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REPORT DPON CANADA, BT PROFESSOR HENRY TANNER, F.C.S., SENIOK MKMBER OF THK ROYAL AGRICULTURAL COLLKOE ; SENIOR KXAMINER ON THE PRINCIPLES OF AGRICDLTURE DNDER THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE ; DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION UNDER THE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE, SOUTH KENSINGTON, LONDON. > '?■• »»»» 1883. Mx,oy •• f »>■ Tien w..nK«, IB * 1fl«. """AT «'•"" "• *'■ F" ^ RE-PUBLIS!lEn BY PERMISSION. EEPOET ■< 1 UPON CANADA, BY PROFESSOR HENRY TANNER, F.C.S., SENIOR MEMBER OF THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE ; SENIOR EXAMINER ON THE PRINCIPLES OP AGRICUi^TURE UNDER THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE; DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION UNDER THE INSTITUTE OP AGRICULTURE, SOUTH KENSINGTON, LONDON. 1883. b^ Ji w be South Kensington, October Is/, 1883. To THE Council of THE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE. My Lords and Gentlkmen,— My mission to Canada, which, will be completed with the presentation of this Report, had for its especial object an enquiry into the advantages, or otherwise, which surround emigration to this colony, more especially for those who, having been educated in the Institute, are unable to command sufficient capital for farming profitably in this country. As a matter of fact, the utmost confusion had existed for many months in the minds of the agricultural public, and others who contem- plated emigrating to Canada, as to the true position of affairs in that country. They had read the Reports of the Delegates of the British Farmers who had visited Canada, and those Reports showed very cleai'ly that emigratioTi. prudently carried out, gave unbounded facilities for securing a comfortable support, and for the accumula- tion of profits. The writers of these Reports were known to be persons possessing much practical experience, and thoroughly worthy of confidence. The issue of these important Reports was soon followed by a large series of letters, and other communications to the Press, giving most painful details of what were alleged to be the personal ' experiences of disappointed emigrants. When an explanation was sought for, as to this conflict of testimony, it was then asserted that the Delegates had been hoodwinked by Govern- ment officials, and taken to selected spots which did not fairly represent the districts in which emigrants would have to settle. It was also alleged that the kind and hospitable treatment they had received had influenced their judgments, and that their Reports were practically valueless in consequence. Statements such as these were received with just indignation by those to whom the Delegates were personally known. Hoping to throw some light upon this conflict of testimony, my enquiry took the form indicated in the following questions, to which this Report is intended as a reply: — 1 / .** r '.» J* I 15 First : Why have we had such contradictory reports upon the condition of our emigrants in Canada ? Secondly : Can emigration to Canada bo safely recommended ; and if so, what facilities exist for the protection and general welfare of our emigrants ? CONTRADICTORY REPORTS. As soon as it was known that I was about to visit Canada, in the discharge of these duties, I was favoured with various commu- nications warning rae as to the difficulties and losses which had fallen upon settlers in that country. These were sent to me from Canada as well as from England, and the severest censures were passed upon those who had misled the public by highly-coloured reports upon Farming in Canada. In replying to these communica- tions, I asked for the names and addresses of any of these cases of unsuccessful emigrants, or any definite details which I could examine into on my arrival in Canada. I felt that these were just the cases which I needed, and I was therefore most anxious to secure this information. My correspondents were in every case unable to give me any such particulars, and my English correspondents could only refer me to ceitain Canadian newspapers for these instances of failure. Feeling, as I did, the immense importance of having these instances of failure before me, I renewed my applications for the sama on ray arrival in Canada, but here also the alarming incidents which had been described, could not be localised or identified so as to admit of examination on the spot, and I failed to obtain the details I so much desired. I therefore proceeded on my tour through Canada, and by per- sonal observation I have been able to form a very definite opinion upon the facts of the case. I may state that after my arrival in Canada I travelled fully 5,000 miles within Canadian territory, and that I had most favourable opportunities for coming in contact with settlers, not only in the older provinces of the Dominion, but in Manitoba, and even beyond its borders, in the Assiniboia District of the North West Territories. Throughout the whole of this lengthened tour of inspection I found those settled upon the lands happy, prosperous, and healthy. After conversing freely with large numbers of these settlers, I am able to state that I did not meet with a single instance in which they were not fairly successful, con- tented, and full of hope for the future. They worked hard, it is true, but that labour was sweetened by the knowledge that they were improving their own property. Their personal requirements were easily provided for by the aid of a rich and productive soil ; their families were growing up around them in the enjoyment of i •s. I le^ em se^ mii sei maH Jl ipon tne mended ; il welfare !auada, in s commti- vhich had D me from ures were y-coloui'ed )minunica- 36 cases of I I could were just us to secure unable to dents could instances of laving these ons for the ag incidents mtified so as ,0 obtain the , and by per- anite opinion ly arrival in territory, and L contact with linion, but in iboia District whole of this pon the lands ely with large [ did not meet uccessful, cou- •ked hard, it is ;dge that they kl requirements reductive soil ; 5 enjoyment of health, and without any anxiety being felt as to their future success in lite. These facts, which came under my own observation, com- pel me therefore to state that the unfavourable reports upon Canada which have been published in this country do not fairly represent the condition of affairs in Canada. On the other hand, I am equally bound to state that the Reports of the Delegates are substantially correct and worthy of confidence, and that in my opinion there is no justification whatever for the attacks which have been made upon them. Under any ordinary circumstances I should have con- sidered it quite unnecessary for me to render my testimony in support of the opinions given by the Delegates, because they possess the confidence of those who know them ; but the present issue is one of national importance, and demands from me a clear avowal of my opinion. I have, therefore, great pleasure in benr'ag my testimony as to the side on which I believe the truth rests. In speaking of Canada as I have done, I must not be supposed to represent it as an Earthly Paradise, from which disappointment, loss, and suffering are excluded. Failures have arisen, and will arise, for men bring upon themf:olves here, as elsewhere, the results of their own imprudence and lack of perseverance, but these con- stitute an excessively small proportion of the cases existing in Canada, and they are quite exceptional in their character. Such being the true position of affairs, it now becomes necessary for me to give some explanation as to the CAUSES OF THESE CONTRADICTORY REPORTS. Emigi-ation may be compared to a stream of wealth-producing power flowing into a new country, and as there are zealous agents for various countries eagerly seeking to secure as large a share as possible of that stream, so we soon find the contest becoming sharp and active. In the early stages the work is generally fair and legitimate, for the agents simply seek to place before intending emigrants the important advantages of the countries or districts they severally represent. This is too commonly followed by a series of mis-statements 'as to the countries and districts which are repre- sented by opposing agents. In order that the attention of emigrants may be secured to these mis-representations, it is found necessary to make them very pungent and very startling, otherwise little or no notice would be taken of them. In this way rival agents, whose duty it is to turn emigrants from Canada, find that the best way for doing so is to give some heart-rending narrative of the miseries, and possibly the ruin, which befel some emigrant who went to Canada. The person who is thus addressed cannot possibly judge s whether the narrative be true or false, and thns in many cases he is led to believe that there mnst be some truth in the tale, because so many people tell him of similar difficulties and misfortunes. He appears to forgot that for each Canadian agent, there will be ton or a dozen representatives of other districts. One illustrative fact may be useful at this point, although it is but one of ten thousand. I shall have occasion hereafter to draw attention to the very successful settlement which has been established in the North West of Canada, by the assistance rendered to her tenantry by Lady Gordon- Cathcart. As the first detachment of her settlers were travelling to their destination, it became necessary for them to pE^s through a portion of the United States, in consequence of the Canadian Pacific Railway being then incomplete. In doing so they were mot by a number of persons who were to all appear- ance ordinary fallow travellers. These urged them to remain in the States, whilst the extraordinary accounts they gave of the North West of Canada filled their minds with disappointment and fear. Some said they could not escape the fearful floods of the spring, others assured them they would be baked by the fearfully hot summer, whilst another group knew perfectly well that they would be frozen in winter. As they proceeded they gradually discovered the trick m ' .oh had been played upon them, and they laughed at the doubts which had been so easily raised. " And now that you have settled here, what do you think of the place ?" I enquired of one of the party. "Aye, sir," he reverently replied, " it is really a Godly country." Incidents such as these are simply numberless in their variety and form, for there are large numbers of persons who are thus employed throughout the emigration season, and whose duty it is to persuade emigrants to settle in some other district than that to which they are journeying, and these agents are remunerated according to their success. In the instance which I have quoted, the deception was attempted in the United States, but I need scarcely say that there is no monopoly of virtue on either side of the Boundary Line, for if it is six to one, it is half a dozen to the other. This class of mis-representfition is quite of .the common rank, but the same object is carried out with greater delicacy and refinement when those of a higher grade have to be decoyed. Here also we find additional interests influencing the work, and whenever the full history is revealed of the correspondence upon Canadian matters which has this year caused so much anxiety and fear in Great Britain and Ireland, it will be a source of surprise to know how much of it was manufactured within half a mile of the London Stock Exchange. jprot( ses ho is cause so los. He bo ton or ugh it is to draw itablishcd ed to her ant of her essary for nsequence In doing ill appear- reraain in the North t and fear, ho spring, irfnlly hot hoy would discovered ghed at the link of the y country. Iieir variety lO are thus duty it is to lat to which iccording to 10 deception ely say that mdary Line, Chis class of » same object in those of a d additional 11 history is rs which has Britain and ich of it was ok Exchange. Let, then, a veil be allowed to fall upon the paat, in the hope that a snccessfal trick may not be repeated. The moral of the tale is tolerably cloar, for it indicates that in future the acceptance of any such narratives of failure should be made dopendent upon our know- ledge of the persons making such statements. Communications which do not admit of their being tested and verified, should be regarded as worse than useless. I have before me at this moment one of the letters published in England in July last, it has not even an initial attached to it, and it is addressed from Farm, Mani- toba, under date of June 3rd. Now, considering that Manitoba is considerably larger than Great Britain and Ireland, the address is singularly incomplete and unusual. I feel confident that the Press may be relied upon for securing emigrants from a repetition of the serious mis-representations which have become so common during the last twelve months, and I will gladly render any assistance in my power in enquiring into any cases which may be referred to me. Although my applications for the actual facts referred to in the newspaper narratives failed to bring me the information I desired, they brought me something instead, iur there was a general desire to be informed in whoso interests I was going to Canada. I am free to confess that I felt somewhat indignant at these enquiries, as I regarded them as suggesting that T was entering upon the work as a partizan, rather than as an impartial observer, but as I proceeded with my investigation all this over-sensitiveness was brushed aside, for I found personal and private interests playing so important a part in the matters I was brought in contact with, that I also found it essentially necessary to secure similar information respecting many of my would-be helpers. It is with great satisfaction that I now turn from the first enquiry to the far more congenial task of reporting upon the agri- I cultural capabilities of Canada, and the facilities which exist for the I protection and general welfare of our emigrants. EMIGRATION ARRANGEMENTS. To the ordinary observer, the emigrant and those who seek jleasure or lenewed health by a visit to Canada, appear to be fol- lowing out their own pre-arranged plans without any external Knterference. As soon, however, as we look beneath the surface we jcliscover that a very perfect system surrounds their every action, ^hich, without friction or inconvenience, guards them from lumberless unseen dangers, and secures for them many a comfort. In other words, passenger traffic by sea is regulated by a very Complete system, whereby our voyages are made as safe and as if 8 agreeable as other circumstances may render posp'ble. It is just •:i,aother instance of those unseen influences which regulate our path through life, of which we are too often indifferent because we do not feel their interference. A proper inspection of the ship by a Government official is an essential preliminary which must precede the departure of any passenger ships from any of our ports. Provision is made for every berth being of a reasonable and proper size. Other regulations secure an abundant supply of good food and good water, whilst proper ventilation, medical necessaries, life boats, appliances for the prevention of fire, and a number of valuable conveniences calculated to make a voyage safe and comfortable are duly secured. A full and efficient crew is also made compulsory, and altogether the minimum requirements go far to secure health, comfort, and safety to the emigrant and the tourist. It was my wish to see how far these requirements were actually carried out in practice. I had decided upon taking my passage to Canada by the Allan Royal Mail Line of steamers from Liverpool, and I therefore applied for authority to inspect the general arrangements for the voyage, per- mission for which was granted to me. I went on board with the officer appointed by the Board of Trade some hours before the other saloon passengers, and I witnessed the entire inspection. The intermediate and steerage passengers were individually passed by the medical officer, and I scarcely know whether I ought most highly to commend his unobtrusive, but careful observation, or his courteous and kindly manner of satisfying himself of their being in good health, and prepared for the voyage we were about to take with them. One family alone was rejected as medically unfit, and with heavy hearts they left the ship, but they were specially cared for on shore by Messrs. Allan Brothers and Co., and every provision was made for their comfort and early restoration to health. Such a separation of persons who are not in proper health for a voyage is a two-fold blessing, for those who need medical care can be most satisfactorily treated on shore, and it is a still greater blessing for those who might have suffered by the association. The crew also were passed by the medical officer, and this was followed by a thorough trial of their efficiency in launching the ship's boats. The inspection having been satisfactorily completed, the time soon arrived for the saloon passengers to come on board, but how few had any idea of the precautionary measures which had been carried out. Life on board ship has been so often described under the luxurious conditions enjoyed by saloon passengers that it leaves Iittl( of litni tliJ 30(1 nui clal i 9 It is JTist te onr path ause we do fficial is an tare of any de for every regulations vvder, whilst mces for the es calculated red. A full toecether the t, and safety I see how far ctice. I had Allan Royal 3 applied for } voyage, per- •ard with the rs before the spection. The illy passed by I ought most rvation, or his their being in > about to take jally unfit, and specially cared every provision lealth. Such a for a voyage is . e can be most ter blessing for The crew also followed by a lip's boats. The the time soon i, but how few lad been carried nbed under the aat it leaves littl< to be specially reported. We were a bright and merry party throughout, fully appreciating the excellent arrangements made on The Peruvian for our comfort. We had in Captain Ritchie a com- mander with whom it was a privilege to sail, and the domestic arrangements were admirably carried out by his chief steward, Edwin Hartnell. But beside those who were thus enjoying the luxuries of the saloon, there were many intermediate and steerage passengers, and I was especially anxious to inform myself as to how far these wcm-o treated with care and consideration during the voyage, and I was here also permitted to inspect any and every detail. When we cleared off from Moville, after taking in the latest mail from Londonderry, we numbered all told as follows : — Saloon ... Intermediate Steerage Crew ... Passongera. f-^^ 76 = 71 33 = 29i .. 429 = 363 .. 103 = 103 Total 641 ;66| One important rule I found adopted throughout the ship, for whether the passengers were in the saloon, or intermediate, or steerage, all the supplies of food were of uniform good quality. I visited the steerage during the supply of their dinners. I found the bill oi" fare good ; the food was well cooked, and distributed by well-trained hands, everything being scrupulously clean. I partook of their supplies, and I observed that all were allowed as much food as they could make use of. With rigid discipline the steerage and intermediate were kept thoroughly clean and good order preserved. I have hei'e restricted myself to a description of those matters which actually caine under my own observation, but I have every reason to believe that the care and comfort of our emigrants are jealously guai-ded upon all the first-class steamers which are engaged in their conveyance from Great Br' v.n and Ireland to Canada. But this official care of the emigrant does not cease at the end of the voyage ; on the other hand, it is then greatly increased. We landed in Quebec (Port Levis side) on an extensive wharf adjoining the railway r.tation. On this wharf there was an emigrant shed 300 feet long, affording excellent protection when the weather is unfavourable. Here we are brought in contact with an entirely new class of officials — the Canadian Government Emigration Agents. Upon these gentlemen important, and often very delicate, duties devolve, for they have to exercise a sort of parental care over any emigrants who are in difficulty, or who need either friendly counsel, 10 or even money. Whilst these agents have to guard against imposition, it is their bounden duty to aid the emigrant in his difficulty, and they deserve the highest commendation for the kind and considerate manner in which they discharge their duties. In the case of a labourer who may have gone out to Canada intending to enter upon any work which may offer, the Government Agent can at once guide him to the class of employment he requires, and he will often pass him and his family on by railway to his destina- tion. As the emigrants reach their respective destinations they find " homes " built by the Government, in which they can reside whilst arranging for going to their places for work. If any are ill, they are immediately put under the care of the Government Medical Officer of the station, and the Government Agent of the district has to exercise a watchful care over them, and render help if it be required. If we take the case li emigrants of a better class, the same help is at their command, but they generally require assistance of a very different character. The selection of land is generally the first care of these persons, and for their aid a staff of " land guides " has been established. None are admitted to these positions of trust but those who ax'e practically acquainted with the land and the farming of the districts within which they have to act. Thus the Govern- ment Emigration Agent having informed himself respecting an emigrant's requirements as to land, is able to guide him to the district most likely to suit his plan of operation, and he will also give him an order for the personal assistance of the land guide, whose duty it will be to escort him to the sections of land which are free for his selection. Whatever may be said of the gi'eat fertility of farm lands in Canada, every practical man knows perfectly well that both good and bad land may be found. There is an unlimited opportunity for selecting fertile land which will reward the indus- trious emigrant, but if he does not exercise common prudence, he will probably take land which will disappoint his hopes. At any rate, the Dominion Government has acted with great consideration towards emigrants by establishing this valuable body of land guides, and a prudent man will avail himself of this important help. In observing the various ways in which the Canadian Govern- ment aid and assist emigrants of all grades and classes, it is at first a source of surprise that Government officials should put themselves forward to net as such friendly helpers. We soon see the reason for this help being given, and it rests upon a recognition of this great truth — that as the general prosperity of the country is depen- exl caj bol fr( rifi I ft d against mt in his r the kind Luties. In intending lent Agent pires, and lis destina- is they find side whilst re ill, they at Medical ;he district jlp if it be 3 same help ce of a very be first care s " has been f trust but the farming the Govern- specting an him to the le will also ! land guide, id which are reat fertility erfcctly well \n unlimited I the indus- prudence, he )es. At any consideration ody of land is important lian Govern- s, it is at first ut themselves se the reason nition of this atry is depen- 11 dent upon the successful enterprise of a large number of individuals, so does it become a matter of national importance that each and every helper should be made a successful worker. The help is not given from any feelings of benevolence, but simply because it i': found to be a profitable outlay by reason of the increased success which results. Year by year the facilities for emigration are rendered more and more perfect, and the intercommunication between Great Britain and Canada becomes increasingly simple. Amongst the saloon passengers who accompanied mc on my voyage to Canada were several students from our English and Scotch colleges going home for their vacation. In the steerage there were workmen who had been enjoying a holiday amongst their friends in the Old Country, genei'ally taking back with them some new emigrants. On my return to England, sevci'al of the sons and daughters of eminent Canadian families were coming over hei'e for higher school educa- tion, all showing how easily the dividing line is passed for pleasure, as well as for duty. In the next summer the progress of emigrants to the North West will be greatly shortened by the Algoma route being completed, and it will be rendered more comfortable by the new Emigrant Sleeping Cai's which are being constructed by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. IMPORTATION OF LIVE STOCK. This is a work which is closely associated with emigration, and the manner in which it is controlled by the Government authorities demands a passing notice. The same parental care which is bestowed upon the emigrant, is equally experienced in his subsequent protection from the importation of cattle disease. About two miles from the Port LeWs landing-stage 8,t Quebec we have the Govern- ment quarantine grounds, which are situated around the fortifica- tions, and occupy about 1,500 acres of land. Much of this land has been sub-divided into a series of paddocks varying in size from five to ten acres, each having comfortable shedding in which the stock undergoing quarantine are kept, and around which they are regularly exercised. No charge is made for the use of the sheds and paddocks, nor for medical supervision, but food and attendants have to be provided by the owners. The buildings are kept scnipulously clean and in good order, and the management is excellent throughout. The period for quarantine in the case of cattle extends over 00 days from the date of their being placed on board ship, and in the case of sheep twelve days have to elapse from the time of their being landed from th^ ship. The system is rigidly and strictly carried ou^ under an admirable supervision, and iiv 12 at the time of my visit over 2,000 head of cattle were und«>rgoing quarantine. The efficiency of the system is shown by the remark- ably healthy character of Canadian stock, and by the preference given to this route for some of the more valuable stock which is being imported into the United States. In the interests of Canada this safeguard of her stock farmers will doubtless be jealously main- tained, and it is to be hoped that her quarantine regulations will not be in the slightest degree relaxed, for it is almost impossible to over-estimate the advantages which they confer upon Canadian farmers. The authorities are evidently determined to do their best for preserving the priceless boon of freedom from cattle disease, and they deserve high commendation for the protection thus given to the herds and flocks of Canada. THE AGRICULTURAL CAPABILITIES OP CANADA. In order that clear and distinct opinions may be formed upon this important subject, we must in the first place realise something of the magnitude of the district spoken of, for upon this point popular ideas are extremely vague. In its total area Canada is very nearly as large as the entire continent of Europe, and some of its provinces are larger than the territories of the Great European Powers. The variations of climate are equally remarkable, for we have in Canada every gradation of climate, from that of the extreme North of Europe, with its districts of perpetual snow, to that of the sunny plains of France, Spain, and Italy, with their rich and luscious fruits and semi-tropical products. The soil also varies equally as much as it does on the continent of Europe. It will therefore be evident that those who speak of Canada as a country " fitted only for fur-bearing animals," give a very inadequate idea of the variations which exist in that great territory. The popular mind is no doubt influenced by the fact, that the views of Canada which are commonly met with in this kingdom are almost invari- ably winter scenes. It is perfectly true that those high festivals of pleasure and amusement are exceedingly enjoyable, and form a prominent feature in the incidents of Canadian life, but the ^. Mic mind aas become too greatly impressed with the idea that Canada is more remarkable for its winters than for anything else. Those who have enjoyed the rich, full flavoured fruits and garden produce of Canada, know very well that these indicate a luxuriance of growth and a summer climate well nigh perfect in its character. When we remember also that Canadian wheat produces some of the finest flour in the world, we may be assured that she has something more than her winters to boast of. 13 idprgoing e remark- ireference which is )f Canada asly main- .tions will possible to Canadian do their ,tle disease, thus given rmed upon ) something this point lada is very some of its b European able, for we the extreme that of the ;ir rich and [ also varies ope. It will as a country idequate idea The popular vs of Canada Imost invari- rh festivals of and form a ut the ^ Mic that Canada ^ else. Those irden produce luxuriance of its character. 3S some of the tias something To give anything like a complete report upon the agricultural capabilities of Canada is beyond my present intention, in fact, it would wivolve lengthened labour, and many large volumes might be added to those valuable works which have already been published. To those who seek these details in a condensed form, I would recom- mend a perusal of the smaller ofFcial documents issued by the several Departments of Agriculture, including the Reports prepared by the Delegates, and especially that invaluable little book " What Farmers Say." If more thorough and complete information is desired, this may be obtained from the Annual Reports of the several Departments of Agriculture, the five-volume Report of the Royal Commission on Agriculture in the Province of Ontario, and Professor Macoun's work on Manitoba and the North- West. Here, as elsewhere, it is Facts on which the emigrant must rely, and by these alone he should be guided in his general arrangements. But whilst it formed no portion of my plan to add to these valuable Re- ports, it will still be my endeavour to dra,w attention to certain details which may be useful to those who think of emigrating to Canada. For this purpose I shall divide the several Provinces of Canada into three groups. In the first district, we may associate the older settled Provinces of Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward's Island. Into the second district I have gathered the Pi'ovinces of Manitoba, Assiniboia, Alberta, and the North- West Territories east of the Rocky Mountains. Besides these two districts, we have the Province of British Columbia, which naturally forms a perfectly distinct section, and which demands a separate notice. District No. I. THK EASTERN AND SOUTH-EASTERN PROVINCES IN RELATION TO EMIGRATION, These provinces possess many points of character in common, and yet there are variations which must influence the minds of emigrants. The entii'o extent of this district is about three times the size of Great Britain and Ireland, nnd the early work of coloni- sation was chiefly kept within its boundaries. Hei*e and there an exception maybe found, but for all practical purposes we may thus limit the scene of the operations of our early settlers. As a general rule this was a richly wooded district, having a great variety of soil, and largely provided with rivers and inland lakes, giving great facilities for transport purposes. The labour of clearing these forests has been very great, and the perseverance shown deserves the. highest commendation. At the present time we have a large .eii IBM 14 number of prosperous fai'mers settled upon lands thus reclaimed from the forest, and a well- wooded country still surrounds these properties. Throughout the district much of the country compares favourably with many luxuriant portions of England, such as Kent, Herefordshire, and Devon, and although British farmers may justly criticise the still incomplete condition of some of the farms, they will not fail to recognise that these lands have great cnpabilities. It does not appear to me to be in any way probable that emigrants will, for some time to come, select the unreclaimed forest land of this district, and give to such land the long continued labour which is necessary for bringing it into cultivation. But such forest lands will not be neglected, for there are many men ex- perienced in clearing them — practical men who know thoroughly well how to carry out such operations, and how to dispose of the produce most advantageously — who still prefer lands of this class to any other. The work of i-eclaiming forest land will doubtless proceed, but it will bo carried out by those who are specially qualified for doing the work profitably, still I think that very few of our ordinary emigrants will follow the example of those who landed in Canada twenty, thirty, and forty years back, and who commenced an attack on the forest, without any hesitation. The farms which have been cleared of timber possess many advantages which will commend themselves to British farmers, who having been accustomed to the comforts and conveniences of life are un- willing to forego these advantages, and especially when they have young families growing up around them. In these districts there are a large number of farms which may be purchased at a small cost. On many of these farms there are good residences and. con- venient farm buildings, with churches, chapels, schools, good roads, and good markets within easy reach. The rough work has here been done, and these farms would soon become as well finished as the best in the old country, and for the class of persons to whom I have referred such farms possess many advantages. The conditions which infl.uence the varied systems of farming in Great Britain and L'eland, are found to exist in this district with even increased dis- tinctions. Thus we have some districts especially suited for raising stock and for growing oats of superior quality, others in which stronger grazing land is found and on which good wheat is pro- duced, whilst in other parts some splendid barley and sheep farms are found, and further south Indian corn and the choicest fruit are bi'ought to perfection. Thus there is a far greater choice of dis- trict for any special system of farming, and a greater certainty as to the character of the climate. tl ft| 01 tl al oj aj ul 01 15 ■eclairaed ids these compares as Kent, nay justly i,rms, they )ilitiea. )ablo that ned forest continned But such men ex- thoroughly loso of the : this class I doubtless •c specially at very few those who k, and who ation. The advantages who having life are un- n they have stricts there [ at a small 3es and con- , good roads, )rk has here 1 finished as IS to whom I lie conditions t Britain and ncreased dis- 3d for raising lers in which wheat is pro- d sheep farms cest fruit are choice of dis- ir certainty as The question will naturally arise, how is it so many farms can be purchased in this district, if the conditions of success are as great as they are represented to be ? I think a satisfactory answer may be given at any rate it shall be a correct reply. The work of improvement which has been carried out by the emigrants of fifteen or twenty yea-s back, has accustomed them to pioneer life, and having accomplished one task they have less hesitation in seeking fresh opportunities for improving land, especially if they have any particular inducement for doing so. In many of these cases the sons have grown up on the original farm, and the time has come for settling them in business upon farms of their own. Settlers of this class seldom think of again attacking forest land, as they had done in the days of their youth, but they generally prefer the much easier work of the prairie. The consequence is that as they sell their farms they migrate to the North-west, and settle themselves and their sons upon fanns in that district. To these hardy and ex- perienced pioneers such a change does not involve any hardships, whilst their successors prosper on the farms which had been re- claimed for their use. The progress made in their original work of reclamation, is even now illustrated by some very unattractive sketches, representing the farms on forest land as they are said to have appeared at the end of five, fifteen, and thirty years. In these days, however, we look for quicker i-eturns, and recent experience in Canada shows that it is ottaiuablc. The practice of farming and the management of live stock has greatly improved in this East and South Eastern District during the last ten years, and in no part has that progress been more marked than in Ontario. No one can read that admii'able Report of the Royal Commission uiion the Agriculture of Ontario without feeling how much has been done in the past, and how great are the opportunities for the future. The work done by that Royal Com- mission is of priceless value to Ontario, and will aid its material progress in the early future. The action of the Provincial Govern- ment in the establishment of the Ontario Agricultural College at Guelph, is another instance of their watchful care over the advance- ment of agi'iculture. I had favourable opportunities for inspecting that college and its farm of 550 acres. President Mills and an able staff of professors are there carrying out an admirable course of instruction, one which is pre-eminently of a practical character and especially suited for a colonial fai-mer. There were 20G students under instruction last session, and many were excluded for want of more accommodation. It would be difficult to form a full estimate of the pecuniary advantages resulting to Ontario from this State- 16 aided institution, but I have no doubt whatever in my own mind, that there is no money spent by that Provincial Government which makes a more remunerative return than that voted in support of the Agricultural College at Guelph. I have elsewhere made refer- ence to the almost parental care of the Dominion Government in the advancement of agricultural interests ; but it is a pleasing duty to notice the fact, that the various legislative bodies in Canada (Avhatevcr their political bias may be) recognise the fact that those engaged in the culture of the soil are producers of wealth for the Colony, and therefore deserve well of their country. Happily for the future of this district, private enterprise and local organisations are rendering most important supplemental aid to legislative action. Several powerful Agricultural and Horticultural Societies, assisted by Poiiltry and Bee-keepers', Dairy- men's and Fruit-growers' Associations, are doing great service in encouraging improvements in every section of farm produce. We now find scattered throughout this vast district many representa- tives of the best breeds of farm stock, and these are here brought to a very high perfection, whilst the fruit and dairy produce are proverbially excellent. The recent introduction of a study of the Principles of A.griculture into the schools of Ontario will soon exert an important influence upon the rising generation. When the educational policy thus introduced has attained its full development, it will contribute very powerfully to the general prosperity of the district, by securing an intelligent appreciation of any improve- ments introduced into farm practice at home or abroad. It must be admitted that at the present time Ontario takes the lead in Canada for general farm practice, but her example is being so actively followed, that she cannot safely rest satisfied with her present attainments. A healthy rivalry is rendering this East and South Eastern District more and more attractive to capitalists, and is causing a steadily increasing demand for male and female emigrant labour, which demand is even now very far in advance of any supply rendered by emigration. Whatever may be the induce- ments which other portions of Canada hold out — and they are certainly great — this district has already attained a manufacturing and industrial power, and possesses such wealth-producing capa- bilities, that her future prosperity is practically assured. 17 District No. II. MANITOBA, ARSINinOIA, ALBERTA, AND THE NORTH-WEST TERRITORY, IN RELATION TO EMIGRATION. The North American Indians, amongst their many peculiarities, have often shown much skill in giving accurate and descriptive names to the places i/hey have frequented. Such ajjpears to be the case with the name given to Manitoba, which really means " The Lands of the Great and Good Spirit," and there can be no doubt that the Indians have long I'cgarded these lands as amongst the choicest and most valuable which had come under theii' observation. Consequent upon a series of most judicious treaties, the claims of the North American Indians have been equitably and satisfactorily met by a series of land grants, known as " The Indian Reserves," which lands have been secured for their sole use for the future, and within these Reserves they reside with great contentment. The result is the vast territory grouped under this section is (with the exception of these Reserves) as free for settlement, cultivation, and use, as if there were no Indians in the country. This district is even m^re extensive than Russia in Europe, whilst a very large proportion of it is known to be of great fertility, admirably adapted for the growth of wheat, and yielding excellent pasturage. Rarely, if ever, has such a valuable tract of land burst so suddenly upon public notice. Much was known of the eastern side of Manitoba, for rail- way communication to Winnipeg had brought the eastern section of this Province within easy access, but it was only as railway accommo- dation was provided on the western side of Winnipeg that this valuable district was rendered accessible for settlers. It appears that early in 1871 it was agreed that Bi'itisli Columbia should be admitted into union with the Dominion of Canada, and one of the stipulations of that union was an undertaking that the Government would assist in the formation of a lino of i-ailway fi-om the Pacific to the Atlantic ocean, thus effectually binding together this great confederation. The Canadian Pacific Railroad has resulted from that agreement, but from a variety of causes that work of construction was not fairlv commenced until March, 1881. At the end of August, in the present year, there was a straight run of 1,275 miles open for traffic, in addition to other railway workingiv and of the main line no less than 840 miles were to the west of Winnipeg. The opening of the line of railway to Calgary was celebrated during the time of my visit to Canada, and it is now con- fidently anticipated that the line from ocean to ocean will be com- pleted in 1885. It will be readily understood that this rapid 18 confltmction of railway communication, passing as it does through Manitoba, Assiniboia, an far as Calgary in Alberta, has opened up this magnificent country to emigrants, from which at nn earlier date thoy had been practically excluded by the want of an easy access. The scene on the prairie has become completely changed along this line of railway, for instead of the solitary bullock-waggon once now and then following on tlio Indian trail, and holding on its weary way, we have large and comfortable trains speeding along day and night, carrying tnivellers nearly a thousand miles through newly opened land. A great movement such as this was certain to exercise an influ- ence beyond itself, and I have to draw attention to two perfectly distinct results which were more or less closely associated with this great work. The first was that arising from excessive speculation, cai'riod on by a group of individuals who sought to make fortunes without working for them. A railway of such vast proportions necessarily resulted in the location of cities and towns along the line it followed, and these were defined upon proper plans. No sooner had this been done than a number of speculators secured many of these town sites, and day after day sales were made at considerable advances, even when the land purchased could only be indicated upon paper. Under what was known at the Great Boom of 1881-2, the wildest speculations were ventured on. Lands wore frequently changing owners several times even on the same day, until after a time the bubble burst, and the shreAvd speculators having managed to make eonsidenible sums of money at the cost of the foolish and unwary, cau.sed some difliculties in and around Winnipeg. Those who wished to throw discredit upon Manitoba, had now an abund- ance of real material at tlieir command, and it was so skilfully used that many drew the iiifereiico that misery and ruin were very closely associated with ^Manitoba, and especially with Winnipeg, its capital. As a matter of fact, however, Winnijjeg, rapidly arose out of this passing trouble, with a thoroughly healthy vigour of growth, and witli business capabilities which are daily becoming more powerful. But whilst this speculative work was going on, lai'ge numbers of quiet workers were following out another course of procedure, locating themselves upon some of the fertile lands which had been brought within easy reach by the new railway, and by their industry they have secured for themselves and for their children many a happy home and many a prosperous farm. The general chai-acter of the district we now have under review presents a great contrast to the lands of the East and South-eastern 19 district. In this district wo have a prairio country, covorod with its grassy turf and. generally, with little or no timber. It commonly presents an undulating or billowy surface not unlike much of the Downs of Wiltshire and Hampshire, and the Wold district of York- shire. Over much of the prairio it is easy to ride and drive, but the Indian trails aro soon found to have been discreetly chosen, and to be preferable to any other course. On much of the prairie there is a very strong growth of grass, which is found to yield highly nutritive and valuable food, whether preserved as hay, or fed upon the land. Occasionally the prairio becomes varied by a growth of wood and small timber, both of which aro exceedingly valuable and convenient for building purposes and for fuel. The railway facilities, and tho water transit arrangements, now enable timber and excellent coal to be distributed through the North-west, especially when the local supplies are feeble. The scenery is often relieved by lakes and ponds, the favourite resort of all kinds of water fowl, and the practical value of these water supplies is often great. The fertility of pi-airie land varies considerably, but it generally carries some surface evidence whereby tho quality can be approximately judged. A strong growth of wild roses, wild fruit, or the dog willow is genoi*ally considered a good indication. Amongst the wild fruits wo found raspberries, strawberries, silver berries, currants, as well as the hop plant. In many parts the brilliancy of tho flowers was very striking, and the perfume of the dwarf wild roses was charming. Here and there we find a remarkable change in tho appearance of the prairie, and on examination there is evidence of an alkaline deposit on the land which is regarded by some as an objectionable feature. This is a matter which certainly needs a careful investi- gation, but at present I am unable to give any support to the discredit which is sometimes attached to these alkali lands, for I hope that any objectionable influences which may exist, may in the future bo held under control. The water drawn from the immediate locality of these alkaline soils should certainly bo avoided, and strangers to the district should be pai'ticularly careful in this respect. Much more has been made of this difficulty than is really necessary, for it appears to me extremely easy to avoid tho lands which aro thus marked with alkali, and these waters are most easily detected by their taste. Good waters and fertile land can be so generally obtain«d, that however desiiuble it may be to know more as to the means whereby we may rectify these soils and waters, we may still regard this as a detail of land improvement which will be subsequently worked out as the necessity arises. We must not forgot that these thousands upon thousands of square ao miles which have been so suddenly opened np for ns, were onlj three or fonr years since the almost nndistnrbed haunt of the North American Indians, various kinds of game, and wild animals, and that we should not expect to find it all in good condition. It has been a source of much surprise to mo that uo very large a proportion of these lands should be of such a thoroughly useful character, and it is certainly undesirable to give an undue prominence to small portions which may be supposed to possess objectionable conditions. Even if it be admitted (as has been stated) that the Canadian Pacific Railway does run through a district having in some parts a rather larger proportion of alkali land than is usual, it is also true that if you drive away from the railway, either on the north or on the south of the line, this alkali almost immediately disappears. When the route of this railway had to be decided upon, various considerations influenced the minds of the engineers engaged upon the work beside the quality of the land. The Imperial requirements and the economy of construction doubtless received due considera- tion, and I venture to entertain a confident hope that any difficulties arising from alkali laud will soon be known only as a thing of the past. Rather let every well-wisher of Canada rejoice that the glorious result of opening up so many thousands of square miles of valuable prairie land has been so promptly accomplished at so small a cost to the Colony, and especially at a time when it will offer a home to many thousands who seek for the land which now lies ready for their use. Here, then, wheat lands are available which even the strongest opponent of Canada must admit are unsurpassed in the world, and as these become occupied by successful cultivators, they will not only produce an enormous amount of freight for the railway, but they Avill become large consumers of English manufactures, and they will give a power to Canada in which every patriot will rejoice. It may now be convenient to form some general idea as to the ownership of lands in this district, more especially as these are largely vested in various public bodies. In the negotiations entered into for the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, it was ultimately agreed that twenty-five million acres of land should be given to this railway company, in addition to five million pounds sterling and various railway works, some of which are still in pro- gress, which are valued at ^bout five and a-half million pounds sterling. Aided by this very valuable subvention, the construction of the railway not only became a safe investment for the share- holders, but it has a future which is likely to prove unusually profitable. The Railway Company has the right to select their land, and thereby they secure through their own surveyors only such 21 lands as are of approved qnalitj. I believe that the Railway Oom- pany has already sold between five and six million acres of this land, so that the land remaining unsold ropresents an area about as large as the whole of Ireland — a truly magnificent domain. But whilst thc< Dominion Government conceded to this Railway Company terms which were perfectly consistent with this great work being brought to a successful issue, care was at the same time taken that the Colony should participate in that success, and that it should share in the increased value which the railway was sure to give to these lands. For the purpose of giving effect to this provision, whenever land is marked ofE for sale or settlement, it is done in the following manner : — The lands are, first of all, laid out into " blocks " of twelve miles square by north, south, east, and west lines, marked at the comers by the Iron Bar Boundary. Each block is then sub- divided into four "townships," each side being six miles long, and therafore enclosing an area of thirty-six square miles of land. The townships are then divided into thirty-six sections, each measuring one square mile or 640 acres, and these sections are respectively numbered in a definite order from 1 to 36. The odd-numbered sections (with the exception of Nos. II and 20, which are reserved for educational purposes) belong to the Railway Company, and the even- numbered sections belong to the Dominion Government (with the exception of Nos. 8 and 26, which are the property of the Hudson's Bay Company). Thus the Government lands are located side by side with those belonging to the Railway Company' A settler may obtain from the Government a free grant of 160 acres of land on these even-numbered sections on certain conditions ns to residence, cultivation work, and the payment of an office fee of two pounds for the cost of survey. He may also secure a second grant of 160 acres at a cost of ten shillings per acre. The Dominion Government and the Railway Company have both disposed of land to various large land companies, and these also are offering lands for sale at a small cost per acre, and in these cases the conditions as to residence, cultivation, extent of purchase, and mode of payment, become matters of special contract. These arrangements are, however, limited to the lands which are inside the Railway Belt ; but outside this range, of twenty-four miles on each side of the railway, very modified conditions exist. The even-numbered sections are there still open for free grants and pi'e-emption lots, but the odd- numbered sections will be sold by the Government as public lands, whereby they will be able ultimately to recoup themselves very largely, if not entirely, for tlie outlay made in the advance- ment of the railway works. '.stssm •)•> It is also worthy of notice that an admirable system of snrvey has heen adopted by the Government, and tinder it, sections, town- ships, and ranges, are distinguished by a series of survey posts, any one of which determines the locality on which it is found. In our drives across the open prairie, often with little but the stars or a compass to guide its, it svas positively refreshing to come upon a survey post, and thus be able at once to determine our exact posi- tion. The system is most complete, and yet so simple that almost every Avorkman on the prairie understands it ; and, in a few words, any section of land can be described with perfect accuracy. SUCCESSFUL CULTIVATION IN THE NORTH-WEST. It would be difficult to imagine the growth of luxuriant crops under moi'e simple conditions of tillage than those which ai'e here practised. Dealing, as the operations of the field and the garden here do, with a rich and generally deep virgin soil of remarkabie fertility, there is less necessity for that refinement of good hus- bandry which is so important in exhausted, or even partially ex- hausted, soils. The rough culture which some of the lands here receive, especially from those who have never held a plough before, seems to command the special sympathies of Nature, and luxuriant crops smile favourably upon the efforts even of inexperienced farmers. I do not mean to suggest that crops thus roughly sown equal those which follow good tillage, but I am bound to say that such crops are most encouraging to those who may have previously had little or no practical knowledge of farm work. The fact is the land is so very generally loaded with plant food, and to an extent absolutely unknown in Great Britain and Ii'eland, that this enables a strong seed to overcome minor difficulties arising from imperfect cultivation, and enables it to yield results Avhich could not be hoped for wlien the soil contains only small supplies of plant food. Good cultivation is just as valuable here as elsewhere, but it is not equally necessary for securing fi. satisfactory crop, and hence the rough culture of those who have yet to learn how to work skilfully, is remunerative and very encouraging to them. Year by year they will improve in their modes of working the land, and with that im- proved management, tlicy will secure larger and better results. In passing through the various settlements which are met with in this district, I was much surprised to notice the great variations which exist amongst those who cultivate the land. The farms range from those of the humblest type to a perfection of which we should be proud if they were in Great Britain. Some farms are held by labouring men, who have commenced business without any more capital than was enough to pay the office fees for securing the land, 23 |t survey IS, town- losts, any In our [ars or a upon a let posi- Lt almost |w words, nt crops are here c garden markabie cod hus- tially ex- mds here fh before, luxuriant perienced fhly sown ) say that )reviou8ly 'act is the \n extent is enables imperfect i not be ant food. ' it is not lence the skilfully, ^ear they that im- ilts. met with ariations ms range ^e should held by lUy more the land, i and who have had their ploughing and sowing done for them by some neighbour to whom they have given their own labour in ex- change. I will mention just one typical case, out of hundreds which were met with. '* I came here," said my informant, "eighteen months ago with my brother, we had just two dollars (eight shillings) between us when we had paid the office fees for the 160 acres of land. We worked for wages for many a day (five or six shillings a day we got), and we also put up our log hut, so that before winter I was able to get my wife and family up from Outario. We have now eighty acres cropped with wheat, and we owe no man anything. Next year Ave shall have 150 acres of wheat, and all our own. We shall then take another lot of land, and make it right for my brother." I met with other cases in which workmen employed upon farms bargained to be allowed to have four or five acres of land for them- selves, and from these small holdings they were able after two or three years to secure, and enter upon, a farm of 160 acres for them- selves. For a time they would, in such cases, continue to give up some portion of their time for wages. Provided that a labourer is steady and industrious, it is therefore possible for him thus to change his position into that of the owner of a small farm, but a small capital would have assisted him to an earlier success, and the same aid would have enabled many others to follow their example. In the Elliott settlement, which is about thirty miles to the south of Brandon, in Manitoba, we have another typical group of highly successful farmers. These generally have 320 aci'es of land each, and although the settlement Avas only commenced three or four years since, yet, as they commenced with moderate capital, they h;we had nothing to impede their success. Substantial dAvell- ings, schoolliouses, churches, and stores Avell filled Avith merchandise, are to be found all over the settlement, and last winter over 100,000 bushels of wheat Avere scut from here to Brandon for sale. As Ave approach Brandon Ave enter upon a still larger class of farms about 640 acres in extent. Those belonging to the Honourable jMr. Sifton, Mr. Whiteliead, Dr. Fleming, and Mr. Johnson may be taken as typical cases of farms which were speedily rendered complete by their OAvners, and forthwith brought under successful cultivation. In all those cases the profits on tAvo yeai's' cropping would repay the purchase of the property, and also the outlay for improvements. Other lands in the same district Avcre farmed under a different ar- rangement, as for instance Mr. McBurnie's farms. He purchased 4,000 acres of land, it was enclosed, ploughed and backset ready 24 !()^ for sowing, convenient residences and small farm buildings were erected, and these farms were then let to tenants at a moderate rental, which thoroughly well remunerated both the owner and the occupiers. Amongst aP the settlements I visited none gave me such com- plete satisfaction as that which has been established by Lady Gordon- C'athcart, about ten miles to the south of Wappella on the western side of Manitoba. It is particularly worthy of notice as being a well conducted and successful colonisation scheme. For various i-easons LaJy Gordon- Cathcart decided to render assistance to some of her tenantry who had become too crowded upon one portion of her j)roperty. A loan of £100 was kindly offered to each family desirous of emigrating to Manitoba, of which sum £25 might be expended in connection with their journey, and £75 was reserved for expenditure on the lands granted to them by the Canadian Government. The re])ayment of the loan was secured in regular course upon the land granted, and in accordance with the provisions of the Dominion Land Act. One of their body — John McDiarmid, an able and intelligent person for such a duty — was sent forward as a pioneer, and he, with the assistance of the Government Emi- gration oflicials, made a preliminary selection of lands. As soon as the party of emigrants arrived in Manitoba, ten or fifteen miles from the selected lands, the women and children were left in comfortable quartei'S near the railway, whilst the men marched ofE in a body to see what lands their comrade had selected for them. One after another the several homestead lots of IGO acres each were approved of by the different members of the group, and were duly scheduled in the names of the individual emigrants. They then returned to the nearest Government Land Office, and the registra- tion of the land was completed, after which ♦^hey secured tools for putting up some turf huts, which work being accomi)lished they had then to purchase their general farm supplies. "Without delay working bullocks, waggons, ploughs, seed and provisions, &c., &c. were purchased, uiul paid for out of the money remitted for this purpose, It was on a bright and happy day late in May last, that they formed in procession, and marched to their farms with all they requii'cd for theii' tillage and proper management. They soon com- menced ploughing th(! turf of the prairie, simply covering in their potatoes with the fresh- turned turf. They also sowed their w^heat and oats upon the newly-turned sod. Very rough style of farming many ^v'^\ be disposed to say, still it must be remembered that they had no choice, but the results caused them no" regret. Within eight weeks from the time of planting the potatoes they were digging ■1 25 ^3 were oderate ind the ;h com- Lady I on the )tice as e. For sistance ion one to each 5 might reserved anadian regular ovisions )iarmid, forward snt Emi- soon as en miles left in died off )r them, ich were Dre duly bey then registra- lools for ed they at delay &c., &c. for this ast, that all they on com- iii tiieir I" Vtrheat farming liat they in eight digging their new crop, and before two weeks had passed I had some of those potatoes for dinner, and I do not hesitate to say that for size, flavour, and maturity, they wore excellent. The roughly sown wheat and oats were then progressing rapidly, and a good harvest awaited their in-gathering. During the summer they had raised a better class of house, they had secured a supply of food and seed for another year, and their settlement was practically completed. A total area of about 3,200 acres had thus been secured, the quality of the land was good, the surface was gently undulating over the entire area, and it was as nicely wooded as many a park in the old country. The change in their position had been so quickly accom- plished, that I can readily imagine they must at times have wondered whether it was a dream or a reality. Was it really true that they were no longer small tenants and labourers struggling against pecuniary difficulties which well nigh tempted them to rebel, and that they had so suddenly become the owners of happy homes and nice farms, without the shadow of a care or a fear as to their future support ? It was true, and the deep gratitude mani- fested by those settlers towards Lady Gordon- Cathcart, no words of mine can adequately describe. It was obviously unnecessary to enquire whether they were happy in their new homes ; but I did ask one of the party whether he had sent home to his friends a full accouht of the place. " Why, sir," he replied, " if I only told them half they would never believe me again." Closely associated with the success of this important work, I must mention the names of Mr. W. Peacock Edwards, of Edinburgh, and Mr. Ranald Macdonald, ot Aberdeen, for they have most judiciously given effect to Lady Gordon- Cathcart's good wishes. These facts show very clearly that a loan of a £100 prudently applied, is sufficient to enable a family to be brought from a condition of poverty to one of comfort and prosperity, and the money being secured upon the land, permits ef a reasonable time being given for the re-payment of the loan and interest, and with perfect safety so far as regards the capitalist. I have now to report upon a colonisation scheme in which the work is being carried out by a company having the command of a large capital. The general scheme is to bring the land into cultivation, dividing it into 300 farms, each having a comfortable residence, with stabling and shedding enough for the stock. When this has been accomplished, these farms, with the stock and implements upon each, will be fairly valued, and the men who helped to carry out the improvements will each have the offer of his own farm at the valuation price, he paying for the same in five or ten annual instal- ments, as may be arranged. In the meantime each man receives f f 26 wages at the rate of £84 a year, and he has his house and one acre of garden ground rent free. This scheme is being carried out upon the Bell Farm, in the Qu' Appelle Valley, in the Province of Assiniboia, under the direction of Major Bell, the originator of the system, with Mr. T. Routledge as a Superintendent-in- Chief. The size of the farm is 64,000 acres, or 100 square miles. There is consequently a magnitude about the work which it is very difficult to realise, but as we learn what has been done we become better prepared to accept the anticipations of the future. In May of last year this tract of open prairie land was more than 200 miles from any railway station . The ploughs commenced breaking the turf on the 15th of June, and the buildings were started on the 13th of August. When I visited this farm at the commencement of September in this year, no less than 40 homesteads had been built, over 9,000 acres were under the plough, and of this quaiitity .3,400 acres had produced excellent crops of wheat, yielding au estimated produce of 90,000 bushels of very superior corn. A main line of railway was running through the centre of the farm, and a town of considerfiblc importance had been built near the railway station. If in May, 1882, any one had said that these results would be secui'ed within sixteen months from that date, very few would have accepted his remarks as even probable. Proceeding then from what has been accomplished, 1 may now draw attention to what has been arranged for, and for tliese details I have to thank Major Bell, but he has expressed a c'o.>Lbt whether they will be accepted, except by those who have visitt^a the scene of operations, and informed themselves as to the capabi. ties of the farm : — Angu8t. 1883 . 1884 . 1885 . Acres r-nder cor.. Horses on the farm. Estimate of corn produced. Bushels. 3,400 103 9,000 200 18,000 300 90,000 180,000 360,000 1880 25,000 350 500,000 These fignres are undoubtedly astounding, but they are entitled to the highest respect. To watch 21 of Deering's Self-binding Heapers, each drawn by three horses, and working away at a Toil acre field of wheat, is a sight whicli will not be soon forgotten l)y tliose who witnessed it this harvest, but it certainly prepai'cs tlie mind for dealing with large results. Nor was it, less surj)rising to Icai'u how "ery simple the preparation of the land had been for j)ro(lneino- such a crop. Tlie 3,400 acres of turf liad been simply ploughed over about three inches deep in the jnovious summer, and it had HHHi 27 remained untouched until the spring, when the ground was seeded by twenty broad-cast sowing machines, each drawn by one horse, followed by forty-six sets of spring harrows, each drawn by two horses. The costs of cultivation were therefore excessively moderate. The quality of tho wheat, however, is remarkably good, for it is ranked in the highest grade for the production of the mnch-prized Minneapolis Flour. The soil of this farm is a rich, deep, black loam, resting on a clay sub-soil. It is not Mnjor Boll's intention to grow wheat continuously, but he proposes to give the land a summer fallow every third year, and thus whilst the land will be kept clean, it will probably produce as much wheat as if it had been under corn year after year. Under this system he is able to increase the size of each farm from the usual quantity of IGO acres (one- fourth of a square mile) to 213 acres (one-third), as the tillage for corn is thus reduced. Well may Canada be proud of having the largest farm in the world, but she may be much more gratified to know that this farm is also remarkable for producing an enormous yield of wheat, at the smallest known cost, and of the highest quality. At the same time, as a colonisation scheme, it will be very largely profitable to her capitalists, and will settle 300 farms under conditions which will secure their future success. The Qu'Appelle Valley has been gene- rally recognized as one of the choicest portions of the fertile North West, and in a few years we shall doubtless find that pojiular judgment very fully justified, by the large number of luxuriant and profitable farms which are being established within its boundaries. THE CLIMATE. In no particular has there been a greater conflict of testimony than upon the character of the Canadian climate, and it must be admitted that the opponents of this colony have done their work very skilfnlly and very effectively. In the great majority of cases in which the agricultural capabilities of Canada are spoken of, a con- clusive argument against the country appears to be embodied in the enquiry, " Yes, that may be very true, but how about the winters ? " I cannot speak upon this point from personal know- ledge, but I enquired of hundreds of residents of all grades, high and low, rich and poor, and their testimony leaves no room for doubt on my mind. In a territory so vast as Canada is, being nearly as largo as the entire Continent of Europe, there must of necessity be many and gi'cat variations of climate, but the district which of all others has been reported to be the worst, and has been most discredited, is the Province of Manitoba, and for this reason its climate demands special notice. Residents generally describe it as far more enjoyable than the climate of England, and as only requiring specially prudent precautions when the winter wind hap})ens to be rough and violent, a circumstance which is of rare occurrence. In the latest report issued by the Department of Agri- culture for the Pi'ovince of Manitoba, the climate is spoken of in the following terms, and I make the (juotation because I regard it as thoroughly worthy of acceptance on the ground of its accuracy : — " On account of the bnicing dry atmosphere, the fluctuations of temi)ei'ature are not inconveniently felt, as is the case where the atmosphex'e is more humid. The warm days in summer are generally followed by cool evenings, and such a thing as very sultry and op})ressive heat is scarcely known. The warm days, followed by cool nights and copious dews, facilitate the growth of cereals in a wonderful degrees The winters here are also very pleasant and bracing, proceeding from the same cause, namely, the diyness of our atmosphere." It is a significant fact that, in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway through Manitoba, the work has not been delayed a single day by reason of the weather being too severe for the men to continue their Avork. Possibly, if ^Manitoba had not been such a very attractive district, its climate would never have been so thoroughly misrepresented. CONCLUSION. The foregoing facts and conditions have been brought under the consideration of the Council, in order that there may be some data before them justifying the general results of this enquiry. I find that the reports which have been so industriously circulated, and which describe in such exti-avagant language the destructive cha- racter of the Canadian climate, the bad quality of the water, the large qnantity of alkali land, and the distress and lack of pro.sperity amongst the settlers, are either contrary to the facts of the case, or serious exaggerations of perfectly exceptional conditions. I find that these reports have been industriously circulated with the direct object of diverting the flow of emigration from Canada. The interests of those amongst us who are being trained in a knowledge of agricultural science, but who have not sufficient capital at command to enter upon the practice of farming in Great Britain and Ireland, these have received my special care and consideration. I can with every conBdence bid them not to be discouraged by snch want of capital, which is now their great difficulty. Whatever may be done for them elsewhere, Canada is quite prepared to welcome 29 them, and is ready to aid them to success. His Excellency the Marquis of Lome, in thanking the good people of Ontario for their loyal address, presented to him at Toronto on his retirement from office as Governor General of Canada, made especial reference to this important subject, and commended it to the care of the autho- rities. The responsive cheers which greeted his remarks showed an enthusiastic acceptance of that recommendation. From infor- mation which I have more recently received I am able to add, that a wide spread desire exists in the East and South-eastern District of Canada to give effect to His Excellency's recommendation, and I am now engaged in preparing a suitable organization. I am quite sure that in the North West Provinces of Canada there will be an equal willingness to Ixelp. Pending the completion of these arrangements, I can confidently encourage all students of agricultural science to progress zealously with their work, and render their knowledge as complete in everyday practice as possible, so that they may be placed amongst those selected for making use of any arrangements calculated to advance their future welfare and prosperity. In the introduction of juvenile emigi-ants a great success has been accomplished, and the manner in whicii both boys and girls have settled into service, encourages a perseverance in the good work so well commenced. A house, and also a small farm, have been taken at Hamilton, Ontario, for the more advanced training of boys sent from Bisley Farm, near Woking, which belongs to the National Society in London for Homeless and Destitute Bo3's. The high credit which 1 know these boys have almost invariably gained in England for some years past, removes all doubt from my mind as to the general results which will thus be gained in Canada. Already they have done well, but as the work extends those results will become more apparent. The Rev. Mr. Seddon, the Educational Secretary to Cardinal Manning, returned from Canada with me, after an inspection of the homes of several hundred of the children he had sent from London into the Province of Quebec, The result of that inspection was highly satisfactory, and proved how success- fully these neglected boys of England can be introduced into new spheres of labour, in which they may become really valuable citizens of the State. The same may be said of the equally good results arising from the introduction of little girls. The transmission of adult female servants has not been equally satisfactory, but the combined efforts of the local authorities in providing additional homes for their reception, and those good services which are now being rendered by Miss Richardson in Quebec, jjromise to decrease 30 the difficulty. It is a matter easily within command, and it should be rendered thoroughly complete without any delay. I would hero remark that it is nut every one who is capable of making emigration a success. The idle, the intemperate, and those who lack perse\erance, and consequently have never succeeded in life, these are no more likely to succeed in Canada than in Great Britain. The emigrants who are really wanted in Canada, and who can command success, comfort, and happy homes, are those steady and industrious people, who are able and willing to make themselves useful in some one or more of the general duties of life. Such duties will never degrade them, or be in any way inconsistent with their happiness and personal comfort. Those who have capital at command can make rapid progress, and with prudent care they can accumulate wealth, whilst the skilled workmen without capital may soon follow in the same direction. Much has been said at times as to the lack of pi'osperity amongst the artizans in Winnipeg, and of the large number who were out of employ, and we may take this as a typical case for other large towns in Canada. I find after very cai'eful enquiry that this also is absolutely incorrect, and I learn upon the highest authority that the workmen are steadily accumu- lating wealth, and becoming owners of a large portion of that city. If, however, we examine the Government Savings Bank returns from the Winnipeg branch, we find the deposits made by this class of persons steadily increasing year by year. Deposits in Winnipeg Branch Savings BanJc. June 30, 1880 ' £23,660 1881 38,502 1882 111,726 „ 1883 117,260 We have in Great Britain a large number of good workmen, who with all their desire for employment, with every effort they can make, pass through life verging upon absolute poverty, with no hope for their advancing years, but a sad dread of an increase of trouble, with the Union as their final house of rest. If they have the encumbrance of a large family, so much the worse for them- selves and their children. It would be the most bitter irony to remind them that it has been said, that " Blessed is he who hath his quiver full of them." But it is desirable to notice the remarkable chanp^c which takes place immediately the parents determine to emigrate. At once they find emigration agents their active and ready helpers, and the man who may have thought himself and his family an encumbrance, suddenly learns that as an emigrant other people know that he and they have a value, and hence each agent 81 seeks to secure them for the colony he may happen to represent. At every step the intendinp^ emigrant now takes, he sees that he is valued, and one of&cial after another is ready to help him forward, not as an act of charity, but because he and his family are well worth helping to a new homo in one of our colonies, where there is room to live under conditions of health, happiness, and prosperity. Under such new conditions of colonial life I have seen parental love re-assert itself, and the < liildren of the family are really looked upon as blessings, and in a manner quite unknown amongst those who are compelled to live in the crowded parts of some of our large towns. If the colonisation scheme so successfully introduced by Lady Gordon-Cathcart could be extensively carried out by means of public loan, untold blessings would result both to the old country, and also to Canada. One essential element for success appears to be very generally recognised in Canada, and that is securing such a judicious blending of the selected emigrants, as would prevent all chance of their becoming a disturbing political force in the colony. I also find that the mode of executing work differs greatly with the modified class of persons by whom that work has to be done. We may take a case very commonly met with, in which gentlemen with small capital, and unaccustomed to rough work, find it necessary to secure a good income by their own industry, and farming commends itself as the most agreeable and satisfactory means for doing it. At first the fear arises that too much of the profits Avill be lost if all the work is done by hired labour, which is certainly expensive. " I shall have to lend a hand myself," is the natural comment, " but I shall not like to follow the plough, or cut my own corn, and besides this I have had no practice in doing the work." With the usual smartness of our friends in the United States, this difiBculty has received a practical solution, for almost all their farm implements are constructed so that they may be driven from a raised seat. It has thus become almost as easy to work any of the prin- cipal farm implements, as it is to drive a spring waggon or a carriage on a turnpike road. These improved implements are being largely introduced into Canada, and I can assure those who have not seen them at work that this especial difficulty has been successfully over- come. The teams also have to adapt themselves to circumstances, for many a team has been driven in a Sulky Gang Plough in the morning, and been hilclied into a light spring waggon in the after- noon for driving .some visitor over the country, or for taking mem- bers of the family to pay a friendly call upon some neighbour. The horses they drive are unlike our slow-paced and heavy farm teams, but are as light and active as our carriage horses, and as a rule tliey 32 are well-bred. Thus the necessities of colonial life have demanded a modification in their farm horses, their agricultural implements, and their domestic appliances, for meeting the difficulties arising from any want of practical skill on the part of the emigrant, or for enabling that work to be more easily performed. The result is, that to take part in the work of the farm, or the duties of home, ceases to be objectionable, even to those who have been accustomed to have this work done entirely by deputies. I met with many instances of persons who liad lost income and property in the old country, and who had settled down in Canada with the small capital which had been saved, and therewith had become hapjiy, prosperous, money- making farmers, with no care or anxiety about providing for their children, bright and cheerful as the day was long, and in the full enjoyment of health and great domestic comfort. To capital, skill, and industry, Canada offers many and great in- ducements, and as a natural consequence, these are steadily flowing into that country, spreading prosperity and contentment along their course. At the same time it is specially worthy of record that there is an entire absence of that lawlessness which is far too common in other districts. The rights of property are most clearly recognised, and firmly maintained, and it may be confidently stated that there are no subjects of Her Majesty more thoroughly true and loyal to the Crown than the people of Canada. It now remains for me to acknowledge the very valuable assist- ance which I received in Canada, from all with whom I came in contact. The active assistance so kindly rendered by His Excellency the Marquis of Lome, greatly contributed to any success which I may have secured. The same kind willingness to help extended through all the classes, and whenever information was sought it was cheerfully rendered, and I now desire to acknowledge it with my warmest thanks. My thanks were also due to my friend and companion in travel, Mr. Hugh Pollock, to whom I am greatly indebted for much valuable help in the performance of the several duties devolving upon me. I have the honour to remain, My Lords and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, Henry Tanner. Ml' Tn FBiaMAion" PBiiiTiiia Worei IS ft 184 Gbbat Qnaaii Snan. toiiaoM. W.C. .fcV' i. M