this is due no doubt to the fact that these lands were a con- siderable distance from the local agencies, and intending settlers being unable to obtain any relialile inforniiition, were tuken advantage of by these land sharks. As a r, sident agent has now been appointed for this part of the district, it is hoped that thi;: imposition will cease. DISTRICT OF PARRY SOUND. Sinclair Is .•situated north of the Township of Franklin and east of ChufTey. It was survoyod in 187G, by John McAree, P.L.S., and cojitains 40,829 acres of land. The following is an extract of from Mr. Mc.Vroe's Report : — " As regards au;ricultnra] capabilities, Sinclair is rather an inferior township, even for Muskoka, the soil throughout generally being filled with boulders, and other fragments of gneissoid rock, to such an extent as to preclude the larger portion of tlie land from ever becoming arable, except at a great expense in first gathering out the stones. This de- scription applies especially to the northerly and easterly portions of the town.ship, the south-'.vest quarter being of a better class, that is-tliere are fewer stones, for tliere are very few lots that could be described as not stony, the exceptions being the clay land around Peninsula Lake, some of the swamps, and two or three other areas of small ex- tent, where the subsoil is a fine, white sand. The boulders seem to occur at every eleva- tion, being found in the beds of many swamps, as well as on the highest hills ; in many places the gneis.s, which underlies the whole of the surface, is covered with but a thin coat- ing of soil, this being, as is well-known, a salient feature of Mnskoka topography generally. There is not, however, in Sinclair, much bare rock, although in many jjlaces the soil is merely a thin carpeting of vegetable mould, with its network of interlacing rootlets. Owing to this stony character of the soil, not one-half of the land surface of the town- ship will be suitable for plough laud. There is not a great area, however, that would not make good grazing land, the soil being generally a good sandy loam, which, were it not for the boulder.-^, would l)e fit for all the general purposes of the farmer. There are very few swamps of great extent, although there are many depressions in which the soil is suffi- ciently damp to produce swamp-growing timber, bur of land that would be permanently swampy theie is very little in the township. In different parts of the East River valley there is a considerable amount of very good pine, the trees being of moderate size. Iso- lated tiees also occur scattercl among the hardwood, but not in such quantity as to be of any interest to the la.nberman. Tiie other kinds of timber enumerated in the order of their relative abundance are, maple, black-birch, hemlock, balsam, beech, cedar, ironwood, yellow birch, basswood, black-ash, spruce, soft maple, tamarack, soft elm, some black cheiry of small size, an;enerally a li;:ht sand and in many places stony, the best for farmin^ purposes being in the lower land which is frequently a good sandy loam, and 1 feel confident in saying, that it possesses cert.iin districts ((uite equal to many of the pros- perous farming districts in the older-settled parts of Ontario." Guru. Situated north of the Township of Machar, was surveyed in 1875 by P.L.S. Fitzgerald. It contains 36,716 acres of land. Extract. — " Except for the first five lots in concessions 1 and 2, the land in these con- cessions is low and swampy, rocky in places, and covered with Vjalsam, spruce, hemlock, and pine. The tract as a whole, however, attains a high elevation, and the district immediately surrounding gives rise to numerous streams. " Approaching the South River the land descends rapidly, and a fine view of its valley is had from the hardwood ridges on the west side. On these ridges some good land is met 192 with, but 80 muoh rough country in clone by, that its time for actual sottlomont must be remote. The remainder of this township, embracing eighty per cent, of the whole, may bo de- scribed as a very good farminn cduiitry, »onu>. of it indeed very good — almost every lot fit for settlement. It is generally a rolling uplund country, containing many fine blooks of beautiful land, Homo heavily timbonid with maple, birch, beech, basKWOod, with an occasional pine, and the usual varieties of other timber, though in a loss degree. " The soil is a fertile clay loiini, varying in depth from six inches to two feet and upwards, and is comparatively free from stone. The substratum is generally composed of Compact clay or marl, in pluccs forming with coarse gravel a stitf conglomerate. In the valleys the bottom is mostly a fine sand coveri'd with a good depth of vegetable moul 1 and fatty loam. The elevated position of the country offers every facility for draln.ige, and the streams are all clear and well defined. " The South Kivcr, which flows into the southerly bay of Lake Nipissing, passes through the south east corner of this towu.ship. It is a fine stream here about fiO teet wide and 8 feet deep at low water, with clay banks from 4 to 8 feet high and mud bottom, and flows with a steady, smooth current. " The westerly side of the town.ship is chiefly drained by Coiamanda Creek. " 7'he enormous quantUi/ of itKujmficent Hack birch scattered over all this counlri/ ig vwll worthy of attention. Trunks 3 to J^jed thick firr a height of 30 and 40 feet are quite com- mna, and the timber is of fine quality and color, and shoivs when cleared a beautiful grain. This timber will becomoan important article of commerce.* There is q'..;tc a settlement now at Conimanda Creek and Tjake. Where the Creek crosses the Nipissing road there is a good saw-mill in operation, two stores, boarding house and a post-ofiioe. HiMSWORTH, Situated east of Ourd, was surveyed in 187 6 by 0. F. Chapman, P. L. S., and con- tains 58,498 acres of land. Extract: — " The Township of Himsworth is part of the easterly water-shed of South Kiver, a small area on the northerly end being drained directly by streams into Jiake Nipis- sing, and a greater portion of the remainder is traversed by three main streams, branches of South River, which seem to take their rise a comparatively sh.)rt distance east of the eastern boundary. These streams are generally very crooked, with stretches of slow running water succeeded by rapids and falls in some places of great depth, and running through deep gorges ill the cliffs, one in particular on lot No. .3 in the 2nd and 3rd cons, runs through a gorge of overliunging gneiss rock 200 feet high. "South Kiver through the whole extent of this town.ship is much broken by rapids and falls, the only long extent of dead water occurring between lot No. '23 in the 16th con. and lot No. 2.'i in the 13th con. It is very crooked, and its banks in many places have fallen away, narrowing and obstructing the stream. Many good mill sites can bo obtained on the river. " No lakes of any extent occur in the township. " The northern portion of the township has been formerly overrun by fire and m'lch valuable timber destroyed, a small quantity of green pine in some places only being left standing in the brulii which is overgrown with a second growth of poplar, birch, alder, h tzel, and willow. The remainder of the country is timbered on the high lands with maple, birch, beech, ironwood, oak, busswood, hemlock, cherry, SiC, while along the valleys of South River and the streims running into it cedar, pine, balsam, and spruce predominate. " The soil varies much in character. AI mg South River and on some of its tributaries, clay soil of good quality is found; while on the ridges it is mostly sandy loam, generally stony. Large tracts of good land exist, and in larger blocks than hitherto ob.served in this portion of the Laurentian formation Few exposures of rock are to be seen in the green bush, although in many parts of the brul^, large areas of gneiss are laid bare. 'Birch-oil may be made from birch-bark, by heating it in an earthen pot with a hole in the bottom to allow the oil to flow through into another jar sunk in the ground and luted to it. It is thick, balsami*, odorous, and chiefly used to dress Russia leather. 193 mU')t be nay bo dc- lot fit for f beautiful onal pine, ro foot and )inpoHcd of D. In the moul 1 and ;o, and the inp, passes > tect wide }ttom, and ntri/ is well quite com- \tiful grain. the Creelc •ding house 5., and con- id of South iako Nipis- ranches of ilic eastern (Uiij; water ou;j;h deep through a irapids and \\\ con. and lave fallen ied on the land m'lch 1 being left Ider, h izel, 1th maple, [valleys ot lidominato. ributaries, generally [red in this jen in the Ibare. bottom to I, balHami*! *< The only swamp of any extent is in the 3rd and 4th Conoes«ions timbered with spruoe and balsam, and is wet and low. •'Tho township Ih best adapted for raising tlio coarse gniins, such as oats and bar- ley, witli hay, grown in tho low lands, and tiio hills are udapteil as good pasturo land for cattle. " One half of the total area of this township is considered fit for settlement." LOUNT Is situated north of Ohapmnn. It was surveyed iii 1874, by P.L.S. Hcrmon, and con- tains IT), 11 5 acres of land. Kxtraot : — • " The fiurface of this township is rough, rocky, and uneven. Tho rock is of the trap variety, and is everywhere distorted and broken by subterranean forces. There arc numer- ous quartz seams, many of which may yet yield rich rewards to the |;ractical minor. Magnetic iron ore is abundant, sometimes being found in ininiensc deposits, as at Pickerel Lake. The rocky ridges tend in a north-westerly ami south-easterly direction, and usually pre- Bent but little hoil. The valliiy.:, however, have heavy deposits of lo;ini. Brooks and streams of good water meander thrc ;Ii nearly all the valley.s. These; ot'toii open out into extcnsivo sheets or lakes of great natural beauty nestling among the hills. " Fish of all the usual lake kinds abound irt these waters. "Tho timber consists of maple, beech, birch, balsam, spruce, pine, &,c. The pine about Lake of Many Islands is of value, and may bo got out vid Deep Water Kivor and the Maga nctawan. " About fifty per cent, of tho township is fit for settlement. Near Spring and Deer Lakes some very desirable locations may be found. The climate is salubrious and pleasant. " Tho country is capable of supporting a very considerable population. It will bo found well adapted lo the purposes of tho dairy-man and the stock-grower. "Grasses grow luxuriantly, the waters aro good, all kinds of root crops thrive well ; whilo in the production of eercals,tho capabilities are not to be under-estimated. Samples of wheat, oats, barley, pease, potatoes turnips and hay, produced in the Maganotawan settlement com- pare favourably with similar products from other portions of the Province." PRINGLE Is situated north of Lount — surveyed in 1875, by P.L. Surveyor Fitz^'erald, and con tains 48,.'}36 acres of land. Extract : — "The tract comprised in the south-west part of the township may b> des- cribed as generally rugged and broken. It is traversed in various directions by high rock ridges and deep ravines. Some bald and broken rock patcties are also m;'t with occasionally, interspersed with marshes and low swamp land. "The head waters of Pickerel River, which Hows into Georgian Bay by the " Key," have tht'ir source here, and in the north part of Lount. " The south-east part of the township is, on the whole, very fair, and may be con- sidered as fit for settlement, including tho road lots. It is an upland rolling country generally, somewhat stony in places. It is covered with scattered pine of gcod .size, also large birch, and a fair growth of maple, hemlock, beecii, and a variety of other timber. There are a few open niradows in this part, on which grow.s a heavy crop of coarse hay, suitable for fodder. " The chief portion of the six northern concessions, especially surrounding Com- manda Lake, is well fitted for settlement. It is generally a flat country, yielding a fertile sandy and clay loam, of good depth. To the westward, the timber is of a mixed character, but arouiul Commanda Lake, and extending to the east boundary, it is chiefly birch, maple, hemlock, and such timber as in this northern country generally indicates good soil. "Flowing into Commanda Lake, on the north-east shore is a creek of the same name. This lake takes its rise in the west of Machar, and east of Lount, and barely cut- tiug off the south-east corner of Pringle, flows into Gurd north-easterly, then turninj; in a 18 194 north-westerly direction, crosses '^he Nipissing Road, flows again into Pringle, and so con- tinues V) Coinmanda Lake. " Imtnediately surroi'iiding Commanda Lake, a fine traet of farming land exists. "Coinmanda Like fl iws by a narrow channel, half a mile long or so, into llestoul Lake, which runs north-westerly some seven miles, and forms with Commanda Lake, the chief supply of a chain of waters ent:, but does not come within eight miles of Hardy. " The prevailing rock is gneiss and a kind of clay slate, and around Memesagamesing Lake there are indications of Magnetic iron ore. " The soil, except in the north-west corner of the township, is alay, generally of a loamy nature, but in some places almost too heavy. In the north-west corner the soil is more sandy. " Till* line of the Georgian Bay branch of the Canada Pacific Railroarl, as laid down in 1875-76, passes through the south-west corner of this township, along Wolf Creek ; but the line as laid down this year, passes through the Indian Reserve to the north, and just cuts across the north-west corner of Hardy. " There are no mill-sit&s on the waters of IMemesagamesing Lake within the limits of Hardy — there are some small rapids on Wolf Creek which may serve for mill purposes. Fish are very plentifrl in the waters of the lake, an ' Situate north of the Township of Hagerman ; surveyed into farm lots iu 1872-3, by Provincial Land Surveyor, A. B. Scott ; contains 43,844 acres of land. , The following is an extract from Mr. Scott's Report : — " About sixty per cent, of the land south of the JNIaganetawan River may be con- sidered very fair agricultural land, consisting of 89.udy and clay loam, gently rolling, the heavii'r land being towards the westerly part of the township, the timber consisting of birch, balsam, majtle, cedar, pine, hemlock, &c., with rocky hemlock ridges here and there. This tract of C(inq)aratively good land extends across the Maganetawan River at the east, as far as Deer River, and on lots twenty-six to thirty one, nearly to the north boun- dary, and crossing it about lots twenty-eight to thirty-two. A tract of land near the north- east corner of the township consists of rolling sand, with rocky ravines through it, and timbeivd with black spiuce, the larg(;st of which is not more than eight inches in diame- ter. The balance of the township is generally rocky, and broken into small ridges, run- ning generally in a north-westerly and sjuth-easterly direction, timbered with hemlock, pine, balsam, l)irch, maple, itc, with here and there narrow valleys of hardwood land. A fire has extended over a portion of the township south of the River Maganetawan, from lots ten to twenty nine, on Concessions four, five, and six, destroying the greater part of the timber. " There is not a great amount of pine in this township, nor is it of the best quality, bi'ing rather small and inclined to be knotty. Still, lumbering operations have been car- ried on to some extent. On and near the north side of Washwaskesh Lake, we found three sets of unoccupied lumbering shanties. "On the Maganetawan River there are several falls and rapids, but only some of these giving sufficient power for mechanical purposes, and at these places the river is hemmed in by such steep banks, that it will be difficult to utilize the power. The outlet of White- 197 «tone Lake, in the Township of Hagerman, is joined by a stream from the south-west, oa lot number twenty-one, in the second concession, and forms a good-sized stream. On it are two very good mill sites — proviiled the water maintains its present volume — both of about twenty feet fall, and both easily utilized, as the banks are low above tlie falls ; the first is on lot number twenty, and the second on lot number twenty-seven, both in the fourth concession." Wilson Is situated north of the Townsliipof McKenzie. It was surveyed in 1877, by David Beatty, P.L.S., and contains 41,985 acres of land. Extract from Report of Survey : — "There are about 8,000 acres in the southeast corner of the towns^hip thnt have been l)urnt over, and now grown up with scrub timber, (pitch pine, t^pruce, and white birch), mirth- ward to concession 8, and extending across the township. 'Ilie timber is pine, of gnol (juality, mixed with scrub ; northward from said concession to 'i'otid find Wanquimmikog Lakes (which are expansions of tiie Pickerel River), tiie timber is hardwood, with goo 1 scattered pine, and from said hikes to the north boundary it is hardwood, with, in many places, large «lui and basswood — the soil being of a very good (juality ; the gre.iter part of tiic township from concession 8 northward, is fit for settlement, that l\ing north of Toad anil Wan((uiui- mikog Lakes will compare favourably with any section in this country. The southern part of the township, with the exception of a few hundred acres in the south-west corner, is very light and rocky, broken up with small marshes. The Pickerel P»ivcr enters the township from the cast, in concession 8, and bears north along side lines 5 and G, through t^o small lakes, when it again expands into Wanquimmikog Jjake, in the 11th and 12th concessions, and again passes out of said lake through a rapid about two chains long, and fifty links wide, into Toad Lake ; said rapids would be a good location for mill purposes,, the fall being about six or eight feet; the river again passes out uf Toad Lake through a ripid about six chains long, on lot 30, and passas out of the township on lot 31 ; said Pickerel River drains all the township, excepting about 12,000 acres in the southwest corner, the waters of which find their way to the Maganetawan River, through Five Mile River (the outlet of Island Lake). There is a clearing of about 27 acres on lots 28 and 29, in the Lst concession, which are known as Dill's farm or depot, the land is well cleared and under cu'tivatinii, and is worked for the benefit of the Byng Inlet Lumber Company, who have their store-house ou it for lumbering operations in that section of country." Burpee Is situated north of the Township of Ferguson. It was surveye 1 in 1570, by David Beatty, P.L.S., and contains 37,122 acres of land. Extract from Report of Survey : — " The township is below the average of townships in the Parry Sound l)istrict as regards timber and soil. Tliere are about 5,000 acres in the south-cast corner which will compare favourably with other townships, timbered with hardwood and scattered pine of a good quality. About one-third (comprising the centre) of the townsiiip has been burnt over iiiiout fifteen years ago, and is now grown up with poplar, birch, and cherry brush— t!ie timber has been wholly destroyed. The remaining portion of the township is considerably bruketi up with ridges (if rock and small marshes, and is wooded with hardwood, po],lar, white birch, small pine and pitcli pine, on some of the rocky ridges. The southern part of the township is drained by tlie Shawanaga River, which crosses it in a north-westerly direction — the waters in the northern part finding their way to the Magauetawau River." - Burton. Situate north of Burpee, surveyed into farm lots in 1876, by Provincial Land Surveyor, Thomas O. Bolger, contains 50,383 acres of land. The following is an extract from Mr. Bolger's Iteport : — "This township may be considered chiefly valuable for the pine timber which abound^ almost everywhere, and which, in some localities, is of very fine quality ; in fact it may be 198 considored as a pine country alnio.=t exclusively, aa that is the prevai]inf» timber to be mot with, ntid the bind is ^cncridly of a poor ((uality, and oflFers but little inducement for suttlin;;. The only part of the township where any Innd exists which could be utilized for farminsr pur- poses, is that portion lyinsj; adj.icent to tlio Township of McKenzie, and especially towards the south-east corner, where there iire so'ue lots of fair land, and where the timber is com- posed, to a laruc extent, of hardwood, with a mixture of pine and hemlock ; south of Mis- kokway L:iko there is a small tract of hardwood land also, where the soil is rather ::ood, but cjenerally the land is very much broken by rocky ledges, and the soil is too light for farming. "There is one larixe tract lying about the centre of the township, and extendin posures in this townsliip are wholly within the Laurentian formation. I did not find any indication of a higher formation, nor did I discover anything iTsembling ore." French River. - - — ■ -- Extract from Report if Exploration Survey of the country lying along the branches of the French lUver, by Thomas O Bolger, P.L.S., in 1875 : — " I first examined all the country lying within a day's journey from the T"wn Plot, that is in the vicinity of the central branch of the French River. This ccmiitry is all composed of low rocky ridges, alternating with steep rugged ravines. The country is covered with a growth of stunted timber, and there is scarcely any soil whatever. 200 " The proposed line of the Georj^ian Bay branch of the Conadc Pacific Railroad passes through a similar country to this for 25 miles eastward of the Town Plot of Copouaniug. After this the country begins to improve, and immediately south of the Indian Reserves there is a considerable quantity of good arable land. All of the good land will be embraced in the Town- ship of Mowat and the township lying north of it. 1 did not explore it as far south as the Township of Mowat, but I travelled a good deal through the township north, as shown on the accompanying sketch. Through here there are a good many high rocky pine ledges tra- versing the country, and on them the land is poor, but between them the land is very fair; and I met some very fine tracts of hardv ood land. On the whole, this township would com- pare well with the general run of townships which are settled in the buck country. Of course there is a lartre quantity of the land which is rocky and broken; but in all buck country townships this is the case. '• There is a large quantity of pine in this township, of good size, but as a general thing, it is poor in quality. (Still there is a great deal of good among the bad, and for local purposes there is an end ess supply. From what I could learn from parties connected with the C. P. K., engaged up there, I believe an effort is being made to get the terminus of the road located .'■omewhere in the towushij), and not at the mouth of the river where it first was intended. There are two places in the township which are well adapted for the termin- us, one is on the Bay on the Indian Reserves, south side of the river ; tlie other is where the line of the Great Northern Road crosses the Pickerel River. Both of these points are marked by a red asterisk on accomp.mying sketch. The Bay on the Indian Reserves would be a beautiful location for a town, the Bay forming an excelletit and commodious harbour, and the land around it on the south side is very level. The soil is a light fertile loam, entirely free from stone. The other place, about five miles further east, is also a fine location for a town. There are a great many rock ledges, but a great deal of good land. A plot laid out where the Northern Road crosses, would be very nicely situated. Of course, until the location of the terminus is finally settled, it would be impossible to recommend any iilace for a plot; but that either of the ab )ve places will be chosen for a terminus, if the point at the mouth is abandoned, I am fully persuaded. I was, with Mr. Bell, the engineer sent from Ottawa, to see if the river could be rendered navigable up to this point, and he found no difficulty in finding 14 feet of water up the above-mentioned points. There is one rapid near the mouth, witldn the limit of the Town Plot of Coponaning, where the lock will have to be placed, and one or two places where blasting and dredging will have to be done, and then the river will be rendered navigable for large vessels up to where the Great Northern Road crosses Pickerel River, or South Channel. The land along this channel, until you come to the Indian Reserves, is rough and broken in the extreme, and is unfit for any purpose whatever. 1 also went to the north shore of Jjac du Bceuf, and examined the country for five miles up to the VV^ibnapitad River. On the large islands lying west of the head of Lao du Boeuf, and south of the mouth of the Wahnapita6 River, there are some small tracts of good land, especially a white oak flat along the river leading from the Lac du Bojuf to the Wahnapitae, but this flat docs not contain over 200 acres, and is all surrounded by rocky ridges. The other tracts 1 mention are very small. " Up the Wahnapitae the country is one burnt, rocky wilderness as far as the eye can reach, north, cast and west. I then examined the country lying between the Wahnapitae and where the Great Northern Road crosses the Grand Recollet, or main channel, and found the land so rough and broken up as to be utterly unfit for settlement. The timber through this section has been almost entirely destroyed by fire, and what remains is small dwarf pine and birch. " On the large islands formed by the several branches of the river, the land is of the poorest possible description — all either roek or swamp, with occasional little patches of fair land of an acre or two in extent. On these little patches or valleys tiiere are generally some good red pine trees. On the whole, I would beg to report that the township north of Mowat may be considered a fair average back-country township, containing much good land and a quantity of fair pine timber ; but all the country lying west of the above township is tuo rough, rocky, and broken, to hi good for any purpose whatever." 201 PROVISIONAL COUNTY OF HALIBUIITON. SHERBOItNE Is situated north of tlie township of Stanhope, and east of the Bohcf>y;^eon Road. It was surveyed in 18G2, by Provincial Land Surveyor Brady, and contains 3G,690 acres of land. Extract from the Surveyor's Report : — " With regard to the general features of the country, a glance at the map will show a very large percetitage of water area. It is in f ict traversed by four distinct chains, viz : Western and Hall's Lakes, hr.mches of the Gull River, the Black River, and the south branch of the Muskoka. This, howover, I do not con.sider a disarlvantiige, as access is thus afforded to many detuehed portions of good land, to which tiie usual cireunititances of early settlers wouid at first prevent their making roads. " In the .southern portion of the township many such blocks are found, but interspersed through large tracts of pine and hemlock ridgos, tenninatiiig in prcci|iitous walls of gneiss. There is much good pine here, which from the rapid advance to the northward lately made by lumbermen, will 1 have little doubt ere long becuuie valuable. " The north-west p.trt of Sherborne contaiiis some fair land, but has also its share of hill and rock. " 'J'o the north-east of the township and south of the picturesque lake, is a very fine tract of land, comprising probably one fifth of the whole, offering the great advantage of lying "en bloc," and easily approichcd by the Black liiver waters, or by a road f)llowing for the most part the south shore of the Muskoka, the valley of the river offering every facility for its construction. There is almost endless water power throughout the township, especially on the Muskoka, which is literally one series of rapids and falls." McClintock Tfc Is situated north of the Township of Sherborne, and east of the Bobcaygeon Road. was sutveycd in ISTfi, by Moses McFadden, P.L.S., and contains 42,548 acres of land. Extract from the Rep>irt of Survey : — " VV'ith regard to the soil, timber and adaptability for settlement I may remark that the western one third of the township is quite unfit for settlement, being broken by ledges of rocks and lakes. " The eastern two-thirds might be made available. The soil is a rich sandy loam, tim- bered with maple, beech, black birch, and a few pine of a tolerably good size. The town- ship is of easy access by wiiy ot Bracebridge, Biysvi.le and the Lake of Bays — and althou.;h much bioken by rocks and lakes, presents better andvantages for a settler of limited meam* than even the r.ch and productive lands of JMauitoba or the Northwest, where I spent five years upon the surveys. LlVINQSTOXE Is situated ea.st of the Township of McClintock, and north of Havelock. It was eur- vayed in 1877, by A Niven, F.L-8 . and contains 43,460 acres of land. Extract (rom Surveyor's Jieport : — '• I am happy to be able to report that about one-half of this township is composed of pood farminr land — the remainder being rocky and broken, and valuable only for the timber. In the southerly four concessions there is no good land of any consequence. To the north of the 4th and 5th concession line, and west of side road 15 and 16, the township is nearly all good hardwood land. The soil is generally a rich loam of a sandy nature, with considerable loose stones and boulders, and occasional rocky ridges, but in some places dark and of con- siderable depth covered with timber of large growth, chiefly maple and birch. A consider- able portion of this tract of land would be considered good in many of the older parts of Ontario. East of lot IT) the country, although hardwood and containing tracts of good land, is generally of a rough, rocky des^cription. " The timber in the township is generally hardwood of a mixed descriptioa — maple 202 bircli, bcoch, (%;o., with hemlock, Fiprnco, b ilsam, ?pd:ir ami pino in places. Some very fine black binh, bcinw famed us a fi:?hing gronnd, and is yearly visited by parties from Toronto, BuflFaloj New York, iVc. " Mill privile<;es are to be found on many of the streams ; but the best one is situated on lot 9, concession 4, between Hear and Round Lakes. "The general face of the country is hilly and broken — the cliffs in some places attiininsj considerable altiindc— the highest beinir in the vicinity of Bear and Round Lakes, and along the -south bound iiy. The rock is granite. I found no crystalline limestone (.such as is com- mon in many parts of the north country) in the township. "The best means of access tor the settlement of the township is at present via Hojluw Lake from the Bobeaygeon Road and the P^Ius^koka country. Should the Victoria Railway be constructed, the land in this and adjoining townships would be rapidly taken up." Lawrence. Is situated north of the Township of Eyre, and east of Livingstone. It was surveyed in 1877, by Alexander Niven, P.L.8., and contains 42,784 acres of land. Extract from Report of Survey : — " About one-third of this township, viz : the south-eastern portion is composed of good fanning land. The bo t portion being on the south shore of Lake Ijouisa, and along the eastern boundary of the township. The soil being a rich loum and of considerahle depth in places, covered with mople, beech and birch timber. The underlying rock is either gneiss or granite — the only description of rock met with in this township. " The western and northern parts of the township are of a very rouirh, rocky and broken description, there being only an occasional tract of good land in them. The soil is a loam of a sandy nature, with considerable loose stone and buulders. " Tiie timber in the township is generally hnrdwood — maple, beech and birch predonii* natinc:, with pine, hemlock, balsam, cedar. &e. The north-wentern portion of the town.ship is chiefly valuable as a pine timber limit, and considerable scattering pine is found — also in the southern, central and northern parts of the township "The township may be said to be well watered. The north-western portion being very much cut up by lakes. Lake Louisa, a beautiful sheet of water, abounding with trout, both speckled and salmon, flows in Rock Lake in Xightenuale, and eventually falls into the Mada- waska. 'J he stretims and lakes in the south-west fall into the Muskoka waters, and those in the north and east into the Madawaska. JSonie of the strenms although not large, will be found to possess facilities for driving machinery, a good mill privilege is on lot 21, in the 14th concession. " The general face of the country is hilly and broken, more especially the western and northern parts of the township. The nek as before stated is like all rock in the "back country," granite, and although I coHected a few specimens I do not deem it worth while for- warding them — they being similar to those sent from Livingstone. "The settlement of this township must, eventually, take place from Haliburton and the Victoria Railway, but at present there is no means of access to it beyond the ordinary canoe jxute of the trapper." 203 le very fine 3 timber in white pine !!• limit, the \iiui Lakes, -e is also a s fit for the nllow Luke, a quantity li numcrons ollow Lake, tliidawaska id speckled. )m 'Porouto, is situated es attiinins; 3, and along h as is com- vid Hollow ria Railway ap." IS surveyed iod of Ejood ll alonjj the Ic depth in \r gneiss or lind broken a loam of predoini' lownship is |il:^o in the l)cing very rout, both ho Madii- tho.ie in will be |l, in the stern and |c "back diile fbr- and the Iry canoe DISTRICT OF NIPISSING. Sabine. Ts sitiintofl north of the Township of McChiro. It was surveyed in 1872 3, by Thos" 0. Bnli^cr, F.L.S., and eontains 46,.'5'J(» acres of land. Till' followinf; is an extract front Mr. Bolter's Report : — " With regard to the land in the towtishij), I have to report that, with the exception of some hardwood tracts, it is of a very inferior quality. A good deal of the land ahjng the JLastings Road, as far north as lot 70, is very tolerable, the soil being a rich sandy loam of vi'ry fertile nature, but the snrface everywhere inclines to he stony. This tract of hardwood extends west and south-west from the Hastings road, as shown on the timber plan, throngh this .section a great many of the lots are tit for sertlement. " The timber here is chiefly maple, birch and beech, of not very large growth, with occasionally large pine scattered tlii'oiighout. The south-eastern corner of the township has been considerably lumbered over for square timber, which was drawn a distance of twelvr, and fourteen miles to Bark Lake. There is a large tract of country of very inferior (juality, so tar as settlement is concerned, which stretches di'igonally across the township from south-west to north-east, and which is covered chiefly with a dense growth of balsam, spi'uce, and small white birch, with a large quantity of white ])ine. In some places, this pine is sufficiently plentiful to foim groves, as on lots 19 and 20, concessions 7, 8 and U, and on side line 25 and 26, concessions II and 12 ; but, for the most part, it is scattered. " This tract is not remarkably hilly, but is rough and scraggy in the extreme, and coming aronnd to (the southward of tiie hardwood tract above-mentioned, it 'reaches northward between the hardwood and the road. To the north-west of this rough coun- try, there is a tract of better land which surrounds Hay Lake, and embraces the north- west quarter of the township. The timber through this is chieHy maple, beech, birch, and balsam, with some scattering }iiiie. Some of the land is very fair; the soil in the flats and level tracts is very rich and fertile, but the ridges are for the most part stony. " Altogether, I would say that not more than thirty per cent, of the land in this township is fit for settlement. " The principal .sheet of water in the township is FTay Lake, whicli empties itself into the Madawaska River. This lake abounds with very tine trout. It atul its outl.-t will doubtless be used for the purpose of driving the logs and timber which will be taken out in the southern and western jiortions of the township. McKenzie Lake is the only other lake of any size, and it also empties itself into the Madawaska. Its outlet could also be utilized for driving logs. This lake is said to be without fish. " The country presents no maik<>d geological featui'i s. The rock is chiefly grey gneiss, and the soil is altogether a dark, sandj' loam. I observed that the swamps were more f^tony than tlie uplands, a very uiuisual circumstance. I did not observe any indications of mineials, nor are quartz veins of common occurrence. Deer are scarce in this part, but fur-bearing animals abound. " The only settler in the township is a man named Conghlin, who lives on the Hastings R()ad, and oecujnes road lots 14, 15, 16 and 17. Settlers could do well in this part of the country, by picking out a good lot, and raising stuff for the lumber-men, who operate largely in the vicinity, and who give excellent prices for hay, oats, potatoes &c., and the soil is well adapted to raising such produce." Lyell. Situate north of the Townshij) of Wicklow ; surveyed into farm lots in 1872-3 by P.Ii.S. Thomas O. Bolgtr; contains 47,3."51 acres of land. The following is an extract from Mr. Bolg(u's Report : — " The land featnres of this township are very marked and distinct. A block of hard- wood extends along the south boundary, varying in width. In the south-west portion, it 204 extends to the north a distance of two or three miles, while in the south-east it rune north a dcptli of four or five niiU-s. Tlie soil in this block is a rich loam. Some of th land is excellent, especially in the southeuHt (piartor, where it is iixire free from stone. A good settlement exists about two miles si>uth of Lyell, in thetownsliiji of Wicklow. The extensive liiniherin<^ operations < iried on by Mr. Skead, whose depot is at Hark Lake, offer a great inducement to settlement in this (piarter, as a good market would be had, and plenty of employment. " Another liardwood block extends along the road lots of Lyell, and covers quite a portion of the north-west corner. " A very large ])ortioii of the townshii), in fact the whole heart of it, is unfit for any other purpose than lumbering. The surface is either very rough and broken by rocky ridges, or a low flat, with a sour soil, and, if poHsil)le, more stony tlian the higher land. It is covered witb a dense growth of small balsam, spruce, birch, tVc. " The north east qiuirter of the township has been fearfully ravaired Ity fire ; the tim- ber has Iteen entirely destioyed. Large portions of it have been level flats, covered ori- ginally with red pine. This piutioii of the country is now qnite unfit for anything. " The township has been extensively lumbered over in fill directions. Still a large quantity of j)ine remains, enough to keep lumbt^ring ojierations in the township for many years. The timber is of a small average, and when found in large groves, of a very faulty description. " Most of the lakes in this townshi)) are very small and insignificant, the only ones worthy of note being Moore's Lake and Cross liake. Tiie latter is a very straggling body of water, its outlet being so small as not to b(i iiviiilal)le for lumbering operations. " Moore's Lake an(l its outlet, Davis Creek, on the contrary, are very useful in driving lumb(!r into the Madawaska. " This latter fine stream flows through the nortli-east corner of the township, receiving as a tril)ntary the Opeongo Creek. Of the Madawaska little need l)e said. Its l)aidvs are generally high and its waters deep, as in its passage through Lyell very few rapids occur. The river abounds with fine trout. " The geological features of Lyell are similar to those of Sabine — the grey gneiss rock predominates, and indications of mineral wealth are wanting. " I am of opinion that there is more laiul availal)le for settlement in this township than in Sal)ine ; still the amount is small, only about forty per cent. I think, as with Sabine, so with this township, that a good road would induce settlement." ^ Jones Is situated west of the Township of Sherwood. It was surveyed in 18G3, by P.L.S, Forrest, and contains 30, 7G1 acres of land. Extract from the Report of Survey : — " The pine lands (which are situated in the northerly and easterly portions of the township) may he considered sis generally unfit for settlement, consisting of reil pine ])lains, with a soil of coarse sand or gravel and rocky or broken hills of irregular sliape, with red and white i)ine, and other green timber. Here and there a lot may be found with a tolerably good soil, but in general the reverse is the case. " The hardwood lands may be generally considered fit for settlement, the soil being a rich sandy loam, althougii in many places stony. Maple, birch, basswood, beech, elm and ash are the chief woods met with, and here and there a white pine of superior growth and quality. This tract of land may be said to extend fiom the soutiherly boundary of the township to concession 10, and from Bark Lake easterly to lot 20. Of the whole town- ship, about 15,000 acres are available for .settlement. "There are several lakes in the township, of which Bark Lake is the largest and by far the most important. This lake is an expansion of the Kiver Madawaska, which forms its inlet ano southern portion of this township is tolerably level, and is covered chiefly with occasinnal small patches of hardwood land. In the south-west corner there is a tract of .1,000 acres where the timber is completely destroyed by fire. Near the centre there is a hardwood tract of about 3,000 acres in extent — the surface here is hii;h and rolling, and the soil is rich sandy loam, but inclined to bo stdny. I would call this very fair firming; land. Towards the north west (ju.irter there are some tine, hi^h, hardwood ridLces, alternatin;^ with pine ridges and swanijjs, the quality of the soil on some of these hardwood ri Iges is excellent, and some nice firms could be picked up through this section. The northern portion may bo descril)ed as mountainous, especially alonj^ the IJonnechere River, Along the south side of this stream u very hij^h ridi^o extends from the eastern to the northern boundary of the township, and forms a very striking; feature in the country. Ahmi:' the northern slope of this mount un ranjje the timber has been destroyed by fire which <:ives the landscape a very wild appearance — tliis burnt tract extends some distance north of tiie IJonnechere. " There is a very fair-travelled road Icadinjj; throuuh the townsliip, alon-j; the niarj^in of the Tionncchere, used by the lumbernu'n in transporting:; suppiii!s into the inteiior. There i.s an immense au'ount of travel alon^' this road during the winter months. As this road is even now passable both summer and winter, it is the most proba])le channel by which settlers will reach the lands fit for settlement in the towii.ihip, and I have no doubt that in time the Buitable lots will be taken up, as the lumber operations will atlbrd an excellent market for all farm produce. " On the whole, the township may be considered chiefly adapted for lumbering, but I consider that "J.J per cent, of the area is passably fit for settlement. *' I saw no indications of valuable minerals — the geological formation is the usual Laurentian prevailing in this region, — the rock chiefly feldtspar and gneiss. " Paugh Lake is the largest sheet of water in the township — this empties into the little Madawaska River — a tributary of the IJonnechere. The Bonnccherc it^cK' fe a gob(t^i;!.'d stream, and abounds in salmon trout. It is the only considerable stream in the township. Deer appciir to be very scarce, but, I believe, in summer are more numerous. There are but very few fur-bearing animals." ALGOMA DISTRICT. GALr.RAiTn AND IIaugiiton. Galbraith is situated north of the Township of Plnmmer, and llanghton is east of Gal- brailh ; they were surveyed into lots of 3'2() acres in 1^77^ by Proviueiid Land Surveyor, Silas James, and contain respectively, llau-hton, 22,610 acres, and Galbraith 23,G'J1 acres of land. The following is im extract from 3Ir. James' Report on the Townsliip of llaughton : — " The features of the country over which my survey of this township extended present the appearance of low, detached foot hills to ranges of mountains, in .some places gradually f;illin<; off into valleys covered with mixed timber, and a good deep soil ; in others, abruptly falling off into valleys of hardwood timlier with some very good deep, black soil, hut mostly covered with detached washed boulders. Auiain, in other places rising perpendicularly into rocky ridges of several hundred feet in height and covered with scrubby pine, balsam, birch, &c, iK;c. In miny jilaces strung indications of iron and copper exist in the quartz lodes here and there to be found in these rocky ridges. In this township one prairie table of red sandy loam covered with groups of balsam, spruce, pine, «&c., and covering an area of several thousand acres of land presents the appearance of having at one time been covered by the water of a lake. Similar table-lands near the banks of the Mississauga River at a lower stage of level, ■ loe 1 prcHont the sntno npponriince of hnvini; i\t ono timo (subsoi^iicnt to tho ubovu having formed u luko) toniK^d a liiku in iiiinthor |i(i.Hitii)ti iind iit a lower lovul." Mr. Jutues' Kuj)ort OQ tlio Township oi Galbruith is tho namo in substanoo aa tho above. Johnson, TAunufT, and Tardutt Additional. HitiKitr! on liiiko Huron, west of tho Towiisliip of IMumnmr, they wore Hnrvcycd into lota of 3_'() iiuroH in IS77, by I'roviiii'iiil liMod Surveyor. Elihu Stowart, and contain oxcIunIvc of iiiinin;; htcationH respectively, JoliiiMon, 10,015 acres. Tarbutt and Turbutt addiiional, 12,.'").'W acres of land. The lollowinj; is lui extract from Mr. Stcwnrt\s Report: — *' Tal in oonoossiori No. U. Exueptin;; tlu8 vory liuiitoJ arua, tiio timber is very deoidodly initplu in that township." TlIK COUNTUY nKTWKKN Ii\KR NlPISSISO AND LAKR SUPKIlIon. Kxtrnot from a Ujport on Kxplorntion mudo botwocn Lake Ni|»is«iii}^ und Itivcr Pio, Lnkc Superior, in iH7;{ and i87-t, by W. A. Austin (sue Smford Fleming's report on Pacific Kuilwny — 1877, pa^o 204). " I nmdo a combined tr:ick, mi'Tomatrio and pro^pnotivo Murvoy of the country lyin^ bo- tw«on the odHtorn end of liuko Ni|iiH.sin;i; .nid the lliirh Fails of tho soutli hninfli of the .Mim)«o Kivcr, 11 distiHRO of about 17") mili's. 'I'liu portion of thu ODuntry <'X;iiniii<' I lyin^ Sturfi;con River, thi! point of departure hcinu: tlic K'iver .Vwistawi^in^ no.ir its di.s- cliar^e into ilin e.ist bay of |,ake Nipi-c.ircely any soil until we 20S reached Contin'a Bay, where there are probably 200 or 300 acres of good soil — a saidy loam — part of which is cultivated by the Indians, who raise very good corn, potatoes aud other vegetables; they also make Inrge ({uan titles of sugar from the maples growing on this land. In the neiglibourhood of the Chaudiere there is some good land, of sandy loam, covered with sugar maple and other hardwoods, interspersed with pine and spruce. The timber on the river generally consists of pine, balsam, birch, cedar, spruce and tamarack, the proportion of these varying in ditferent localities. A considerable extent of the country has been burned, and largo quantities of valuable timber destroyed. Away from the river there are basin? and narrow valleys between the ridges of rock, consisting of stiff clay soil. *' At the mouths of the rivers Sturgeon and Beuve, on the north shore of Lake Nipis- sing, near the west end there are extensive flats of good land. Following the shore eastward, the land is low and favorable for railway construction. After passing Duke's point, the shore recedes northward near the mouth of Silver lliver, it then takes a course nearly west for about 8 miles. From this .shore a low flat extends several niilas to the north, and is densely covered with soft maple, mixed with tamarack, birch, cedar and ash. Along the whole of the south shore of the lake to its western extremity, it is chiifly rocks and Hwamps. *' On the lOlh August, we started up the River Bonve, which fulls into the eg^-shapcd bay of Lake Nipissing, lying to the west of Sturgeon River. This bay is about five miles long and two-and-a-half wide, and on its margin th';re is very fine land covered with soft maple, birch, ash, and other hardwood. We travelled two days up this river in a gen- erally north-west direction, and made a distance of about 25 miles to where the river is divid- ed into two branches, having traversed in our course a number of short portages at rapids, falls, &c. The land in the valley of this stream appears very rich, covered with maple and other hardwoods, and there has been a large quantity of good pine on the slopes which has been nearly all destroyed by fire. "The Wahnapitaepee is a beautiful river, 150 to 180 feet wide on the lower sec- tion, aud 100 to 160 feet near Elbow Lake, about 35 miles from its mouth, on which distance there are thirteen portages, but most of them are short. For the first ten miles the country is very rocky, and the timber has been burned ; beyond that, the land near the river is low and swampy, up to within five miles of Elbow Lake, with occasional low ridges of rock pro- truding. *' We resumed our journey westward, taking the route by the Long, Round and White- fish Lakes, the Vermillion and Spani.sh Rivers to Lake Huron. "The first part of the journey was very tedious, as the waters were low, and the sloughs connecting the chain of small lakes, collectively called Long Lake, were nearly dry, so that we had a great many portages to make, and it took us two days to reacli Whitefish Lake. Tliese are beautiful sheets of water, and as the timber on their margins have not been burnt, the freshness and soft undulating lines of the landscape formed an agreeable contrast to the desolate, rocky and burnt country we had lately traversed. There is some very fine pine timber around these lakes with some hemlock and patches of maple, bircli and other hard- woods. " The Vermillion and Spanish Rivers are fine rivers, with o considerable quantity of good land and timber on their margin.s, especially on the latter, from the forks down to within three or four miles of Lake Huron. Our last portage, the 7Gth since we entered French River, was about seven miles below the confluence of the Spanish River and Vermillion, or as it is sometimes called, the East or Whitefish liranch. Thence, the river is navigable " by eteaiLooats to Lake Huron, about 35 or 40 miles." 209 1 — a 9&\tdy statoes aui growing on andy loam, ruce. The rnarack, the he country (1 the river jlay soil, jake Nipis- the shore hi<^ Duke's kes a course the north, , Alonir the rocks and ejiii-shapcd t five miles d with soft r in a gen- ver is divid- es at rapids, maple and which has 3 lower src- ch distance the country iver is low rock pro- and White- le sloun;h3 ry, so tliat ,'iish Lake. Am burnt, ast to the fine pine ther hard- (uantity of to within :d French lion, or »s /igable * by ^> CHAPTER XIX. CROWN LANDS OPEN FOR SAIE. The townships mentioned in this chapter still contain more or less land which is open for sale. Except in two or three instances — which will be specially referred to — these town- ships are rot in charge of local agents, so that parties desiring to purchase, must make appli- cation to the Department of Crown Lands at Toronto. The prices vary according to the locality, and also — in nearly all the townships — according to the position and quality of the land. No fixed price can therefore be given, except as regards the few townships which are managed by local agents. Sales are made subject to the performance of settlement duties, and also subject to the Order and Regulation of the 27th May, 18G9, respecting pine trees. The conditions of settlement are : — That the purchaser shall take possession of the land within six months from date of sale, and continuously be a bona Jide occupant of and resident on the same for at least three years ; shall clear and render fit for cultivation and have under crop within such three years a quantity of said land in the proportion of at least ten acres to every one hundred acres ; and siiall erect thereon a habitable house of the dimensions of at least IG x 20 feet. When these conditions have been complied with and the laud has been paid for in full — the Patent is issued. The Ordtn- and Regulation of the 27th May, 1869, provides that " All pine trees growing or being upon any public land hereafter to be sold, and which at the time of such sale, or previously, was included in any Timber License, shall be con- sidered as reserved from such sale ; and such land shall be subject to any Timber License, covering or including such land, in force at the time of such sale, or granted within thiee years from the date of such sale ; and such trees may be cut and removed frcmi such land, unde. the authority of any such Timber License while lawfully in force ; but the purchaser at such sale, or those claiming under him or her, may cut and use such trees as may be necessary for the purpose of building, fencing and fuel on the land so purchased, and may also cut and dispose of all trees required to be removed in actually clearing saitl land for cultivation ; but no pine trees except for the necessary building, fencing and fuel as aforesaid, shall be cut beyond the limit of such actual clearing before the issuing of the Patent for such land, and all pine trees so cut and disposed of (except for the necessary building, fencing and fuel as aforesaid), shall be subject to the payment of the same dues as are at the time payable by the holders of licenses to cut timber or sa;w logs. " All trees remaining on the land at the time the Patent issues, shall pass to the Patentee." In certain townships, chiefly in the districts of Algoma and Thunder Bay, the lands may be sold for mining purposes, under ' The General Mining M'i" (Revised Statutes of Ontario, Cap. 29), at one dollar per acre, cash. The patent is isi-ued upon payment, and contains a reservation of all pine trees standing or being on the land — which continue to bo the property of the Crown. A license may at any time be issued to cut timber or saw logs on the said Unds, and the party holding the same may at all times enter upon, cut and re- move the pine trees, and make all necessary roads for that purpose. The two townships which we will refer to first — Dalton and Digby — are in the County of Victoria. They are in the hands of an agent, James McKibbon, Esq., who resides at Lindsay, and they are offered for sale at the price of fifty cents per acre, cash, or sixty cents, payable one-third cash aud the balance in two equal annual instalments, with intt rcet at the rate of six per cent, per annum, from the date of sale, subject to settlement duties, and the Pine Tree Regulations, as hereiubefore set out. 14 210 EXTRACTS FROM SURVEYORS' REPORTS. DiGBY. Situated to the west of the Township of Lutterworth and the Bobcayj];oon Road, sur- veyed into farm lots in 18G0, by P.L. burveyor Michcul Deane, contains 50,304 acres, in- cluding water and roads. Extract from the Report of Survey : — " The great body of the township is a tract of high rolling land, being a succession of rocky hills and ridges ; in the intervening valleys, however, the soil is deep, rich and fertile. The timber is composed of pine, hemlock, birch, cedar, balsam and tamarack, each ranking consecutively according to its abundance ; in view of the pine, of which there are two kinds, white and red, the former thougii abundant is not generally of a good quality, and the latter is mostly too small for merchantable timber. This section is of the primitive formation, of a sandy soil, and well watered by the Black River, large streams and numerous lakes. These lakes, while possessing the most exquisite and varied scenery, abound with black bans and salmon trout. Speckled or brook trout, also salmon trout, are to be found in the Black River, which fl )Ws through the north-west corner of the township. The remaining portions of the township are of the limestone formation ; the land, composed of a clay soil, though stony iu places, is of a good quality and is mostly occupied by squatters. The timber is generally maple, intermingled with basswood, elm, hemlock, ironwood, birch, beech and pine ; the latter is of a good quality. " The whole township is well supplied with water, and possesses numerous sites where machinery could be effectually worked by water power." Dalton Is situated west of the Township of Digby and north of Garden. It was surveyed ia 18G1, by iM. Deane, P.L.S., and contiins 40.4fi6 acres of land. The following is a porti'in of Mr. Dcane's Report of Survey : — " 'i'iie township, with the exception of two small portions where the limestone appears on the surface, is of the primitive formation, presenting many varieties of the granite, with few indications of mineral. " The general aspect of the township is undulating; the tops of the hills and ridtres are more or less rocky ; the intervening valleys are cither swampy or iwssess a deep, rich and fertile soil. " With a view of more fully describing the qualities of the land, I have divided the the township into two sections, as shown on the index map: — " Section No. 1 is a tract of rocky, broken and unproductive land, the greater portion of which is destitute of soil or timber. '• Section No. 2, which is the main body of the township, though varying occasionally in m nor peculiarities, is still pretty much of the same description and qujlity; that is to say, undulating in surface, sandy loam soil, rocky in many places, and occasionally inter- f3persed with large tracts o( an excellent (juality; the whole 1 would classify as tolerably good and well adapted for settlement. The timber on this section consist principally of hemlock, maple, pine, beech, elm, tamarack, balsam and cedar, each kind varying in abundance accord- ing to the soil and situation. There is considerable pine distributed throughout, osiiccially in the vicinity of the IJlaek and Head Rivers. In a lumboring point of view this township possesses great advantages, being well watered by the three following rivers, viz. : Black River, flowing from the north-east ; 1 le ul River, from the east ; and Mud Lake Ifiver oa the south. On these rivers there are sevo .i falls and rapids where machinery could bo cffco- tivcly wrought with water power. Those worthy of especial notice are marked on the plan. The township is ca«y of access to settlers, having the Victoria Road (now under construction) along the eastern boundary. The western part of the township can be approached with great acilily from the Townships of Maj':i and Garden, by the Mud Lake chain of waters." 211 COUNTY OF PETERBOROUGH. Road, 8ur- t acres, ia- iccession of and fertile, cb runkiag two kinds, I the latter rmution, of kes. These k bans and llack River, ions of the i;h stony iu is srenerally } ; the latter sites where surveyed io me appears anite, with ridijes are , rich and livided the portion of Iccasionally that is to laliy inter- trably good If hemlock, lice accord- O'^liccially U township liz. : Black ]c River oa Id be effco- |i tlie plan. Iistruclion) I with great Is." ' GaLAV AY Is situated on the east side of the Bobcaygeon Road, north of the Township of Har- vey. A portion of it was surveyed in 1857, by M. Deane, P.L.S , and tlu- residue, or south-east portion was surveyed in 18G0, by P. L. Surveyor Drennan. It contains G9,920 acres. Extract from Report by P.L.S. Peane : — " It is well watered, and although undulating and stony in places, is generally well suited for settlement. However in the 17th and 18th concessions, there is a succession of rocky ridges which may, for the ])r('sent, retard the settlement of that section, but the many intervening valleys in which the soil is deep and fertile, will afford such inducements as will ultimately lead to its settlement. " The Uny Creek is the main artery by which the township is drained, but owing to the levelness of the extensive valley through whicli i''- flows, does not afford uiucli manu- facturing facilities. " Along the course of this stream there are several beaver meadows, swamps, and black "ish swales, which are periodically inundated in consecjuence of the water being ob- structed by beaver dams, but A\hen these animals are destroyed and their works removed, this valley, possessing a deep alluvial soil, will be highly prized fm- its fertility. "The line between the limestone and" primitive formation occurs on lot No. 17, in Range A., south of which is limestone with clay soil and the usual hardwood timber, mixed with hemlock and scrubby pine, and on the north is the granite region — sandy loam soil and the ordinary hardwood timber, with a large proportion of hemlock, balaam, and some pine of an inferior quality." - . Extract from Report by P. L. S. Drennan : — " I regret that I cannot give a favourable report of the quality of the land in the greater portion of that part of the township surveyed by me, much of it being little better than bare rock. " There are, however, patches of several hundred acres each of very fair land in many places. The land appears to improve very much iu the norlh-east corner of the township, and I think it extremely prolxible tliat there is a large percentage of good land in the two unsurveyed townships, east of Galway and Snowdon. " The line of junction of the limestone with granite or gneiss runs across the south- west course of the Township of Galway, as shown on the plan ; the former lying to the south-west, and the latter to the north-east ; several other rocks crop out between the two, especially a description of sandstone which seems well adapted for building purposes, being very compact and at the same time easily wcjrked, and of a beautiful colour. Tliere is a small patch of iso". .ted limestone on lots .'30 and 31 in the third concession ; the tivn- ber on this is almost altogether hardwood ; the line of junction of the limestone and granite corresponds very closely with that of the hardwood and pine in the south-west course of the township. " There is some very fire pine timber, both white and red, much of it being from three to four feet in diameter. It is the only timber of much commercial importance, ex- cept perhaps tamai-ack, there being very little elm and no oak. The most fi-e(iuent desciip- tions of hardwood timber are maple, basswood, ironwood and beech. " The greater number of the water-courses run in a south-westerly direction ; two of these, viz. : — Nogie's Creek and iScpiaw River, are of considerable size, and there are good mill sites on both — on the former, on lot No. 10 in the sei^crid concession, and on the latter, on lots 31 and 32 in the first concession. " There • /e several lakes in the township, but only one of any great size ; this is the lake on the 10th, 11th, and 12th concessions, from lots 21 to 34. It is known as Swamp Lake, but as some of the best land in the township is in its immediate neighbourhood, and there is no swamp of any importance near it, I have not given it that name on the I my 212 plan, as it might deter settlers from going in. It abounds with salmon, trout, black bas?, &c The lake called Bass Lake, is also full of the fish of that name. " The township swarms with beaver, as will be seen from the number of their ponda shown on the plan ; deer are also very numerous." Cavendish. Ts situated north of the Township of Harvey, and westof Anstruther. It was survey- ed in 18G2, by P. L. Surveyor Lough, and contains 54,717 acres, including roads and water. Extract from Surveyor's report : — " This township admits of being divided into three grand divisions, each containing different (pialities of land, and distinct varieties of timber. The first section is burnt land, and occupies a very large area — that portion of it in the south-west corner of the township is entirely useless for any purpose, as there is neither timbern or soil of any importance on it ; it being for the most part rock, grown over with a second growth of inferior timber ; that in the eastern section of the township maybe a little better, as it contains some good pines thinly distributed amongst the birch and poplar, and is less rocky ; but judging from the second growth of timljer the soil must be very poor. The second division is princi- pally hemlock and pine woods, the pine generally very good. It is light, saiidy land, containing occasional patches of good land, varying in quality of soil from sandy loam to olaj'^ loam, but where these patches are small the soil is generally shallow and stony, the larger ones are less so, partaking less of the quality of the surrounding land. There is a great deal of land in this section that will be fit for settlement, particularly where it borders on the hardwood along the western and northern boundaries. This section occu- pies an area of about one fourth of the townsliip. " The third division, occupying an area equal to nearly one-third of the township is most excellent land of good clay and clay loam soil, and timbered for the most part exclu- sively with hardwood of very fine uescription. It is nice I'olling laud, well watered, free from high ridges of rocks, and in every respect well adapted to agricultural purposes. This tract of good land has the advantage of lying adjacent to an extensive tract of similar good land in Galway, already partly settled, and in its being sufficiently extensive to afford a large settlement. "There are numerous lakes in the township, many of them of considerable size and great beauty, and surrounded for the most part by excellent land, which will be particu- larly attractive to settlers. " There is only one river of much imjiortance, i!^o. 3, which flows from Catchicommu Lake (the Indian for Big Lake) into Gull Lake. It is of considerable depth and size, aud has a fall in it of aliout aix feet, which forms an excellent mill privilege." COUNTY OF HASTINGS. WOLL.\STON Is situated north of the Township of Lake. A portion of it was surveyed in lS57,by Quint in Johnstone, P.L.S., and the residue was surveyed in 1864, by John A. Snow, F.L.S. It contains about 52, 700 acres of land. The following is an extract of Mr. Snow's Report of Survey : — "By reference to the timber map on which I have shown the character of the soil and tiiiiber, it will he seen that in the part surveyed by me, there are only two small tracts of land timbered with pine, and embrace only ibout 2,000 acres, On that tract in the 1st 2nd, 3rd and 4th concessions, the timber has been chiefly cut by Messrs. Gilmour & Co., who have a depot in the viciiuty ; the other tract has not yet been mutilated with the axe. All the other parts of this township surveyed by me are more or less suitable for settle- ment. That tract east of Deer River and south of the line between the 6th and 7th con- Cessions is in general more uneven than the other portions, the rocks are oftener exposed. 213 On the whole, in this township, is the largest tract of hardwood land together, which I have met with in the course of my practice, and the soil throughout is of fair quality and in most places sandy loam, with an undulating surface, the hills in no instance rise to more than 100 feet above the general level of the country. " The only stream of any importance is Deer River, a tribntsiry of Crow Itivcr, which skirts along the western boundary of the township. Deer Kivir below Eagle Lake is from one to three chains wide, and has three rapids, at the first of which there is vn excellent mill site, owing to the whole of Eagle Lake being converted into a reservoir, insuring an abundant supply of water at all seasons. At the other rapids no oi)portuiiity exists of forming a pond, they are consequently of little value. Above P^agle Lake tlie stream is from forty links to one chain wide, with a depth of from one to three leet. Three small rapids occur, but the banks are too low to admit of thi-ir being turned to account for mill purposes. " The best method of developing the township would be by opening the road surveyed by Mr. Gib.son last fall, running the whole length of the township, and by making a road along the line between the 8th and 9tli concessions, from it to the Hastings Road and westward, uniting at some point in Chandos with the Burleigh Road. If tlie.se roads were opened and a grist and saw mill erected at the mill site below Ivigle Lake, this township, on account of the general superiority of the soil, would be rapidly settled." TUDOR size and partica- licommu size, and e soil and tracts of in the Ist )ur & Co., h the axe. for settle- 7th con- • exposed. Is situated north of the Township of Madoc, and west of Grimsthorpe. Portions of it ■were surveyed in ISwS and 1857, by Provincial Lnnd Surveyors, Elmore and Deane, and the residue in 1863, by P. L. Surveyor, McLeod. It contains 62,9(57 acres, including water and roads. The Hastings Road ruus through the township. Extract from Mr. Deane's Report : — " The land in this township is rather of an inferior quality, being rough, broken, and undulating in character, the ridges generally rocky and unproductive, and the valleys of a deep alluvial soil ; its resources, in a lumbering point of view, are worthy of remark ; pine, white and red, is very abundant, of large size, and of good quality, and easy of access, and with great advantages for getting to market. " The township is drained by the Moira and Jordan Rivers, Beaver Crock and it? tributaries, possessing many sites for mill and manufacturing establishments. "The southern portion of the township is composed of the limestone formation of many varieties ; the northern portion is of the primitive formation, and forming a part of the great ' Granite region ; ' the approximate line of deniarkation between these formations is represented on plan, but as it runs through a broken section of country, and the (litferent formations variously iuterstratified, it would require a professional geologist to define it correctly. Extract from Mr. MacLeod's Report : — " The northern portion of the block surveyed (say half) may be considered as good land, and fit for farming purposes. About one-fifth of the central [)ortion is tolerably fair, though rough and rocky. " The southern portion, being the remainder (say one-third), is poor and sandy, only fit for lumbering. " Theie is an extensive beaver meadow on lots 10 and 11, in the 17th and 18th conces- .sions, where large quantities of hay are mowed by the adjoining .cottiers. A large quantity of pine, in the shape of logs, have already been taken from the vicinity of Beaver Creek, The best of the timber is nearly exhausted ; there is still a good deal of inferior (piality, and a large amount lies on the ground wasted, on account of small blemishes. The more nurthera part is covered with hardwood, &c. " The block is well watered with streams ; Beaver Creek flows through the north western part, there are several rapids in its course. The rock is conipo.scd principally of crystallino limestone, and is similar to the formation in the Township of Limerick. Tlie block is well situated for settlement ; being on Beaver Creek, supplies can easily bo obtained from the Has- tings Road. Some of the lots in the north part arc well worth the attention of intending ;8ettlers." 214 GRIM3TH0RPE, iSituJite in the County of UnstinprH ; surveyed into farm lots in 1868, by P.L.S. William Murdoch ; contiiins G9,028 acres, includinrj water and roads. Tlic following is an extract from J\Ir. Murdoch's Report : — " The soil throuii.shes. The timber is maple, black birch, hendock, cedar, and some good white \mn\ The soil is a rich sandy loam, bruken in places by out crop of rock. Drift or loose stones are seldom met with. " In the snmnier of 1864, afire ran over the southern portion of the township, extend- ing as far n2 acres of land. The following is an extract from P. L. S., C. Unwin's Keport of Survey : — "Sections 1 to C in township No. 3, South liange, 12 west (Esten) are valuable;. 220 although interspoteil hy riilires of rocks, the valleys an* <'xtniiaive nn'\ rich with a fine sandy loam s(*il, covchmI with iwiph*, hfccli, ami yi^Mow liirch, a id piiit' 'if a vt-ry >ximi\ quality. The sections are abundantly watcrt^d liy various crtM>iart covered with nine, which cannot fail to become valuable as the district is settled. Whilst the lak((s al)ouu I in troiit, l):iS8 and pike, the woods are much hunteil throu^^h by the Indians, who aiiiiually kill large quantities of deer, and procure many otter and other skins. "Sections 1 to 12 correspond in most particulars to the aforesaid sectiona. Nos. 9 and 10 are the most rocky, whilst 11 and 12 contain much good land. There is an e.xcel- lent communication with Serpent Hay from Ea.^de Ijuke I'in Serjient, Uiver. There are but few portages, aniilsam, beudock and a fi-w pines of inferior quality. Sections 13, 14, 1.'), 16. and 1!) to 21, piesi'tit few grounds for remaik, consist- ing chiefly of rocky ridge free from minerals. Th»^ valleys are well timbered. The lakes, abounding with fish, are the haunts of immense flocks of ducks and other water fowl. Sections 2!), HO, 31 .and 32, present few attractions for the settler, the lands beiuL' liiL'h and rocky, and greatly destroyed by tires. The remaining sections in this township, 25 to 28, and 33 to 3G, are, however, superior to the last mentioned, the absence of hills and rocks of any consequence, combined with an improvement in the <|uality and depth of the soil (sandy loam and rocky bottom), makes this the most important district in the township. The hardwood tracts are extensive and intersected by creeks, which are well supplied with water during the heat of summer. Thompson and part of Patton Are situated nenr the mouth of the Mississagua River, which flows partly through both townshi])S. Thomson is bounded hy Tjake Huron on the south, by the township of Patton on the north, and by unsurvcycd lands on the east and west. Patton is situated north of Thomson. The whole of Thomson was subdivided in 1801 into sections and (|uarter-scctions. The town- ship of Thomson contains 17,7(>6 acres of land. 7,5()4 acres only of the south part of Patton, were subdivided at the same time. The following is an extract from Provincial Land Sur- veyor (iilmour's Report of Survey of these two townships : — "The Mississagua during sunmier is naviirable for boats of four feet draught for its en- tire course, at least as far as my survey extended, but in the spring and autumn wln-n the melting snow and rain swell its tributaries, then the narrow ilefile through which it finds its way two miles fVoai the mouth, proves too contracted for its swollen waters, which, risinir, tuinUle over themselves in the gorge, and convert, what in summer is but a swift current, which 1 have often stemmed in a canoe, into falls of two or three feet in height. In the rest of its course so far as explored by us, this river rolls a gentle stream between banks from 10 to 1"> feet high, with good land generally on each side. This portion of the newly surveyed tract, tliere- fore, offers gi-cat induc(!ments to settlers. Here we have a really noble stve im. which steamers of the draught already mentioned can ascend for 1.5 or 20 miles, thus affording to those who may cast their lot on its banks, opportunities for communication, procuring supplies and ex- porting produce, such as are not enjoyed by many older and richer sections of the country. The Mississagua also teams with fish. Sturgeon abound, and arc killed in great numbers and of a large size. White fish are also caught by the Indians in gill nets in considerable numbers for 30 miles from the mouth, which fact alone, I should think, would be great inducement to the settlers. " On those parts of the land included in my survey which I described as good land, the timber is generally maple, black birch, ironwood, rod oak and hemlock. The swamps, which are numerous and extensive, are generally tamarack, and there are some fine pines scattered over the whole extent of my survey. None of the land is what, in the older settlements, would be classed as first quality ; but what I describe as good, is usually fair soil for farming purposes. As I have already stated, the best land is to be found generally along the Mississagua ; all not marked as swamp on sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1, 821 its cn- irii the its WMjr tumlilo 1 have course 1 .'i foot , tliere- e;iinors one who (nd ex- ountry, icrs and umbers ice meat wauips, pines older usually neraliy 10,11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, township No. 4 noutli range, ITi west, and on seotion 81, township No, 3, south on the same rungo, is of the abovu (luality. "On sections 10 and IT), north of the MiHsissa^ua Kiver, there are some splendid pine, the finest I have over seen. It in to be reiiiurlced that there is no beeoli in the survey. •' Over a large part of sections 28, 29, 33 and 34, in township nunxber three, south range IG west, extends a samly plain, pt-rfeotly level, and in many places entirely desti- tute of vegetation. What tiniber dot-s v^rovv on it is of atliniinutive size. The shore of the lake is rocky and shelving, indented by eiidluss shallow bays, silted up with sand, and able to ofliT shellHr only to light boats or canofs. There is, however, excellent security for vessels in the east mouth of the Alississiign,', and in the Hay to the west of iSalvadea' mill. The sections along the lake consist of poor, light soil. There is, however, a cou- Biderahle quantity of valuable pine scattered tiirougli tiieni. Between this and the river lie large swamps, tiiMl)ered cliiifly with tamarack, whicli does not hero attain a large si/.e^ although I saw some of the largest dini(!nsioiis ill other sections of the survey. In that part of my work which has not been subdivided, llusre is good laiul along the l]lind River, the Lake of the Mountains, at the lake in the cxlfMine north of the work, and in a few other places. The soil and timber are generally the same as in those places more minutely de8cril)ed. The Blind ^iiver, however, requires especial notice for its spleiidi2 lbs. to the bushel — it wus pronounced as b^'ing all that could be desired for plumpness and quiility. There have been upwards of UK) bushels of it sold around among other farmers, and sowed this fall, the produce of which, with what will be Bowed next sprinir, will have to go to Sault Ste. Marie, unless a mill is erected nearer home. The expenses of tiiking the wheat to the Sault reduce the profit considerably, as dockage has to be paid at IJruce mines and the Sault (going and returning), in addition to carri;ige mi the boat. As there is plenty of tamarack, spruce, hemlock, &o., in the district, it would certainly pay a man wlio understands the busini-ss to put up a small steam-mill with a run of stones attiichcd. Nothing can surpass our ordinary crops of spring wheat, oats, barley, potatoes, &c, Mr. David Jackson sowed three acres of Bhick main oats, and the produce was 322 bushels ; also, from three acres of mixed oits the yield was 145 bushels. Mr. Ueorgo Clarke, from one-iind-a-hstlf acre tbresbed G7 busliols of excellent wheat, and from three acres of conimoa oats tlie return was 175 busliols. A Air. Chipmim, from one acre of peaa had a yield of 50 bushels, and a Mr. Burdon, from an ordinary hill of potatoes, took up 15 lbs., or, at the rate of four hills to the bushel. 223 " Several of the farmers who have settled in here have soM out valuable farms below, and have moved in with their spans of horses, yokes of oxen, cows, &c., and the fact of their being practical men, goes to prove one of two things, either their judgment is at fault or this district is all that it is claimed to be. The fjuiulties afforded for getting into these townships this summer, by the making of road" .nd the two bridges across the Thessalon River (one at the foot of Otter Tail Lake, and the other at Jackson's Rapids, in Lefroy) have encouraged the settlers to come in. as they find that their interests are not forgotten by the Government. Nearly 4.000 acres have been taken up in Lefroy and Kose during September and October (1877)." With regard to the improvement and extension of the roads, &u., it is noticed that the Government have appropriated the sum of .?1,000 to be expencled f »r tliat purpose ia Rose and Lefroy during 1878, besides $2,000 for the Great Northern Road, and $1,000 for the Otter Tail Lake Koad and Briiige. ummcr )lic:i!>lo report a prac- 'arming need be acres of out 28 oulJ be it sold will be ■ue. The hiis to Ml the rtaiuly stones OCH, &c, ushels ; from (uiinioa 1 of oO he rate Tauentokus Is situated north of the Village of Sault St<\ Marie and east of the Township of Korah. It was subdivided in 1851) into sections and quarter-sections, aud contains 13,988 acres of land. Extract from Report of Survey, by A. P. Salter, P.L S. " With the exception of the northerly and iioitli-easterly sections of Taretitorus, the whole township is fit for settlement; a tew ot the central sections are rather low, but are susceptible of drainage. The soil is either sandy loam, black mould, or red clay, tlie sub- soil, red or white clay. A serious drawback to tlie settlement of this township will, I fear, be found in the scarcity of timber, a very considerable portion of it having been overrun by fire, and in some places the surface soil has been completely burnt off, being of a peaty nature. This is to be regretted, as the soil is generally of good character, and atTords a good open- ing to intending settlers. The surface on the westerly side of this township is somewhat broken by ravines, which, however, jffer no senuus obstacle to its settlement. Numerous small rivulets of excellent spring water cross tue country, a great desideratum to an agii» culturist." Pakke Is situated on Lake Superior, south of the Township of Prince. It was subdivideti in 18G0 into sections and quarter-sections, by P. L. Surveyor Prince, and contains 6,GG4 acres of land. Extract from the Surveyor's Report : — " In the survey of this township I ft)und it nearly all swamp, cedar and tamarack, with sand ridges running through it, on which is some red pine timber suitable for spars. The south jiortion of the township is nearly all marsh, some with no timber, and some burnt tamarack and cedar. " The beach is sandy and water shallow, except at Point aux Pins, where the channel runs close to the shore." Palmer Is situated north of the Township of Fisher, on BatchewanungRay. It was surveyed into sections and (juarter-sections, in 18G5, by G. B. Kirkpatrick, P. L. S., and contains 18,984 acres of land. p]xtract from Report of Survey : — " The surface of the townshij) is hilly, and in some places rocky. Many of the hills, however, though atUiining a considerable height, have a very gradii il ascent, and are deeply covered with soil, which throughout the township is sandy loam. Many beaver ponds occur which drown much good land, but as they are ca})able of being drained I have not deducted the areas. The townstiip is well watered, the Batchcwanung liiver flowing through the south-eiist portion of it. Carp liiver through the centre of ft, and the Sable River through the western portion of the township, besides numbtire of smaller streams 224 1 tributary to these rivers. Many mill sites may be found on these rivers. Three falls of about twenty feet each occur on the Batchewanung River, and there are several mill sites on every section through which the other rivers flow. "The timber in this township is mostly hardwood, maple and birch being the chief kinds in the western half, while in the eastern portion the timber is more mixed, consist- ing of maple, birch, balsam, spruce, cedar, ironwood, and a few white pine here and there. The fixed rocks are eitlier greenstone or trap. Traces of iron were found by the survey party in many parts of the township, but owing to the greater portion of it being surveyed while the snow was on the ground I could not niake much search for minerals. Iron ore is largely de"eloped on the northern bouml.iry of the township, and also to the north of the township, and traces of copper were fouu'l by me in the hills to the north of the lake on the south boundary. On section 31 and the adjoining mining location, amygdaloidal trap is the prevailing rock. I consider tliat about two-thirds of this township are fit for settlement, there being much good land on every section." Ryan Is situated on Lake Superior, west of the Township of Palmer. It was subdivided into sections and quarter-sections in 18(50, by P. L. Surveyors, Hugh Wilson and John J. McGee, and contains 19,153 acres of land. Extract from Report of Survey : — "In sections from 1 to 10 inclut^ive, although intersected by a few high ridges, the val- leys arc extensive and rich, with fine sandy loam soil, covered mostly with naple and birch of healthy appearance and good quality. In sections from 11 to 16, and the north halves of sections 21, 22, 23, and 24, the land is rough and broken by high ranges of rock. On tne tops and down the slopes of the ridges, which are very steep, there is no great depth of soil ; but the valleys, though not extensive, are rich, having a fine sandy loam soil. iMaple iind birch predominate, and of a good good healthy growth. In sections J2 and 13 there is a lake, whose waters flow eastwards into the Carp River, through the Township of Palmer. This lake is very deep, even at its banks, and ch^ar, and though in midsummer, its waters are perfectly cool. It, as well as the smaller lakes throughout the townsliip, abound with speckled trout. We have often, in an hour, hooked over twenty of thDse beautiful fish. " Along the western .'iide of the lake the shore is bold and precipitous, and in many places, particularly towards the north west, is almost perpendicular, risiug to the height of 300 feet, while the land gently ascends from the water on the east side, excepting a very steep ridge or bluft' at the iutersection of sections 12 and 13, on the east boundary, the acclivity of which, however, begins at several chains from the lake. "In sections 17, 19, 20, 29 and 30, the land is e.weedingly rough and broken by deep ravines and high ridges, composed of coarse conglomerate, porphy-iuc, and aniygdaloidal trap, having a north and south strike, a disposition which pervades the geolt)gic;d forma- tion all through this section, and extending into the Montreal Mining Company's loca- tions. The soil is sandy loam, and in many places may be said to be breccia, covered with a light coating of sandy loam. The timber is inferior, and composed principally of spruce, tamarack, and birch, although there are some patches covered with maple and birch of healthy growth. " The remaining sections, and those fronting on Pancake Bay, are superior to any other. The absence of rock and hills of any extent, excepting a few spurs running m from the ranges to the north, combined with the impruveinent in the quality richness, and depth of the soil (being sandy loam, on a still richer^uiould), makes those sections the most important district of the township. The tracts of hardwood are extensive, though there is much mixed tinil)er through them, and well watered Ijy Pancake River, Sable Creek, and their atilueuts, which are abundantly sui»plied with water, even in the height of summer. There are tracts of pine along the valley of the Pancake River, especially near the north boundary, and at the mouth of the river in front of sections F. and G. ; through part of sections 22, 23, and 26, there is a tract of pine of medium size, all of which is valuable for saw logs and small spars. " The Pauoake River is of paramount importance to this section of the country. It flows out of a larye lake northwards, and traverses the west half of the township, and 225 part of the Montreal Mining Company's locations. It has a gentle current, with an ex- ceedingly tortuous course, and its banks are in many places high, but generally low and inclined to a small angle, in which case good loamy soil stretches down to the water's edge; its average width is, perhaps, about fifty links from its mouth to where it crosses the north boundary, and having a depth of from five to six feet, with a gravelly bottom. There are several excellent mill privileges on the river, the most important of which is one at about twenty chains from its mouth, having a fall of nearly eight feet The river is deep, and current sluggish between the falls and its embouchure on Pancake Bay. This Bay contains one of the finest harbo'irs on the north shore of Lake Superior, being well sheltered on the west, north, and east, by Point Mamainse, Township of JRyan, and Point Corbeau. There is good anchorage on stiff clay bottom." DISTRICT OF THUNDER BAY. The lands in the following townships on the north snore of Lake Superior are offered for sale under the general Mining Act. McGregor . Is situated on Thunder Bay, east of the Township of Mclntyre. It was surveyed in 1872 by A. B. Scott, P.L.S., and contains 36,717 acres, including water and roads. Extract from Report of Survey : — " The prevailing timber appears to have been balsam and white birch, with spruce, cedar and tamarack in the swamps. A fire has overrun the greater part of the township destroying all the timber, and in some places burning it clear off, leaving the ground bare, The soil is of a light, sandy loam. The township cannot be recommended for agricultural purposes, as it is so much broken by rocky ridges and swamps. The rock formation appears to be granite and granitic trap, with overlying slate ; the trap and slate appearing along the shore and islands with the granite hills in the rear. There are several veins opened for silver ore ; the principal one now being worked is known as tlio " Beck Mine " situated on location 11 Z or 12 Z, and is said to be very productive. The " Thunder Bay Mine " on location number one, worked a year or two ago, is not now being worked. There are other veins being opened with reported good prospects onl2 E, 5 Z., 13 Z 1 2 and 15, and on Island No. 7 ; and I believe companies are being organized for extensive works on some of them during the coming season. The only streams of any size in the town- ship are the east branch of the Current River in the north-westerly part and the McKen- zie River in the central part of the township. There is no good mill sites on either of them where we crossed them, but there is considerable fall in the McKenzie River near its mouth, and might be available for mill purposes." McTavish Is situated on Black Bay, east of the Township of McGregor. It was surveyed in 1869 and 1870 by Hugh Wilsoa, P L-S., and contains 48,165 acres including water. The following is an extract from Mr. Wilson's Report : — "Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4, in concessions 1 and 2, are considerably broken by discon- nected rock ridges ; sometimes rising to the height of from two to three hundred feet, having generally perpendicular cliffs on one side while the other falls off gradually, and is generally deep soil. " Throughout these sections there are large fiats and valleys of excellent land ; soil : dark clay loam. Timber : birch, poplar, balsam, balm of Gilead, spruce and cedar, with a thick growth of hardwood interspersed. " In these flats and valleys the timber is generally sparse and of large size. Spruce, poplar and birch frequently reacb, 26 inches in diameter. " About one half of those sections would make good agricultural land. In the flats 15 226 above described the soil appears to be an alluvial deposit, and there is little or no drift formation in the shape of gravel or boulders. " The east part of section 5, concession 3, and the west part of location E is gently un- dulating, and falling to the south-east. Frequent outcrops of marl rock and marl con- glomerate occur, and in places shingle of the same formation. Timber, in places, light as of second growth. " Sections 6 and 7, con. 2, and the east part of 6 and 7, con. 3, are gently rolling, with deep clay soil. Timber, birch, poplar, spruce, balsam and cedar, generally of large growth The country is broken in places with ravines and low rock ridges. The ravines liave invariably clay banks, and I judge that at least two-thirds of sections 6, 7 and 8 would make good arable land. The river through section 6, concessions 2 and 3, is rapid, with a succession of chutes over ledges of rocks. A good water power could easily be obtained on the river, in the south-west quarter of section 6, con. 2, and a short distance west of the line in section 6, con. 3, are heavy chutes, affording excellent water power. " The banks of the river are generally clay, and rise gradually to a height of from 10 to 30 feet. There is abundance of water in the river to drive extensive machinery at all seasons of the year. " About one-third of the north west part of sec. 5, con. 1, lying east of loeation B, is dry land, the rest of it, together with nearly the whole of section 6, cons. 1, and 5, and 6, con. A., and about one-third of con. B., is an open spruce and tamarack swamp. Patches of it, open cranberry marsh. A growth of moss, from two to three feet in depth, covers the greater part of the surface. Grass and Labrador tea are very common. The timber is sparse and composed of scrubby spruce and tamarack, the tops of which are covered with a black moss. A belt of from 10 to 20 chains in width of tamarack and scrubby cedar sur- round the confines of the swamp, the timber of which increases in growth as you approach the dry land. " This swamp is useless for agricultural purposes, but contains, to a great depth, ex- cellent peat. " The west halves of sections 7 and 8, con. 1, maintain about the same level. The banks of the river are clay,, and rise gradually to a height of from 20 to 30 feet, and are cross-cut in places, particularly on the west side, by ravines with clay banks, and generally contain small ?treams. The timber is birch, spruce, balsam and tamarack, sometime.s of small size as of second growth. The soil is deep clay loam, and at a short distance from the river on the west side the country assumes the character of a dry swamp with hard clay bottom. " The country on the east side of the river and through the soutli halves of the sections is more hilly and broken, with stony ridges and small swamps, but I consider that two- thirds of the area would make good arable land. " There is a fall on the river in the south-west quarter of section 7, about 5 chains north of the line betAveen sections 7 and 8, affording excellent water power. The fall is from 18 to 20 feet in height, with easy access from either side of the river. " Sections 7 and 8, con. A., are gently undulating and falling to the south-east, and are considerably broken by low rocky ridges and small swamps, but about half the area is good clay soH, with heavy birch, poplar, spruce and balsam, and a thick growth of under- brush. The ridges are generally timbered with small spruce, birch and balsam, and the swamp with cedar, tamarack, black ash and alder. " Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, con. B. Low rock ridges and clay banks, with small cedar swamps and flats of good clay soil, form the principal undulations and features of the country. The south-west quarter of section 5, and the north-west quarter of section 6, are nearly all in the big swamp described above. Spruce, balsam, cedar, and tamarack are the principal timbers, and the face of the country is covered with a coating of moss. "A water power with a head of from 15 to 20 feet could be had on the river in the north-east quarter of section 6, and another in the south-eiist quarter T)f the same section. The banks arc clay, and rise gradually to a height of from 10 to 30 feet. " Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, do not rise much above the level of the country along the const ; in 5 and 6, two or three rocky ridges only are met with. The principal undulations are clay banks. There is a large tract of good land along the river in section 6, and along and in the vicinity of the coaat. 227 "About two-thlids of the coast of sections 7 and 8 are low and rocky, and a great part of it has been burnt over ; large tracts of good land, however, exist a little inland from the coast. " The soil met with throughout the survey appears to be of alluvial deposit, formed to a great extent of indurated marl rock, which is the prevailing rook of ail the lower portions of the country, and also occasionally met with in connection with the granite gneiss and trap dykes forming the ridges in the north-west part of the survey. " The Township of McTavish includes what I consider the richest mineral range known on the north shore. " The minerals known to exist in the country are galena, sulphui-ate of copper, tin, native silver and iron, and frequently a rich per centage of gold is found in the vein rock of the above ores, and, although but little mining has yet been done, the opinion of eminent mining engineers that have visited the mines is, that the show of lead and copper ores has seldom been equalled in any part of the world. " As soon as one or two mines are worked and fairly in operation, and regular steam communication established with the place, the country would make one of the best farming districts on our shore of Lake Superior. " The country is beautifully watered with small streams and s|jrings. There is an uniformity in the character of the timber throughout the survey. The only pine of any consequence met with is on section 1, concession 2, but, I believe, further west along the base of the mountains large quantities of pine will be found. The spruce timber of the country is very sound and would answer, to a great extent, for building and mining pur- poses instead of pine. The south-west one-fourth of section 1, con. 1, and the north-west one-fourth of section 8, concession 1, is the best site within the survey for a town plot. " The frontier mountain range traverses the sections lying between and including sec- tion 2, concession 3, and section 6, concession 8, and rises in places about 1,500 feet above Black Bay, and is about two miles across. This region is broken and rocky, and contains small lakes, which are frequently only rain-water basins. Tliere are, however, numerous small slopes and valleys of excellent land. " The country to the north-west of the mountain maintains about the same elevation to the north-west angle of the township. " Sections 1, 2 and 3, concessions 3 and 4, are situated on the toj) and south-east slope of the mountain, and are broken with a succession of ledges and rocks. The intervening valleys, and sometimes the slopes have deep soil and heavy timber. " Section 1, concession 5 and 1, 2, 3 and 4 ; concessions 6, 7 and 8 contain large tracts of good land. I should say that at least one-half the area is fit for cultivation. Through this region a tornado from the north-west has blown down about three-quarters of the tim- ber, and a fire has followed in belts through the windfall, burning up most of the fallen timber. i " This old burn and windfall appears to have a width of about six miles, as seen from the top of the burnt mountain near the north-west angle of the township ; the original tim- ber was spruce, tamarack, balsam and cedar, mixed with white and yellow birch ; a thick growth of hardwood brush, from fifteen to twenty feet in height, now covers the face of the country, consisting of poplar, birch, cherry and hard maple. Patches of grass are fre- quently met with, and raspberries and strawberries, and black and red currants, and huckle- berries are in great abundance, particularly on the flats. " Frequent upheavals or disconnected mounds of rock occur, rising some seventy-five to one hundred feet, and frequently the base does not cover an area of twenty acres, and to the north-west the country appears to improve. Long gentle slopes of deep soil, with an occasional rock ridge, appear to be th« general feature of the country, and which appear to be of that character that no unusual engineering difficulties would be met with in building a railroad through it. The soil is of the richest descrijition, being a reddisli marl loam, evidently formed of the indurated marl rock of which shingle and boulders are frequently met with, but in this district nowhere to be found. "The rock is generally a compact gneiss or feldspathic granite, but frequently quart- zite, with cubes of white mica, sometimes one to two inches across. Numerous bands or small dykes of syenite and micaceous schist are met with, and small amethyst veins are very common in the granite rock, particularly in sections 1 and 2, concession 8. I moved camp ■II- ■-■■■i[ «t 228 south along the west boundary, and in order to secure accuracy, I made frequent astrono" mical observations on the line. Section 5, concessions 7 and 8, are situated on the top and north-west slope of the mountain range. This district is a series of low ciifts and ridges, and the valleys intervening are generally deep soil, and free from drift or loose stones, and deep soil is often met with on the slopes and plateaux, but I found in this district that tlie water consisted of surface drainage. Section 6, concessions 7 and 8, are situated on the south face of the frontier mountain. *' In these sections the country falls to the south from 600 to 700 feet in places by a series of cliffs, and sometimes by long deep soil slopes ; on the west boundaiy the descent is made by two cliffs of about 300 feet each, and consists of a compact gneiss. The south clitf on the boundary rests on a bed of micaceous schist. Immediately south of the mountain the timber is very heavy, but sparse, poplar and yellow birch, 2| feet in diameter, are very common, and the ))oplar attains a height of one hundred and twenty feet. The country along the south base of the mountain throughout the survey is well watered with numerous small springs and creeks. From the mountain south to Thunder Bay, the character of the rock is variable, and consists of indurated marl and schist marl, schist conglomerate, and gneiss, and trap dykes. At least one-half of section 7, concessions 6, 7 and 8, is good land, and particularly along the valley of Pearl River, and on the north and south of the lake, in section 7, concession 8. Section 8, concessions 6, 7 and 8 forms the height of land be- tween Pearl River and Thunder Bay, and the general surface is rocky, consisting of a good deal of flat rock and low rock ridges and swamps. From section 8 the country falls gradually to Thunder Bay, and contains large tracts of good land. In sections 9, 10, 11 and 12, beds of schist and trap dykes are occasionally met with, which crop out to a con- siderable extent in sections 11 and 12, concession 8. From the north bight of Thunder Bay, a valley extends inland, rising gradually to the height of land in section 8, concessions 7 and 8, which is bounded near the east limit of concession 7, by a continuation of the white sand-stone cliffs following the east shore of Thunder Bay, and which is superseded in section 8, concession 7, by beds of schist and marl, and trap dykes running in a lateral direction. The country rises gradually to the west in sections 9, 10, 11 and 12, concession 8, and contains long slopes and plateaux of good land. The line between concessions 6 and 7, south of section 9, runs along on the height of land between Black and Thunder Bay, a short distance east of the top of the white sandstone cliffs. " The country begins to fall to Black Bay almost from the summit of the cliff at the south boundary, in concessions 6 and 7. A dislocation takes place in the sandstone range of cliffs of at least 150 feet, and having a width of at least 10 chains. The south end of the lake in section 12, concession 6, is within 3 chains of the top of the fault, and immediately under the cliff is a lake having an area of at least 30 acres, and the difference of level be- tween the lakes is 150 feet. I found the mining lots Nos. 1, 2 and 3 to be situated in sec- tion 8, concessions 7, 6, 5 and 4. These sections are very much broken with lakes and rock ridges and swamps. These sections form the height of land between Pearl River and Black and Thunder Bays. Sections 9, 10, 11 and 12 form the top of the white sandstone range of cliffs in concession 7, and the country falls gradually by a series of rock and deep soil slopes to Black Bay. The white sandstone rock of the Thunder Bay range of cliffs is but seldom met with in concession 5, and from concession 5 to Black Bay the rock chiefly consists of indurated marl, and marl conglomerate ; beds of white sandstone in a horizontal position are frequently met with in concessions 6 and 7, overlying marl conglomerate, and where the white sandstone forms the surface rock the soil is generally thin and a good deal of flat rock on the surface. Numerous tracts of from 50 to 100 acres each of good land, exist between sections 8, in concessions 5, 4, 3 and 2 and the south boundary, of which the soil is deep marl loam ; and where the timber has not been killed by fire it is of large growth but sparse, consisting of yellow and white birch, poplar, spruce and cedar. On the rock ridges the timber is invariably small, consisting of recent growth of spruce and balsam. The coast of Black Bay is low and rocky, but large tracts of good land exist a short distance inland, pai'- ticularly in sections 10, 11 and 12. " The only locality within the survey where there is any white pine, is along the val- ley of Pearl River, and on the south slope of the frontier mountain, and around some of the small lakes in the mountain district, and particularly those through which Pearl River flows. On the high lands, and on the top of the ridges the timber is generally spruce and »■ I" tl 229 balsam of small size. Pieces of charcoal are frequently seen in these localities, showing clearly that flres have destroyed a great portion of the original forest, which accounts for the tim- ber being so much lighter in some places than in others. In those locations of country that escaped the fire, the timber is large and consists of spruce, yellow and white birch, mixed with balsam, cedar and white pine of large size. The spruce is very sound and frequently two feet in diameter. In some localities the trunks of large pine and cedar trees, from two to three feet in diameter, are met with buried in the moss, whereas the present growth of timber seldom exceeds six inches. " The township is well watered with spring ci-eeks and particularly that part of it south of the mountain, and there are numerous small lakes in the mountain region, and all those through which the Pearl River flows abound with speckled trout. " Tlie source of the river is from a clear water lake in section 3, concession 8, and flows south into a large lake in section 7 and 8, concession 8, and in section 6 and 7 it at- tains sufficient size to afford excellent water powers, and numerous excellent water powers exist along the river to within a short distance of its mouth on Black Bay. The lake on which Pearl River has its source, empties itself also to the north-east and crosses the north boundary in section 5, and possesses in this section one or two excellent water powers. These are the only waters iu which I found speckled trout, except in a lake in sections 10 and 11, concession 4. There is a stream of sufficient size flowing out of this lake to afford water power, but there is no visible inlet. The fire that swept the north shore of Thunder Bay during the latter part of May last, passed through sections 9, 10 and 1 1 to Black Bay, destroying at least one half of the forest in those sections, and [when passing through this burnt country in the latter part of August, I found in places on the ridges where the original timber had been, chiefly spruoe and balsam, that a growth of hardwood brush, consisting of poplar, birch, cherry and white maple had sprung up in this short space of time to a height of from 6 to 7 feet, showing the soil to be of the richest de- scription. " The mineral resources of the country are very promising. Numerous small amethyst veins, measuring from one to three inches in width, and on two occasions from eight to ten feet, were seen towards the north-west angle of the township ; and along the south base of the mountain small spar quartz and amethyst veins are often met with. These veins generally carry specks of the sulphurate of copper, but most frequently galena, or silver lead, in connection with which a grey and sometimes a blackish silver blende is invariably found, and in sections 8 and 9, concession 8, large pieces of broken hematite iron ore of a very fine quality were frequently found. Apart from the valuable lead and copper mines already patented within the township, there is every indication that numerous others will be found. And as soon as one or two mines are in operation, which would insure steam communication with the place, a large farming population would no doubt immediately follow." Sibley MM Is situated on Thunder Bay, south of the Township of McTavish. It was surveyed into lots of 320 acres each, in 1873, by Hugh Wilson, P. L. S., and contains 67,333 acres, including water. Extract from Mr. Wilson's Report : — " The topographical features of the township present a broken appearance. Sand- stone cliffs, about 250 feet high, rise from the Thunder Bay coast, the cliff' being, on an average, about twenty chains in from the water's edge, which is generally composed of large blocks of stone. Three breaks occur in this range, one on the south boundary of McTavish, one on lot 15, and one on lot 21. On the boundary of McTavish the valley is filled with a lake on lot 1, concessions 5 and 6. Through the other breaks is the only access that could be had to the interior of the country. From lot 21, the height of land sweeps inland, and in lot 27 is about a mile from Thunder Bay, when it falls to the south about 200 feet into a valley from Sawyers' Bay, which is here about a mile and a half wide, when the country begins to rise to the base of the cliffs of Thunder Cape, and here the sandstone ends. " Immediately, on the top of the sandstone range of cliffs, the country begins to fall to Black Bay, and continues a general descent over ledges of sandstone, conglomerate and a|! m 230 indurated marl, meeting occasionally an intrusive trap dyke. The Black Bay coast is a low swampy country thruiiglio\it the survey, the banks seldom rising over ten to twelve feet. The north-east part of the township is mostly spruce and tamarack swamp, cut by low soil ridges. The whole is hard bottom, and, as a rule, good land when cleared. " Lots 12 to 25, are mostly good land, with considerable swamp for about a mile back from Black Bay. On the higher levels of country, there are numerous small lakes, all of which empty into Black Bay, and, with the exception of a belt of country about a mile in width, back from the top of the sandstone cliffs on Thunder Bay, which is broken and rocky. Concessions 5, G, 7, 8 and i), are mostly good land, but broken, with rocky ridges, small swamps, and the lakes above referred to. " In lots 23 to 27, in concessions 8 and 9, there is a very fine sheet of water, known as the ' Six Mile Lake,' whicii contains an area of 1853 acres of water, and which extends southward for some little distance into the Woods Lot:ation. The country around it is low, and is generally good land, particularly in the north-west side. The bays are gener- ally shallow, and grown up with grass and rushes, and the points are protected by reefs running out into the lake for a considerable distance. " The lake is a great field for wild ducks in the spring and autumn of the year. Pike appear to be the only fish caught in it, which appear to be of large size and numerous. " At least one-half of the land area of the present survey of the township is good farming land, and easy of access from Silver Islet or any point on Black Bay. The soil is a rich reddish clay loam, principally formed from the marl rock of the country. " With the exception of a small burnt district along the sandstone cliffs of Thunder Bay, the whole township is covered with a dense forest of timber, consisting of white and yellow birch, poplar, spruce, tamarack, balsam,jand in places considerable quantities of good white pine, of large size, besides great quantities of very fine cedar. " A great deal of the forest is of second growth, the timber averaging from twelve to fifteen inches in diameter, in which there are in places considerable young white pine, of about one foot in diameter. The heavy pine, referred to above, belongs to the old forests. The principal localities of this heavy pine is shown on the timber plan of the survey. The whole township is beautifully watered by numerous lakes and small streams. " Easy access can now be had from Silver Islet to a large area of good land in the south- ern part of the survey, and around the large lake referred to above ; and evidently a road must shortly be opened from Silver Islet, passing through about the centre of the township, connecting with the road now in process of construction from Prince Arthur's Landing to Black Bay, which would open up for immediate settlement a large tract of good farming country. The average population of Silver Islet is now about 500 persons, and, at present, they have no outlet by land. The Woods Location, now the property of the Silver Islet Company, is a barren, rocky tract of land. The distance across it to the good land in the vicinity of the large lake referred to, is only about two miles, at which point the Company have a good winter road, over which the Company are supplied with large quantities of wood and timber ; and the inhabitants of Silver Islet are at present supplied with potatoes and other vegetables, hay, straw, butter, eggs and fresh meats, entirely from the lower lake ports, viz., Collingwood, Sarnia and Detroit." Nepigon. Situate on Nepigon Bay, at the mouth of the Nepigon River ; surveyed into lots of 320 acres each in 1873, by Provincial Land Surveyor, A. B. Scott; contains 25,974 acres, including water. The following is an extract from Mr. Scott's Report: — " There is a tract of 5,000 or 6,000 acres across the northerly end of the township, which is apparently very good land, sandy loam ; and in the other parts of the township, between the ridges, there are considerable tracts of fair land, but the township is very much divided by high, rocky ridges, varying from 300 up to 700 or 800 feet high, one of which extends from the Bay on lot No. 6 to the 5th concession on lot No. 9, and no good road could be made connecting the good lands to the north and south of this ridge 231 without going roiuid the westerly end very nearly to the western boundary of the township. " The timber consists almost entirely of spruce, birch, balsam, and poplar, with generally a dense undergrowth of mountain maple and alders. In some of the swamps there is considerable taniarao, and some excellent cedar along the south slopes of the mountainous ridges towards the south end of the township. There are a few scattered pines in places through the township, perhaps not more than 100 good trees in the town- ship. " The geological formation appears to be a dark grey columnar trap, overlymg a red stratified rock, something of a dolomitic character, and very soft until exposed to the action of the air. On this account it was used by the Indians for making pipes and ornaments, " The strikingly dark red colour of this rock, exposed in cliffs on the river, induced the Hudson Bay Comj)any's agent to give the name of Red Kock to their station there, and there is now a post oflRce established there bearing the same name. " The climate appears to be favourable to the growth of spring grains, as well as roots, such as potatoes, turnips, carrots, (fcc. Mr. Crawford, who has charge of the Hud- son Bay Company's Post, has all these sown, and growing exceedingly well. He has also nearly all kinds ot vegetables in his garden, which are growing well. " The season opens late, as the ice does not go out of tjie Bay until about the middle of May." DORION. Situate on Black Bay, north of McTavish ; surveyed into lots of 320 acres each in 1873, by Provincial Land Surveyor, A. B. Scott ; contains 25,859 acres, including water. The following is an extract from Mr. Scott's Report : — "The timber consists almost entirely of sjiruce, birch, balsam, and poplar, with some cedar and tamarac. About half of the township has been run over by fire. In some parts the burnt timber is still standing, but the greater part has fallen down in every direction, making it very difficult getting over the ground. There are, however, considerable tracts where the timber has been all burnt off, which could be immediately cultivated without much difficulty. " The larger part of the township, principally along Black Bay, and in the valleys of the principal streams, is very fair land consisting of sandy, gravelly, or clay loam. Many of the swamps could be easily drained, and would make good land. In many places it is difficult to distinguish between swamp and dry land, nearly the whole country in the green bush being covered with moss, and the timber the same in both. " On the shore of the Bay, on lot No. 8, the bank is composed of about ten feet of hard white clay, in layers of form four to six inches thick, ihe stratification being very distinctly marked. "This is covered with two or three feet of gravelly loam, the whole slightly dipping towards the north, the clay disappearing beneath the water about lot num- ber ten. " The rock formation appears to be somewhat similar to the Township of Nepigon, viz., a dark grey trap overlying a stratified rock of a reddish colour, with here and there veins of quartz or spar, holding galena and sulphate of baryta. Very good specimens of galena are to be had at the north-east end of the small lake on lot number ten, in the seventh concession. On lots number thirteen and fourteen, in the fifth and sixth conces- sions, there are several low granite ridges of a reddish grey colour. " There are no harbours in this part of Black Bay, the water being too shallow to al- low boats drawing more than three or four feet ofwater near the shore, excepting near the rocky points. " Wolf River, at the north end of the township, is a good stream, being about two chains wide at its mouth, and averaging about a chain wide. Where it enters the town- ship, the water is between two and three feet deep, with a strong current to about the line between lots numbers twelve and thirteen. Below this the River is deep, and cur- rent slow. " There is also a considerable stream running through the township, showfi on the -■i'-'iili' 232 map. On this stream there is a tall of about ton feet, on mining location A3, which would make a good mill site. I did not notice any other falls or mill sites on these streams, but there must be considerable fall in them, and no doubt, could bo made avail- able for water power. " The climate of Dorion is very similar to that of Nopigon, although during the sea- son just closing, the rainfall has been greater at the latter place. Agriculture would, doubtless, succeed equally in these townships." Pic. Situated on Lake Superior, at tho mouth of the Pic River, surveyed into lots of 320 acres in 1873, by Provincial Land Surveyor, Hugh Wilson ; contains 03,630 acres. Extract from Mr. Wilson's Report : — " The township is traversed by the Pic River, which flows in a mean southerly course through the centre of the survey, and which has an average width at or near its mouth and for four or five miles up of from eight to nine chains, and at the northern boundary about five chains. The bank of the river is composed of fine yellow sand, which is banded with small seams of bluish clay, and rises in terraces to a height of 90 to 100 feet, rising abruptly on alternate sides of the river. Several land slides occur in the banks, showing the alternate bands of fine gr§,vel, clay and sand. " I made a careful survey of the bar at the mouth of the Pic River, and found it to be about 300 feet across, with 8 feet of water on it. The bar falls with a steep grade into the mouth of the river into 2.5 feet of water, and on the outside with a somewhat easier grade into IG to 20 feet of water. The water in the river is of a light muddy colour, caused by the large amount of light coloured clay, which it holds in suspension. " Black River enters the township on the east boundary in concession No. 8, and meanders in a south-easterly course, and empties itself into Pic River about 2^ miles from its mouth. The stream is still and deep for about 2 miles up, at which distance rapids are met with. About one mile of the river is rapid with small chutes, in which there are two falls — one immediately west of the line, between concessions 5 and 6, of 40 feet, and the other a little lower down, of 60 feet. It has thence a gentle current up to the line between lots 2 and 3 in concession 8, where a rapid with small chutes occurs, giving a fall of about 12 feet in 300 feet. " The river has an average width of 3 chains, and a depth of 10 to 15 feet, and it, in my opinion, carries about the same volume of water as the Pic River. The distance between the rapids by the river is about 10 miles, and 1 am doubtful that it can be navi gated by even small steamers, owing to the short bends and crooks in it. The banks of Black River on the south side are sand, and rise to a height of 100 feet along to the Falls, and on the north side, near the Falls, the bank rises in talcose slate ledges to about 200 feet, and above the Falls they are composed of sand, and average a height of 20 feet. Judging from the ice grooves in the trees along the banks of the river, the water rises in the spring freshets to a height of 12 and 15 feet. " The west branch of Black River enters the township in concession 2, and flows northerly round the spur of a granite mountain, and enters the township again in lot No. 3, and thence flows south-westerly, and empties into Black River in lot No. 7, in conces- sion 8. It is about 75 links wide and gently rapid in concessions 10 and 11, and it is only navigable for canoes to the point where it enters the township. "The east branch of Black River enters the township in two streams in lot No. 1, concession 3, each branch having a width of about 50 links, and abounding with speckled trout. These streams unite in lot No. 5, concession 4, and empty into Black River, in location No. 10 of the Heron Bay Survey. This stream flows through a much lower line of country than Black River. It is gently rapid till it reaches lot No. 8, concession 4, where a rapid with chutes occurs, giving a fall of about 30 feet. " The coast in front of concessions 7, 8 and 10 consist of sand and gravel banks, which rise 30 feet, with flats of good land running about 1| miles inland. The beach is composed of fine yellow sand for a distance of one mile west of the mouth of the Pic River, with drifting sand hills 30 feet high, which are fast drifting inland. The east of the coast is rocky and barren, and the timber nearly all destroyed by fire. 2.33 " Concession 1 is broken with low rounded hills and ridgos of ttilcoso slate, sometimes risinj^ 250 foot, with but small valleys of good land. The rocky range runs to the mouth of Pic River, and then sweeps irregularly inland, and attains a height of 400 feet, rising abruptly out of the valley of Pic River, and at the line betwetsn concessions 1 and 2 is GO chains from the river, wliich is gently rounding. The beaches are sandy and swampy in places ; the timber is mostly cleared off by fire ; tlie west side of the Pic River in conces- sions 1 and 2, is also low rounded sand beaches for about GO chains to the bjiso of the mountain ranj,e ; here the land is covered with sparse, small, scrubby spruce, with openings in places of several acres. " Along the east branches of Hlack River, passing through these concessions, there is a belt of very fine land of an alluvial character for about half a iiile in width on each side of the streams to lot number 7. The rest is broken and rocky with rounded and high hills, separated by narrow Hats and valleys of capital land, to the Pic and Black Rivers. At the confluence of the Black River with the Pic, there is a red compact granite hill about 350 feet high, the top of which is rounded, and the country maintains that altitude for about three miles inland, till it falls again nito the valley of the east branches of Black River. Lots 12 and 1.3, in concession 2, on the west side of the Pic River, have an average width from the river to the base of the mountain range three-quarters of a mile, which is good land ; it is about 35 feet above the river, somewhat swampy and mostly cleard by fires. The greater portions of lots 13, 14 and 15, and also IG, in con- cession 2, are on a rugged mountain from 400 to 500 feet high, which rises abruptly out of the valley of the Pic River, and falls again in the west with a steep rugged descent to Lake Superior. The plot of land lying between Pic and and Black Rivers is easy of access from either river, the banks being of moderate height, and, I believe, the whole of it is good land. Lots 11 and 12 west of the Pic River, in concessions 3 and 4, are flat and swampy (but easily drained), from the river to the base of the Heron Bay Mountain, for a distance of about one mile ; concession 5 is, with but little exception, a high, broken, rocky coun- try, containing but little good land. " Concessions 6, 7 and 8, consist mostly of good lands, particularly along the Black and Pic Rivers, but swampy and broken with deep narrow ravines, and disconnected rounded rock hills. " East of the Pic River the timber is mostly killed by fire and fallen. In some places several acres may be found almost cleared and grown over with grass, in other places brushwood, consisting of poplar, birch, and in some places Norway and pitch pine and alder, have taken the place of the original timber. On the west side of the river the country is mostly covered with green bush to within about a mile of Lake Superior, where the country is again partly burnt — the timber remaining consists of birch, spruce, balsam, poplar and some cedar which grow among thick brushwood. '* Lots 4 to 12 in the 9 concession, and lots 11 and 12 in the 10th and 11th conces- sions, are mostly good lands, but broken as before with ravines and rock hills. The other portions of these concessions, composing the north-east part of the township, are rough, broken and mountainous country, burnt over on the east and to some extent on the west of the west branch of Black River. West of the Pic River in these concessions, the country rises with clay and sandbanks to about 150 feet, when it maintains a gener- ally level surface to within a mile of Lake Superior ; it then falls with terraces of sand and clay, except lots 19, 20 and 21 in the eleventh concession, which lies on the south slope of a burnt, rugged, granite mountain. In this district there are large tracts of very fine land, but considerably broken by ravines and talcose slatehills and ridges. The tim ber in some places is very heavy, consisting of birch, poplar, spruce tamarack and cedar, in other places light ancl sparse where the original forest has been killed by fire. The soil is a yellow sandy loam of a very rich nature. " The township contains an area of 63,630 acres, and has an air line frontage on Lake Superior of over 12 miles, and in view of future trade and settlement possesses great local advantages. By dredging the bar at the mouth of the Pic River, it would afford an excellent harbour, easy of access, and affording plenty of sea room, and from numerous soundings taken on the survey, I consider it navigable for lake steamers almost through- out the township, and believe it will eventually become an important highway into the interior of the country. 2n4 " Peninsular Harbour, at the north- west part of the township, is easy of access in any weather ; aflbrtls good ahelter, and haw cxcclhtnt holding ground. "Heron Bay also iifVordH good shfdtcr from all winds except from the south-west. " ThiH valley will average from one to two miles in width on each side of the river, and consists of a rich alluvial ycdlow sandy soil. The surface is very much cut up by deep ravines, sand and clay banks, and small streams, which give the valley an uneven surface. "At the mouth of the river, the Hudson Hay C(»nipany have a trading post, and although the soil hert* is very sandy, it produces good potatoes and otlu^r vegetables. The company sowed small patches of pi as and oats last season, which both yie'-' 1 very heavy crops. "Black River Valley, al)ove the Falls, attains an average width of 2h to 3 i .,, and abounds in terraces or beaches of a fine rich yellowish sand, with thin strata of blue clay rising to a height of fnmi forty to sixty feet. The; whole is considerably broken by ravines and disconnected rounded rock-hills composed of reddish fine grained granite, or a talcose slate. The west and east branches Black Kivcr also contain large tracts of very fine land, i)roken as before by rock hills and ravines. The country in these valleys has been swept by fire at different times, and large tracts of it an! almost cleared entirely of timber, and growing up with grass and biiishwood. The north-west part of the township west of the Pic River, contains large tracts of good farming land, and is easy of access either from the river or the lake shore. " Considerabhi spruce and tamarack swamps occur in the valleys hereinbefore men- tioned, which, if cleared, could be easily drained, and made into excellent farming lands, owing to the richness of the soil. " Nearly all the country west of the Pic River from its mouth, to and including all the Heron Bay mining locations, and the greater part of the country east of the river, has been swept by bush fires at difl'erent times. Several of these fires have been 'i fined chiefly to the same districts, clearing large tracts almost entirely of timber. Tl " fire occurred, I am told, in 1809, and did not confine itself to the old burnt district, e^o over the greater flart of the township. The most of the timber in the burnt ilisunct is down, and a thick growth of brush has taken its place, rendering it almost impassaljle, and difficult to travel over it. " I saw no pine timber on the survey. The prevailing kinds of wood being spruce, birch, poplar, balsam, tamarac, and along the valley of the river, some elm and balm of Gilead. " In addition to the rivers already mentioned, there are innumerable small streams and spring creeks, taking their source and issuing from the base of the slate hills ; and for all purposes, present and future, the country i.-. well watered. " The rock at the mouth of Pic River, on the east side, consists of green stone or a dark green trap, containing small eruptive veins of a fine black trap, and two veins of jasper, from two to four feet in width. This forms the rock of the coast east of the Pic River, but which is succeeded by belts of talcose slate, having a strike nearly east and west, with intermediate red granite hills. This continues for about three miles east, when the strike of the talcose ranges changes to nearly north and south. The mountain lying between the Pic River and Heron Bay is composed of a fine-grained mica schist with several eruptive trap dykes. This is succeeded on the west side by talcose slate, of a light silvery colour, and which forms the principal rock of the coast throughout the town- ship. It is interspersed in the west part of the Heron Bay Location by bands of red granite and small trap veins, and again by granite in concessions G and 7. This granite, I believe, would make excellent building stone. "The front of concessions 9, 10 and II is mostly granite of a coarse granular nature. " A granite hill rises on the east side of the mouth of Black River, 300 feet high, and runs in a north-easterly course inland. Granite again rises from 300 to 400 feet high east of the valley of the west branch of Black River. On the west side of the valley the hills are of the same height, but composed of a mottled talcose, covering bands of fine red granite, from one inch upwards. Granite with talcose bands form the mountain region between this and the Pic River. talcos it di| colon here done( from golt cular 235 " Heron Hay mine is eituatcd about a mile from the coast. The vein of ore is in talcoso slate rock, and six to eight feet wide. Its eoiirHe is Houth-oast and north-west, and it dips nearly perpendicular. Th(i vein rock is composed of wpar and <|uartz of a milky colour, resembling that of the Jack Fish Lake Mine. There wtirc four log houses built here in the fall of 1872, and a party of miners Vdiked on the vein all winter, but aban- doned it in the spring of 1K73, taking all their materials with tlusm. Choice specimens from this vein, I am told, contained metal to the value of i?l,80() per ton, principally gold. Moss. Situate west of Lake Shel)and()wan ; surveyed into lots of 320 acres in 1875, by Pro- vincial Land Surveyor Hugh Wilson ; contains .') 1,200 acres, including water and mining locations. The following is an extract from Mr. Wilson's Report : " VV'averl} River, which runs south-westerly through the township, deserves parti- cular notice. " Its source is in three lakes, at the east of the township, namely, Round Lake, a lake about four miles long, and partly in the survey ; Twin Lake, to tlie east of the survey, and about forty rods south of Round Lake ; and Fountain Lake, in lots 1 and 2, conces- sions 3 and 4. These lakes are about three-ijuarters of a mile west of the water-shed, separating the waters running east from those running west. "Twin Lake is about 50 feet lower than Round Lake, its outlet is navigable for small canoes, having been used by the Indians for many years. " In lot 1, concession 4, it is joined by the outlet of Fountain Lake, and together they flow in a north-westerly, but exceedingly serpentine course, through a marshy valley, about three-quarters of a mile wide, and grown up with grass, rushes, and alder, and unite with the outlet of Round Lake, a large rapid stream, averaging 50 links in width, full of rapids and chutes, at tlie southern extremity fa small lake in lot 2, concession 5. " After the union of these three 1 -anches, the river flows in a south-westerly, but exceedingly serpentine course, continuii to pass through the marshy valley, until reaching Grass Lake, where it is joined by the ou t of Jack Hsh Lake. " By raising the water of Jack-fish i.,, m a few feet, an excellent water-power could be obtained, and also another where the river leaves Grass Lake. After leaving Grass Lake, the course is much stiaighter, the banks higher, and rocky in places, until reaching concession 1, where it again assumes its winding course, flowing through a marshy valley about three-quarters of a mile wide, until leaving the township at the south-westerly angle of lot 12, concession I. Two other streams to the north of Jack-fish Lake, flow in a south- westerly direction through the survey, following the general strike of the rock of the coun- try, but in no place did I find them navig.able. A large rapid stream, crossing the general strike of the rock, enters the survey in lot 20, concession 2, and uniting with the other two streams, again leaves in lot 19, concession 1. " A mineral band eiiters the township at the north-east angle, and continuing in a south-west course, again leaves at the south-west angle. This band divides the survey into two separate geological surfaces. That part on the east being intersected by frequent sand ridges, with timber composed of poplar, white and red birch, spruce and larch, with a thick growth of hardwood underbrush, whereas to the west the country is generally a succession of low rock ridges, with swamp intervening. The timber on the ridges is generally larch from three to four inches in diameter, and evidently of recent growth, although there are white birch and poplar of large growth. The swamps are covered with moss from one to two feet deep, with spruce timber, generally small, but in places large enough for building purposes. " Lots 1 and 2, in concession 1, are rolling, with low sand hills and rock ridges about two-thirds good land, rich red sand soil, and larch, spruce, birch and poplar timber. " Lots 3 to 8 are broken and rocky, with swamp intervening, chiefly spruce and larch timber, and in lot 8 is met the marsh valley of Waverly River, which continues to lot 13, with good land to the north, but rising and rocky to the south, with birch, poplar and larch timber, and hardwood underbrush. " Lots 13 to 18 are broken and rocky to the south, with birch and poplar timber, 236 whilst to the north, they become swampy, with spruce and tamarack timber, some of large growth. "Lots 18, 19 and 20 are chiefly swamp, broken by low rock ridges, and small larch and spruce timber, soil sand. " In concession 2, the lots 1 to 7 are broken by a magnetic trap dyke, with sand ridges; on the rock ridges the timber is small spruce and larch, while on the sand ridges we have poplar and birch, with hardwood underbrush. Lots 10 to 14 are chiefly swamp, broken by low talcose slate ridges. The timber on the ridges being small larch, that in the swamps spruce. " Lots 17 to and including 20, are chiefly swamp, very wet, and " 'th deep moss, tim- ber spruce, in places of large growth. " In concession 3, lot 1 is broken by the magnetic trap dyke which passes around the south side of Fountain Lake ; soil sandy, about two-thirds good land, birch and poplar timber. " Lots 3 and 4 are chiefly swamp, with low ridges and small spruce timber, while in lot 5, is met the ridge which forms the southerly boundary of the Waverly River valley. Crossing the river, on lot 7, the country continues broken and rocky. In lot 8, is met the band of mineral locations taken up along the mineral deposit. These continue to lot 13, where the country becomes low and swampy with intervening rock ridges covered with small larch timber, the timber in the swamps being spruce, some cf it of large growth. In concession 4, that portion of lots 1 and 2 not covered by Fountain Lake are low and swampy ; lot 3 is also swampy, but broken by the rock ridge forming the southerly boundary of Waverly Eiver valley. " Lots 4 and 5 are low and swampy, and in lot 6 we meet the granite ridge, which passes around the north-east side of Jack-fish Lake, and which continues through lots 7 and 8 ; about one-third of these lots is good land with some white pine on the granite ridge ; remainder of timber, birch, poplar and larch. " Lot 13 is about one-third good land with low rock ridges and swamp intervening ; and lots 14 to 18 are nearly all swamp, with spruce timber. " Lots 18, 19 and 20, are broken by silicious slate ridges, with swamp intervening; timber, chiefly spruce and birch, some of large growth. '* In concession 5, lots 1 to 5 are about two-thirds good land, with sand soil, and broken by low granite ridges ; spruce, larch, birch and poplar timber. " Lots 5 to, and including 8, are broken by granite ridges with spruce and larch timber. " Lots 11 to 19 are chiefly swamp with low, rock ridges. Timber on ridges, small larch in swamps spruce and tamarack, generally small. " Lots 19 and 20 are higher with less swamp. " In concession 6, lots 1, 2 and 3, are broken by lakes and granite ridges, with birch, poplar and larch timber ; along the west side of Round Lake, there is some good white pine. " Lots 4, 5 and six are lower and swampy ; 9 and 10 are broken and rocky, 11 and 12 are chiefly swamp, 13 and 14 are higher with hills of sand being two-thirds good land. Timber, chiefly larch on ridges, and spruce in swamps generally small. Lots 15 and 16 are chiefly swamp with low rock ridges. Spruce and larch timber. Lots 17 and 18 are higher, with patches of good land ; timber of large growth and in the northern part of lot 17 some very fine cedar is found. " Lots 19 and 20 are broken by rock ridges, with small swamps intervening ; larch, and birch, poplar timber, with spruce in swamps. " Concession 7, lots 1 and 2, are about two-thirds good land ; soil sandy, timber chiefly birch, and poplar of large growth. " Lots 3 ami 4 are broken and rocky, and lots 7, 8 and 9 are about one-half good land, with some cedar and tamarack in tlie swamps. " Lots 10 to 13 arc higher and rocky ; about one-third good land, with sandy soil, timber is spruce and large, with some good white birch and poplar. " Lots 15 and 16 are broken by small swamps. 237 "17 and 18 are about one-half good land. The timber is nearly all down, cxceptin<' a tew large white pme, evidently remnants of old forest growth. 1 ^"■^"^^^ is broken by low ridges, with swamp intervening; about one-third good land, boil sand— timber, birch and poplar on ridges ; spruce and tamarac in swamps, some ot It large enough for building purposes. 1, V^^^ u *^^"*''^^^i«" ^' is chiefly good land, with sand and rock ridges, broken by a ake at north end, and by another occupying the greater part of the south-east quarter ; timber, chiefly white birch and poplar. Lot 5 is rolling and rocky, with sandy soil, about one-half good land ; spruce, birch, poplar and larch timber. > t > . uu "■'i^*^^, ^ ^^^ '' ^^^ low and swampy; timber chiefly small spruce and tamarack, although along north end of lot 7, there is some spruce and taii.arack of large growth. 'Lots 8 to 14 are high and rolling, with rock ridges ; timber, chiefly birch, spruce, " Lots 1 4 to 19 are chiefly swamp, but the north pait of 17 and 18 is high and rolling, with remants of old forest growth still standing. " Lots 19 and 20 are chiefly good land, but the north end is broken by a swamp with small spruce timber ; on remainder of lot, birch poplar and larch. " As soon as the mineral resources of the country become developed, the farming lands will at once become valuable, as the cereals could be raised to advantage ; and the swamps which are nearly all of sand bottom, would, if cleared, raise excellent hay. "A company is now operating on Jack-fish Lake iMine, on Location HI, which is situated in the centre of the Township. Their party, this summer under the superinten- dence ot Captain Plummer, met with excellent success, and succeeded in tracing the vein a considerable distance to the north and to the south, so that probably, ere long a hi^h market could bo obtained for everthing the settler could raise. * " A road has been chopped and cleared from the mine to the head of Lake Sheban- dowan, which would require very little expense to make passable for waggons ; thence by bteamer to Shebandowan, and by Dawson Road to Thunder Bay— direct and easy com munication could be had with the latter place." 288 CHAPTER XX. INDIAN LANDS. Although the Crown claims " the Territorial estate, and eminent Dominion " in Can- ada, it has ever since its possession of the country, conceded to the Indians the right of occupancy upon their old hunting grounds, and their claim to compensation for its surren- der, reserving to itself the exclusive privilege of treating with them for the surrender or purchase of any portions of land. This is distinctly laid down in the Proclamation of 1763, and the principle has since been generally acknowledged, and rarely infringed upon by the Government. In this Province — where at the time of the conquest the Indians were the chief occu- pants of the country — it became necessary, as its settlement advanced, to make successive agreements with them for the peaceable surrender of portions of their hunting grounds. The terms were sometimes for a certain quantity of presents, once delivered, or for an annual payment in perpetuity, either in money or in similar presents. They sometimes contain reservations of part of the land surrendered for the future occupation of the tribe. In other cases separate agreements for such reservations have been made, or the reserva- tions have been established by their being omitted from the surrender, and in those instances consequently the Indians hold upon their orginal title of occupancy. In all these cases the power of alienation is distinctly withheld from the Indians, and reserved to the Crown. On many occasions large tracts of Indian lands have been voluntarily surrender- ed to the Crown, in trust, for the purpose of being sold for the benefit of the tribe con- cerned, and these lands, on being surrendered or as the demands of colonization require it, are surveyed and opened for sale in the same manner as Crown lands, except, that the Government considers itself bound, as trustee, to obtain the highest amount for the land without reference to general public interests. These are the only Indian lands to which we will refer here. Up to the time of Confederation, the management of all Indian lands was conducted by the Commissioner of Crown Lands ; but as " The British North America Act " gives the Dominion Government exclusive authority over all matters relating to the Indians, and the lands reserved for them, the management of these lands is now conducted by the Minister of the Interior, who is also styled " Super) utendent General of Indian affairs." The head office is therefore at Ottawa, but the Department has resident agents, for the disposal of the lands now in the market, iu the different localities. Before proceeding to a more particular description of these lands, we will now give, for more easy reference, a tabular list of the surveyed townships, &c., the quantity of land in each remaining unsold, the price per acre, where a general one has been fixed, and the names of the agents in whose charge they are. These figures are taken f om the Re port of the Deputy Superintendent of Indian Affairs, for the year ending 30th June, 1877, which is just published. All As Bii Bil Cai Cai Gill H. Fis Ga TOWNSHIP, &;c. County. Quantitv oi land remit! uing unsold. Price per Acre. Name and Resi- dence of Agent. Bruce 18,262 4,349 25,773 51,960 56,186 5,256 75 cents to .?2 per acre 81 to $4 per acre ) From 75 cents to $2 j per acre $1 to 84 per acre It Kastnor per acre — same I terms. >50 cents per acre.... $1 per acre •. . . . 50 cents per acre . Name and Resi- dence of Agent. 89 per lot James C. Phipps, Manitowamn);. Wm. Van Abbot, Sault Ste. Marie. J. F. Day, Bruce Mines. rAmos Wright, < Prince Arthur's ( Landing. ^J. T. Gilkison, ) Brantford. ( Mathew Hill, ( ShannonviUe. ) Wm. Plummer, ) Toronto. \ Robt. McKenzie, ( Sarnia. i A. B. Cowan, ( Gananoque. 840 per lot. Bryee B. Miller, Wiarton. > James C. Phipps, Manitowamng. Mineral lands in the townships on the north shores of Lakes Huron and Superior, are sold at the rate of one dollar and fifty cents per acre, cash, and the patent is issued at once. This statement shows that the principal Indian lands, now in the market, in this Province, are those set out in the three agencies first mentioned, viz. : — The Saugeen Peninsula, the Grand Manitoulin Island, and on the north shore of Lake Huron. 240 I— SAUGEEN PENINSULA. This peninsula is situated between Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay, and was originally occupied by the Chippewas, who surrendered it partly in 1836, and almost entirely in 1854. The agency contains six townships — Amabel, Albemarle, Eastnor and St. Edmunds, which form the northerly part of the county of Bruce, and Keppel in the county of Grey. The local agent, B. B. Miller, Esq., who has been in charge only since 1st January, 1878, resides at Wiarton. which is at the end of Cclpoy's Bay, in the Township of Amabel. It is about seventy miles distant form the Town of Owen Sound on the one side, and about thirty -five miles from Southampton on the other. There is a road from Owen Sound, and a daily steamer in summer. The lands in these townships were inspected and valued a few years since, and they consequently vary in price, according to the position, quality of soil, &c. — the prices range from seventy-five cents to four dollars per acre, and the terms of payment are one- fifth cash, and the balance in four equal annual instalments with interest at six per cent. — the sales being subject to the settlement and the pine tree regulations. Although they are being rapidly taken up, there appear to be about 161,000 acres still unsold. They are very well situated, being convenient to Owen Sound and South- ampton, from which places there is regular railway communication to the east. An extension of the Toronto Grey and Bruce Railway from Owen Sound through these town- ships to Bury, at the extreme point of the peninsula, and which is about sixty miles di.«- taut is talked of, and will no doubt be a reality before long. ' Extracts from Surveyor's and Inspectors' Reports : — ' Keppel Is situated north-west of and adjacent to the Town of Owen Sound. It was sur- veyed in 1862 by C. Rankin, P. L. S. The land is nearly all taken up, and what is left, as a matter of course, is not of the best quality. It appears by the reports that, with the exception of a small proportion, the land is good and well suited for agricultural purposes. The soil is generally a clay loam, inclined to be stony in places. It is well timbered with hardwood — maple, beech, elm, &c., and some pine. In the northerly part of the township the land is broken — being stony, low, and swampy in places. Amabel Is situated west of Keppel, and the south-west corner adjoins Southampton. It was surveyed in 1856 by C. Rankin, P. L. S. Nearly all the land has been sold. It appears to be good hardwood land — the soil in the southerly portion being a clay loam, but from about the 6th to the 14th concession it is a sandy loam inclined to be light and sandy. The north-easterly portion is hardwood land — stony in places. The timber is hardwood, hemlock, cedar, tamarack, with some pine. Albemarle Is north of Amabel and Colpoy's Bay. It was surveyed in 1856 by J. S. Dennis, P. L. S. The westerly portion is much broken by marsh, swamps and rock. From about the ninth concession, easterly, there is some good land, but it is chiefly sandy and rocky — the soil varies from a clay to sandy loam, and the timber is maple, birch, elm and hemlock — there is not much pine. Eastnor Is situated north of Albemarle, and was surveyed in 1856 by J. S. Dennis, P. L. S. There is very Httle good land in this township. The centre of it, almost to the northerly %iX boundary is covered by a black ash and cedar swamp. East of this strip to the Georgian Bay, the land is rough and rocky, covered with maple, beech, basswood, elm, ironwood and birch, there being some patches of good land here and there. The westerly portion is also rough, being broken with swamps and rocks, with some good land here and there. Lindsay Is north of Eastnor, and was surveyed in 1856 by J. S. Dennis, P. L. S. There is some good land in the centre of the township, but the rest is much broken by rocks and swamps — the timber is generally poor and scrubby. St. Edmunds Is north-west of Lindsay, and was surveyell in 1856 by J. S. Dennis, P. L. S. There is not much good land in this township — what there is, chiefly lies in the centre along the Bury Road — the soil is a clay loam. There is a great deal of rock and swamp. The timber is maple, hemlock, balsam, birch, cedar and somn pine, and in the swampy lands, cedar and black ash. In the greater portion of the township tho timber alone is of value. IL— THE GRAND MANITOULIX. The Grand Manitoulin is a very important and very beautiful island. Its length is eighty, and its average breadth twenty miles ; the forty-sixth parallel of north latitude passes through three of its most northern points, and the eighty-second and eighty-third meridians of west longitude are at about equal distances from its west and east ends, the latter meridian passing through one of its most northern points at its broadest part which measures tliirty-thrce miles, and from which the island gradually tapers to the westwanl. The whole area of the island, exclusive of its numerous bays and inlets, cannot be less than sixteen hntidred square miles ; escarpments run longitudinally through it, and some of them show heights of one hundred and fifty-five to two hundred and fifty and tliree hundred feet — the most elevated points do not exceed three hundred feet over tho level of Lake Huron. Besides groves ot stately pine, there are extensive tracts of land almost exclusively growing maple, elm, oak, ash, birch, and basswood, of such character in point of size, as not to be greatly surpassed by the produce of the justly celebrated hanl timber lands of Ontario. The amount of moisture which falls on the island must, no doubt, be consider- able, and the interior appears to be well supplied with streams and lakes. But there is a peculiarity belonging to at least one of these lakes that deserves to be noticed. It lies witliin a few n.iies of Maninowaning, a well-beaten Indian path running a little to the north of due west for three miles leads to the lake. The form of the lake may be compared to an hour- glass, — expanding at the ends, which are seven miles wide, while in the middle of the length, which is ten miles in a N.W. and S.E. direction, it contracts toal)readth which in the narrowest part does not exceed one mile. The area of the eastern expulsion is twenty- eight square miles, that of the western twenty-one square miles, and that of the middle part six square miles, making a total area of fifty-five square miles. Its rim is fringed to tho water's edge by a thick growth of evergreens, chiefly cedar — except on the south-western side, in some parts of which precipitate ledges rise to the height Oi te!i to forty feet. On this side too, the land rises into an escarpment while it slopes up gently on the other. Tho eastern corner of the lake approaches to within a mile and a half of Manitowaning Bay, and on carefully leveling the ditierence of elevation between the two, it was found to be one hundred and fifty-five feet, and a question of some interest connected with the lake (which constitutes its peculiarity) is, the source whence it derives its supply of water. After closely examining its shores, only one small stream was found t(» run into a little bay on the south- west side of the narrow part, which, from all that could hi; learned from the Indians, was its only visible supply ; but while it thus appears to receive so scanty a tribute from the sur- rounding country, it furnishes sufficient water for three large brooks that fall from it to tho south, the west, and Lhe north. The first of these discharges itself into the main lake, near 16 m 242 Mirihael Bay, on the w)uth side of the island, after supplying several small ponds met with in its course. The second, whicli leaves the lake at its western extremity, feeds a succes- sion of small lakes, and falls into Beaufort Bay j while the thirc nuide a home for all the Indians in the Province, whom he in- tended to collect tliere. The two tribes named, consented to the proposal, and the following is a copy of the treaty made at the time. " My Children — "Seventy snow seasons have now passed away since we met in council at the Crooked Place (Niagara), at which time and place your Great Fatht>r the King and the Indiana of North America tied their hands together by the wampum of friendship. " Since that period, various circumstances have occurred to separate from your Great Father many of his red children, and as an unavoidable increase of white population, as well aa the progress of cultivation, have had the natural effect of impoverishing your hunting grounds, it has become necessary that new arrangements should bo entered into for the pur- pose of protecting you from the encroachments of the whites. " In all pans of the world, fnrmers seek for cultivated land, as eagerly as you, my red children, hunt in your forests for game. It' you would cultivate your land it would then be considered y.)ur own property, in the same way as your dogs are considered among your- selves to belong to those who have reared them ; but uncultivated land is like wild animals, and your Ore it Father, who has hitherto protected you, has now great difficulty in securing it for you from the whites, who are hunting to cultivate it. " Under these circumstances, 1 have been obliged to consider what is best to be done for the red children of the forest, and I now tell you my thoughts. " It appears that those islands, on which we are now assembled in Council, are, as well aa all those on the north shore of Lake Huron, alike claimed by the English, the (3ttawas and the Chippewas. " I consider that from their facilities, and from their being surrounded by innumerable fishing islands, they might be male a most desirable place of residence for many Indians who wish to be civilized as well as to be totally separated from the whites ; and 1 now tell you that your Great Father will withdraw hit* claim to these islands, and allow them to be applied for that purpose. " Are you therefore, the Ottawas and Chippewas, willing to relinguish your respective claims to these islands and make them the property (under your Great Father's control) of all the Indians whom he shall allow to reside on them t — if so, affix your marks to this, my proposal. "(Signed) F. B. Head, j. b. assikinack, Mahiminla, Bear, Crane, Moosi'HEAD, Cock, Snake, Squirrel, Forked Stick, Eagle, Eagle, Kein 1)eer, Forked Stick, Beaver, Pike." w 'ft |. * In 1671, the Rev. Father Audr^, one of the early Jesuit Miadonariea established on Grand Manitoulin, the MiHsion of St. Siiuun for the benefit of the UttawMu 243 lefor as well iwas and The liientenant-Governor's scheme was not, however, successful, as very ft'w ludians availed themselves of the offer. In 1835, the luunher living on the island was 80, and in 1837, it was 268. At the present time there are about 1,500 Indians living on the island. In 1862, a treaty was made with the Indians, by which all that part of the island lying west of Manitowaning Hay was surrendered (with the exception of certain Imliati reserves) — the land to be sold for the benefit of the Indians, and in 18G6 it was placed in the market. Although very little effort has been made to bring the island before the notice of the public, yet it appears to be steadily progressing. All accounts agree that it offers special advantages to persons desiriuL' to make a home for themselves, and during the last few years the settlement has largely increased. The white popidation now is estimated at About 3,500. It is only about 125 miles distant from Collintrwood and Owen Sound, and can be reached in about fifteen hours' sail from these places. During the season of navigation, the mail steamers touch at Little Current, ami local steamers run twi(3e a week from Owen Sound and Collingwood to Manitowaning Village, where the resident agent resides. The latter arc recommended r^n the best means of reaching the Island. There are eleven townships now in the market as will appear by reference to the fore- going statement, and the quantity of land remaining unsold therein is about 196,000 acres— a new township is also being surveyed south of the Townsliip of Griirdon. Like all new dis- tricts, want of proper road aocomiiiodntion is much felt by the settlers on this Island — more 60 perhaps than in other parts of the Province where tlie lands are under the control of the Local Government. The Indian Dopartn:ent, as already stated, is merely the trustee for the .'.ndians, in the disposal of these lands, and it appears that under existing regulations, only a certain percentage of the receipts can be applied towards improvements of this nature. Several leading roads have, however, been built from time to time, by the Department, and the Ontario Government has now generously consented to assist in supplying those that are still needed. In the Estimates for 1878, an appropriation of $3,500 has been made for roads on the Island, which will no doubt be a great encouragement to the settlement. Before proceeding to the Extracts from the Surveyors' Kcports on the several townships, we will give one from a report made to the Seh'Ct Committee of the House of Commons, on colonization, &c-, during the Session of 1877, by the resident agent. James C. Phipps, Esq. It applies to the Island generally, and contains a great deal of valuable information. Soil. — The land for sale in the surveyed townships may be classified as : — Upland, which has usually a fine growth of maple, birch, elm, beech, basswood, oak, ironwood, pine, &c. ; this land varies from sandy loam to stiff clay ; it yields abundant crops ami being easily cleared, is most in request by settlers. It may be remarked that much of the fertility of the land may be ascribed to the limestone formation of the island, the decomposition of which continually enriches the soil and renews its productive- ness. Burnt Land has had the timber destroyed by the fires which have ravaged the island, and in many places the surface or vegetable soil has also been burned, leaving generally a rather stiff clay, which, when properly tilled, yields good crops. This land is easily brought into cultivation, requiring only to be logged and fenced, and for this reason is sometimes preferred by new settlers. Swamp Land. — This is generally timbered with cedar, black ash, spruce, balsam, S:c., and although more difficult to clear than upland, is considered by good judges to be the most valuable land on the island, and has proved, when brought into cultivation, exceed- ingly productive ; it also withstands drought better than other land. There are numerous marshes or natural meadows of wild grass, which furnish many of the settlers with food for their stock. Stony Land. — A large quantity of land must come under this classification, proSably one-third of the entire surface of the surveyed townships, and is of but very little value, consisting of bare rock, or rock with but a trifling covering of soil, too shadow to be fit for cultivation. Froductions. — Wheat, both fall and spring, of excellent quality, is raised, and yield* i 'M.:m ■ 244 largely. The first j^rize for wheat at the District Agricultural Show, at Sault Ste. Marie, for 1H7G, was taken y this island. Pease, are also extensively cultivated, and yield abundantly, and are free from defects by being worm eaten ; the sample raised on this island compares favourably with that grown on the main land. Barky of excellent quality and bright colour is raised, and succeeds well. Oats, buekwheai, Sec, also do well, and yield abundantly. Potatoes are extensively cultivated, and generally are of excellent quality. The potatoe bug not yet having eti'ected a lodgment on the island. Tiir)dj>8 succeed well, especially in bush land ; the yield is enormous. Itee.ts and all garden vegetables do wonderfully well. Tomatoes and melons ripen in the oi)en air. The exemption from summer frost being one of the marked features of the climate of the ishmd. Cattle and sheep roam at large, and find abundant and highly nutritious pasture on the burnt land, and in tlie fall are taken home in fine condition. Ffuits. — The island abounds with wild fruits, apples, plums,'cherries, raspberries, straw- berries, gooseberries, grapes. &c. ; and, although the settlement has been so recent that but little grafted fruit has been plant-ctl suffici(!ntly long to come into bearing, the young orchards have already a thrifty app(!arance, and promise well. Svgar. — Large quantities of maple sugar are made annually by the Indians and white settlers. Upwards of one hundred tons hivo frequently been exported in one season. Price of Land, and (■oiulitions of Settlement. — The land is sold at fifty cents per acre, subject to actual settlement. The first instalment (twenty cents per acre), is payable at the time of purchase. The balance (thirty cents per acre), is payable in three yearly instalment.s, with six per cent, interest. A patent for the land is issued to the settler without charge when the settlement duties have been pei formed. These require, residence on the land for three years ; a substantial dwelling hou.se not less than 18 feet by 24 feet, to be built thereon ; and five acres for e;ich hundred purchased to be cleared, fenced and cultivated C/iiiiate. — The climate is healthy, pleasant and bracing, the summer heats being tempered by the breezes from the surrounding lake ; while in winter the cold, although sometimes .se- vere, is never intensely so ; and the dry pleasant air and bright clear sunshine, render it more enjoyable, and far more healthy than the more changeable climate in the vicinity of Lake Ontario. Jioads have been constructed at the expense of the Indian Department, between Little Current and Shcguiandah Smiles. Shcguiandah and Manitowaning 1,5 " ]\lanitowaning to Michael's Bay 22 " JMichael's Hay to Providence Bay 10 " Mudge Bay to Gore Bay 10 " Tn addition to the above, many roads have been made by the settlers, especially in those townships where municipalities have been formed. Mills. — The island contains five Grist Mills, viz : Shcguiandah, Sandfield, Providence Bay, Kagawong and Goie Bay. There are also six saw mills in operation, at Michael's Bay, Providence Bay, Sandfield, Kagawong or Mudge Bay, Gore Bay and Little Current. Churches: At Little Current, I Episcopal, 1 Methodist. Shcguiandah, 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist. Manitowaning, 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist building. Gore Bay, 1 Presbyterian Church. Wikwemikonir, 1 Roman Catholic, West Bay, 1 Iloman Catholic. Sheslesqwaning, 1 Roman Catholic. Wikwanikonysing, 1 Roman Catholic. Alchitawagauing, 1 Roman Catholic. Post Oijices have been established at Manitowanln'jr, Little Current, She^'uiandah, Michael's Bay, Providence Bay, Kagawonj^, Gore Kay, Tclekutnniato and Hilly (irove. Stores have been opened at Manitowanins, 3 ; Little Current, 4 ; Michael's Bay, 1 ; Providence Bay, 1 ; Kagawon^, 1 ; Gore Bay, 2 ; West Bay, 1. Agriadtiiral Societies. — Two Township Agricultural Societies have been formed, viz ; the Municipalities of Howland and Assiginack. The following letter has lately appeared in the Collingwood Bulletin, from a corres- pondent residing on the island, and is considered worthy of reproduction, as it contains m.'iny interesting items regarding the last harvest (1877). "Mamtowaning, October 20, 1877. "The crops in this locality have been remarkably good this season. Wheat is turning out from 25 to 40 bushels per acre. Tlie following correct statement from some of the farmers who have already threshed, will be interesting to your readers on the Manitoulin and elsewhere : Mr. James Love obtained 35 bushels of sjjring wlieat per aero from 10 acres of stubble ground, once ploughed ; Mr. Martin Heis had 38 bushels per acre from new land, having threshed 570 bushels from 15 acres ; Mr. Henry Vnnzant, formerly of Collingwood, had a field of Egyptian wheat, which turned out 40 bushels to the acre ; there are others, too numerous to mention, who have obtained from 25 to 30 bushels per acre. There are now two threshing machines busily engaged threshing out wheat in this locality. The root and vegetable crops exceed the most sangniiu;. expectations. Mr. Thomas Meddough, of this place, dug 82 bushels early rose potatoes fi-om a piece of ground 28 by 38 yards ; he also took 75 bushels of another sort from a piece 18 by 45 yards, some of the potatoes weighing three pounds. Mr. Abrey, of this village, tells me he had a patch of potatoes which turned out 48U bushels to the acre, and sally maple. The last- mentioned tract is a .singularly luiantiful undulating plateau, about 300 feet above Lake -Huron, and about one hundred and fifty feet above those parts of the township to the north anil east of it. It shapes towards the south, which is the only side from which it is possible to make a road to it. There are also small groves of maple, used by the Indians as sugar bushes, on lot No. 30 of the 3rd concession, and on lots Nos. 20, 27 and 28, concession 11. In addition to the above-mentioned parcels of hardwood there are some others of small extent to the north and west of Lake Manitou ; all the rest i», 1 think I may safely assert, nearly, if not altogether, unfit for farming. "Some parts of the north and east shores of Lake Manitou, from the line between Sheguiandah and Bidwell to that between concessions 7 and 8, rise to an elevation of from about twenty to forty or lifly feet above the water. In these places it is fringed with cedar, at the liack of wliich there is a narrow belt of hardwood, which would cause anyone travel- ing on the lake to suppose that there was a tract ot very good hard land exteii-l' i\m which is really not the case, as will be learned from the field notes. Tim \v "" to the water's eduro in some places. Tne shore of the most nortiierly ' », of ' i,MkU is low and swampy. Fart of the west shore consists of a perpend njv. **iog height from forty to seventy feet. •' As before stated, the greater part of the township is covered by a tlense fo- t of ever- green timber, principally cedar, b ilsam, spruce, small pine, &c., with an intermix! e of birch, poplar and, in some few places, hemlock. Generally speaking the timber is small. There ia none posseesing an exchangeable value except a very limiteJ (juantity of pine along a portion of the line, between Sheguianddi and Bidwell, The trees are large, straight, and of great height, but every one that we had occasion to cut in clearing out the Hues was hollow. They are, however, sound, probably at some distance above the butt. " There is not enough for local purposes if the country becomes settled ; of course the cedar will be capable of ccunomic application, for rails and building purposes, although it cannot be said to pos.se.«8 a money vilue. " I may here remark that L did not see a beech tree on any part of the island that I visited. 249 " Owinc to the preat depth of pnow, I oould only aRoertii'n the f|ui»lify of the soil from thu vmiotics of timber whioh it Huppoitcd mid from the roots of trees which had bo this locality." 251 Carnahvon Is situated south of Billings. A portion of it was surveyed in 18C7, by G. B. • Abri-y, P.L.S. Extract from the Surveyor's R(^port : — " Exce[)ting a narrow ntrip of land on each side of the Portage "Road leading from Min- demoya Lake to Providence Bay, as far south as conces.-jion XI inclusive, also a stri)» ex- tending from tliis into the Townslup of Campbell, and a margin of about twenty chains wide in concessions IV, V and VI, on the west of Lake Mindemoya adjacent thereto, together with lots 12 and 13 in concession V, and concessions 11, III and IV, east of Min- demoya, no land exists within the survey fit for agricultural purposes. The soil in these portions m a light sandy loam, pretty free from stone and timbered mostly with hardwood — chiefly maple. The remainder of the township, except where swamps occur and around Providence Bay, is a smooth limestone rock covered with a few inches of sand, sujiporting cedar, spruce, balsam, &c., generally. At the southern extremity of Mindemoya Lake an extensive cedar swamp occurs ; also, some smaller ones have been met ^vith in vaiious places. About Providence Bay, a tract of red and white pine of inferior quality stretches in a belt of a^)OUt a mile in width. Its quality and quantity would not, in my opinion, warrant its being advisable to set it apart for lumbering purposes. '" The only stream woithy of remark is the Mindemoya — the outlet of the lake of the same name. Its traversing the best portion of the township will render it the more or lets valuable to the future settler. The advantages for settlement here, are the Fisheries of Mindemoya Lake and Providence Bay, taken in connection with the small quantities of good land intervening that might be divided into snuvll plots for producing vegetables as food for their owners. " The balance of the township containing 23,726 acres, was surveyed in 1870, by Edgar Bray." *1 I*- He reports that — " Of this portion about 10,3 70. icres are suitable for settlement, as follows ; — " Concession I. Lots 23 to 30 inclusive. (( IL >< 22 to 28 (( <( IlL K 10 to 28 i( « IV. « K) to 80 (t (( V. (( IG to 30 (( (t VI. (( IG to 19 (< '.( VII. a 10 to PJ (( tt VIII. i( IG to 21, and 23, 24, and 25. «( IX. i( 16, 19,20, 23, 24, 25. (( X. i< 17,20,21, 25. 26, 27. (( XI. (( 17, 19,20, 21, 20, 27. Range A (t 18 to n, 25. <( B (( 18 to 24. South of Range B, the land, with almost no exception, is of no value for agricultural purposes, Vjcing either rocky or swampy. Tl>e good land mentioned above is generally undulatin."c with the soil varying from clay to sandy loam, and for the most part is free from stones. " The most abundant timber is cedar, which grows more or less thickly over the whole of the township. In the vicinity of Mindemoya Lake, the land is for the most part covered by a growth of good hardwood, and also on several otluir places in tiie town- ship the ciiief timber is hardwood. Pin-^ of good quality grows in the vicini' v of the small lakes in concessions VIII, IX, X and XI, and in a number of other places between these lakes and Lake Huron though principally on lots 24, 25, 26, and 27 in range B, and con- cessions XIV and XI. " The balance of the timber is composed chiefly of birch, spruce, ash, balsam, a fuw oaks, tamaracks and elms, which are mixed with the other timber." Providence Bay has a larv Mill Company have a large farm in the township, and raise all their own produce. The road from Michael'd Bay to Providence Bay runs through this township. Campbell Is situated west of Carnarvon. It was surveyed in 1867, by G. B. Abrey, and contains 38,980 acres of land. Extract from Mr. Abrey's Report : — " No streams occur in the township worthy of remark. I have to rej^ret that very little land suitable for settlement was found in any portion. The surface of the township gener- ally is quite level, the rock lying within a very few inches of the surface covered with a few inches of vegetable deposit. In some places a few inches of light sand intervenes between the rock and the surface deposit. In places where the fires have overrun, the rock lies ex- posed. Tlie only places that these remarks are not applicable to, are in the swamps and marshes which do not olfer inducements to the Si;til'jr. I might remark that it is possible that some small patches of good land may exist which were unobserved at the survey in consequence of the considerable depth of snow which concealed the ground at the time, but they cannot bo of sufficient extent to be worthy of search or the attention of the agricul- turalist. Some spots of hardwood on w^iich maple predominates are met with which I have endeavoured to represent on the map. However, cedar, bulsam, spruce, birch, balm of GileaJ, &c., are nearly universal over the whole extent of the township. Pine is also found scattered in most places, but is not as regards quantity or quality of any economic value." Gordon. This township is situated at Gore Bay, on t'^o north west side of the island. It was surveyed in 1871, by Edgar Bray, 'uid contains 25,273 acres of land. Extract from iteport of Survey : — . " Of this township there are about 15,100 acres of good agricultural land and well adapted for settlement. It presents the folKiwing advantages to settlers: — " 1st. It lies near the route of navigation of the Lakes. " 2nd. It has within itself a good harbour — Gore Bay. " 3rd. It has a large proportion of good agricultural land- " 4th. Nearly the whole of this good land lies in one block, as follows : — it 1000 acres. 1380 " 1000 i;oo 1400 1000 DOO 9(;0 " In Concession IV. Lots 9 to 21 inclusive a V. 11 8 to 21 l( VI. 11 12 to 21 « VII. 11 1 to 5, and 12 to 21 <( VJII. II 1 to 5, and 12 to 21 i( IX. II 1 to 5, and 12 to 21 <( X. II 1 to 5, and 12 to 10 l( XI. II 1 to 5, and 12 to 10 « XII. II 12, 13, 14, and 15 (( XIII. i< 12, 13 and 14 « A. II 1, 2, i)artsof 3, 4and5 II B. II 1,2, 3,0 audi «' In i\ inge East, II 2 to 21 inclusive (. West, II 1 to 25 (I II II II II And Lots in Concessions II. and III. II II II II 350 330 400 350 1500 2310 190 II II II II "This tract of good land is for the most part slightly undulating. The soil varies according to locality, being a sandy loam in ranges ' East and West,' and west of range ' West' a clay loam, east of range 'East' the land is for the most part of a clayey nature. "That part of the townsliip lying west of the line between lots 21 and 22 is for the most part either rocky or swampy, and is of no value. South of concession IV. the land is nearly all rocky and traversed by higli precipitous hills. That part of tlie township dying north of lot 14 in range ' West ' has been burned over by fires and the timber 253 destroyed, and as a consequence the land will be cleared at a less expense than in timbered districts. " The timber of this township is of various kinds — the most plentiful being maple, birch and cedar, but none of it is of any very great value except for cord wood. For this it will in course of time become valuable to settlers." The village of Gore Bay has a population of about 200, and there is regular com- munication kept uj) by the mail and other lake steamers during navigation. There is a Presbyterian church here, a post office, grist mill, saw mill, a hotel, two stores auil several tradesmen's shops. The harbour is capacious and secure — it being land-locked and protected by lofty hills on either side of the entrance. HOWLAND Is situated north of Bidwell and west of Sbeguinndah Bay. It was surveyed in 1864 by, Alexander Niven, P. L. S., and contains .31,373 acres including water and roads. The following is an extract from Mr Niveii's Report of Survey : — " The Township of Ilowland in its central portion consists of a high undulating table land, and descends to the west, north and east by abrupt terraces strikingly marked by bold promontories to the waters of Lake Huron. " Around the shore of Lake Huron and as a general rule extending to the base of the first terrace, a distance varying from one to two miles, the soil is of a poor sandy description and the timber generally spruce, balsam, cedar, tamarack and poplar, much blown down by the wind, an. part of gre^t depth, and exc(^pt in the swamps, the rock is comparatively close to the surface ; also, where the fires have prevailed, nearly every trace of vt^etable matter has been burned out of the soil. The north-easterly four thousand acres eom^jrise nearly the whole of that part, that may be called well watered. " In more particularly describing that portion suitable for settlement, I may say the following is a fair a{)proximatiou : Coucessiun li contains lotii 31 to 17 inclusive — excluding 256 t a part of the latter — 1,520 acres; Concession A contains lots 33 to 12 inclusive, 1,877 acres. Concessions one and two, all to the westerly limit of the valley of the river (tlie outlet of Lake Manitou), except a strip of rock intersecting the town line at the north- westerly angle of lot No. 10, and near the line dividing lots Nos. 14 and 15. Thence Tunning south-westerly, following the easterly limit of the valley of the river, and inter- secting the line between concessions two and three at the south-westeily angles of lots 16 and 19, say 1,900 acres fit for agricultural purpo.ses. Concessions three ai\d four, from concession B to the rockridge intersecting the concession line between concessions 2 and 3 at the north-westerly angle of lot No. 16, and concession line between 4 and 5 at Jiear the centre of lot No. 19, say 1,400 acres. Concession 5 contains lots 11 to 18 inclusive, 800 acres. Concession 6 contains I"t3 11 to 15 inclusive, 500 acres. Concession 5 contains also lot 1 and parts of lots 2 and 3, say 200 acres. Concession G also contains lots 1 to 5 inclusive, say 500 acres. Concession 7 contains lots 5, 4, 3, 2, and part of lot 1, say 450 acres, making in all, a total area of 9, 150 acres fit for cultivation. Over a large portion of this area the tinil)er — composed chiefly of cedar, spruce, tamarack and balsam, with ] tches of hardwood scattered over here and there — is killed and fallen, or partially falhn, and only requires another fire like that which killed it to totally consume it, and reader the whole cleared and fitted for tilling. " The other portions of the township are valueless for agricultural purposes, and ex- cept from .'5,000 to 4,000 acres in the north-westerly corner of the township which is covered with some pine, and may at some time be rendere, however, at this time been removed for various economical purposes. Several fine tracts of maple were met with. Fire has overrun much of the western part. "The Thes.salon River traverses the western portion of the reserve. It is a handsome and deep river, affording navigation for the tug " Dyment " to a considerable distance up into the Township of Lefroy, and great convenience to settlement. Another stream of con- siderable size crosses the northerly boundary, runs south westerly, and empties into the Thessalon. This stream is sufficient for running logs, and a good mill privilege exists on it in section XX.. Livingstone's Creek, and numerous other small streams are found scattered 17 258 over the reserve in considerable abundance. A larnjo grass meadow is situated in tho southerly half of section XXVII. The settlers on the river have made a road to this, and obtain consideralile hay of fair quality. Soil generally is a sandy loam, and is of good qu;»l ity. Wheat, oats, peas, potatoes, turnips, ttc , do well. Fish are abundant all along adjacent to tho shore — in fact, I do not know a jilaceon Lake Huron so favourite a resort for fishermen in tho fall." Laird Is bounded on the north by theTown.ship of McDonald, on the oast by the Townships of Johnson and Tarbutt, on the west and south by Lake George. It was subdivided into sections and quarter sections in 1875, by A. S. Forest, P.L.S. The total area of land is 24,032 acres. Tho Surveyor reports that there is a considerable quantity of good land in this township — the soil being chiefly a loamy clay — there arc also several tracts of open prairie land. The timber is cedar, spruce, tamarack, balsam, poplar, — and hardwood com])Osed of birch and maple— there is not much pine. Meredith. This township is situated east of the Township of McDonald. It has been subdivided into sections and quarter sections, and the total area of land is 9,753 acres. It contains some good l;md, but it is generally rough and rocky. Tl.e timber is the same as in the Township of Laird. McDonald Is situated on Lake George, east of Garden IViver. It was surveyed in 18G0, by P. L. Surveyor, Miles, into sections and quarter-sections, and contains 19,083 acres of lanil. Tlie following is an extract from Report of Survey : — " Within about three miles from Lake George, the line cuts off a small portion of a large nieadnw lying to tiie south of range 23 we.st, Township of Maci'onald, which appears to cover an extensive area, anle return, and is a source of speculation not neglected in that neigIil)orhood. " Along the shore of Lake Gecu'ge, the land is of an inferior (juality, being .samly and very stony, witli a fringe of black ash and cedar swale along the water's edge, ranging in width from three to five chains. " In Echo Hay, some of the lines liave been projected into the marsh, which, although very wet at certain seasons of the year, may prove of great value to the settler on account of the hay which grows here. " A sluggish stream, known by the settlers as Bar River, runs through section 34 35, 36, 25, 23 and 22, in a southerly direction ; the land in its immediate vicinity is good. 269 " The northern portion of range 23 west is very rough and rocky. In the valleys, I frequently met good dry soil, or sandy loam, covered with tine largo maple, hemlock, and birch ; but still, for farming purposes, it does not cover a sufficiently large area. "The total quantity of land surveyed by me amounts to 19,083 acres, of which about 10,000 acres in the southern portion of the township are well adapted for farming pur- poses ; this, together with the township to the south, would form a very good agricultural district, which could always command a ready market at the surrounding mining sta- tions." Pennefathkr, Dknnis and Kars. Situate on Goulais Hay, Lake Superior, were surveyed in 1859 '(30, by P.L. Surveyor, J. W. Burke. Their contents are as follows : Pennefather, 21,214 acres; Dennis, 5,69.3 acres ; Kars, 11,283 acres. The following are extracts from Mr. Burke's Reports of Survey : — " Pknnrfather. — The township is situated on the south-east part of the shore of Goulais Bay, and is traversed by a continuation of that range of hills which form the s 'Utherly lir.iit of the valley i f the Goulais River. " A large portion of the surface is accordingly broken by hills, separated by deep val- leys and ravines. The prevailing rock is granite. The hills do not rise into peaks, but pre.sent, at a distance, a tolerably regular outline. Their greatest attitude does n^t exceed probably 500 feet above the water of the bay. Bluffs occur in several places. Trenerally level, soil good. Timber : hardwood, balsam, cedar and white pine ; soil, sandy loam. Potsdam sandstone crops out on the east and lutrth-east shores of the island, dipping slightly to the south-west. I found .S(!veral excellent land- ings or points, with from 10 to 20 feet of water, within a few feet of the shore, affording easy landing for vessels — the landing being well sheltered from heavy seas and weather. I was informed by several of the Indians of the. neighbourhood that excellent fishing ground exists off the east and north-east shores of the island. " The boundary line between Archibald and Tillt;y is situated on the Lake shore mountain, which is all burnt over, and generally covered with fallen tindjcr and thick brushwood, which includes nearly all of sections 3G and 25, and sweeps around to north- east, into the Township of Tupper, and rises to an elevation of about 1500 feet above the Bay. The remainder of said bouiulary passes over a rough, broken country, but contains sufficient good land in the valleys and north slopes of the ridges, which are generally suffi- ciently easy to warrant settlement. TimV)er : maple, black birch, cedar, and a consider ;djle quantity of white pine. Soil : rich, sandy loam. "Sections 1 in Tilley and 6 in Archil)al(l are crossed by the Chi))pawa River, valley of which is excellent land. Timber : maple, elm, cedar and balsam. Soil : sandy loam. " Sections 6 and 5, are somewhat broken with rock ridges, but contain, at leiibt, thirds excellent 1 some good whitt the rich two- aiid. Soil: sandy loam. Timber : maple, birch, elm, cedar, balsam, anu pine. In section 5 the south spur of a range of cliffs is crossed, at an elevation of at least GOO feet above the river. Rock ; red quartoze granite, with fine black trap, in the form of dykes ; some good red pine on mountain. From the top of this 264 range of clitl's the land falls gently to the north, and presents a large tract of apparently good land ; timber, hardwood. " Tills ridge or ra .ge of cliffs, bearing an east and west course, is about a quarter of a mile north o* the line, through sections 4, 3 and which are good land, rising gently to to the south. Timber : hardwood and balsam. Rich sandy loam. Sections 2 and 1 are liitrb hardvvood land and rock ridges, and some tolerably good white pine on the east part ■ ** section No. 1. The whole northern boundary of the Township of Archibald is beauti- fully watered with small spring creeks. " Section No. 1 is partly tamarack swamp, but perfectly dry, and rich sandy loam, which extends for over a mile to the eastward, through which a branch of the Chippawa River flowi. Sections 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36, are generally very good land, somewhat broken with lakes and ridges. Timber : maple, balsam and birch, with a .onsideralile amount jf good white pine — land falling gently to the west. About a mile east of sections 13, 24 and 25, is an extensive depression in the country, which sweeps south-west into the Townshij) of Tupper, the mean course being nortiieast, and containing a chain of lakes, some of them two or three miles in length, and extending for some 15 miles; and I was ti'ld by some of the Indians ac(juainted with the country that they abound witli whitr- tish and salmon, liaving large tracts of good arable land, with couijiderable quantities of white pine adjoining. 1 have seen a good specimen of galena from the shore of a lake east of sec- tion 24. " Section 31 is on the lake shore mountain, which is burnt completely over, and rises to about 700 feet above the Bay. The second range of lake shore mountains is crossed by the line at the second mile east, and rises to the height of 1,200 feet above the bay, witli clifiFs from one to 200 feet, and sweeps round through section 30 in Tupper and 25 in Tilley. " Sections 6 and •'i in Tupper fall off to the south, in a valley of good land. Sections 4, 3, 2 and 1, arc high, rolling land, broken with rock ridges, but sufficient good land to warrart seidement ; fully one-half of section No. 1 is water, in one of a chain of lakes ex- tending to the north-east. There is an excellent mill site in section 3G in Archibald, on the water connexion between two lakes, which connexion is about 8 chains in length ; there is abundance oi water, and fall of about 20 in 100 feot — the land adjoining gently rising and good. Timber: hardwood, with considerable quantities of good white pine. '' Archthald is bounded on the south by the Townshi}) of Tupper, on the west by the Township of Tilley, and on the north and east by unsurveycd land, and contains 22,927 acres, more or less. On the east side of .Vrchibald there are large tracts of very fair land, and 1 was infort^ied by the Indians \r^ my party that it improved very much to the east- ward ; and what I saw of tl-.e township on tlie south and north boundaries, and from the accounts given by the paokmen (who pas^-ed through the townsliip by two different routes, bringing in supplies), a large tract in the interior of the township, extending past tha eastern boundary, is good arable land, with high hills and gradual slopes. Timber : hard- wood ;!ud scattering white pine, far exceeding what would be re((uired for local consump- tion. "Sections 1, 12 and 13 are considerably broken with lakes, containing numerous small islands— banks gently rising. Timber round tlie shore: good white pine and hardwood; the land rolling, with gentle slopes, sou>ewhat broken with rock ridges. Soil : rich sandy loam. There is a good mill site a iittle west of the lino, in the north part of s;ction li, havinr^ a reddish ((UJMtz rock on eitlier jide of the stream Oar some distance, rising to the height of 20 feet on the point cr" an island A little to the west of the line in section 1, 1 found iron pyrites in considerable quantities, in cubes of over an inch in diameter, tigether with a fiir specimen of hematite iron ore. Section 24 I found to be excellent land ; 25 and 3(i, hilly, witii easy slopes falling gently to the eastward, \,'ith low rock ridges. Timber : maple, ironwood, blac!' birch, ■ nd some good white pine. Soil : rich sandy loam. Gneiss is the principal rock appearing in the east boundary of Tupper, and on one or two occasions I foiuid it tinged or spotted with green, indicating the ;iresence of copper. The whole line is beaut! 'u'ly wate vd with small spring creeks, flowing easterly. The land is heavily timbered vvitli ' aple, mixed with bh,ck birch, balsam, cedar, and some good white pine. Soil : a rich sandy loam. " The easterly part of section 36 is beautiful land. In section 3D the lino passes *ii h alJ ar| h; thl m\ ar Til vil a cal coj in saj thl l)al laij 265 along tlie south brow of a liill, falling tc 'he south, and is procipitous and rocky. There are several lakes in sections 33, 34 and 35, soire of them nearly a mile in length. About half a mile south of section 34 is a lake of considerable size, and is at least 500 feet below the lakes referred to above. The line, in section 3-t, ascends the north brow of Beaver mountain, rising with steep but gradual ascent in the east for over lialf a mile, attaining an altitude above the lakes on the north about 800 feet, and on the south about 1500 feet. Timber: maple, black ash, black oak, and mountain ash of small size. The rock that was visible was quartzose and a coarse hornblende slate. From the summit of this mountain a bird's-eye view of the country from north-east and north-west was obtained; and, un carefully adjusting the theodolite, I found it considerably tiie highest point of land in the country, except one, north of Pancake Bay. From this point numerous lakes could be seen in Tupper, and the country did not appear to bo much broken with riilges, ami T should say contained good tracts of arable land. The land falls with steep descent, westerly, through section 33 and part of section 32. Timber : small maple, lilack birch, oak and balsam, with largo tracts of good land. Sections 31 and 32 are, as a general thing, good land. Township of Tilley. bUlull Iwond ; [sandy )n .14, to the lion 1, Ineter, [land ; Idges. loam. |i' two The Ind is k'hite % " The Township of Tilley is situated on the north shore of the Batchewanung Bay and part of Batchewanung Island, and contains 15,747 acres of land, more or less, which has been .subdivided into sections and quarter sections, each regular section containing 640 acres, being a mile square. The township is considerably broken by the lake shore mountains, which sweep ink nd easiwardly,'!md breaks up into mountainous ridges along either side of the Chippawa river, which runs through the Townsiiip of Tilley. " The Chippawa Eiver enters Tilley about half a mile south of its north-east angle, and flows in a serpentine course through sections 1, 2, 11, 10, 15, l') and 17, then emptyiny; into the Batchcwnnung Bay, having on average width— from section 1 to the falls on sections 16 and 2i — ot about 1.50 chains, with slight rapids in places. Banks are clay, from 6 to 10 feet high. '' The falls on the said river consist 'of two chute.«, with a basin of about two chains intervening. The upper chute is immediately north of the line, between sections 21 and 16, and the lower chute a little south of the lino, both affording excellent sites for mills, with easy approaches. The chutes have a fall of about 30 feet each, with a total fall of about 75 feet ; adjoining the falls on the ridges there is a considerable quantity of good wliite pine. The banks beluw the falls are from 10 to 12 foi t high, and consist of liglit l^luish clay and gravel ; the average width of the river being about two chains, and depth from 6 to lU feet. At the mouth of the river, in the bay, a sand-bar extends out about a quarter of a mile, not covered with more than two or three feet of water. The valley of the river on either side, throughout the township, is good arable land and suitable for settlement. Timber : maple, elm, cedar and balsam. Soil : rich sandy loam. "The west part of section I is con.sidoralily broken \>y a rock ridge, but contains a largo tract of good land along the river. Sections 2, 3, 4, 5 and (i, are traversed by a dry swamp. Timber : balsam, cedar, tamarack, white pine, and a considerable amount of hardwood. Soil : rich sandy loam. Sections 7, 8, 9. and IS, ate situated principidly on the north and west slopes of the lake shore mountain, with hills rising to considerable height, with easy slopes ; the south part of sections 8 and 9, being on the south brow of the mountain, are liroken and rocky. Tiuibcr : maple, mixed with balsam, ceoar and white pine. Sections 10, I I and 12, contain considerable amount ot irood land along the valley of the river, but are very much broken by ridges on citiicrside of said valley. Sections 13, 14 and 15, are situated in the second range of the lake shore mountains, and are very much broken by high rock ridges. The valley and the north slopes of the ridges are generally very good land, and comprise at least o'le-half the area. " Sections 1 6 and 1 7 are situated on the top and south slopes of the lake shore moun- tain, and are exceedingly broken, but contain large qujuititics of good white pine; but there is considerable aunmnt of excellent land from the base of the mountain to the lake shore. Section 21, and the south-west half of section 22, are exeollent land, rising in plateaux. Tim- ber; principally maple . -'xed with a little balsam and cedar, a considerable area of which has been used by the d-.A as a sugar bush, some long time aijo. The soil is a rich sandy 266 loam. I found, on the line between sections 22 and 15, trap rock, strongly magnetic. Sec- tions 23 and 24 are situated on the top and west slope of the lake shore mountain. Section 23 is broken and rocky, and contains a large amount of good white pine. The greater portion of section 24 consists of a considerable amount of good land, with high ridges. Timber : maple, mixed with birch, balsam, cedar and white pine. Sections 25 und 26 are on tlie south slope of the mountain, and are broken with rock ridges, with small valleys of good land. Timber principally maple. Begley's copper location occupies a central position in these sections. "The copper lode is situated near the centre of section 25, and forms a cliff from 80 to 100 feet high, course north-west and south east, and shews a face of from three to four chains in length, and bears the appearence of a distorted dyke, large portions of it being tinged with green from the presence of copper, and has, to all appearance, a 'good show.' "Sections, 31, 32 and 33, on Batchewanung Island, are gently undulating. Timber: maple, hemlock, cedar, birch, poplar and white pine ; soil : sandy loam. Potsdam sandstone forms the east and north-east shore of the island, dipping slightly to the south-west All that portion of the island in the Township of Tilley has the appearance of good land. Section 36 is principally situated on the face of the lake shorurve3'or. The total area is 7,210 acres of land. Extract from Mr. Johnstone's Report of Survey : — '^ " The surface of this township ik very little broken, there being neither hills nor mountains in it, and no fixed rocka. There is a ridge, nearly all of which is south of the lines between sections 3 and 10. It stretches away to the south-east, and is nearly parallel to the lake shore, and about half a mile to the east of it. The soil is sandy loam, and where not overly stony or swampy, is well suited for agricultural purposes, and will produce hay, roots and cereals suited to the latitude abundantly. The t'.mber upon the dry land is chiefly hardwood, birch and maple, no beech nor basswood, and not over a dozen of pine trees in the township. The swampy land produces, when very wet, tamarack, otherwise cedar, balsam and spruce, from all of which timber for fencing and building purposes can be obtained. The cedars in the valley between the ridges above- mentioned and the lake, are chiefly of a very thrifty growth, being large and straight. " This valley is, in places, very stony. What I have seen of the land lying north of the first west line that I surveyed in the township, is in general tolerably g'od. The tamarack swamp at the east end of that tract could be easily drained into some of the small streams adjacent to it. With the exception of the maple timber land, the growth of underbrush in this township is more dense than any I have yet seen, being in places almost impenetrable. " The streams are ftw and small, and with the exception of the Sable River (the western boundary of the township), could not be made available for machinery. The \ *ers of the latter can, by erecting dams almost anywhere from the iu)rth boundary to its mouth, be made available for milling purposes. The banks of the river are dry and firm, and aveiage about eight feet in height— they are, as well as the soil of the adjacent lands, sandy loam of good quality. The depth of water will average from two to four feet, and width of river, from bank to bank, about one chain. " The advantages for settlement are good. First, for during the summer months, access to and from the township is easy ; next, the wlu'le, or greater part of it, can be made available for agricultural purposes at ordinary expense. A. ready market for all kinds of produce will be found at the mines now being wrought in the adjacent township of Fisher, as well as the several mines about being oj)ened in that section of country. During the summer months settlers in this township will have hut little trouble in con- veying their produce by boats the greater part of the distance to the several mines that will eventually he worked in that region. There is ai; excellent harbour and wharf at the upper or north end of the Batciievvanung Hay, in this township, and from which sett- lers can move in their furniture and provisions to the northern portions at little expense. " When traversing the lake shore, I observed boulders extending out from the shore for several chains, nearly tin', wlnile way round to the river. About seventeen chains before reaching the river, the bank becomes samly, and continues so round the head of the Bay, where I think good fishing stations might be loc.ited." -,i' 268 APPENDIX A. REVISED STATUTES, CHAP. 24. An Act respecting Free Grants and TTomesteaJs to Actual Settlers on Public Lands. Short Title. Free grunts limited. Free jfrants may be made til actuid set- tler.". Such grants to be confined til lauds witb- in oeitain territory. Loeatee de- fined. Who may be loc.'vted, and fur what (luan- tity of land. Affidavit to be luadr by party desiring loca- tion. Patent not to issue before ux4)iration of five yeaif. Hettlcuient duties re- el uiretl. HER AlA JESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislalivc As- sembly of the Province (jf Ontario, enact.s as fejUows ; — 1. This iVct may be cited as " The Free Grants and Homesteads ylf^," and shall be take;> and road as part of " The Public Lairds Act." 31 V. c. 8, s. 17. 2. Except as hereinafter and in the twlfth and thirteenth sections of " The Pnh- lic Lands Act " provided, no freoi^rant of Public Lands shall be made, but patents may issue for all lands h)cated as free grants before the twenty eighth day of Feb- ruary, one tliousand eight hundred and si >cty eight, under section thirteen of " 2'he Public Lands Act of 1800," as if this Act had not been passed. 23 V. c. 2, s. 11 ; 31 V. c. 8, s. 3. 3. The Lieutenant-Governor in Council may appropriate any Public Lands consi- dered suitable for suttlemunt and cultivation, and not being Miner.al Lands or Pine Timber Land.s, as free grants to actual settlers, under such regulaiiun.i as shall from time to time be made by Order in Council not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act. 31 V. c. 8, s. 4. 4. Such grants, or appi-opriafions shall be confined to lands surveyed or hereafter to be surveyed, situate within tlie tract or territory compoi?jd of the Districts of Algoma and Nipissing, and of the land.s lying between the Ottawa River and the Georgian Hay to the west of a line drawn from a point opposite the soutli-east angle of the Township of PaJuierston ; north-westerly along the western boundaries of ihe Townships of Norrh Hherbrooke. Lavant, IJlithfield, Admaston, Bromley, Stafford, and Pendmike to the Ottawa River, and to tlie north of the rear or northerly boun- daries of the Townshipi of Osu, Olden, Kennebec, Kaladar, Elzevir, Madoc, Mar- mora, Belmont, Dumnier, Smith, Ennismiro, Somerville, Laxton, Garden, Ramii, and of the River Severn. 31 V. c. 8, s. 5. 5. The person to whom any land may be allotted or assigned under such regula- tions for a free grant thereof shall be considered as located for said land within the meaning of this Act, and is hereinafter called the loeatee thereof. 31 V. c. 8, s. (i. G. No person shall be located for any land under this Act or said regulations un- less sueh person is of the ace of eighteen years or upwards, nor shall any person be so located for any greater quantity tlian two hundred acres. 32 V. c. 20, s. 1. 7. Before any person is located for any land as afmx'said, sueh person shall make an affidavit, to be deposited witli the agent authorized to make such location, stating that he has not Ijeen located for any land under this Act or \mder said regulations and that he is of the age of eighteen year.? or upwards, and believes the land for which he applies or desires to be looated is suited for settlement and cultivation, ami is not valuable chieHy f(jr its mines, uunerals or pine tiud)er, and that such location is desired for his benefit, and for tlie purpose of actual settlement and cultivation of such land, and not either directly or indirectly for tlie use or benefit of any (ither person or persons whomsoever, nor for the [)ur[)o8e of nbtainiug, pijssessing or disposing of any of the pine trees grow- ing or being on the said land, or any l)oneht or advantaye therefrom, or any gold, silver, copper, lead, iron or ( ther mines or minerals, or any quarry or bed of stime, marble or gypsum thereon. 31 V. c. 8, s. 8. 8. No jjatent .shall issue for any land located under this Act or under said regu- lations until the expiration of five years from the date of such location, nor until the loeatee or those claiming \inder him or some of them have performed the following settlement (hities, that is to say: have cleared and have under cultiva- tion at least fifteen acres of the said land (whereof at least two acres shall be cleared and cultiviited anrnxally during the five years next after the date of the location, to bo computed from such d.ate), and have built a lujuse thereon fit for habitation at least sixteen feet by twenty feet, and bavii actually and continuously resided upon and cultivated the said land for the term of hve years next succeeding the date of such location, and from thence up to the issue of the patent, except that the loeatee shall be allowed one' mtmth fi'om tiio date of the location to enter 269 m lots located, in Free GriMit upon and occupy tlio land, and that absenco from the said hind for in all not more than six months during any (mo year (to be computed from the date of tho location) shall not be hold to be a cessation of such residence, provided such land be culti- vated !is af esaid. 31 V. c. 8, s. 1). 9. On failure in performance of the settlem^.mt duties aforesaid, the location shall linoatiim to be be forfeited, and all rights of the locatee or of any one claiming under him, in the f'>«'f*'ited if land, shall cease. 31 V. c. 8, s. 9. du"ht"n'"t 10. All pine trees growing or b'?iug upo^i any land so located, and all gold, silver, porformeil copper, lead, iron, or other mines or minei.ds, shall be considered as reserved from Tinilier mine- said location, anS," had, uiuler chapter twenty-three of the Consolidated St'vtutes of Canada, entitled l"rHtorv^ ' An Act res]jecting the .Sale and Management of Timber on I'ublic Lands," and now has under chanter firentij->^'''' of '* The ReiHtied Sfa^ntes of On'ariu," full autho- rity to grant licenses to cut timber on h>ts located or sold unuer " The Free Grants and Homestead Act of 1808," or luider this Act. 40 V. c. 15, s. 1. 12. Every such license heretofore issued whether the same has expired or is still Licenses here- current, and every such licens:i which may be hereafter i.«sued to ciit timber within toforo granted ttie limits of any territory appropriated as Free (irant Territory, shall bo deeuuid <^"""'''uod. to have been and to bo good and valid in all respects whatsoever, f,)r the i)ori(td for which tho same was or may bo granted notwithstfinding the patent for lands in- cluded therein miy in tho meantime have been issued ; and every such license ?hn\\ be taken to have conferred, and to confer upon the holder thereof, the right to cut timber on the lands inchulod tlierein until its expiration, whether such lands were or are located or sohl inader the said Act, or were or ai'e unlocated or unsold, subject however to such conditions, regulations and restrictions specially applicable to the said Free (irant Territory, or to the said Iocs 8(j sold or located as may have been lieretofore or may be hereafter mido by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council in respect of the payi.ie.it of timber dues or otherwise, and subject also to the ex- ceptions or restrictions contained in any such license ; but no license shall confer the right to cut any other than pine timber upon lauds which have been located or sola in the said territory prior to tlu; date of such license unless the location or sale has been heretofore, or is hereafter cancelled. 40 V. c. 15, s. 2. Act not to 13. The two next preceding sections .shall not apply to anj' case adjudicated upon apply to eahe« by any Court of this Province, on the second day of March, one thousand eight adjiidiiuted hundred and seventj'-seven, ov to any case that was pending on the twenty-eighth JS V "Vi- day of December, one thousand ei:,dit hundred and seventy-six. 40 V. c. 15, s. 3. t.iM^I^ndiiit; I,,, a-tli Dec. ,1870 14. Neither the locutee, nor any one claiming under hi ui, shall have power Liunl m.t to be to alienate (otherwise than hy devise) or to mortgage o;- pledge any bnid located as alienated, &c., aforesaid, or anv right or interest therein b' fore the issue of the patent, 31 V. e. ''<'f<"'e i,-..sue of 8, s. 12. ' '"'^*''*- 15. No alienation (otherwise than by devise), and no mortgage or pledge of such After issue of land, or of any right or intei'c.st therein by the locatee after the isme of the patent, patent, aliena- and within twenty yetirs from the date of such location, and during the life-time of *i""' ^'^•> ' In the aynopsis of the Act given on page 54, the word " building " was by mistake oniittud. 270 when i be by deed of locatee anil wife jointly. PatentH to state date of location, &u. On death of locatee widow to have estate during her widowliood. Widow may elect to have her dower. Exemption from liability for debt before issiieof patent. Exemption after issiie of patent. Exemption not to extend to taxes. tliG wife of the locatee, ahall be valid or of any effect, unless the same be ])y deed in which the wife of the locatee is one of the grantors with her husband, nor unless Htich deed is duly executed by her. 31 V. c. 8, s. 13. 16. Every patent to be issued for any land located as aforesaid shall state in the body thereof the name of the original locatee of the land, and the date of the said location .and that the said patent is issued under the authority of this Act. 31 V c. 8, 8. 10. 17. On the death of the locatee, whether before or after the issue of the patent for any land so located, all his then right and interest in and to such land shall descend to and become vested in his widow during her widowhood in lieu of dower, in case there be such widow surviving such locatee ; but such widow may elect to have her dower in such land in lieu of the provision aforesaid. 31 V. c. 8, 8. 11. 18. No land located as aforesaid, nor any interest therein, shall in any event be or become liable to the satisfaction (»f any debt or liability contracted or incurred by the locatee, his widow, heirs or devisees, before the issuing of the patent for such land. (2). After the issuing of the patent for any such land, and while such land, or any part thereof, or any interest therein, is owned by the locatee or his widow, heirs or devisees, such land, part or interest, shall during twenty years next after the date of such location be exempt from attachment, levy under execution, or sale for p.ayment of debts, cand shall not be or become liable to the satisfaction of any debt or liability contracted or incurred before or during that iieriod, save and except any debt secured by a valid mortgage or pledge of such land made subse- (juently to the issuing of the patent. 31 V. c. 8, s. 14. 19. Nothing in this Act shall bo construed to exempt any land from levy or sale for rates or taxes heretofore or hereafter legally imposed. 31 V. c. 8, a. l-*^. T.ands cleared, fenced, kc, out of the former Set- tlers' Home- stead Fund. Forfeiture on failure to per form settle- ment duties. SETTLERS HOMESTEAD FUN1>. 20. Every parcel of land subject to the provisions of the Act, chapter five of the Acts passed in the thirty-fourth year of fler Majesty's reign, entitled /I » Ad to encounujc SeAile.ment in the Free Grant Territori/, and the Act amending the same, passed in the thirty-seventh year of Her Majesty's reign and chaptered twenty-one, shall C(Uitinue to be suljject thereto, and to this Act, and tu any regulations made or to be made by Order in Council under " The Free Grants and Homestead Act of 1868 " or under thi.s Act, except so far as such regulations and provisions are varied by or are inconsistent with the said first mentioned Act and the amend- ments thereto. Vide 34 Vic. c. 5, ss. 1 & 4. (2.) So much of the eighth section of this Act as relates to building a house shall not apply to any such parcel after clearance, fencing and erection thei'eon under the said first mentioue0," h\i Order of His Excellency The. Lieutenant- Governor in Cotiucil, dated 27th May, 1869 :— 1. The quantity of land to be located to my person as a Free Grant, under " The Free Grants and Homestead Act of 1868," subsequently to the 23rd day of January, 1869, shall be 100 .acres ; but in case it shall be made to appeiir to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, that any person located, or to be located as aforesaid, has not by reason of rock, lakes, or swamp, 100 acres th.at can be made available for farming purposes, the quantity located to such person may bo increased in the discretion of the Connnissioner of Crowi; Lands, to any number of acres, not exceeding in the wh(jle 200 acres, so as to make 100 acres of such farming land ; and the male head (jf a family located, or to be located, under said Act, since the said 23rtl day of January, 1869, having children luider eighteen years of age residing with him, may be located for in all 200 acres. 2. Any locatee under s.aid last mentioned Act, being the male head of a family as aforesaid, shall be allowed to purchase an additional 100 acres at 50 cents per acre cash, at the time of siioh location, subject to the same reservations and conditions, and the performance of the same set- tlement duties as are provided in respect of Free Grant locations by the !(th and 10th sections of the said Act, except that actual residence and building on the land purchased will not be be required. 3. The right is reserved to the Crown to construct on any land located under said Act, or Slid as hereuibefore provided, any cr)lonization road, or any road in lieu of, or partly deviating from any (iovernmont allowance for road ; also the right to take from such land any wood, travel, or other materials, reijuired for the construction or improvement of any such road, with- out making any com])ensation for the land or materials so taken, or for any injury occasioned by the construction of such road ; and such rights may be exercised by the Commissioner >>f Crown Lands, r that purpose, doing no unnecessary damage, and to use all slides, portages, roads, or other works previously constructed or existing on any hmd so located or sold, and the right of access to, and free use of all streams and lakes theretofore used, or that may be necessary for the passage of timber or logs ; and all land necessary for such works is reserved. 5. All pine trees growing or being upon any land hereafter located as a Free Grant, under the said Act, or se-ld under the preceding regulations, shall be subject to any timber license in fi>rce at the time of such location or sale, or granti^d within five years subsequently thereto, and may, at any time before the issue of the patent lor such I.aul, be cut and removed under the au- thority of any such timber license while lawfidly in force. S. RICHARDS, Commissioner of Crown Lands. 1 ' it I '<) - 1 ' .1 Notice is hereV>y given that the following Ordi rs and Regidations have been made by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, under "The Free Grants and Homestead .\ct of 1868," by Order in Council bearing date the 23rd day of July, 1875. 1. In Townships now ajipropriated, or hereafter to bo aj>propriated, under " Tlie Free Grants and Homestead Act of 1868," where the lands have becMi sulxlivided into {piarte; sections or lots, of which the areas average 160 and 320 am-es respectively, the ([uantity of land to be located as a free grant to any person, whether the head of a family ha>ing children under eigh- teen years of age, residing with him, or otherwise, shall be 160 acres, and be composed of a quarter section or a half lot, as the case may be, and should any (pMrter section or any half of a lot so divided contain less than thr said quantity of 160 acres, liie ioe.ition shall lie iimiti'd to such quarter section or half lot, and »houi cents per acre. 2. Any locatee in said Towns'.iips shall be allowed to purchase an additional 160 acres, at tr 272 tho rato of fifty cents por aero, cash, at tho tiino of such location, subjoct to tho Biimo reserva- tions and conditions and tins porforniancu of tho same settlonufnt duties, aa arc provided in respect of free grant locations, by the '.(th and lUth sections of tlie said Act, except that actual rnaiftniipn nnri hiiildinir nn f.lift hind iiiirnhiinnd will not ho rnfiiiirnd. respeci oi iree grani locaiions, oy mo xtin auii naa muuhoum oi iin residence and building on the land purcliased will not be required Department of Crown Lands, Toronto, Aucmst 11th, 1875. T. B. PARDEE, ('ommimoncr. APPENDIX B. '^PHE attention of all whom it may concern is called to tho following recited Act of the Legis ' lature of Ontario, and they are hereby enjoined strictly to comply with its reiiuironicnts, and observe the roptrictions therein sot forth with respect to setting out or starting lires, during the period prescribed in said Act, within the limits of any territory s.;t apart as, and declared by proclamation in the Ontitriu (far.ette to be, a "Fire District :" and it is hereby notified that any person or persons neglecting or refusing to comply with the pnjvisions of the Statute, or in any way contravening the same, will be rigidly prosecuted, and on conviction punished with the iitraost rigour of the law. T. B. PARDEE, Commissioner of Croum LamU. Dei'autmknt of Ckown Lands, Toronto, 27th March, 1878. • * STATUTES OF ONTARIO, CAP. 23. An Act to preserve the Forests from destruction by Fire. [Assented to 7th March, 1878.] "TT^HEREAS large (piantities of valuable timber are annually destroyed by fires YV which are, in many iusta;)ces, the result of negligence and carelessness, it is therefore necessary to provide stringent regulations for the prevention of such fires : Therefore Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows : — 1. The Lieutenant-Governor may, by proclamation to be made by him from time to time, issued by and with the advice and consent of tho Executive Council, dechare any portion or part of the I'rovince of Ontario to lie a fire district. 2. Every proclamation under this Act shall l)e published in the Ontario Gazette, and such portion or part of the I'rovince as is nientio^ied and declared to bo a fire district in and by the said proclamation, shall, from and after the said publication, become a fire district within tho meaning and for the purposes of this Act. 3. Every such portion or part of the Province mentioned in such prcjclamation, shall cease to lie a fire district upon the revocation by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council of the proclamation by which it wii.s created. 4. It .slijill not be lawful for any person to set out, or cause to be set out or started, any fire in or near the woods within any tire district, between the first day of A]iril and the first day of Novend)er in any year, except for the jmrpose oi clearing land, cooking, obtaining w.irnith, or for some industrial j)urpose : and in cases of starting fii'es for anj' of the above purposes, the obligations and precau- tions im])osed by the following sections shall be ob.servcd. 5. Every person who shall, between the first daj' of April and the first d:iy of November, make or start a fire within such fire district for the purpose of clearing land, shiiU exercLse and observe every reasonable care and precaution in the making and starting of such fire, and in the managing of and caring for the same after t has been made and started, in oi'der to prevent such lire fnmi spreading and burn- ing up the timber and forests surrounding the place where it has been so ,,iade and started. G. Every person who shall, between tho first day of April and the first day o /, 7 '/A Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN S.'REET ^ WcBSTER, N.Y. 145S0 (716) 872-4503 276 APPENDIX E. From 15th September to 1st May. CLOSE SEASONS FOR WHITEFISH, SA.LMON-TROUT AND SPECKLED-TROUT, TN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. Public Notice is hereby directed to ihe following chanfi;eB made by the Governor-General in Council, in the Close-Seasons for the above named Fish in the Province of Ontaaio : Whitefish or Salmon-Trout cannot be fished for, caught, \ From Ist to 10th November, both killed, bought, sold or had in possession ) days inclusive. Speckled-Trout [Salmo Fontinalh] cannot be fished for, caught, killed, bought, sold, or had in possession All well disposed persons are requested to afford the local Fishery Officers whatever inform- ation and assistance they can towards can-ying out those provisions of the Fishery Laws. Complainants will receive one-half of the fines imposed, and be paid for their costs and attendance as witnesses. Each person guilty of violating these Regulations is liable to fine and costs, or in default of payment is subject to imprisonment. By Order, W. F. Whitchbr, Commissioner of Fisheries, Department of Marine and Fisheries, ■) Fisheries Branch, > Ottawa, Ist October, 1876. ) Single Uk 1 3VE nvn I Q- n .^ T I o isr TO THE Province OF Ontario, ^^"Jf plwf 'ft'iS^;^^ -^^^ ^-"="«'^ «-l Fan. Buildings, can on ^^:^tJinZ£]^£' ''- '-' '''•'' "^-^"^ "^^ — ^^ -^--l *o 'cany ^^!eJxt^.^^^^~^"«"^' P'*" °^"*- "*^ «"^'^^^ '^« «''^-»-l for money, on first-class ^""ItL^l^a™" ' '^^^^^T GIRLS-E.p,oyn.nt can rea.i,, .0 ob- FREE GRANTS OF 200 ACRES ASSISTED PASSAGE RATES Prom LIVERPOOL, GLASGOW, LONDONDERRY or BFrFA^T f. Station in Ontario are as follows: ^^-^^J^t^lvl, or Bl^LbASl, to any Railway Female domestic Servants of good character and suital.Ie age £1 4 stg. or §5 10 Farm Labourers with families 1 r a Children from one to eight yeara ' ilj ?. °^" ^ ^0 Infants ^-^ ^ or 3 10 „. ,^ ' 6 or 185 Single Farm Labourers „,^ ^ _ ,. 3 15 or 18 50 Ordinary Immigrants , ,_ Children from one to eight years'."..*!! o %! .' ""'' -^ ''^ Infants ^ 2 / (, or 1175 l-'> 10 or 3 !)0 Clear proof must be furnished to this Department, or to (he Ontu-i., Am-nf ; r don, England as to the character and occupation of the inten linl em l^-a^.f "'p "' ^°"- Warrants for Farm Labourers, at the abovl rates, can be obta;:;e;^onry S th h vl:::^''"' piicaS; ';^::::^ ^^^" '-^--i^'-i ..n a,. By Order, DAVID SPENCE, Department op Immigkatiok, Ontario, Smetary. 65 Simooe Street. Toronto, 1878. I appn ratea 148.: thei whic Fam] pass: Self) aUc info for i ancc Ott£ Ds] APPENDIX G. DOMINION OF CANADA, myczMziGhZR-A-Tioisr- ASSISTKD PASSAGBS. The Dominion Government issues through its Agents Passenger Warrants, whereby approved Emigrants in the United Kingdom may obtain passages to Canada at the following rates : — Adults, £4 15s. ; Children under eight years, £2 28. 6d. ; and Infants under one year, 14s. 2d. The above Warrants are available for the powerful Steamships of the Allan, the Dominion, the Anchor, and the Temperley Lines. A very limited number of Special Passenger Warrants, on special forms of application, which will be made known by duly authorised Dominion Government Agents, will be issued to Families of Fabm Laboubbrs and J'bmale Dombstic Servants, whereby they can obtain passages to Canada at the following • "'^^ . — Adults, £2 5s. ; Children under eigiit years, £1 28. 6d. ; and Infants under one year, 78. 6d. ^^'' These Special Warrants are only available from the ports of Liverpool, London and Belfast. Government Immigration Agents in Canada. ADDBBSSBS. Halifax, N. S.—E. Clay. St. John, N. B.—K Shives. Quebec — L. Stafford, old Custom House, and Grand Trunk Station, Point Levis, where he is always in attendance on the arrival of the mn,il steamers, passenger vessels, and on the departure of all immigrant trains. Montreal — xTohn J. Daley. Sherbrooke — Henry Hubbard. , Ottawa — W. J. Wills, St. Lawrence and Ottawa Railway Station. Kingston — R. Macpherson. William Street. Toronto — John A. Donaldson, Immigrant Depot, comer of Strachan Avenue, Hamilton — John Smith, Great Western Railway Wharf (opposite Station), London — A. G. Smythe. ' Winnipeg, Manitoba — W. Hespeler, Dufferin, Manitoba — J. E. Tetu. ' . These oflBcers will afford to all immigrants applying, the fullest advice and protection, and all complaints should be immediately addressed to them on arriving. They will also furnish information as to lands open for settlement in their respective Provinces and Districts, farms for sale, demand for employment, rates of wages, routes of travel, distances, expense of convey- ance, and will receive and forward letters and remittances for immigrants, &c. , &c. Depots or stations for the reception of immigrants are provided at Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto, London, Hamilton, Winnipeg and Dufferin. Government Immigration Agents in Great Britain and Europe. ADDRESSES. London — Hon. W. Annand, Chief Canadian Government Emigration Agent, 31 Queen Victoria Street, London, E.G. Liverpool — John Dyke, Alexandria Buildings. Belfast — Charles Foy, 11 Claremont Street. Dublin — H. J. Larkin, 14 Eden Quay. Limerick — J. Murphy. Olasgow — A. G. Nicholson. . ■■'""■■ Fari.s — Gustave Bossange, 16 Rue de Quatre Septembre. . . . , '* Paul de Cazes, 12 Avenue Lamotho Picquet. Hamburg — J, G. Klotz (Klotz Brothers). Komthal — E. Von Koerber. 0. A. P. PBLLETIER, DSFABVMIKT OF AORICDLTUBE, OTTAWA. Minister of Agriculture. INDEX. Page Abinger 144 Addincton, Free Grants 140 Agriciutura! College 274 AlKoma Sand 27 Algona, North 148 " South 140 Albemarle 240 Alice 161 Allan 245 Alluvial deposits 26 Amabel 240 Angleaea. 215 Anson 123 Anstruther 125 Archibald 262 Armour , 115 Ashby 214 Assiginack 246 Awdres 172 Barrie 216 Baysville 83 Bangor 138 Bethune 189 Bidwell 248 Billings 249 Blake 177 Bracebridge 77 Brown 198 Brougham 160 Brudenell 155 Bruce Mines 169 Brunei 95 Bums 205 Burleigh Road 125 Burpee 197 Burton 197 Buchanan 163 Campbell 252 Canonto, North and South 216 Cardiff 127 Cardwell 104 Carling 109 Carlow 136 Carnarvon 251 Cavendish 212 Chaffey 97 Chandos 127 Chapman 110 Chnstie 105 Clarendon 141 Climate 29 Cockbum Island 256 Colonization Roads 46 Commanda Settlement 81 Coffin 206 Crooks 180 Croft Ill Crown Lands open for sale 209 Dalton 210 Dawson Road 175 Denbigh 144 Dennis 1269 Page Dorion 231 Digby 210 Drajier 90 Dungannon 132 Eastnor 240 Education 44 EfPngham 215 Eganville 1^6 Eaten 219 Faraday 133 Fergusson 106 Fenwick 260 Ferrie 19^ Fish and Fisheries, 18 " close season for 276 Fisher 266 Foley 102 Forests W " Preservation from Fire 272 Fraser 163 Franklin 96 Free Grants 53 French River 7, 199 Frontenao, Free Grants in 140 Fur-bearing Animals, close seaaon 275 Galbraith 205 Galway 211 Game, close season 275 Glamorgan 120 Gordon 252 Grattan 147 Griffith 157 Grimsthorpe 214 Gravenhurst 82 Gurd 191 Hagarty 151 Hagerman 108 Haliburtnn, Free Grants. 119 Hardy 195 Harrison 199 Hastings, Free Grants in 131 Haughton 205 HavUand 262 Head 166 Heiflchel 137 Herrick 267 Himsworth 192 Hfr.don 123 Howland 263 Humphry 103 Huntsville 82 Huron. Free Grants on Lake 168 Huroman System 24 Immigration to Ontario . . 277 " Dominion Agents 279 Indian Lands 238 Johnson ■ • • ■ 206 Jones 204 281 Page KaininJitiquia Valley 183 Kara 25» Keppel 240 Korah 172 Lake Superior Region 9, 173, 185 Lake NipiBsing ^' 11, 207 Laird 258 Laurentian System 22 Lav/rence 202 Lefr jy 221 Lindsay 241 Livingstoi.e 201 Lount 193 Lyndock 157 LyeU 203 Lutterworth 124 Macaulay 87 Machar 191 Alatjanetawan 109 Manitouiin Island 241 Mattawan 166 Matawatchan 159 Mayo 135 Medora. 98 Meredith 258 Miller 142 Mills 195 Minden 119 Monck 88 Monmouth 129 Monteith . 105 Monteagle 135 Morrison 89 Moss 235 Municipal Institutions 44 Muskoka Township 88 District 55 Climate 58 " Agriculture and Stock-raising 64 " Manufactures 68 " Navigation 72 " Social aspects 74 " Religion 74 Area of 117 McClure 138 McClintock 201 McDonald 258 McDougall 101 McGregor 225 McKay 163 McKellar 107 McKenzie 196 McLean 92 McMurrich 113 McTavish 225 Neebing 176 Nepigon 230 Nipissing Township 116 " Lake 11, 207 " District, Free Grants in 145 Oakley 91 Oliver 174 Ottawa and Georgian Bay Territory 3 Outfit required by Settlers 39 Paipoonge 176 Palmerston 140 Palmer 223 Pardee 180 Parry Sound District 76, 100 Area of 118 " Village 78 Parke 223 Fare Patton 220 Patterson 194 Pembroke and Mattawan Iwoad 166 Agency 161 Perry 114 Petewawa 162 Peterborough, Free Grante in 126 Pennefather 259 Pic 232 Plummet' 109 Prince 172 Pringle 193 Proudfoot 189 Port Sydney 82 Radcliffe 166 Raglan 168 Renfrew, Free Grants in 145 Richards 150 Ridout 93 Roads, Colonization 46 Rolph 165 Rose 221 R(3U8seau 82 Rutherford 217 Ryde 90 Ryerson 115 Ryan 224 Sabine 203 Salter 219 Sandfield 254 Saugeen Peninsula 240 Sault Ste. Marie 171 Setiujrs, Advice to 34, 83 Sebaatopol 154 Shawanaga . 199 Sheguiandah 255 Sherborne 201 Sherwood 153 Sibley 229 Sinclair 188 Snowdon 120 Spence Ill Spragge. 219 Stanhope 121 Stephenson 94 Stisted , 97 Strong 190 Surveys, Modes of . . 41 St. Edmunds 241 St. Joseph's Island 170 Tarbutt 206 Tarentorus 223 Tehkummah 255 Temiskaming Lake H Temperature, highest and lowest in 1876 33 Thompson 220 Thunder Bay, Free Grants on 173 Thessalon. 257 Tilley 265 Townships surveyed, but not in the market 187 Tudor 213 Tupper 262 Vankoughnet 261 Victoria 218 Watt 93 Wicklow 138 Wilberforce 146 Wilson 197 Wood 99 Wollaston 212 WyUe 164 ! THE FIREE QUAIMT LAI908 OP MUSKOKA AND PARRY SOUND Lakes of Muskoka Steam-boat Line, Comprising four Steamers peculiarly well adaptqd for all the branches of tra< upon these waters. Settlers, business men and pleasure seekers most efficiently accommodated i very moderate charges. Merchandise, household goods, building materials, horses, oxen, cows, shee pigs, poultry, &c., carried with safety and dispatch, at ^ 'W rates. A steamer calls twice daily, each way at Bracebridge, and daily at Po; Carling, Windermere and Eousseau ; semi-weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturday to Walker's Point. Point Kave, Torrance, Bala, Juddhaven and Port Cockbum. I*. conrnrizcTioNS With stage lines from Bracebridge to Muskoka Falls, Uffington, Stoneleigh, Bays ville, Falkenburg, Utterson, Port Sydney, thence by steamer Northern to Hunts villa. Port Vernon, and intermediate points. With stage line^ from Windermere to Dee Bank, UfFord, Beatrice, Raymonc and Ullswater. | ' . With stage lines from Rousseau to Ashdown, Trout Lake, Falding Feathenstone, Parry Harbour, Parry Sound, Waubamik, McKellai-, Dunchurch Seguin Falls, North Seguin, Spence, Maganetawan, Mecuonoma, Commanda anc Nipissing. Apply at Northern Railway, Toro^jto, and to the undersigned at Graven- hurst, A.. P. COOKBTJRISr. u 1-^roprietor. ^y^'^ M O <• . .^ w 14 r L yNoi '^ ''^ vj ^ " H 7- c o , pf^nst ;<:«R ,' c °i- I rcE s X/ "'wi cut w T T \ O A / " I T ; TT ^' ,A-, yi / Cf c ^'^'VT ^ V' *«00./ " R o ^i ^o- -^^x. s" A; o a «■ c 'On( '«Tre\, ,^.. Oo c ■" ^'^Ti-^.^rA I a ot*r^)f^ J 1 -'-+-4/-. A Ui -..^ o V _A V "SroN j /* "^ ^ '*'-'»*'AKE£ \ \ I " I C ''■OR, On. ,'««.« t ; " A M -p (cla V r'o.\. MY (IHDKH OF TH lO HDXOKAUl.K i?>/B.Partl«, COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS. ^^£«T HAP ©|. lii QQ All] INI I© Ml OF °EL A wy «E 9 u J o N E /s / J A C K S O '^ L , f, .p O M EMBRACING THE PROVINCES OF ONTARIO, QUEPEC,MANITOBA,NEW BRUNSWICK.NOVASCOTIA.PRmCE EDWARD 1SI° ¥- ("()Mi'ii.i:i) I'NDMW riii: imkkction of ^SlfitmiK. Di'itiu,' BR<5.S. DEPUTY SURVEYOR GENERAL FOR ONTARIO, /'^A-^r'/ ( i;..- , Jf,:}-^ AWtif' u. »•»»•"••"« ( '"'rt?;'*^ 1 X ^^T ^ J, VACA AND HEMINOrORD fUlUVAY I W Lall I .S ' .lalM UNCC AND INOUSTKY RAILWAY lUNSWICKl?.;t^';^- IWd