'■'• / I '^ s * "' 5 k" L -' / / / Liilon •^•^ '■■■ A I U*^' t " ■■ ' HTM'- /y C** uilj M IB 1/ 18 " 19 _ 43 ' LoiiglUiilii Wmi I I^Tram On X " 1"'. T^^^l}^^ ,,.«»«l-«. ," *»lHM»i»t. ,„, *■•",« 11,11.0 »'" -T*''^ -iill— . >» aM"">«L^J^ » ; ■V"- -• * * ' TMeu iiiout -■ kC ilcotln ^ . FOmiJT PUTUD *^ Soii.i I'nfk ^j » % y * w ar fits. '< ''^»d#r«,» jO° /or.'S .jf* Oliutiin ^'l Chcmuiuua. Clillco riiimwUack... ClintiHi Coiirox CottoHwooU . . Courcbim lit-auo lloiia>3.. IJorfCroek Kltnoro r:iil4liRh Kactd KHfiuimult. . I'li'iil lortlliiMni'... I'lirtClilliolhi. FortConuclly, Kort Fraac-r. . . 'ort (li'iiriio . ., 'ort •laincfl. . . . _ irt Wriuiwt'l, Kurt UiiptTt. . Fort btii-pburd Oranvlllp i- io Tc -,,■•;;•■;•■ OroatSIWo Q H yuosllelle *ork« Harvey tri'i'k F 20 I'lclifiuld a zu II. 11. Co I'rt u 21 J'omani;utliollcM'.3«lon....O 24 lloHi'D'i LttDdliiK K ;t2 °<""n I- 18 Ilono !• 20 ghtooU.t (l 11 H. H.lo'«.Tradl[inroi!t....I, 8 pkeona y 29 Indian Vlllaiio a IS boda Creok O 18 Indian Vlllauu B 29 BnmonoB R 16 Kamliiopit L 21 g«"«> 9 15 Kllawolaku B 29 gPonce's Brltlifo M 20 KUpyox B ao I' I'a"' h Vi Ko>,'.iinay O 32 Bumaa (j J8 Kuldo. I) 20 Taclio A IS LaoLaliacho t 20 SSP^rolnwool O 11 Ladnor's I.«ndlng (j 17 TISlo , I anno cache P 23 LailRan .1 80 Vancouver P 18 lianding B SI Van Wlnklo B 10 u _ UUnoet li 19 Victoria S 10 ]y Lytton N 19 Wellington, Ucparlurij ^ MoDonald'« on SlirlUKS E 31 _ BaT U 14 MoLflod'iFort a 32 Tato..... 14 0»JH VlvtUr/ fM*t>t& MATWNM. •OUN^tllv;:^*" " 10 12 IS j4 IS 16 17 IS 19 ^20 21 ly 2G n 211 30 .12 :\\ \\ *■" T ._J: 4 UPPER PORTION I BRITISH COLUMB ,.^ jn iw. ' \ f v\ »* / *4 '^ '.1.1 . '"~Ji/» .^ ^>1 *^A^ L ^wuh*! %• I, Turt R'ftogloD PlHt TanUa L. -■--4."'. ^^1i'?,*i,fcl" ' A"" •■ CwtiuuNMa Vnilrr Ornn JJiei' tutua ■Tailua ' ^TH UNO MjjZfwt iter ;M ;. 1/*"- V^ ;. KJII r < -I V ...... TT^n^wrcv ^J 1,.k I.. 100 ^ "^H^yF t'Auiei lake fyStOM HO. .E D S \ ijfeoit from 4 f Washington 20 22 msaru* 26 ^ 'i* <»> OfK^^" jf 30OO \ Stt**' E ^ mi „eoiTUi» :e«4 y/^ ■"6r MAP I BRITISH COLUMBIA * , / Bh«>vrtng' the \ tanadian Pacific Railway. i V ,^ 1886. ^ A \ R«^'j >riiren^th« Map o( R. T. Wllllami Vlctofi*, f) MAUisvRATinuanuES. 24 -2L 27 28 J£= 29 II / <■-; > # / THE PROVINCE OF / British Columbia CANADA • • ITS RESOURCES, COMMERCIAL POSITION AND CLIMATE. AND DKSCaiPTION OF THE NEW FIELD OPENED UP BY THE CANADIAN FAGIHG RAILWAY WITH MAPS AND INFORMATION FOR INTENDING SETTLERS *'A Prorlnoe whioh Canada should be proud to possess, and whose association with tiM "^ Dominion she ought to regard as the crowning triumph of Federation." Eabl of BurrnBtK. ♦■v.;A-, :> \i^'Sf I y :s5 i^, ^.Ei iV Lca.).* & 'h.- M .&^^ »fl ,iv^i;f' »:■ , «r ;■•> ,,\i P' ,1 r^ nMm.i '.''ijSjtMr "^^ 1m jMpM^ 1 eirJ:; :-.4ii -4^; 1 'jftsfll \ s ^ l^H ii 1 1 m ^'TVn *' Hi 1 M^m 01 iSBBiBD JJlliri.SH C J..O.VIB1A FOREST ROAD. CONTENTS lNTiu)i)i;crr()UY Kkmakks .--••••••• 6 THE MAIxNLANI) OF lUllTISll COLUMBIA: jHifcriptidn, UeHoiircos, Vuncouver, Now Wefltminster and Towns • 7 VANCOITVEU ISLAND: Dosiriptiuii, Victoria, Esqnimalt, Nunulmo, etc. - • - • 22 liosourcos of laUmd, Climuto, etc. .---.. 26 Thk Inlands ok tiik Stuaits ..---«... 28 Taxaoa, Qukkn ('iiaui.ottk Lsi.ands, ktc. .-.•«, 28 The ( ioM) riici.DS or Burnsii Columuia, Coal, Era • • • • • 80 The Eisiikuiks ov the West Coast ■...«..• 33 The Fohest Tuioes -------....34 The TiiAUE of the Province -----.... 38 The Climate ok Ukitish Columbia .-..-.•,39 SpoKT and yOENEUY ---••-••-•• 42 Land Regulations -----••-•..44 How to Reach British Columbia -••••••• 47 Hints to Settlebs ---•••••••«48 -^^'■"-- ■■ ■ • ■„ ijnTtiTiMmfi'^^ RIVER STEAMERS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. ITS POSITION, RESOURCES, AND CLIMATE INTBODUGTOBY REMARKS. CONCERNING the Province of British Columbia, which the Canadian Pacific Railway so suddenly transformed into an easily accessible and profitable field for commercial enterprise, the majority of peojjle have only very indistinct ideas. This publication may perhaps supply use- ful information. Its object is to impart reliable information of the country, its present con- dition, its characteristics and capabilities, and the important position it now holds, and in the future will more distinctly occupy, in its relations with the other provinces of the Dominion, the trade of the Pacific Coast, and the commerce of the world at large. The completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway was tne dawn of a new era on the North Pacific Coast. The province that has been lightly spoken of as a "Sea of Mountains)." deriving a certain majesty from its isolation, its wilder attributes and undiscovered mysteries, is now traversed by a railway, accurately described as the highway between Liverpool and Hong Kong. The completion of this road dispelled the mists of British Columbia solitude, and allowed the current of trade to flow uninterruptedly between the Atlantic and the Pacific. The trade of the past has been mere dabbling on the shores of the ocean of commerce; a handful of men essaying the work of a milUon, and that they achieved success at all in the then far dista'^^t Pacific colony afforded a suggestive indication of what is being rapidlv accoriplished under the new conditions The history of British Columbia may be summed up in a few sentences. After a number of years, during which British Columbia, under various names, was occupied only by Indians and Traders ot ohe North-west Company, after- wards amalgamated with the Hudson's Bay Company ; Vancouver Island, an important port of the province, was made a colony in 1849. In 1858 the Main- land territory became a colony, with the name of British Columbia, and in 1866 the two colonies were united, and so remained until July 20th, 1871, when British Columbia, retaining its appellation, entered the Confederation of Canada. During the first years of its colonial phase of existence it was governed by Chief Factor James Douglas, afterwards Governor Sir James Douglas, with great ability and unqualified success. To a just and kindly rule he added a courage 6 BRITISH COLUMBIA and firmness that made his word respected amongst the Indians from the Gjl- umbia to the Skeena, and when the discovery of gold brought a rush of white men into the country, he displayed the same ability in governing them. Until the discovery of gold on the Columbia and the Fraser in 1856, the trade of the country was almost exclusively in furs, which were collected at Fort Victi)ria, on Vancouver Island, and shipi^ed to England via Cajie Horn. The people of British Columbia, walled out of communication with Canada by four ranges of mountains, and hamiHjred in their intercourse with California by national distinctions, were without any immediate prospect of improvement, wiion the confederation of the British American colonies, witn an invitation to British Columbia to join, on terms of unexpected generosity, opened to them a vista of ])ossibilities that transformed their apatlietic conteii'D^ent into sauguine exi)ectation After the admission of the colony into the Dominion of Canada in 1871, con siderable dissatisfaction arose from the inability of the Canadian Government to construct a railway to the Pacific within the time siiccified in the conditions upon which British Columbia had entered the confederation. Remonstrances were folhnved by a re-arrangement of terms, which in their turn were not entirely fulfilled, and fresh bickerings arose. At lust in 1881 the CanacTian Government entered into a contract with a syn- dicate of capitalists to build a railway from Ontario to the Pacific Ocean and to complete and ojierate it by the year 1891. An Act of Parliament was passed embodying the contract with the Syndicate, a company was organized, and work was immediately commenced and prosecuted with such vigor that the last rail in the gigantic railway that now binds British Columbia to the Eastern provinces of Canada was laid in November, 1885, six years before the time stipulated in the contract between the Government and the Company. This road has pierced the successive ranges of the Rocky Mountains, Selkirk, Gold ranges, etc. ; it has penetrated the then unknown country on tlife north of Lake Superior and opened a way from ocean to ocean. The busy life that teems on either side of the Atlantic already surges towards the west, impatient to reach the latent wealth of the 'Western provinces, and to seek on the shores of the Pacific new fields for its enterprise and capital. THE MAINLAND OP BRITISH COLUMBIA. THE GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION OF THE PROVINCE. British Columl)ia, tlie most westerly Province of Canada, lies between the 49th parallel of north latitude (the international boundary between Canada and the Unitod States) and latitude 60® N.,and extends westward from the summit of tlie Ruckies to the Pacific Ocean, and includes A'ancouver Island, Queen C'luulotte Islands, and others in the Straits of Georgia and on the coast north of it, as far as the 54th parallel of latitude. Even were there no Island of Vancouver, and no harbor at Esquimalt, British Columbia would still be one of the most important provinces of the Dominion, as well from a political as from a commercial jjoint of view. "With that island it is to a maritime nation invaluable, for the limits of British Columbian coal fields can only be guessed at, while enough coal has already been discovered on Vancouver Island to cover the uses of a century. The harbors of this province are unrivalled, and are so situated that the Straits of Georgia could, without difficidty, be made impassible at either end to hostile ships. Their possession gives command of the North Pacific, and that in its turn goes far toward dom- inating the China Sea and the coasts of Japan. The commercial position of British Columbia is not less commanding. Besides its coaling facilities, it affords the shortest route between Eurojoe and the East It will soon be the highway to Australasia. Its principal seaport must attract not only a large portion of the China and Australian rapid transit trade, but must necessarily secure much of the commerce of the Pacific Ocean. Its timber is unequalled in quantity, quality or variety ; its mines already discovered, and its great extent of unex- plored country, speak of vast areas of rich mineral wealth ; its waters, containing marvellous quantiti?s of most valuable fish, combine to give British Columbia a value that has been little understood. The author of " Greater Britain " says : " The position of the various stores of coal in the Pacific is of extreme importance as an index to the future distribu- tion ol power in that portion of the world ; bat it is not enough to know where coal is to be found, without looking also to the quantity, quality, cheapness of labor, and facility of transport. The three countries of the Pacific which must rise to manufacturing greatness are Japan, British Columbia, and New South "Wales ; but which of these will finally become wealthiest and most powerful depends mainly on the amount of coal which they respectively possess, so situated as to be cheaply raised. The future of the Pacific shores is inevitably brilliant, but it is not New Zealand, the centre of the water hemisphere, which will occupy the position that England has taken on the Atlantic, but some country such as Japan or British Columbia, jutting out into the ocean from Asia or America as England juts out from Europe," The mainland of British Columbia is about 760 miles long and 500 broad, and it contains a superficial area variously estimated from 230,000 to 350,000 square miles. Of this a large portion is comprised in the mountains which iu four ranges traverse tlie greater length of the province. 8 BUITISH COLUMBIA Tlie Rocky ^lountains rise jibruptly at their eastern base from the plain or priiirio region of Central Canada. They are composed of a number of more or l'.'ss nearly parallel ranges, whicli have a general direction a little west of north nn*l u broadtii of over sixty miles. Between the 51st and 52nd parallels the ranges docroaso rapidly in height. The surface of the country between the Rocky Mountains an*! the Pacific Occiiin nuiy be divided into two subordinate mountain districts, flanking on either side an irregular belt of higli plateau country, which extends, with an average width of about 100 miles, up the interior of the province to about 55.30 N.L., and is, in fact, a northerly continuation of tlie great basin of Utah and Nevada in tlie United States. On the eastern side of this plateau are mountains th;it run generally parallel to the Rocky Mountains. The large islands of Van- couver and Queen Charlotte slielter tlie mainland coast. In the extreme north of the province the mountains generally, except those of the coast range, dim- inish in height, and the surface has a gentle northerly and north-easterly slope. The coast of British Columbia has been well described by the Earl of Dufferin, who, while Governor-General of Canada, visited the Pacific Province in 187(), and in a speech at Victoria on his return from the north, said : " Such " a spectacle as its coast line presents is not to be paralleled by any country in " the world. Day after day for a whole week, in a vessel of nearly 2,000 tons, " we threaded an interminable labyrinth of watery lanes and peachts that " wound endlessly in and out of a network of islands, promontories, and penin- " suias for thousands of miles, unruflied by the slightest swell from the adjoin- " ing ocean, and presenting at every turn an ever shifting combination of rock, " verdure, forest, glacier, and snow-capped mountain of unrivalled grandeur and " beauty. "When it is remembered that this wonderful system of navigation, " equally well adapted to the largest line-of-battle ship and the frailest canoe, " fringes the entire seaboard of your Province and comniunicates at points, " sometimes more than a hundred miles from the coast, with a multitude of " valleys stretching eastward into the interior^ while at the same time it is fur- " nished with innumerable harbors on either hand, one is lost in admiration of " the facilities for inter-communication which are thus provided for the future " inhabitants of this wonderful region." THE HABBOBS. Of the many harbors, the principal are English Bay and Coal Harbor, at the entrance to Burrard Inlet, a few miles north of the Eraser River. Vancouver, the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway, is situated between these harbors. Port Essington, at the mouth of the Skeena, promises to be much used for the northern gold field traffic, and AVaddington Harbor, at the head of Bute Inlet, is said to be the natural outlet for a large tract of valuable country in the in- terior. But numerous as are the harbors along the coast, their respective merits have all been duly weighed, and all have been discarded in favor of the harliors in Burrard Inlet, which have been adopted by the railway. For the coast trade the others are all valuable. THE BIVEBS. Of the rivers of British Columbia the principal are the Eraser, the Columbia and the Peace. The Eraser is the great water course of the province, it rises K M OS Si -15 > o 7. o 10 BRITISH COLUMBIA In the northern part of the Rocky Mountains, runs for about 200 miles in two branches, in a westerly direction, and then in one stream runs due soutli for over 300 miles before turning to rush through the gorges of the coast range to the Straits of Georgia. On its way it receives the waters of a number of other streams, many of which would be rivers of some magnitude in other countries. Amongst these are the north and south branches of the Thompson, tlie Chilicoten, the Lillooet, the Nicola, the Harrison, the Pitt, and numerous others. The Columbia is a large river rising in the southern part of the province, in the neighborhood of the Rocky Mountains, near the Kootenay Lake. It runs due north beyond the 52nd degree of latitude, when it takes a sudden turn and runs due south into Washington State. It is this loop made by the abrupt turn of the river that is known as the " great bend of the Columbia. " The Kootenay waters fall into the returning branch of this loop. The Peace River rises some distance north of the north bend of the Fraser, and flows eastwardly through the Rocky Mountains, draining the plains on the other side. It more properly belongs to the district oast of the mountains that bears its name. In the far north are the Skeena River and the Stikeen flowing into the Pacific, the latter being in the country of the latest gold mining operations. The Fraser River is navigable for river boats to Yale, a small town 110 miles from the mouth ; and larger vessels, drawing 20 feet, can ascend to New West- minster, situated about 15 miles from the mouth. THE 7BA8ER BIVEB DI8TBI0T. On either side of the river below New Westminster is good arable land. It is subject to occasional overflow, but this quickly subsides, and floods the land only for a short distance from the b.anks. The whole of the lower Fraser coun- try is much esteemed for farming. Tlie soil is rich and strong, and heavy yields are obtained without much labor. Very large returns of wheat have been got from land in this district — as much as 62 bushels from a measured acre, 75 bushels of oats per acre, and hay that yielded 3J tons to the acre. Good prices are realized for all farm produce. In some places near the riyer the land requires dyking. This part of British Columbia is fairly well settled but there is still ample room for new comers. Those having a little money to use, and desirous of obtaining a ready-made farm, may find many to choose from. These settlements are not all on the Fraser ; some are at a distance from it on other streams. The climate, described elsewhere, proves to be a great temptation to many. Tlie proximity of the great river and the Canadian Pacific Railway are addi- tional attractions. The Thompson is navigable from a point on the Canadian Pacific Railway at Spence's Bridjte, through Kamloops Lake to Clearwater on the North Thompson, and through the South Thompson, and Shuswap Lake, to some distance up the Spallumcheen River. The Columbia is navigable between the point at which the Canadian Pacific Railway crosses the western side of the loop which the river m«tlres< at Re v«l0toke, and ColviUe,^ a town in Washington State. BRITISH COLUMBIA 11 ^ BURRABO IHLET. YAICOWZB, POPULATION 15,090, THE CANADIAN PACI7I0 TlBMINaS. About two or three miles from the delta formed by the double outfall of the Fraser River is Burrard Inlet, a land-locked sheet of water accessible at all times to vessels of all sizes, at the entrance to which are the harbors of Coal Harbor and English Bay. Port Moody is at the head of the inlet, 14 miles above Vancouver City. Vancouver is 75 miles from Vicitoria and 35 from Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island. This, the most accessible and in several ways best anchorage on the mainland, was the one selected by the Canadian Pacifia Railway at which to make their western terminus. On a peninsula having Coal Harbor on the east and English Bay on the west, the new city of Vancouver has arisen. Rising gently from the sea to an undulating plateau thickly wooded with giants of the coniferous tribe, and trees of deciduous growth, the site of the City of Vancouver is surrounded by a coun- try of rare beauty, and the climate is milder and less varying than that of Devonshire and more pleasant than that of Delaware. Backed in the far dis- tance by the Olympian range, sheltered from the north by the mountains of the coast, and sheltered from the ocean by the high lands of Vancouver Island, it is protected on every, side, while enjoying a constant sea breeze and a view of the Straits of Georgia, whose tranquil waters bound the city on two sides. The inlet affords unlimited space for sea-going ships, the land falls gradually to the sea, rendering drainage easy, and the situation permits of indefinite expansion of the city in two directions. The Canadian Pacific Railway was completed to Vancouver in May, 1887, when the first through train arrived in that city from Montreal. That year, also, the Canadian Pacific Company put a line of steam- ships on the route between Vancouver and China and Japan. Those two im- portant projects gave an impetus to the growth of the city, T>y placing its ad- vantages entirely beyond the realm of speculation, and the advancement made was truly marvelous. A great conflagration, in June, 1886, nearly wiped the young city out of existence, but before the embers died, materials for rebuilding were on their way, and, where small wooden structures were before, there arose grand edifices of stone, brick and iron. Under the influence of the large transportation interests which were established there the next year, the building of the city progressed rapidly, and during 1887 most of the city plat was cleared of timber, and a large amount of street work was done. Since that time its progress has been un- hindered by any disaster. The city is laid out on a magnificent scale, and it is being built up in a style fully in accord with the plan. Its residences, business blocks, hotels and public buildings of all classes would be creditable to any city. During the year 1888, building aggregating in value $1,350,000.00 were erected within the corporation limits. The record for 1889 shows even a greater result, the new buildings footing up to a sum of $1,400,000.00. In January, 1888, the city assessment showed a taxable valuation of property aggregating nearly $3,500,000.00. In January, 1889, the total assessed valuation of property was $6,600,000.00. For 1890 the figures exceed $9,000,000.00. During 1888 $85,00a00, IS BRITISH COU'MHIA were expended in street improvements. Tlio total niilouge of j^nulod streets in the city in IhOO was 40J, und there were 40] miles of sidowiilks. Fucts like these show how rapid tlio projrroH.s was. Vancouver has a thor- oughly equipiKid paid fire deparljTieiit, and has also all the attrihutes of a live modern city, such us water-works, eloctri(! lii,'lit an I gas, teliiphone, etc., eto. Several miles of track for an electric street ruilw;iy are laid. Early in ISDO the «'ars were in oirt^ratioii. Kducatioiial iiifcrcsts are \v(dl looked after. The new ' high und central bcIk ols, the liouuin Cutholic jjarochial school, and oxcollont ])ublic schools afl'ord every facility for a cheap and thorough education. The business institutions of the city are of a stable character, many of them being branches of old eastern estaldi.'^hinentH. There are three chartered bank- ing liouses, there being the J>ank of Montreal, the Ikink of iJritish North Amer- ica, and the Bank of British f'ohunbia, as well as two private banks; and the total capital rejiresented by them is $")0,nn(),0()0.00. During the year 1S89, the Canadian racific Kailway brought to the city nearly ril.OOf) tons of freiL;ht, und forwarded al)out 40,000 tons. Over .510,000 ])acka^es of nierchandiiso were ex- ported to China and Japan via the Canadian I'acific steamers, and the imports from the same source aggregated over 574,000 packages; tlio total tonnage in- wards being 34,427 tons, and outwards 21,S0l tons. The Canadian Pacific Com- pany disbursed in Vancouver !?(i4S,L';}4.(>r). The local Custom House records for 1889 showed that for the last fiscal yearthere arrived in Viincouver marine craft carrying inwards 59,131 tons, und outwards some 214,947 tons ; a grand total of 274,078 tons. The Custom House collections were $14.'3,(i08.7!>, or double that of 1888. The total imports were $.')25.275.00 against $74,808.00 in 1888, and the ex- ports $430,782.00, against $121 ,401.00 in the previous year. The goods shipped to the United States were valued at $195,474.82 against $20,087.75, and the ship- ments through Vancouver from tlie United States were valued at $1,500,000.00. The Post Office business in 1888 was about 150 i)er cent greater than in 1887, and last year it was 35 i^er cent, over that again. These figures show specifically what advancement the city made in the lines whicli are quoted, and when the fact that the mercantile and manufactunng interests correspondingly increased in importance is considered, a definite idea may be formed of the rapid growth vwhich the city experienced, and this rate of advancement has not in the least ;abated, but rather increased. Lumbering ojierations luivo attained immense importance, Vancouver being the centre for this industry. The various mills employ 1,500 hands, and their combined output for 1889 was valued at $2,500,- 000.00. Other manufactories flourish in proportion. The city has a well or- ganized Police department, a hospital completed in 1888 at a cost of $10,000.00, ;and one of the most beautiful parks in the world, known as Stanley Park, an- other in the east end und one on the soutli side of the city. Fraternal and be- novelent organizations are numerous comprising lodges of Free Masons, Odd- fellows, Good Templars, Knights of Labor, Knights of Pythias, Locomotive Engineeis, United Workmen, Foresters, Sons of England, and a St. George's, St Patrick's, and a St. Andrew's Society. There are also a Public Heading Room, Young Men's Christian Association, and a "Woman's Christian Tempe- rance Union. In 1889 there were eleven churches : two Metodist, three Presby- terian, three Episcopal, a Congretional, a Baptist, and a Roman Catholic. There fire two flourishing daily and weekly newspapers. H K W n H O o w JO td b ^ ^1 ■#%. II- HUniSH COLUMBIA In iicMition to tho srr«Rt trftn«iK>rtuti()n lin«H of tlif- riiimortion of the area is yet un- improved and may be purchased at moderate pri(;os. On the northern bran- ches of the Fraser there are still eligible locations which may be obtained from the Government or from the Railway Company on reasonable terms. In the interior there are large amounts of land of all degrees of fertility and in all sorts of locations, that are waiting for settlers. There are twelve large salmon canneries within easy reach of New West- minster. Tiiese establishments represent an invested capital oi $000,000.00, they employ over five thousand men during the fishing season, and pay out over $400,000.00 a year for supplies. The Fraser River canneries turned out during the season of 1889, 307,580 cases, against 60,016 in 1888. This is one of the most important industries of that region. Lumbering operations are also extensive and profitable. New Westminster has direct connections with all transcontinental trains, and the New Westminster Southern, to connect with the American system at the boundary, will give that city ample shi])ping facili- ties. Here are located several Provincial and Dominion institutions, such as Provincial Jail, the Asylum for the Insane, the Royal Hospital, and the Provin- oial Penitentiary. All the religious denominations are represented, as are also tho benevolent and secret societies. Tho educational facilities are likewise excellent. ALONG THE LINE OF THE CANADIAN PACIFIC BAILWAT. At Yale, a small town about 90 miles from t e head of Burrard Inlet, and at the entrance to the mountain gorges throujih which the Fraser River rushes to the sea, a change of the characteristics of the country appears. From this noint to the Gold Range, about 200 miles by rail, the rainfall is slight and un- certain. Agriculture is carried on by means of irrigation, a mode preferred by many as enabling the cultivator to regulate the growth of his crops, and cer- tainly possessing advantages after the first slight outlay has been incurred. 10 UHITIHH COLUMBIA Klfty-Bovon milon north of Yulo, (»n tho lino of the railway, m Lytton, » Bmiill town, ow hiK itH oxiHtniuo to a now wiiHliod out ({old bur in itM vit'inlty. JIiTu tho ThoinpHoii How into tho rriiNor, iind rroni this valluy a lur^u district ofarultlu and paHtonil land ht>;,'inH. In fact ovur very ooriflidoriiblu urtsiH, fur excuudin^ in tho u;;;{r(«;;uto tho uruhlo iiriMiH of tho coaat n^Kion, tlio inti^rior is, In purtM, afurniin)^ conntry np to '2,'ii)0 to Il.OOO fin-t, hd fur uh tlio soil \h conoern- e^l, w liicli liuH IxKMi provod ti> lin ua fttrtilo ad tiie Itost on tlio count Cnltivution la, liitwovur, roHtrictod, uh a riilo, to tho valleyd und tcrrm^oH. Tlio Boil conHlstH <-()tiiruoidy of niixtnros of cluy and Haml, varv iii)^ with tho cliuructor of tlio local forni.ilion, und of vvliltOHilty dopoHits. Thciy ovorywhoro yield lurKO cropH of ull t!io curealH, vo;j;utuhl(^H and roots, wiuni favorably uituuttul. Tho clintato is nuK'li hottor in Bnninier tlian tho climato uf the coast rot^ions. Toniatoeg, nit'loiis and cncnndutrs thrive in tho oinni air in moHtpurta. Very lino fruit (uin 1)0 grown. Now that uccohm to tiic inarkotH on tlio Eustem side of tho nionn* tains has boon oiKincd by tlio Caiuidian Tat if h; liailway, fniit growing will become one uf tho principal indnstrios both in this und other ])arts uf the ]>rovinco. As a grazing conntry this wido swoep of territory is nnrivulled. Cattle and sheep that food on bunch-grass, which is tho pasturago uf this region, produce tho host beef and nnittou on tlie continent. In the district where tiie heavier rainfall occurs, tlio bunch-grass is HU[iplanted by rod-top, blue-joint and other more familiar grasses. Tho buncii-grass country is eciually valuable for iiorses; it atfords thom excellent i)a8turago during tlie winter, for though tho outside may be frosted, the heart remains sweet and good, and the animals kooi» in ex- celloui, condition. There is a steady demand for British Columbia hors(>s east of the Rocky Mountains. UP THE FBASEB. There are numerous small settlements in this district, particularly up the valley uf the Fraser, on tho Lillooet, ai.d between the'Fraser and Kamloops Lake. In summer a steamer runs on tho Fraser from Soda Creek, 150 miles north of Lytton, to Quesnelle, sixty miles farther up tho river, the •urrounding country, which is traversed by the Government waggon road, producing heavy crops of grain and fruit. Beyond this is the Cariboo country, from Mhich a groat deal of gold has been taken. In 18(50 and the following few years a num- ber of gold bearing creeks were discovered in the Cariboo district, great num- bers of men flocked to the place, and very large quantities of gold were taken out, but the work was mainly confined to placer mining. Rich veins exist, and with the use of proper machinery, which can now be taken into the country^ large results will be obtained. Westwards of the Fraser lies the Chilicoten prairies of large extent, but they are not likely to invite much settlement while quantities of excellent land nearer the railway remain to be taken up. KAM.OOFS AND THE SOUTHERN DISTBICT. Abou'ii 40 miles north of Lytton the Canadian Pacific Railway turns due east to Kamloops, a thriving town situated on the South Thompson, a few miles above its junction with Kamloops Lake. Kamloops was originally a Hudsona Bay Company's post, and round tliis a prosperous little town has grown up, the nUITTSH rOM'MniA 17 {)o[)iiliitlon In 1800 bcliiK 2/)0(). It in in a (TotmI itrnr.iun nui^borlxMMl, atwl I. UN Iwon UHod by tbo II. it. Co. an ii borNo br«<(>HtiibliHli<*il tbiMUHclvoM ill tl>o neit^blxirbood of tbo liik(\ unHiiii, witliin tbo luHttwo or tbriM) yiMirs. TbiM tbritrict buH iniuiy uttriictionH, but in tbo latt^rnl viilloyH, uh yot nioHtly unoccuplitd, aru tnictH of hind 0(|ally advuntaptoim f >r fartuint;. Tlio lai^oiM '_'.'> ndli>H lon^, and a NtoaniiT rnnN t'roni KindoopH t )\vii to fiuvonu'H I'ormy at tlio otlKir «^nd. Soiitli of tliin in a liilly, wcil-tiinber- «d country, in wbiidi larj,'o nundmrH ofcattio aw raised. In parts it is w»dl- waturud witli laltus, niarHbos and Hinall HtroainH, and in tliu Okanauan and S|ialIutncliPon valI«yH, tbo hoU \h a doop, clayi'y loam, Ilro^bu•in^r «ood cropH of cfroalH and mots witliout irrit^ation. Tlio climate of tliis Houtlicrn part oftb() province is boaltliy, witb moderato winters and tberu is oltuity of tind)(>r for the n^u of aottlors. A small stuamur runs on tbo Spallumcbcon Uivor tbroii;;b tlioSbuswap Lakos, lyin^f bctwoun Kainloops and tbo mountains, and down tlio JSoutb Tbompson to Kamloops. THE NICOLA VALLEY Forms part of tbo Yalo District, and is duo soutb of tbo main lino of tbo Canadian I'acitic Railway, Hihmico'h Urid^o bcinjjj tbo principal outlot for tbis fb\o section of country. For many years tbo Nicola \' alloy was reco^^nizod as tbo principal gazing and stock-raisini; section in the province. It still maintains a bijfb position in rosjKM't of tbo lines above referred to. Wbilst it is Hjxicially adapted to pastoral jnirsuits, it is no less fitted for agriculture and tbo growtb of all classes of cereals. Of late years, now tluit a nnvrket is to be bad for tbo i)roducts of tbe farm, greater attention is being given to agricultural pursuits tban lias been tbo case in tbe jiust. Tbe crops already grown are excellent in (piality and tbo y i(d(l uuexceptionally large. Tbere is a greater tendency now to mixed farming tban in tbo past. In a few years Nicola Valley will become as famous for its grain, roota, vegetables and fruit of all kinds, as it basboon for its bumdi-grass fed cattle. Tbis valley is also ricb in its mineral deposits. Here are to be found gold and silver bearing quartz, as well as jilacer fields; coal and iron deposits. Tbe principal mines for tbo precious metals are at Stump Lake and at Coulter's. Tlie coal fields are at Coldwater, wbere magnetic iron ore is likowine found. It is not improbable tbat one or more lines of railway will sbortly pierce tbis somowbat isolated section of country in tbe near future. Wben tbat is done Nicola's beautiful valleys, tbrougb whicb run streams of tbe purest water, teem- ing with mountain brook trout, will become tbe home of hundreds of happy, contented settlers. Tbe climate is all that could be desired. There are large tracts of land yet to be taken up at Government prices, and under tbe conditions regulating tbe sale and pre-emption of public lands, which are very liberal. THE OKANAOAN DISTBICT. South and south-east of Kamloops, and the lake of that name, and the Canadian Pacific Railway, is situated the Okanagan District believed to be one of the finest sections in the whole province for agricultural and stock- raising pursuits. In this part are to be found the most extensive farms 18 BRITISH COI.UMBIA in the province, as well as tlH> largest oiittle ranges. Many can count their herds by the thousands of head, and tiieir broad lields by tliousands of acres. The district is an extensive one and witliin its borders are to be found large lakes, the principal one being Okanagan, whilst such streams as the Spallumcheen, the Simelkameen and other large rivers flow through the district. Okanagan is famous as a grain growing country. For many years this industry was not prosecuted with either vigor or ])rofit. Of late a marked change has taken place in this respect Samples of wheat raised in Okanagan, sent to the Vienna Exposition in 1886, w«re awarded the highest premiums and bronze medals. One of the oest flouring mills in the Dominion is now in operation at Enderby, some 35 miles south of Sicamous, a station on the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which is reached by navigation for vessels of light d iht. The flour manufactured at these mills from Okanagan grown wheat is e ' ta any other to be found on the Continent. The climate is specially adaj. to the growth of wheat, which is now reaching extensive dimensions — said ^ -o several thousands of tons a year. The capacity of the Enderby mill is 150 barrels of flour per day. It is operated to its utmost capacity. Farmers here find a ready cash market for all the wheat they can possibly grov/, an advantage whicli every farmer will fully appreciate. There are still to be taken up immense stretches of the very best land, whicli is but lightly timbered and easily brought under cultivation. AVater is abundant in some sections, whilst in others it is scarce, rendering irrigation by artesian wells a necessity. Okanagan is also a very rich mineral district Valuable mines are now being operated within its limits, which extend southerly to the American boundary. The eany completion of the Shuswap «& Okanagan Railway to Vernon, the capital of the district, from the main line of the Canadian Pacific, a distance of 52 miles, will prove an immense impetus to this splendid section of country. When this railway is completed it is to be oiierated by the Canadian Pacific Railway for the owners on the percentage of the earnings. From Vertion tliere will be first-class navigation up Lake Okanagan for a distance of IvIO miles. The country tributary to the lake throughout is capital, and will shortly become thickly populated. There id room for many settlers in this southern area, and locations are plenty where good soil, excellent pasturage, and an ample supply of timber are to be found. This comprises pine, spruce, cedar, hemlock, balsam and other kinds. On the high lands that back the valleys, forest succeeds forest, the trees of which attain the enormous growth for which this province is so famous. These places, like many other desirable localities in British Columbia, were formerly reached only by the adventurous who secured homesteads and founded settle- ments that are now within a day's journey from the line of railway. In the region that lies between the Shuswap Lakes and the coast range, there are two distinct climates, the dry and the humid ; the one to the north of the Thompson and Fraser, and the other between the 49" and 50° parallel, each possessing its distinctive attraction to settlers. A short distance east of the Shuswap Lakes ';f.f N,^; •?;■<; ■.,"*j'*''5'»,;':. •..:■■ ■• ,, , ,,;Jji:;- . • • >■% ■ 1.- : •• •■■■ '■-^*';"- ^■i---.'';? i?V>.. ^- *: '••/s- -1. .^< ,; ■;••.; ■i^.' •f •h' J^tiii, 10 BRITISH COLUMBIA the Canadiai. ?5«cit centers the mountain passes of the Gold or Cohimhia Range. This is another region of magnificent timber. Tlie fir and cedar attain dimen- uions far exceeding anything known in the east of America, and only equalled by those found on the west side of the coast range. Their value is enhanced by proximity to the prairies, where there is an ever-growing demand for this species of timber. THE KOOTEITAT OISTBICT. The Kootenay District, including the Lower and Upper Kootenay valleys and the Columbia Valley, is a most vaiuable region now attaining considerable prominence. Lying in the south-eastern corner of British Columbia, it is separated from the North-West Territories of Canada by the Rocky ^Mountains, and is in shape a huge triangle with a base line of some loo miles resting on the 49° No. lat., which forms the international boundary between that portion of British Columbia and Montana, Idaho and Washington State. About the centre of this triangle is the Selkirk range of mountains, bending like a horse- shoe with the open end towards the south, and within the horseshoe lies the Lower Kootenay Valley, while the two remaining valleys comprising the Kootenay District, i.e., the Upper Kootenay and the Columbia valleys, are out- side of this horseshoe, isolating the Selkirks from the Rocky Mountains and ■Gold Range. These valleys are formed respectively by the Columbia and Kootenay rivers, and in addition to splendid timber, possess v,onsiderable wealth of minerals and much valuable land admirably suited to agriculture and grazing purposes. THE VALLET OF THE COLUMBIA. Passing east from Shuswap Lake along the line of the road, there is a sud- den change of climate from the region where rain is seldom seen to that where it falls frequently through all seasons of the year, except in the depth of winter, when at time it becomes snow. This is the Gold Range, and in the valley of the Columbia and its tributary streams, including Kootenay Lake and River. This south-east corner of the province is remarkable for its pasturage lands. It is a hilly country with rich grass lands and good soil There is a great deal of prairie land, and about an equal quantity of forest in which pine, cypress and cedar grow luxuriantly, as well as birch and other deciduous trees. An ex- cellent tract of farming country is a belt along the Kootenay River, varying from two to ten miles in width. Here the soil is light and bunch-grass grows. There is a series of lakes near the river where the valley, which is about fifteen miles wide, has a heavy soil, prwlucing grain and vegetables of the ordinary kind in abundance. Salmon from the Columbia make their way in great numbers into the Kootenay. The ordinary brook trout are plentiful in the mountain streams. The country produces some of the best timber in the province, and is a good district for large game. Considerable placer mining has been done in the Kootenay District, and recently some rich quartz ledges have been discovered. Steamers run on the Kootenay T.iver and Lake, and a company has been chartered to construct a railway to connect these with the Columbia River, and so with the Canadian Pacific Railway, which crosses that stream in two places, and with the towns in Washington State. BHITISH COLUMBIA 21 An Kiiglisli company is engaged in a scheme for widening tiie dutlot of the Kootentiy Lake, with a view to reclaiming about 40,000 acres of lirst-class alluvial land, on which they intend to form a colony of ex-ofllcers and other selectevl jx^r- sons. Tills district is well timbered, yet a splendid grazing country; it has a Biidicient rainfall, yet is out of the constant rainfall peculiar to the mountains further north ; itis a good game country, produces cereals and roots in abundance, and is witiiin easy reach of rail. Gold and silver have been found and mined in this southern as well as in the northern parts of the province. THE UFFEB KOOTENAT YALLET. With the Rocky Mountains guarding it from the cold north and east winds, and the warm breezes of the Pacific Ocean, the " Chinook Wind, " to regulate all extremes of temjierature, the climate of the Upper Kootenay is healthful and pleasant The snow-fall is light, though at times the cold is severe, but cattle and horses remain out all winter without shelter or fodder and keep fat and hejlthy. The springs are early, the summer warm and free from frosts, and the winters moderate both in duration and range of cold. The valley is lower than the plains east of the Rockies, its elevation above sea varying from 2,250 to 2,700 feet. The soil is good, producing fine crops of wheat, oats, peas, garden produce, etc. ; tomatoes, cucumbers, and such dslicate growths do well anywhere in the valley. Hop culture has not been tried extensively as yet, but wherever the vines are grown as ornaments to houses they thrive supris- ingly, proving that more extensive planting would be both safe and profitable. Owing to the shelter afforded by the mountains, excep,'- with occasional thun- derstorms, high winds are unknown in the Kootenay valley. The timber is most valuable, including yellow pine, fir and tamarac, the former being a most usei'ul and handsome tree, frequently attaining a girth of twenty feet. Large deposits of excellent steam coal have been discovered in the Crow's Nest Pass, and it is confidently believed that gold exists in paying quantities at many points in the valley, including Bui River, Gold Creek, Moojea Creek, etc-, now in the hands of enterprising companies. During 1863 and 1864 there was an invasion of miners and much placer gold was taken out, over three million dollars being credited to Wild Horse Creek alone. From latest reports, the nrospects for future successful quartz mining appear most encouraging. THE LOWEB KOOTENAY VALLET. Following the erratic course of the Kootenay River in a southerly direc- tion, it is found to cross the international boundary and flow for a considerable distance through American territory. Ere it bends again within the limits of British Columbia, it enters the broad expanse know as the Lower Kootenay Valley, which ends with Kootenay Lake, a beautiful sheet of water some 90 miles in length. The river varies from 600 to 700 feet in width, and the average depth is about 45 feet, rendering navigation by the largest steamers safe and easy, the current being slow. Lofty elm and Cottonwood trees line the uanks, leaving the valley an unbroken expanse of tall grass, without a tree until the level ends at the pine-covered hills on either side. Above these hills rise the mountains to a height varying from 1,500 to 5,800 feet There is no question but that this valley contains some of the most productive land known, and per- \ \ 22 BRITISH COLl'MHIA haps the heaviest crops of cereals, roots, hops, etc., on record might be ecHpsed here were it not for the overflow of Kootenay Lake and River, which occurs nearly every season about June and July, and, while it certainly enriches the soil to a marvelous extent, seriously interferes with agricultural operations. Dyking the bottom-lands would of course work admirable, as it has done on the Fraser River, but a better method is now under consideration. The outlet •of Kootenay Lake is not sufficient to accommodate the surplus water coming down from the mountains, hence the present overflow ; but it is proposed to widen the natural outlet sufficiently to carry off all this water, and reports agree that this can be done sucessfully. When accomplished, one of the most valua- hle tracts in the province will be reclaimed. The valley is rich in minerals. On Kootenay Lake immense galena deposits have been discovered, containing a valuable proportion of silver, and mining is easy. On Toad Mountain, near Kootenay Lake outlet, rich deposits of copper and silver have been located and promise to be of great importance. Two small steamers at present ply upon the lower Kootenay River and the Lake, and offer a delightful trip. The lake is claimed to be one of the most beautiful in the world, and is a very at- tractive point for sportsmen. In its clear depths are land-locked salmon, and on the mountains in the vicinity are found grizzly bear, mountain goat and caribou. THE BIO BEKD OF THE COLUMBIA. Between the Gold Range and the Selkirks is the west side of the great loop of the Columbia River, that extends north above the 52nd parallel, or 200 miles from its rise. This bend drains a gold region not yet well explored, but which has every indication of great mineral richness, and certainly possesses an amazing quantity of fine timber. All the lower plateaus and valleys are covered with cedar of enormous size, fir, spruce and white pine, and along the streams are cotton-wood, birch and aspen. Within easy reach of the Canadian Pacific Railway is enough timber to supply all the vast treeless plains east of the Rockies for ages to come. Gold has been found in paying quantities at many points north of the Bend, and indications of it on the Illecilliwaet River and Beaver Creek. This is a region of frequent rains, and snow in winter, and is characterized by a luxuriant growth of vegetation. VANCOUVER ISLAND, Vancouver is the largest island on the west coast of America, being about three hundred miles long, and with an average breadth of about fifty miles, and contains an estimated area of from 12,000 to 20,000 square miles. The coast line, more particularly on the west side, is broken by numerous inlets of the sea, some of which run up to the interior of the island for many miles, between precipitous cliffs, backed by high and rugged mountains, which are clothed ?'n fir, hemlock and cedar. At some points are sheltered bays which receive small streams watering an open gladed country, having a growth of wild flowers and grasses — the white clover, sweet grass, cowslip, wild timothy and a profusion of berrieS: The two ends of Vancouver Island are, comparati- vely speaking, flat, but there are mountains in the interior ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet on the highest ridges. The interior of the island, still unsettled at BRITISH COLUMBIA 28 any distance from the sea coast, is largely interspersed with lakes and small streams. The surface is beautifully diversified by mountains, hills and open prairies, and on the east coast the soil is so good, that great encouragement is offered to agricultural settlement. In other parts the soil is light and of little depth, but it is heavily wooded. The greater part of these arable tracts is found in the south-eastern portion of the island, in the strip of land lying between the mountains and the east- ern coast. At the extreme north there is also some arable land, and a little on the west In the inland lakes, and in the indentations of the coast, there is a plentiful supply offish, and a fair variety of game on shore. There are many harbors on both sides of the island in which large ships can find anchorage, and very many more available to smallex coasting vessels. The principal harbor is that at Esquimalt, .v^hich has long been the rendezvous of the English squadron in the North Pacific. It is situated at the south end of the island, on the eastern side, and can be approached in foggy weather by means of soundings, which are marked on the admiralty charts, for a consider- able distance seaward, an advantage possessed by very few anchorages, and with the exception ofBurrard Inlet, at the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway, by no other large harbor on that coast. The scenery of Vancouver Island is exceedingly varied and picturesque. VICTOBIA. Victoria (pop. 15,000) is the capital of British Columbia and the chief city of Vancouver Island. It was formerly a stockaded post of the Hudsons Bay Com- pany and was then called Fort Victoria. It is delightfully situated on a small arm of the sea, commanding a superb view of the Straits of Georgia, the mountains of the mainland, and snow-capped Mount Baker in the distance. The city's age may date from 1858, when the discovery of gold on the mainland "brought a rush of miners from thr south. It is now a wealthy, well-built, and very English city, with business and shipping interests of great importance. Victoria is pre-eminently a place to delight tourists, and has ample accommo- dation for a large floating population, having several comfortable hotels, one or two of which are noted for the excellence of their tables. Various public build, ings are also worthy of more than passing notice. Prominent among the more important structures is the provincial Capitol on the south side of James Bay, forming quite an imposing group in the midst of tastefully laid out and well cared grounds. The new Court House is a massive pile lately completed at a cost of about $60,000. Other good buildings are the City Hall, city and provincial jails, college and school buildings, several churches and business blocks. Some of the private residences and grounds are remarkably attractive. Most of th'^ manufacturing interests of the province are centered at Victoria. It has tht largest iron works on the Pacific Coast outside of San Francisco, and several smaller foundries and machine shops, also many factories, etc., etc. The city is amply provided with educational facilities, both public and private. There are five ward schools, besides the large central high school, and an eflRcient corps of instructors is employed. The public schools are supported by the ■Government and controlled by a school board elected by popular suffrage. 24 BIUTISU CULUMJUA Besides •■lese there are the ladies' college, under the auspices of the Auylioan Church, and an academicOinstitution, as well as a primary school, maintained by tlio Koman •Catholic denomination. There are Protestant and Ronum Catholic orphanages. The city has a ])ublic library of about 10,000 volumes, and several of the fraternal and benevolent societies also have libraries of con- siderable size. Victoria has command of a valuable and extensive steamship service, which atiords regular communication with China, Tapan and Australia. One of the finest steamers on the Pacific Coast jilies daily between Victoria and Vancouver, and the trip from city to city through the clustered isles of the Gulf of CJeorgia is very pleasant. Daily boats ply to all important Ptiget Sound ports, and to points northward on the island and mainland, and all regular San Francisco and Alaska steamers call at Victoria. The city has for many seasons been a favorite resort for tourists, and ap- pears to be steadily growing in ix)pularity, the beauty of its surroundings and the many delightful drives, facilities for boating, etc., furnishing ample means of amusement The country for some miles about the city is called the district of Victoria, and supports a scattered farming population and furnishes a portion of the sup- plies of the city, but it is not a particularly good farming country, being better adapted to fruit culture. Here every variety of fruit grown in a temperate climate attains peculiar excellence, and fruit culture promises to become a leading industry in the near future. ESQUIMALT. Esquimau harbor is about three miles long, and something under two miles broad in the widest part; it has an average depth ofsix to eight fathoms and aflbrds excellent holding ground, the bottom being a tenacious blue clay. The Canadian Government has built a dry-dock at Esquimalt to accommodate ves- sels of large size. Its length is 450 feet, and 90 feet wide at the entrance. It is built of concrete, faced with sandstone, and was nearly three years in construc- tion. There is a small town at the northern corner of the harbor bearing the same name, Esquimalt. The nucleus of it are some British Government buildings, consisting of a naval hospital, an arsenal and other dockyard buildings. In the immediate vicinity of these the town has arisen. There are two churches, a public school, two hotels or inns, and a number of residences and business buildings. In the territorial division of Esquimalt there are several farming settlements and one or two manufactories, including a boot and shoe manu- factory ad a sawmill. Esquimalt is only three and a half miles from Victoria by land, and is connected with it by an excellent macadamized road, KANAIHO. Situated on rising ground and overlooking a fine harbor on the east coast of V ancouver Island, is the thriving city of Nanaimo, with a population of about 4,000, and, ranking next to Victoria, in importance. It is seventy miles north of Victoria, and depends chiefly upon its coaling interest and shipping business for support. I^anaimo Harbor is connected by a deep channel with Departure «1 03 W o o w S6 BKITISIl (OIX'MHIA Bay, where the largest craft find sufo aiu;horuye. Vaiuiouvor Island bituminous coals are now aclcnowlodged to l)u 8U(>eriur for all practical pur])o8os to any coals of the Pacific Coast Four companies operate mines in tlie immediate vicinity of Nanaimo, the combined output for 1880 being about half a million tons, most of which was exported. Large quantities are sent to San Francisco, to the Sandwich Islands and China, being shipixid from either Nanaimo or De- parture Bay. Nanaimo is also the coaling station for the British siiuadron in the Pacific A large number of men find employment in the mmos and about the docks, and the town for its size is well supplied with the requirements of a growing population. It has churches, schools, hotels, water-works, telephone etc., and such ii dustries as a tannery, boot and shoe manufactory, sawmill, ahipyard, etc., and weekly and semi-weekly newspapers. The present popula- tion of the district of Nanaimo is about 8,000; much of the land is excellent for agricultural purpose. There is a daily train service between Nanaimo and Victoria, and connections by steamers with the different island and mainland ports. These three places, Victoria, Nanaimo and Esquimalt, all on the south- eastern corner of Vancouver Island, are the principal centres. There are smaller communities on the island, mainly on the south corner, and at no great distances from the three principal places already spoken of. Such is Cowichan, a settlement on the east coast, about midway between Victoria and Nanaimo, where the quality of the soil permits farming to be carried on to some advan- tage. Saanich, another farming settlement at the extreme south-east. Maple Bay, Chemainus, Somenos, all in the neighborhood of Cowichan ; Comox, some 60 miles north of Nanaimo, in the vicinity of which are some of the principal logging camps; Sooke, a short distance south-west of Esquimalt, are being gra- dually developed. THE son. OF VANCOUVEB ISLAND. The soil of Vancouver Island varies considerably. In some parts are deposits of clay, sand and gravel, sometimes partially mixed, and frequently with a thick topsoil of vegetable mould of varying depth. At other places towards the north of the island on the eastern shore are some rich loams, im- mediately available for cultivation. The mixed soil with proper treatment bears heavy crops of wheat; the sand and gravelly loams do well for oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, roots, etc., and where the soil is a deep loamy one, fruit grows well. The following average of the yield of a properly cultivated farm in the Comox district is given by a member of the Canadian Geological Survey. This is from the best land in Comox, but there are other parts of the island not much inferior : Wheat from 30 to 45 bushels per acre ; barley 30 to 35 bushels ; oats 50 to 60 bushels; peas 40 to 45 bushels; potatoes 150 to 200 bushels; turnips 20 to 25 tons per acre. Some of the rocks of the island furnish excellent building material, the grey granite being equal to Scotch and English granites. TIMBEB. The timber of Vancouver is one of its richest products. Throughout the island the celebrated " Douglas Fir "is found, and a variety of coniferous trees, BRITISH COLUMHIA 27 grow on all parts of tho island. It is imiKissiblo to travel witljout marvellinj? at tlio fonist yrowtl). Tliis exuberance is not conlined to tiie inammotii lir tr*.,^, or tlio enormous cedars; trees of many of the deciduous varieties abound, so that eitlicr for lumber and square timber, or for tlie settlers' .immediate re- quirements for the use of cities, and as arboreous adornments to the homes, the forests of Vancouver Island have a value that every year will become more apparent CLIMATE OF yAHCOUVEB ISLAND. Concerning "Vancouver Island, it only remains to say In the important matter of climate its inhabitants believe, and with some reason, that they enjoy jKiculiar advantages. They have a mild and even winter, with rain; the annual rainfall is estimated at 45 inches; and occasionally snow ; early spring ; a dry, warm summer, and a dear, bright and enjoyable autura. Sometimes the frost is sufhciently hard to permit of skating, but this is exceptional. As a rule flowers bloom in the gardens of Victoria throughout the year. It is spoken of as England without its east winds ; in reality it is Torquay in the Pacific. Fruits of all kinds indigenous to the temperate climates ripen in tho open air. and amongst them, some that are in England brought to perfection only under glass. Thunder storms seldon break over Vancouver. It is this climate, com- bined with the situation of Victoria, that makes that city such a pleasant abid- ing place. WAGES. The wages earned in Victoria and other parts of the island are, of course, governed by the demand for labor, and the amounts paid on the mainland, but it is unlikely that they will be reduced for many years to the level of those paid in Eastern Canada, Average figures are about as follows: — Carpenters and blacksmiths, $2.50 to $3.75 day ; laborers, $1.50 to $2.00; miners; (contract work). $3.00 to $4.00 per day ; fishermen, $50.00 to $60.00 per month ; stone- cutters, stonemasons and bricklayers, $4.00 to $5.00 per day ; plasterers, $4.00 to $4.50; carpenters, $2.50 to $3.00; painters, $3.50 to $4.00; ship carx)enters and caulkers, $4.00 to $4.50; waggon makers, $3.50 to $4.00; machinsts, $4.00 to $4*50; tinsmiths and plumbers, $3.50 to $4.00; longshoremen, 50 cents an hour. An ordinary unskilled laborer receives $1.50 a day ; if he can lay claim to skill enough to attend to a garden he readily commands $2.00 a day. Farm servants, engaged by the month, are paid at wages from $20.00 to $40.00 per month, with board and lodging, according to the kind of work requir- ed of them. A few Indians are employed in the seaboard districts, at $15.00 to $20.00 per month, with board and lodging, by farmers who understand their character. In the interior, Indians are largely employed as herders and for farm work. EMPLOTMENT FOB WOMEN. Women servants are well paid. Nurse girls receive $10.00 to $12.00 per month ; general house servants $20.00 to $25.00 a month with board, if they have some little knowledge of cooking and can wash. A great many people employ Chinamen as cooks at $15.00 to $25.00 a month and board. As in all backwoods settlements, the earlier work is done by men exclusive- ly, but a pioneer soon finds that his new home is not complete without a wife. 2S lUllTlsll col.l MIllA The coiiHoquoiico iH tlmt youiitj; wotnoii rutuintj to tlio colony, uiul propnred to tako tliiiir Himro of tlio dutkiM oflifo uh lli« wivos ot'wMtlorH m tlm buck diHtrictH, them iM uoMsible. THE ISLANDS OF THE BTSilTS. On the east side of Vancouver, intiie Slraita ofClnorgia, tluit is between the island and the mainland, aro ininnnorablo islands of smaller size, (ieii- orally they aro wooded, and some of them have spots well fitted for'agricultiin'. They aro not much sought for by widto men at present, as there is plenty of land in places nearer the settlements. TAXAOA. Near Vancouver, in the island of Taxada, opposite the settlement at Comox, whicii from its wealth of iron ore, is dostintul to bo of considerable value. It is largely owned by speculators. Tlio ore i3 in a mountainous mass that can be traced for miles, and it can be mined, smelted and whipjied without dilli- culty. It is a coarso, gnmnlar magnetite, containing a large ^jercentage of iron with only .00;} per cent, of phosphorus. A little to tho north of Taxada is a small group of islands, and then the island of Vancoi. ,or and tho mainland approach one another to within two or three miles. Here it was at one timo intended to brinj. the Canadian Pacific Railway across by way of Bute Inlet on the mainland, and Valdez Island to Vancouver, and down to Victoria with tho terminus at Esquimalt THE QUEEN CHABLOTIE ISLANDS. North of Vancouver Island, and close to the coast of the mainland, there is a succession of islands continuing to the extreme limits of British Columbia. Of these, the Queen Charlotte Islandf^ aro tho largest and most important. These are a group of which there aro three princl])al islands, Graham, Moresby and Provost islands. They are the homo of tlio remnant of the Hydab Indians, once the finest and most warlike tribe on the coast. They now otdy number about 800 people, who live in villages scattered about the throe islands, their principal place being at Massett and Skidegate, on Graham Island. They are expert canoemen and fishermen, and find occupation in extracting oil from the livers of the dog fish, whicli abound on that coast. A company was started a few years ago called the Skidegate Oil Company, which, by introducing proper machinery for extracting tho oil, obtains an excellent article, especially for lubricating. It manufactures about 40,000 gallons annually, and gives employ- ment to the Indians during the summer months. These island are heavily wooded, but not with the larger kinds of fir. Tho interior is mountainous, and there are numerous small streams flowing into the bays. Sorde of these bays afford good ancliorago. The soil of the island is not rich, and opinions differ as to the quantity of arable or grazing land in the interior. It is believed that there is gold on the islands, and in years past 5«: is w be o r# III mi M 30 HUITIMII ('OLl'MMIA • mu'crul attnnipto woro inudo to And it; but, itrobtibly owlii^; to ltii|)erf«ct mutiuxlH und tliu opiMmitiun of tlio thou poworful IiidiiiiiH. witli no buccohh. THE GOLD FIELDS OF BSITIBH COLUMBIA. It would ))o diM'KMilt to iiidinito uiiy dolliicd Hnotioii of IlritiHh Columhiii in wliicli Kolntd woro in tho Honthorn part of tbo proving), tho next in tlto Oiiribuo dlHtrict, in tlio rontro of IJritiHJi Colnnibiu, und at prcHimt tlm richdst diKKi">f'* bi work aro tbo CuHHiar niinoH in tbu far nortli. liuountly Huvoral nuw minus huvo been uiienod tdHowlu'r(>. («ol«i liuH boen found on tho oaHttirnHido of tlio Rocky Mountains, on Quoon Cluirlotto islandH, at tlio oxtroino wost, an feet A very Inuulsouie tree ; half the shaft branchless; seldom exceeds four feet in diameter. Is used for building and general purposes. The Wh'ttf Pine (" Mountain Pine") resembles the eastern white pine, and may be used for tlie same purposes. It is found in the Columbia region, on tho Gold range and about Sluiswap and Adams lakes, and scattarod in the aoutliern portion of the Coast range ; also in the interior of Vancouver Island. On tho coast, tiie white pine reaches 60 to HO feet, and a diameter of 2 to 3 feet. The Black Ptue ("Bull" or " Western Scrub " Pine) occurs everywhere in the province, at varying heights. It reaches (50 or even 100 feet in height, but seldom exceeds a diameter of two feet. The wood is white and fairly durable. The Wistern Cedar ("Giant Cedar" or "Red Cedar") is a valuable tree. The wood is of a yellowish or reddisii color, and very durable ; splits easily into planks ; has been used chiefly for shingles and rails. Abounds in the Columbia River region; on slopes of Selkirk and Gold ranges ; at north-eastern part of Shuswap Lake, and portion of North Thompson Valley ; abundantly along the coast and lower parts of rivers of Coast range. Occurs sparingly in northern interior. On coast, is often found 100 to 150 feet high and 15 feet thick. Yellow Cypress (commonly known as " Yellow Cedar"). A strong, free, fine grained wood; pale golden yellow tint ; slight resinous smell ; very durable ; has been used in boat-buik4ing and for oruameutal purposes; often exceeds (i feet in diameter. Occurs chiefly on coast; also in interior of Vancouver Island, and abounds on west coast of Queen Charlotte Islands. Western Larch (sometimes called "Tamarac"!, occurs in Rocky Mountains and valleys of Selkirk and Gold ranges. Stretches westward nearly to head of Okanagau Lake. Not found on the coast. A large tree, yielding a strong, coarse, durable wood. The Maple, a valuable hardwood, sometimes well adapted for cabinet-mak- ing. Found on Vancouver and adjacent islands, also sparingly on mainland coast up to 55 ° , and on Queen Charlotte Islands. Occasionally attains a diameter of 4 feet. The Vine Maple, seldom over a foot thick, yielding a very tough, strong, white wood, suitable for helves, seems to be strictly confined to coast. The Yew is found in Vancouver Island and on opposite mainland shores. It goes up the Fraser above Yale. Very tough, hard wood, of a beautiful rose color. Crab Apples occurs along all the coasts as a small tree or shrub. Wood very hard, but liable to check, takes a good polish and withstands great wear in mill machinery. Alder is found two feet thick on the Lower Frai^ier, and occurs as a small tree along the whole coast. A ijood furniture wood ; easily worked and takes a good polish. There are two birches — the Western Birch and the Paper or Canoe Birch. Both occur in a number of localities. The " Western Birch " is a small tree, found in the Columbia region. The " Canoe Birch " is found sparingly in Vancouver Island and on the Lower Fraser, but is common, and larger, on the Upper Fraser, and in the Peace River District The only Oak in the province, so far as known (except a few trees above Yale), is on Vancouver Island. Reaches a diameter of 3 feet, and a height of about 70 feet, and yields a hard wood, but not very tough, which has been used for building 38 BRITISH COLUMBIA purposes and in making kegs. The Dogwood, on the mainland coast opposite Vancouver Island and on Vancouver Island, reaches the dimensions of a small tree. The wood is close-grained and hard. Another close-grained wood, heavy and resembling box, is furnished by the handsome evergreen Arlmtm, which reaches 50 feet in height and about 20 inches in diameter, but occurs often as a shrub. It is found on Vancouver Island and neighboring islands, but never far from the sea. The Aspen Poplar abounds over the whole interior, and reaches a thickness of two feet. In the southern interior, occurs aFong streams ana on the higher plateaux. In the north, grows everywhere, preferring the most fartile soil. There are three other varieties of poplars, commonly included under the name of " cottonwood." They attain sometimes a diameter of 4 to 5 feet The coast " Cottonwood" is the same wood that has been largely used in Piiget Sound to make staves for sugar barrels. The other kinds occur in the valleys throughout the interior of the province. The Mountain Anh, as a small tree or bush, has been noticed in the interior ; and the Juniper' or " Red Cedar," commonly known as " Pencil Cedar," has been observed on the east coast of Vancouver Island, and, in a tree form, with a diameter of about a foot, along the shores of Kamloops, Francois and other lakes in the interior. The following list comprises shrubs met with : — Hazel, red elder, willow, barberry, wild red cherry, wild blackberry, yellow plum, choke cherry, black and red raspberry, white raspberry, prickly purple raspberry, prickly gooseberry, swamp gooseberry, several kinds of currants, bear berries, mooseberry, snowberry, blueberry, bilberry cranberry, whortleberry, red and white mulberry. THE TIMBEB BEOIOIT Between the mountains and the sea the Canadian Pacific Railway passes through many forests of these valuable woods, and brings within reach of lumbering operations, vast additional quantities growing in the neighborhood of those streams that fall into the Columbia, the Thompson, and the Fraser. Timber on the western plains of Canada will now be obtainable at considerable less prices than those paid in the Western States. And such timber will be of a class, and in such variety of kinds, as are unobtainable in any other market of America. What the Canadian Pacific Railway has done for the Manitoba lumber marKOt by its construction round the north sliore of Lake Superior, it will do for the centres west of Manitoba by its passage through the mountains of British Columbia. The distance from the Rocky Mountains to the great farming and cattle raising districts of which Calgary, McLeod. Medicine Hat, Maple Creek, Swift Current, Moosejaw and Regina, are the centres, is less than that from Winnipeg to Minneapolis, from which market the earlier settlers in Manitoba were supplied before the Canadian Pacific Railway was built east- ward to the Lake of the Woods. Cheap lumber, so essential to the settler, is therefore secured by the opening up of British ( 'olumbia. THE TRADE OF THE PBOYINCE. Though the trade of British, Columbia is still unimportant when compared with the extent, resources, and immense future possibilities of the province, \ BRITISH COLUMBIA Btill it has improved and developed wonderfully during the past few years showing an increase since 1884 that si)eaks volumes for the pmgress and enterprise of the people. Prominent exports are fish, coal, gold, timber, masts and spars, furs and skins, fish oil, wool, hops and spirits. A large portion of tlie salmon, canned and pickled, goes to Great Britian, the United States and Australia; the States and Sandwich Islands consume a large share of the exported <;oal, and great quantities of timber are shipped to Australia and ports in Soutli America. To Great Britian and the United States are sent tlie valuable furs and peltries of land animals and the much prized seal and otter, etc. China also receives a considerable amount of lumber, timber and furs. Valuable, shipments of fish oil, principally obtained from tin dog fish at the Queen Cliarlotte Islands, are consigned to the States annually, and also to the Sandwich Islands. It must be borne in mind that all these industries, though of consider- able importance, ^^re but the initial steps in wliat are surely destined to be most profitable enterprises. With the shipping facilities offered by the Canadian Pacific Railway, and the new steamship lines to Japan, China and Australia, backed by her natural advantages of climate and geographical position, and immense resources in timber and minerals, British Columbia is now in a position to command her proper share of the commerce of the world, and demonstrate her importance and value as a province of the Dominion. There is no other country on the globe more richly endowed with varied sources of wealth, as fisheries, timber, minerals, pasture and arable lands etc., and all are open to those who chose to avail, themselves of these new and attractive fields for enterprise. THE CLIMATE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. The climate is one of the greatest attractions of the province, and can hardly fail to please, since in reality there are several climates to choose from. On Vancouver Island and the coast line of the mainland it is delightfully serene and mild, greatly resembling the climate of Devonshire and Cornwall, without excessive rains , and from Queen Charlotte Islands to Alaska the climate of Scotland is closely matched. Records show that the gooseberry buds have opened in Febuary, and native plants come into leaf early in March, and native hemp is then generally grown several inches ; on April 13th strawberries have been seen in bloom, and by May 1st strawberries are ripening, spring wheat, potatoes an 1 peas showing well above ground ; the plains covered with wild flowers and native roses in bloom. It is on Vancouver Island and in the extensive districts west of the coast range as well as in those in the southern strip of the province between the parallels of 49° and 50° that the great fruit-raising farms of Canada will be located. Apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, nectarines, the finer class of grapes, berries of every description, fruits not common to tt e eastern coast, a profusion of flowers, and all the more delicate vegetables will grow luxuriantly. The strawberrieK grows wild on the prairie lands, nearly of the same size as the garden fruit. The demand for these is limited only by price, the market for them begins at the eastern door of the province and extends for nearly a thousand miles, radiating as the distance increases. 40 HUITISII COLUMBIA Tlut HiKM'iPS and vnriotifs cif i)lants urowinj,' ill tlic rich and fcrtilo district are exceodingly ninnuroiiH. tirowiiit^ on tlie nioiidow laiulH an; tliu fullowing: — Wliito pua, wild bean, grounil nuts, a 8i)OcioH ot'wliito clover, nied meadow graws, bent spear grass. Mild oat, \vii, in wliich caso no money is paid for tho land, tho only charge being a tuo of $10 (£!.') at thu time of application. Bix ntonths aro allowed in which to tako jjossession, and at tho end of threo years if tho settler can show to the local agent thut ho has cuitivuti'd tho land, ho acquires a patent on easy terms and becomes owner of tho homestead in fee simple. In case of illness, or of necessary absence from tho homestead during tho three years, additional time will bo granted to tho settler to conform to the Government regulations. These condition? apply to agricultural lands. OBAZINO LANDS. Persons desiring to engage in cattle raising can acquire leases from the Government on easy terms, subject to a termination of their lease by tw o years notice from the Government Stock raising is a pleasant as wtll as profitable occupation in British Colum- bia. A settler pre-empts 320 acrt's of land, for which ho pays one dollar an at re, infouretjual instalments. Ho can put up a small lodge at little ex])enBe, und use the balance of his money in purchasing cattle. These he will brand and turn loose to graze where they will. In due course, the calves must be branded, and steers sold, and with little care or anxiety a man grows rich. HXBEB LANDS. The timber lands withia the Railway Belt may be acquired from the Domin- ion Government on payment of an annual fee of $50 (£10), and 80c (Is. 3d.) for each tree felled. This refers to the large timber-making trees cut for sale, and not to the smaller deciduous trees that may be required for use. These Terms apply to licenses granted for " timber limits " east of the 120° parallel of longitude, all timber west of that to the sea being governed by the regulations of the BRITISH COLUMBIA 45 Provinrial Govorninoiit. Mining and niimtral IuikIh witliin tlio Uuilway }Mi art'. *liH]M)H«il of l)y tim Dominion (iovornniunt on Hixtciul UtrniH ^ovornttil by tiie circuiiiHtiincoH of tlio cuac. Tli(> followiiii; t^" ret^ulutionii of thn Provincial Govnrnnieiit of British Columbia ifovurnini; lanitl)(>r Hiirvoyc*! or iinsur- voyod lands, and may b«i actjuirod oitiier by record and pn'M»mj>tion, or {)un'liaH<>. PRE-EXFTIONS. Tlio following jtorsonH may riicord or jin'-t'mpt Crown landH:— Any person, boin^' tlio boad of a family, u widow, or a sin^tln man ovor IH y«iarH of age, buint; a HritlHb snbjcct, may n-cord Hnrvcyt'il (ir unHnrveyed Crown landN, wbicli are unuccnpiitd, or unreserved, and nnrecordiMl. Aliens nuiy also n rd smli Hiirveyed or nnsurvoyod landH on making a declaration of int«'ntion to bocome a UritiHb Hid)jeet. Tlu* (juantity of land wliich may be recorded or pnMMupted is not to exceed 320 acres northward and eastward of the Cascade or Coast Mountains, or 100 acres in the rest of the province. No p<'rson can hold mon* than one pre-emption claim at a time. Prior record or pre-emj)tion of one claim, and all ri^dits under i' are forfeited by aubsequent record or pre-emption of another claim. Land recorded or j)re-empted cannot be transferred or conveyed till alter a Crown arrant has been issued. Such land, until the Crown grant is issued, is held by occupation. Such occupaticm must bo a bona fide jx-rsonal residence of the settler or homestead settler, or his family or agent. Indians or Chinese cannot be agents. The settler must enter into occupation of the land within thirty days after recording, and must continue t*) occupy it. Continuous absence for a longer i)eriod than two months consecutively of the settler or homestead settler, and his agent or family, is deemed cessation of o(!cupation; but leave of absence may be granted not exceeding four months in any one year, inclusive of the two months' absence. Land is considered abandoned if unoccupied for more than four months in the aggregate in one year, or for more than two months consecutively. If so abandoned, the land becomes waste lands of tiie Crown, without any cancellation of the record. The fee on recording is two dollars (8s.) The settler may either have the land surveyed at his own instance (subject to rectification of boundaries), or wait till the Chief Commissioner causes it to be surveyed. After survey has been made, upon proof, in declaration in writing of him- self and two other persons, of occupation from date of pre-emption, and of having made permanent improvements on the land to the value of two dollars and fifty cents per acre, the settler, on producing the pre-emption certificate, obtains a certifiate of improvement 46 BRITISH COLUMBIA After obtaining the certificate of improvement and paying for the land, the settler is entitled to a Crown grant in fee simple. lie pays five dollars therefor. PAYMENT FOR LAND AND CBOWN GRANT. The price of Crown lands, pre-empted, is one dollar per acre, which mnst be paid mfaur ((luiil inxtolmnttK, as follows : First instalment, two years from date of record or pre-emption, and each other instalment is not payable till after the survey. The Crown grant excludes gold and silver ore, and reserves to the Crown a royalty of five cents per ton on every t'^n of merchantable coal raised or gotten from tlie land, not including dross or fine slack. No Crown grant can be issued to an alien who may have recorded or pre- empted by virtue of his de(;laring his intention to become a British subject, unless he has become naturalized. The heirs or devisees of the homestead settler are, if resident in the province, entitled to the Crown grant on his decease. SALE OF SURVEYED LANDS. Vacant surveyed lands, which are not the sites of towns cr the suburbs thereof, and not Indian settle rrents, may bo purchased at tlie rate of two dollars and fifty cents per acre. Surveyed lands purchased under the provisions of this section must be paid for in full at the time of the purchase thereof. SALE OF UNSURVETED LANDS. The applicant to purchase unsurveyed Crown hinds, after staking, posting, etc., must give two months' notice of his intended application in the " Govern- ment Gazette," and in any newspaper circulating in the district where the land is situated. He must also have the land surveyed at his own expense, by a surveyor approved of and acting under the instructions of the Chief Commissioner. The price is two dollars and fifty cents per acre, to be paid as follows : Ten per cent, at the time of application, and ninety per cent, on completion and acceptance of survey. The quantity of land must be not less than 160 acres, nor more than 640 acres. The purchase must be completed within six months from date of application. WATER RIGHTS. Landlords may divert, for agricultural or other purposes, the required quantity of unrecorded and unappropriated water from the natural channel of any stream, lake, «&c., adjacent to or passing through their land, upon obtaining a written authority of the Commissioner. HOMESTEAD ACT. The farm and buildings, when registered, cannot be taken for debt incurred after the registration ; it is free from seizure up to a value not greater than. $2,500 (£500 English) ; goods and chattels are also free up to $500 (£100 English); cattle " farmed on shares " are also protected by an Exemption Act. TITLES. Not unfrequently settlers are anxious about their titles to property, when locating in a new land. There need be no uneasiness on this score in British Columbia. Titles are secure. BRITISH COLUMBIA 47 OOVEBNICENT. The Canadian Government rofjfuliitcg all mutters connected with tnido and navigation, the customs and excise, the udmiiiistration of Justice, militia and defence, and the postal 8ervii«!; hut the Provinciul Government of I'.ritisU Columbia has control of all local matttirs. The province is at present repre- sented in the Canadian Parliament by three Senators and six members of the House of Commons. Its own Liyislature consists of a Lieutenant-Governor, appointed by the Governor-General of Canada, an Executive Council of four members and a Legislative Assembly of twenty-seven members, elected liy the people for a term of four years. In practice the Executive Council hoi Is ollice at the will of the Assembly, precisely as the English Ministry do<\s at the will of the House of Commons. There are thirteen districts for electoral purposes. A short i)eriod of residence, with registration, qualifies vottirs, an 1 every settler who shows an aptitude for public business, and enjoys the conlideiice of his neighbors, lias as good a chance as another of representing his locality in the Provincial Legislature or the House of Commons at Ottawa. HOW TO BEACH BBITISH COLUMBIA. The Transatlantic steamships from England from about 20th November to 1st May, land their passengers at Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Canadian winter i)ort, and at Boston or New York. From Halifax passengers are carried to ^lontreal via the Canadian Pacific's Short Line, the trii> occupying but 20 hours. During the summer months (about 1st May to 20th November) steamers land passengers at Quebec and Montreal, and at Boston and New York ; when at the former city the journey toMyntraal is continued over the Canadian Pacific along the north shore of the St Lawrence River. Thence by the Canadian Pacific Railway across the continent to Vancouver. The Atlantic passage takes from eight to ten days, and the railway trip from Quebec across the continent five Jays. A lirst-class passenger can go through to British Columbia from !Engh,nd in fourteen days, by crossing the continent on the Canadian Pacific lino. It is best to take " Through I'tcbts" to Vancouver, or as far as pfjssible. Efforts may be made to induce passengers to take tickets by some roundabout route, which oftentimes necessitates expensive stoppages by the way. A pas- senger should insist upon having a ticket by the Canadian Pacific Railway, which is the only direct route. Third class passengers should provide at least part of the necessary food for themselves for the railway ' ip across America, as provisions at the way-side stations are expensive, and the " through " ticket price domnot iudude prorixions except on the steamers. Colonist's meals are 50 to 75 cents each. Surplus money should be sent through the Post Oftice, or a Bank, to avoid risk from loss on the way. It is the practice in North America, on the part of interested or dishonest persons, to fill the ears of passing colonists with stories about the places they are going to. No attention should be given to these men. Wliile passing through Eastern Canada, colonists for British Columbia will apply, in case of need, to the local immigration officers of the Dominion of 48 BRITISH COLUMBIA Canada, who will give honest advice and information. The coin and paper money of Canada is of a uniform standard and is curreut throughout tue Dominion. Intending passengers can obtain tickets through to all points in British Columbia, together with the fullest information relative to the most desirable places of location for farming, cattle growing, mining, and trading, by applying to Agenta of the Canadian Pacific Railway in London, Liverpool and Amster- dam. HOW TO SEND H0NE7 TO BBITISH COLUMBIA. The colonist is recommended not to take English coin to British Columbia. In Great Britain, he should pay that portion ot his money, not wanted on the passage to the Post Office, and get a money order for it payable in Vancouver or Vi.^toria; or he may pay his money either to the Bank of British Columbia, L i:i(lon (the bankers for the Government of British Columbia), or to the Bank of iJritish North America, London, and get from the bank, in exchange for his money, an order j)ayable on demand from its branch bank in Vancouver or Victoria, British Columbia, for tlio etj[uivalent of his money in dollars and cents. The colonist, on paying his money to tJie Bank must sign his name on a separate piece of paper, and ask the Bank to send the signature to their Branch Bank in Van- couver or Victoria, so that the person who applies for the money in Vancouver or Victoria may be known to be the proper person, Jf this is neglected, the colonist may not be able to get his money rmdily. The above banks have agents in England, Scotland, and Ireland. The Bank of British North America has its own branches in the Dominion of Canada, New York, and San Francisco. The Bank of Montreal is the agent of the Bank of British Columbia throughout Canada and New York. The Bank of Britisa Columbia has a branch in San Francisco. OH ABRIVINO IN BBITISH COLUUBIA It is sometimes better for an intending farmer of moderate means to place his money, on first arrival, in the Government Savings Bank (which allows interest), to take lod^^ings, an 1 13 work for Avages for some time, in order to gain a knowledge of colonial life and modes of management. Colonists are recommended not to linger about the towns at which they may arrive, but to proceed, with as little delay as possible, either to their fidends, if they have any in the province, or to the localities where they are likely to meet with employment. The immigration Agent, at port ot arrival, will furnish information as ot lands open for settlement in the respective districts, farms for sale, demand for labor, rates of wages, routes of travel, distances, expense of conveyance, etc. The colonist should be careful of his cash capital, and not put it into invest' ments hastily. There are Canadian Government Savings Banks in the province. PRICE OF BOABD AND LODQING. Very erroneous ideas prevail in some quarters as to the actual expense of living in the province. In old days, during the mining boom and prior to the opening of the Canadian Pacific Railway, rates were undeniably high. But at present the increased shipping facilities and livelier competition have lowered ])ricss all round, and necessaries of life cost much less than in the adjacent American territory, and can be purchased at a very reasonable advance upon ruling prices in Ontario and the older provinces. Good board and lodging at hotels (meat at every meal) costs from about $5 to $6.50 per week, or 208. to 26s. Sterling currency. Board and lodging per day, $1, or 48. Sterling ; single meal, 25c., Is. Sterling; beds. 50c., and 25c., 2s. and Is. Sterling. iL 8 flii.«^-, <•.; , ^^^ ^^■*^>Ui«UNTAIN TIMI Tw C E N TRAl. TIME sa^TT A i Mt4 Dfrt.^ o BauSotw t W 5'X gukatahewi Toaflhwood ° ^*j^>j^/j5 _ Blrda lllUc?^ B°8l.Norberi''*'** IC:_^Vg^#/tbNlv«rvUle l^'^mlJo OllerbuTO - •"* - ouUnlon City CiNrtLs , f^JTM^As Si»rrow$ Ju4jt>h 'Pttltwcijgan 1. VtrmUllmi. T O Shirgtonl, ti'llbJSSSkiSr^ i^ioouV ^\« Bl.mi.lre M%* V BoMbdd FanCuiMr III 4^ New BVoutoD ^Fertile •*r.7rn/\ U^f T A^ A\ Mltobein "■/ Trauy CbaniborlaiD ^Armour ' Tripp* (ariajiJa!! CO gr \*Jli-'«rib.ul?«l^*'*"'lM. N'ueuali &ui:laii PoriM«tPy-i BarabuoV" f«BdOTCr> ■*■»!» ^Bordea; fCbofw^ person^ Norfoll 'ulnt ioux City von Dodg. I O ^%^ Broken Bow ... . Qn»»w^ _ IV Jl^rokt ColUu *■ Oram ^fA\ .ManlMi ^£8 llarahalllovTu »erUJ5~ v« Dubuqui^ iVluton Ai X» • IT. MOINES l/___i -/--aisy-^'J-Jw A \ Aurori uwatiqe Oikatuoaa iHanllngs Council Bluff* y „^ _, V >«^ TurlMigta jtV!**^ Indlanola^^pP^Uoldrege xford Jo. i>lrburjs UUICOI lB«alrias^ •nport I MemlotaX iJ»eorl Pekiii, L iCy. EASTERN T.I M E Kabimtt 'l. \it)mk»bataA L. *• - * -^"in^' AiMmU £. ^'^S^^^.^^.../ H«Dl«jr Ho. iyotaiMtMil X. labiirUtthLi eSlV^^ lOrand Fje(arK-f -v^H »tiitr«y»»yj .tV* _lt^0B»«utt _ _ __ _ _ , „ __. .» ?!!^2«mw^^^^^^ BrsMbridg* ^'•J,**^- CoeHIU T»**a* OrmvenhuH q , 'aud Ikven bnt ay ELORAI! kniiara X>Gc?raHb /ttXfujRail ^w . jS.^ %i9 .■wl^ .ltd Klkha 5U |auija~ "^ ■-Oliian Iwego Cald« I — tr TaaiUr 1 nim «* ^Mh.^* DrMoBeG fleldl I^S^ Mi^j^^^ j to Kukoi nk^rtU^lon/Ol^ OL^^^^(W\m I I wareV/ \ YMt-Vernon iTfewVk i^ ^' ■«••» •-^'■....v. { . ■ ' > V' . * A ^- .' . A Royal Road gPffiCIFIC RRILWM. xii iiiv wuBi, ouuabmiiviiH miu rvii eotlv Built Railwsy on tho Coittiiiant of AmoHen, and miwrbly •qaipporl w ithjtho finest rollins a tock inorlerD skill onn produoo. Coaohes. Dlnins and ^ ' ' a of luxurioua eleeaucei and ozoel To Stabiliiy and Bmaty of In the Mott Snbitantlal and PorfeoU •oaippo'l with too finest rollins i Bleeping Care are triumph nnlsl! an/ia tlw world. TOURISTS ^ win 'find the New Boate through Canada from tbo Atlantic to tho PaoiOo unappmaehed fornuur- niflcenoe and vnrioty of Kconnry by any nth )r linq of travel. The rugged wildernenj of the Nortk ghore of Laku Superior, t ho piotiirorquo Liiko of the Woods Region, tho Billowy Fnilriesof tha anadian North-west, tho stately Rrandcur of the Rookies, tho inarrpis of the Kfltkirin and Gold Kange, the wondrous beauty nf tho Puoifio Coast, aro travor^od by The Crcat Dustleiia Route. Doing ontirolv oontrollod and manntrod by one Company, the Canadian Paciflo Railway offers special adrantoges to tran^^^oontinontnl travellers that oanuot M giantedbr any other tine. It is tho Best, tho Safest and Fustest route from Uooan to Ocean. The Company have spared no expense in providing for tho wants and comfort of thoir patrons, an their tine of Sning Cars and Mountain Uotels will at all times testify, being supplied with all that the most itidloua can desire Transcontinental Sleeping Cars Are provided with Sofa Sections and Bathing Aocommodntion, and offer all the oomfott and convenience of First-oloaa Ilotela. They aro spcoially^nnstruotod to admit of the i^oenery being . viewed in all dirootions. •'.-"''^^ pARBRHaKR FaRKH AS I.OW aB ANV OTHRR LtHC Through Tiokota from HaupaxI Qukiikc Muntukal, Ottawa, PaKBrorr, BROflKvttLi.ToBomo. Hamilton, Lo.vnox and all points in Unmida ; alfio from Nkw yoRK,BuSTON and all tho nrinoii;al points iu New England States, to Vaki:ouvkr, Viotobia and ether points in British (Jiolumbi»i and to fc-TLAND, Oro., Puokt Soi;nd Ports, 8am Fravcisou, oto. ZInsiat on gettini^your tickets via the Canadian Pacific Railway. Colonists receive special attention by this mute. Free Colonist Sleeping Cars being aapplied for their aocummodiaf.ior. Flight Shippers ean hkvB their ifoods transported without the voxatioua debya and damage incidental to tlie frequent transfers nccrsaary by other rontea, and without tna ezpenae and I annoyance of customs requirements. Bat es are Low er than by any othep Bqute Bosinesa Corresppndence invited, ond will mee^'with prompt and courteous attention if addressed to any of tiie undermentioned Ofiicers or AgentSt a.'M. BOSWOBTH, A>st. Fr elgbt Traffic Mgr., B. KEHB, General Passenger Agent, 0. A A. and E. Divlalona, Toronta W. A P. UivtslonSi Winnipeg^ W. B. 04MJLWAT DIstriot Passenger Agent, »■ ▼• 8K1HHKB, General BasternAgCTitjJ »u»u». 118 King 8treerw«st,Tn. 0. SEUOHBT, DlaMptJPassenger Agent, . j.. P. r.^rs, District Freight and Passenger Agent, . , ■ llraRStraet West, Detroit, HUik. im Soutb Olark Street, Olilcago, UL GBOBOB OIiPS, Ikaaral 'Aratto MaaagoA D. MtHICOiXi, OenerOl Pass en ge r ^^X">*>y^^^ tttx^mm^mmmi^mmtmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmimmmmmmmtmfmmmmmmammtmmm^matm ■ J.^-1 ' tHE ri!G||^\yAY TO THE PACIFIC ThelBwt. Cheaprest and COAST. Li. t Quickest Way to British Columbia AND TMt PuGtT SaurtD Country • • . m BrrNB ^l^B Qr9»k Rail Boate ^hriiQgh Piotures^ue Canada* IiaziiHotlB/nirqnirli pil^Qping Gara are run from the , itian)t^t(iiho Pa eifio Ocean. Eandfwe I^siinf Gaarii en all Transcontinental Trains. Geii^ft)ftfaKl^ free Bleepers: for OoMiste; Ifo Oii^ob|iBi#rdnb^^,^ ^4nU1te?Bi ittc^lelayii/np Worry* TilE B0 lioip fill |q|ri^^;^ i«w«»A«h ^* Tre^^XSafetj «i|^^ • ,- i.i. i ^ ^ i:- l^u ,M v,: --, , f