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Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be sr.;irely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmds d des taux de reduction diff^rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seui cliche, il est film6 d partir de I'artgle sup^riour gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images nicessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 V m»w ■*■■*■•■ -if^ 1 RITISH 'm ANO ITS RESO URGES. Compiled by and Printed for Messrs. SHANNON & McLAGHI^AN, Vancouver, B. 'G. -<>*ej'»ii»*j»*'v- F5802.IX1 S4 : LONDON: GEO. BARBER, i6 & 17, CXJRSITOR STREET, CHANCERY LANE, E.G. i 88 9. dE^i^oe ' sjcxpssxrexa. 4 w Our Specialities I ^^"^ Lands. WM. SHANNON. CHA8. McLACHLAN. Timber Limits. -> m m itt mi has an area of about 37,000 acres, with about 2,000 head of stock. Towards the East is another of considerable size belonging to the Messrs. Drummond, also several more on a smaller scale. There have been several ranches taken up recently in the interior, but the larger portion of the land is still open for settlements. On th" Chilcotin River there is a small grist mill which turns out the finest flour in British Columbia, ground from the grain grown in this country. The land, however, is most suitable for pastoral purposes, and is not particularly adapted for rfanning, being subject to summer frosts sometimes, which are liable to destroy the crops. The rich bunch grass Avhich grows in abundance, and is equally as good in winter as in summer, makes it a very rich grazing country, so much so, that it will one day be one of the greatest stock-raising countries of the West. Cattle ranching on a large scale requires considerable capital, and owing to "the want of it this industry is practically undeveloped. The stock requires to be fed in aome winters, but only at such times as the bunch grass is completely covered with snow, which does not as a rule occur every year. However, provision can be easily made for this, on account of the large quantities of grass growing on the prairies, which should be cut, turned into hay, and stored for use. 'Cattle ranching is one of the healthiest occupations in the IG BRITISH COLUMBIA world, being particularly so in this district, which is not subject to high winds or blizzards, but enjoys a clear, diy atmosphere, making the settler feel light-hearted and buoyant. The stock could be driven either to the head of the Bentick Arm on the coast and from theie shipped to the various markets, or inland to Aslicroft Station on the Canadian Pacific Railway. The latter is the general route taken, as there is no difficulty in the cattle finding feed along the road. There is a line projected from Ashcroft Station running North, which would tap this portion of British Columbia, and when this takes place it will have easy access to the outside world. THE HORSE-FLY COUNTRY. This country extends a few miles from the Cariboo- Road, on the North-west, to the Horse-Fly Lake, on the South-east, and embraces an area of about 60 square miles. The land consists of plateaus and valleys, which are intersected by numerous lakes and streams. The valleys as a rule are open prairie, though the hills are lightly timbered. The general altitude is from 1,500 to 2,000 feet above sea level, and the country is, therefore, less subject to summer frosts than the Chilcotin District. The principal stream is the Horse-Fly, which is of considerable size. A large quantity of gold has been taken from this river, and Tery rich deposits of this precious metal are still found in this locality. There is a placer gold mine close by, owned by Mr. Harper, which is expected to return good results when further developed. The Horse-Fly Lake is the largest body of water in this district, and there is a range of mountains on the north-east of it which will one day be the centre of a gold excitement. The same range extends north past Quesnelle Lake into the Cariboo country, which was famed many years ago for the rich deposits taken out of it. This country is the best watered in the whole of British Columbia ; the streams and small lakes, which abound with fish, form an almost continuous AND ITS RESOURCES. IT chain, draining eventually into the main channel of the Frascr River. The summers are simply delightful, and thf)ugh warm at times, there are fresh, cool winds, which make the season very enjoyable. The extreme heat rarely exceeds 100 degrees, and is but seldom reached. The atmosphere is so pure that it has Inirdly a rival in this respect in the world. There is a small rainfall, though sufficient, rendering irrigation unnecessary, and' the soil, where not subject to summer frosts, is suitable for agricultural purposes. The autunni is clear and dry. with light frosts at night, but warm during the day. Winter commences about the end of November and ends about the middle of March, though there is seldom much snow till January. The cold at this season of the year is sometimes extreme, but high winds and blizzards are unknown. The arrival of the warm Chinook winds are the first signs of the opening of spring, and when these appear the snow rapidly melts, and vegetation grows pro- fusely about April. Then the flowers form a perfect garden, with their varied colour and beauty, though unfor- tunately they are devoid of smell. The soil of the valleys is extremely rich, being similar and quite equal to that of Manitoba ; that of the hills is more of a lighter, loamy character. The chief value of this country is the great variety of grasses grown in it, all of which are very nutritious and of luxuriant growth. One of these deserves particular attention. It is found in large quantities in the valleys about the lakes, and re- sembles the sugar cane both in form and sweetness, there- fore it is known under this name. It makes the choicest hay, and is extremely rich in fattening qualities, so much so, that it exceer s in this respect the finest cultivated grass. The crop o. this averages about three tons to the acre. This variety grows in abundance, and the country being level, there is no difficulty in putting up fodder ready for use in the winter, should occasion require. In other parts of this country there are a variety of other grasses, comprising wild 'i'lover, wild timothy, foxtail, timber grass, pea vine, etc. The hills are covered with bunch grass similar to that grown in the Chilcotin district. Much of the- 18 BRITISH COLUMBIA land, more especially that in the valleys, will be used for agriculture. This country is the finest pastoral district in British Columbia, and at present is entirely unsettled, though, as 80(^1 as communication is opened up, in the shape of a railway, it will be taken up by stockmen. Though the winter is rather severe and long, with a con- siderable snowfall, it is more than counterbalanced by the easy provision that can be made to feed cattle in this season by putting up hay in the summer. It is also un- equalled as a dairy country in America, having the best water, and this, coupled with the natural milk-producing qualities of the fodder, will cause it one day to take the first rank. It is well adapted for sheep raising, the climate being very suitable. This country is much superior to the stock-raising dis- tricts of the Southern portion of British Columbia, there being a never-failing supply of natural fodder and water, while in the latter the growth dies out for want of mois- ture. Across the plains of this country one can observe several large bands of horses feeding, and their condition in summer is such that, owing to the fattening qualities of the pasture, they are unable to go at their ordinary speed. In the winter they feed on the meadow lands. BLACK EIVEK AND SKEENA EFVEE DISTEICT. \!» ,i The Black Eiver is distant about GO miles from that of the Quesnelle, and from there to the Skeena Eiver District is a distance of about 300 miles. This country was first explored for the construction of a telegraph line to cross the Behring Straits and thence to connect with the Euro- pean system. This was in 1865, and was the proposed route of the "Western Union Telegraph Company, but was abandoned owing to the successful laying of the Atlantic cable. Since that time the country has not attracted much attention, and has only been used to drive cattle to the Omenica and Cassiar Mines when they were being worked. A large quantity of good pastoral and farming AND ITS RESOURCES. Id* M^ land exists in the Black Eiver and its vicinity, and the prairies are to be found extending northwards to Stewart's JUake, where a Hudson's Bay Trading Post, known as Fort St. James, has been established for many years. In connection with this fort, as is usual with this Company, they have turned their attention to stock-raising and agri- culture, besides other business. A large tract of land is cultivated by them, on which is successfully grown wheats barley, and all kinds of vegetables. The country as a rule is open, but lightly timbered in places, though everywhere grass may be seen, extending even to the woods. The soil of the valleys is extremely rich, and, as the climate is favourable, though somewhat severe in the winter, it will no doubt be brought into culti- vation. The district, extending from the Black River and crossing the Noolthkl, Fraser and Francois Lakes, together with that of the river as far as Decker Lake, is similar in, appearance and character to that already described. Around the Francois and Decker Lakes there is grass which wou'd average about two tons to the acre. The telegraph lines are still standing, and they cross the centre of all these valleys, extending as far the Skeena River, and the watershed formed by the lakes drain into the Fraser on the Soutli-east and into the Skeena on the North- west. From Decker Lake the elevation of the country towards the Skeena River becomes lower and the valleys more defined, extending for a distance of nearly 200 miles north-west t(.i the Skeena River, forming what is con- sidered the richest belt of agricultural land in British. Columbia. This at present is wholly unsettled. The- Wastonquah River runs througli the centre of this valley. This stream, with very little outlay, could be made navi- gable for light draught steamers and boats. There are also numerous lakes, the largest being the McLean or McClure Lake, causing it to be a well-watered country, with no alkali. This rich valley in many places is over 40 miles wide, and there are numerous smaller ones ad- joining it equally as good, tlie whole occupying an area of about 300 square miles. The general climate is excellent and particularly suitable for agriculture, more so in thia ya -20 BEITISH COLUMBIA particnlar thali any of the northern or eastern plateaus of British Cohimbia. It is ahnost entirely free from siunmer frosts, and in no part is irrigation necessary, the rainfall being sufficient, while in the southern portions of this pro- Tince, such as the Nicola, Okonogan, &c., crops cannot he grown without artificial watering. The winters are some- what long, extending from about the end of November to the middle of Maroli ; the cold, however, is not extreme ; it is of a comparaiively even temperature, without any high winds or blizzards. The average snowfall is about 15 inches, making sleighing very enjoyable, without the ■disagreeableness of a heavy thaw. The atmosphere is particularly clear and bracing at all times ; this alone will cause it to settle up very fast as soon as connection is established with the outside world. The soil is generally -of a rich black loam, with a clay subsoil reaching a depth of three feet in manj" places, and cannot bt surpassed for agricultural purposes, being greatly superior to that in Manitoba, as the country possesses a much more enjoy- able clima,te and the crops are not endangered by summer .frosts. There is no valley of the same size on the Pacific Coast which produces such a natural luxuriant growth ; and various kinds of grasses cover the whole surface. The most common are w?ld timothy, red top and the blue -grasses, though bunch grass is not found in this part of the province. Wild fruits grow in abundance, which is a sufficient proof that the soil is well adapted for orchards. Timber is rather scarce in some parts., but where this occurs it can easily be procured by drawing it a few miles, as the distances from where it is to be found are never very great. This valley could be farmed on an ex- -tensive scale, as it is an immense prairie on which the •most improved machinery could be used, the chief thing which is necessary for the cultivation of the ground would be the breaking of the soil, and as there are no obstruc- tions, this work would be very easy, especially in compari- son to the immense labour to clear other districts of this province which are thickly timbered. At the moath of the Wastonquah, where it flows into the Skeena, there is a large Indian Tribe who take their ■ AND ITS BE SOURCES. 21 name from this locality, besides which there are a Hudson's Bay Trading Fort and a mission established. Both the whites and the Indians living in this vicinity have raised large crops of grain and vegetables, though only sufficient for their own use. From here towards the North-west for a distance of about 50 miles the country is similar to that previously described, but after this the land becomes mount linous and swampy until you travel toward the head of ths Naas River, where you come into a good grazing country. Then travelling north in the direction of the Stickeen Ri-^'er, near the Cassiar mines, you come across numerous valleys, which have been cultivated in places by the miners, who have raised good crops, and they would most likely have been wiser and wealthier men if they had turned their attention entirely to agricultural pursuits instead of fol- lowing the uncertain fortune of a gold digger's lot. The country abounds in game of all kinds, the chief being moose, elk, red deer, bear, prairie chickens, grouse, geese, wild ducks, &c. Wild flowers grow in great pro- fusion, among which might be mentioned the daisy, which is here very common. The great drawback to the settling of this fertile valley at the present time is the want of communication with the outside world. There is a lofty range of mountains between it and the coast, which is quite impassable except for a pedestrian, and even then it is a very arduous and dan- gerous task. The Skeena is the only river which taps it, but is not naviga/ble, except for canoes, and then only ari certain seasons of the year, being attended at the same time with much risk to the adventurer. The Canadian Pacific Railway is about 600 miles distant, and, theretore, of no use iis far as this country is concerned. A good wagon road, wliich was built to the Cariboo Mines, extends about half tin's distance, and although the remainder is through an <'>])en country suitable for pack trains, it is impassable for wagons, though, even if it were, the distance would be too great to render the journey at all profitable. There is a lino now projected by the Provincial Government which, if l^iiilt, will be the means of throwing this rich, undeveloped 22 BRITISH COLUMBIA country open for settlement, and then it will prove a source of revenue to the province. NECHACO AND PEACE EIVEK COUNTKY. The Nechaco Kiver is about 150 miles long and rises not far from Stewart Lake, and continues its course till it flows into the Eraser opposite Fort George. The country surrounding it is by far the best bunch grass district in the northern part of British Columbia, and having a large L,rea of meadow land, is particularly well adapted for stock raising. There is a very small amount of good agricultural land, therefore it may be classed as a purely pastoral country. The climate is similar to that of the Chilcotin District. Leaving the Nechaco Kiver, and following in a north-easterly direction towards the Peace Kiver, you come upon Canoe Creek and McLeod Lake, where there is also some good grazing country. Here we are on the borders of the Peace Kiver Country, which was called by a well-known traveller, " The Great Lone Land of North America." This name was not given to it for its want of fertility, but for the great extent of the country it embraces, part of which is in the Province of British Columbia. Fort Laird is situated here. Near this trading post a large quantity of the vegetables consumed by the miners in the Omenica country were grown, and were pronounced first rate in quality ; also grain has been raised with very fair success. This portion of the Peace Kiver Country is very suitable for stock ranges, and there is at present a large band of horses owned by a gentleman in this locality that thrive remarkably well, and require iio' attention at any season of the year. It is here that the Dominion Government received a grant of 250,000 acres from the Provincial to compensate them on account of the broken mountainous country which was intended for the 40-mile belt, and agreed upon by the terms of the Union between the two for the construction of the Pacific Kailroad, and was a bone of contention for several years ;aitil it was amicably settled in this way. \h AND ITS RESOURCES. 23 X Following the Peace Eiver eastwards the country •quickly descends to a lower level. The waters of this river have cut their way tlirough the clayey nature of the soil to a depth very often of from three to four hundred feet below the general surface of the country, forming a valley of considerable size, with bluffs on each side similar to that of the Colorado Eiver. This in some places is 15 miles wide ; the soil of it is exceedingly rich, and where cultivated has proved remarkable for its fertility, owing chiefly to the protection received from the perpendicular banks. This country might be called an immense rolling plateau, made up of hills, valleys, prairies and woodlands, intersected by numerous lakes and streams, embracing hundreds of thousands of acres of fertile land, which if it were not for the frequency of summer frosts would becoipe one of the largest agricultural districts in Canada. Owing to this it is unfit for farming in a gi'eat many places, although in every other respect there is not anything wanting. However, there are parts of it very suitable for grain, &c. This country has been sj^oken of very favourably by a recent writer, but miners and ethers who have resided in it cannot coincide with him in his opinion, though all acknowledge it is a country of very great natural resources. The Peace Eiver is navigable for almost its entire length for steamers of light draught. The waters of this country find their way through the McKenzie into the Arctic Ocean, and this river, with its tributaries, forms one of the greatest systems of inland waters in the known world. There are already rumours afloat that this country will be the route of the next transcontinental railway, via Fort Edmonton in the North-West Territory, Lake St. Anne, Athabasca Eiver, following the lake of the same name, und then passing through this country to the Skeena Eiver, and north to Fort Simpson on the Pacific Coast, which is a great natural harbour, and at one time it was thought that it would be the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Eailway. This route would have immense advantages over every other road that has yet been built. There would be no lofty ranges to cross, as that of the Eocky Mountains ter- 24 BRITISH COLUMBIA miiiates a little to the north of the Fraser, and this natural barrier, which has proved an obstacle to other lines, would practically disappear, and this new line would compara- tively speaking cross almost a level country. Snowsheds would not be required, and no blockades need be feared, as the country is entirely free from the blizzards and storms which occur further south. It can therefore be easily imagined that the cost of construction would be very small in comparison to the other great through lines, and also that a great saving in working expenses would be effected, besides opening up one of the richest sections in America, which would be quickly peopled on account of its great fertility . NICOLA AND OKANAGAN. These districts are situated in the southern part of British Columbia, and are both more or less settled. The resources of their valleys are pretty well known, as they have been frequently described in other publications ; therefore it will be unnecessaiy to go over the ground very fully. They are chiefly noted for their cattle, and also for their mining and agricultural pursuits. The Spall- mucheen is the best farming land in this district, as irri- gation is not needed, but the same cannot be said for any other portion. Generally speaking, the remainder maybe described as a pastoral country, as the scarcity of water for irrigation purposes prevents its becoming a great agri- cultural settlement. Part of the Okanagan is a splendid fruit country, peaches, apricots, and grapes being raised which are equal to those grown in California. The meat market of British Columbia is supplied from the stock faiTQS in this part. The climate is considered very beneficial for consump- tion, and many people suffering from this disease are re- commended by their medical advisers to live on the banks of the Nicola, where the atmosphere is exceedingly dry and pure. Many cures have been effected, especially in those cases where the complaint has not made much headway. Ira? lid L'a- 3ds 3d, (nd be be .1 AND ITS RESOUECES. KOOTENAY. 25 This country extends from the Kocky Mountains to the Columbia Eiver. The appearance of the country from here up the Kootenay Eiver, for a distance of about 40 miles, is very rough and mountainous. But from there to the Kootenay and Columbia Lakes, a distance of about "two hundred miles, it is principally prairie, and well adapted for stock-raising and agriculture, but the choicest land is that around the Upper Lake. There is steamboat communication on these waters which extends as far as Golden City, a small town on the Canadian Pacific Rail- way. The whole of this country is partly settled, and since the construction of the railway it has become a favourite location which will soon cause it to be a very thriving district. Gold and silver ledges have been found in its vicinity, companies have been formed to work the «ame, and they have every faith in their future develop- ment. Should these be successful it will prove one of the richest districts in this province, not only on account of its mining industries, but also for the extra stimulus given to agriculture, as the farmers and stock raisers Vidll be able to dispose of their produce and cattle in their own market. This country embraces a large area of land suit- able for cattle ranches, some of which has already been utilised for this purpose, though there are still large tracts waiting for settlement. One of the great advantages is its position, lying as it does between the Canadian and Northern Pacific Eailways, it can be easily reached from either side, and is therefore bound to attract the attention -of incoming strangers. The climate is dry, and. particu- larly healthy, with an entire absence of summer frosts and sufiicient rainfall for all purposes. The winters are mild and the summers moderately warm, making it a favourite resort for invalids. THE MAIN COLUMBIA EIVEE VALLEY. This valley has a length of between three and four hundred miles, and follows the Columbia Eiver to the 2C BRITISH COLUMBIA base of the Rockies. This river flows through the First Arrow Lake, which is situated about thirty miles to the north of the International Boundary Line. The two lakes, namely the Upper and Lower, form a beautiful sheet of water about 160 miles long. Between these and connecting them is a river, on the banks of which and at the head of the Upper Lake there is a large area of good farming land which is lightly timbered ; from here, follow- ing the Columbia as far as Revelstoke, the country is heavily timbered, most of which will prove very valuable for hmibering ; the soil is however not first-class, though well adapted for fruit raising. From Revelstoke to St. Martin's Rapids the valleys spread out to a width in some places of 30 miles ; the soil of these is similar to the pre- viously described, but the timber is not so good in quality. From St. Martin's Rapids to the Rockies the land im- proves considerably, being lightly timbered in places, though generally an open country possessing a rich soil. Here the Canoe River enters the Columbia, which is navi- gable from the International Boundary to the Rockies, with the exception of two rapids, namely the Death and St. Martin's, and these could be improved with very little expense. The climate differs somewhat from those mentioned before, as the snow and rainfalls are consider- ably more, with a moist and humid atmosphere and com- paratively mild winters. This may be accounted for by the presence of the mountain ranges surrounding it. QUEEN CHARLOTTE GROUP. These islands are situated to the north of Vancouver's Island, and are distant about 60 miles from the mainland of British Columbia. The chief island of this group is Graham Island, and it is by far the wealthiest in natural resources. The eastern part is mostly level, and contains a considerable area of good agricultural land, extending as far as sixty miles along the coast. The western part is covered with low mountains and hills, intersected by The general character of numerous lakes and valleys. AND ITS RESOURCES. 27 le '(> d IS It. ,. L the country is prairie, intermixed with small brush and a light growth of timber. The soil is well suited for agricul- ture and fruit raising, but especially adapted for a grazing •country. The Indians have cultivated patches, and the large crops grown by them prove the richness of the land. The hills in many places are covered with a short grass, which would make it a capital sheep grazing country. In some of the mountain valleys spruce and fir are found in large qiiantities, which will eventually be turned to good account for lumbering purposes. There is situated on the north-west extremity of this island a Hudson's Bay fort, near which there is a large band of cattle ; and on account of the mildness of the climate and the rich pas- ture surrounding them, they do not require any attention during the winter. Coal, both bituminous and anthracite, has been discovered on this island in large quantities, the quality of which has been pronounced by experts to be greatly superior to any found on the Pacific Coast, even more so than that worked in Nanaimo, on Vancouver's Island. This fact has drawn the attention of the shrewdest business men in the province, who have invested largely in these lands, and have shown their belief in their wealth by opening out four different mines. It is the general ■opinion of scientists that this island will prove an immense coal field. If the operations which have been commenced turn out profitable, they will be increased to a much larger •scale, and be able to support a large mining population. Should this take place, the land in the vicinity will be taken up by fanners, as they will have a market close at hand to dispose of their produce. The islands to the south are more mountainous and rugged in appearance, though covered with a short grass, which would be adapted to sheep grazing. However, there are several valleys of good land, among which may be named those of Shingle Bay and Gold Harbour. The latter place took its name from the gold discovered by the Hudson's Bay Company many years ago, which was shipped in the shape of quartz to England, where it was reduced. The climate of these islands is the most equable in British Columbia ; although they nve so far north, the soft, himiid atmosphere of the ocean, T" 28 BRITISH COLTTMBIA together with the warm Japanese gulf stream, prevent a. marked difference at any season of the year, and renders them extremely mild. The rainfall is considerably less than on the coast of the mainland, which is owing, no doubt, to there being no lofty mountain ranges. Snow seldom falls, but, when it does, soon disappears, on account of the general mildness of the air. These islands are well situated commercially, as there is no difficulty in sailing into the many harbours along the coast. Towing is therefore unnecessary, and thus, coupled with their other advantages, such as coal mining, &c., they will no doubt become a very important naval station. Communi- cation at the present time with other parts of the province is somewhat irregular, though a project is on foot to pro- vide regular service. Another industry which has not yet been mentioned, namely, fishing, though now only in its infancy, will shortly become one of the most important in the province. Fishing stations are being erected along the coast, the waters of which are teeming witVi fish. Among the various kinds is the black cod, which is con- sidered a very great delicacy, and is caught here in large quantities, and shipped to the eastern market, where it finds a ready sale. Wild fowl abound everywhere, but no wild animal has yet been found existing on these islands. ■> r VANCOUVER'S ISLAND. This is by far the largest island in British Columbia,, and is about 250 mil'^ss long, with a breadth of about 50 and 00 miles. The southern part is by far the oldest settled district in the province. The general appearance of the coast is broken and rugged, and to the eye of the stranger would appear rock-bound, though on a nearer approach numerous openings are discovered, disclosing bays and in- lets, most of which afford the best of anchorage. The harbonrs on the west coast are used by the different schooners in the sealing fleet as the base of their opera- tions, from which they sail out with their Indian hunters, who return to their homes at the end of the season. One AND ITS RESOURCES. 29' of the sources of wealth in the province, namely, coal mining, is pursued on the east coast. The chief centre of this important industry is Nanaimo, which, for its beauti- ful scenery and surroundings, is one of the prettiest towns in the mining world. The principal collieries are owned by Messrs. N. Dunsmuir and Sons and the Vancouver Coal Company, who export a large quantity of coal to San Francisco, where it realises a much higher price than the home article, on account of its superior quality. There are some new mines now being opened at Comox, which is situated about 50 miles to the north-east of Nanaimo. These will no doubt in time have an output equal to that of their older rival. This island contains a large area of farming land, some of which is pretty thickly settled, more especially the valleys on the east coast. The north part is supposed to be very rich in coal, and a large quantity of land has lately been applied for by Victoria capitalists in the vicinity. The other principal resources are fishing, lumbering, and mining. The general climate is mild, and resembles greatly that of England. GENEEAL EEMAEKS. There are numerous other localities which might be mentioned, but space will not pennit the ground to be thoroughly worked in a small pamphlet, but, at the same time, for the information of the general public, it might perhaps be better to name a few without entering into- general details, such as the Pemberton Meadows, Lilloet, Buonaparte, Bella Coola, Salmon Eiver, Squamish, North Thompson, Bridge Creek, Lower Naas, and numerous other valleys, most of which are suitable for agriculture and stock. British Columbia cannot be considered a great farming country when we compare the amount of land suitable for- agriculture with the area of the entire Province, though it cannot be denied that it possesses considerable wealth in this respect, and will eventually support a large farming population. The Province is almost alone in the great :80 BRITISH COLUMBIA variety of climate which it embraces, from the moist hmuid air of the coast to the dry cold or warmth of the interior, with its pure atmosphere ; in fact, it might almost be safe to state that in every valley of any size the climate varies somewhat in this respect. Some persons who have only had an acquaintance with a part of this immense country might possibly describe the climate in the district in which they had lived as moist, while others would be equally within the truth by stating that it was dry and cold, and though both statements would appear contradictory, tliey would be correct so far as their experience had led them to believe. Strangers arriving by the Canadian Pacific Kailway will have a very poor and mistaken idea of the country, as the railway travels through the most rocky and moun- tainous portion of British Columbia, which, though ex- ceedingly picturesque to the artistic eye, is somewhat disappointing to- that of the immigrant who has decided to make it his home. It might be asked why was this route then selected, but this question can easily be answered when we consider that this is the most direct route to the coast, and was chosen on account of the saving of distance. The great advantage this country possesses over many others is that, owing to its varied resources, it could, if needful, be almost independent of the outside world, providing it Itad uhe necessary capital to work the same. A person can have no idea of tho natural wealth of British Columbia unless one has become intimately acquainted with its natural resources by long residence and extensive travel. Many express an opinion which is given out as authentic, but on examination it very often proves superficial, and is liable to give the public a -wrong and mistaken idea for want of proper mvestigation. h PBINTED BT GKO. BAKBGni CnilBIron ST., rnXNCEUT tANE AND FLRNITAL ST., IIOI-IIORN. Wl. I I, :m Hh ^^f^ ^^^^l^fl!^^?fl^i^*^ Mj Purchased 1q> ~ JA^i)^ \Jj>4 From ...Uidi!: MjQu Place of Purchask UO Price. ..P\/H!^. Late:r Catalogued Prices .-''■M 'ST KpilllMIHIIIUIIWII calling or writing can be certain of obtaining reliable iiiforma- tion. TIMBER LIMITS. Some First-class Claims to be disposed of. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. Twenty-seven years' experience in British Columbia. P.O. BOX 293, VANCOUVER, B.C. LlFB AND FIRE INSURANQE EFFECTED. OfRce— Hastings Street (opposite Leiand Hotel), Yancouver, B.C. London Office—Agent at 29, Furnivai Street, Holborn, E.C. ---I I * ?. I ^mwlwdBBKh IALITIE8 (Farm Lands. I Timber Limits, WM. SHANNON. CHAS. McLACHLAN. [HANNON & MCLACHLAN, ESTATE AND FINANCIAL AGENTS. in all parts of the City for Sale, i^ce Acre Property for Sale cheap. kkw Lands.— A large List to select froir . Cattle Eanohea iwitwsu. Having c practical knowledge of this bvanch, paities calling or writing can be certain of obtaining reliable informa- tion. TIMBER LIMITS. Some First-class Claims to be disposed of. CORRESPOK!)ENCE ,^iOLICITED. St „ Twenty-seven years' experience in British Columbia. P.O. BOX 293, VANCOUVER, B.C. LIFE AND FIRE INSURANCE EFFECTED. Office— Hastings Street (opposite Leiand Hotel), Vancouver, B.C. London Office— Agent at 29, Furnival Street, Holborn, E,0.