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Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols — ► signifie "A SUIVRE ", le symbols V signifie "FIN ". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmds d des taux de reduction diff^rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, 11 est filmd d partir de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mithode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 J Ci KEPOirr ON SURVEYS AND PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS ON THE CAMDIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY U(p TO JjVMlJA Your Kxcell.-iu.'y tlio Fleporl of (ho Kngiii. 'or ill Chief on tlu" Survoys and proliininary <.|H!ru(ioiis mado in ooinioetion with tlio (Canadian Pa<'ilic JJnihvay, up to the onul of the year tSTfi. A. MACKfc^fZI^; Minister of Puhlie. Works. TABLE OF CONTENTS. t ■I liKNElUI. I'KI'uKT Tlio main division of tiio TiTi-itoiy. Tlio Kxp(Mi in 187."!: — Tn the Mountain Kof^ion , 111 tiio Praii'io ifegion in lIic Woodland Region , Exi»luratiuiis and Surveys in 1871: — III tiio Mountain JJogion Jn the Prairie Region Ill the Woodlaiul Rogion K.\]iloratioii,s and Siiivoy. in 1S75; — In the Moiiiiiain Rogion In the Prairie Region In tiie Woodland Rogion L.\l>l(iralioii> and Surveys in 1871! :— 'AiiK. 1 •> .1 III the Mountain JiOgioii. Jn tiio Prairie Ro«:ion.... Ill llio Woodhiiid Key-ion Olioralionw in the Mountain Jtegion : — In the First Year, 1871 Comincnoomont of the Survey Tho Yellow Head and llowse Passes, The tirst i)racticahle route Comparative advantages of route 7 8 8 •I 11 Kt 10 11 11 IJ 12 V2 i:{ i;j i;j li \ III I'AdB Ujicrjiliiin-. ill iliu .Miiiiiiliiiii l{o;;iuii . ■-' ''>/i/(/()(r./. In III.' SiTond Veac, \»T2 f. 14 I'uilnn' tocroMH CarilxiM Mniiiitiiiiin 15 A|l|tll>HcllO.S lO llic ^^ll(l\V lloiul I'll-* 15 Sni'voy In Mult! iiili>t 15 I'liilf liili'l 111 \'aiin)iiv('i' |si:iiit» li) ('(xiuiliiilla Valley !."» (ii'iicial KM oiiiioisMaiii't' of tlin roj^ion HI Tiiiii' inoji cU'il roiifuM llj III ilicTliihl Yoai, Ist:; I,; A^oH ol' llu' Yollow lli'ail I'ass conlirmcil f7 rrojofU'il roiitos (U-scrilKHl 17 Lino tiDin llio niainlaiiil to Vaiicoiivci' Ihiaiid 1^0 iMHinitlaliio biiil^irig lotiuii'vd 2(1 Ju 111.' Koiiiah Your, 187i 21 JJoiicWotl olVortx to cross tlio CJaribon Moimiiiins 21 llo cNaniinatiori hs llio ('oijiiiimiia 21 Kxploratioii hy tlio SiniilUaiiiuon \'alloy 21 J'l.Npioratioii liy llio 'rnlainooii \'alley 22 tSui'voy uloii^ tlio Lowor Ui\oi" Kra>or 22 IJcsiirvoy liom LaUo William to tlio Ciiilicoliu Plateau 22 .Survey IVoin Vollow llojul Pass to l-'orl (loorgoaiul Hiiu- Iiilol 2;) Hxpioralion iiilaml IVoin |)oaii and (.iardiior (Jiianiiols ;. 2;{ ill tl.o Kiflli Your, 1875 ^ 21 Exploration from Fort (ivoru'o lo Kilmoiiloii, */. 24 Exploration ul' tlio iVa/.ro Valley 2.") (A)iic'Ciitralioii of ojK'i'atioii^ 2j Trial loeatioii tVoiii (lie Yellow Head I'ass to Fort (ioori^eand Mute Inlet 25 Survey from Forttioorgo to Dean Clianiiel 2l! Exiiloral ions at Gardner Inlet 2() Tine I'iver I'ass 2f) 111 tlie Sixtli Year, IS7<; 2V Winter examination of the eoasl 27 IJnsiiceossfui allempl to eros,- tlio Cascades 27 Severity of tlio Winter 28 Completion of (lie trial locution to Hute Inlel 28 Trial liK-ation to Doan Inlot 28 Alternative line to Dean Inlet 2!i Fxploralioii inland I'roin Cardner Inlet 2'J lio-hurvey between Yale and Jjytlon 2U IX I'AOK Oin'i'iitiiiiiM ill tli«' Moiiiiiiiiii lii'siioil : — i'lihiin Uf.l. 'I'lio work a<'('()iii|ili'lit>ii in tin; Muiintiiiii KVgiuii -Ji* Tilt' HocUy .M'liiiila II pu-^HOH 30 IJoill.' llllnll-ll llu'. >'l>llu\V llfll'l l'n»« 31 l>rlli< liiili iif lollto .'il rii>iii'ii-<>liil illuiis It) |iiciTti fill' t'«i'il»o(i MoiiiiluiliM .'il 'rill' ("fiiti.ii riiiti'iiii \vi Ijiiit'M lliniii;,'li till! CiiMiiilc Miiiiiiliiiiih ,, '.VI |{iiiil('> Itoin till! Yellow. Ilt'iiil i'lf-- lo till.' coilht Siiilllu'i'ii < Ji')ii|i ^ (V'lilriil (li'iii|i , 33 33 33 NortliiTii (iroiip 31 Tlio iDiitos to Noiiluirii lliii'lioiiis 34 Tlu' ruiit*«s (»p( II lor cDiisiiicrnlioii 35 Oji'ialioiis in llu' I'rairiu llf/^'ioii : — ill lliy Fir-^t Year, 1^71 35 hiiiiits ol'ilu' I'lait'iu Ki-^ioii dofiiK'il 35 (Iciioral Cliariulcri-itirs 30 Pivvimis lv\|)loialioiif, 1^71 3'» roinmoiucnioiit of Kxaiiiinationrt. hi liio Soi'oihI Yoar, 187:i. I'uuou Kivcr IHstrict. Ill ilic Tliird Y.ar, IS7;!. 'V\\v nii'.'NliiMi III water .-iiiiiily liil eriia I N, ivii:atioii III the Koiirtli Year, 1S71. 36 37 38 38 38 lioiilc liy the Narrows, Lako Manitnlia 38 Selkirk to Liviiif^stoiie 38 (Jhuructor of the ( "011 n try Iraver^od 31) Tho Timljcr Supply 40 40 40 40 40 41 Xuvigatiori of Lako.s ami Hivor; Borini^ Operations Tolo^rapli to Ivlmoiiton. Location Survey. Selkirk to liiviiiijcsloho III the |''it'lli Year, lf<75. K.xploriiin' and Localiiii^ ^Vo^t of fiiviiii^'siono 41 The AUantic and Pacilie Survevs eonneeled 41 II sue cossful Exploration 41i Loealioii Wont of Kdniontoii 42 ThoTimhor Supjily 42 Coal 43 X . Ojioriitions in Uiu Pruirio Jlogion: — Av<;r!iif<^ ('liiirac'lor of Works. I' In the Sixth Viur, 187(» Hm-vcys K;i.-t un'l Wost ol' I'/hnonton Jjoc'iition Siirvov'.-^ TeU'gnijjh in opeialion lo Ivlnionton. The work acTompliwhi^d in Iho Pruirio Region Bri.J ( i rai 1 irm ionls Tho TeleL'iaph Ntivi;^able I3ranih Line- Wood, Coal uud Ii'on,... Oj)eration« in Ihe Woodland Eegion In tho First Year, 18T1 Exteinal features forbidding rrciiininary Wrrk, (Ottawa to Red Eiver, Wiiitay lielweon Lakes Nipissiiin- and Supei'ior. In the I'onrlh Year, lS7t The (ioorgian Buy Branoh Route between !Nipissin_<( and Nepi^'on.... Character of Coast Rouie, L'ir to No])igon. ]iaicc Superior to Lake Nepigon Location Survey, Tliundei' ]?ay to Siicliandowan. Red River to Hat i'orlaire IJal I'urtage to Slurgoon Fails Tlie LalvC Lislricl, Last ol Lake of the Wood^ Improving tlie bawson Route The Pembina Branch. In tho I'ifth Year, 1875 Lino liy Sturgeon Falls to Ral Portage, T. ino f'd. Wal Mgoon Sauit Sle. Marie lo River J Me Lake of the Woods to Cross Lake A(iE Ali 13^ 4-4 44 44 44 44 45 45 40 4(i 4(i 47 47 47 47 48 48 48 48 4!! 4tt 4'J 50 50 5(1 50 51 51 51 62 52 52 '2 52 53 53 54 54 XI AH 44 44 44 44 44 45 45 4(i 4 (J 4(i 47 47 47 47 48 48 48 48 41 1 411 4!) 50 5(» 5(1 5(1 . 51 . 51 . 51 . 52 52 52 ,. '2 . 52 .. 5:^ .. 5;j .. 54 .. 54 PAGE Operations in the Wixxlland Uo^ion : — Continued. Contracts for Work and ilatorial : — Telo^rajih, I'cd iJivor to Lake S(i))orior 54 Purcliaso of Flails 54 Gri'ding and Jiridgin^r 55 Sundry Supplies and Woi ks 55 Tn tho Sixth Year, 1S7(? 55 Eotito via J)og Lake to Xepigon Bay 55 Tlie (it!Oi"gian Bay Braiu-h 55 Location, Lake Superior to lied IJiver 5(i' Contracts of Work.— Traekiayini^, Xc, Fort William to Hniflisli River 56 iMi^jne House at Fort William 5fi Transportation of Jlails, Rolling Stock, &c 50 Contracts for (trading, Cross Lake to Koowatin 5t< The work accomplished ill the Woodland ilegioii 57 General Ol>servatioiis : — Tho Route through British Coliim.hia 58 Leng! h of Lines 5!) C!o m ] la ra five Cos t 5!) Data insufficient for estimating cost (50 Standard of value (!() Estimated cost of Route No. 6 fiO Estitnate of other Routes CI Sumniarj- of Estimates 62 First Cost may bo reduced , (13 Leading (Characteristics (33 Local Advantagc^ ai\d Resources 64 Existing Loral Tiatiic 64 Future Local 'L'rafUe 64 Through Traflic... 65 The Harbours of British Columbia 65 Application to the .Admiralty for inforinalion 65 Repliiis to queries 66 Distances from tlic Asiatic coast (J6 Longt.h of towage (ii; Advantage of Port Essinglon with respect to distance 67 Advantage of Port Essingtoii with ivs))ect to towage 67 ()|iiiiions of Vhjo- Admiral Cochrane 68 Opinions of Hear Admiral Richards 6)i xii h It h I I'AOE Geiiorul Observatiojis : — Continued. Opinidiis of Vicc-Adinir'.'il FtuNjirtini' (58 Ojiinious of Stuff CoininiUKlei- I'oiuicir (50 OpinimiH of Lieut. W. Collins fi9 Pmximity of Soiitlici-n Cluimio! to foivig-n tori'iloiy (!0 Approach by Scy mum' Narrows TO Deductions from Xaval Tostimony 70 irarhours of Vanconvoi' Island 71 Eridgin^r to Vancouver Fshind 71 Ferry to Bute Inlet 71 Ferry al Nodalos Channel 72 Local lines in Vancouver 72 F/VtNodales Channel 72 rid Bute IidetandElk Bay 73 Northern IJoutos 73 Selection oflJonte 73 Koute via Bute Inlet 74 Route to Burrard Inlet 71 Pi'oximity to Frontier 7 f Ferry to Nauaiirio 74 Extreme Noi-thern lioute ".') Terminus at Frederick Arm 75 Through Dielance ?-/<7 Mainland Harbours 70 Throuirh Distance rii'i Yancouvei' Ilarlioiir; 77 The Prairie Region 77 The Telegraph preceding iIh* l{;iihvay 77 Establishment of Stations 78 IJeserves for Railway purposes, Town Plots, Sea 7B Character of the Country 70 Centi'ul posilion of the Trunk Line 70 The WocKlland Rc'non ." 70 Favourable (irudient- Ascending Fast . Asccndinir West. 80 80 80 Pr( )8pecti ve Jiocal Traffic 81 Line ultimately continuous 81 Snow Fall 82 Deductions from Meteorological Observations ... 83 Located Line favourable for Cheap Tiansportation 8;{ Summary nf Cradients H4 Tiie Engineering Stall' 84 A A TAOE (>!) r;o 70 10 71 71 71 72 72 72 7;^ 7;? 7:1 71 71 74 74 ".') 75 7(! 77 77 77 78 78 7!) 7!) 7!) 80 sn 80 81 81 82 8;{ 8:! 84 Mil <> , . PAGE (ionorul Observations; -Continued. The Work clone 84 Cliaracloi' of the' Service 85 Losses Hustal nod 8') ConcliiNion ;. .. 85 APPENDICES. Ai'PKNDix A. : — Table of fii'adients between Lake Superior and Tete Jaiino C'aelie, in the Iloeky Mountains 89 Appendix 13. — (V)i'rospondciiee I'espertini;- llie Tioealion of Stations, Poads and IJoad- crossi ngs 90 Ai'PE.vnix C. : — List ol'Stiilions estal'lisliod Iwtween Lake Superior and Tete Jaime Caclio, in the Iloeky Mountains IH) Appendix I). : — Peport on Exploration from the Clearwater to the North Tlionipson, rid Blue River Pass, l.y Josepli Hunter 101 Appendix E. — ^ Keport on Expl.>rat!ons across tlie Cascade Mountains by tho Siinilka- moen and rulaininM! Valleys, by Messrs. .Jolm Tniteh and 11, J. (/anibie lOj Appendix F. — Report on Survoyin/j^ Operations ill tlie Mountain Pei,'ioii durinu- tho year li^Tl, by Marcus Smith 107 Al'PKNDrX (i. — Pe])ort on liKploiations from DoiiifJass, (fardner, and Dean Inlets, eastward in the Cascade Mountains, by Charles llorctsky i;?7 i XIV I'AdE Al'I'KNIHN II. — Hoport on Hxplorntion iioro.sH tho TJockj' Mountains hy Smoky Hivor I'ass, by K. W. .larvis 14') Tal)lo (.f Distancos IH Nariativo of the Exploration from Fort (Jeor^f, across tlio Kooky Mounlains, by Smoky Jlivor Pass to Manitoba, rcforred to in tho prooetli iig loport 148 AlM'F.NTUX I.: — l{c))ort on tlio Snrveys in l^ritish CVihimbia limine; tho year IS^'), bj- Marcus Smith , 1(12 Ai'PKNnrx J. : — Report on Winter Examination of Inlets, British Cnhmibia, by 0. II. Gamsby ITT Appkxihx K. ; — Memorany 11. J. Cambio 1S2 Al'PENriix L. ; — Repi)rt on Kxploralory Survey between Lake Winnipogoosis and Liviu!^ lone, during tho summer and autumn of 1ST4, by (jrauville ('. Cuimin^ghiiin 1^5 Api'ENtkx M. : — i'roi^ros Ueport on the Surveys made in the Nurth-West Terrilories durinii: ihe year 18T.5, by 11. A. F. Maeleod IKi* Ati'F.niux X. : — lieporl on Ivxjdorafion made ix^tween Lake Xipis-^ini!; and liiver I'ic, Lake Superior, in llie years 18T3 and 1871, by W. A. Austin 20 t APPENMfX O. . — Re])ort, on the Exploi'atory Survey made- from tho Eiver Pic to the Tliver Xepit on, along tho Northern coast of Lake Su])erior, and on oiher Surveys made during the year l^Tt, by Thomas .lolferson Thompson 2{K; Ai ;\l PAGE m 18- IS!) 20t XV Ah'ENDIx I'.:— p^^^j, Jioport on Survey <»t'tlio Poi-tai^'os on tin; INmI Ijivn- irnitc, iiuidi- in tlm yoiii- 1875, b}- Jlonry 1. Mortiii.ur 211 AlM'KNDlX il. : — Soliodiile or<^)uuiititios in [Auq N'o. (i. siii'Neycil iVuin (lie W'lluw lload PaisH to Bute IjiIoI , 217 Al'l'KNDlX I*.: — • Note on llic Kcoiioinic Mincsi'iil.s and Mines <>t ]5i'ili.-,li (\)lwinl>ia, liy (Jooi;u;oM. Dawson, Assufiale J{.S.M., K.(i.S, of tiic (icoloi^jcal Siii'- vay ol" Canada 2 1 S First List ol' Jjocalitios in the J'l'ovinco of British Columbia, known to yield Gold, Coal, Iron, Silver, Copiier and otlior Minerals of economic value .>•>- -• « 4 Afl'ENDIX S. : — Note on .Vgriculture and Stock liaising, and extent of Cuilivablc I^and in Hritish Columbiu. by(ieoigoM. Daw.M.n, Assoc. H.S.M., F.ti.S. (jf the Cieologieal Survey of Canada 24(j Ai'i'ENnix T. : — .Descri]»tion ot the Engineering Features of certain Lines in British Columbia, t(» which attention has been specially directed, by Marcus Smith ,.51 Al'I'KNlilX U. — C(jrrosi)ondenoe, (^leritv's and Nautical Evidence respecting Ihc Har- bours and Waters on ihe coast of British (Johimbia 27s Ari'K.vmx V. : — LctUM■s and StaU'.mciit> rcspeciing .si)l;iii}', AUn-rl ( 'iillo^jr, l?i!lK'- vilk', OiiUuio I'AOK 31:; Al'l'ENlMX Y. Pro;^'ross J{o|iort of llic Surveys iniulc in llio Wostorii I'raifiii Roi^ioii, am! oil tlu! wistorn slopoof tlio UocUy Moiiiitains, in 187(i, liy lltMiry A. F. Muclood. 3;J7 Ari'KNMX Z. : — Mcnioraiidii ii'snorCinic tlio Winter Climate of llu> IJoelvV Moiinta \t\> by (jicori^e A. KeoCei', C.l'l * 35;] Al'l'ENIHX Z. (A). : — Progress Jxeport on Stii'veys euriieil (jn ilurin;;; tlic year 187'), hy Mareiis Sinilli 357 Api'KNUIX Z. (B). : — Lives iosL in eonnoctioii with llie Survey.' diirini:; liie years 1S71, 1872, 1S73, 1874, 1S75 and 1870 382 h '! Al'PENlUX Z. ((!}. List and desi'ri^ition of tl)e several Conlraels onlored into in eonneetit with the I'relimiiuiiy Works of Coiislruetion on tiie ("anadi; »n JNKKX. Pacitic liailway j toi;etiier with the (icnoral Speeitiealion under wliieh tlie \V(ti'k is lieini; exeeuled ; also intlunialion resjjeel ing all expenditures for eonstruelion pur])ose-~ up to .lanuitry l>f, 1877 3S3 413 .MAJ'S. Sin el Xo. 1. — (ieneral Map 1 2.--f'liarl ol Bute lidet, 72 3. — Buriaii'jM)i'l will ilfiiily Mini concisely licsi-rilic I lie \vui-L- cjiri'icil on year liy yciir, iind explain tlio progrcnsivo i-osuUn olilaincil, mi ilial ilu-y may lie easily cnin|iri'litMuIoil. Tlio rciioalcfl t'ailiiivs uliicli have Immmi c\.|ici'ii'ncciily ul Llio IVwineiilly i'ciiou'cmI crt'orls loohlain the ends denii'cii. The Surveys stivteh IVchu ilie \alley nf the Ottawa, west .if the ('a|iilal, to thai p ji'lion o| the I'aoitie Coast lyin,;;* hotwceii Ahisli' (Uicpiiry oxtendini; over lil'lv-l'our (lo";f«'es of lon<;ilude. iinntod liv ten dei^roes of jali- tu iit'|iorts, the Ihroe rei;-iiMis into which nature has divided the terri- tuiy to be traversed by the railway, were desigiuited The Wouillanil, T/n fiturlc \\\\([ The Mountain IJcgions. -^ These throe division- o| territory and llio du-i^"nations allixed lo tlioin will Ih' here rolaine 1. The physical outlines ot cutdi division wore lulls explained, and the sjuvial characteristics which call lor consideration in each, wor',; sullicioutly described in a lornier report, ='■ Tl leii' ii'cnei'al en iiraclcii>lic- arc sti'oniflv nuirke I. Kir-t, T/ic Wnodlaii'l. llcgiou, to the east, is denstdy wooded. Second, Tht: Mountain Region, lo the west, is woocbid and nioiinlainous. The third is a v.'ist lowland I'ounti'v. interspersed with, or border ing on (>xti'n>ive praii'ies. Hoi'oie I lie >urvcy was entered Upon, the Cf.i'ntI or J'rairic liegioii had be en traversed repeatedly hy scie ilitic c\-j)lorers, and ils character was generally umler- Blood ; but nuicb of the Miuntiiiii ami iroOf/A///*/ J'ogions was unvisited and unknown. To a great extent, both were held to be .'Ugged and in somo degree impenetrable. Vide lU'lioi'l, 2*}A\ JiilUiaiJi', 18?4. .'5 ("riio l''«>t)iIltin'o.) Tin- »!xpoi)ililmi' on llm Siii\ ov diiriii!^ ilio >i\ _vciii> it lias liocii ciirrivMl on Iuim bciMi as liillovv.-i : — In 1K71 and lip ((. .Iiiiio 1S72 StS!i,l'.'S HI rioin .Iiiiic 1S72 Id Jiiiu" \HTii r)i!1,SlS [[ „ 1873 „ 1874 :{10,224 SK 187t „ 1875 474.52!) h!l 1875 „ 1870 7!>1,121 l!l „ 187(i Id JX'foiiilpoi- 187(1 50!),4!t,'{ 11) Total §:!,i:i(),(;ir. 75 (fliiU'ficler of till' KxaiiiliiiillDn';, Tlio oxaminatioiif* mndo have not all Irhmi of ilio same cliaraclcr. Dictated !.>• fin iiinstaiuH's, llioy hnvv varied as exiiodieitey siicrgostod. Tlioy may lie (dassilied 1I111S: — 1. Kxplorations. 2. Kxjdoralory Sarvoys. I>. Jfevised Siirvoys. 4. Trial Local ioiis. 5. Looatioii Siii'veys. (i. Revised Jjocalioiis. Tlie-i' e.vaiiiiiialioiis may be tints deliiied : — E.rplnnitidna, — I' relimiiKuy (sxaniiiiutions in advance of ivij-iiiai' survevs the .I'.'iMiinetei' bciim- used \\n- a>cofti lining' allihi le- ; lioi-i/onfal disi l>uled iVoni the lime occnpie I in ])assin!;- from [dace to place. 1 nice-, hen i^ coin- )i ^^mwk.'. cases dis- tant woi'e measured by the luieiometei-. Exphratorij Sun-fj/s. -An instrumental sui-vey ; the chain, transit, ih(>odo]l(,> or compass, and spirit level, bein^r the instnunonts used. In densely wooded localities, It may consist of a series ofstrai uiul thickets, in order to pierce them and ol jtain nu'asnreinents, hoi-izontal and Vert ical. as a !j;round work 'for further operation.s. Hi'visnl Siimij. — A hiirvi'V, siicli iis lii>t wild Mild iiiil line appears unnecessarily Ictigthoncd, a re-survey of tho.so jtortions of the line is called for. The location must lie considered incomplete, until (>vei'y ( tlort has been made to throw out all objectiomiblo features by revising the smvcy ; siK h revision isdesigiuitcd the " Fiocation Survey." In bi'olvcn, hilly country, even fiiither exam'inations and changes may be called for, in which ca-e the term Revised J iiordi to lioat Khoiiiiipinoiit. 7. Kx|ili)rii(orv H'lrvoy IVoiii Kiinili» i|is uI.iml!; ilio UiviT 'riii>in|»Hi(ii, Id Lyttoii ;iiiil llionco liy till- lowi.T Frasn to ils iiavig:il'.li> waiurs at Yiil<' aii'l Foil llopu. //( ffii Pnc'rif Riijioii. H, l']v|iloi;ilioii from l-'ort (Jiii'iy Wf-lwaiil to IJorky .Minintain Iloiiso ami IIow-o I'.i--', witli luaiicli oxplomtioii lo Juspor lloiisi', hie la U'icIh' ami Mwnri River. fii the Wiiiiilland Jicgion. 0. I'iXploratory Siirvoy from Mattawu, oasl of LuUo Nipissing, id i Ik> coiiIIiilmu t oC ilic Rivors Montreal and Ottawa. 10. Kxitlorutory Siii'voy Iroin llu' River Ollawa to a point lu-ai' llic UfaA oC (Iio iivor Monti 't»al I Iio Frascr, joo District, son to Lalco 11. Rxploriitory Survey IVoni tiio i^reat norili'M-n hend of tho Rivur .\roiitieal to ,1 point about lialfway to Moo.so River. 12. Fxplomtory .Survey from the west lirandi i»l' .Moo^e Kivei-. easlwani to tlio point last mentioned. l.'l. HxpioriUory .Survey from ^^oo-e River to Small Blaek Rivei-. iiiliitnl t'Vom llio north shore of Lake Superior. 1 1. Kx|)loratory Survey troin Small Blaek Fiiver to Loni; Lako. 1."). Exploratory Survey from Ij >ng Ltdce to the mouth of the R'ivor Nepiu;on. l'». ICxploratory Sm-voy from tho mouth of tho River N'opigoii to Lae des Islos. 17. Kxploratoiy Survey from Lae dos Isles to the canoe route to Lae Soul. IS. I'Jxploratory survey from the c;inoe route, lo Whitefisji Hay on the Lake of llio Wood.s. v.). Exploratory survey from Whiletlsh Ray to Roil River in Manitoba. 20. Exploration northward by the Rivers Ottawa and Ahittihi, to .lames May rolmiiin-,' by tho Elvers Moose and Michipicoten to Lako Superior. 21. Exploratory Survey from Sault Ste. Mario alom;- the norili shore of Lake Huron to French River. KXI'I.I'H VTIoNs \NI' Si liVKVS l> 1>*7'. f)i the Muiiiitiiiii lii'jion. 1. l'lxitloriiii(m acro^H llio wlmlc liicadili ol ilif IJocUy .Nrdiintiiiii Zmu', piiH.iint; from tiiu JaH|K'r Valloy li.v tlio Vollow lltmil I'anM ami 'I'lih to till' JIowhc I'a^H, lliu AtlialiaMCu I'unn, ami I I III." Vc'llnw Head l*asH. H, i'!x|iliiiatiiiiiH in tlic CaiiiuM) l)ir«lrii't. Iroin {.iiUo William id tlic rnrl<>> uC il 10 Tiivt'f i^iicHiit'llo, lliciin' lip the sfiilli l>i aixli 111' (lie xamc, ami aloii;,' tlii> huhiIi sliui'c (if LaUo <*M'siu,,o to noai itf* lioail. i. I!x|»lnratioii fVinii fiakc William {>> tlu' moiilli nC tin- ({ivcr lIoiNt>.f|y. ami up llinl river ;'.(» riiili-N; iliciico acfoy.s (o liUkoMCanim ami .MalKiuil, ami liy ilic River Clearwater to iix Jiimliini with tlio Xortli Thompson. 5. Ivxploratoiy Survey Irnm Jasper Valley Ihrouirh Vcilnw l!eu. Exploratory Survey tioin Tote .laime ('ache, across hy Lakes (Vnnlieriy ami Allireila to (he i{ivoi' Xortii Thompson. 7. Hxploiatory Survey ilowii the wliule length of the Uiver ThompKon to Kumloops. H. I'lxplcratory S'lii vey from tlieeontluonceof (Me [»i\er> Clearwater ami Tliomp- soii, westward to the Uiver l-'raser near i^ake Wiiliaiu'-. !'. Kxploi'atory Survey from Waddingloii llarlioiir, l>y the Wlvei' Ifornatheo, to t!ie Chilieotiii Plain, thonee to the llivor i'raser. 10. Kxploratory Survey from Waddiiiifloii irarhonr to Seymour Xarrows. 11. I'ixploratory Survey from Kort Hope, on the Lower Kraser, liy the Coqiiihallu Valloy, to the summit of ( 'oqiiihalla I'ass. 1-. Hx[)ljration from the summit of Coquihalla Pass, to Luke Xienla. l.'{. Exploratory Survey from Lake Nicola to Kamloops, 14. Kxploralion hetwoon the Rivers Peace ami Skooua, an.l p:irl ol the ciuutry nortii of the 54th parallel. In the Prairie Jf'jiun. 15. All exploring oxpeililion Iraviwsod the country from the Liiko ot the Woods ill the l']a>l, to the mountains in the West, fn fh'- WiioilliiHi/ fif'ji"ii, HI. Kxploniliuii iVom l.uUf ol till' Woi^N, tlii-iu'Lly tiwl I'l Ij ilii Hay. I,;il<»' Snju'rinr. 17. (./'iHiliiiiiutiuii 111' ilio I'iKplunit M'v Siirvoy li'Diii Iho Itivor .Miitluvvii lo lliu culi' 'liii! llic liivtw iVloiitifiil. I*. Kxploi-atinn I'imim tlu- Kivur .Vo[ii^iiii to lliu iioilli cml ol' lioiii; liakt-. 'JO. Kx|iliii'ulory Siirvoy fi'Din tlu' iidiMIi umi dl Ijdul; Luko Id a poitil in lliu l>ii!vioiH yoiif't Siirvoy, al))!!! tJ.'^ iiiiloi ium'iIi of Mi<'lii|)iciitt'ti. ■Jl I'lxiil'iratury Siifvoy IVdiii llio tioflli (.mi I nt' |j )ii:; I/iko lo tlio iiorlli siJo of l,:il'taluN. Fia-ior and 15 )iia[i:irlo, to llio Kivor Tliurnp.son, l)Ldo\v ilio conllaimco of Llio l;i\ ir Cluarwaler. Jn thv J'niiri'' Jieif u, |{'ioky -Hoiiiiiaiii House I \i 5. Survo}- of povtiigos (1) l)o(\vecri Codar Lake ami linllorali<)n from Lalloi'iitioii ol' tlio oast bniiicli of tlio Hivor llomatlico. 3. Jiocatioii Siirvoy from Hiilo Inlet to the mouth of tlio ca-it branch of the River llomathco. 4. Trial Survey and location up the east brancii of the liiver Jlomathco to its source in Lake Tallayaco; and thence by a chain of small lakes to the IJiver Chilauco (near Lake Tatla). 5. Continuation of the Trial Survey and location across the central idaleau by a chain of lakes to the JJiver Nazco; thence down the Nazco Val ley to the liiver Black, water. G. Continuation of the location down the valley.>ofthe Rivers IJlackwater and Chilacoh, to tiie jimction of the latter with the Stewart, about 15 mile.^ west of Fort George. 7. i'jxploratory Survey along a jiortion of the liivers Stewart and Fraser. 8. Location Survey from the Y'ellow Head Pass towards Tete Jaune Cache. It. Kxploratory Survey from Doan Channel by Salmon River, through the (J.is- tade Mountains, thence to the Blackwater valley. 1(». Kxploratoi'V Survey from Ivcmauo Hay on (iardncr Inlet to First Lake on the ouhtern slope of the Cascades, IL Exploratory Survey of a line on Vancouver Island. 12. Trial location survey between Esiiuimault and Nanaimo. In the Prairie Rcijlnn, \',j. Coinjiletion of Location Surveys between Selkirk (^Red Jiiver) and Living Blonc. 14. Kx])loration from Jiivingst(jne to Batlletord and thence by Jiiver McLcod to Jasjier valley. 15. FN]>loration up the Kivoi's Malignc and Itocky, towards River Brazcau. 11 li of llic River Kii'.sl Liilvo uii vol- McLood U) 10. Exploratory Survey IVom Liviiii'-stonc we.stwiinl lo Jiattleford uiul the Hay Lakes. 17. Exploratoiy .Survey fi'om the Hay Lakes across the Xortli Saskatchewan to Root llivei'. In th' Woodland Region. IS. Survey with souiniinns oi' Lakes Shcbaiitlovvan, Ka8hal)oio, ami Lac des Mille Lacs. 111. Survey from Tiuke WinliLfo >sti<^an lo Sturifoon Kalis on Rainy F{iver 20. Hxploratory Survey from Lake Windii^oostii^an hy Lal. FiXploratory Survey from River Chilacoh, hy its western branch, to the Ealls of Rivei Rlackwater. 1. Exploratory Survey from Salmon River, ;^() miles from Dean (Channel, hy Nechaco and Stewart liivei's, to the mouth of the Chilacoh. 5. Ti'ial Location Survey from Dean Channel, 5:j miles up Salmon River. n. Revised Location Survey from Waddington Harbour, .54 miles up the River Hnmathco. 7. Re-Survey along the Lower Frasor between Yale and Lytton. 8. Exploration southward and westward of Luke Francois. il 12 ;i ;i'^ hi the Prairie .Rc;/lon. i). Loculioii Sui'voy from Uivor Pomltiiui to Rivor MoLeod. 10. Kx])loriitoi'y Siirvoy from River McLcod to I'ivor Allial)asc'a. 11. Tjocfilion Siirvoy from opposito Kcimonton to River Pembina. 12. Location .Survey from River Myettedovvn Jasper Valley to River Assineboino. 1."!. Exploratory Survey from River Assinil)oine down the Atliabasea Valle}'. 1-1. Exploration from the Willow Hills up Battle River to Ruttalo Coulee. 15. Ex])loration up the River Myette to Yellow Head Pass. h. tin' Woodhind Region . 10. Completion of Location Survey between Lake Superior an.l Eniflisli River. 17. Trial Location Survey between En;c.) French Rivor. owai'ds River Jivcr, towards ation open to [>ro consulted. as the IIowsc tioii witli the on. I between tlie iter, and that ponded on the (f'oimnonreinoiil ofllK" Siirvpy.) The survey did not begin in IJritish Cnliimbia until the 20(li .Mil}-, 1H71, tlie da}' upon which that I'rovinoc became incorporated into the Dominion. In the moun- tainous districts, tield operations are always attended with ilitHculty and hardship after the tirst of November, so that there was but a short time during the open season oi' this year to carry on the exploration. ( Jroat energy was nevortiieless bestowed on the work, and although attempts to tind a practicable route on a direct course to the coant from either pass failed, information of great value was obtained. It was found that there would be no ditHcult}' in carr^'ing a line fr',iii the vdley of the River Xorth Frascr, in the neighbourhood of Teto .Jaune Cache, to the vai ey of the Xorth Thompson, by a !ow and wide depression in the mountains In that quarter. It was found that tiie valley of the North Thompson woi'ld, in all )»robability, ailmit of a line being constructed from Yellow Head Pass t(t Ivamloops, a distance of 25.') miles, with grade.s not exceeding 50 feet per mile. The Yellow Hcncl and Howso Pusses.) It was discovered that, while a practicable line might be had from the common point Kamloops, via Eagle Pass to Ilowse Pass, tlie line by Yellow Head Pass possessed several important advantages. It promised to be lesscostl^-; to have a generally better alignment, with less severe gradients and fewer difficulties of con- struction, and to be no longer than the IIowsc Pass route. Accordingly, the Yellow Head Pass was, for the time, selected, and further surveys through the main mountain range, b}- the Howsc Pass, and other passes in a moi'c southern latitmle. were abardoneil. (The llrst iiriiethNihlc route.) It was further found that it was possible to reach the coast from Kamloops by the course and outlet of the Rivers Thompson and Frazer, the line terminating at an excellent harbour on Burrard Inlet. Thus, it was ascertained that a lino was available for the Rjiilway, through the entire Rocky Mountain Region, although portions of it would be enormously expen- Bivo. u fCnmpivrntlvP nilvnntiiKo.s of roiilo.) The roport which I hud tiio honour u> sultmit, datod 10th April, 18T2, pointed out generally the advantages of tliis line as coinitared with the Railway extending eastward from San Kranei^tco to New York. Those engineering features, whicli govern the eost of operating n railway and transporting goods, gave promise of l)cing mueh more favoiirahle on the f'anadian route. The United States Pacific Uaihvay attains an altitude above the sea, at four different points, fully double the height of the great continental summit on the Canadian line, and for i;{00 consoeutivo miles, there is no altitude so low on the lailway between San hVancisco and New York, as the highest summit of the line through the Yellow Head Pass. With respect to distance, it was estimated, that, from T^uri'ard Iidet to Montreal would be (»33 miles less than from San Francisco to Xew Yorlc. It was, at the same time, estimated that the Canadian route would bring New York. Boston and Portland, from 1500 to TjOO miles nearer to the Pacific Coast at JJurrard Inlet, than these cities now are, with San Francisco as the terminal ])oint of llicir line through the United States. 'J'he distance from England to China, wouM be more than 1,000 miles le-etly and L:i!;e Clearwater, lowanls tho head waters of the J?ivcr North Thomi)son. 17 II id Krusci' to lie noccM«ury • Ird. TImt 11 liiio slioiikl bo siirvoyed from llowo Souml, lliroii^li tho ( -awcailo laiij^o l(> liuUe Jiillooot, and thonco hy Lako Aiidorson, IJivoi- Uoiiaparle, and llic iiu)>l available route to the Thoinj»Hon Valley. TIiIm survey extended over about Ht)0 miles. Much oftlie lioid work was e.xeeodiiigly diiVkCiill, and it oieiipied tlio wliolo hoasoii. At tlie I'lose of the year, llie writer was enable I to report, at leiigtii, on all the routes which, up to that time, had boon projecteii, and whicli had boon examined. It was submitted that the result of tho e.xploralioiis through the main Jloeky Mou-.tain chain, {^ives a satisfactory solution to wiuit once ihreatoiiod to prove a ditUcult problem. (.Vdviviitiigus of tlio Vt)lli)\v Hoad Pass coatlrinucl.) It bocamo clear that tiiere is no insurmountable dilliculty in crossing the range at several points ; and that of all ihe passes between the southern bounly montioiu'il, I'Voin lis starliii;^ point to tint valley of tlio Rivor Tlioinpsoii, iho disiaiico l)j' tills roulo is .'{"H iiiik's, iiivolvirii^ u pussugo ovor tlirco lofly suminils, wliii'li Woilltl iv(iiiir(' slot'p ^railiciils and woiks of an oxcossivoly IiiMivy cliaraclor, eniiiracint; tiit. tin^s in granite and a groat iuiinl)ur of short lunnols. /I'liitf .y').'}-\ niodiHcatioii of llio previous roiito, tho rosnlt of partial oxplo. rations, l»y which tin' ditliciiltios found on that roiito may, possiMy, ho avoidod. This routo may lie found, on furtln'r invo^tigalion, to iio dosorving of oonsidoration. Tho oxpondituro for tho tirsi 44 niilos from Iho coast W(»nld he heavy, hul tho average on tlic other portion, il is hoped, would lio moderate. ^\ llDHtr Xn, (! -Is a projected route from Mute lidot liy thoC-hilieotin plaiiiH to Fort (leorge, and thonoo by tno upper Itivor Fnisor to Tote .laune Cache, where a junction is olfoetod with tho route through tho Vollow lload Puss to the east. This route, in its more difficult ])ortions near tiio coast and from Teto .Tauno Cache eastward to tho Pass, has heen s;irveyoil instrumontally. The general physical (d)aractor of tho country through which tho remaining jtortion of it extends is such that a practical, and even a favourable lino, may be I'ogarded as jiro- bahlo. From tho beginning of tho survey, it has boon viewed as an available routo in tho event of tho obstacles which are mot with in tho soulhorn linos being held to be insuperable, or too serious to bo encountered owing to tho magnitude of tho works wliicli they might demand. Ttonfe No. 7. — This rrtute, starting from the North Hontinck Arm of the sea, follows the Holla Coola gap in tho Cascade Mountains, and crosses the plateau to the (iiscome Portage ; going thence by Fort McLoo I to tho Uiver Peace, which it follows through tho mountains. Tho information obtained concerning this routo is onl}' of a <.enoral character. It is believed, however, that up to within .300 miles of tho sea, no highor elevation than 2,000 feet need bo crossed ; but tho passage of the f'ascado Mountains would necessitate an ascent of some 000 feet above the level of the Yellow Head Pass, 30 'ii Tiilllt' ciiii lio Hiiii! n>;^uriliiii^ the |ii'iic(ii'iil>ility nf rciU'Iiin;; tin' Piu'iliii at otiici- poiiitN tliati tlidso (>niiini>rat('ii, Liuii). I'lilriici' nciilc till ('Xpliiraliiiii I'loin lUMiliiuU Ann into llio interior. Willi lliiit ('X('(>|(lioii, no I'Xiiminiitiiiiis jiavc i«"iMi nnnlc in lli(\ ruiintry lyin/< liolwooii liiili' liilft mill llio Itivi'f SkcKiiii, H diHtani-o ol' nnno .'KID iniloH, Hinco il was lirsl viHili'il liy Vtiiiniiivcr ami MarUi'ii/.ic in 17''.'{. Iiil'oiniatinnoii llio siibjoii is liast'd inaiiilyon llio lioui'say ruportsol' Imliaiis ; and tli(> iKissiliilily ol iiilvanlai^coiisly <'i'ossin;( llu* ('ascado Moiinlains IVom tlic Masl totlio ooasi, ill il more iiiii-tli(M'ly dirciiion lliaii llio routes indicated, can lu' iiolliiii;^ iikh'o llian mere coiijcclin'c. (Mno from tlio iiinliilniiil fo Vaneonvor Tnlaml ) The allcnijit made to liiid a line for tlie railway from tlic mainland to Ksqiiinmnlt nil Vanc<»iivei' Island did not i(>Hiilt Hatisfactoi-ily. For u distanec of SO miles wost fnnn Waddini,'lon llai'b^iiir tlio only coiu'so is to follow llie edi^o of tin' liiifli rocUy liliitVs wliicli skill Uiite Inlot, a lino involving; the l(>nnatioii ofa niiinher ol slioil tunnels and re(iuii'in<^ miudi heavy work. iKonnldiililu l)i-l(lKlM|i( requh'i'il.i Tiio most serious dilHciiltios, howovor, prosont tliomsolves in passin;^ from tho mainland across tho Valdes j^rouj) of islands to Vniicouvor Island. Tho lirid<^in^ found necessary within a distance of .S(l miles is indeed not only formidaMo, but without precedent. Hesides tunnelling and heavy rock excavations, tlio following woiks are called for: — One clear span lirid,i,'eof 1,100 teot, at Arran 1-. ipids. " •' 1,:^50 " at tirst ojieiiinj^ of Cardcro Channel. << «' 1,140 '' at second openiiii^j of ('arderoChannol. t!4(t " at third opening of Cardero Channel. 1,110 " at Middle Channel. 1,200 " at tir.'^t opening of Seymour Narrows. 1,;]50 ■' at second opening of .Se3'mour Narrows. The whole distance fioin Waddington llarlionr to Esquiinault may bo computed at about 240 miles. The ex]iloiatior. showed that tlie work on some 25 miles near I'lsiiuimault would ])i()ve heavy; tho remainder of tbedistance comparatively light. =i= «< (1 (1 (1 1. (1 (t i( \'i !<■ Roport. January. IS71. tl I" f'licidd lit In thr/inirth year. m\. Dofofo tlio floNo of wif'tor, rtiintlior cNuiniiialioti wan mmli* oflliiit MocUnn «>f tlio coiiiitry \y\t\n Iti'twi'on tlio Flivoi's Cloarwiitoi' iiml Thoiiipsoii, alonj^ tlio ^^oiionil ilintctioii (il Hliio l{ivoi'. Tliu ultjcit of this oxiiiiiiiiatinn wuh t'lirtlioi- to tent tlut practicaliility of ilic projirtoil Koiito Xo. '» of last yoar, ami to pivitaru for an iiiMirii- iiu'iital sttfvoy, sliotilU cii-cuinstuiicus wurraiit it. Tiio cxploralion, liowcvur, diil not result Hatlsfa«'torily. A lino was ri)unlnlnK.) An attempt was liltowiso made at anothor point to piorco tho mountain ran^o which walls otf tho Kivor Thompson and that portion of tho llivor Krascr hclow Tcto Jaiino Cache, from tho central plateau of Hritish Coliunhia. There wore still Homo hopes that a hroak in tho rani^e mi^lit ho disoovorcd in a iiorth-oastorly direc- tion from LaUo ('learwalor. A jiartial oxamination made lato in tho ]»rovioiis season ffavo jiromiso that such an oponini; iiiit;ht ho found. TIk^ information (dttainod from this exploration set positively at rest the question of a direct practicaMe route across the ('arihoo ran.1,'0 from tho Yellow I Toad Pass to tho coast. Tho summit of the divide at tho lowest place that coidd ho found on this route was an immense •rlacior 7,000 feet aliovo soa level. (Fto-cxiimUiatlnn liv the Ci)qulhallii.) A re-examination was made of that part of the route whi<'h lies hetweon Kam loops and tho Lower Frasei', by tlic C'oquihalla Pass. It was found that while im- portant changes could bo cffoclod on tho line as orii^inaily surveyed, tho j^radients would still remain unusually severe, and the works of construction would bo extremely troublesome and expensive. Tho climatic objections to tho route were also con tinned. (Exjiloriitloii by tlic Slinlllcamocn Vnlloy.) An attempt was made to find a now route across tho Cascade Ranf^o to tho south of the Coquihalla. The object was to trace a line to connect the Fraser, below Kope, * Vide Appendix D, page 101, Report by Joseph Hunter. 9'> vid tlio Similkamoon valley, with ones of the linos in tho interior ulroudy ostublishod and tiionoc across tlio main RocUy Moiiniain chain. This oxploratiot\ resujtcii in failure; no praclicahlo lino was fbund/'= (Kxplorntloii Ity tho Tularaeon Valloy.) A tinal effort was niado to find a route tiirouglj this section of tlio Cascade range, by a ItrancJj of (lie Coiiuihalia and tho course of the Rivor Tulameon ; but it jiroved still nxore unsatisfactory, Iho way being completely barred by mountains.* (Survoy aloiiK tlie Lowt-r Ulver Fraser.) The instrumental survey made this year from Fort Hope to Burrard Inlet was so far flitisfaclory as to establish the fact that the line was perfectly feasible and the gradients favourable, although the bridging of tho wide and deep river channels would bo expensive. Tiiroe tunnels appear to be necessary, having a total length ol ;{,400 foot, but only at a few other points would the work of excavation be heavy. It was considered important to obtain exact data in order to form a reliable estimate of the dirticulties to be oncountorod along the c.iiiyons of the lower i»i\ers Fraser and Thompson. Tho engineering force availal)le was insutlicient to make a minute survey of all tho very serious ditiiculties encountered, extending as they do suc?ossively for seventy miles. It was deemed advisable, under the circumstances, to select an average section of the canyons for examination . accordingly, a trial location survey was made for a distance of fourteen miles up tho Frjuser from Yale. On this fourteen mile section the survey showed that tunnels of an aggregate length of «),:}85 foot, together with formidable rook cutting-i, would be required. Favoural)le undulating gradients could, however, bo obtained. (Uc-survoy IVom Litko Willliiin to tlio ClilMcotiii I'latoiui.) A trial location was made to improve the difficult portions of (he route designated No. 4 ((•/ t Afoonlingly, in the season of 1874, explorations were commonced. The various iiilols on the coaHt were examined; tlio interior wa« traversed, and sonic knowledge of its general featuie.'* was obtained.* Jiaromctric snrveys were made froni tlio Dean and Gardner Inlets, and from other points on the coast, to ascertain the elevation of the lowest depression in the Cascade Mountains. These various examinations furnished information which jus- titiod the expense of a survey the year following, from Fort George to Dean Channel, and gave foundation for the impi-ession, that, with the exception of difficulties on the extreme western section of twenty miles, a favourable line might be secured to Gard- ner Inlet from the northern bend of the IJiver Fraser, near Fort George. In thi Fifth Year. 1875. (Exploration iVoiii Fort Gcorgo to Kdmontoi), via Smoky Uivor Pass.) Tlie operations of this yeiir were commenced in mid-winter, by sending a [tarty across the Rocky Mountains from the northern bend of the iiiver Fraser, old the Smoky llivor Pass. The party left Fort George on the 14th of January, pursuing an easterly course along the nortii fork of the Fraser, between the 54th and 55th parjiliels of latitude. The north branch of the river was followed to its source, which was discovered in a semi-circular biisin, completely closed in by glaciers and high bare peaks. The southern Itranch was then followed, and for about fifty miles the course was favour- able. The route then entered the heart of the Mountain JJan^fc, still ascending with easy grades for some twenty miles furlluu-. The ascent rapidly attained the highest point or conlinental ''divide" at 5,:5()0 I'oet above the sea. The explonilion then continued in an easterly direction along the flank of the mountains, to the Jliver Athabasca, not far below .Jasper llousc. Hy this exidoration we obtained a correct knowledge of the geography of the region, and estiiblished the fact (hat a railway might be carried through the Smoky Itiver Pass ; but that no object would bo accomplished which coulil not be much more easily and better attained by adopting the Yellow Head Pass. • Vitc Aiiiiiiidix G, |>ii};c Ui", Uo|iurt on exitloratioii by Cliurk'S llorttsky. 26 The various no kiiowloilgo ilots, juid from rossion in the on which jus- Dean Channel, icultios on the cured to Gard- e. iriding a party Fraser, via the jasterly courho Is of latitude, scovored in a pealvs. Tiie jc was I'avour- seending with d tiie highest loration then to tlie Jviver ned a correct ail way might accomplished Yellow Head The pai'iy engaged on tills hazardous expedition, in the course '>.'" tlicir journey, travelled IIOO miles on snow shoes. They suttered unusual hanlship. h.r twenty "lays in .lanuary the tliei-mometer averagetl .'$!»" helow zero, the minimum heing r>8°. Many of their dogs perisiied ; their dog trains became com- pletely disabled, and they had eaten every morsel of their ])rovisions three days betbre ihey reached the nearest Jludson's ]ky Fort.* (Exploration of t lie Niizco Viilloy.i Asa [)reliminary to beginning an instrumental survey, a party was sent eai'ly in the winter to eX2)lorc that portion of the line in the Xazco Valle}', loft unsurvoyed, be- tween Fort (ieorge and Bute inlet, at the close of 1874. Before the opening of spring, Uiey reported that thei-e were no serious obstacles to be encountered. (Ooncpnt ration of operations.) In previous years, surveying operations had been wiilely divergent, incieasing the diflicuity ot supervision, as well as adding to their cost. There was no longer necessity foi" tills condition of things, as the held of enquiry in the Soutliern and Central JUstricts of Bi-itish Columbia, had been well travelled over. Accordingly, it was deemed expedient to confine the survey operations of this season to the country to the north of Bute Inlet and Tcte .laune Cache. It was also determined to make a location survey on Vancouver Island from iOsquimault to Nanaimo. (Trial location I'roni tlic Yellow llcinl I'ass to I>"ort (feor^c ami liule Inlet.) The reported results of the Smoky J{iver expedition also jtointei to the expe- diency of making a trial location from Yellow ilcud l^iss, down the valley ot thelviver Eraser to Fort George and thence across the country by the Nazco valley, to the llomathco and liute Inlet. Five ]iarties were selected for this work, and as the scaMin for operations was advanced before those detailed lor the survey lying between Fort George and Yellow Head Pass couhl reach that locality, arrangements were made lor them lo winter in the mountains. They were thus enableil to take advantage of any oppor- tunity for carrying on field operations during the winter, and in the following season to save the time usually taken to reacli these distant stations. ' IV/c Aiipeudix II, (nige llli, Re-ioi'l and narrative by E. \V. Jarvis. 4 2(1 A trial lociiliuii was coinplctoil iioarly (lie whole way IVoin Wan llai'boiii' to llivor iStowarl by tho Nazco valloy. Tlio Hiirvoy was cai-riod tlir'Xigli tiicCawoadu iii()uiitaiii8 l)y tlio cast bniiii'Ii of tbo llomathco, wlioro a more favourable liiiu was obtaiiioii lliaii that by the west branch, yiving an easier aseeiit to the eeiitral jilalcaii, witli less tiiiiiielliiii^ and heavy work. In tho loeality of the lllaikwater and Chilaeoh IJivers. dilUeiiltios were met, wliieh callotl for a revision of the surveys at this ])oin(. (Survey from Fort Guorjio to Uoiin Cliunncl.i An oxjiluratory survey was made from tho Kamsqiiot ]Jay, on tho J)ean Channel up the valley of Salmon lliver, interseclinjf the line to Hiite Iidet from Fort /George in the valley of the Blackwater. This examination gave [»roiuise of a com- paratively lavourable line to D<. ^ Inlet, some 50 miles shorter tbati the lino to Buic Inlet. (Explorutioiis at Uardiior Iiiloti The explorations made at (iardnor Inlet were not satisfactory, A line of measure menlswas made fiom Kemano May by a valley across a depi'ossion in theCasca, iia^a- (;8. \\'i'h Aiii'i'iiJi.\ I, [>ni^v ICJJ, Ki'poil liv Marcus tiiuith on Siirvi'Vo made in 1875, work this year iiei,'iiii with a wiiitor examination of tlio coast. Litllo or iioth- iii<^ bi'inu' Icnown of tiio climatic condition of tlio several deep fidets or Fiords whicli indent tlio mainland, cxcejjt during the summer, it was considered necessary to gain some IvnowU'dgc of them in winter. An oxpeditio?i was acconlingly despatched \>y steamer, at the beginning of February, to obtain as mnch information an possible respecting the formation of ice in the ditt'erent channels, and to make special explora- tions on shore in the valley of th o Kitlopc. Much ice was i-cported in (iardner Inlet. The steamer Hrst struck it at about 2') miles from tlie Jlcad. The Indians met there stated that the Inlet had been frozen over for about a month, and, as the ice remained until Api'il, a considerable extent of this Iidet must have been unnavigablc for fully three months. The Indians at the same time stated that the phonomemi of that winter were not i'l accoi-d with those generally experienced ; that (iardnor Iidet was seldom frozen to the same extent as it then was, and that the greatest distance the ice had been known to extend down the Inlet was to a point about two miles below Kemano, and (hat oven this extent was of rare occurrence. Above Kemano it is not surprising that the water should freeze when the temperature is low. The inli't is narrow and land locked, and the water, which is reported Tiearly frcah, is I'arely rutHed by a breeze. The Indians stated that Dean Iidet hud been frozen for a short time, !iut that tlicie hud been no ice at Mule Inlet during the winter. .Snow elides are reported as formidable ditticulties in many localities in the Cas- cade I'ange. Where the mountains are steep they are most frequent. In some places, acres of thick masses of snow, carrying tree"; and boidders. slide down tho mountain sides with great violence. =•= (ITnsuceossful attompt to cross tlio CasoiKlos.) The exploration made in IS71 and 1X75, between Dean Tnlet and Lake Framjois, still remaining unconnected with the examination made from Gardner Inlet, it was ' 1' ^' AppiMulix J, |):ii(c 177, Ri'iiort on winter (>xamiiiation, t)y C H. (Jarasby. 28 deemed lulvisablo to fill tip tlic inloi'vonin;^ ifap with as little delay as jxtssible, as future operations ini,u;lit he detcrmiiuil by tliu lesult obtained. Aecordiniily, tlie parly sctiit from Victoria in February wasdireeted to perform tiie work, if possible. The weatlier, liowcver, ]»roved unfavourable. Tiie snow wassodeep tliat ever}' effort was fruitless. Alter great labour the parly succeeded in maUinij an exploiati(tn up the I'ivei' Kitlope, Hi miles, discovering that the source of that river is ill a iia>iii or low ■•divide," belwecii the waters of the Dean and Gardner fidt^ts. They did not. however, succeed in jiassiiig across llie Cascade (diain. iScvorlty of the winter.) The severity of the winter of lS7a-(! in Hritish Columbia, was, according to cyory account, beyond precedent. This circumstance was so far fortunate, as it afforded evidence of the more marked climatic difficulties lobe contended against. The snow-fall was great, and the floods in spring lime were unusually heavy, indi- cating where ]irecaiitioii is necessary in locating the line. (fomplelion of t lie trial local Ion lo Bute Inlet.) A trial location surve}' Wiis completed from the Yellow Head Pass, b3-|he banks of the Kraser to Kort (icorge, iind across the country to the Ilomathco, where a re-survey mid location has been effected through the Cascade chain to VVaddington Harbour. Great improvement has been made on the line first traced. It is not possible to avoid tunnels and heavy rock e.xcavations along the ilescent by the Homathco to the sea, b it if is found that the quantity of work first deemed necessary, can be mucii reduced. 'IMio last survey shows eight tunnels, with an aggregate length of 1] miles, on the first -i() miles cast from VVaddington llaboiir; and si. k tunnels, in all '■'{ of a mile long, thence to the Yellow Head summit ; a total aggregate on this route of II tunnels, the length being 2 miles on the 54t mile.s of line. The lieaviest ascents from the sea are 1 OoG feet, 84 feet and (JO feet per mile. The aggregate length of the first is l',i\ miles, and of the two latter,.'! miles. At no point on the remaining length do the gradients e.Kceed 52vS feel per mile. (Trial locution to Uean Inlet.) The ti'ial loc:ition survey from the l)e:in Channel, by the Salmon, Blackwater and lscull!le^li Kivers, to a |)oi!it of intersection with the Jiute Inlet line, in th« Chilacoh \allev, has resulted favoiirablv. The line to Dean Tnlet is 5.") miles shorter than to 2!) as j)().s.sible, as 1«t porfoi'm tliL' )\\' was so (loop . in makini; an i of (liat river ardiior [iilots. , according to )rtiinatc, us it nded against, ly lioavy, indi- S li}' llio lianlcs thoo, where a ) VVaddington id. Jt is not BHccnt l>y tlio mod necessary, an aggregate boiir ; and six otal aggregate s of line. The Tiie aggregate point on tlie laci\ water and 1 th« (!hihiooii orler than to Bute Inlet. There are, however, 8 miles ofaLTadicnt, 113ifcet per mile, onomiloof 105'(J feot and 19 miles, ranging from tl-J feot to 92 foot per mile. With the exception of these 2S miles, tiiere is no gradient over 5'i"8 feot per mile, between Dean lidet and the Yellow Head sinnmit. For a distance of 20 miles, heavy bridging and excavation ,\i;' be called for, together with 13 tunnels of an aggregate length of 2 miles. (Altcrimllvc nno to Itfuii Inlet.) The exploratory survey of an altei-native line from Dean inlet has been made. It leaves the Salmon River about -15 miles from tide water, crosses a " divide" lo waters which flow in a north-easterly direction, and follows the coin-se of the Rivers Eiiclm, Nechaco and Stewart, to a point near Fort George. With some exceptions, the gradients and works of construction on this line would be oas^', but its length is 13 miles greater than the more southern line to Dean Inlot. (Exi)lor,atloii liilniid from fiardnor Tiilot.) The exploration made this year, souili and west from Lake Francois, developos the fact that a favourable line, with light gradients, fi'om Fort (leorge to within 22 miles of Kemano Bay, on Gardner Inlet, can be secured. On the remaining 22 miles, however, grave difficulties are to bo met. (Rc-survoy hotwcfii Viilc and li.vtton.j The re-survey along the Biver Fraser, between Yale and I^ytton, establishes tho entire practicability of the line between these jtoints. ICasy undulating gradients may be secured, but the works of construction will be heavy. A detailed account of the several explorations and surveys, together with a description of the engineering chaiaciciof the IImos e.Kamined and results to date, is presented in the Appendix.^'- TlIK WORK AOPOMlTitSIIEl) IN THE MOINT.VFN REdlOX. The results of surveys in tho Mountain Region may be thus recapitulatetl : — The information obtained is tolerably complete as regards the greater part of tho country between thesonthern boundary of British Columbia and the 5fith ])arallel. Tho examinations in this region have extended over a bi-eadth of .seven degrees of 'I'iile .Appendix K, page 182, Memorandum bv II. J. Cnmbie ; also, Appendix T, papo 2r)t, Dcscrijiliou ot th« lingiiieuiiiig features of lines in liiitisli Columbia, hy Marcus Suiilli. i. ■> ;{(i la)itii(l(^ 1>V (lf(ocn dcf^rooH of li>n,<^ilii(lc, Tli<> only ])orlIon rospwfinir \vhi
  • roiiiiluin chain liavo lioon oxaininiMl : tho IV'iici' llivcr, the l*ino liivor, the SnioUy kivc-r, tho Yellow Head, llio Athabasca and the llowso. Two oCthoin, tho Uowse and tho Yellow Head, have lieen re^ulaily sur- veyed. Tiu'se examinations, t(getliei' with tho surveys and explorations which have boon made throiigiiout tho contignoiis districts, siiow that beyond question tho advantages of tiie Yellow Head Pass,— -every consideration being taken into account, — outweigh tiiose of any of tho otlier passes; that the opening at that point offers superior facilities for carrying tho lino of railway through tho niain range of tho great mountain chain ; and in fact that the Yellow Head I'ass, bettor than any other, opens the way to every harbour on tho coast, from tho straits of .luan do Fiica to the latitude of Dean Inlet. The harbours north of Dean Inlet are e(|ually aicossible by the Yellow Head Pass. It is ]»ossible, howovoi-, b\it by no moans certain, that tho more northei-n liai-- bonrs may bo reached witli greater ease by one of the more northern passes of Pine or Peace lliver. Accordingly', the selection of a terminus on (iurdner Inlet, or at Port Essington, would call for more extended examinations in the mountains in the northern latitudes. Indeed, I'ogidar railway surveys, from tho coast, n'd Pine River and Peace I{iver, to tho prairie region to the oast, would lie required, to obtain data for com- parison with the Y'ollow Head Pass, and to dotermine which of the routes may be pre- fi'rablo. While the question of tho Pino River and Peace River Passes, in connection with linos to the two most ncu'thorn harbours, is yet undi^cidod, it is, however, undoubtedly cstablislicd that the main Rock}' Mountain chain can bo crossed with case by the Yellow Head Pass. The major problem is accordingly satisfactorily solved, and it remains to bo considered iiow the minor ranges of mountains, ami the other pby>iial obstacle-^ wliicli presi'Mt thomsclvi's, ma\' bo sniinoiuilod or av.tided, al It wliifli our y till' Ilivcr :aniino(l : llio lliubiiNcaaiKl •of^ulaily siii'- [itions wliicli quostion tlio to account, — t point oilers raiiye of tlio 111 any other, nan (le Kiica (Uoulc tliroili;!! till' Vcllow llriul Pass.) Sturtinj^ from tlic Atlialiasca, a river on the jnairic siilc ol'llic main diain, at a iMiiiit known aN oltl Jlcnry Jloiise, tlic line eiitors llie aitproacli tu tlio Yellow Head pass, and follows a westerly course tliroui,'li u tine, meadow-like expanse, lying fully ii vertical mile lower than the lofty jieaks which rise up on hoth sides. Passing through this low, ojieii, and favouralile jiasHago, the line continues in its duo wcHterly course, in all, some (iO miles from old Henry House, to Tfite Jaune Cache. At this point, it inter, sects a remarkaiile valley, sunk deep in the mountains, and stretching for more than ■101) miles in a nearly >traiglil north-wewterly and south-easterly couise. To the iiorth-we>l, il is occupied liy the l{iver Kraser, and to the south-east by the Canoe Kiver, to Hoat Kncampment, and thcuco by llieColuml>ia and theKootenuy Jiivers to beyond the international boundary line. This extraordinary valley is at an elevation of from 2,000 to 3,000 feet above the sea, while at no great distance from it on the iiortli-easterii side, the crests of the J{ocky Mountains, stand erect from 10,000 to 15,000 feet in altitiule. th Vcllow Head lortliern liar- ;es of Pine or or at Poi't 10 northern r and Poaco ;ita for com- niay be pre- lection with iiiidoiibtedly ease by the Ived, and it ler physical (Uelloction of ItoiUc.) Ijofty mountain masses extend on the opposite side of this deep-lying and singu- larly straight valley or trough. These mountaiiisare continuous and iinbroken,excoi»t al two jioints. The most soiitliern opening is abreast of JJoat Encampment, where the Canoe Kiver flows into the Columt)ia, and where the latter river all but completely leverscs its course, and flows south through the ])assage. The more northern o[ten- iiig, not far south of Tete Jaune Cache, contains Laiic Albreda, which, al certain seasons of the year, discharges its waters both iKjrlhand south,thesoulliorly discharge feeding the Kiver Thomjison. The Thompson itself tlows in this locality nearly 'iver Thonijisttii. |{y cither ol' those two routes liie lofty and dctiant ('arihuo Mountains may bo tiankod, and the groal plateau in thu inlorior readied, (Tlif ( 'cut nil I'luli'iiiii Between the VMh and StMh parallels, the greater portion ol' the central plateau of liritish Coluniliiu has u general uniformity of altitudi', varying from 3,500 to 4,000 leet. Many of the rivers are !«unk deep below the general surface, and the plateau is crossed hero and there by irregular billy ranges of considerable elevation. Towards the north-wost, the plateau passes into a somewhat lower level, with numy laUe.s, lying at a general elevation ol more than 2,000 feet above the sea. In this section the river valle^-s are less .sharply cut than those described farther to the south-east, anil are, in c(jnseiiuence, more lavoin-able for railway construction. (LIni's llii'oiiKii ll<<' I'iisciulu .MountiiliiM.j The C'ascade chain, which rises between the central ])lateau on the one side and the coast on the other, presents everywhere formidable ditlicullies. It has now been pierced by at least twelve ditVerent lines, five of which h: ve been surveyed with transit and level, the others have been e.xplored and barometric meiisurcmonts made. Of the twelve lines, it is known that the five instrumentally surveyed are practicable for railway constri jtion, and it is believed that three others can lie j>laced in the same catr-gory, making in all, eight lines from wliicb a choice may be made. The lemaiidng four can be left out of consideration. The eight lines iclerred to are as Hdlows: — J}y the Coquihalla to Hurrard Inlet. By tho Frascr to liurrard Inlet By the Lillooct and Lake Anderson to llowe Soiii d. J)y the Kast J]ranch of the llonui'iico to Bute Iidet. M'cil, willioiil ly IcrmiiiHlc llio niilwiiy. y done' I'll KM I ; ilior of llioM' 1(1 tlu' .i!;rt'al •lit nil plaloaii ;j,500 to 4,00(» tho plateau is III, Towanls imiiiy lakes, In lliis section Iho Houtheasl, I; one siilc ami liias now lieen iirveycd with cnients maile. re jtraetiealile jilaeed in tl\e J made. Tiie red to are as Hy tlio West UniiK'h ol^ the Ilotnatlieo to Bute Ttilot. IJy tlio Uivor Holla ('(»olii to the North lieiitinek Ann. By Salnnm Uivor to Dean Iiilot. liy the Ivoinano Valley to CJardiiO!' Inlot. i^y tlio Jliver Skceiia to Port Ksslngton. Ailhoiigh those eight lines through the CaMiides may he viewed as praetieahlo, oiieot'thom, tuat hv the Wosl itruneh ol'tlie llomathoo, is siihstantially a loop lino helweoii two eommoii points, and heing less I'avoiirahle and more costly than the lino by tlio Kast branch ol the same river, is practically siijiersodod by the latter. Un tho other hand, tho Hurveys across the central plateau have led to the coiii- binutfon of portions of one or two lines, so as to form distinct lines, thus resulting in olovoii dotinite loutos. (Itoutos I'i'oin (III.' Yellow Ilt'iiil I'liMs to (lie CDiist.) These routes arc classitiod in groups to facilitate comparison. The Southern group comprises those terminating at points near tho extreme southern limit of tho coast of the mainland. The Central group embraces those lines converging at IJute Inlet, opposite the middle porti(jn ot Vancouver Island. Tho Northern group ombraces tho.so routes which lead to harbours on the coast, entirely to llie north of Vancouver Island. SOUTIIKIIX (iRoUl'. Koiito No. 1.-— From Yellow Jlead Pass, rid l/ike Albreda, Uivor Thomp.soii, Lake Nicola and C'ofiuihalla Valley to Jiurrard Inlet, Uoute No. 2. —From Yellow Head Pass, oid Lake Albreda, Itiver Thompson and the Lower Uivor Fraser, to Burrard Inlet. Uoute No. 3.-~From Yellow Head Pass, rid Lake Albreda, Uivers Thompson, Bonaparte and Lillooet and Lake Anderijon, to Ilowo Sound. CENTRAL UKOLP. Uoute No. 1.— From YeUow Head Pass, oid Lake Albreda, Uiver Thom])soii Kivcr Clearwater, Lac-la-llache, Uiver Chillicotin, and East brunch ot Kivcr llomuthco, to Wuddington Harbour. 34 n»s, n'd Itivoi' {''rasor, l"'orL (ioor^^e, Uivcr, Cliiiac'oli ami li<>lia Coola, lo Noitii lloiilinrk Ann. liuiito No. 8. — i"'roni Yellow Head I'as.s, /•/>< IJiver l-'raner, i-'ort (ioor^^e, liivec Cliilac'oli, l{iver lllaekualor ami Salmon Ifiver, lo i>ean Inlet. lioiilo No. 1». — i''roni Yellow Ilojul I'uss, vid Klvoi' Franor, Im)i1 (Jooi'j^o, Uiver Xei'litieo ami lower portion ot'Salnion Uivei'. to l>ean inlet. Koiito No. 1<>. — i<'roni Yellow Head I'a^N, mi Uiver i"'iiiser, i-'ort (ieoit^e, liivir Stewart, i»ivor Neciiaeo and Kennino, to (iardiier inlel. IJoiile X(i. 11. — I'rom Yellow Mead I'ass, rid Uiver Kra«er, Fort (ieorge. iliver Stewart and iJivor 8il on tlie list, Xo. 10 and ll,!iro Itut iin|)erlb..lly known. I'jioiiy;li, liowcvor. has liceii learned respeclinf^ llii! |MHition and levels ol' tlio lakes and I'ivers and tiie Lconcral topo^rapiiieal features of the country uaii Inlet. w'li. Kiiuii^'li, u's aii aliaiiilitiiiiionl nl' IJoiilo N<» 5, (mini- nato iMi tlio coast of lli<< iiiainlanil at sovtMi iliMtincl liut'lMMii'f', an«i tli«y all coiivcr^o to Yellow lloail Pas-.. To llio niiniltcr may Ih> aildcil tho two atlditional i-oiiIoh, run- ning cast lioni tlic two niosi noilliorn liailMXirs, l»y llio low-lying passes at Poaco ami I'ine Wiveis. Tliiis, we have in all, a dozen routes across the Mountain Uogion oiiun tor coiisideralion, Inil tor tlio reasons xul I'ortli, a coni|iai'isori ot tlieni will l)0 limiteil to till' Ion ospocially descrilied. OPKH.VTIONS IN TIIK PuAIKIK KkuioN. Ill thf FiM Year 1S71. Tlio prairio country niergos into tlio woodland lietweoii Rod Uivor and Trnko of tlio Wooils. An arbitrary dividing lino liotwoon tlio two llogions might bo drawn at aiiv point in that locality; hut as it will ho found convonioiit during construction, to curry tlio liniil of the Woodland Region west to tlio woll-ostuhlishod point, Selkirk, it has hoon doomed advisahio to consider the Prairie Region to ho hounded on the oast side hy the IJed l{i\erand Lake Winnipeg. (LliiiHMor till' I'lnlrlu HckIoii di-nncd.) For similar reasons, it is expedient to adopt a woll-dotlnod houndary lino on the woslorii side of the Central Region. In general terms, tlio Rocky Mountains have hoon taken as the western houndary. Those mountains undoiihtodly form bold, geographical land marks. On their eastern >ido tlioy roar thomsolvos high ahove the adjacent country, and from their lofty crests, hero and there, gi-oat spurs or siihsidiary moun- tain masses jirojoct, which stretch out into the lower level, forming intermodiato valleys, so that a lino along their hase would he e.\tremely sinuous and diflicult to trace. Moieovor, explorations in the Moiinttiiii Region have, f>r the most part, been contined to the country on the wostern side of the various passes. As tlitwe p.'issos are found on the lino of houndary of Rritish (Jolumhia, the eastern limit of that Province is a convonient division lino hetwoon the Central and Wostoin regions ol tl 10 survey The Prairie or Central Region will therefore ho assumed to extend from Red R ivor and Laico Winnipeg on the oast, to the boundary of British Columbia on the west. ! M 1 > . I 3(1 (Qonornl Clmraplorlstlcs ) It will not bo iiocessaiy to (It'scribo the phyHicul cliiiriU'toristios of tl'.o Prairio ]{ct(ioii,a full (k'scriplion having already lieeii i^iven in )irovioiis reports '■'' (Previous ExplnratlonK.) 1871 The oxjiloi-ations made liy liie Imperial (Toverniiient, williin tiio limits of tlio I'rairie IJeifion, sii;^i;'ested that no coniplicatod difTicnlties of construction would be experienced. The information obtained, however, indicated that, as the rivers which diaint'd the region tlowi'd for the most part in deeply eroded channels of jj^roat width, the bridjifint^ might prove a serious consideration. Special information on this point, thei'efore, became indisj)ensaiile. It was e([iially necessary to obtain fin'ther data reiaiivc to llic a]i|»roachcs to the .several mountain ]>asses. (('oinmt'iu'oiiu'iit of ExninliiatlonB.) Accordingly, in 1S71, parties were sent out to examine the Plain Country in ditVerent directions, between lied iJiver and the mountains. The information obtained, confirmed the view that in iriany sections the groat river channels could not be crossed without, great cost. Difiiculties of this character promised to bo least formidable on one route; that by Lake Daupiiin and the valley of Swan Rivor, to tho level of the first praiiie stejtpe, near Kort Pelly, and thence proceeding nearly due west to tho South Eiver Saskatchewan, which it crosses about latitude 52" 22'. The chaMncl in this locality was fouml comparatively easy for bridging. West of the <*rossing of the South Saskatchewan, a line was projccteil to cross the North Saskatchewan at one point only; which crossing, it was considered, might be oHbcted at some distance above Edmonton. It was hoped thai tho enormously wide anrts =i= liln tlio limits istiiietion would as tlio rivers laniiols of jjfroat information on I) obtain fui'tlior Plain Country iio information channels could lisod to bo least of Swan Ilivor, nee proceodinij i about latitude y for bridii^iiig, ►jccted to cross )nsidered, mijflit mormously wiile aces flow mii;lit {ocky Mountain r Atliabasca, as fj 10, la Biche, 100 :J7 miles to llio north of the Xorlh River S.nlcatchewan and to other points, fniportant specini information was thus obtained respecting a wide extent of country. The total distance travelled bythcMe p;irlio-i, west and north, from Fled Iliver, was fully 5,000 miles. Tn the Second Year 1S72. The knowledge acciuired in the previous year, and the open character of the country, '.vhich admits of rapid examination, were considered a sutlicicnt reason for jiostponing regular railway surveys in this district until the work in the mountains and woodlands, to the wost and east, was furihei- advanced. There were, therefore, no examinations made in 1872, beyond the general reconnnismncr of the writov throughout the entire field of survey. A reportof this journey has already been made public* (Peace River District.) Tn connection with the personal reronnahsance referred to, explorations were made of the Peace River District by members of the expedition, detailed for that jMirpose. A wide extent of country, fai- to the north of the Saskatchewan, was reported as being unsurpassed in fertility; and, notwithstamling its high latitude with a comparatively dry ani'tli-\vosterly once up the ao The whole distance is over 270 miles. It was established that tor 200 miles the line wii' have but few curves, and will be otherwise favorable. The line of survey was push )d to the north of the Duck Mountains, their northern edge forming an important objective point. JJetween the J)uck Mountains and the Porcupine Mountains, the River Swan tlows in a north-easterly direction to Lake Winnipogoosis. The lino, in ascending this valley, passes to the south of an isolated elevation named Thunder Ilill, rising to l,t';i7 feet above sea level. This survey shewed light avei'ago earthworks, with heavy bridging only on the last thirty miles. In the latter section, there are si.v gullies of about 1,000 feet wide, from .50 to 80 feet deoj). (Character of the Country Traversed.) Between Selkirk antl Livingstone, woodlanil and pi airie generally alternate for the first 4.5 miles iVoni the Red River. Some wel soil, however, is met with in this stretch — in one instance, running into a Iwg three miles across, but drainage is not dillicult, as thei'o is a good eastern fall. For the succeediog ilO miles, the country is no so low, being olevateil about forty feet above the level of J^ako Manitoba. For the most part, it is wooded with scrubby oaks and good sized poplars. Frequent patches of wet land make their appcarjuico. but it is capable of being drained by ditching, and converted into moiidow land. For about twelve miles, up to the Narrowsof Lake Manitoba, the land isgenerally low, in some spots being but little above the high water of the lake. After passing the " Narrows," the land continues low for some fifteen miles, but throughout the lomaining 1.50 miles, till Livingstone is roacliod, the natural drainage is e.scollont, if we oxcej)t the immediate neighbourhood of Jiuke Winnipogoosis. In the low country, a number of muskegs will have to be crossed, but they are reporte I to have firm clay l)ottoms. and to bo, generally, not ditUcult of drainage. All along the lengthy section, between the lake district and Livingslimo, the soil is, generally sj)oaking, productive ; a description peculiarly applicable to the Swan Ifivor localitN*, some sixty miles in length, by aljout twenty miles broad, wboro the soil is exceedingly rich. m 1^ ■ * ; m h' - cuttou Survey, Selkirk to Llvlng.stone.) It being designed that the telegraph should be placed on the precise line of the railway and its general route having iKtw become established between Selkirk, on Iicd River, and Livingstone, near [*'ort Polly, a location survey became necessary. Accordingly, before the season closed, the location was coininciiccd between Selkirk, and 1 .iingstone, tho surveying partie> remaining in the field, and carrying on tho work during winter. ' Vile Ajiiieudix L, page 185. Report by Granville C. Cunningham. 41 sro. On the illcnt quality )n tho Duck ich i8 within accH. must prove mt date* uu abundant ;is and Mani- similar kind jmcnt of tiio y wore com- Lo, so soon as in Oetoljcr, od IJiver to cc'iso lino of oon Selkirk, nccossaiy. 'utMi ScikirJv, ying on the fn the Fifth Year. 1S75. Tlio location snrvoys wort' ciirrit'd on with so much determination and vigour, that, notwithstanding the distance, fully 270 miles, and the inclemency ol' the weather, together with inade([uacy .) It became e(|ually necessary to prepare for telegrajih consti'uction on the still onger section from Livingstone to I'ldmonton, and thence to the western limit of the central region. Accordingly, in March, arrangements wei'e nnide lor carrying on the survey, and during the whole season, efficient e.xploi'ing and locating parties were actively engaged between Jjivingstone and Yellow Head Pass, the distance being about 775 miles, A detailed account of these operations will be found in the Appendix. * Commencing at Livingstone, a reconnoitei-ing party advanced in a westeily direction along the general route, which from pievious information, it was thought advi.sable to examine more thoroughly. The main siii'vey i»ai'ty liillowed, re- ceiving suggestions and directions from time to time from the exploring party in advaJice, and were thus enabled lo carry on the work of determining the line with rapidity. Jn a den.sely woodetl country, it is necessary to have the line >taketl out with tolerable accuracy, in advance of telegrai)h construction, on account of the neces.-ity for clearing. In a prairie or oj)cn counlr}', it is not so important, but it is desirable to have the telegraph erected along the general route oi' the lailway, and, where practicable, on the precise line. (The .Vtlioilli' mill riiollic J^invcys C'DiuifclL'iI.) The c(nirse of proceeding adopted in the open country, admitted the delei-niina- lion ol the line with sufficient jirecision, and lavourcil the rapid execution of the >ll «K 'W I idi Aiiiiuuili.x M, I'lme 18'J. Progress Iti'iiorl liy II. A. F. Jiuck-od. work. By tlio liJtIi Novemltcr, a coiitimiDiis exploratory Hurvey liiul Iil-om made Iroiii Liviiigstono, wost, to Hoot Kivor, — a tributary of tlio AtliabaMu— tlio distanco nioasuritig G29 miles. Some jtorlions ot' tlio lino thus survoyod wore not pcrl'oolly satisfactory, and ro(jmrod rovision, but the work aooomplishod sorvud tin. i-'nu'diato jturposo, in connorlion with tlio oonstruction of the lolograph, and is, in cvory way, of groat value. It formed the connoclini; link in tlioehain of exact instrumental nieasuro- moiits from the Atlantic on the one si(Jo ami the Pacilic on the otiu'r, and tt•^led llio ueeuracy of the levels which liad s» laboriously been cairied milo by mile IVoni bulb oceans, (Unsiici'CSNiiil lOxplonition.) Durini^ the 3'ear, a volume was publjshoil uiving an account of the travels ot'tho Earl of Southesk, .some 15 years previously, in a portion of the IJocky Mountains. Some of the chapters of ibis book, and especially the skelcb ma|is it contained, led to the lutpo that a more direct route niiii;bl be found from the Yellow Head Pas-, to Edmonton, than any yet known. Aicordingly, in^truclion^ weie i;iven to lest the question liy a tliorouu'h exploration, and, if e.xjiectations were realized, to ibilow tlu; exploration by an exploratory survey. It was considered im)iortanl to have the examination made without delay, so that the overland telegraph should bo cai-ried by the best route. In the ap[)ondix will bo fouisd a detailed account of this exploration.* It failed in its imme an almost treeless prairie. The • r»We Appendix M, p.i;,n' I'.ii. Kxpldriilion of MiiliKiic VhIU'j-. .tc , liy FI. A. F. Mack'od. I 43 liooii iiiiidi; Hio (lislanco lot pci'lbolly o ;"iiie(liiito vui-y way, of till IlK'ilSlllV- 1(1 (cstfd iliu k' Iroiii Ijulli 'iivcls ot' tlio ' Muimtaiiis. iiilaiiioil, lotl loa to to test the o lullow the; lilt ilolay, .so :■'•' Jt failod 'il, troni tlio iiciidcd. llif loi-ation r"a.s ilooined will) woihIis coiiiitiy on irio. Tho k'od. i'ii;^iiioorin;:( parties, howcvor. found a threat deal of timltor; fully one liulf of tho lino sui'veyed fcoin Livinifstonc to Kdmonton passing tliioiigli woodland. l'o])lai' is almost llie only description of wood found. It is closer grained llian that soon in Ontario. Wluwi dry, it makes very good fiiol. resondding m ((uality soft maple. West of Kdmonton to the mountains, tho eountr}' is almost wholly v fodod, somo gloves of ver}' tine white spruce heing tonnd. As tlie moun'.ains arc upproachod, tlio poplars decrease in numher, while increasing in s-i/e. In this district, .scrub or pitch )»ino Itogins to appear somewhat jdentifully, and among the mountains, ])ineand spruce are the only tind»er met with. Xorth oast oftjarleton, verygoo!ir, the explorations and Kiii'voys \v>'iv <• iiiliiiii I'd I'or ihc |iiir|»oso of otl'i'ditif^ iinpi-ovcinoiits in ijic lino ])i'o vionsly laid down, cast and west of Kdnionlon. The examinations to ilio cast wove curried on cldi'tly in tlie neiuliltoiiriiood of the Willow IlilN, aloni^ IJatlle JJiver and at Riitlalo C/onle, where the endeavour was nwnle to avoid dilllciill iji'oiind and heavy w'<'> miles. The surveys and re-surveys of IST'i coveied the whole leni^th. A trial location end)raced IGO^milcs of the distance* (T('l('trni|)ti 111 operation fn T-Minoiiton.) The work of erect im,' the telei^rajih tlirou IN TIIK I'RAlltlE HEy about 1.100 feet widi-. There are three other ravines, avora/i;inij 2.300 foot wi 'rill* lino I'slalilislii'd intoisicts the navij^ation of liuko.s Wiiini|M',i;, Manituliu, ami Winnipe^oosis, U(hI IJivor and tlio Sontli and Xoitli Uivors Sa.sUal'.liowun. Tlit'sc wator channels will I'urniMli conncctint; lines ot travel, to lio tra'i'i-sed l>y siiitaMy consirnrtcd sttunusrs; llic total loni^tli ol tlics'.i water foinninnications lieinj^ fidly 2,0(i't miles.* They will greatly aid holh in the constriictioii ••(' llic Kailway and in llio si'ltlomont of tho eoiintry; and hereafter will dmditless furnish vahiahlc eontriinitions to the trnfflc of the Lino. I W<)"fh the w loded i^rovos eonti;^noii-i to the ]»rairie seotions. Tho advantage of this foatnie in tho loeation is ohvioiis. The trnher will heeome of ^reat value, as it is availahle for const riiel ion and tor tho |inr|»ose of fuel, as setlle- monl calls for it. The line, where it crosses sevei-al of the rivei-s, e-<|teci;dly in the we-lerii hall" of the Hei^ioii, intersects outcrops of mineral fuel. Tho prosonco of coal nooda no argument to sustain the importance of the fact. Troll ore is also found at aecessihlo distances from the Railway; and thesi' two minerals ^ive ]»i-omise of the ostahlishment of future centres of industry aloni;- the line. Ol'KKATIoNS IN TIIK WoODI.AND IJ?MIoN. In the First Year. 1871. At the hc'^^iniiinif of the survey, a laiii'e extent of this T{e- ^'"' o!' it as were, in any way, known, were iintavouranle. llie soijllicrn niari;in ol llii^ reLjion oxtonds forsomellOO tuilesaloni^ Lakes Unroll and Superior, where the eye ii-l> ii|ion only a inntiniioii-i IVonlier of ni;;'!j;oil roi^ky hills, and on I he more iiMlherii liike. they assniiie the fortn of lold hlutVsof i,'real In-ii^hl ri •in:^ from the walei''.s ed^^i" The fUrlaee is :;('iii-rally woodeil. In many plaees doiisn thickets are mci. ,liiili;ini;' from an exterior so roii^h. and i^enoral features so forbidding, the liegion wa-i deemed hy many iiintraclieahle for railway eoiistriieiioii, (I'niiiiiniury Work, oitiiw.i !■> Kcil Ulvi r.) 'I lie lirst step was to pieire the interiir hy a < hiin of connected uxploruLioii- an I ai'liial measaromeiits. iH)lh of diHtaiieo and heiii the IJivrr Oltawii. in the liititinU' of I^ako Xipissing, to whieh locality exact survey.-" and levids had. some \eai> previou>ly, hcon eurricd from tide water lodetcrmino the conslrnclion re<|Mire- inent.- of an ( )ltawa ship canal. S'.roni;" parties, cloven in nuinher, wore detailed to carr\ on the reiiuirod operations from Mattawa, west, to Jiod K'iver, a distance oxceediiiii 1,20(( miles. tJreal elforts wore made to have tiicso surveys connected within the y^-ar, hut tho vast distances which inlei'voiied throuuh an "iitiroly roadless, and, in some places, exceed ini,'ly rough country, made it lali' in the summer helorc portions of the survey could ho actually commenced. The ditlii'ultie- in the way of koeiiing the [>artie.-i furnished with supplies, was alsogi'cat. (WiiidT SurM'ys.) Only two of the eleven parties linished the woik assigned to them hy ||u' end "f the season, and it hecaine iioccssary to carry on operations ilui-iii!,- the winter following. (K.xplomtlon to .luiiu'.s' Iliiy.) During the summer and autumn, examiiialions woio male in o; iier diroctionsi. •18 tl Tin' IJivcr Ollinvii wiw cxiiIoiihI Iu IIh iiuml iioi-dici'ii wHirci', iiimI I|ii> coiiiilry iiliiii^r tlu' liiviM-s Aliiltil)i iiml Mouse, tluwiii;; into IIikIsuii'm May, wan imvorMoil, (Hiii'voy KiinI cirNniilt Qtc. Miirh.) All Kx|)li»i'a(iiiy Miii'vtiy waN iiiailu aloii;:; llio iiortliern coasi nf die (u-iii't;iaii Hay, IDI) iiiilos cast tVnin Saiilt Si. Marie, ami an c>x|)titrali(iii was muilu in tiio haint' iliructioii an far as I'ruiirli Kiver. Tlio iilijcci was til ascoftain llic |inu'lical»ility ot lirid^nn;,' tlio imlU't of liulm Sii|K-i'iiir, ami cai'i'viii;; a " llii'<>n;r|i " line nl' railway rroin liial |M)ini cast tliroii;;!! Canada ami in a WL'-.tcrly weie carried on diirin;,' tlie wliulo winter, and liy tlie spring' it was liiiind that the liirniidaide dillieiillio which had |ii'esenti;d ihcniselvo^ in tracing' the line >oiitii of l/du- Ne|ii,u;ini, mi,i;lu he avoided hy passiiij;' the lake to tiiu Morlh. I.hi): Xiirlli <>l' Ijikr Ni'|>lui)ii.| K.\liloraloiy surveys wcro accordingly made in that direction, and hclore the Moasoii elo,sed, it was ostaMisiied that the lailway could be constructed iVoni the JJiver Ottawa to IJed liiver, ilii ihe nortiierii sido ot JjaUe Ne|ii^ther lo Mepi^on Hay. Jn I III Till III Ymr. AlllioULch the practicabilily of const met iiii^ the railway ihroiiuh the Woodland Jicnion had been established by earrviiiic the line to tiie north of Jiake Nepii;'on, the fact that this route made a coiisidei'aiile dcduir from Ihe direct ciuirse, and ealle> and Ik'I'oit llu' li;iii'vey> were iiiadi' on Hoveral IIiu'm. in llie direelirui nl lIu' lieij^dil iil'laml lietween .\«>|>i^y wliieli (lie main line tVoni ( )llawa to IJed I'iver I oiild lie liioiii,dit to the iiavi;,MliK' waters ol' l/ike Supeiioi-, at llie head of Lake Helen; sonu' impidveinents heinj;; ealled Hv to reiulor that |Mirli if (he Kivec Xe|iii,'on, helweon Lake llideii and Nejiiifon iJay, navi^'iihlo. (Hiii'voy iroiii 'riiiiiidiT Uiiy.) Another ex|ilora(ory survey \».is iindi'iiakeii from Tliiinder Miy, ninniiiLC in H [general eoiirse alioiii mid-way lieUvecii llie lines previously cxamini'd. All llio surveys this year, wt'>l from N'epii,'on and Thin der Hay, peii tjaki's Nl|ilsslni; niid .Siiporlui'.) Kxploralions were also iiiaile "iiiriiii^ this year ill the distriel lyinir hetween the liiver Ottawa and Lake Superior. Tliese explorations were begun at Lake Xipissing, and extended in a north-westerly direelioii from that lake, through tlio interior, lo the east branch of Moose IJiver, whivli Hows lo the north, and ultimately disehargcs into James Ba}'. The results were salisfaelory, a eomparalively direel and favomalile route for the railway was discovered hy the valley of llie .Slurgeon l{iver. to a point of inler- seelion with the line previously found praetieable between the liiver Moiitieal, a branch of the Ottawa, and the north end of Long Lake. Detailed deserii»lions of the surveys, as well as intbi'malioii ofageiicrali haracler respecting the country traversed, will be found in previous re|iorts."i= • 17./'' Repurt, Jaiiimry, 1871, p. "i? to 31 ; p. IV'J to 213. m \ 't I h II fn the h'ourlh Vair. 1874. Ill March, 1874, two iiarlics iiroccodiMl to the iiiuiillis of Froiu-li Jlivor, for llic pui'posc of (suiTcying llio sc vcral oiillet8. (The (it'ort^iim Bay nriincli.) TaUiiii? M'-lviinlage ot'lhe ice. tlicy wore able to cffbcl soiuidiiii^H ovoraii area of lOA square miles. These iiive.sli<^atioiis showed tlie fompai-ative superiority (»l'llio middle oiith-it for the purpose oi' a harhour for the (ieori^iaii Bay brai.i-h. Ill t!r ihedeorgian JJay l.r.iiRli were examined. Two lines were explored : the one starting from the Cainula Centi'al 3{:iilway at Carlelon Place, and terminating at I'arry Soiin.l on the (Joorgian Hay; the other eommencing at Kenfrew, (also on the (Janada Central Uailway) and ending a'v the miudle outlet of Frenili JJiver. The latter route was ultimately adopted. (KoiiU' liflw't'ii Nlpissiiif,' ami N<'i>lgoii.) Examinations were undertaken this year for the jinrpose of deleimining the practicability of carrying the railway in a direct lino from Lake Nipissing ivV/ the llivcr Pic and the coast of Lake Superior to Nepigon IJay. The exploration from Lake Xipissing to the mouth of the Hiver Pic proved satisfactory. It was I'oiind that nearly the wliole of the country through which the line is projected in this ser Ciinsl Uoiilc, I'li- Id N<'|ii«(>ii) This route is not without dirticiiltics peculiar to itself. The coast is generally bold and rugged, and in many instances the line hits to follow the shores of indenting bays ; conse(|Ucntly, nnmenms tunnels and sharp curves become a matter of necessiiy, • Villi Apiiendix \, piige 201, Report on Kxploration, liy W. A. Austin. t liW« Ajip' niiix 0, pnge 206, Report on Survey, hy T. Jet>Vr3on Thompson. Ivor, for Iho !(' an iirca ot riority t»f llio 1. I |}iiy liiMiiili iiada Colli lal orj^iaii Ha\'i ) aii',1 eiuliiii; idoptcil. urmiiiiii'; llic issiiij; ciii I lie loratioi) fi-otn iis loiiiul tlial II lliis ficclioii ion of jfodii lo ilii- I'oast litoiis uTiniiU' ion, rising in e level of the ii; the slioie. istance from irs i^encraily of indenting of neeessii}-. The ag^retrnle length of the tunnels will amount to 7J^ miles. The grades, however, arc for the most part easy. On the whole line, only six hrifigos, the largest L':iO foot span, would he required, with an aggrogati' length of loss than 800 feet. The excavations would not he oxcossivo, hut the formation is chierty of rook. The tiinnelling referred to consists of many short lengths, and it is not iinprobalilo that it may ho rediioed on aoonrute location survey's heing made. The practicaliility of cnnstructiiig a line by this route has been, accordingly, ascertained. The lino would be much curved, and, for some part of its length, oohtly^ liul it would Nborton the distance between extreme points. (Lako Superior li> Tjiki' XcplK""-) It was deeinod advisable tou'^coi'tain the practicabilil}' of ronnecting the naviga- tion of l.aUo Superior with that of liuUo Ne])igon, and a survey was, acooidingly, made. The distance is about 15 miles. The line of survey followed, for about 11 miles, the ( oinse of a stie.iin wliich Hows into Lake Helen. At the .source of this stream there is a l:ike of no giviil sizo, and separated from a second small lake, in length 2^ miles, by a lidgo of land Those lakes are about 1,500 foot apj»rt. The survey was siiftl- ciont to establish the fact that n railway couUl, without difficulty, be constructed from Lake Nopigon to Lake Helen, aixl that it would be possible to exleiui the navigati(>n of Lake Superior to the heal of Lake Nopigon. Works of c\ RiviT lo Kill Po|-|ii({<'.) hilling the season, a favourable crns-iiii(r point for the railway at Ri'd River was selected, and a line siirveyod in an easterly direction to Rat Portage. The line was direct, and the distance from Red I'ivcr to ( 'loss Tjako, 77 miles, was favourable, with light work. The remaining 37 miles, between Cross Ij-ike and Rat i'ortage, passeti over a rocky and broken ooiintry, involving excavations an I <'mbinkinonts, uh well as brilgiiig of a heavy charaetor. (Hut I'lU'tnKc to Slurgooii Fulls.) Uy tlie 011(1 of'tlio \\iiit''C. ISTIJ-Tl, ixploratiDiis, withtlic view of fiiulinji^ u direct route from JJat Portii-^'c in a hoiilii-oasteriy (iirectioii towards Sturgeon Kails, or some otlior |toiiit on (lio navigal)l<' rcailies flowitiif into Rainy Lake, were completed. The in vest illation pioved unsuccosf.inl ; no practicable route beiiii;' discovered. A good line was found, however, running for 1200 miles east from Hat Portage, vid Troviii« llie Dawson Koiilc.) Ill tlie .•iiitiimii of IST-I. a survey was made of the various lapidsand portages between the Lake of the Woods and Lake Shebandowan, to ascertain the best means ^f ini]»roving the (•ommunicatioiis on the " Dawson Kouto." Twelve portages and some minor rapids were examined. The total length of works leqniied would be 14 miles, while the sum of the diflcrcncosof levels between contiguous points is about 405 feet. The imjirovements would probably consist of canals and locks in some places, and tramways in others, ='= (Tlif P(>iiil)iiiii Itrnnc'li.) It was deemed advisaiile to j»roceed this year with the construction of the Pembina Prancb. Accordingly, that ])ortioii extending from the southern Itoundary of Manitoba, north, to a point opposite the town of Winnipeg, was located and placed under contract. The contract was entered into on .\iigust31sl, lS7l,an(l the work was vigorously pro.secuted during the remainder of the season. fn Ifir Fifth Ynir. Is;."). With a view of dfleiiiiiiiiiig the exiiuit to which the lakes between Thunder \\\\\ ami Red Ifiver could be made navigable and brought into connection with th(! • Vil< A|ijiuiuli.x 1', juigc '.'11, |{e|ioil on Siiivry oC Porliigvs 1)^- Henry I. MorlinuT 63 (liii^ ailircct 'alls, or some plotod. The Af^onlioitesl and best liii» for a railway between tliese two navigable water stretcbes. 2nd. Hetween Fiakes Windigoostigan and .Sbebandowan, to ascertain tbe i>rac- ticabilit}- of biiiiging tbesc ami tbe iiitorveiiing Lakes Kasliaboie and Lac des Mille Laos to 'be same level, and so obtaining an unbiokcn navigation. 3rd. A survey from .Sturgeon Falls, in tlie direction of I{at Portage, to establisb the practicability of constructing a railway. 4tb. From tbe western end of Lake Windigoostigan to tbe eastern end of Lake Sbebandowan, to ascertain if a railway could le buill on a nunlerately direct course between tbeso extreme points, in tbe event of a canal proving impracticable. (r.lno Iiy SliirKi'on V'liUs to Itiit rortnijo.) Tlieseconil and tbiid surveys (li construct a railway tbrougb it at moderate cost. It was found tbat a good line was obtainable from Sturgeon Falls to an intersec- tion witb tbe lino surveyed to Tliunder Hay at tbe easlenietid of liake Sbebandowan. An examination was made nortli froiu Sturgeon Falls, witb tbe view of avoiding tlio objectionable ground on tlio eastern sito|i|io(l on tlio 15 mile >oction, wont of Siiiisliiiio Crock. (Siiiiit sti'. ^rlll•lt> to River Pic) All exploration was mado this year from Saiilt St. Mario, al'.:ii,' tho oast Hir stretches hotween Liiko Superior and the prairie ro^jfion, it was dee. nod advisable to ascertain liy survey how fai- it would he practicahlo, at nvulorato outlay, to extend tho navi- gation of fiidvc of the Woods in u westerly' direction. Accordin;f|y, an exploratory survey was made. The project, which at fiist jiromiscd to he feasihle, was ultimately ahiiiidoncd on accoinit of the ditlicullies to he overcome. C'mfrarf.i for IVoii mn/ Ariteria'. (Ti'lPRrapli, Uod Ulver to Luke Superior.) As the erection of a teloi^raph along the railway lino was considered of paramount importance, a contract was entered into, February Olh, IS?'), for the work of clearing, ])lacing the poles and hanging the wire, &c It was intended that tho work should bo commenced .simultaneously at tho extreme p )ints, Rod Uiver :ind Thunder Hay, and thence be carrioti onwartis to tho iiile:ior, iis the surveys wore completed and thecon- tracts foi- gradinu ::• bridging lot. (Purrhase of UnUs.) During tho summer and autumn of 13*74, an unprecedented 'fall in the price of steel rails occurred. It was considered prudent to secure a stock before prices again rose, a result j)reiiicted by every one in tin' trade. Accordingly, tenders for the supply of a limited i|iuuitity were invited, anl IVoni Fort William, on Luke Siiiierior to Luke Sliebundowan, -15 miles. A conlracl was entoi'ol into on Api'il 8nl, 1^75. Tliis Ncclion was .Hiil)se- (jiiently leduced to the portion 32A miles long, from Foil William to Sunshine Creek. Un the same dale, a contract was made for tlie i^radin;jf and hridi^in^, from Sfelkirk, on Jkcd Kiver. 77 miles east to Cross Lake, (Sun Iry Suppli •> iiU'l WdiIcn.) l)uring this year, other ai^reenionts were made for fiiriii.shing railway sleepers, tiansportation of rails and the erection of houses at points (»n the lino north-west from J/ike .Superior and east fi'om Hod liiver. Tln'^e houses are intended ultimately for slat'oii l(uildini,r-. In the meanlinie, ihey are to he utilized, during theconslruclion of the works, as ollices and dwellinirs. i It' price of •ici'-i ai^ain iidcrs for vear, c()n- Jn the Si.it/i Yciir. is7(;. The explorations this yeai' consislcd of an exaniinalion of the country, lying to the s(tulh-east (»f I he River IMc, in as dii-ect a course as practicable towards French JJiver; and irom French River, in a north-wt!stcrly direction, towards the inuiilh of the liiver Pic The exploralion was incomplete when the open season clo>cd ; ahoul 40 miles remaining lo he cxamini-d. Much of the country was found to lie rocky and hroken, inters|iersed with lakes and swamps. (Uoiilc \'ia lidg l.iiku Ici N<'pi};()n Bay.) Another exploration was made from the ncighhourhood of Luc dcs .Mille liUcs. cast, via J)og Lake to Xepigon Hay. A praclit-al route, without excessively hcavv Works, is ic|»)rtcd. estahlishing the fad that ihe trunk lino from the jirairie I'l'gion to the eastern terminus in Ontario, may, in the future, lie carried inadirecteoiir.se without making a detour to Thunder May. The line now under construction to Fort Wiiliani. will then eonstilulc a short hranch, from the main line, to tl ol Jiuke Superior. le navigation Criii! (ti'orKliiii May liiimcli.) A trial locution survey has l»een made from Fretwii River, at Conlin's 15a",. oast to the point estahlislioil by Statute as the eastern terminus, 5(! (Ii'icullon, Laki' Superior Id Il<'(l Ulvcr. ) A tiiiil lucalioii Miivi'y liiis lioen comiiU'hMl liotwet-n llio sections wliicli wore under (•niiliact and construclidii, at (lio lie^iiiiiiii;;- of llic year, eusl Ironi St-lkirk al till- west, and iu)rtli-\ve>l Ironi Fort William, at tlio east. Tiie iiilerveiiin^ (lislanee is found to lie !JO((A n\iles, wliicdi, with the 13tli contraet, ."{2^ miles, and tho J nil eontraci, 77 miles, maUes the whole distanee from Fort William to Selkirk 41U miles. With the exeeplion of 70 miles, whieli distaneu ineliidcs what is known as tho loth coiiti'aet, the works of eoiistrnetion will not he heavy. The ali,u;nnient and {;;iadients will be favourahle. The ma.ximiim a:radientsaseendinf^ towards t'lo wost will he 52-8 jier mile, and it is e.xpeeted that a eaiefiil rcvi.sion of tho location will elluct the reduction of all the grailients ascendini^ towards Lake Sii|.erioi', to tlio low rule of O.T) ])cr 100, or2G.J feet per mile as a maximiim h ; I (Colli riicis 111' Work.— 'rriii'klii.vln^', Ac, I'orl Williaiii to Kiiulhli Klvcr.) l)uring the wiiitei-, tenders weie invited tor the i^radinn' and hrid^ing reijiiired on the seditin wi'st fmin the l.'ilh contraet, viz.: I'loin Sunshine Creek to Knj;lisli JJiver, 80 miles, and tor traek-layinii' an 1 hallaslini;- fnmi Fnrt William over the l.'ilh contract to Sunshine (Veek, and (hence to Fnnli^h iiiver, a t. iiorth-we^t fi'oni l^'ort William. (i:ii;;inc UoUM' il I'orl Willliuii.) A contract lor the election of a ten ^tall cni:;iiu' hi:use al l-'ort William was ;L;;ivon out on July 1 1th. ('oll^illeralllc progress has luen niaile in the work. ( li'alis|Hii'lal|iiii ol Kiills, IkOlliliK Hloi'k. Ar.) Agrccmcnls have lieeii made for the traiisporlation of engines and cais to Maniloha, a> ui'll a> for the pmclia>eof >pikcs, liolt^ and nuts, and lor the traiispor- tiitioii )it rails and other material. (CoiUrai'ls lor liradliii;, ( ross Lake to Kicwalln.) •Since the year closed, a contrail has heeii cnlered into llir the grading and hriilging lielwceii ('io>s liake ami Keewulin at the outlet of Lidie of (he Woul ami (li'S('ri)irn)ii (il'till foiilracis ciitrri' I iiilu, i():;-i'iln'i' willi an afcoiiiil ot llic ox|)t'ii(liliiiv on toiislruclioii, ami llic ;,'i;iuimI >|iu(ilit:iliini luiu-r wliiili llio pi'iiic-i|ial works arc boliig cxcriitcil, will be rniiiul in tlio Ainu'iidix.-i- TlIK NVoIlK ArcnMl'l.lslIKI) IN TIIK Wno|t|,.\M» IJkiIIoN. Tlic lo|iuL:;ra|iliital t'raliiivs and llio aila|»laljilil y to railway |iur|iosL's of a eoiinlry covorrd willi wood>, and iniiirrli'dly known, can only lie asccrtaiiii'd liy |ialioiil and jior.si.sti'iil oH'orts. 'i'lic viiw is iiiihIi olotiinlcil Ity Ihr ,:,'rowlli which cove * tlio Mirfaci'. The asc iiiiisl i^ciiorally he used to adiiiil of ohsoivalions heiiii^ m;' lu lor oven a lew liundreil feel. The way niiisl he Icll lillle hy litlle. Tlie Woodland |{e.:,'ion is covered hy dense I'orol^ lhroii;;lionl il> leii-ih of more llian a llioiisand miles iVoiii casl lo west, and in its lueadlh Iroin the (Ileal Lakcft north to Arctic waters. It is eiiliiely without toads o| any deseription ; the c\-amiiiatioii has. conso- (jiieiilly, proveil diHiciilt and tedioii>. l';x|.|oiatory lines have heen caiiied lliroii^h llio tinest in every direction where the deU-rmination ol' tacts siimijoslod their iieeessity. Tims, at j^reat lahoiir, we have aciniired valiiahle iiilormalion, and Iho rowults may be viewed with satislaelion. The sueeossive operations in each year have heen desirihed , the resulls may How he siimniari.-cd. An exlreinely lavoiirahle line has heen e^tahlished Irom Selkirk, on l{ed iJiver, in a course as nearly diieel :.s |io>sihlo, to -.he nearest navigable waters o| 1, .Superior at Fori William. IKC J A route lias been traced by which tlie lino iVoiii Selkirk to Lake Siipoi'ior may l>e extended to connect with the railway system o|'iln> coiintr\-, wilhoui mal\ini^ any great detour. Theexicnsitm will leave the line from Selkirk to Koit William, a short l'(/( AjiiifuJix /.c, piigo iwa, Kxiifudilim; on Coiisliiiclioii, (yoiitriicls, yiiecilicttliuii, utt. II S|: 5S (lisliiiico from \hv latlor jtliu-o. iiml jmsxincr jn nn easterly ilircctioii liy iIh' iikmiIIi of llio liivt-r No|iiu;uii. will ki'i'p iiliiii/.'' Ilio cousl of fiiiki' Siipcrior lo llii' Itiwr I'ir ; tlicnce, l<'avii\j; lln' loast. it will cioss tlio cniintry to liuko Xi|iiwsiiii;. Tliu distamr Irom Selkirk to i-'orl William is HO miles. A coiilract for cleariii;;; the line for this ilistaiiee, ami the ereeti(»ii of a telegraph is in force. The work ui' grailiii;;, hi'idi^ih^' ami tracklayiiii,' for 22tJ miles <(f this distame is in |)ro;^ivss. The tirst locomotive iMi^ine was larnhMl al Korl William in .Xiii^iist last. The vails have since been laid for 21 miles i, land. The telegraph is inoperalion 45 miles larther, and hiiildings foi V p; • <. es i,'" the railway are in eoiirse of eroclion at various points along the lin«- i ^>'.Vl• . 'iako Superior and lied llivei-, 'i'he I'emliiiia liraneh is abiMii Ihiv . "rths gi-aded, ready for tracklaying, and a large ipiantity of rails has been delivered. The total length is about 8.'{ miles. It may lie slated that in the location of tin' section botweon Red iiiver and I^ake Superior, special regard ha-* been bad lo securing a line capable of conveying the pr<,\lucls of Ihc prairie country lo lOastern markets al the lowest possible rales, tJKNKHAL (JHSKUVATiONS, 1 have explained that from thi' continental divide at Vellow Head Pass cast, to Jjake Superior, the route ot the railway is practically eslablishrd, and for the greater portion ot this distance a telegraph is erected along the line. To the west of the Vellow Head i'ass, however, I he selection of a route lo the Coas' luLs not yet been made. This subject (daims careful considei-ation. The ivoiTK TiiKoioit Burrisii Com:.muia. Several important considerations enter into the question of a I'lioire of route Uinongst which may be enumerated : 1. Engineering Ibatures of line. (1.) Jicngth. (2.) Ditticullies id' construction. (3.) Cost. (4.) Facilities tor cheap transportation. (5.) Co-st of maintaining and operating. :.!• iniiiitli of fiver I'll' ; )!• fli-ariii;;' i' work ot Ia>t. Tlio )ll l") iiiilos ci'ccUon at y'mu;, aiid a lilos. r ami LaUo ivcyiiii; tlio rulof*. Ilua.l Pass (I, ami t'oi" )iilt' to the •0 of route 2. TiuiH.'. (1.) Local resources. (2.) Population ami local advantages, (.t.) Tlironirli traftlc. (I.) The Term inns. In the A|i|ieiulix will he (iatnd a descriplioii of the ruiit«'s which have hceii inoro carefully exaniine. ilo do do .'iOfi " do 10. ilo Triiiin|ih Hay, (iardiier Inlet .'tfJO Ksti mated. do 11. do J'oil Kssinyton Uncertain. Com j Kirn five Cottf. It woiiiil undonhtedly he desirahle foi' the |inr|»o.S'> of coniparisnn. to Invo reasonaliiy corr»>ct estiniale-t of the prohalilo cost ol' each lonte. l>iil this ivsnil is iinatlainaMe without rej^ular location survey>. ♦ l'(./t' Appon lix T, page 25t, Report, bv Miiicu3 .Siiiitli. t 'M> miles of litis (H.^lanpi; pstiiniitcd. I 1 w (I'll We liiivc ii lucnlidii •.iii'vcy <>(' dmc line I'lom llic foiwl to Y«'ll<»\v Tr<'ii'l Puss. Wf Imvi- cxiiliiijiiniy Mirvt'vs (if iliicc oilier Imms iiml riiii,'riu>nlnry (riiil liKuiinn Hiifvcys til' (lilliciill |i(irliciiis on radi nf llu'in. iiiit the ilal!> iii'c iiisiinicii'nt, fxcc|i( on one 'iiic (Silili« to say wliat \vai,'i-> it may lie iiiMcs-ary In pay. The juicc of lalinni" on tlic Pacilii- coast lias, of lati' vi-ai's. lu'cn mm li iii:,f|u'r llian on 'lie AllanI ir ( 'oa>l ; ami it is not |(ossil>|c to lorftcjl wliat its raniic may in- in fiilnrc years. Tlic value of lai">iir cnU'rs so lar^-ly inio ilic co-i of a railway lliat any o.siiriial('s of proliaMi' ixiiciiM-are conjiclnral, nnli-ss tlic pric-o of that Ial>oiir lie csialilislu'il. (Slniidnnl of viiliic.) It is, iioviM'tlii'loss, |iossili|(< lo form a ((mi) .iralivc> (iMtimato l>y laUini;, as a Klandard, tlio prices wliicli have oliiaincil on other public woiUs recently complelcd. The Intercoloiii.al lailway will, in this re-^peel, Ik- lakcn as ihe slamlard, and the eslimalcs will l>c hased on the co>i o( lah Hirhirinu- ihc conslrin'lion of that work. A per(eiitai,fe may he adileil, as individual jiidi^nn-ni m:iy diclale. ei(iiivali'nt to any HUpposed advanc(> ol price, whicli may alleil the wi>stern section of Ihe Pacific line. I (i:siiiiiiitfiicii.si(irit Ni). n.) Acrordini,^ to this standai'd of the value ol' lahour, the pr(dialilo cost .n' Ihe l?oiile No. Ii < an he approxiinalol}' estimated. 'i'lio (|uaniilies on the roiile on which a trial loraiioii has heon made, from Yellow Jiead l'.i>s to \Va Idinifloii llarhour ( \o. C>], have heeii computed, and the standard of value has hei-n applied lo determine Ihe co»l of the works. The schedule of ihe groii
  • ,'. as rt coinploloil. iiiilanl, and thai work. liMit to any •acitic lini>. cost .>! till' Von\ Vi'llow standaril of 'lllMIH'llillL(, cvi-rylliiML,' il.anknionlw, iron Itiid^'c-'. and. j^onorally, wil!i diirnlili> >tiii'liiiiM ('i|iiai in point i.l' iliararicr lo llioM' oil lli(> liilcirolonial Mil*'/** Adding the cost of haliastinj;, pi-rniancnt way, lolliii;; Ntock, Mtatioiix, shops, niiow Hliodsaiid f uncus, lnd«>ud all thusii|iplcMiciital i'\ponsi> indispcnsihlc to the construction and completion of a line similarly ci|iiippeil. and eijiiul in eHicieiicy and permanency to tlic Inlureojonial liailway. and iia^in^; tli<' c.ilciilallons ot' cost on picci-oly the same data, the same value of material, and the same avt-ra^c value nr>Uillei| and iiti>killed laltour as ohtained on thai work, the rail vay from ^'dlow lle;i I I'a^s (o IJiiie Inlet, No. «, may hu uslimated to eoist ?!!;!;{,(HM».(MI(». iK«tliimli' 111' oilier Iliiuti'M.) 'Pho cost, however, of onu line is of little iwe in makiiii,' a comparison of routes; liiit as estimates, even if only roii^ii approximal ions, of i lie other lines, are ilemaiided, it lu'coines expedient to adopt some method hy which the information may he id)taineil. The only way in which estimates can he formed of theoihei line>. i> liy a sliidy of tiie profiles and the other data of the surveys; hy compariiii^ the various portions (if eaili lino, Ihu onu with the other, and with a common .xtaiidard ; and l>y applyini^ the rule of proportion to sections which correspond in n'l'iicral charactei'. hut are dilVerent in len;;th. Some ditHcidty has huen oxperieiii-ed in making this comparison. owinsiilts as possihle. A comparison of the e-.timaic-i which have heeii formi'd shows that |{ estahlished anil completed for ahoiit .^2,(HH»,tMHl inorc than l»' mtc No. eiidix Q, pagi.' 217, Sclii'iluli' of ijiianlitli'-i on him.- N'o. ' 02 f!i)iiti> Xo '.], I'li'litii; lit ir>iilo No. (1, is (••*limiili'il. iM'Vfi Ilii'IfS"*, In rosl 9*>.nU0,0n0 inoit'. UiMiii" \c>. \ wliiili < riH-.f., Irniii llic 'riioiii|H(»ii \>y J/ir la Httdio aiil tlic riiilli- riiliii I'lilili-^ Im \Va lllllll Idiiili' No. (I. ici'iniiiiiliii^ at tlio miiiio pniiit. Kciiilc .\i». H, I'liiliiij; 111 iK'aii liilcl. ii|>|t('arM to lio llin Ica-^t ciMtly ol'llu' tovoial lim'> liiiialc> arc I'liriiislu'd. Tlio iHtinitilt- <•!' iln'cost of this roiito is (tt.OilD.OlM) loss Ihaii Koiite No. l>. lis ioii^Mli is iioarlv tlie saiiu' a^ that m|' Koiilc N... L'. Ill llic c-iiinati's, similar iiiiii'ii^^^c allowaiicuM tor rails, rolling; slock, stations, ami olIiiT iii'ccssai y i^i'iR'ial s«'iviiirv(\vs woiiM, in all |>i'ul>aliilil\ , ivilmc llic work cstiinatcil on scvciiil or ilusc iiiiiii's ; ill sdiiio ta>-t's tlic ii'diniion may In- im|ioitanl, Iml witli our ]iic>('!il iiitiiriiiatiiiii. it wniil<| uol lie pi'iulcnl to t'stimtitc tint cost at iiiiiili los> than the Minis now iiK-iitioiifil. Willi it,!s|K'r| til llii'uilicr Ionics iiiciilioncil in this |{c|ii)ii. llu'dala in my possos- siciii arc iiiMiliiciciil I'nr cslimalcs of any value to he nnulc conccinini,' them. iSiiminiiiy nl lOstlniitliN.i The lollipwiny; is a slatemciit of ihc ei(m|iarative cost of ihe live ronti's across the Moiintain I'ciiion, (Icdiiccil as aliove t-Nplaiiicil, the lines, in all cases, l)oiii;:f taken Iroiii the easlciii hoiiiiilary of Hritish ( 'oliimhia in the Yellow Head I'liss. Ii'oi IK No. 2. -Followiiiit the Noiih Thoinp-*oti rid ivamloops to l-ylton and hy (he I.ower Hiver l''raser to Port .Moody, liiiriard Inlet. «!•:{ miles 8;{:),(I00,0II() liOTTK No. .'t -■- \'l(i till' North 'riiompson, Uonaparle \'alley, .Mailile i'j.nyon. LillDoett and I/iko .\ndersoii lo Howe Sound U'>i iiiih.> .«<;^!t,(l(M»,0()(» IJiiiTK No. I — I'i'i the North Tiiompson. ( Icaiwalcr, Laki- ('aniiii. I-achi ll;iilie..S.)da Creek, ('hillicotin IMain and Kasl ITomathco to Waddin.trton llarhour, .mO miles S?:]S.(ino,0(tO li'oiTK .No. (i— Following' the North Fraser lo Fort (jioori^o, and by the IJiviT- Cjiilacoh. Nazco and i'iast lloinathco to Waddiiii,'- loii llaihom, I'.iile Inlet, .'.IC mihw 8:{:{,U(»0,IMI(» Illtll I!'H|I(> tiuiCliilli- III tri> tliitii I In- Hcvoiul is roiito is lit III' I{iml»' liitioiH, iiiul sliinatiMl on il with our I'll li>s> llitin I my iiosses- tii. Hiti's across iisos, lu'iiij; ass. ?r»,O()0,ll(l(l .SiVKiMio.noo $:;s,iioi).i)iio 5?:!;{,(MM),()(i<) |{n| TK Nn. H IV"' lIlO Niiltll Kia-i'l , I'nl I (iiol'm', I!i\ I'l- ( 'liila- coli, IHacUwali'i- ami Salmnn, ti. Kaiii«iiii"i, htaii Inltl 1*.< .••i"> Tliosi! I'siiinalt's ail- rinni'lr I mi ihc iIu'miv iliat llic worUn aii' in Ik- «'iiii;,lraiU'il ci(iial ill i-liariK'liM' In llii»u •>! i||(> Inlorrolniiial Railway. il-'li'Nt C)iNt iiiiiy III' Iti'iliii'i'il.i Till' aiiniiiiil i>r i'X|H'iiililiii»', linvvi'vcr. ma\ , in llic liisl idacc, l)i> ii-linfil l'\ llio iiiliiMliiciiiiii 1)1' liiiiliir Iroilt work in ilu> |ila<'c ol >olii| I'artli or rock (MiiliaiikiiU'iil'>, iiiiil I'V tlio ii>t' ol' li'iii|ioraiy ^1, inliii('-> in plarc of iicriiiaiii'iil aii'l iiiorn io«||y oiic^. Narioiis f\|ir(litiilN coiilil In- r*'M>rU'(| to l.i limit ilu- lirsl i'X|n'iiililiirc, ^'fiu'ially, liy llii' al loiijil \n loilineil, luil williiln- |iiii-<- |n'cl ol'iillimalf iiirrca>»'il (•\|i»'ii-.«'. Il is liiiiii'l ilillii'iili lo (li'i('i'iiiim< llic cMcnl, in t^arh lasc, in whicli li'iii|ioi-ary sli'iirliii'c> may Im> ailmiltcil, aii niako a lair *'oni|iarison ol the several linos unless ihc o^tiinates wiTc li.iscil on |iniisely llic simc si.iinlanl. Acconliiiirly, il is coiisiilcrcil ailvisaMi', as lias alrcaily liccii slalcil, lo [nkv ihc slaiiilanl III' iIk« Inlcrcoliiiiial Hallway, where solid ami |K'riiiaiienl works ;,'eiierally jircvail. I I.BIIilll. ■ t'll:llMrli'|-|-lliM / The characleristio oi a railway have much lo do with ils capiciiy l\iv liiisinc,-,, !iiii| Ihc cusi ol maintainiiiii' ami oiHjralinir it. Tlif roiile whicli will in Ihc hi^ln'sl ilc^ree ailmil ol low i^railieiils, ea^y ali,i;"nin.';il. an I pormauenlly linn road lu-d. al llic leasi aiiniial oiillay, is Iho one mo-.| ea|i.ililc ol" iranspca-linij cheaply. In lliis respect, Ihore can scarcely he a doiihl as lo Ifoiilc No. 2, lerminaliii;,' at Diniard liilcl, Ipeinn ihe hc-l. The oilier-, as liir as they arc known, would prohahly .stand in tlic toiio-.ving ortler ; — -nd IJoiiU' .No. 8 Icrrninatini; at Dean Inlcl. old K'oillc No. It do do 4lh IJoiilc Nn. i; do Hule Inlet. Titli U llu'y an- not siilUtioiilly known, il is believed, however, that llie lulter, lioiile No. 11, would have ea^y ascending,' i^radieiiLs hy tho valley oi the River Skeena to llie lake eoiiiilry in the iiilorior, Iheiiiu rui Fori , Lt aiii^le of the I'roviiiri-. Aeeoi-dini,'ly, the route of the ''leatest advantaifc lo the proeiit ii iiiiilatioii. would terininale on the eoast. ai the extreme .south. iKxislint; l.iH-al I imiIIci ]l is evident that the li'ah> and trallic of this iiroeiil |io|Milatioii, will eonlri- hiile hill little towards siistainiiii; the western section of the Railway, it is the more ne('e>sai'y therefore to e((iisider where industries may he dcvtdoped and trallic erealed. The liest lamls in Hritish (Jolumhia a|>|K-ar to extend hetween ihe Rocky and Cascade j\|o:mtaiiis, and mainly exist hetween llie Hhii ami r)lst jiaiallels of latiliide. Mill they HW limited in e.vlenl, and wlu-n fully develo|ie(l titr purposes of ai^rieiilture and slot k raising, can on!y have a sparsely-settled |iast(n'al and larniing [topuiation.* lI'Ullll'c l. where, in the future, industries of various l far from exhausted, "unie progress has heeii ma le, and a Rcpoit on Ihc cc momic minerals of the region is appe mled, r The data collected eslaMi-h liie exisle;ic real miiiciai wealtli in Ihitish Ctdiinili a, ami the niiinion isexprc-std hy the geologica! oliicers of the (iovernmeiit ihal tiie resources of thai I'rovince will rather surpass liian liill .short of the esliinales given, .\tteiilioii is directed to the rejiorl on this siiliject, and the ohs-rvalions, in a separate note, on agriciilliiiv and stuck raisiiiL;'. anil exieiu of eiiltivaltle l.-iinl. • \'i {< .\|iliciiili.\ .S, (litg;' Jl'l, .Vole 1)11 .\Kiiiiilliin', \i., hy (i. .M. Dawjiiii. t IV/' Aii|i"iHli.K l{, piigu 218, XolL- oil lilt.' ccDiiuiiiic .Miiifiiiis uii'l .Minis ul liiiuili Culuuibiii liy (.i. .M. Dawdoii. (;5 Thriuijh Traffir. The iiii[)ortaiit (iiii'slioh of tratlif, i's|»o«'ially 'tliroiif^li tnilHc," tails lor Jiul;;- iiK-iil ill (liu seloclion of a loriiiiniis. It is most dosirablo that the railway slioiiKl tormiiiatc on tin- coast at a luii Itour, wliicli from its gcMicral cxct'lleiu-o ninl ;;;eo'^rai)iii- cal position, wonlil Ik; Ik'sI calciilatod to accommodutf llio sliippiiii; of the I'acilii- and attract coiiiini'irc from ilistaiit countries. This ipiostion has an iniporlanl hearing on thu choice of route. On Ihe one hand, a tavocralile line, not ditflcull of conslriiclion, may lead to a harhoiir deticieni in many desiderata. On the other hand, a harhoiir in every way desirable, may he iinappruachalile from the interior, or one that can only he reached hy a line so iinfavourahle in its i^radients and ^i^uneral characttir, and HO enitrmousiy eustly of conslrucli(tn as, in either caM', to render the M-leclion ine.xpedieiit. V'/ic IJivlioiir.s "I lindsli Ciiliimhiii. In the search after reliable information up m the features of the coast line of British Columbia, it was considered that the olHcers of lier .Majesty's navy who have served on llu^ north I'acitic station inusl havi^ had repeated occasion to e.vamiiie that coast, and more than any other clas> nui>t po>ses!4 that iiiforinaiiun without which no harbour Hliould be .selueted as the water terminus uf the line. (A|i|>llnition til till' .Vdiiilriilly I'lir liiroriiiiUliin.) Acctu'dini^ly, applii'ution was ma le, ihroiiLcli the (A»lonial OHice, to Ihe Admiralty |i»r whatever special information luiLjht be possesseil r.'>pectiii^' the seven liarlHtiirs with which the railway lines have been connected, and, further, for all the known facts, of a general character, eoncernini^ other hariiours and waters on the British Columbia coast. In order to olilain the inlnrmaliun in a> concise a liMin as pussible. | preiiareil a sericN of (pieries ;oi subini>sii>ii lo the principal naval olliceis who hail had oppnr- tiinilies of examining the harbours, anchorages, channels, and currents ot the coant. These (lueries were aecompanii'd by a preamble, which set forth the objecLs of the iiupiiry, viz. :-• i'i'll ('ulllllllllll That it had been determined to establish a lailway through Canada to the I'acitic Coast ; •i if 6(i That oxioiisivi) oxploriUionx liiid, cliiriii'f tlic jmst mIx yours, bcoii imido; Tliat several routes, mon; c»r less pniclicable. luul booinliscovered; ' ' That it was uoiisideretl of llic first iinportuiice to scItI hiicIi a route and western terminus as would best conunand Iratlic, in order that the railway mi^ht eventually become seli-s>istaininf^, or be as little burdensome as possible ; Tiiat an no local business at all ciimmensurate with the coht ol" the undertukini? could, lor many years, be looked for, it was the more important togive every considera- tion to " through trade," and lo select Mueli a route and terminus for the railway as would liest attract ocean trallic, and would admit of successful competition with loreign lines. (1{<'I>I|CS llMllUTil'S.) The replies wliicli have been received are given in the appendix. + The following dinhiclions niay l»o drawn from them : — The proximity of the seven harbours to tiie Asiatic ciui-il stands in i!ic following order, Yokohama, in Japan, being taken as a common point. (l)islun<-i'N I'ruiii IIh- Aslntic cuiibl.) Port Kssinglon, mean dir^lanco.... .■{,H(>b ( :!,!I7<) Triumph Hav, llardncr liiict .' .'i :ts;j ( >,12(» Kams(|Uot, I)eiiti Inlet 4,07'.' J5ella t'oola 4,t)H(l North HcnlincU Arm , l.itSi; Knglish Hay. Hnriard Inlet l.'.ilHi port Moody, do 4,;ir>(; llowi'Soinid 4, .'{7'.' Wiiddiiigton llariiuur. Mute Inlet 4,47ii;;lli of tnwat!''.) The harbours >land. with ic^pect to Ihe least distance that sailing >liips would linve to be towed :-- • Vilr AinH'iiilix f, piin" 27H, Oorrespoiiil'.'ncf, (iiH-ries iiinl n«iitical evidence renjiectiriK tin; Imibuurdtiiid wutura ut iiiiti^L (Juliimbiii. (Vt Tliu lollowiii^; Mean distance. Port Ks.siti..ct to illslimi'i'.) I'oil lwini;ton tlnis np|Knir?' to Ijc tiio noaivsl liuiliour to the Asiatic ('oasl It i" 102 miles Muarei' lliaii Tiiiimiili Hay. (lai'dner inlet. 211 " " Kams(|iiot, Dean Inlet. 'lOH " " Kn^'lisli Hay, Htirniid Inlet. •1S8 •' " I'oit .Moody, " (102 " '■ Waddinixton Harhour, Hnte Inlet. I : rcdiifctiiig tliu (.\ilviintuiJO of I'oii rssliii;ton with rcsprrt In towiiH;<'.) Poft I'i-*sinLrlou fei|nife- the least towau'i' I'M' sailini; s|ii|is, viz: 21 miles less than Km^lish Hay, Hiirraitl Inlet. " Ilowo Sound. " Triumph Hay, (Jaitlnor Inlot. " Port .Moody, Hiirrartl Iidet. " Kam.si|iiol, hoan Inlet. " Holla Coola, North Hentinck Arm. " Waddin;.;lon liarhoiir, Hiite !idel. Tho wt>ii;lil o( naval evidence does not t'avoiir l'nr( KsHiimlon, or indeed any norlluin harhoiir. It rather points to an cxtromo soiilhorn liarhoin-, as the one which, on nautical considerations alone, shouhl lie solo('terii's 2<5, 27 iiinl 2S. Ailminit ('uriiraiif H]*\nv\i(nuU tlial llio iiavigii- tioii of all tlio inlolH, oxcopt Hiirrai'd liik>t, would ho iniicli ii)t(>i'ton'ti>ri>nci' to Biirrard |nli>t, hut tiiinks that when till' (^lU'on ('harlolir Ulands are M-llU'd, tlio toriniiiiis may ho transtorriHl Jiirlhor north. lie statos thai lie t'oinid the tomnoratnro of the soa on tho northorn coast to l»o tho samo as mi ihc sDiitluTM coast of liiiti^h Colnnihia: that the climate of tho i^iicen Charlotte Islands, tem|ieied hy ocean currents, is mild. and that its rosoii reef* d' ai^riciiltiire, miniiij^aml fisheries are vaiuahle. (ii|i|nliin« III Iti'iir .\iliiilnil ltli'liiir^.) Aihiiinil h'i'lidrils statc>-: The fartlii>r noitli, the i^reater are tho ohjoctions on account of ( liinaic, lioisturoiis weulhor, lof^s, etc. Krom a nautical point of view, ho thinks KhLclish May, outside of Hiirrard lidet. is the |ir«'forahle |t ; a-i Wfll iilct is inoi'*' ll klln\vl('(lifO 69 'Oiiliiloiis iif ('ii|iliili; f'iilor.) Citptain Ciitnr has not visitod any ofiho seven inlets refoiTed to during the winter inontlis, hiU thinks that al! inlets noilli of ISiite Inlet would he snliject to ohstriielion from ice. Very lian<) (irstiitT'Ciiiniiiniiilcr !'■ ikIit.) Pommanilcr Pi iuhr xliUas, w'.'.U rei^ard to tho i^eneral char, cter of the inlets: — The shores rise alu'iiptl}' to a coiisideralde lieiLriil, and the water i-, a- a rule, too deep or an anchor to he ilrop|)ed. In. some winters there is much tloalin*^ ice, hut he is not. awiiro of any ohstruetions to navif^ation on that aicomit. I)an;;er to lari^e --hips is more to he apprehoiuled from t"oi;s, i^ales of wind, with thicU weather, stroii:^ tides and intrieale navi;;ation. In ilry summeis, smoUc from hush liies increase- the risks of navi^alin^ ihu inner ehannels to a dani;erous extent. This )tHcer stales that Dean inlet, 1i Hay and other points, of the i;reatesf value: that Howe SoiintI all'ord» w< iincliora:;*'- at it>. head: that \Vaildini,'lon llailMiiir is hut an inditlerciil anclioraiir, and thai 15'iitiiiclv Ann is ivcn more ohjeelionalile as an aiichorai^i' for l.-ir^c ships. Ho states that the water- north ui ihc (,hicen Cliariottc Uliin e unsiirvcyed, and. -o tar as his knowledge csicnd-, lie would i^'wf the pirlcrch liniiard Inlet. Its approaeli from the ocean i.-, .so Weil ilcliiii'd, charted, and li:,di' a>> to he avail- able for present use \>y any class ot'ships. lie liirther slates, h" .-vcr, thai the risks attendiiii^ navigation, with laryo stcanidiip-, a,'ainsi time, ani' the island- lyiiij^ Iwtwoon Juan de Fuea Strait and llie Strait of 'ieoi-f^ia, arc very i;ieat. (iipliilDUNui l.ii'iii,. W. Collins.) /-"(//. ir. ('(il/lns, m n'ply to the c|iiery. "are there any ohjei tioiis of a climatic' nature to any of the -even inlets specially .illiided to/ ' -tales tha' the climal.- is all :ii I: 70 that can Im> dosiivil. TTo admits tliat his kiiuwli'ili^c* is vi«ry limilcil, and oxproHHOH no iipiiiiMii iHW|K'c(iiij; llic incrils or dornci'lls ot' lln> sovcral points. 'I'riivlmlly nrHoiiili -iii i 'liiiiiii I li> (on'ltfu I'TiKury.) In reply to liio (|iii'ry rospoclini,' ili" navii^alilo cnlruncc, from I in- ocean to liarlioiirs insidi' oC tiie southorn liall" of \'aneouvor Island, embracing Ittn-rard Inlot, Howe Sound and \Vaddinrrilory, one of the naval aiilliorilies t^ive- \\ miles, another '2\ miles, and a third, 2 miles, whilst two lix .') miles as the mitdniiim distance at whi(di ves^(l|s would have to pass from the coast (»!' United Slates. Admiral hinpdiar suhmils that the distance is nol accurately Unown, hut heavy i^uns on the lilulf on the nortli end of San .luan Island lales that ships neeil nol pass as fir olf as within .'{ miles of San .luan. hui ihey must pass within 2 miles of Stuart and I'ato- Islands, unless ihey lalie ihe inner channel. wh*(di is dan rnited States in the localil\'. (Aiii>ri>M<;li iiy .s.\iiinm' Nai rn\vn.) With rei^ard to the pos^jhility of hirne sea-i( tinij \essels passin;; round ihe noi th side of \'ancoMVi!', and reachinu; Unrrard Inlet. Howe. Sound or \V'addini,'ton llarhour, «"(/ .lohiiston's St;,iil and Si'ymom Narrows, all the naval aulhorilics, with one excepliot , exjn'es> an iinfuvoiirahle opinion. .Viimiral ('(»e|ir!Uie replies in the neijalive, I'aptain (Jrtiham in the ailirmative. ( '.iptain ( 'aloi' Wiiiild not rec iinineiid >liip> .'iit.in |)lini; it without steam. .\t. Tliiit a U-riiiiiiii-t near llic niith't nrdic Itivor S icona wniiM inovc llic nt'aiO.st lo tlio Awiutif ciiasi, Imt tliai no ilci'iilod i)|iinioii can In- uil'i'ii-cl ii"«|Kictin;; I In- naiilic-al a«lvanla;^<'> nt' a torniitniH in lliat i|iiarli!r, as iln- wati'i's liavo nol Imcn |ii'i»|>orly siir- vevo' and idijoetioiialile. r»tii. That tlio approaeh l>y llie south ol' V'aneoiivi-r Island is lhioiiL,di passii^os nion or U;>.s intricate, iiot\ve«'ii, or at no throat distance I'roin, islands known as ihu Sau Juan ^'roiiji. tith. Thai the n!i.">l itii|inrtaiil i->land-< of ihe San Juan t^roiip arc in the territory o| a lore i;.'!! jMiwer, and thai I'lom their |i>>iiion. they hold the powci' ol' assiini- iii:.; a thrcalei.iin,' altitude towards j.'issini^ comniorce. illiiriHHii'H 111 N'uiinmvcr Kliiinl.i Aecordiiiirly. il is ludd important, if pi-actieahle, thai the railway should let niinale at a harl"iiir, lo liaiii wliicii. iIicm- islands need, in noway, he approa<'lied. On the outer coasi of \'aiicou\ ci' I>laii I there is hd lack o|' harhourai^e, the wholu southern .(iid Wolerii >horc Inun Ksnuimaull inund to \ii,al>ino. L'pl miles Ipejni;- iuiralili'. All the ditlii'ulties ol' nuvi^'alion to I.e eindunlered in reaehing tlie luuiidaiul Ironi the ocuan would then lie avoided. iliriil|{n>» Ici ViitiiMiivi'i IhIuiiU.i The survey> Jiavi', howevei', clearly shown lliai Ihe hriduiiii^rrom the main shore to \ ai».-ou\er would he uupivi edimted in maijiiitudc. and thai its cost woidd ho indt'cd enornioi!^. . (I S! Wlicii. ill riiliii'c yfiiiv, Mi'ili.sli Culiiinltiii i> tliirkly p>)|iulatoil, ami llio coal ami iinii iiiiiu'N (if llio i>lamis mi tin; cikinI loiiii many criilitw of vast in liiNtiioN, an oiitlas' (*f ('a|iilal, now iHyojiil tlic powt'i's cil' tiiiaiico, may Ik* i|iiilo iiiaclicaMo. Tliu c.\i;;i'ii(io.s of llio tiitiiie may rt'iKlcr a coiiliinioiis iiiif of railway to llio uiitor shoro (>r N'aiiodiivor iiidisjioiisiililo at wliatovor oost ; Init llio ditlioiillio-, wliioli now domain! oinisidoialion, undniilitodly soom too loniiidiililo lu lio i.voroitmo at llio |)i'ost'nt timo. (I'Vrry l»>' Hiilc liili'l.i Tlio coiii'ootiini may now lio mado l>y sloain lorry, ptssihly acoompaiiiod l)y 10 iiioonvonioiKo and sulijoot to ocoasional dolays. Tlio ooiirso of tlio lorry lioats would lio along IJiito Inlot to tlio south sido of Stuart island, tlionoo llirougl botweoii tin' \'aldos Islandr^ to Klk May on Vanooiivor Island. Tlio wliolo ot llii-^ oourso is land-lookod and smooth water. Tlio dislaiuo iritilmilos. Tlio ohioI'dilU cully is said to ho a slrong ourroni lor ahoiil two lioiirs a day at one iioint. Will this oxooption, if tho railway, lor tlio prosoiil, loriuinatcd at Waddingloii Uaihour llio wator to Klk Hay, oouUl ho as oasily navigatod as an ordinary oanal. iKorry at NoUalos OliHiiiiul.) J!y I'XU'iiding tin.' railway- along llio wostorn >ido of Hiilo liilol and ihoiioo aoidss to l-'rotlorioU Arm — aloasihlo sohonio, hut oiio oxaoling a lu'avy oxponditiiro — " Ncidalos Chai;')-, I," a oompU'toiy sholtoi-od and an oasily navigatod shool of wator, i- roaohod. This ohanin'l is ropoiU'd in ho fn'o In mi strong curronls, shoals, or otlio ditliiiiilios, and could ho iisoiiatsiiio Sound. Coinjiared with Hsipiiinaiilt, tl 78 laUcr lias tlic lulvaiilagi' of U'iii;; fully 20(» luiU'H iicartT (lie Asiatir Citisl. At (^iial- siiiit, ciial lietls art! r«|K»i'to(l Id crop out al tliu water's oilj^i'. Tlio oMlimaluil ilistaiit j holwcou Wail lingtou ilarliour ami various terminal jioiiits oil Vancouver ImIuiiU, are as tuliows: — Viil Xoiliili's C/iiiiinit, i. Waililiii^toii Harbour to Fruderiek Arm— -Uailway Liiiu. al Miles. Freilerirk Arm to Utter Cove- -Navigulioii l.'i •' Otter Cove to Ks»iuimaull 183 " Total... 2r.i Miieb. 2. Waddingloii Uarljour lo Ailieriii I'lH " 3. do ijuat^iiK 173 " Vi(i Hut, Inlit nn.l Elk lini/. 1. Waddiiii^toii llarltoiir to KIk Hay— all water ti| mile.». KIk Hay to Esiiuimault iso " Total .... •J44 " 2. Waddiiigtoii Uarboui' lo Allieriii I.')i " 3. do (iuatsiiio 174 " (Noiihrr.i iCoiitcN.) Tlie allempls made lo iraili tlu- Pacilie tide water al |iHiiil.> In Ihc nniili ol' N'aiuouviM' Inland have Ih'imi -ucresstiil, IhiI naval aiillinriiie- iirciiicMiiice uidiivoitraliiy mi all tlie harbours e\eei>l tlu> iim^I iiorlliurly. near the nioiiih ol lii>- JJiver Skeeiia. With rcspeil lo lhi> poinl, their o|)iiiii>iis are e\|iie->ed i^iiardodlv, tor the rc.'isoii thai no proper naulical surveys Jiavi' \el been nni'le there. The >:ime may 1k' said I'eifardini^ the land surveys, a> our explorations to this mo-l northerly point are the least perl'eet. iHcIi'iMIdii III Uimti'.i In eohsiderin;^ ihe wiiole (pieslion of loulo, in eitiineelion wil h thai of walei' lerniiniisj the enipiiiy may be n.iriowed down by rejecting- all the inojccted lino-t and liarbour.>, exeept the most promising and imjtortant. iU u I ! All llic ritulf' iicruss ilic >foiiiitaiii I{ci;ioii Imvo lioeii arniii^t'il in tliici- ili>»liin.l ^'nni|ts, Smiflnrii, ('itifnit and Xitrt/mn. Tlii'i'c appou.'h to lie litllc (Iniil'l tliiil tlu> in. 'I'iu- lii>l nu-nlioned riiiilt", No. 2, is (lio oni^ wjiitli lollow.s llio i itin'M o| lliu Jtivci's 'riioni|iM>n ;inil Kiiihit Io Itiiiranl Inlt'l. K'liilo No. ti li-iiv»'s Vo. 'J al 'iVio .lainio Caclu', ami |ia.'o. 1 1 is iIk! I'oulo ]ii'ojut-U'«l to luavc No. li not tar I'roni Fort (iisor^'e, llicnco contihiiin^ in a wcnteily iliruction, aiul I'ollowinf^ tin- iJivcrSUocna to Port lvs>ington, or llir I'osl liarhoiir in tlial (luailci'. (lluutc till Uuli' Iiilut.) It I li' it lie con.sidured ol' paranionnt iniportan(«- to cairy an iinliruUrn line of rail- way' to om; or nioroot ilif liarlioiMson tlio western coast of \'ani'oiivot' Iwlaml, and there is a likelihood that this projcil will, n-i^ardless of tost, hereafter he si'rioiisly enler- lainod, then Koitte Not (i liuconies ot the tirst im|»oi taiue, and really lli«' ordy one ojien for seleetion, iUdiiIi' III llui'i'.iril tnliiUi if, on llie other hiind. the ohjii t lie to reach the naviL'aMc waters of the I'acilii Mimply hy the most elij^ible lini' leiuliiiff to a yood terndnal harhoiii-, it i- clear that of the ihii'e routes specilied, .N'n. (! must yield to No. 2, as Waddiiif^lon Uiirlioiir is open to all llu' nlijoctiiiii.H which ma\ he iiri,'ed !ii;aiiist Biirrard inlet with reyfard to tlio pa.s.sa^o from the open ocean. Waddin^lon iliirhoiir has serions disadvanta^^es not possessed \>Y Itiirraid Inici, and has no advantajii-s to eonjpeiisale for these delieieneies. in this view there remain only lioiites Nos. 2 and 11 to ho eom|i!irei|. Ii'oiite No. 2, altlioii!j;li <'.\pensive to "eonstriiel, would undoubtedly, wiieii coin- jileted. possess en^^incerini; lealiires comparatively favoiM'ahlt! for the purpose ot' (■liea|i Iransporialioii, li would Icri'.iiiate al a harlHuir which ir^ held to he i^^iod and Biitliciciil, iiiid it Would po.vse.vs the advantage- which have heeii elsewhere set forth. I.-^ lliroc ilisiiiicl ! !'(»ll(j\viii^; — ■oiifM III the lu tilt- IMII'lll iiully H'iiclios l!lH|l,'t', lIll'lHO 111 l').s>iiigt«)ii, II line III' niil- inl, ami llu-ru ioiihly diiUm- llic iiiily (iiiu if llic I'iirilii {■< clcai' tlial I IIai'li> iidvaiilai^o Ir for tlioc ■oiii|iai»'il. •, wIh'ii nim- • |)nr|i()>c of lie ijndil aiwl V sul fiMlll. (Prnxinilty In I In- l''r«ihlliT.i An nlijoi'tinii iii':;imI uiraiiiHl a t('i-iiiiiiM> ul Mitiranl liilt>l i^ I liat anoHs mi^lii Ik) ililHi'iilt I'liiiii till' iicuaii ill tli<> cvciil rif hiMtililitM with ijic I'liiifil SlaU>s. Tliu oliju.-- lion iii^odiui- willi llit> fad that tho railway ilscli IVoni iiiirraril liil<>t to ll'iju', woiiM nil I'll' Miino liO miles iIim' to the fi'tiiitior, claims attciitinn aixl imints |m iho ris.« iif the I'diiiiiiiliiieatinii beiii^r iiii|i(>ile(| hy e-*tahlisliiiiLC a railway aeross Vaiieoin er Islaml ami hy Ueepiii;^ o|K'n the water eomMiiiniealioii across tho Straits of (iuor^iu. N'anaiiiio is siliialed almost ilir«'clly across the Sirait of (ieori^ia from Ihirrard liilei nd the leiiijilh of navigation hclwccii them isalHiiit '»!> mile^. Krom Nanaimo, a rail\\a\ may U> carried eiilu'i' to r.si|iiiiiialt. No. 2 would assume a ))osition similar to IJoiite No. «i villi a ferry from the mainland to Kll< Hay and r.'iilway conner-tion to the outer coast of Vancouver : the only important tlitrereiice U'liij; tho charficter of the navitja- lioii. Ill the case of routu No. (j, tho water would invariahly he smooth, while in tho r, would have to he crossed. The chart wlii(di accompanies this (Sheet No. .'{) shows the lolative position o| Milliard Inlet, Nanaimo. ,\|lierni, Ksipii- inall and the San .liiati Islands. (Kxtr<'ini> Northi'i'ii Kmili The route (No. 11) hy the Hiver .Siieeiia is not open to the same olijcctioi Is as tlu' i-outes wliieli reach tho I'acitic within the liiiiils ol'ihe Strait ol (ieoi^ia. Neither the line nor its terminus is contiguous to lbrei;^'ii teriitory. it lies almost 500 • \'i It A|i|ienilix \V, pii(ji.' ;il2, Mcmiiriiiiilimi on \\\f mililRr\ n*\>i-c\ ol' ilii- Hiirnml Inlet roiili', l>y Major-Ut'iiiTuI Si-lby .Siiiylh. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^ A O ^^ ,S^is, /- 1.0 I.I 1.25 S us liM 1.4 III 1.8 1.6 Va e //, % y /A Photographic Sciences Corporation T^ iV % .V <,i>^ \\ ^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 (Tprmlnus at, Frederick Arm.) One othoi' ]toint demands consideration : — How far would Route Xo. (J, extended to Frederick Arm, meet the ohjections to a terminus within the Strait of (Jeorj^ia ? An examination of the chart shows Predorick Arm to be approachable from the north side of Vancouver Island, by Queen Charlotte Sound and Johnstone Strait. It is thus somewhat favourably situated for the Asiatic trade, ocean-going steamers being able to reach it by o])cn channels in less time than any port within the Strait of Georgia. It will be necessary to ascei-tain how far Frederick Arm is suitable for a terminal harbour; my present duty is to sui>:gest its possibilities, and, if it be found eligible, to point out the advantages which may be looked foi". It is apparent that IJoute Xo. (i, extended to Frederick Arm, would touch the navi- gable waters of the Pacitic at twi> points. Waddington Harbour, on the one hand, would accommodate the traffic centering around the Strait of Georgia, or finding entiy by llic Strait of Juan de Fuca ; whilst, on the other, Frederick Arm would command the Asiatic trade, and accommodate the traffic of the noi'thern half of Vancouver and of the Queen Charlotte Islands, when, in course of time, they become settled, and their resources developed. 1 in\ w miles nearer the quarter whence through traffic m.ny be looked for. The terminus would be abreast of 'nieon (Miarlotte Islands, the climate, soil and resources of which are, probably, not inferior to those of Vancouver Island (opposite the termini of linos Nos. 2 and (»,) They offer a promising field for in The terminus I'ces of which rniiiii of linos wpoct for that lore northern xpi-o.^s tlieni- ; liiey rather I opinion oan )n land, ma}' nalile ; or on route is the Hi. . i'l, extended of (leorgia ? m the north It is thus )eingable to Georgia. !• a terminal eligible, to ch the navi- one hand, Jeorgia, or Arm would thern half ley become 11 (Through Distance rta Mnlnland Harbours. ■) The mileage bj' laml and water between common points on the Asiatic coast and the liocky Mountains via harbours on the mainland, is ostimalcd to bo ns follows : — Yokoliania to Yellow H.'>a(l Pass. Ocian Naviftatioii. Total Mileage. Vifl Port Essington and Route No. 11 . " Frederick Arm and Route No 6 " Waddington Harbour and Route No. C... " Port Moody and Route No. 2- Naut. .Miles. Naut. Miles. Stat. Miles. Xuut. Miles. 4,110 4,470 4,355 50 120 155 00 500 546 403 4,028 4,944 4,7S.3 (Tlirough DIstaneo ria Vjineouver ITarliours.) The mileage by land and water between the same common points, via harbours on the Paciric shore of Vancouver fsland and the several routes designated, embrac- ing ocean navigation, railway on the island, ferryage, and railway on the mainland is estimated to be as follows : — Yokohama to Yellow Head Pass. Ua Qnalsino, Otter Cove to Frederick Arm ferry and Route No. 6 .". " Quatsino, Elk Bay to Waddington ferry and Route No. 6 " Alberni, Otter Cove to Frederick Arm ferrv and Route No. 6 .'. " Alberni, Elk Bay to Waddington Harbour ferry and Route No. 6 " Alberni, Nanaimo to Port Moody ferry and Route No. 2 " Esquimault, Otter Cove to Frederick Arm ferry and Route No 6 " Esquimault, Elk Bay to Waddington Har- bour ferry and Route No. 6 " Esquimault, Nanaimo to Port Moody ferry and Route No. 2 I Navigation. Ocean Shijis, Naut. Miles. 4,010 4,040 4,210 4,210 4,210 4,2G5 4,265 Ferryage. Railway Lines. Stat. Miles. , Stat. Miles I 65 15 65 50 15 05 50 704 0.56 090 030 545 780 726 561 Total. •Vaut. Mile.s. 4,001 4,060 4,822 4,819 4,727 4,955 4,952 4,790 •Tliese distances have not been ascertained. i i In addition to tlio ovidonec of IIoi- Majesty's naval offlcoi-s, on the liarI)OHrs and watofs of the Pacific Coast, the views of sea captains, pilots and others, rosidont in British Columhia or locally interested, will ho found in the Appen(lix.=i= The Prairie Jlei/ion, Passini,' from the Mountain to the Trairic lle^'ion, the difficulties of route havo Itecn fortunately surmounted. From the eastern lioundary of British Columhia to Hod River, a distance of l,0t;5 miles, the lino is practically establisheil. On 787 miles tho telegraph has been erected. (The Telegraph Preceding tho Rnlhvny.) It was sun-i;csted, at an early period, that telegraphic communication should bo secured along the entire lino of railway. Apart from the advantages resulting froni direct communication between British Columbia and other Provinces of the Dominion, it was belli that tlie telegraph running continuously along tho line of railway, would not only facilitate its construction, but favourably effect its cost, and at the same time largely assist in the settlement of the country, f Accordingly, contracts were entered into for the erection of the telegraph as soon as the location of tho line was established. (Establishment of Stations.) In acrmanent pasture Kiiirjaiul Wales Scotland Ireland ,. 32,597,398 4,721,823 19,496,132 20,819,829 77,635,182 24,008,368 2,678,730 4,579,821 15,752,187 10,438,149 1,633,542 1,106,321 10,472,161 13,570,219 1,045,188 3,473,500 5,280,020 Total 47,019,106 23,650,173 23,368,933 Orchards, woods, cojipices and plautiilions not included in the above, except in Column 1 : — Kngland Orchards, 145,022 Wales do 2,991 Scotland do 1,910 Ireland do Nil. Woods and plantations, 1,325,705 Total, 1,471,38 do 120,823 do 129,817 do 734,490 do 736,400 do 325,173 do 325,173 Total acres. do 150,526 do 2,512,251 do 2,062,777 IIS, oxtondiiig iitivo i»o.sitioii, tbr()C(:ii|iUtioii lisliod ill tlio uch iittontioii liat tlioro arc 1,000 acres of )00,000 acres, t' tlii.s jiroa, it iral Province ndor cultiva- • UCfOH.* Of pljintatioiis, son that tbo ibmitted to thu liince in crop, or pasture der rotation. 13,570,219 1,045,188 3,47:!, 500 5.280,020 23,368,033 iinin 1 : — •tal, 1,471,38 do 129,817 Jo 736,-400 lIo 325,173 do 2,062,777 APPENDICES. 81 (Oontrnl PuHltton siiii; a hroiullh of territory so j^roat imist iieeossurily lie !il a lonsiilera- l)ie (listaiice I'roin many portion^. Hul llie lociitioii ailopte'l will l)efonirl to tijllow a gcnorully conti'ul coni'se. il will |>a-s Ihrou^di or lie adjacent to many valuable sociiun>, anil will form tlu' li'unk Hue, from wliieli b ran e lies ran In- extendeil to oilier (li.Nlricis moi'c ri-mote, as soon us sotllonientani'i' iiiili- (i'40 f'c'ot ;!7fi " 1-12 " 8.4H " per mile i2-8(> iV'ot 7'')2 '< 2li4 •' ;t)'iG " VCOWillill .Mill t cvc'i-y iK)iti(, ; rcvistHi, ami to tlio hiiinc itig pi'oductH lo ihun tho80 ntig an ag-ri- Tlie invcisti- Is, ox tended nd load, and, ntiy east of o, boon held f'oi-ons rock'H 1 between it n worked at [l is a i'ea.son- sive tract of 8.1 country of the Hanin i^ooiogicu! horizon, and that the day will conic when tlicst. roHourooM will bo ilevelopod, and u conMidoniblo minini; population lUid omployniont. iTIir Iilnu LMMiDiiti'ly ('oiilliitioiis.i The line proji'cted lor ibc liailway tbrou^h tbi • ^ccliim, nuiUcs llicdi^lanco from Selkirk to (Hlawn, (170 niikw less than l.y llie winter route through lie I'lutod StatcH.-'' ll is, ihercfniv, not itnprobnblc thai liytbelinic Ibe portion ot' the IJailway lioUveen i^ako Sujieriorand the Pacilic Coast has been coniplotod, and iho I'lairic Ue^ion has become ulsll populated, a direct liid< 1 etweeii Lake Superior and the rdder Provinces will be demanded. It seoms a prudent course to take .some steps to make this section, nuw u roatllos.s wilderness, more ueoortsiblo than it is ut present. J W(tnlil not rooomincnd any jj;reat ininiediato expondiluro. Mut whatever maybe; the future policy ot ilic Dominion with le^ard lo the eonslniction of this linx, I woidd ailvise that the Railway line bo located from Lake Snperioi' to Lak(! Nipissin<^ on the .shoiiest and best counse, and that it be ^radiiall}' cleared of its timber, so as t(t admit of a "Territorial Koad " r beinii; formed, and the interior thus made tnoi'o accessible to mineral prospectors and oiheis. If the line were cleared of its tindier, the construction of a telegraph would doubtle.ss follow in duo time. Lxistiiij^ contracts will very soon secure the completion oftlio overland telegraph from the Pacitic coast to Fort William. A cou- neelion between tho latter point and the tclograph .system to the Kast will be called for, and it i.- not improbable that, the lino being cleared, compoting private Tom- panies would make an cttbrt t. establish the connection on terms acceptable to the ; niid llic (l«';j:irc (ilcold in win lor, an wc'l as tlio Niiow-fall, is laif;i'ly atli't led l.y t|u> naniit',ii|' individuid iMcalilUH. Tlio clilof ])oiiil ()l'(rincid(>rati()n i«llic snow-fall, niid tliooxporioiico of tho vurioii« Hinvcyin^r luutioH, cxlcndiny, as it now duos, ovur a |,oii(Hi of six winl» snow-t'all at Ottawa as tlio Btan'Iard, tlic drptli of hnow tliroii^liout tlio wlioloof tlio woodland roglon isgonorally loss, on aiiavorngo, than at thai I ity. In ili(> iniincdiato noi^dihourhood of liaUos Huron and Snporiof Iho fall isahonlthcsanio; Iml oust of fjako Xopigon it is fonml loho from 0(t to 70 |)(.|- coiit., while from LaUc N'opigon to Manitoba tho ilopth ranu;os from Ttt to ')0 |ior colli, ol llii' Ottawa siiftw-lali. 'riiroiighoiit. iho Prairio Jto/^ioii. tho snow rarely oxcoods 2(1 lo 'J I iiulu'> in dopth, and is Ireijuonlly miieh loss over wido areas. In the Moiinlain lie:,'ion tho foatincs ol'eliinalo and oxlont of snow-fall are far more variod. Tho wo.-Nti^rn slopos of tho ( '.'isoado and JlocUy Mountain chains nio nioro ahiindantly supplied with rain in siimmor and with .snow in wintor; tho eastern slojics being subjoct to comparatively little precipitation. Only on tho western sides of tho Mountain chains, whore tho snow-fall is excessive, will portions of tho lino rotpiiro to be sheddod. (Jenorally speaking, with these excojitions, tho snowfall appears to average less than in the older jirovincos, (Deductions iifiin Mctcorolosipnl UbservatlonK.) From metcorologioal observations made during three years in the Jlocky Mouniains, Pi-ofossor Kingston, of tho Toronto Obsoivatoi^^, has carefully comiiiled tables whi(di show that, though in Homo of the passes and J)ol•tio^^ of river valleys the snow may average from four to five feet in depth, in general tho fall is tiir below that of Ottawa, Qiieboo and Montreal ; while to theoa.stof tho ]Jocky Mountains, between Jaj«per Valley and Edmonton, it does not much exceed half that of Ottawa. During tho winter of 18?5-6, in which the snow-fall was exceptionally heavy, a survey party located at Tete Jaune Cache made a series of ' i. \ ... .- ■ — I railway in, viihI laUi'M, iDitiiins aiii| lily op tlio I, i>* lai'/;c'ly ' tho vurioii* liiisatlordoil iwa as llio i> j^oiiorally luUos Huron il lobo from •aniens from rio J{i>;;i<>n, •li K'sH over nf snow-fall itaiii ciiaitis svititor; tlio the wostcrn of the lino Hnow fall tho .lloclcy carefully UHscs and n depth, in the oast of uoh exceed ^w-fall was a series of 85 olrerviitions,* (Void wliiiliji ;i|i|i('Mrs lliat llimnh iIm' au'.U'ri'^iaU' inuniiiit ofsnowwa-* no loHs than 11- JMihi'-', at im linu" was tlicic nutro than four i'cfl <>ii the j,'i()iind at, tlic siiniinit, oxiendiiiic t<> f've fee' al the I'hoI hI Mho^o ^al^^^ Owinj; In the unusual huow-full, tho Athahasia Valley -whirh had h.'cn |»ri'vii»Uily cousideri'd by tho emplo^'es of the Hudson's Hay C'oni|iuny and the Indians as a locality which ini^'ht he Hufely roliod on for wintorinLC sto(d<, and which wa ; so spoken ot in my former report of '71 — proved very diiastrous lo the party; their horses and cattle sutVered s«'Voroly, and loss than half hiirvivod tho winter. With resja-it to the cold, I'rofehsor Kinj^ston shows that thou/^h the cold of the autumn Is more severe in I he RocUy Mountain ilislrict than in Ontario, (iuehce and tho Maritime l*rovinr(>s^ yet the winter itself compares faviuiridjly with that of Kastorn (Jaiuida.f Located Lint- Fiiroiirnltle /or ort,0<)0 miles, of which no less than 11. .500 miles have been laboriously measured, yard by yard, through mountain, prairie and forest, with tho ;>pirit,-lev(.'i, chain and transit. Lai-go as the mileage of examinations undoubtedly is, it yet forms only a very imperfect factor in estimating the energy expended in the worU, and but faintly sugge.sts the toilsome, imtlagging labour which has been necos- saiy to encounter ditliculty after difficulty; labour too often rcsultini;- only in failure. r ])ay but a just debt when I acknowledge my deep obligations to my Icllow-Iahourere, who have so zealously toiled to obtain the intormution of which this Jioport is a synopsis. My own feeling would lead inc to make special mention of the more meritoriou.s members of my Staff, but where so many have rendered the heartiest service, it is difficult to give pruminoucu to individual names. (Clinrni-ti'i- o|- tlir Scrvloo,) Much of the work lias l)c:ct! t'ari'icd on amidst the severities of wiiitei', frci|UcMtly, in an excocdiiigly low teMipcralui-i>. The surveying parlies were far removed from all habitations, and were supplied with but inadequate sheltor and diet, although both were the best that circunistaiKOs would admit of. Xotwithstanding every preciuilion, scurvy has occasionally attacked both olUcors and men ; and, as the work has been often haxardous, some have met with serious accidents in the discharge of their duty. Many have returned with constitutions more or less impaired by tho i it- I 88 vicissiliultjs (il'Llio litb to wliicli llioy have boeii oxpo.sod. 1 fool tliat Uioii- services, whicli huvo alfoady boon rocogiiizod by the (xovoi'iimcnt, merit also the iipprociation of the public. (Losses Sustained.) It is my s!i(l tiuty to mention that thirty-fom* have lost their lives in coiinoction with tiio survc}'.* Conclusion. I li.'ivo ondoavoui-oil, in the pivvious i)ages, to narrate the efforts made during the la>t six years to obtain llio most eligible Railway lino to tho Pacific Coast. I have set fortli tho operations b}' which we have Ohtablishod an extremely satis- factory lino ti oni the head of the 8t. Lawrence navigation on ijake Superior to Tete Jauno Cache, on the western side of tho great continental "divide" in the main Eocky Mountain chain. I have described, in iH various stages, the work which has been executed to attain this I'osull, as well as the operations by which wo have ])iorcod ranges of mouniains, in tho western section of tiie countr}-, previously reported as impeiietral)le. It wa-i early discovercij that a line could be obtainol by the Yellow Head and Albrcda Passes*, lollowiiig tho natural descent of the Rivers Thompson and Frasor to tide water. But the forbidding character of tho valleys, and tho extreme ruggedness of the cliasins tlnough which these rivers in [»arts of their course tlow, call for works so formidable and costly, that attt'uipts have boon ma lo to discover a more eligible route. I have not rom-ealed that our etforts have frequently rosiilted in failure, I'ondoring ve[)oated attempts necessary, year by \ear. ti) gain the objects sought; and, althougii the route of the If lilnay in tlio Western region has nol boon dotinitoly established, I have pointed out that several practicable lines JKivo been found, and that we havo discovoi'cd passes and traced lino- whicli. considering iho altitude of tho mountain masses of the Jiegion, are nioi'c favou'-able than could have been hoped tor. Although several routes from tho mountains to tho coast are available, it cannot be claimed tliut any line lias been found upon which, in some parts of its course, no serious dithculLies are met. Besides difficulties of construction, involving a largo cxpoiidilare, the ipiest ii>ii is complicate I \\\ other important considerations whi*' ^ lie beyond the province of l/'ie Kngineer. 88a V HOrVICOH, pprcciution coiinccUoii (luring tlio 3mcly satis- •ior to Toto 1 the main od to attain inournains, 13. ,■ Head and I Fruser to ruggednoss for \s-()rir ex.uniuatiMii, I haxe siriven faiilil'iiliy lo ascoi'tain I he necessary tact-;, and to present tlioin in a clear manner fur the ron-iidei-alion of the Governn\ent. To assist in drawing ('onelusiohs res|jecling tin.' selection of the terminus, I have submitted the opinions of distinguished naval ofliiers respecting the harb:»ui's an I channels of (he coa^ . I have, lihewise, presented tiie views of other exporionct- 1 men oil matters bearing on the subject. The inferences to be drawn appear to p)iiit e tacUisiveiy to a clioiee of two di>tin<.'t courses : — the selection of one of the two routes which tirsi reacli the Pacific waters at IJiirraiil Inlet and at Hute Jnlet; or the postpoiienu nt of a decision resjK'Cling the tei'minus until furtlr.'r examination be made on land and water to determine if a more eliuilile route can be olitained l)y the IJiver Skeena. On accoiuit of the exttMit and nature of the subject discussed in thislieport, I have deemed it advisable to avoid, as much as possilile, matters of ilelail. Generally, how- ever, refet-enees are given to sources whence full information may be obtained. The documents appended give much int'ormation hitherto unpublished. They arc replete with detailed descriptions of the Survey. The exccdlent r(>ports on the agricultural capabilities of the country will be read with especial interest, .as tley establish that a vast territory is available for agricultural and pastoral purposes. The rejjort from tiie (ieological Survey on the economic minerals and miues )i Ih'illsh (Jolumbia is a valuable contribution to our Unowledge of the Western port! m ofCarada; more especially in view of the field ottered for mining iiidustiy. It has been my object in tiiis re]ii)ft, and in the Ap])endice-i herewitli submitted, I't place on record a v'oneise history of the preliminary operations eonnected with the construction of the J'aeitic Ji'.tll way, from the commencement in 1S71 to the present 'late, and to furiush other importau' information. During these six years, with tlic assistance of a p. able and ze.alon-^ stall, 1 have given my most earnest efforts to obtain sati>factory results; 1 trust I have succeeded in my endeavour to describe, in a faithful and compreliensive manner, all that we have etfeeied. I have the honour to be, Sii-, Your obedient servant, SANDFOHli ILE.MIN'ti. l:'ii'/ini;:r in ' '''■'•f. 12 1> I- Q !^ P P SD H Ph 3 » H U H M « a 08 b ■" ^ omoojo :e-iooMe'>*i-iOi-(<3> M •T- f-. rv : " ■;- qc 1- rt 00 -^ ri 00 ih ih •— X b t -^ .-- .^ ri ^ i"'. b ih -r CO i '~0J s 0-70 to 0-80 I- ri ;o • X C5 • I- 1- to N 1- M M »r -^ t- 1 ■?• ^< 1 ip in -^ CO gi !0 -(fr^cob ;bm -b-^^Nc^ic-ic^j 8=S c 6 CO rs c ov ci CO CD 1- . f^ CO 1- a CO ^1 00 e^ CO in -71 M : 'XI c C'l ■^b^Mb'-'-^^j ;»^c"'^cocC-1C0CD .MrtM — OCOX xqo-*-9qoqox^i— in'-i ■^cr;c~iN^piT)ii^-*.^McbMihb b b coco^^alO^^^-copxl-Ol-C5cow TT m in t- m M 00 S -T- CO c^i CO 05 10 ■*co.^iHC-i'*oo-^^:mbf^coA<'^ in 1- in 0-20 to 0-30 cOTticia>'cc»in«cc^t-r)ixt-c coci-';<05oooooo>--i-tin'Trc>co ihcOf-Hr^Ncobcoihi-^ico-^b*-! f-i rH b in coco — Tt-cocoincom^cDTfof--* fi ov o ~ c^ t- M in 9 I- CO 7< CO -^ 00 bt-fifi-^b'*oci«(Kb'tNc^b be Sog b "H ......... M CO »- C^l I ; : I : : : ; : : tc 9 1- 1- 01 *:•■:;:::: -rf M b c-i b 9-25 10-80 47-87 _ 1-300 b b . . . . . . . .in CO • 10 1- in : : I : : I : : <- : CO : 00 IB 01 : ; : : : ! : :'-h i^H Jmc^m ; * * * * b *' b .........,; TP 9 Tf c-i i : i i i i j i i i : -^ M :: f 1 0-50 to 0-60 : . ; ; . : : ; : : oj x co -f : : : : : : : : : • ■? c ■* m co jiiiiijliibdo'^.^ci 25-84 ^ CS C^l n-l CS rH CO O ' r-«cp'^ODf^c^cnu'^ uiulei- tlio iiotiro of tlic (iovorninciit, .some .suifi^cstioiis in con- nection widi tlie siii'vcy of iands, mijoining tlio I^iilwuy, in Manit<»l»ii, the Xortii- ■\ve!stTerrit()i'ios, and ol.sewlicrc. I siiijmit liorewitii a diaffram, wiiicli will serve to explain:— 1. 1 would snu'^'est that tlio most suitable points for stations, should he selected ut convenioMt distances, s.'iy from six to ton miles a])ai"t. In solectiiiif those points, care should be taken to have them on level, and as far as practicaljlo, on straii^ht sec- tions of the Railway, oi .ailing tiiis, on easy curvos; they should not be neai' the foot of lonii; steep grades, nor on any grade exceeding fifteen foot to a mile. The points selected should not be where the liailway is on embankment or in cutting, luu. where the grading necessary for station ])urp<)sos, coidd be done at the least cost. 2. The reservation of land for stations should be on a liberal scale, say 2,000 feet long, (at all events this length in level prairie sections), so as to allow for long trains sJHinting and standing witlujut interference with tlic road-crossings, hereafter re- ferred to. The breadth of the station grounds need not be grout, except where special provision is ro»[uired tor engine-shops, etc. ; 150 to 200 foot on ca(!h side ot the centre line of the Eiulway would be ample. H. A road should be laid out all round the station ground; it would cross the liailway at two points. 2,000 feet apart; there should bo no other road across the station groiuul, except for foot iiassengors. 1. Opposite and around each station located as above, a suitable area of land shoukl 1)0 reserved for a town plot, laid out and sold as such; behind the town plot, some of the land should lie laid out as park lots. 5. I would strongly advise the reduction of crossings, both public road and larni rrussi nij.'<, to the least jiossible numlior. Statistics show that a very large jior- cenlage of fatal accidents on railways result from road-crossings. In a new country Ihoy could bo largely reduced, without any inconvenience to the public, and, at the same time, save the cost of making and maintaining them. In orcler to etfeet the desire Cm El', , 1875. ions in oon- tlio Xortli- 1 1)0 si'lcck'il lioso points, stniiu;iit. scc- loar the foot vnicnt or in I (lone ill tlio ay 2,000 icet 1- loni? trains loroat'tcr ro- xcont where ;h sulo ot the lid cross the id across the area of hind lie town plot, ^ic road and ry Itirge i-er- new country , and, at the I lots between as shown on H'om the Kail- tlie farm lots, irow tlic i)uij- |least tlanger, losed to be re- luld probably In connection I all the oilier ido in the clear, bj' twenty chains frontage. The town plots, as a rule, to embrace four of such lots, and to 1h' laid out on a uniform plan, into building and park lots. Mr. Fleming suggests that those farm lots lying contiguous to the railway might be dis])osed of on certain special stipulations— that is to say, for the maintenance of railway fences, tho planting of trees, or other provision to pi'evmt snow-drifts, and further, with I'osiioil to fires caused liy sparks from the locomotive engines. Respecting this, the undersigned has seiM<)Us doubts, lie thiidvs it would not be advisable to impose any such conditions on the sale or settlement of those lands, lor various reasons— mainly, for tho i-eason that, in his opinion, it would bo impracticable tocarry out such conditions, as the imposition thereof would result in a, constant state of warfare and dilliculty between the (iovernment or tho L'iail way Company and adjoining settlers. The matter of maintenance of fences, of carrying out any provision to prevent snow-drifts by the planting of trees, or otherwise, he tiiinks can oidy be satisfactorily assumed and carried out by the Government or the Company, who would further, without there was express legislation to the contrary, be responsible for any damagea caused by sparks troni tho engines. li 02 The undersigned would reninrlc tlint t lie C"lii(>rKn<,'incer'H proposals as to cross- in^s, method of laying out farm lots iibiUtiiijj; on railvvny, (!tc.,ean only apply tothoso parts of the J'rovinte or Territory where the line does not jmss through settlements, or intersect Jlali-bieed lands; and, turthei', musl he siihjeet to any legal rights of Iho Hudson's J}ay Company respecting the one-twentieth of their lands, as allotted to them under the Dominion Lands Act. Kospectfully submitted. J. S. DKNNIS, Surveyor O'nural, (^Memorandum.) Canadian T'AriFir Kah-way, Okkick of the Knoinfkb in Chief, Ottaita, May (ith, 18*75 To tho Secretary of Public Works. On tho ]2lh April, tho undersigned suimiitted for tho consideration of tho Minister, a mem,)randum on the sid)ject of the location and survey of stations, town plots, road crossings, &c., along tho i-oule ot tho Pacitic JJailway. She memorandum alludeil to was referred to tho Department of tho Interior. Tho Surveyor Cenoral on the l(ilh ult., submitted some remarks on the subject to tho Hon. tho Minister of tho Interior. Tho remarks last referred to have now been transmitted to the undersigned. In the original memorandum, the subject was divided into the following five different points, ojiposite each of which will be found the views of the Surveyor General. 1. Tho Engineer in Chief suggests that The Sui-veyor General thinks that sta- the most suitable i)oints for stations should tions should bo soiocted altogether in bo selected from six to ten miles apart, and accoidance with the judgments and discro- lays down certain engineering conditions tion of the engineer of tho railwa}-. to guide in making a selection. 2. Tho Engineer in Chief advises witii The Surveyor General thinks these sng- respcct to the reservation of land for gestions recommend themselves to favour, stations. The Surveyor General approves. The Survoj'or General aj^prover^. 3. Tho Engineer in Cliiof recommends tho laying out of roads in connection with tho stations. 4. Tho Engineer in Chief recom-iiends tho reservation of land for u town plot around each station. 5. The Engineer in Chief advises strong- i Tho Surveyor General admits that tho ly the reduction of crossings both juiblic policy recommended on this point cannot and private to the least possible luimhor. be gainsaid, and the location of ra'lway anil the laying out of the land in advance of settlement will render the adoption of tho policy an easy matter. 6. Tho Engineer in Chief suggests that The Surveyor General thinks this pro- any farm lots laid out on the mile st ip posal a good one, and recommends that tho proposed along each side of the railway farm lots should be at right angles to tho should all liave their backs turned to the lailway; one mile deep on each side by railway with a ro'ul allowance in front, twenty chains frontage. and thus render farm crossings wholly un- nocessaiy. 93 T. Tho Etif^ineor in Chiof ndvlscs on no- count of tlio iiicrcasod .security to lifo aiul propoi'ly tlio /greater oaso wi'.ii vvliicli tlio railway will bo opcnitcd, and tho reduced cost in construction and niaintonance, that no crossings hIjouUI be laid out except at tho stations. Tho Snrve3'or fJcnernl thinks that tho c^os^ih^.s miijht be advanta^oously res- tricted, but a loss number of crossings than ono at every three miles would ulti- maloiy result in groat inconvenience to tho public, and embarass the salo and settle- mont of tiio lands. Tho undersigned is glad to find that tho Surveyor (Joneral on almost every point gives his unqualified approval to the suggestions proposed. It isoidy with respect to tho last point that ho does not fully concur. In support of the original j)i'oposal to make provision for crossing the railway at the stations and town plots oidy, the undersigned would respectfully submit tho following additional remarks : — 1. Every level crossing contains the elements oi' danger to the public using tho crossing, as well as to passengers using the railway. This is more csj)ccially the case between stations where trains have o maintain a high speed. Tho undersigned be- lieves ho is correct in stating that more than one-half of all fatal accidents on rail wajs occur at level road crossings. lie has seen a whole train of passenger cars thrown off tho track b^' cattle attempting to cross the lino and getting amongst the wheels. Constantly, ono hoars of carriages or sleighs being run over, and tho danger is in- creased in liigh winds, rain or snow storms. 2. Evei-y level crossing is an element of danger from another cause, viz : — Tho cattle guards. As is well known, those contrivances are usually made of timber, they last but a iew years, constantly recpiiro repairs, and without attention frocjuontly be- come insecure. They are really worse than ordinary wooden bridges, as they are too insignificant to receive, as a rule, much attention from the higher railway officials and ai'c often left to ignorant, somotimos careless laborers. It is for these men to report when the timbers are too much decayed to bo any longer safe ; in fact to draw the line between security and positive danger and tho wonder is that accidents from rot- ten cattle guards do not moi'o frocpiently occur. Cattle guai-ds at stations are not likely to bo neglected, as they como under tho eye of other officials ; besides which, trains pass stations at low speed, and inconseqaenco tho danger is much loss than at other points whore tho speed is liigh. 3. In a country already settled, it would doubtless be impracticable to close up roads already in use across the lino of proposed railway, but in an entirely new coun- try, whore there are no inhabitants and no roads the settlers as thoy take up lots and occupy the land, would suffer very little, if a v inconvenience from the plan now pi-oposod, and would not, in any way, feel the loss of a privilege or right which thoy never possessed. To them, the lino of railway would resemble a river oi- navigable channel with landing wharves and the means of crossing at short intervals, say, wherever it was deemed advisable in tho interests of all to have stations. The undersigned respectfully submits that tho settlement of fertile lands along any of the (onsiderabio rivers of tho older Provinces has not boon materially retarded by tho obstruction which tirj rivers offered to free intercourse between the two sides; nor has tho want of bridges, so dose as every three miles, over the water channels, to any appreciable extent embarrassed the salo and settlement of the lands, or resulted in great public inconvenience after the country became occupied. Take tho large rivers, the Ott.nwa, the St. Lawrence, tho St. .Tohn, or any of the smaller rivers such as tho Otonabo, the Trent, tho tlraiid River or, for that matter, any of tho canals, say the Ridoan Canal. From Ottawa to Kingston the length is 127 miles, in thisdistanco there is on an average only ono bridge to every eight miles of canal. Tho canal passes through a compar.ativoly olil seltlotl country, and no great complaints are made res2)ecting the unfrcquency of the bridges. On tho railways, the crossings take the place of bridges. At each proposed station on tho Pacific line there would be as many crossings for carriages as there are across the Rideau Canal in the heart of the ciiy of Ottawa, while foot passengers would .:! 04 n ■i ■ Imvo jKM'fcM t fi'ot'doin to itohh almost anywluTo, except when trains wore aotiially oc'cnpyiiif^ the Hiding's. Ill view ol'all the aaii,way, OFKKK Of TIIK KniIINEEH IN ClirEI-'. Ottawa, l!Mh May, 1S7:>. Pkar Sir, — T am rc(|uestod by the Premier to transmit to you a list of Ihe stations established on the line of the Ktiilway between Cross Lake and Mossy IJivcr, and to furnish you with their names, ap])roximate distances cast and west of SelUirlc, and the number of the stakes at which the cent re of the stations, in each case lettered "A" on diagram of town plot, are to be [ilaced. 1 also furnish a plan showing tlieii relative positions. You are aware that the siiggesti ins submitted b}' mo, in a memorandum dated the 12th April, relative to stations, town plots and road crossings have been approved, and it is the desire of the Premier that steps should be immediately taken to carry them into etfect. Kndosed herewith you will tind a diiigram for town plots, which, ill connection with the mcmoranilum referred to, is also a])proved. The diagram shows four ditl'erent projections for town plots, each of which embraces the same leading features. They are designed with the view of carrying out, in the best manner, the ])riiiciples laid down in the memorandum above referred to, and advocated in my letter to the Secretary of Public AVorks, of date of (ith May last. The Premier desires me tosa}' to you that ho a]>pr<)vos of the designs, and wishes you to adopt them as standards in laying out town plots around the stations on the line of the Pacific l{;iilway. Hither of the designs may, of course, be adopted or moditied at your discretion to suit the circumstances of each case, the main object being to secure all the advantages of the new system referred to, in the least objec- tionable way. Assuming that the red letters indicate the limits of the town plots, it is con- sidered highly advisable that all the farm lots outside of the town plots, and withju i I! !I5 'vo nclually iiioncci tliul I ilo woll to IS and (own licabli', coii- itovcir, shall >s nhjcctiollrt loostablish- bCCOllU'S HO prevent the ttlicy would 3 Siirvoyor- Mitlal pointi4 ) whieli will inii; that the II adopt the the niattcTH Al.ril rith), d the other in-( 'hiej. IP. , 187.V list, of the ossy IJiver, ol'Soikirlc, ase lettered owing theii lid inn dated II approved, to earry s, wliicli, II of whieh of carrying )ve referred date of Oth and wishes ions on the adopteil or nain object east objec- it is con- Imd within the ono mile strip on each ^ideof Ihe Itailway, should be wilhhuld from hiilu or occu- j)atioii until after the complolion of the liiilwuy, ami the best means of ovi-rcominj^ the Hiiow difficulty in each locality be ascertained. Vours truly, Lt.-Col. J.S. DENNts, (Signed), SAXDI-OKD KLKMlNti, iiiirc(j/or- (icncntl. J'Jinjinccr-ln- CIdif, STATIONS. Instnirdoits to Dititrict J-lnijiinirs titnl "tlurx. For several reasons it is iiiiportant that early steps be taiicn to select the very bc>l jtosilioiis lor the JJailway Stations, and thai they shouhl lie locattvl, and the gradients of the line, Kt and ai»proaeliing thereto, linally established before construc- tion be commenced. In districts fitted Hir settlement the (Jovernment has approved and sanctioned a system of laying out lands adjacent to the line of Railway, which will render public and private road crossings unnecessary, i.rcepf at Stdtlonn. In these districts it is intended to reserve a sufficient urea of land around each sla.ion for a Tow n plot, and to lay it oiil when rc(piired, into lots of suitable size. Kach station will become a centre of traffic for the country aioinid, and in some cases, important towns will luidoubtedly spring up. In selecting station sites, atten- tion sjiould therefore, to some extent, be given to the physical featiiresof the adjacent country, so as to afford the greatest facilities for developing the resources and accommodating the business of each locality. The general interests of the railway in directness, good gradients and cost of construction must however, be consiclercil of primary imjiortancc. In prairie and ferlilo districts, the stations should not be so far apart as to le.ive an opening for intennediate stations at a future time. All the stalions in any way desirable should be located in the tirst ])lace. Il is considered that the aveiago distance between stations should be about eight miles. In mountain and other districts, where the nocossity for stations for traffic ])iirposes will nf)t be great, sidings where trains may cross, oreiigines may wood and water, will nevertheless be rc([uired, — points for this purpose may be selected about eveiy ten miles. The undersigned requests that immediately after a tri d location be maile and liefiire the gradients are hnally adopted, the JJistrict and Jtesidcnt Mngiiieers should |ir(jceed to ascertain the most suitable points for stations, reporting to Head (Quarters without delay. In this matter the following rides will be observed. 1. Station sites may be considerod to be at minimum and maximum distances apart of six and ten miles respectively. 2. The Station should bo located on a neurly level portion of the line, if such be practic:ible.' Where the line undulates, a summit is preferable to any other position. u. It slioulil never be placed, under any circumstances, on a grade steeper than 1.5 (eet ]ior mile. J-. It should not be near the fool of a long steep grade; a inininuiin distance of half a mile from the foot of the j^n'ade should be obtained, if at all jiracticable. "). It should be on mostsiiital)le ground transversely as well as longitudinally. IIKTWKKN I.AKK SI I'KIIIull ANIi TKTK .lAI NK lAi'lIK, IN TIIK llncKV MniINTAINS. KlltrtT lOO-MII.K HtCTION WKHT (IK I.AKK HI'I'KIIIUII. i I Narao uf Stiiliun. Fort Willinm Miirillo Lofodt'ti Kiiiiiiiiisiiqiiiii FiiKiiiirk Iliuiii Nordlfttul Liiikii|iiii(r Hon Hiivaiinu j Upsalii I C'lirlmtuill I Uridfru liivcr DiHtiuicc rroiii Luku tiiiiK'i'iur. Miles. r.>.', 10' •l\ a.' Hit.'. (iu" 7ii.', 80 J, 811" U8.1 Ilcifflit iiliovo Liiku !Su[)L>rior. Feet. 7 ;i8i ■l7l r.Hi 5H1 87.1 iiU u:t5 1107 i)ii:t Dili !)ll Rvnmi'kd Fori Williiini i.s I lie (*itiimliiin end I (if till' Si. Lawi'i'iicc Nnvinalion im l^ako Hiiporior. — Lake Sii- licrlor in fiUS ft. ubovo lliu level uf the sua. The line at I'orl Savaiiiio coniiccta Willi Ijiic ilt'.-i Mille iiac and the Dawson roiile. HECONU lUU-MlLK SECTIO.N WEST (IK I,.\KK SITKIIIUIt, Kni;lish River Marlin ..... .... I'onheiir Falcon iK'Xico lintler lialcigli Trtche Malmkurn .... Hois lirulu .... Wabigooii .... TIUUD lOO-SIILK .SECTION WEST OK LAKE .SlI'EHIOK. Harelaj- Oxdrift Kiifjie River . Veiiiiillion .. Oilliert Parrywood ,. Coriiiack ... Atikanieg ..., Hossland Keewatin liank of River Kajjle. On Lake Verniilliuii. At Keewatin, near Rat Portage, the line touches Lake of the Woods. 97 L18T ()¥ MTATIOXH rST.MU.ISIl KI» IIKTWrKV t.AKK MI'I'KHlnd \NI> TKTK .lAI NR (AcilK, IN TIIK IIDIKV Mt>\ STMaH — Coiitiniliil. .NK fAclIK, KOL'HTir 1(I(I-MILK HKCTION WIMT Of I.AKK Rl'l'iinillll, |{iit hIiovi- Lake Hiipurior. Lak I) aii|icriof Miles. Feci. 3(i<] r,i\ :Hi(> ti27 327i 69(1 339 608 310 .i:.9 3ft0 ;i74 3tl8A ;to9 :m 3tl ■Ml 291) 391 22U Roniiirkd. ririll lOO-MILK HKOTION WB8T OF LAKK Kl'I'KUlOU. 4(»0i 2(.7 4(19 184 418 KiO 427il 121 439 308 410 312 4.'J5 278 464 275 473 267 480 261 488 247 495* 245 Selkirk i.s on cast bank of Ut-il River ; here the line coniiect.4 with the navi);alion of Lake Win ni [leg. SIXTIt 100-MILE HKCTtON WK.ST OK LAKE HCI'UniOK. Rat Portage, Lake of the Donnnccna .... Vapna Cartior Novrad Kraidwood .... Speke Logan Haywood Hogarth Poiitrinconrt , Vandyck Ulackwood .., 81 Cartier is at Manitoba. Narrows of Lakj Potitrincourt on tho west bank of Mossy River, connecting with the navigation of Lake Winni- pigosis. n dS LIST OF STATIONS 18TAT1LISIIED BETWEEN LAKE Sl'PERlOR AND TETE JAIINE CACHE, IN THE KocKY iiovsTAisH— Continued. SKVKNTII mO-MILK PECTION WKST OP LAKE SUPEIIIOU. Name of Station. Lungiicville Sussex Pctrovka .. Northcote .. Hennepin ... t /leridge .. Erskine Skalliolt ... Doyle Livingstone Alice Malmo Distance from Height above Lake Superior. Lake Superior. Miles. Feet. 604,', 37.5 613 450 022 699 629 584 63H 583 647 621 654 786 663i 794 673 865 681 916 687.', 1,050 695 1,149 Remarks. Norllicote is at the nortlierly ex- tremity of the Duck Mountains. Livingstone is 8i miles north Fort Felly. of EIGHTH lOO-MlLB SECTIOM WEST OF LAKE SUPERIOR. Morland Assineboine , Leyden Stopfurd Nut Hill Murchison .. Killyleogh.... Thackeray ,, Nasmyth Buckstono .. Thorwaldscn 701 1,116 712 1,111 719.\ 1,131 729 1,425 739 1,387 :5oi 1,272 759 1,226 768 1,210 777,'. 1,205 786 1,257 796i 1,231 Xear Crossing of River Assine- boine. Nft.'iniyth is not far norlli of Quill Lake. NINTH 100-MILE SECTION WEST OK LAKE SUPEIIIOU. Swanholm Humboldt Gotland Denholm Baldwin Grenoble Finland Round^ll Saskatchewan Oldrod Goulbourn 80U 81.5' 823 831 A 841?, 852i 862? 869' 876J 884 891 Vcar where the moose died On the easterly bank of the River South Saskatchewan. lUne cache, 9!t T.IST (IK STATIONS ESTAHMSIIEI) HETWEEN LAKE SUPERIOR ANIi TETE JAUNE CACHE, IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS — Continued. TBNTB 100-MILB SKCTION WIST OF LAKE SUPERIOR. le norllicrly cx- uck Mountains. miks north of Name of Station. Betblobem Caerlaverock Norraanfielil . Ronaldsa ... Raith Eagle Hill ..., Hecla Battleford Coal Brook... Wolf Hill Nnbikwan ... Distance from Lake Superior. Miles. 904 912 924 934 943 962 960 967 975 983 995 Height above Lake Superior. Feet. 1,048 946 922 1,071 996 1,016 985 1,019 1,088 1,108 1,189 Remarks. Xear The Rlbow of the River North Saskatchewan. Near the mouth of Battle River (proposed Seat of Government of the North- West Territory). EI.EVKSTII 100-MII.E SECTION WEST OP LAKE SUPERIOR. River Assinc- r north of Quill B C D K P H Orizzly Bear 1 K 1,005J 1,014 1,023 1,035 1,045 1,057J 1,067" 1,075 1,088 1,099 J TWELFTH 100-MILE SKCTION AVKST OF LAKE SIJPKRIOR. ik of the River wan. L .. M N P Q R S Edmonton. 1,1 lOi 1,121 1,133 1,143 1,1.52 1,162} 1,173 1,184 1,197 1,729 1,729 1,647 1,691 1,767 1,877 1,904 1,904 1 817 21 miles south of Fort Edmonton. 100 ':ll .-. LIST OF STATIONS ESTABLISIIKP BETWEEN LAKE SUPERIOR AND TETE JATJNE CACHE, rx THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS — C'MCluded. h>' ■ s H .-I •■: THIRTEENTn lOO-MILB SECTION WEST OF I.AKB SnPERIOR. Name of Slation. Root River . Lacombe .... Alontbriin . McLeod Beaver Vallad Ponoka Hayonette .. Hector Distance from Lake Superior. Grandin , Siksika... Lnjilaine Paiiiser .. Helcoiir .. Lo!)Sli(k, Ijan glade Koiiihesk Clieadle Miles. 1,208 l,220i 1,229^ 1,239 1,250* l,2G3i( 1,275' 1,285 1,296J Height above Lake Superior. Remarks. Feet. 1,784 1,724 1,826 1,817 1,811 1,922 1,989 2,092 2,167 FOUnTEENTH 100-JIIF,E SECTION WEST OP LAKE SCPEniOU. 1,309 2,325 1,323 2,447 1,332 2,412 1,340 2,466 1,351 2,804 1,361 2,871 1,369 2,772 1,381 2,630 1,391 2,663 Near River McLeod. FIFTEENTH 100-HILG SECTION WEST OF LAKE SUPERIOR. Grand Portal Jasper Miniwakan ... Athabasca Myette Summit Meadow Yellow Head Wastedo Moose Lake Fi'nser 3' low green hills; on the north the mountains are bold, high and rugged. On the south, the most important in ca.«e a line of railway should come this way, the mountains arc steep but not rough, and generally keep well away from the lake, leaving a margin of hard, firm, level ground along the shore. The atmosphere bore is thin and tiansparent ; the water of the lake is fresh, clear and deep. Two snuill streams enter the lake fiom the east, but the main feeders come from the mountains to the north. Having crossed by a raft on the 20th, we took the valley of the strcani further to the south, but soon found it turning south-east, and returned to Camp 12. Jlere wo noticed recent signs of hoi-ses, lint we searched in vain for any trail to this neighborhood. An old wigwam, a cache, a fishing spear and several paddles were found, showing that Indians must frequently visit here. On the Sist we took stock of our supjdies, and discovered that we had just enough loft to take us back to our cache, providing no delay took ])lace in re-crossing the Clearwater. With reluctance, 1 resolved to begin our return next day. As a last attempt, however, I climbed the mountain to an altitude of 5,000 feet, wont eastward along the ridge tor about eight miles, and there, from a tall tree, could see, about Ibrty mil< s east, a high range of mountains stretching north and south, which it was' impossible for the small stieam running in the valloy below to drain, I tborefoi'c concluded that there must boa divide not far up the vallo}', and that the high moun- tains must be on the east side of North Thompson. Could avc get there in four days wc would bo sate, for then we would not be more than a few days travel from a small cache of supplies which 1 left on my first trip up the North Thompson, not far from the mouth of Devil's Canyon ; besides, we might meet oui* pack train, which, in case of spare time, I had ordered up river to meet us. I resolved to make the attempt. Early on the morning of the 31st we left Camp 12 on Murtle Lake, and, travel- ling north 80° cast, up a favorable valley for five miles, reached the divide at 3,800 feel ; total from the Clearwater 38 miles. Five mi'es fart her on we camped at 3,050 foot. Up to this point (Camp No. 13) there arc no gi'oat obstacles in the way, at least from I' !l i04 Murtlo Lako. From Camp 13, howovor, tho mountains begin to clo30 in, and tho stream to fall rapidly tlirpiigh a canyon, an much in some ])laccs as 75 foot in 200 yards. For five miles this canyon continues, tho mountain rising from its edges almost perpemlicularly. At five miles froiuUamj) 13 the canyon suddenly widens out into a tine level valley. At the same point, a stream, much larger than that down which wo came, comes in from tho north-west. Hero i first rt'-ognizod tho valley of Blue River, and the stream last referred to as thit which I hatl explored on a former occasion. At seven milos. Camp No. 14, altitude 2,70!) foot, wo had thus descended, in seven miles, 950 foot. On 2nd June, following tho river north 75° cast, through the flat alluded to in a former repoi-t, we crossed the lino of the V Division, near pog 1,037, bench mark 423.34, my barometer indicating 2,400, and camped on the North Thompson a quarter mile below the mouth of Blue Eiver, having travelled that day ton miles. Next day at dark we reached the cache of supplies, and on Juno 4th mot our pack train and tho M division forty mdos above Clearwater, Mr. Jarvis having started up that rivor on 31st May. My men, whom ho mot at tho crossing of tho Thompson, gave him all the information they could. From Clearwater to North Thompson wo have : — Cloarwatoi', altitude 2,500 feet ; to summit, altitude 3,800 feet, north-easterly 38 miles ; rise, 1,500 feet. Summit, altitude 3,800 feet; to Camp 14, altitude 2,700 feet, easterly 12 miles; fall, 1,100 feet. Camp 14, altitude 2,700 foot; to mouth of Blue River, altitude 2,400 feet, 10 miles north-east ; fall, 300 foot. Total distance from Clearwater to North Thompson 60 milos. The weather during the whole trip was very vai'iable, the altitudes are conse- quently not to be too much relied upo'.i. After seeing the pack train safely across the Thompson, on the 7th instant, I took to a rafi by which I reached Kamloo]>s on the evening of the 8th, when 1 re- ceived your letter 27lh May, to which I paid immediate attention. It is not my purpose to otter any opinion or make any suggestions as to the pos- sibility of constructing a railway on or near thislineof exploration, my object being to furnish j'ou with information sufficient to enable your better judgment to decide that point. I would only remark that if this route shall bo deemed impracticable, and a line still desired between the Frascr IMvcr on the North and the Mahood Lake Valley to join the North Thompson and the Cariboo Waggon R>ad, it must be sought for to the north of the line just explored, as 1 am well satisfied no practicable route exists to the south that is not already known. I am, Your obedient servant. JOS. HUNTER. To Maucus Smith, Esq., Deputy Engineer in Chief, B.C. 105 in, and tlio I foot in 200 odgos almost ns out into a vn which wo ifBliioRivor, lor occasion. 1 sovon railos, I flat alluded 1,037, bench Thompson a y ton miles. lot oui" pack ng atai'tod up Thompson, th-oastcrly 38 i-ly 12 miles ; 2,400 feel, 10 i-th Thompson les are consc- th instant, I 1, when 1 rc- as to the pos- y object being cnt to decide [liicticable, and Mahood Lake must bo sought icticablc route lUNTER. AITKNDIX E. UKPnUX ON KXI'I.dHATlli.NS Af^UnSS TIIK (ASCADK AKlllNTA INS IIY THE SI Mll.KAMKKN A.N'll TULAMKKX VAI.I.KV.S, liV .MKSSUS. JnllN TUl/lCIl AMI II. J. CAMIIIK. IJopK B.C., IstJiily, 1871. ►Sill, — I have the honor lo report thai, in ai.(.i)i\laiii'« with yt»ni' instrucliiMi,-, I |.)iiiod Mr. Cambio at New Weytniinster lor the [iiirposo of making --oiiu' oxjiidratioiiii (i| tliiit ]K)i'ti()ii of the Ca.sc.'Kle Moiiiitaiiis lying bolwoen the soiitln-ni Itoiindaiy of tlii.-. I'l'ovince and the River i-'rasor, witli a view lo ascertain wiielluM- any suitable ]ia>> for a railway exists between (lie cuiintry east (if t'le Moiinl.'iins and the valley of !lie liower Fraser ; and more jiartieniai-ly in ri^a.rd to the liead walei's of llie Skagit iiml Cociniiialla Rivers, to wliich allusion had been made at a jmblie meeting, held in New We.stminster some time in May last, as ollViing thedesiied facilities fur railway ceiisd'uetion. Afler proceeding to Hope, where we engageil the services of an Indian guide named Hatcher, who had been particiiliirly recommended as being well ac(inainteil willi llie passes we were to explore, wo starlcii on the 'Jnd of last June, and followed the pack-trail to the Simiikameeii as far as Ci'ilar ;i width ofl20fcet. In half a mile we lound the river issuing from a narrow canyon ' iili [»reci]jitous walls of lock 2(10 feet in height, f'assing round tins ohstru 'tion, id'Mig steep side-hills, for another half mile, we again came to the river, which wo i"!l"Wed to a point where it makes three forks, at four miles from CedfirCamp, in which 'iiiance the riseof the river was ODi) feet. The left and right-hand brandies, the Indian said, were valueless, coming out ot' liigl mountains; we thereloi'c contimieil '.i> follow up the middle or main stream, now only 80 feet wide, passing numerous small feeders on our wa_, . At 7A miles the river, SO feet wide, lui'ncd abruptly 1" I he south-west, through a heavily-wooded luirrow valley, which evidcnth- rose rajiidly. IPere we left the main strcamanil followed a small l>ianch u|>a valley which sMiui widened to half a mile. The timber, which, tVoni Cedar Camp had been green, with a dense undergrowth, was now burnt, a few scattered logs oidy lying on the liriiiiiid. In two miles after leaving the main stream, the branch we were following ' oascd to run, and in another half mile we struck a large stream 30 feet wide, coming l""m the south-west, and now taking a general course to the east. Tliis was a l'i:!i]l' i''*' inoiinl.'iiiH ovoi'loDkiiii^ (lie I'jiss, wo followod tlio Similkiimccii lor tivn inilos, to its junction with uiiotlu!!' l»nuKli (.■oniin;^ IVum IIk^ soiilli jvn'l wost, down wliicli a trail frun, Cliilnlcwt'ynk luul been iniiilo \>y tlio Houndary Commission in is,");*, tlio two lirancliL's torinin!,' !i |jir,!i;c rivnr flowii.i,' in a wide liottom, Willi cottonwooils, iVc. The dc^coni I'rom tlic siiniiniL lu'ini^ "niy 4.'>0 ll-ct, it was evident that nothing could lit; liopod for IVoni assondiii::; tlii> lirancli of iho Siinil- kanict'ti, wliicli, bosi tiio y oljlaiiK'd, a sy, under my the dirtcnmt I) discovoVin;' iilameoii. In idly, headinii; le fully, to SCO IS to leiij:;t1uMi and we think Hrsl 20 miles he vest of iho ct to slides of idd thai any and detailed lUTClI. (U\s witii thai ;ambie. RKI'OHT ON SCRVEVFNd Arri<:NDix f. orEKAXroNS TN Till; MOt-NTAFN 1874, HY MAiirrs smith. HEdlON Dl'RINd THE VKAR Ottawa, April 15tli, 1875. Sift — After the Report of January, 1874, was sent in, it appeared necessary that examinations should be made in the followin<^ soetions: 1st. From the Valley of the North Thompson, cid IMue River to River Clear- water, thence to Lac La Hache and River l-'raser. 2nd. Knim Tete .laune Cache, across the mountain chain, to Lake Clearwater, ami thence in a westerly direction toward the llomathco Pass. 3rd. From Tete Jauno Cache, down the Valley of tlie River Frasei-, to Fort (ieor<^o. 4th. From Fort (ieorgc across the Chilicotin country to Lake Tatia and the llo- mathco Pass. 511). From Yale northward throui^h the canyons of the Lower Frascr. fith. From Yale to liurrard Inlet." 7th. From Dean and OJai-dnor channels across tlio Ca«caile Mountains to the in- tei'ior of tlio country. 8th. From I'ort George westward through the unexploi'od region to the cliain of mountains along tlie coast. 0th. From the North branch of the River Fraser across the Rocky Mountain chain by the Smoky River Pass. The first and second sections relate to Route No. 5 of the report of January, 1S74. and as the result of an examination of these would determine whether it might bo necessary to proceed with the third and fourth sections, which relate to Route No. fi, a telegram was sent on the 20th of March to Mr, Hunter, a member of the sur- veying statt', resident in Victoria, to go and examine the first section and report the result with the least possible delay. An efficient staff was then organized for tho purpose of prosecuting tlio surveys, and put under my charge. Wo left Ottawa on the 2:3rd of April, and arrived in Vic- toria on tho 5th of May. Mr. Hunter had, in the meantime, made an examination of the Valley of tho Hlue River, following up the north fork, which was found to bo impracticable; and you had telegraphed him to goto tho point, east of tho River Clearwater— to which his explorations from Lac la JEache had been carried in 1873 — and to continue tho examination eastward to tho valley of the North Thompson. Ho had not returned from this second expedition when wo arrived in Victoria. I then formed three Divisions, M, N and X. Tho first, with Mr. E. W. .Jarvis in charge, left Victoria on tho loth of May for Kamloops, where they would arrange a pack train of horses and mules and complete their supplies. Mr. Jarvis had instructions to send his Division up tho north branch of tho Thompson to tho mouth of the River Albreda, while he, with a small party, should examine a line up the valley of the Clearwater, to the head of Lake Clearwater; thence across the divide to the Cariboo branch of the North Thompson, and rejoin his Division at the mouth of the River Albreda. It was expected ho would meet Mr. lluntei- on the way, and learn from him the result of his e>:amiiiation of tho lino liotween Lac la Hache and the valley of the North Thompson. Comparing this with his own line he was to commence an instrumental survey of that which appeared the most favourable. But if both lines should appear unsatisfactory, thou ho was to go on with his division to Teto Jaune Cache and make an instrumental survey dowu the valley of the Fraser to, the Grand JJapids. 108 I Pi' ' T)[\'\H\oi\ N left Vicforin on (lie lOtli of May wiili ^Fi-. TT. P. "Rt'll in clinr^'o, wlio luid ills! luct ions lo jnorot'tl to Furl (Jcor;,'*' and inalu' an in?«ti iimonlal suivoy I'rom lliiit pditif caslwiird, a( rnss llio noith end id llic ('aiilioo i!iiij,'i', to nlriUo llit> Frasor valloy near lliL- (iiand |{a|>ids; thence np the valley till lie mi' I Division M eomin;^ down. Mr. ('. II. (lanisby, in charge of Division X. left Victoria on the IDtli of May, lor Lake Tatia, at llio head ot tlie Jloniatlno I'uss, from hiite Inlet throiiffji tlie Cascade Mounlains, with instructions to Voninieiice an inslriunenlal snrvey iVom a ]ioint on the line surveyed in 1S72, on a north-ej.stcrly course toward Fort (ieor^c. About this time, I received .-evi-ral communications from New Westminster res|iectinn- the rc|)(M'ted discoveiy of passes leading through the Cascade Mountains fiom dillerent points on tlu! JJivcr Fraser; more especially the Allison Pass from Fort Hope, hy the head waters of the Ifiver Skagit on the we . As a practicalile pass in that nei^lihourliootl would he of the utmost impoi'tanco in allordin^ u possihie means of avoiding or reducin;^; the chief difliculties ot the lioute No. 1, I immediately f^uve instru.lions to Messrs. J. Triitch and IF. .I.Camliii^ to form an e.xplorinii' ])arty, and examine, in company, every pass they could lind or hear ol between the ('ofpnhalla and the American boundary line; and t<» eii^aj.;!^ for their assistance some ot the most inlellif^ent Indians accustomed to iiiint in these mountains. General .Examination of the Coast north of Bute Inlet. All tiio parties at my dis])osal were now in the Held ex('o|)t a small division lot- the e.\|)loration from the J)ean and (iardner channels, acro.ss the Cascade Mountains to the interior of the countiy, whi(di Mr. lloretzky was placed in char<^e of. It had been arranged that Mr. Iiichardson, ol the Geological Survey, should act in concert with this jiarty. and he had accordingly left a lurtni^ht before, in a small hired sloop, taking with him the necessary men and stores 1 had proposed to make a general examination of the coast, and to take i)assa^e in one of If. M. gunboats, which had been obtained for the ))urposc of assisting and ])rotccti. g the surveying party, should the Indians show any hostility or oiler any obstruction l<» Uieir ojierations. Jiul, at llie last moment, some difficulty was raised as to accommodation by the ofliccr in command of II. il. gunboat " I3o.\er," which liad been ordered on this service b}- the senior officer in command of the Station. This threatened delay 1 could not afford, as I had made engagements to meet the several Divisions at stated times and places during the .season, I was, therefore, fortunate in arranging with Mr. ('hailes, the Chief Agent of the Hudson s Day Company at Victoria, to linnt the next trip of the Company's steamer " Otter" northward, to Fort Simpson, — she being read}' to start in a few days, — and to take myself and party to all points rc(|iiired for the surveys. 1 advised you of this by telegram, and it was then further arranged that the " Boxer" sliould accom]iany u.s as coiivo}-. Our party consisted of Mr. lloretzky, Mi*. Seymour, Deputy tVom the Indian Department, and my.self. We left Victoria, in the "Otter," at 5 a.m., June 4th, ai'riving at Is^'anaimo at 2:30 p.m. We took in coal and left at 5.30 the same evening. As we pa.ssed Departure Bay, three miles north of Xanaimo, we saw the "Boxer" lying at the coal wharf. June 5th. — Having steamed all night we passed Seymour Narrows soon aftor 8unrise this morning. The western coast of Vancouver Island, front this point to Ksijuimalt, is described in thelicjiort of January, 1871. The belt of ilat land lying between the foot of the mountains and the Straits of Georgia, from Nanaimo north- wards, ends heic, and the mountain slo])cs come down to the water's edge, in a stec]), irregular line, broken at intervals by rugged cliff's, prctjecting into deep water. This character of outline continues to the end of Discovery Passage; but after reaching Johnstone Strait, the slopes _of the mountains nse, generally at an easier M!) laiMor " Otter " ■I, — and to tuko •aii<'ccl that tlio inclination, to a hoi^lit of ow to Ihico tlioiisaml left, ami aio covorutl to tlicir suniinitH with a (lon>c growth of lir, spnico ami coiUir. Tlio niountaiiiH in lliu inlinioi* of tlic inland i'is(> to u inucli u;rtr aliitudo, with HiinunitH of bald rocU, in Home i)lac»>s covi'ii'd witli miiow. N'ictoriii peak in moio llian 7,0((0 feet above ^ea level. Johnstone und Hroiij^htun Straits are hounded on the north hy a niimhor of islands, and a pt'oniontory or spur from the mainland, thu eliannels Ix'tween which connect with fionls, or lonj^. narrow arms ol the sea, some of which pierce to the core of th'! Cascade Mnnntains. These islands and headlands aii" masses of lock, partially exposed, hat for the greater i)ai't covered with a thin coatini,' of vegotahle soil, siip|iortinf^ a dense i^rowth of H)»niee, tir and cedai", from their water hase to their snmmits- -rising from a few hnn<, (licii hinootliin;; tilt- ^iirliu-u oftlio l.iltcr willi tlio hiiiiu' IooI they ll^*> in lioiluwiii^' out their catHKw, Oiut liuii>i- ottfii coiilaiiix M>v«-ral ^'(■ii(>i'alit< wo vihitcil wt'i'o ((tiniiaiativfly clcaii and wt-ll >wi'|il, with a ((iiiilnilal'lo tiro lila/.iiij; in the ccnd'c, and Icils ol tin's and MankclK ran^nl Knind. Most ill lliu Indians wciiu niit liiintiii;^ and ti>liin^, l>iit Mr. Soynioiii' ^'iivu liaiiilkfi'cliict's, tnhacco, itc, tn (he njd chifrand lln- h'W others |iresi'iit, with wliieh they wore niiieh |ilea^ed. At dayhieak next day we loiind we woi'o ci'oHKinj; (^iieeii Charlode Sound, and oxjKiHed (o (lie swell oftlio I'acitic Ocean ; l)u( (he weadier was ealni, and tliu lowering ^^looin oCthe last (wo days had lui^'hteiied into >unshiiie. By noon we had eiiteicd l''il/.liiiirh Sound, ami the view around, a^r«ly covered with spruce, lirs and cedars. Knlci'in^ tliu I'liiinper Channel, wo soon passed the end of the Lama l'assni;o and reached ik-lla Jk-lla. ('ain|iliell islainl. Here the lliidsnn's May ('oin|iany have a trading post, and tlic (^tuokolt Indians a vilhi^tMind tishiiii;' -latioii. Fieavin^ thetiiin- lioat Channel on our ri^hl, we rounded the iKU'tli end of Cainphcll Island, and entered the Scaforlli Channel on a westward course, in Ivvo hours nioie we wer(> in Mill- hank Sound, and ^ot fairly into l-'inlaysoii Channel heforo niu;ht -el in. The islands around .Millhank Sound an' ffciieially low. intersected with hrokon ranges ofhunuiiocky hills covered with lirs and cedars. Over the low hills and far in the distance rosea hold raii^'c of donioshapcd snow-clad mountains; apparently crossing the heads of the J)ean and (lardiier Channels, not loss than seventy to oi^hty miles from us. Juiic'ith. — llaviiiy; stt'amed ail niiiht, through the Finluvsoii Channel, Jliukish Narrows, (irahain and Krascr Ivcachcs and the rrsiila Channel, we passed (ho lar/^o island in (iaidiier (Channel shown on Vancouver's chart luil not named, and found llio sloop "Triumph," with Mr. nithardson and llio men and stores on board. We took the sloop in tow till wo i'eache(| the mouth of the Kemano lliver, which enters the north side of tho channel about twenty-tive iiiilcs from \\- head, where we left the party to commonce the survey, Tho (lardncr Chanuol liom tho idaiid up to this point is fioin one to two miles in breadth, and ol" ^roat depth; homnuul in by mountains two or throo thousand foot in height, covered to their summits with timb>r of little value. As wo ascoiiil tho channel tho rooks become more exposed and r <• to a i;i'eiiter ultitiido, tho slopes ari^ steeper, and for lonmos down from tho north through a deep and iiurrow ravine and enters tho Kitlopo near tho :.| . Ill iiid toiiiiil tl)0 I ,,m1 of llu' lIl.lllMl'l. Tin: KillopO HiViT it-ir i<< Illi ml l'i;^llt lllllllllVll I'l'Ct wiilc ill itH iii'ititli ; ilH Hdiilli ImiiU i^< till) liithl lofky hIo|io or iijiv ulMivivnKMitiom'fl, tho Im.^o of ,\|iii'li i- ^Vl^^llt'll liy tin' river tur alMiiil l\vi> inilr>.. Tiir u|>|(citiic r.U\v '\h u |m\v t;ra-- liiiiiili'tMl yards widt' ; a --loiiu:!! nr liraiMli nf iIk^ river Iii)-« cut ihroiii^li lliu n|)|ii.'r |iiii'lii)ii iit'ihix, wliifli we rDJjovved ii|) over a mile, pas-^iii^ llie itoMo of the iiioiiiilaiii on llio iiorlli wi^sl hide. A lillle I'lirllior on we reir)itied llie iiuiiii river, wliieli hern niakeo u>o ■ ilxed np svith that of lln' liella Coola's that Mr. i)iincan had dillienlty in converhini,' withlliom. The iJardm-i' Channel has jrroat de|>lli of water ihroiighont ; '.hero uro u\v slicllcreil places whole a large vessel eoiild arndioi- and li(! in suicly, and for long -'ietihe> the shoi-os are roc Uy elill.s whero no laniling conld he cMeeied, and they are generally impractieahle for a line of railway. Jiinr 8//(. -We started down the Channel, and after nasising S'tainforlh I'oint Hteaniod iijt tho North Mraneh to its Junction with the Douglas o those at the head of the (lard nor Channel ; hut liio main hody is at Mctlahkailah, where iMr. I)iincan giiidi's hoth their spiritual and lenipo'-al atfairs. 1 1 was fortiinato this g<^nt Ionian wasapaHsoiigor with us, as he talked tolheso Indians ilieir own la .guagc, whiili ho speaks tlucntly, and insured foi- us a good iindor- ■■iiiiiding with all the Indians on thocoast, north ot the Dean Clianiu'l. After some talk ami the usual iirosontation of gifts, wo sU-amod down the ''liaiinol, roundeil tho capo, ami got woll into Uronvillo ('liannol boforo night set in. Jiinr '^tll. — AVo reached I'oil f'ssingioii, a lEmlson's Kay Company's I'ost, on the t>liiary of the River Skeciia. 'I'lio mIioi-os of this jiart of tlio river io-o very irregular in outline, and there aic no alluvial honehos; the slopes of this hill rise iV'im tho water more or less ahruplly to a height of oiio to three llioiisand tool. Passing hctweon Kennedy Island and I'erry Point, we Niuehed at a ])oint called Woodcock's Landing, then ran along the co.ist till we reached .Ui'llahkall ih Hay, >\aich we eritorod, and dropped am nor within throe hundred yards of tho itnncipal \ illage of the Tcliiii.sain lny the shore ; Ix.'liind this is iho now chnrch whicl; is hoing Imilt iiy tho Indians and is now nearly Hnished ; from this the village extends in two wings, following the sweep of tho shore lino. This olmrcli is a siihstantial frame hiiikling alioiit 00 x fiO foot. Tho walls, ^^lli(■ll are very lofty, are of tliroo-inch plank laid horizontally and lapped .so as to ivsomhlo rustic masonry. The interior is dividotl by two rows of pillars forming the nave and two side aisles, tho walls being finished with droHsod cedar boards. Tho « \v()rk looks lomarkahly w dl. Wo no.Kt visited the curpontors' and blacksmiths' shops, soap factory, Htorohou,se, t;i.,all of which aro imuiagod entirely by Indians; tlioro is also a .saw-mill .somy 113 ill III flislaiico off wliich wo liad not time (n visit. .■^11 roiitul fcho bay woi'c woll-cultivatod gariii'us and polalo jiatchos. The mission lioiiso conlains the apartmoiitfiol ilr. Diuifan and iiis as>istant.s, and lias accominoilation for a liinitod iuiml>ei' of hoardors. Tliorc is a iaru^o, squiiro (.'ommon luiil with ;i firopUici' in tlic contic, ai'oiind which wore seated al'oat a dozen Indian i^ii'is veri.:;inLr <>n womaiiiioixl. These are taiiifhl readiTiij, wfitini;- and arith- nietie, sewinjj; and other useful emplovnuMits. which acquifcments ai'o highly appro- eiatod hy the Indian men. and the educated girls aro in groat request for wives. Tliese girls sang (. June WfJi. — At six a. in., we arrived in Masset Harbour, on the north end of (I'rabam Island — the most northern of the (iuoen dharlotto group — and anchored ojiposjte an Indian village of one of the llyda trilies who occupy these islands. This end of the island is low, and much of it is tit for cultivation. In a walk of three miles we ])assed over some tine land, covered with fir, codai'. ])eniIo(dv anil .some birch, with smnll jiatches of prairie on which were grazing cattle belonging to tlu! Hudson s Bay Company who h.ave a trading post hero. The llyda Indians are a man!}- race, and a tew years ago they were fornudable, numitering several thousands, hut are now reduced to about si.x hundred on these islands. They are stronger, both mentally and physically, than the other Indians we hail met on the coast, their complexion is lighter and they s|)eak an entirely ditferent language. They are gooil carvers both in wood and metal, and make b:isK-els, hats, mats, etc., from tlie inner bark of ee iar tree-', which they ornament with bright colors of their own manutiu'ture, niixing them with tish oil. Tlu'ir houses are frami^l witn very large timbers, and are generally fiom forty to tifty feet square, with walls lil'teen to twenty feet high, of cedar plank three to five feel wide and two to three inches thick. The roofs of similar plank and low Itilidied. wilh a large opening in the top for tlie escaj)c of i\\c. smoke ; over this is a loard screen or valve balanced ou the roof tree; a siring i.- attached to each sidy of 113 1 woil-cultivatod s as>iKtiiMt.-. and ii larujo, squaro (I about a do/.oii iting and arith- highly a|)pro- qiiost for wiv08. tlioy generally cloati, tlio floor tlio inner liurk now , used a> a ;ed on one .side, vilized costinnc, ctraying Indian icli Mr. Dnncaa ! .shouUl taive an icd in tigiirativo rossod tlnMU at lemselvos in tlie Tiicy tlien all wore all very ilikallali, and at nee of Portland 1 ercelv Ihroiigli , trestle liriiigo IS here that Mr. r school is now is a missionary hcani spcecho'i wo got under fc lay near our le north end of and anchored se islands. In a walk of hendock and it tic helonging I'e forinidahle, idrcd on these other Indians ak an entirely tal, and make they ornament il. ,lly from forty plank three to )laidv and low ov(M' this is a u each sidu of this b}' which that to windward is jinlled down flat on the roof and the smoke escapes on the other side freiil}'. The gal)le end faces the street, and in tlie coidre of this is placed the family tree or standard, from two to five feet in liiameler and thirty to sixty feet or more in height. On this is carved the herahlic legend of the family wiiich often covers the whole standard from bottom to top. The crests arc generally a bear, wolf, beaver, eagle, or some nondescrijit fish. The entrance to the hou.sc was formerly by a hole cut through this standai'd, but now there is generally a door on iron hinges at one side. The hou.se is entered from a platform from four to six feet high ; and inside, on tho same level, a platform eight to ten feet wide runs all round the house; their licds, chosts and stores aro placed on this; ami steps lead down to the lower floor in the centre winch is ])lanked, except a square fire-place paved with stones. 1 have seen no houses in civilized life equal to these for rough comfort, and tho warmtii atl'orded to a largo family at a small cost of fuel. These Indians are heathens, but Mr. Duncan is thinking of establishing a niis- sion among them; 1 doubt, however, it he will find them as tractable as tlie Tciiin- sains. .fiine 12^/).— We left Massot J [arbour at 5 a.m. for Bella Holla, ami at 8 a.m., had cleared the sandspit on tho nortiieast coast of (rraham Island. The weather was liright and warm and wo made a straight course for tho I'l'incipo Channel, which we I'cachcd soon after noon ; thence our course lay tbi'ough the Xepoan and Kstavan Sounds, tho Loroda Channel, Millbank Sound and Seaforth Chainiel. Steaming all night, we reached IJella Bella at Da.m. next day, and within an hour entered tiieliunboat Channel, which is very crooked and in places so narrow between rocks and reefs, covered .d high tide, that it is not a .safe ])assage for ocean steamers. Soon after noon Ave entered the Dean Channel, but it rained nearly all day, and tho mist hung on the mountains, .so that we got only occasional glimpses of their summits which wore more or less covered with snow, and increased in altitude as we ascended the channel ; their I'uggeil slopes terminating in cliffs or steep shelves coming down to the water's edge. This channel is about two miles wide, with very deep water, and no sheltered bays or safe anchorage except near its head. In theeveiung we reached a largo flat or t(jngue of land pi'ojocting from the cast side more than halfway across the channel. This is about six or seven miles from the head of the channel and has been formed with the detritus brought down by the Iliver Kamsquot which issues from a can^'on through a screen of rocks, 300 to 40(» feet high and half a mile across, connecting tho mountains on each side of the valley, and ])robably at one time it damned iij) the river and formed a large lake behind it. The flat is about a mile across, twenty feet high near tho lower end, and about 100 feet where it Joins the I'ock ; il is covered with red fir and hemlock a foot or eighteen inches diameter. Tlu're is an Indian village, of the Bella (!oola ti'ibe, at tho mouth of the river. We anchoi'oil on the upper side of this flat which forms a well sheltered bay ; the shores however, shelve down rapidly into decji water, n\aking inilifferent anchorage; but wharves for steamers could be constructed at moderate cost. Xext day a party of us walked over this rocky barrier to the head of the canyon ; beyond that, as far as we could see, the rocky slopes of the mountains ri.-;e directly from the river. In the afternoon steam was got up, ami \vc I'an to the head of the channel but had some dilliculty in finding anchorage ; for this, like all the other inlets forming tho cascade chain terminates with a low flat, shelving abruptly into dcej) water. "The River Tshatsquat, which comes in at tbelu'-.id of the channel, is abf)ut 4tlO feel wide at its mouth. Ab(Mit half a mile up it is divided into two branches and several sloughs, covering nearly the whole of the valley, which is half to thrce-(|uarters of a mile wide, thickly timbered with red flr, hemlock and cedar. Om- guide took a ]iarty ol' us in his canoe about a mile up the rivei' to a small Indian villageand lishing station. June 1.")^//. — Wo proceeded down the diamiel ; ])assing the cross channel loading to tho IJentinck Arm, and in a few hours reached the head of the North Arm. Tho I 'i ■ 114 moiiiilaiiis woro piirtly fihroudcd in niisl, but what we could sec of tlicMu l)orc u gciioial rcsoinblanco to tliosc sui-rouiidiu^ i3iitc' Inlet, tlioii/j;h the higher ranges behind did not look so bi'oUen and were more dome-shaped than peaked. The slo])es of those abutting on the arm descend more abruj)tly to the water than those on the west side of Bute Inlet, and this is the chai'aeter of all the northern inlets. It would be iirijjractioable to construct a railway' on their shores on account of the enormous cost. The arm is about two miles wide and the Eivcr Molla Coola, or Woodhalk, whidi enters at its head, is about 400 feet wide at its mouth ; but a short Avay up it is divitlcd into several branches and sloughs. A party of us went by canoe about a mile up the river to the Indian Village and Hudson's Bay Compan3''s trading l)0st. In the garden were fine crops of turidps, carrots, potatoes, &e., but (he soil appears rather light and sandy. The valley is covered with tir, hemlock, cedar and a good deal of imderbriish. I have reason to believe that the description of the pas.^, through the Cascade Mountains, b}' Lieutenant Palmer in his report of survey, is in the main correct, and that no farther survey is nccos.'-ary. Millbank Sound is the best entrance from the Pacific Ocean tothedardner and Dean Chaiiiiels ; for, though i( is open to heavy gales from the south-west, the ofttng is clear of rocks and a very short time will sufflce for a vessel toget into sheltered waters. This is not the case with either the Kit/hugh, Loreda, or Xepean Sounds; all of which Iiavo dangerous rocks at their enti'ance, and are scarcely less subject to gale.s than .Mill- bank Sound. From Miilliank Sound, the course to Gardner Channel is by the Finlayson and Ursula Channels, the navigation being good. On our outward trip we passed through these in the night when (here was no moonlight. From Millbank Sound to the Dean Channel the most direct course is by Scaforth Channel and the Gunboat Passage; but the latter is crooked and narrow, with many I'ocks and roefs, barely covered at high tide. The better course is by the Laura Passage farther south ; oi-, leaving Seaforth Channel on a north-east course, there is a good passage north of that to the Gunboat Channel. Exploration between Lac la ILiche and the calley of the North Thompson, eld Blue Ulcer. {Route yo. ").) On my return to Victoria, 1 received Mr. JIunter's llepi>rl of his soc(md explora- tion of the line between Lac lalla'die and the North Thompson, by the valley of the Blue Eiver. Mr. Hunter took up the line at the point Avherc be and Mr. .larvis had closed their season's work in 187H ; and he soon discovereil that the stream which they had mistaken for the Clearwater was an atttuent of that river, falling into Lake Mahood aliout four miles from its heatl ; this ho now calls Eiver J)eception. The height at the crossing of (his, as indicated by the aneroid, is 8,280 feet above sea level. Tlie distance to the summit of the divide between this and Clearwater is estimated 25 miles, and the height at (he summit 4,100 feet. On the first six miles the rise is 220 feet, or nearly 31 feel per mile; then in IH. miles more it is about 23 feet per mile, and on the last six miles it is 50 feet per mile. Tiiroughout this distance (he line follows t!ie valley of the east branch of Jviver Deception, and there would be no heavy work. Prom the summit of (he divide to the ]{iver Clearwater the distance is estimated in 13 miles, and the descent is very rapid. Ijeingin thefi'-''^ fniir miles at the rate of mA leet per mile, on t'le rest of the distance it is 187i feet ])er mile, lint Mr. JIunter thinks that by followiim a valley which takes a North-Kast course from the summit down to Clearwater, the gradients would be greatly improved. The Clearwater at this point is 2,500 feet above sea level : thence eastward to an arm of Murtle Lake, on the divide between the Clearwater and the North Thompson, (he distance is 15 miles, and altitude of the lake ;i,T00 feet. On (he first eight miles tin- rise is \\2}, \'w\ ])er mile, on (he remainder it is about 4.'! feet \>vv mile. Tlie line then follows along the south siiorc of ^Murtlc Jiake, on a narrow flat 115 if llioin bore a liighcr rangos 1. " The slojieH I those on the rn inlets. It iiceount of the ?olla Coola, or 1 ; but a hhoil went by canoe pan3''rt trading , l)ut the soil •k, ectlar and a »n of the pass, " survey, is in ic Gardner and k-est, the offing leltered waters. Is; all of which ^ales than Mill- y the Finlayson passed through nd to the Dean it Passage; but ■overed at iiigh saving Seafortii the Gunboat fia Blue nicer. econd cxplora- le valley of the ivis had closed hich they had Lake .Mahood ,280 feet above Clearwater is ; then in K^. ) ieel per mile, inch of Jliver is estimated in Ihe rate.)f !»4A lut Mr. Hunter ;)m the summit eastward to an •111 Thompson, eight miles the I a nai'row liat between it and the mountains, (n i(s east side, a distance of 12 miles, fii il\" miles more, on an easterly course, the summit of the divide was reached, altitude 3,.S((0 fct above sea level. From the summit, eastward, the descent in the first five miles is 150 feet, or ;iO feet per mile in an open valley ; but at this point the mountains close in i>nd the stream (a branch of the Blue liiver) rushes through a canyon five miles in length, falling at the rate of 130 feet per mile. Immediately below this, where the north branch of the Bluo I'iver comes in, it opens out into a fine wide valley, which extends to its junction with tliat of the North Thompson, with a falling gradient of about HO leet per mile. Mr. Hunter gives the distance from the Clearwater to the North Thompson as GO miles; but this is certainly over-estimated, as distances travelled through a rough country generally are, and at least 20 per cent should be deducted. Thcnigh this route is shorter than No. t, ami the works would be lighter, yet the gradients are so unfavorable that I did not think it worth an instrumental survey. I therefore instructed Mr. Ilunter to form a Division (V), and commence a re-survey of that portion of Jior.to Nr>. 4, from William's Lake across the Frascr and on to the ChilcMin Plateau. Examination of Passes fhroxojh the Cascade Mountains frth June, 1874, on a journey through the districts in the southern part of the Province ; at Fort Hope I met Messrs. Trutcli and Cambie, and ri'ceived their repoi't of an examination of the Passes through the Cascade Mountains, between the Kivers Fraser and Similkameen. They commenced at Fort Hope and followed up to the Nicolaume Valley, by the old waggon road, to Summit Lake, 12 miles; rising in that distance 2,024 feet, or KiOi- feet ]ier mile. Thence they descended liy the Sumallow Valley to the River Skagil lOi miles, falling about 24 feet per mile. The height of the last point is 1,900 feet above sea level. They then followed up the main stream of the Skagit seven miles, rising OOieot per mile; thence up a tributary of that river to the summit of Allison's Pass, 13 miles, vising 144 feet per mile. The summit of the pass is 4,400 feet above sea level. A few luindred feet beyond this, they . vuck the south branch of the Eiver Sindlkameen which flows on a south-easterly course. This line was considered impractical'le for a niilwa}-; the party accordingly returned to the Co(iuihalla Valley and carefully cxaniincd all the principal streams flowing into it on the east side, with the view of find- inga way to the head waters of the Tulameen — sometimes called the north branch of the Siniilkameon — but without success. All the valleys in thai direction headed into high mountains, covered with deei» snow; this was in the last week of .June. The main valley of the Coquiballa was then examined to sec if it were practicable to get a uni- foi-m gradient throughout from the Summit Lake to the K'iver Fraser, and so avoid the worst gradients in the survey of 1S72. It is pi-obable that this can bo done, giving a gradient of 100 feet per mile torH") miles, but it would be at the cost of exces- sively heavy works, including a great length of tunnelling and massive snow-sheds, as a jirotection from the avalanches of snow which roll tlown the steep sides of the valley, bringing with them quantities of timber and loose rocks. But the pass is so nigged that the magnitude of the works in the construction of a railw:iy through it can only be determined b}- .i careful instrumental survey, whichit was not expedient to make at the time. Therefore, I instructed Mr. Trutch to form a Division (V) and make an instrumental survey from Fort Hope to Burrard Inlet, crossing the Fraser at the most favourable place. 1 - I 1 110 Jovrneij from Fort Hope to the Valleys of the SImilhamccn, OJmunjan, and others in the Southern part of the Prormcc, T liaf small lakes, ar, rocky bluffs [uid traverses a ass, till ncarinii," ) steep sides of the foot of the i( covered with his there arc a number of neat sulistantial lo^ houses. Ileie w(' ciossed the river by a bridf^e lately erected, and soon after passed the residence of Mr. Kllis, an extensive wtock raiser. This is the only white settlement Ave had seen since Icavinjif the boundary line of Ossoyas Lake. About three miles furllu-i' on, we camped by a spiing half a mile from the lake. The slopes of the hills abut on Lake Okanaii;an in many rocky blutls, and the trail following the eastern shore was reported so rough and ndrythatwe took the trail lead- ing over tlie mountain, which at the sumndt is nearly .3,000 feet above the lake, and wo found it a hard (lay's travel of 150 miles to the Mission Valley, where we camped not far from the l?oman Catholic ^Mission ; most of the Indians were away hunting or fishing, but Fathei- (irandidier told us those under his charge numbered about -tOO souls. This is a very fine valley; the bottom, a low flat of excellent agricultural land, extends four or five miles along the Okanagan Lake, and is partially cultivated by white settlors for several miles uj) ; we saw excellent cro))s of wheat, oats, potatoes, &c. Altitude of lake by aneroid, 1,120 feet above the sea level. The trail follows up the valley, which takes a north-easterly direction for a few miles; it then takes a course nearly due north and jjarallel to the Okanagan Lake. A chain of lakes extends through this valley, the largest of which is about 17 miles long. Portions of the bottom lands are fenced in for agriculture, and the slopes produce the most luxu- riant bunch-grass. There is a divide in the valley, and the outlet of these lakes is at the north end of the largest of them, where the Coldstream Valley comes in from the east. About four miles up the latter is the ranche of Mr. Charles Vernon, which comprises a large extent of fine agricultural and grazing land, partially timbered, and a considei-able portion of it under cultivation. The adjoining hills are covered with the richest bunch-grass. Jiilij ^t/i. — "We were now about seventy miles from the foot of Okanagan Lake, and ten miles from the head of it, which we reached by a fine open valley of rich grazing land, so smooth that waggons and buggies have been driven over the natural surface. Here "Sh: F. ,1. Barnard has a i-anche on which a large number of horses are pastured. From the head of Okanagan Lake there is a waggon road to Kamloops, over sixt}' miles distant, following the Salmon Eiver to Grand Prairie, thence by a narrow valley to the south branch of the Iliver Thom])son, and down the left ban.k of the latter to Kamloops. About twenty miles of this is through timbered lands; the rest being park-like rolling land similar to that about Kamloops. The road, for miles together, is simply a ti-ack on the natural surface of the ground, and there is no heavy excavation on any part of it. The most remarkable feature on the road is Crand Prairie ; a beautiful low basin among the hills,containing several thousand acres, a great ])!)rtion of which is fine agricultui'al land, on which there are several settlers. I was informed that the depth of snow rarely exceeds nine inches, and that 1,100 head of cattle have been ])aslured there throughout the winter, and have come out fat in the spring. There is a low valle}- running north-eastwards from the head of Okanagan Lake connecting with Shuswap or Spiliemeechene TJivcr. Through this valley there is a chain of ])onds and swamps so little above the level of the lake and river at either end that a canoe has been taken through from the one to the other. The distance is probably under twenty ndlos, and a canal could be cut across at a veiy moderate cost, which woidd form a link in a line of navigation for small steamers which would 1)0 over 800 miles in length, through the most fertile portions of this disti'ict, viz. : — From Savonna's Ferry on the Thompson Tiiver at the foot of Lake Kamloops, up the latter and the Thompson Biver to Kamloops, from which thei-e would be a branch up the Xorth Thompson to Clearwater, 7.') miles. From Kamluo))S up the south branch of the Thompson, on which there are many fine farms, to Lake Shuswap. Travei'sing the latter to any point desired, wo could then pass up the S))illemeochene River and through the canal to Lake Okanairan, thence to any point on the same and ilown its outlet, as far as navigal»le, towards Ossoyas Lake. With tliLs, the rich district of Nicola Valley could bo connected, at small cost, by a good waggon road to Kamloops, there being already an excellent trail through a fine open bunch-grass 118 It- il m ]\:inilii(>i)s on tlic 11th of July whore I rocoiveil tlio F'cpoi't of .Vfr. come in two (hiys hoforo by an huliun oxpross from Toto .laiiiie across country from the Nicola Valley to thoSimilkamccn ; thus travcrHini^ and conncctinff some of the fiiirost portions of EriliishColumhia; those, too, which comi)risotliegraKinj^ (lihti'icts par excellence. Jyi-liloratioi) front Jmhe C/earirdier to the Vullei/ of the North Thompson. "Wo arrived at .Tarvis which had Cache. Mr. .larvis went np the River Clearwater to the lakes, thence north-eastward [)ss the divide to the Carihoo Koi'k of the Xorth Thompson. The summit of the divide was fully 7,000 feet above sea level, at the lowest place he could tind, which was over an immense jjlacier. As this was clearly impracticalile for the railway line, lie took his division on to Tote .laune Cache, and commenced the survey down the Krasi-r Valley. As this con- tingency had been foreseen and provided for, there was no ehan,u;e to be made in the disposition of the other surveyinj.^ parties. Re-examlnation of that part of Route No. 1 hetireen Kamloops and the Coquilmlla Pass. In the pro<>ress T'eport of 1 874 (Appendix E, page I-IS) it is stated that : •' The grade on the first three and a (pnirter miles, from the crossing of the River Thomjwon, rises 1 jjcr 100; and on the next three and three quarters milos, 2-40 per 100 or 12(rt2 feet per mile." " The avei-age grade on these seven miles is about 92 feet per mile; but if it were ])ossible to get a lino giving this, it would beat the exponstM)f still heavier works." The above is a description of the line surveyed in 1872; but I now made a j)ersonal examination, and t'ound that by crossing the river lower down near the forks and cui'viiig round the base of the hills on the south side, about a hundred foot in height could be gained before reaching the blulls. by which the heavy excavations Avould be much retluced, and possibly a uniform gradient of 77 feet per milecoulil bo obtained on the next seven miles, whence the Valloy of Campbell's Creek could be reached with moderate works. Tlie bottom flat of this vallej' is oidy a few hundred feet wide, covered with alders and willows; but the slopes are of easy incl!nati<»n and passal)ly uniform ; they are covered with buncii grass, dotted with clum])s of red pine; and only in a few ])lacos are there i-idges of rock projecting into the stream. Thus, there are facilities for obtaining n.oderafe gradients without very heav}' works. Through the divide between the Valley of Campbell's Creek and that of vStump Lake there is a canvon about half a mile long. The summit altitude is given in my b'eport of 1874, 2,!t"00 feet above sea level ; this is a clerical error; it should be 2,600 feet. The descent from Stump Lake to Nicola is through a beautiful open country, and I have no doubt that the worst gradients on the line surveyed could be much improved by a slight deviation. The Nicola Valley, at the head of the lake, is fully a mile wide, tlie bottom flat, is low anil wet, but, with di-ainage, would be very fertile land; it extends si.x or seven miles above the head of the lake, and is all taken uj) and occupied. The line surveyed in 1872 follows the west bank of Nicola Lake and Eiver to the C'oldwater \'alley, thence up the same to the Coquihaila Pass. Later this season I made a journey from the east side of Lake Nicola, uj) McDonalds Creek and across the diviile to Otter Creek and the north branch of the IJiver .Similkameen, to see if it were practicable to reach the Coquihaila by that route which is through a fine open country — but high and rolling. 1 doubt if a line for tuo railway could be got this way so good as that surveyed by the Coldwafer. Ill) tl River to In the Nirolii Valli'y, nil lioth sides of tlie laKe antl river, there is a eoiisider- al>le qnniitity of rich agriciiltiiral land, with tine hnnch-grass on the slopes of the hills adjoinint^, interspersed with eliim])s of yellow pine. Out of these lands, there are two Inilian reservations: one near the head of the lake on tiie east side, the other a little helow the mouth of the Coldwater Yal'ey. All the rest is taken up and oecujiied hy white settlors. At the mouth ot the Coldwater, six miles below the foot of Lake iXicola, there ;ui jxtensive beds of eoal ofexeellent (luality; and a few miles further down, on the (liviue between the Nieola and Fraser rivers, there is saiil to bo abundance of iron ore. I reached Xicomeon on the waggon road, on July 22n(i, where I loft my pack train and travelled by stage and steamboat to Nietoria. This journej' completes ni}- examination of tlie central plateau from the boundary line to the Chilcotin country, boyond the S'ind parallel of north latitude. J'J.ijiloi'atori/ '/'iiinii'!/ on the Cent ntl. Plafaai, Iniirifu fhe ('ot(st Clniiii of Moitntaius and the River Frascr'J'rom the (Ihilirolin Cuiintnj northivdn/s, to JaiIic Frani;olti (did the Jfirers Xcchai'o and Stewart. 1 left Victoria on the 5th of August to arrange for this oxphtralory journey. Various business detainepcn aiitl spruce which adorn tho softly undulating gi'assy slopes of the sunny side of the valley supplied us with abundance of grouse. We afterwards fouml that this, tho .");Jrd parallel of north latitude, is essentially tho northern limit of the bunch-grass. From this northward, the (juantity of rain-fall greatly increases, and drainage rather than irrigation is t (he Mi(ers The i'e(piired. AiKjusf 31,sY. — Wo s(ar(ud from the Telegraph trail on the north sido of tho valley of tho Blackwator, and followed the edge of the same nearly due west for eight miles, on to a range of hills running in a north-westerly direction, where the valley makes a bend to (he south-west. From an elevated position W(! had a lino view up this valley for about twelve miles to its junction with that of the Nazco, I I 120 on llio direct lino to (liisiqiiit Lako and llu^ llomallico Pass. Wo woro now Iravol- lin^on the same line taken by Sir Alexander Mackenzie in 171KJ. Sijifcinlicr Int. — Fi>ll()\vin,!^ a coiirso a little south of west, at llie thirteenth mile we entered a tine hroad and oj)en valley ; ci'os.sing this (»lili(|Uel3', in three miles more we came toiielear stream, 40 f'eetwido, tlowin^ towards the south-east into the iilaek water, ahout^ three mile-; distant. The stream makes a i>ond here and takes a course nearly due west — looking up stream. We I'nilowed this on its soiitherii hank fornix miles, where we ci-ossed it, as it there takes a north-westly course, and the valley expands into a ])lain several miles in breadth. The Indian name of this stream is Is-cul- taes-li, (blackberry J{ivor.) hi the evening we toadied Trout J^ake, a tiiu* sheetV't Avater over a mile in length, and half a mile in breadth, abounding in speckled trout. On a grassy sloi)e on its eastern nnirgin we camj)ed, Iwcnty-tive miles from tlus Telegraph line. Next day, about noon, wo crossed the spur ot a hill 2,1)80 ieet above sea level, and u few miles further on, the trail again strm-k the left i>ankof the IMaek- waler, wliich had made a bend to the north-west from its iunction with the Na/.co. The river from wliere we struck it for foui- miles up is expanded into a lake. Wv camped by a small stream, the estimated distance from Tele^'ra])h trail, being 42 miles. tii'ptembcr 'Ard. — Mr. Jlunter and myself made an <'\cursion northwards to tho crown of tho table-land, ii,^y()H feet above sea levid. The ascent was easy, few rocks appearing on tho surlace. wdii<'h was thickly covered by small tirs, swept through by tire. Tho whole coinitry round was rolling and covered with sinnlar useless timber. JJetracing our steps, we reached the trail at 1 |i.m., and in two hours more came to the l()ot of u beautiful lake, an expansion of tiie river, about eight miles long juid three ((uarters wide across its broadi'st part, and dotted with islands. Its southern sh(»re is high, and, being on the shady side ot' the bill, is densoly covered with dariv spruce and cedar trees. Hut, on the other side, the undulating slopes of tho valley, I'ising 200 to 300 feet above the lake, are covered with bunch-gi'ass, vetches and ]iea- vine, and groves of aspen, foi-miiigii ehai-ming landsca])c. In the evening, we reatdied the tJird where; the trail crosses liu' rivi'i'. sixty miles IVoin the Telegraph line. Altitude of river, 15,145 feet. Next day, Mr. ilunli'r and myselt, accompanied by our Kliiskus Indian, ascended to tho summit of a range of iiills, crossing the river and beiring in a north-west direction. Our altitude was about I,")!)!) feet, from which we had a very extended view of the country all around, and could trace the valley of the JMackwater twentytive miles up, nearly due west. ^Vt tho foot of the range on which we stood, and north of us, lay a large horse-shoe shaped lake, which the Indians told us flows into the Nechaco. Tho men were engaged all day I'alting the stores and baggage across the river, which was too (U'ej) to ford. Si'ptcrnber')fh. — \Ve got across the i-iver and, following up a valley three miles, we arrived at Kliiskus Lake, whore the Iliulson's Bay Company formerly had a fort, but not a vestige of it is now to be found. This is still, however, a favourite resort of the Indians. Altitude of the lake liy aneroid, ;^, 500 leef : it is about three miles long and half a mile broad, with nuiddy bottom ; a light breeze makes the water unliL to drink. Three miles further on we camped by a spring, near another small lake, where we I'emained over Sunday. Meanwhile, we iiail sent an Indian to find out Mr. (iiimsby, and on Sunday afternoon he arrived fr()m his camp, distant about 20 miles westwai'd. Scptcmhcr *lth. — We followed the trail winch still kcjil on in the same course, a little to the south of west, on a bench piuidlel to the IMackwater. Towards evening, we reaclie(l Thratclia Jiake and, following its southern shore, we came upon thecain[i of Division X. The position of this camp was found, from observation of the sun's meridian altitude, and the instrumental surveys of .his Division (X) carried from the coast, to be lai. 5o^ north, long. 124° 5:r west, and the iicight of LakoTliratcha ii,;)10 feet above sea level. Noting uie variation of our instniments, we took this as a new jtoint of departure; and on the 'Jth September, we continued our journey; our trail keei)ing the same general course, a little to the south ix miles, alloy oxpaiids >aiii is ls-(.'ul- tiiic shoot 'ot Itocklod trout, lilos from llio !)8(l loot al)ovo kof Iho Blaok- Ih tho Nazco. a lako. Wo »oiiig42 milos. 1 wan Is to tlio asy, low vov,\m ipL lliroiij^li by isclcss limhor. moro camo l<> lilos long ami Its soiithorn i;ro(l with (lark of Iho valloy, lohos an lu' rivor ami Vom whioli wo c valloy of tho mgo on whioh ic Inilians told tho storos and ay throo milos, riy had a fort, ivoiirilo rosorl mt throo milos Iho water unlit, n-r small lako, to lind out iMr. about 21) milos Isamo ooui'si'. a Lards ovonin.i;', lupon thooamii on ol' tho suns earriod from iLidvoThratohii •o took this as |r journey ; our •a'dinga line of In alioiit six Ih-wost coursic, a|i|)urciilly diroctly aoross u hi,y;h i'aiifj;o of hill-, ciiitju'd with .snow ; l)ut tlio Cliilieotin Chief, Aiinuhimo, tolil us lliat (hero is a depression in the raiii^o by whioh the trail i;'oes to liako Naooontloon. whei'o ills principal camp is, thence up the stream .southwards to Lake Nimpoh. where it joins tho I5olla t'oola trail from Aloxandria to jioiitinck Arm. Thi- is llie lino l.'dvon by Sii- Alexander Mackenzie in 17!'H. Wo took the trail to the right, and at twelve milesorosscd the Bhudvwator, 1(H) foot wido and less than two foot deep; altitude !{,(tOO feet. Wo wore now in a wido valloy, ilmost an open plain, thi-ough which the rivei' tlows only a few foot above the general level. At llie i'onrteonth mile we came to a small lake, altitude .■{,740 feet, near which we camped. Sfiiieinbcr \f)tli. — Our trail now ran thi'ough small burnt timber which impeded our j)rogrc.s.s; but at noon wo came upon a wido, well cut trail, having tho appearanco of white men's work, liul wore told it was the work of an Indian who had recently died of fever; in ;'i(tnt an hour wo camo upon his house and grave ; a lovely s])ot on a grawsy knoll at the outlet of a lake, four milos long and two miles wiile across the widest part, altitude IJ.tJlO foot, and 21 miles from oin-slarting point atLalcoTlu'atcha. This is called Kliguck Lake ; the.slioain issiiingoiit ot it, twelve foot wido, is the Jilack- water; :it this a large black bear was driid|)earing on their summits. A mile furtlu-r on wo wore on a hill 4,0((0 fool above >oa level. From this wo could see through an opening at the head of tho lako into a lower basin, extending away to tho north-wost ; the rocks on tho shore of the lake, near its head, ai)peaivil ii> tho distance like basalt. Continuing on this high ground, on a generally westwanl course, at tho tliirtioth mile tho trail went over tho erowu of a largo globular rock of u-ranito, altitude 4,050 fool. were now sinv we w ore on the divide, for on a couise south ID" oawt, we had a niagniticent view up a valley between the high range of hills that had been on ourlolt tli(i last two days, and the main rangCN ot the Cascailes. This is tho vallo^' of the Salmon Ixivoi", at the head of which lies Lako Xacoontloon. From this point, koopi ii.,. ..,.>^,. ,...•.....,,1 ,..,t,,.^.. II. ,. U......II. ',. .i.i^/.<.i..i I., ...I' ,..i..i.iii..iii- I.I- .. ,.i..i;i. ,.r .1^.11 ni lie >amo jfeneral eourse, wo began I to aosoond very graUua iiy h- a chain ol marsh meadows, |(oiids and lakelets, and at ;i4 milos wo came lo an Indian hoiiso and grave on a beautiful grassy bill close to, and commanding a tine view of i^ako N'ghaco, which is of an irregular shape, 'iAiniles long and 1 mile wide; altitude, 0,500 foot. Tl. Indian h<>uS'(7;^ 12//(.— We I'ollowed a generally south-wesi course, passing the upper end III' LaUo N'ghaco, thence along the eilge of a lineofmar.-h meadows on wot ground, across which wo got tho animals with groat ditliciilty, keeping nearly the same level to the 41»t mile, when a wide and deep valley s])read out before us and wo began to ileseend rapidly, till at the 43id mile we struck a lino clear stream 200 feet wide, altitude ;!,loO fool, which we forded without dilUeiilly as tho water was now very low and the depth on the fnixl was liitle over two toot. This is tho main branch of llie Salmon River. Our last-como Indians jtointed out to us a high range of hills, iliin and blue in the distance, wliich they said lay along the north branch of tho Xichaco slating that between us and that river there wore many lakes, and we should liavo to cross two large rivers. They had agreed to go with us at least half tho way, liut now they told us they were afraid to go, there bi'iiig so much water and fallen timber they thought (mi- horses could not get through. I iiisisti'd on koojiing thorn tu their bargain, but nex' morning wo found they Inul docamiioil during the night. Sejtt. 14th. 5 -Wo to(dv the bearing to tho distant mountains, ami started boldly i 122 on oiii- (iiiii'sc widimil any liiiil. culling' our way (liroii^'h luiish iind liillcn tinilici'. \Vc Hoon ciinio In till- liviT, wliitli wo cmhIiI not ciixs, ns tlio water was ilcep atul llic li(ttli»m miry, so wo liad to no liaoU to the lord liy wliidi we liaal\o Trancois, so as to ojiahle us to doler- mine which line, il'any, through the Cascade Mountains north of niito Inlet, appealed sulliciontly I'avourahlo lo warrant an instrumental survey. I thouirht this could he (lone mosi satisliictorily, and in the shortest lime, hy tracing' the watershed or divide between Iho I'acilic Coast and the IJiver Frasei' from Fortdeor^'e to (^uesnelle, and following as near to the divide as practicalilo so as to cioss the head waters ot'all the I'lvors flowing I'asl. 'I'his has heen accomplished, and the rosnlls laid down on the general map, hut, as the country is enliiely unknown, a hrief description of our journey ma^' ho interesting; — Our course was north 12° west (astronomical hearing), and we kept as near to this as (he dillicultios ol'ihe ground and the thickly wooded country would permit. At tiiroe inile.s from the river wo crossed a divide rinining nearly east and west, about 120 I'ei't above the I'iver; on (he noi'th side of (his is a steep rocky lodge of l')!! lbo(, which we scrambled over with some dilliculty, then descon|) aixl till' nisly crosfii'd. till' diviiii' to ly (i iiiptod (i» n- miiiii iilijt'ct ;i!t a ^I'licnil io us In (ll)l('l'- llll)l,lll>lllMlll'(l this octultl li" ilii'il or divide JiK'siu'lK', and itrrs 111' all tlu' 1 (liiWIl (III lliu iptioii (if our |)t as iioar to would ])crinit. uasl and west, y lodgo of !')(( adually into u id, ei/^iit miles ar country till I, as far as wo ,V(« followed its Lwido, flowing ilown the lake )W-elad |)calv8 fall into the )xt stream we !st, to carry us rtre had passed we reached fallen limlier three hours to licli there was starting jioint en the streams k-esterly course ird till beyond ning we wei'c on timber to a o tatigued and same course, id it would be ,-as a long lake travel in the ich j)robability and I'ol lowed nntry became cd. Early in n we struck an 1 grassy bench, L'ascadcs in the ce, as far as we [I long distanco 12 { lat, This Is Lake Tschick, altitude by anorojil, .'{,100 feet, and distanco from ing point on Salmon i{iver, 111 miles. The stream flowing out of it in iv lieyond th our slai'lii north (easterly direction is not over twelve feel wide, This pai'l of the country is said to have been once thickly populat*Ml with Indians, whi<'h is probable, as it abounds in game and tish ; there is now little lrac(> left of them but their graves. The botini:\ flat of the valley, from the fool o( Die lake, widens mil to fully half a mile, coveivd with good grass, but Iwo or three miles down it becomes nuirshy, probably the residt ol beaver dams. To avoid a high hill that lay directly in our coiiiwe, wo followed down the edge of the valley on the north side four miles, whore we found an Indian trail, leading round IIk^ flank of the hill. This wo f(»llowed a'ld nuule good progress till we got on ihe north side o( the hill, whore our difliculties with i'allen limber inci'cased, and the countiy became sterile and dreary, .\ftora hard day's struggle we reached Ihe head of ihe south arm of Lake Tetachuck an .loiir after it was dark. This is a trefoil or J shaped lake, surrounded by high stoi-ilc hills of shaly limestone, rising to a height of nearly 4,000 foot abovo sea level. It took us Ihe whole of next day < lambering I'ound on the stoop slopes of those hills to cross the angle between tills ai'm and the outlet of the lake, a distance of eight miles. From those heights, wo took a general bearing up Ihe lake and valley, south 72^^ west, extending up to the Cascad;^ Mountains. At sunset we I'cached the foot of the lake, 4H miles from our starting point, and cam]ied. Altitude of lake, 2,770 i'\ici. The outlet of this lake is a deep and ia])id river 200 feet wide, wliieh wo were unable to ford, so we had to make a raft to carry our stores and b.'iggage across the foot of tho lake, and the animals had to swim nearly a rpuirter of a mile. This wasted half a day, hut iin the sunny slopes of the hill, on the other side of the river, wo found iilenty of grass, pea vino and service berries in the aspen groves ; and as tho animals liad had bul littlo feed for the last two days we were glad to give them half a day to i-ecruil on good pasture, as well as lo rest our>elves, and so camped on a sunn}' glado near the margin of the lake, Fi'oni this, it took us another hard day's travelling to got across the next y, li> i:iak and cdld, wilii iniicli I'lilltMi liiiilu'r iiiiil(>('ay«>iit, on flif iioltnni (lain ihal occur af inlorvals licl\v*!i'n tli«> river ami llic slopes I liont is lar^'c tinilici' with ;,'rass and pea vine. On tlie iioith side olllie river, wliei'e wecrossed it, IIh' lianivs riso t'lnm tlie water's cd^je very stei'|ily lo a liei;,'lit ol' 200 I'eel, Imt liy llic priKcs.s ol denudation (liese are serrated and rounded into a M-rien of IniiniMitck}' liill-; and lieini; more exposed to the snn's ri'vs, ve;^etation is more active ami tim i'alU'ii limlier more deca_\tMl, so that ijroves ol' aspen have sprnm,' up, with liixiirinnt fi;ras>. vetches and pea vine. Krom these hei^'hts, we ^ot anothei' hearini,' to I'anny's Mountain, it took liaH'ol' next day to ^'el oni- stores and lia;jiia,i,'e raited across, and the iniiles j>acked. Wu were now pa/./.led alioiil what direction to lake, lor across our eouri-e lay a hi;;h ranye of (rap and Imsalt, hein^ the same we had seen at starting from Salmon l{iver. NVhiUi in this dilemma we were surprisi-d to hear the hark of a do;;, and, immediately after, a canoe shot rounil a point of land; this contained an Indian family, man, wife and three children, with all tlu'ir u;oods and chattels packed in that lon^- narrow dii^' out. We ,e on the slopi'sof the hills aloni; the mai'i^'in of the lake which were covered with very lon^f i^rass, vetcdies and pea vine, and proves of ais|)ens. The vetclu'sand pea vine were in ^'reat (quantity, i-eachiiii; to a height of 4 foet amon;i;tlio long ^rass, climhin^Mii* the trees to S or !• feot and hanging in festoons from hush to hush ; we had dillicull}" in forcing our horses through the tangled mass. l"'rom a high jtoint we took a lu'aring up the .Vcchaco Valley, north Ri^ west. The river appeart'd to (low out of a veiy large lake ."iO to -10 miles distant, among the foothills of the ( 'ascades, and lieyoml this in the sanu' line rose a snowy peak regularly shaped like an Hgyplian ju'ramid, estimatcil to he ovoi'S,00t> feet high and .")() to (10 miles dis- tant. Inahnut three miles, our course (duinged to north, and we passe(l through a gap in the range at an altitude of 3,500 fei't ahovc sea level. Our course was then nearly northeast, and rapidly deseendiiig wo soon leatdied the littlo Lake Hnz, altitude .'{,0.')0 feet, distance 78 miles from Salmon I{iver. Sci>t. 2:',ril. — We started earl}-, and in three miles reached the house of an Indian chief, at the head of liake Tcheslata. The I'ange ot" hills north of us, though high and studded with masses of granite, did not look inaceessilde ; the country appeared passahly open, and hy Trutch's map the ilistance to Lake l'Van<;ois should not exceed 20 miles; hut our Indian declared it was impossihle for horses to go there, as there was so much rock ami fallen timhor and no feed, and even if wo did succeed in reaching the lake we could not possihly get along its shores to the outlet. Wo there- fore, reiuetantly, followeil the trail along the north shore of Lako Tehesattu all day till wecamc toan Indian tishing station; this lako is one to two and a half miles wide; altitude 2,800 feet. Here the trail ended, and our Nechaco Indian turned hack, first telling us that it was hut a litlU' way to an Indian village, whence wi- could find a trail leading to the foot of Lake i"'rancois. Hut we toiled hard, cutting our way through thick hrush and fallen tindier on the stoop hill side, ami it was not until I l).m. we came lo the Indian village i:i;^ I'ci'iiyt'il : Imil li>|u>s ihoi'o is iTt' \Vi' rrusscil II Ict't, l.iit l.y if liiuninutUy I'tivc mill till' illi liixiii'iaiil 11^ to KaiiiiVM 'il acrdss, niiil I lu'is' spt'ccli, who ill a very way to Krascr I'sciils lor Ihi' ^^ Imliaii trail. iar<;'iii ot (ho and proves of II hcif^hl of i 1)^ in li'stoons lan_if|('(l mass. l" wi>s(. Tho .U'tho foothills iilarly slia|)oil i» then nearly l']iiz, allitiiilo of an Indian though hi^'li 1 try appoarod Id not exceed here, as tiiero id succoed in it. Wo thoro- satta all day f niilos wide ; icd ba(k, first could find u iiiif our way IS not until t ike and nearly )t load north- ,' dai'k when hy aneroid, pany us one rndiun trail ; or. From one 'st, which wo and ponds or al of hridgiiii^ iind hruKhinjf to p'f ihe niiiniiiJ^ aeioKH Mtfl ^fioiind. Towards eveninj;, we crossod Home liei^jhlsoftiiip ro.K, tioni which we IiikI a vi.-w of Lake Klhliilhsly lyin;,' heloro us, aliout ;i mile- lohj< and ].;■ mih^ a^ro^s il> wide>t part. We travelled on tin- north shore of this, and e we had travelled the lust three d«y« 1 felt certain that we must Ih' fully as far easi as the lix.t of Lake i'rancois ; so we left tho trail and made a desperale attempt to cut our way direct north; hut after twr» hours lalKMir we had not made half a mile, and had t<. ^ive il up and return to the trail, which was hard to tind aiiion^' j.iles of fallen timher and loose rock. Wo were now crossing,' a raiir;e of hold granite hills, apparently a eoiitinuati(m of tho same raiiKO we had hccii on our ri^dit for more than a week jiast. .\l)out :i p.m. we crossed the summit hy a depression in the raii;,'e; eslimatcd allilmle, .'{,<'"*' •'•'•'l^ ahove sou level, and had a very extended view (»ver a rolliiiy; coiinti'V to the south-east, in which we caught a ^dimp-e of the Xechaco Kiv.r unaso of tho Cascade M.uiiitains from tho Salmon Kivor to liiike Francois is undulating,'; tho crests of the hills or ranges hetween the streams rising to about 4,0(»0 loot above sea level; and that the streams from tho fool of the rascmlo Mountains take a gcncval course, varying from east to iiorlh-oasl. all converging on theXechaco River, which then cuts through a range of hills running geiioral'lv paialhd to llie Cascade chain. This range is very iiTcgular and bnduMi, but the line can be tiaceil trom the Doglip Hills, on the Kivor 'iuesnolle, crossing tho Finsor below the mouth of that river, thence on a gcnorallv north-west course, crossing tho Hlackwater below Lake Kluskiis; thonco to Lake Fran<;ois and up its south m'itrgin to the (!ascaes of the hills very rough. At about 11 miles there is a. dangerous lapid, where we ha«l to make a short portage. From this the rapids and swift current continue with the exception of about three miles of comparatively still water-to the mo'ith of the (^bilacoh River; near which are the worst rapids on the river, where a belt of basalt crosses it, and we had to make u portage of half a mile. The bottom flat of the valley is from half a mile to a mile wule, and varies from 20 to 50 feet to above tho level of the river; and is covered with small timber—spruce, scrub j)ine, an up from 50 to 100 feet, and the upper flats to the slo|)es of the bounding hills, are covered with spruce, small pines and as|)ens. In some places the ground is swamp3" and would reipiire ining for cultivation. The valley ranges frotn 2.000 to 2,;!00 feet above the level of the sea; soil, a light loam, \<'v\ deep and \\w from stones. The river is a sluggish stream. 100 feet wide, with deep water, nunlily bottom and few foi'ds; it is as crooked as a cork-screw, meandering tVom sid(^ to side of the valley. We found some pieces of lignite on the banks that had been brought down by the current, and tlu-ri' are pi'obably beds of coal further u|) the valley. The weather up to this time ( 15th October) had been as mild and genial as the Indian summer in Ontario, but now the nights were getting cold, with white frosts in the mornings, indiciiting the s])eedy approatdi of winter. 1, thereloie, gave instructions to the Divisii>n Hngineers to close the .season's oporations on the21lh October, and after that to make all haste possible to reach the crossing of the Fraser at t be mouth of (^Miesnelle by the end of the month — whence they would have a waggon road on which they could purchase hay and grain if necessary for the animals-— and so on to winter ijuarters near Kandoops, 200 miles tarlher .south. I went on ahead with my own and with the supply train, and we reached the mouth ut" li 128 i t 1 (Jtiosiiollo on the 23nl of October, lloic 1 found JJivision M oncumiwd. Thuy had foinitli;tt'(l the survey up the Stewurt liiver Valley to the mouth of the Ciulacoh,Juid oome down the Fraser-— l)rin^ini;all tlicir stores and luggage in tiie hoats which tliey inid oonstrueled at Tete Jaune Cache, and used on the rrasorJiiver all the season. 1 arrani^ed thai Mr. Jarvi.s, witli a small party, should make a winter journey across the Jiocky Mountains, by the Smoky Eiver Pass, thence to Hdmonton and Fort(iarry; the lest of the l)ivision ,y;oinu; b\' staire and steandjjat to Victoiiu, where they arrived on the JJlst of October. Divisions N and X travelled with their pack-trains to Clinton, thence by stage to Yale, where they met Division V, which lad been surveying the lower canyons of the Fraser, and they all arrived together in \'i(toria on the 18tb of November. 1 was detained on the mainland settling accounts, and i)y various business, and did not leave Kamloops till the last of the pack trains bad arrived, and the horses and mules ]>laced on their winter pasturage. 1 then went homewards by the Nicola valley, in which I was ovei'lake;i by a lieavy snow storm, on the 2l>rd November; and on reaching Dytton, by the waggon road, on the evening of the 24th. I i'ound the snow there over two feet deep. It took us tive days to travel thence to Yale, a distance of 57 miles, walking, sleigh- ing, canoeing, and on horseback, at different stages of the journey, the snow being, on the average, fully three feet deep, with heavy drifts at intei'vals. The deep I'oad cullings on the lower canyons of the Fi'aser wei'C tilleil up with snow, and together with the stecj) rocky ribs of the mountains, were coverel with glai'e ice, in which we bad to cut footsteps, and thus laboriously thread our way. A slip or a false step would have been certain destruction, insuring a headlong fall over the almost jK-rpendicular clilfs into the boiling toiivnt beneath. r arrived at New Westminster on the 1st of December, where I met Mr. John Trtilcb, whose Division (Y) comi)lcti' 1 tiie survey to the head of iJuri-ard Inlet on the 2nil of December. Next day we all arrived at Victoria in company. Imtrummifd Surrci/ from Fort Hope to liurranl Intit. This line was intended to be common to IJouti's Nos. I and 2, which diverge at Kamloojis, and re-join each other in the valley of the lower Fraser at Fort Iltjpe. Hut a careful examination ot the right, or north baid< of the Fraser, showed thai from Vale downw irds, to neai'ly foi'ty miles below Hope, the banks of the river are very unfavourable loi- a line of railway, anlh mile; llieiicein almost a ilirect line to I'ort Moody, a( the head of l)Urr;ii'd Inlet, crossing the liiver I'itt at the 7 feel wide, wi.ha iall of 2.") feel to the mile. Thence to the end of the fourth mile, the lino runs on a flat, but in the next three miles the I'iver washes the loot of a ju'ecipitous mountain slope, along which the line runs over slides of loo>e rock and high, narrow benches, crossing the liiver O.^uisahlus, 1(K» feet wide, between the sixth and seventh mile. On this section of seven miles the woi'ks would be for three miles heavy ; the balance being light oi- medium. The line then traverses a flat six miles in length, crossing the Wivcr Shalo, lUO feet wide, near the tenth mile. The work on thi:, section would be light. 129 From llie l;](li to (ho 17th iiiilc, tlio l)ank of the river presents ii voit irroijiihir line, u!"l the ruy^eil und bi-oken sloj)es of the Tonus mountain eonio t mile, the ground continue.- htw uud wet for a mile and a half —covered with cedar, spruce, fir and alder, and is ciussed 6 'I 1 130 i ^ i ■ l)y (lio Eivoi' C()([iiirium, wliicli is hero dividocl into sovoii Itraiiclios or slouf^lis ; Ihesc coulil proliuldy bo all brought under one bridge. Thence to the end of the survey, within u mile ofTort Moody, the line i-uns over u high gravel ridge, and the work would be medium. No survey hius been made on the shore of Burrard Inlet to Knglish Bay, but the work would probably be medium, and the total ilistance from Kort Jlope about 'Xi miles. Tlui works cm this Division of the line will average lieavy, owing to the great quantity of bridging, together with the roek cuttings and tunnels. Trial Location Suvvty from Yule i-i Miti's iijt the YulJvy of thr Frasit: The average fall of the river on these 11 miles is seven feet per mile; but for the railway line, with curves of 5°, or l,14;j feet radius, gradients of I per KM), or 5:1 feel per mile, rising and falling alternately, had to bo used for half the distance to keep the heavy rock excavations within practicable limits. From Yale the works for the first two miles would be extremely heavy, requir- ing two tunnels; one, o,8G0 loot, and the other, 8(10 feet long. For the next tive jnilcs the cuttings wonkl not be so heavy, but they would bo nearly all in rock. From the seventh mile to the Alexandra Suspension Uridge, a distance of tive miles, the mountain .slopes i-ecedo a little, leaving gravel bcnclies between thorn and the river; on thoso there would not be much rock, but rather heavy gravel cuttings. In this section tho line crosses the Hpuzzim Rivei", which would require a bridge of three spans o{ 100 feet each. From tho Suspension Bridge, tho survey was continued two miles farther u[» on the right bank of tho river, in which distance the rock cutting would bo heavy, ami ii tunnel l,til'5 feet in length would be required. This survey embraces what is called the Little (.'anyon of the Frasor, and from it wo have obtained quantities by which tho approximate average cost per mile of the heaviest sections of the lino may bo ascertained. Trial Location Survey of that part of Route .Vo. 4 from Lake Williams across the Jiicer Frascr to the Chilcotin Plateau. This survey commences near the foot of Lake Williams, at a point on the line surveyed in 1872 and inimediatel}' crosses the Jose River; it then i()lIows the benches on tho south side ot the sanie, instead of the bottom flat of the valley as tho former line did. These benches are very irregular in height, and, at intervals, are broken away altogether liy heavy land slii>s, leaving loose clay and gravel slopes ; in some cases a portion of the bench is left standing with a perpendicular face. In order to get above these on to safe ground, we had to commence at once with u rising gradient of (JO feet per mile for tliree miles ; this gradient, however, can be reduced by brniging tho lino down the south side of Lake Williams, and commencing to rise further back. in the next throe miles, thei-e is a descent of !U) t'eet, with varying gradients, and the line crosses the point of a rocky spur in whiidi there would be some heavy cutting and possibly a short tunnel. The line thou commences to turn southward as it enters the valley of the Fraser, and it gradually approaches tho river, which it reaches at the end of three miles, in which the descent is 200 feet. The works from Lake Williams to this point nine miles, would be rather heavy, and the steep gradient of the last three miles can only be reduced by increasing considerabl3- the quantity of excavation. The line crosses the Fraser where ifis 1,10(1 feet wide iictween two rocky dill's risii.g to a height of ;!0(» foot above the river; this would have to be bridged with one span. This enables us to avoid a great deal of heavy rock culling an an exceedingly tortuous line, striking the foot of the slopes on either side alternately. The mountains on each side of the valley are very liigh, many of them capped with pertuiineiit snow ; but after jiassing the Rivei" .Sliusliwap, S3 miles from Vellow- lieailpass, they ilecrease in height and recetle further from the rivoi'. From the head of the (fraud Rapids, the line takes a genei'al coui'se nearly west, ])assing ihe north end of the Cariboo range of mountains, and in s. Ili-re it Joins l»ou(e No. 4, and the rest of the dis- tanee through the Jlonuithco Pass to Bute Inlet is comnion to bolli routes. In desei'ibing the engineoring character of this line, the miU'age is conimeneed nt the summit of the YeMowlicail I'ass, so that i( emhraces 40 miles of the Jtouto Xo. 1, described in tiio Proifress Report of 1H74, which, this survey beiiif^ ""'.V )>'■<■- liminary, it is not necessary to ri']»ort on here, as it will be referred to in a subsequent rejtort when the surveys are eoinjdoted. Krom the 40th to (he 4Stli mile, (he line runs on precipitous rocky slopes with a falling tcradieiit of 1 per 100 for 't'} miles, and \'>0 per 10'> for a mile and thi'oo • piarters, but these gradients could be much improved by commencinti; the descent of the valley farther back towards Moose Lake. The works, however, would still be heavy, as the cuttings, tliough of no great (lo))th, are mostly in rock ; but the length of tunnelling can be much reduced, if nol avoided altogether. After this, the line l(>llows gonerally the sinuosities of (he liver a few feet above flood level of the river, which falls at (he ra(e of three feet per mile to the Atnah or Shusluva|) River, near the 8Urd mile. On thi.s .section the works woukl bo moderate, with (he exception of two rock}- s))urs, reiiuiring tunnels of (JOO feet and 30(» feet respectively. The principal bridging would be one span of 50 feet at 4>>A miles, one of 40 feet at 53 miles, and two spans of 100 feet, each crossing the Shushwap River. The last pr>int is 2,205 feet above sea level, and the next section extends to Jlapide Plat at 120 miles, the line following the bank of the river as beiiire. Rapido Plat is 2,113 feet above sea level; the fall of the river in a distance of 43 miles lieing 182 feet, or a little over four feet per mile. The earthworks on this section would be moderate, except on two day slides, (ho united lengths of which are 1,300 feet, which would rc(piire some protection works at their foot. There arc only two important streams to be bridged —Castle I'iver, al the 8(5th mile, 100 feet wide, and at the 121st mile, a river 100 feet wide. From Rajjide Plat, 120th mile (o the Junction of the surveys of Divi.sion.s M and X, at 158 miles, tlie fall of the river is 8,") feet, or under tlireo feet per mile b}' the lino which cuti otf some of the bends. The gradients on this Hcction lU'e undulating ; the heaviest is one per 100, where the lino leaves the bank of the river and rises to the higher bonehe.s, to avoid land slides and consequent heavy works. The works on this section of 32 miles will be gonerally moderate, the heaviest being a cutting through gravel 1,100 feet long, and 35 to 40 feet deep, and crossing a gravel slide 300 feet long. The material from the first would be required for ballast, and the slope of the latter might be cut into, and the material used for the same purpose, or cast into the river. There is a clay slide, 900 feet long, with springs of water in it, which would require drainage and heavy protection works. One bridge of 50 feet span would bo recpiired ovei" Iliver Xo. 2. From 158 miles to the head of (Irand Rapids, the valley is wide, and tho tiat.s adjoining the river are low, so that the line does not follow it .so closely, but cuts off many of the bends. The fall of the river in this distance, 27 miles, is 50 feet, or less than two feet per mile, and the gradients are easy, with the exception of one of 1-25 per 100 for a mile and u quarter, which, however, may be reduced. The earthworks on this section would, generally, be moderate, the bridging of one river 120 feet wide, and two of 50 feet each. From the 180th to the 183th mile the valley narrows in towards the canj'on at (iiand Rjipids. and there are no benches, (he clay slopes, well wooded, coming to tho water's edge. On this portion the earthworks would be rather heavy. The River Fraser near the Tirand Rapids, at the lS5th mile, is 2,009 feet above illcy ; which •alley feet K miles, one hwap Rivei'. II extends to ire. Rapido ) of 13 miles a}' slides, tho action work's r^astlo liiver, ide. of Divisions under three nts on this es the banlc oonsoquont the heaviest deep, and first would cut into, the river. n it, which 50 feet span and tho flats but cuts oft' feet, or loss exception be reduced. of one river e canj'on at mini; to the 9 feet above sea level, and near Teto Jatine Cacdie, 48th mile, it is 2,;»S0 feet ; so that in this distance of 137 miles by the line surveyed, the tall is :{71 feet ; but, by the river, tho distance is nearly 200 miles, so that tho average fall is under two feet per mile. In this distance there is one rapid aboii' a milo long, in which the river flows at the rato of about si.v miles per iiour, and a short ritllo only visible at low water. By a moderate outlay the river could be made navigable for steamers of light draught tho whole of the distance from Tete Jaune Cache. It is 200 to HOO feet wide near Tete Jaune Cache, and increases from 500 to 700 feet before reaching (ira-"! Rapids; at high flood it overflows its banks in some ])laces. At tho head ot (irand Rapids, 185tli milo. the line leaves the Fraser Valloy and takes a general course nearly west, turning the north end of tho Cariboo range of mountains : it re-enters tho Fraser Vallo}' and crosses llie river below its confluence with the Stewart, near Fort (ieorge, 245 miles from Yellowhead Pass. Tho height of the Fraser at the head of (irand lianids is 2,000 feet above sea level, ami at Fort George it is 1,S70 feet; but between tliese two ])oints the uiujiila- tlons of the land are considerable, as the valleys of Ikar and Willow Rivers have to be crossed, and the altitude of the highest divide, which is between Willow River and the Fraser, is 2,415 feet above sea level. Tho steepest gradients on this section are 1 per 100, rising and falling, making toirether an aggregate length of alMnif lit miles. The longest of these is about eight miles. Tho excavations, for the greater part in day and gravel, would bo of no great depth, and may be classed as light and medium work. The rock cuttings, although not deep, are on a rough hillside, and should beclassed as heavy works; tho following would be about the ju-oportions ; Light works 10 miles, medium 24 miles, and heavy Avorks 20 miles. The bridging would be: Hear ]{iver 3 spans, viz., two of 100 feet each 55 feet high, and one of 250 feet over a rocky gorge 170 feet deep. Willow River, one span of 100 feet ; Yul River one span of 4('> feet.' The next is the Stewart River section, commencing at the Fraser and following up tlie riglit or south bank of the River Stewart, on a scries of bonclies 80 to 100 feet above tlie level of tho river to the mouth of tho River Chilaccdi 15:J- miles. Tho Stewart falls in that distance 101 feet, or a little over six feet per mile, the height at the mouth of the Chilacoh being 1,080 feet above sea level. Tho forniatii>n level of tho line is 2,025 feet above sea level. There is only one gradient of 1 per 100 for three quarters of a mile; the rest are very easy. The .soil is gravel, sandy loam, and cjay, covered with small black fir and groves of asjien, with a few balsam trees. The heaviest work woulil be an embankment half a mile long and 15 to 25 foot high. Ot the balance, 12 miles would be light work, IJ miles heavy side hill cuttings, and IJ miles medium. Tho Chilacoh section commences at tho Junction of the Stewart and Chilacoh valleys, 2(!0| miles from Veliowbead Pass. The line follows up the latter valloy 38 miles, in which the rise is 350 feet, and there is onl}' ono gradient of 1 per 100 for a milo and a half, in rising to tho canj'on between the 2S0tb and tho 291st mile. The rest of the gradients are very easy. The earthworks I hroiigliniit this section would be light — nearly all in alluvial deposits; but the river, *iO feet wide, meanders from side to side of the valley, causing heavy land slips where it strikes the slopes. To avoid tbe>e, it will have to be bridged several times, and at some ])laces diverted, so that the work may bo classed 30 miles medium, and 8 miles rather heavy. The point on tho plateau where the line leaves tho Chilacoh valley, at 208 miles, is 2,375 feet above sea level, and from this, over the divide and down to tho bottom flat of the Blackwater the distance is 20 miles, on which tic, gradients are undulating, tho highest being 40 feet per mile. Tho lino crosses the telegraph trail near the 310th milo from Yellowhead Pass, at an elevation of 2,060 foot above sea level. The I i| VM Pte ) liiyliosl point of llic (lividf is 2,(IHfi foot, at .ll.T milon. On (Iiis section tlioi'o would ha tliroo niili'M of'riitlior Iiciivy cnrtliwoi ks and (lio l)iil!in((» would l»o medium. It is ])roiiiili|«' tliiit liy a (ifviati(tri of tlic line furtiu'r to tlio wost it couM lio hliortfued tliri-c or lour miles \vitli(»ut mafoiially increasing; the ^^ladients. Tlio hciglit of the last j)oint, in tlio valley of tlio Blackwali'r, is 2,535 feot above sea level, tlience the line follows uj) tliat valley to the moutli of tlic Xa/.co Hiver, n(^ar the .■!;{2nd mile, which is 2,755 aliove sea level, thus risinir 220 feel in the II miles, with variable hut easy tfrailients. Ut this len^'th i'>\ miles woidd he in rock cutting, and consequently' the work \vonld he heavy ; on the halance of the tlistanco, the work would he medium; the liridyini; of the Hlackwater would he ahout 150 feet in length. From this, thesui-vey was carrietl up theBlackwater valley 70 miles, the general course being a little to the south of west; thonco it made a sharp angle to a south- easterly couise across a high divide to tlu' Cluscoh Valley. But it is proposed to cari-y the line up the Nazcoh \'alley so as to cut oil' this angle, by which a great saving in distance will be ctl'eeted. This is now ascertained to be practicable, the summit of the divide being 3.700 feet above sea level and the ground favourable. This would ivjoin the line surveyed about 402 miles from Yellowhead Pass, at a point a little to the north east of Cliisicut I-ake, in the ( 'hilicdlin Valley, .3,422 feet above sea level. The character of the works in this section can only be ascertained b}' an instru- mental survey. The line then descends the Cliilicotin Valley with easy gradients, crossing the I'iver between the f0(!th and 407th mile, at an elevation of 3,300 feet abovi' sea level. At the 400th mile it begins to ascend the M'e>ilern slope of the valley obliipioly, reaching the summit of the divide between it and Punt/.ee Lake, near the 415th mile, .342S feet above sea level. The highest gradient is about 32 feet |)er mile, and on the whole of the .section from the 402nd to 4l5th mile, the works would be medium. The bridging of the Ohilicotin liivei- would be 100 feet clem water way. Fi'om the summit of the divide, the line descends with a gradient of 1 per 100 for three and a half miles, and 0-70 per 100 for the rest of the distance to the margin of I'untzee Lake, on its north side, at 421 miles, which point is 3,1!>0 feet above sea level. In the whole of this six miles the cuttings ami embankments would be rather heavy; a portion being in rock and the rest in gravel. From this the line follows round the north side of Puntzee Lake to its west end ; thence acro.ss the low divide to the Chilancoh Valley, where it joins the survey of Eouto No. 4 at 430A miles by that survey, and 43H miles liy tho present survey from Yellowhead Pass. In this last section, the gradients are undulating, the highest being 1 per 100 for nearly two miles in crossing tho divide between Puntzee Lake and the Chilancoh Valley. The works on this section would be medium ; the briilging of the Chilancoh fiO feet in length. The rest of the line down to the head of Bute Inlet is described in my Progress Eeport, 1874. Tho line shown on tho Diagram as Koute No. 8 branches out of the last at a point in tho Blackwater Valley, and takes a course nearly duo west to tho valley of the Kamsipiot or Salmon I?ivei', and follows tho same to its outlet on the south side of tho Dean Channel. This has been partly e.\amined and promises favourable gradients; and though there would be .some very heavy work in the heart of the Cascade iloiiii- tains, I think the line merits consideration, and may bo well worth the cost of an instrumental survey. Abstnut of n-orh done In 1874. The information gained from the surveys an 1 explorations of this last season conip!otes our general knowledge of the country from the Anieri<'an boundary lino Iicrc wniild urn. t could l(u i foot above ii/co liivor, lie II miles, y tlio woilc odiiim; tlio tlio ^ciioral to a soiitli- [•ut otV (liis ascorlaiiiod ■ol and tilt' I I 'ass, at a :{,122 foc't an inslrii- rossirif; tlio ; aliovc sea I ho valli'y e, noai" (ho 12 foot |tor (»rl or I'.Mli deurveys — one wo have partly surveyi-d, and of the others wo have mailo track surveys with compass and haromoler. Wo have made two instrumi-ntal survoys through the Jioeky Mountains; one of tliem, hy the Yellow Head I'ass, has heen carried eastward to u point within i;{0 niiU • of Kdmontoii, on the river Saskatchewan. The Peace Uiver I'ass has lioen o.xamined, and a |»arty loft l-'ort (ieorge aiiout the iieginning of the present year to e.xploro the Smoky ilivor I'ass, (the next north of the Vollow Head). They may he oxpocted in Winnipeg some time in May next. Wo havi^ ascertained that thtM'ontral plateau has ageiieial uniformity of altitude, from the d'.Mh parallel to tlio .'itlli jiarallel of north latitude, varying from ."{.."(OO to 4,0(J0 feet, hut traversed by irregular ranges of hills rising up to 1,0110 jeet higher. South-east, of the Fraser the rivers and lakes are sunk deep into the plateaux and the sloj)es of the valleys and hills aro generally sleep rocky escarjimonls. .\orth-west of the Frasoi' all the liver and lake hods are more than 2,000 feot al>ov«) sea level — oxco]»t for a short distance up Irom their confluence with the Fraser. There is generally more breadth of bottom flat in the valleys, and thoir slopi s are not so steepand iiroken, so that there is little difliculty in finding a favourable lino for the railway through any of them. Fveii the intervening hi!ls and |)lateaux, tlcnigh rising often a thousand feet above the level of the valley, aro toleraidy iiniforin, and rock seldom appears on their surface, except when near the (Jaseailo Mountains, or when crossing a laiigc of more than average height. We have also traced the course of the watershed or divide between the stioams falling eastward into the Fraser ami westward into the tide waters of the Pacific, or .loiithward into the lower l''rasor between Hope and Now Westminster. This divide, commencing at Yale, lu'arly north-west on one of the sU|ierior ranges of the Cascade (diain extending to the hoadof Tatla Lake, near the Trind ]iarallol of latitude, and about 121° 45' of west longitude. This is at the head of the Iloiuathe » Pass, and the height is 3,117 feet above .sea level. From this point, it runs nearly dm; north to the .'i.'jrd Jiarallel of latitude ; crossing tho heads of tlio Mella (Joola and Ivamsipiot or Salmon river to a point between the north branch of the latter and the head (jf tho J}laekwater valley, ;J,720 feet above sea level. From the last [loiiit, the divide turns nearly at right angles, and runs across three degrees of longitude, regaining the crest of the (Ja-scado Mountains about 127j" west; thence it follows the crest of the mountains nearly due north to a jioiiit beyond the Jii^ad of Lake FraiK;.ois, which lies on the 54tli parallel of latitude. In this last coiir.so therearo two[ouiitains, but all attempt.s U> find a favourable line between this and any pass west of the lliver Fraser had not, until this last season, boon very Katist'act'MV. It was therefore determined to try aline from Tote .laune Cache down the valley of tho Fraser to the Grand llaji' 's; thence westward across the north end of the Cariboo range, crossing the Fraser u.'jvo Fort (roorgo; thence by a scries of l:;i lilt ■Ji vivllcv^ at'i'osH tlio ccritrii! jdutoau (i) tlu! llDinatlico I'a.sH, and tlnoii/^h llio >anic lu JJiito" liilot. Tliis i« I{()utt) No. (J. This survey lias liooii Hiircossfiil. A vory fav()unil)Ii' lino has hi'on I'uiind, 'M miles shoi'lor than I'siimatod lust ycuv , so that Iho louto to Hiild lidol will now licar i'avoiiralilo t-oniparison with iho inoi't- soiithurn roiitos tur.ninatin^ at Kiinard lidct. Tin- lino hran«hini;- out of ihis and niiinini,' nearly diio west t(t tin* valioy ol" Iho Jvains(|iiot Ol' Salmon river, llu'iiii! down the >anio lo a pout on t'lo oast side ol'tho J)oan ('hannel, promixs <;iailieiils tliii>ii;;h iheCascade Moiinlains s(» ttivuui'ublo that it may be eonsidorcd worth tho cost uluix instrumental survey, Voiirs, iVf'., (I i Sandkoki) Fleminc Ksq. Enj^incer in C/hiel'. Canadian I'aciHe Kiiilway. MAKCUS SMITH. i;i7 ) siitno (u tniind, :{4 I iiitw lii'iir itird liilot. oy of llio >iili' of tliu ii'ulilo lllill lITll. H Al'JMlNDIX C IIEI'IIUT O.N K.\l'l,oU\rio.N> lUo.M lii il HI. ASS, (lAllKNKIl, .WH l>i;\\ I.NLKT- IN riiK ('\>( AUK Mill mains; iiv cii.milks iiokktskv. K.VhI'W.VIll) Uki.i..miki.i..\, .Niiichi-Wkst Coast. IIiiitish Ci.m.miii.v. NoviMiilirr till' ITilli, IS" I. III h Sill, — llavini^ ill viinv tlu) vi'ilml iii>li'iu'lioiis ol' Mr. l-'iciniiiif, iiinl llin wrillcii siii,'f,'('>(ioiis iiiiiilo liy yoiir.M'li", wliilf on li >iinl tlic •• (Jltrr," tliirir^ lii-i- voyjin'c up (ho (iiinliifrC'liiiniicl, I K'll tlial vi-^scl at -I a.m. on llu- ni n'liiiij; of llii' sih .liiiic last, t<» join llic sl()(i|i 'riiiiiii|ili, llifii iyiiiu' al unclior in tlif I Jay < it l\cniano. Tin' Imlians to wiioiii 1 liail |HH'vioiisly s|ioU('ii, .•iinl wlio |ii'oiiii>t'il to juin nic al llii> |ilai'f, (li(| nol liuiku IlK'ir a|>|ic'ai':iii('i- until lli(^ IDtii, ami I was only oiial)loi| to la-^in tliu c.\|ili'ni- tiiiii oC M auxin's roiiti' on tin* 1 Itli. My party (■onsi>lc(l of two wliito iiumi — t'iii^a;,'('i| in N'icloria — ami four Imlians .nil the Kitlojio villai;v. \\\' proci eili'il n[t llio Ki'iiiaiio IJivi-r, a iliNtaiicc ot (I'li lilos, by caniK', liavini;' to foiili'inl against a very swift ciirrt'iit in w''.icli tln' poles iiuii to Ito Used from tlio outset. Tiie valluy ol' tlio Kemaiio '■ irom iialf, to llireo (piarlors of a mile wide, and is walled in on eitlier liaiK' iiy Inline ami preeipilous masses of gneiss and i^raiiile. The rivor tlows throiii;h a low and uniform lioKom composed ot saiul and lioiiklers, eovorod liy a thin stratum of vi-getaMo mould which supports a ^-rowth ol spriico, l)alsain, poplar and cedars. The stream is split up into many channels, immense piles of drii't wood olistriiclin^ tlio navigation, and liearin^' witness to periodical freshets of Ljri'at volume. Immedialely aliove the coii- (lueiice of the JVntciichlleiiay, a stream flowing;; into the Keinano from the north- east, and up whifli my route lay, we landed the canoe, |)a( Ivod our provisions, and proceeded on. Hitherto, the rise had heeii Imt trilling — lltOfeet in tenniile.s — hut, on commencing the ascent of the J'enteuchltenay a men' mountain torrent, tho ground rose .so ahru]itly that I (|iiickly hecame convinciMl nf the impracticability ot tho route. 1, however, determined to proceed as far as the watershed, so as to obtain an ideaof the elevation of the plateau in rear of the raii'^e. .\[ansons old trail boin^ but selilom visible, tho ascent sharp, and numerous obstacles obstructing our way, wo advanced slowly. Three miles above the canoe I'licampmenl, we came to a lieavy snow-slide originating from the heights tu. our lel'l. This avalanche had cleiirod H passage through heavy green timber, snapjiing stout s|iriici' trec> olf. short, clo.se to the ground, and now, not only tilled (he bed of (he stream, but Inul actually reached a considerable way up tiie opposite side of the ravine. .\s we advanced, similai' avalanches were passed, and wherever they had taken place, liiigments of rook and debris of timber strewed the ground in the vicinity. Htisides these very serious ol)s(acles, slips of tho rocky nias.ses above appeared to be of fre(|iieiit occiiiTonce, large(piantity of rocky fragments lining the river, :iiid greatly hindering our progress. From tbe-e caii-cs it was (|uite evident that, al certain periods, (he passage ot thirt ravine must be atd'iidcd with considerable danger. Towanls the he.'id of the ravine, glaciers began lo ajijiear. Kleveii miles above the canoe cainii, (he ground ro.sovery abruptly indeed, and (liree miles further on, (he Summit Lake, si(iia(ed at an olovu- tioii of 3,7iin\v liaiiK-H, cnvofini,' at iiitt'i-vaU, raviiios of ticiiclicioii- ili'jilli, w lii'ic a >li|i Would hasc cinlaii^'ci'i'il Imili life ami liiiili, we tiiially (IcM cinlcil 111 and icailifd llic Siiminil — 1,1 U li-i'l alxivo sfa— and >iliiat('c| uiiV <|iiailoi' mill' I'ai^l nl the laki'. Iliii- mmav covriiMl tin- |,'rniind d. n ^niiil dcplli. I'Viiih (Ids pdiiil we liclii'ld a ^<'«'ll(> iili>l i ilcti'il ihr InU izmi, whili' \i> llic l-asl, a prcri|iitnii-* dv-rcill led In ji dccii valley l.liOO III- |.;!lll) \rc\ liciical h. ISald. i'iii;;^<>d iiiuiihlaiiis h-("< III' icf lu'ld ill tlifir va-l »dia>iii.s. A (crriliK- sili-iiri', limUoii only now and ii,:,Miii liy till' dri'adhil iia-li nl' xniie falling' avalanidic, ivi^ncd over this •.(•(•nc of dcMjIal inii. Ill a ilislanci' ol' Iwn and a liali niilo riuiii |Ik> >iiMiiidt, wo iva( lied llic " l''ii'>| l.ako'iil' MaiiMiii'n ri|i(ii't, hitnalcd liotwixt two of (ho spiirH of the raiii,'i' in ihc \alhy aliovi^ nirnliniUMl, and al an idi'valion of 2,*ti'.:'!n fioni the -oiilh, the l.ak'e wal»'i> d"aiiiiii:,' towards the northeast, and |iriil)alil_\ joiniiii^ the Neeliaeo, From this point I deteriniiied to retraci) my steps, as the nature if the f^round goim over a|tneared to reinh'r a jonriiey to Kae des l-rain/ois, liy this route, usidess. IJelurninii', I dad an e.\e<'llenl liird'scye view of the nai'row ravine of the " IVii- teiiehlleiijiy.' Iioni a point >linlitly mmiiIi we>t of theSuniniit Lidxi', and was iiUo aMu lo dis|iiigiii-h (ho sloop at anidior in Keinano May, lieariiig south 2!*"' do^roes weN( niai^netie. and distant alioiit (weiity-four inilos. I reiiinied to thi' sloop on (lu) ITlh June, haviiiL,' heeii ahseiil nearly seven days. The li.iy of Kemaiio is situated on the north side of tho (lardiier Inlet, ahoiit Hi.xteun n>ile- from the Killope lliver, and in latitudo 5.'i ' .'il' .'{()" nearly. It is ahoul ono mih^ deep and thi'eeipiarlers wide. Adjoiniiii; Ihore is vory liltleavailahle land. it having heen iindei>looil in the eouise ofoureonvor.-atioii on hoard the " Otter '' that the examiiialioii id the Kitlope river miu'lil he deferre I until the close of tho season, I now e.\' pressed adesire to .Mr. Uiidi.-irdson of the 'u'oloM-ieal Survey that wo .should, uloiice, proeoed to the K Itiniat, that tj;enlloinan haviiinhy this time, completed ids reseaiches in tliis localil}'. We accnrdiiii^ly weii^hed anchor on tlu' evening o| tho llMli for the liead of (he hoiiglas channel, Clio Iiay was reached on the niornini;- of the 'Jlst, cidms and l>;dlliiig winds prevented mir reaching the lort'er village licfoic tho alternooii of the JJiid, and it was not until (ho morning of (he liTih .lime, that 1 was ciiaMcd to start inland. Iieliuv going fiirthor, it is necessary to liriefly de^ci'ihe (he head of (his iide(. Ki(iiiia( !nle(. a con(inua(ion of l>oiiglas (diaiinel, terminates in ahoiil latitudo r»d ' (f 11 ", and here, a large stream of the >ame name, enteis i(. South 111' (his liver's einhoinhure the e>tuary is several miles wide, with hold roilcy shores, and is very miit h exposed to souiherly winds. North-east from tlio river mouth there is ii pretty large hay Moekel'allow ehaiiiH'l all'ords an entrance for small craft. In iIk' immediate neighhoiirhood (he ground is low. e-peiially on the north side, where (ho wide, level valley of (Ik; river hegiiis. This valley is almiH four miles wide, and extends lor a very long ili.-l:iiiee northward. l*'rom an el"\ated positimi 1 had a very tine view of i(, and I am lolerahly certain thai easy ground inlei'veiio hctwt'cn the in ad of I his inlet and the .Ski'cna I'ivii'. I may remark- that, in no other locality, during the Heason's oi>eratioii-, did 1 see siiidi an extent of level land. JIaving, alter miudi delay, engaged Indians, I put up provisions for sixteen l remark that nol a .scrap of intiirmation could 1 ohlain from (hi; Indians, who made the most eontradiclory s(;i(eincnls regai'iling rou(es, ami at (he very ou(se(, led me endrcly astra}', pei'MUiding mo (o take the right hand hranch of the river. I'p this stream we poled, and at adistaiice of eleven miles fmm (ido water were ohligcd (o aliandon the canoes, the river heing no iongiM' navigalile. I need iml enter indi ade(ailed aecoun( o| (his Journey, the section >hewing (he impossi- ble nature of llio valley, which soon heeame u moro ravine (ermiiiating in (he u>ual > l:ii) S [ ■omi-; miiy to llio nii('lou» of lln« nmifi'. • Ki'Oin tlio hoihtc of lli'-t ^«li'ouin I, liowovor, iIjm* ovori'd iiiiliciilinns to tlii> iiMrlli-svr^t, ot ii roiifc llii'iniij;|i tlic !i|i|iiii'oiitly inip('iit<(i!il>lu iiiii/.i> <>( inuiiniaiiit, ami liu->iily rctiiriii.il to tiilo walor lor lli(< |ini'|in^<> ol til liiii^' oiil al'i'CNii lor an <'.x|ilavy rains llial iIm iiavi<;alii>n liaii liromo lia/ai-iloiu. On l|i(> mi'i'iiin;; of till' ItIIi wt- -x'l i<\\\ n^'iiin, polini' llic canocH ii;';ainHl a Hlitf cnin'iil, ami icaclioil llif tork nl the liatlia(|iirH, f*ix mili-s Iroin llir ^oa, in Ihri-i- lioiir.-^. In llii- lowiT poilion (»l tlu' sUoam tin- ilianin'l liiul iiinlor^omi -omt! rliaiif,'!' in ii-^ n|)piaranci' sii co onr la.-it Joiirmty, tho lain Iri'-liot haviii;,' swept away !-nnilr\ 'Irift piles, now ones lieiiiir ilcpositol In otjiel' plaeen; tlie water li.i'l, liuweVfr, Ihlliii Vi ly rapiiliy, ^-o lliat wo inmie liiir pro^'re^H. I'ollowinj; tlio main stream litr tweiity-lwo miles iiorihwaitl. lliron;,'li awiile ami niiifoiiii valley, in wliielt, tliirin^r lliis ili.-^tanee, the aver!i;:i! ;;nitlo of llie river was marly I'l /''el per mile, we look a sinMi n lieml to the iiL(l)i. (lie htream now llowinij Ilironj^Ii an npeiiiii;^' in the jiiiis I'oiniimc '1'*^ eastern iMMimlary of I lie main valley. Tor 11 inilo or nioie this laieral valley Wii-' narrow, Iml pi'aciii-aMe . it then wi'iened lor a hhort (listatiee, ane 1 had seen and tr'iced to their .'>(Hirces in ;,daeiers, from a liiiih muimtain ncir the source of tho Lacha<|Ues. Kor ton or eleven miles more we followed this stream to its source in a ;,d!icicr, ;!,0()0 feel ahove Hoa level. At this |)oiiil, ahriipi moiintaiiis walled in tho head ol tho ravine, while, heyond, to the eastward, slill iiiy;her masses harrcd the way. Krom the forty.|ir.,| to ihe fortycMi^Hith miU>, the mounlaiii slopo.saie very jirecipiioiis and suhjeci to rock hI ides. From the forty-ei/.;htli to th<' liftidh milo ilie ravine hends shurply to the norlh, liccominj;- .-till more cnnlracud, and rising in that dislanco ahout eleven hiindred feel. Two miles hi^iiioi' up is the ^'lacier source already jucntioiied. ,-iirroiiiided \n np to an elevation ..f more than ;">. 0(111 feet for that |iiirpo,-.e, hit) a hlindin^ slcrm of hail pul an ell'eciuai slop to any allcinpl in that direction. Fri-m the same recuses, (di.servatious Irom the latitude had to ho ahaiidoiied, and aflcr waitiiii,' as lom; as ]»ossilile for an improvciuent in the weather, I returned to tide- water, rejoining- the sloop on the ."JOth .liily, rmmediaiely, or not very far east of the (ilaciei- .Sourct^ of the north fork of the Ivivor Kilimat, iho Indians lell me that, when hunting sheep on (he moimtaius, l|.! I i 140 f It |« snnio of ilicm liuil scon :i r;i])i(l littlo «troam flawirii; nortli-wostward towiinls tlio Hivr. SkciTia -• ■■■ != ■■^- * * * On ilu' •il-'t July, \V(> took i»iir filial il('|rirliiro tVnm tlio " Kitimul," ancIiDririi^ fur (iio iiiiflit at tlio litwiT villaifo. TIm( ik-xI inoniihi;, al ',) a.in , wo wcii^'lioii tor Ik^llaliolia, wht'io, (»\viii^ to ilio altn-* ami ailvorso winds, wo did iml arrivo until tho cvoiiin^ of tlio Sill Aii;,Mi!St. Mr. I.'icliardsnii, ot tlio (iooloi^ioal Survey, hoiiiif now dosiroiis of roturniiiij ti. Victoria, it \va- arraii,!,'od that lio slioidd take passage liy tlic " Ottor,"' and tliat I sliould prooood w.Mi tin- sloop to tlio head of .|)oan ( 'liannal. Acconlingly, I loft IJollaliclia on tlio l-ili, roncliiiii^ tlic "Tsatsipiot " Uivor (at tlic lioail of tho cliannol) only oil tho lihli. lniiiLC delayed hy calni-< and hallliii;; winds. At. this place I at'onoo OM^'aLTid Imliaiis, and leaving- the sloop in chari^'c of (,'apt.aiii Douirjas and Janios Aiidorxin — tho lattor hoiiiy; iiiNtniclcit to koop an iioiiriy niotooroloi^ioal i\'cord, with tho special oiiject of notiiiu; aliiiosphoric lliict cat ions at soa lovol, with which to ooinpuro my ^-ami harotnelric oli-iorvalions inland — I loft for ;hc oxploration of the Tsatsi|not Kivor ami Valley on the 'Jnth August. liy I'opoatod olisorvatio.is of ;iie sMn s ineridiaii altitiulo, tho inoiitli of the liiver Tsatsiinot, at tho hoa uninistak- ahiy Ixon tillo'l at some rcinot*! period hy a vast j^lavior, is haroly one mile wi'lo at its lower end. Mountains of granite and -^li-atitied roidc, r»,n(lO feet an stihiect lo flood, and it is generally only in close proximity to tho moiiiiialn slope tiiai immunity from this drawhack can i'O ofiainod. Kor ahrmt lifteen luilo we poled np this stream, generally noi-thward, rearhiiig tins "Bend" in a little Ie h widi'r. .At the • Hcnd " tho olovatiou of the river hod is ."»2r» feet ah. ve -M-a, an I the gra le thence to lidew.Uor nearly "54 feet per mile. Fov the ]iiirpo'-e o( ascending this dangeroin I'ivi-r, shovcd-noseil canoes are employed, and groat skill is noces>ary to surmount the iiiinu'roiis and dangerous rapids. \\y roiigii measiiremont I he discharge per second at this '• Hcud." during a rathcrhigh stage of water was calcnli'.tiMl to he ahoiii r),ililll ciihic feet; hut in v'Xtraordinary i'n-hets nearly doiihle that (luanlily nin-t he disidiargod. At a distance of al">ul Iwentv lour miles t'l'oiu the soa (when^ the river lu' ol. I'roia the '' 1{( nd " up to this point the river is loss rapid, and the valley pi'olial>ly two mih\s wide in places, .\hoiit one mile hclow the head of navigation we passed the mi. Idle hranch, that on whi(di wo w<'ri heing tho north fork, to Iho source ot which we weie now to proceed. i-'rom the canoe encainp- mciit a walk oC two miles hi'ought us to where the north fork i.shucs from its docji and ro(d
  • i\isioii .\ to lake the lopogiaphy of tho country. On July lUih, we conlinuod our iranip clown tho llomalhco Valley, following ( 1 e>. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) LO I.I 1.25 " lia lllllio 1.4 1.6 V] 7. V / ^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 1 1«6 1 3 the Wii(l(lin3 .■■i:| ]';i 11 i'i {1)0 wiitorshed botwocn tlio Blackwatoi- and Chilacoli. Wo ToUowod up llio vtiUoy of tlio liiltoi' 20 miles above the point wliore tlio lino of survey leaves it^ and found (hat it widened as wo ascended. A branch of the river, cominij in from the west by a broad valley, appears to turn the north end of the raiiifo which divides it from the Blackwator, and gives facilities for a deviation of the line to I)oan lnle(, by which much heavy work would probably be avoided. On the 23rd September, we loft Mi-. Hell's second camp on the Blackwater, and jiroccedcd on our homeward journey. Wo reached the confluence of tlieHlackwater and Nazcooii the 25th, and, following up the valley of the latter about 20 miles, we arrived at the camp of Mr. Jennings (Division It,) on the 27th. Up to this point and several miles above it, the Nazco is a tine open valley; the river, 80 to 100 feet wide, winds through extensive natural meadows with groves of spruce, black fir and aspens at intervals. Wo travelled on the trail up the Nazco Valley to the lakes on the central ))latoau which form the sources of the river, then crossed to the Alexis Lakes and down to the Chilicotin Valley, which we followed nearly up to its junction with that of the ii, we arrived It and .«overai )t wide, winds uid aHpens at )n the ceiitial :i» Lakes and tion with that on the Tth of {uarters near arrived IGth rveys on the Yellow Head )nnected their former party loir plans and nano Bay (jn the Cascade fall into tho he end of tho >p the location r t|iiartei's at )f the location Vancouver's the weather 111 8 miles of •evioiisly run, luor " Otter," ;ood crew of 10 Valdcii and t ton days on / Islands, to ly tire. Wo len the tido nuule a rough wsin and out in breadth. rocks across f the basin to Vancouver's illcs Channel, ts per hour. Iso free froui dangerous raj)i(l>. At'lcr cnmjjloliiig (he survey ol the basin, we docciided (he I'rcderick Ann ;in(l wont u|) lo the head of Philliii Arm, v,liere a river li(l() leet wide enters thi'iuigh an o])cri valley. It had been icp(.i'tcd by a person exploring lor minerals, that there was a possible coiniectioii between this valley and (he Jbimathco, bu(, i'rom a careful cxaniiiiatioM of the west side ol the latter, no depression could bo found feasible for carrying a railway across. We returned home by the Nodalles Channel and Discovery Passage to Cape kludge where we were detained two days by adverse winds coming up the Strait of (ieorgia. On the s(orm abating, we coasted down lo (Jomox, whei-e J (ook ])assage in the steamboat lor Victoiia. This work was done in a canoe in the wors( seas(»n for navigation, when, as we afterwards learned, (he Pacilic Coast was strewn with wrecks. We had fog and rain in abundance, and, by the scudding of the clmi Is, there was cviiUntly storm without; but wo had no difficulty in finding our way through rain and mist, and the wind did not atl'ect us, so conii)letely are these channels sheltered by the high land and rocks which they separate. I leel contitlent that a steamboat pro] eriy coiislriicted could take a railway train 1)11 board and pass safely al all seasons of the year from any convenient ])oiiit on JJute Jiib-t to a good landing on Vancouver's Island near Seymour Narrows. The only dithculty would be the swiftness ot the current al a certiiin state of the tide; but the worst rapid could be avoided by using one of tho cross channels that divide the Valdez Islands. Character of the TAnc from Jiufr Tnkt to Mirer Sten-arf. The llomalhco Valley at the head of liule Inlet is a mile and a half or two miles wide on the bottom flat which is bounded by precipitous mountain slopes. Tho general dircclion of the valley is north and soutli, and it decreases in breadth as we ascend, till about oO miles fnmi the Fnlet, wlu'rc the mountains 'dose in and the river rushes through a narrow, rocky canyon or chasm. It is a turbid rajiid stream aliout oOO feet in breadth, but at places it s|)reads out to over 1,000 feet, divided into several channels by low alluvial islets from the detritus brought down by the river. These islets are covered with spruce, poplar and heavy cedar trees. The river, in winding through the valley, alternatcl}- washes the base rescnt survey follows the east branch of the Jlomalhco, but the trial lino siiowed a rise of 7".') feci on the first a miles. To ease this gradient, a line has been projected from the cross secti(»ns, which it is believed will give the bent gradients obtainable, without greatly increasing tho rock excavations. This throws us back to tho ;> Uh mile, between which and the 53rd milo, tho ])rofile, as shown by the dotted line, is only approximate; for when the trial lino was com]>leted and the new line projoctod, tho season was then to(^ far advanced t(» attempt the location. Tho i'ollowing are the gradients ihroiigh the heart of the Cascade Mountains, commencing at the loot of tho canyon near the 30th mile : — •> mil es of 2.:^"» per 100- - (;o.72 feet per mile h " 1.10 ',i i( r)S.()s K ■ii '• 2.00 11 ii lOo.tH) (( X ol level 0,00 t( ti" " 2.00 (< u 105.(10 (( • - of level 0.00 li 1:: " 1.40 •' • ( 74.00 ti " (I.S5 It .f 44.HS ;( 2': " 2.00 u ti io5.(;(» u :■ of level 0.00 11 2(» " Total rise 1,742 loot, averaging 87.10 feet ])or mile. There will bo a largo (luantity of rock excavation throughout this section, including several shoi't tunnels, but the reduction in heavy works is very considerable compared with the lino surveyed in 1S72, on which tho average length of tunnelling in tho Cascade Mountains was fully throe milos ; on tho iirosont line it will not oxceod two milos. From the 50th to tho Gist mile at the toot of LakeTallayaco, the rise is 507 fool, being an aveiago of 4(5 feet per mile. Tho highest gradients arc one of 7t* foot per mile for a mile an(i a half and another of (i(j feet per mile for tho same distance. None of tho other oxceod 1 per 100. Tho works on this section will be three miles heavy rock cutting and eight milos of light and medium work. Near tho 62nd mile, the linecross^cs the Homathco J^iver — 100 feet wide — close to its outHow from Lake Tatlayaco, which is 2,712 feet above the sea level, thence the lino follows the eastern shore of the lake to its head at the 77th milo, with variable but generally easy gradients. Near tho foot of tho lake the works will bo heav^- for about a mile, consisting of rock cuttings and two tunnels, each 300 feet in lengtii. Along tho shore of tho lake the cuttings will not bo deep, but principally in rock. At Iho 65th milo the line crosses Choshoc flivcr, a glacial stream 100 feet wide. At tho 77th milo, near the head of Lake Tatlayaco, wo are fairly throp.gh tho Cascade Mountains, and tho lino thence to tho crossing to the River Fraser above Fort George, about 240 miles, traverses tho Central Plateau, between tho Cascade and Il(X"ky Mountains, by some of tho numerous valleys and lake basins with which it is indented. Near the !'4th milo is the summit Avhich divides the waters flowing eastward to the Frnscr and westward to the l*acitic Ocean. It is 3,500 feet above the sea level, and tho rise to it from Lake Tatlayaco is almost continuous, there being only a few short stretches of level intervening. The hight-st gradient is 1 per 100 continuously i:t 1 171 for ci^ht milo'^ ; tlio res!, arc easy. Tlio works on this section will bi' moderate; tho ciittinji^s are principally in j,'ravel and l)oiilder.i, witli a small proportion of rocdi. Tlio heaviest works will be the crossing of the ravines, one of them 500 feet wide at tiio top and 114 feel deep, tho other 400 feet wide. and 113 feet deop. H)th of them slope to oidy a few feot in breadth at tiio bottom. From it') to 101^^ miles tho lino runs alon;^ tho south-oast ^^hore of Kai^le Like with easy, undulating- jL^radients. There will bo a considerable ([uantity of rock cuttin^j; in this section. Ilonco to the Ciiilaneoh Valley the lino follows a depre-isioii in tho jtlateau, ap|)arentl3' tho ancient bod of tho lake and river. Tho gradients are, except 1 per 100 fur four miles, ifenerally easy, desceiiilini^ to the Chilancoh, which is 2,1JT') feet above sea lovol whoro tho line crosses tho river which is liO feot wide. This section is broken with ridges of sand, gravel and bouldcs, and Hmall dry ponds. Tho works will not bo heavy. From tho Chilancoh to the cro.ssing of tho Chilicotin IJivor at tho 130th mile tho line is over a rolling country. From tho 122nd to tho 130Lh mile it passes on tho north-'.vost of Punt/.oe Lake, vvoll upon the slo]>o, in order to suiinonnt tho plateau betv on that and the Chilicotin Valley. Tho highest ])oint is at 1153 miles and is 3,107 foot above sea lovol. Tho rise is almost continuous from tho Chilancoh to tiiis point, but tho highest gradient is 1 per 10) for a mile and a half. lEence, the line descends with easy gradient to tho Chilicotin N'alloy; crossing the river — 120 feot wide — near tho foot of tho Chisicut Lake at the altitude of 3,200 feot above sea lovol. From tho Chilicotin Valley — 130 miles — th.e lino I'oachos the highest point of tho plateau at l.")3 miles, with easy undulating gradients. This point is 3,005 feot above sea level. Hence, to the west end of Lake Ncstacho at 102 miles, tho gradients are very easy, that point being 3, 170 feet above sea level. The whole of this section from 130 to 102 miles is over an arid country of sand, gravel and boulders, and tho work will be very light. From 162 miles tl e lino runs along tho slopes of the valley by fjakes Nostacho Zazatoo and Tehu-sin-il-til to 107.'/ miles with easy gradients, but on half the distance there will be some rather heavy rock cutting: the balance will be light work. From the last jtoint — 107^ miles — tho Nazco IJiver, here only 2t) feet wide, flows into a canyon, tho head of which is 3, 110 feet above sea level. Tho tlescent through the canyon, eight and a half miles in lengtli, is at a uniform rate of 1 per 100. Half the distance is curvature, varying from 1,1*10 to 1,433 feet radius. Tho up])er part of the canyon is compo.sed of basaltic rock, tho lower part conglomerate. There will he some heavy rock cuttings in this section. From 170^ miles, at the foot of tho canyon, tho valley widens out so that between this point and the junction with the Hlackwater, there is scope for more than one lino. The line located has been chosen to shorten the distance as much as practicable, and to keep off tho low lands which are subject to overflow, so that tiioro are pjints at which it may be found desirable to make short deviations to retluce the quantity- of rock e.Kcavation. The altitude at tho foot of the canyon is 2,0S5 feot, and at the mouth of tho Xazco 2,OS0 feot above sea lovol — a fall of 305 feet in 43 miles. The highest gradient 0.50 per 100. On some portions of this section there will be a con- siderable ([uantity of rock cutting, more especially on tho shore of fjiiko Xazco from the 17Sth to the lS2nd mile. The balance will be light work. There are six crossings of tho Xazc > that will require bridges of one s2ian of 100 feet, with about 50 foot of trestle bridging at each end, unless thei'o are stone abut- ments. One bridge will have two spans of 100 fool each. The lowci- chords of those bridges will be onl}^ a fovv feot above flood level, sufticienf to allow trees to float under freely. From the mouth of the Xazco the line follows down the valley of the Blackwater 55 miles to the 234th mile, where the altitude is 2,537 feet, giving an average fall of 0-^ feet per mile. But tho gradients are undulating, and there are three sections of 1 per 100 making an aggregate of one and a half miles in length. About four miles of this section is on rock formation and the cuttings will be rather heavy. Tlie balance is principally on gravel and boulders, probably resting on solid rock. The river is ■l|«l; 172 I > El ' very orookoil in this part oftlio valley and the lino orosso-f it thi'oo times, roiiuirini^ one ltri(l;^»3 of two spans of 100 feet each, and two hi'idi^es of (liroo spans of lOO foel each. From 2A\ to 2."!7 miles the line ascends the slope of the valley ohli(|uely on to tiio platean, wiiich divides tlu- JJiaeUwatei- from Iho ("liilacoli Valley, with a gradient of 4.") feet per mile. On tliis length there will he some heavy rocdc catting and two tunnels, one 1,:{(I0 feet, the other stwaril through Yellow Head and Mooso Lakes, and the line is located on the north >ide of these to within four miles of the toot of the hilhr !al;radient of 1 jier 1(10 lor a mile iiml a half. The re^t of the fall is hetween the two lakes, or, which there are two uradionts of 1 per KM), making- altogether a len_ miles in length. The distance fi'om Bute lidcl to the junction of the Ohilacoh iind Stewart Valleys has lieeti stateil to l)e28!)'|' miles, Ki'om this point the line has heen continued along the right hank of the Stewart Kiver, crossing the latter near the 2()7th mile, ft follows the left hank to the ;{02nd mile, when it makes a sharp turn to the north lip il narrow valley parallel to the Kraser. At tho head of this valley — l{08lh mile — is the summit of the divide hotwecn the valleys of the Stewart and theFraser. Front this summit the line descends ohliijuely the sloj)e of the latter, and crosses the rivor at the 318^ mile. The line on the baiiks of liio iJiver Stewart and the lateral valley up to tho aOlst mile is on fertile flats, with easy gradients and the woidc will he light. Tho altitude at the crossingof the liiver Stewart is 1,!)50 feet ahove sea level. The river is 500 feet wide with 20 feet depth of water and a rapid current. The hridging of this will he a difficult piece of work. The ice piles up on tho sides of the river ti> a height of five to ten feet. Tiie summit of the divide is at 30T^. miles, and, ascending this on tho south side there are three len< 17 lllili':4 8A TIliltM \\'\ mill's r.:i :ti •lit ■i:M HO L.'vcl feet IKT I'cct per mile iiiih; Remarks. feet per I'l'L't plT I'l'i't per Level mile mile mile 3.< mi es 2G.', feet per e ) n mi les 71) leel per e 1 mi es lij(j (Vel per e •'1 111! les ill) teet per (; •''! mi lea IIIO I'eet jier e 6-'l mi les i;foovo tlii'ono'h the rolling hills of the eentfal piateiiii, and the j^i'catest ongineerini^ ditlicidties will he on 1() miles from Veltesse ii|)wai'ds. It is possible that a nnifoi'in i^i'iidienl of ahoiit St feet pof mile coidd he ohtained with heavy rocU ciittinn's and little, if tiny tiinnellinu;; but a cafofiii loc;ition stii-voy can alono detei-mine this. The altitude at the o^nd mile is ;{"J003 feet ahove seti level. The line follows iho north baidc of the river lo 7)\)h miles, whore it eommenecs to iisceud the slopes of the valley of the ])lateau wliii h divitlos the head waters of the Salmon River and the lilaok water. Following a chain of .small lakes it reache.s the highest point of tho divide near Jksalt Lake, at S(;| miles, i{,700 feet above sea level. In ascending to this plateau the liio-hesi i^radieiit is 1 por lOU in lour Icn.i^ths, making together a little over seven miles. The griulionts on the ])lateaii are esisy and undulating. From the 52iid to tho fjoth mile there will be heavy rock oxcavaiion, thence to the summit the rock will bo moderate. The cuttings will be generally under twelve foot in de|)th ; a very few will reach twonty-fivo foot, and ncarl}' all will bo in sand and gravel. N^ear the 8Tth mile the line runs at the foot of a range of basaltic columns along the north shore of a small lake, loss than a mile in length, which is one of the h'ghest sources ol' tho Blackwater. From the !>Oth to !>2^-iui mile it runs along the north shore of Lake Eligtick, tho second in tho chain through which tho Blackwater flows and which contriljutes to its supply. Tlu'iico tho depression in the plateau becomes a defined, broad, but not deep, valley, and the line run.s on the north side of it at some distance from the river, ])assing the Junction of tho two branches near the 101st mile; the larger branch coming down from a high range to tho .south west. Tho lino across tiie river — 12(i fo3t wide — at llOJ miles, near tho head of a small canyon ; altitude ;},400 feet. Ih-om. tho summit to this point, the gradients are un| for 175 ck Clltlltlfr. irg(> i|imrilily of other side iire ■dec for II sl.ort led on tllitt 8i(li> I, liiil will be of tlio ciittiiifc t nliovc water DViT I lie clmam riM't,. rliicfly in xiitnl. i,q'!ivi'l ami ImiiliU'iv l''n>m llio cin-isin;,', tlic line lullows tlio rlijlit liaiik ol" lliii river lliioii^li tho caiivnii, which is aliDiit a mile in Ii'n:,Mli wilh a liaso ot (>7 IW'I. Kroni ir{ ((> IJ') niilo (ho line follows llu- south >hoiv ol Ltiko 'riiracha, tliroii>'li which iho Hlackwatci' flows, aiul at I.'tliiiik's iioai'tho Coot of liakc iMicJiiiiico it rocrosses thu live III Ih flii'hl iirt seel loll Iho ^niMii'iits arc ^'ciici'ally oa>y, lull till ground is inoro liroUcii ami llio work' will he rather heavy, as tlu>ro is a coiisiiloralile portion of rock ill soino ol the ciitliiio;s. It is prohaMc thai a lictlcr line could he found hy kee|iiiii; on the lef( bank ot the river and lakes all the way down. The alliliide at the crossiiii,' of the rivoriiear the IHlth mile is l,;>."{r) feet. Thence tin- line runs on the left hank ol' llu' river, which II )ws throu;;;h a chain of small lakc> to iIk^ KJOIh mile. The ,i!;ra feet. At 22 miles the line reaches the head of the first lake on the eastern slope of the moun- tains, from which the water flows to Luke Franf;oiH or the Xechacoh Kivcr. The C |l I I f 171 4l» liin' \vii-*i ari'itMl iiloii;;' I lie imrlli hIioi'i- uI' iliis lake liiiii- inilt"< ; Ms lon^tli it i-Siirnjiloil al IVoMi IS to L'O iiiil(>^aiiil ilH aliihi lo 'i,T.t,»;ili ivc tlu'soa. To cDii^lriici a railway on this roulo W'Miiij iicco'tsiiali' w>)i'k."* i»l" u I'lHtly I'lrira-lor. SiniVKV iiK INK KiTl.ul'K \'a1,I,I;\ KHmM TIIK IIi;AIi ny (i.\lll>NKIl I.NI.ET. Diii'iiii,' tlio niuiiilis (if l'\'liniai'v, .March and purl nf April lail a survey o( (his valley wa^^ allenipti'ii. 'I'lie siirveyui's lounil IIh- ( Jai-ilnrr < 'liantn-l or Inlol eovcred Willi lixi'd ire Wty 27t miles tVoni its head, and the pirly wore delaiiied \,y Htornis of unow and rain, wliieli pai'lly liroke np llie ice, ho llnil it w.is a niontli liot'ori? lliey ;^ol all their hiiinM^'e and supplies to the lu-ad of lln> Inlet, ami eoinniein'vtd work. Tlioy conlinned lie Mirvey l(, * ;)riiM)ii, on llu' liiid I'Vlt- riiiiry ult., for llio lioiid (ifiianliicf's Inlol, lo ("Xplon^ from llial point, rid tlio vullcy of (lio Kitlopc IJivor, across tlio suniniit to ToclHinonyalii liuki'. Wo nu'l willi no olistriictions in our voyni^i' up tlio coast, anil on tlic ovonini^ of tin- 8tli l"VI»riiary onlorod (iardiior's Inlot. Aiioiit noon wo roaclicil tho ice, wliicli oxtcndoil (piito across llio channel, and as far \\[) as wo could Hco ; on oxainination wo found it ci^lil incluvs in tliickness and (piitc firm. Tiio sloumor could ;^'o no (iirtlu'r As the slion-s of tlx' iidoL arc rock, nearly porj)ondiculai'. it was impossible to disomliark except upon tlio ice. A safe anchorage liocamo tho Hrst requisite. This tlie captain found, after a lonjj; search, in a small bay or» tho soutli-west side of the inlet, at tlic mouth of ji river named by the Indians Iviltoyso, about four milos from tho ice. Tho following" morning wo woro early at tlio ico. I sent Mr. White ahead with two men to examine it and look out foi' campiiii^ ijroiind. In the meantime, the rtiuiuiniii^' men wero set lo work prepar- in;^ tho supplies for transjtoi'tation on tob()i;-i;;ans ami sleds. Mr. While and parly returned at ."» p.m., accompanied by some Kitlopc Indians. Ifc reported tiiat he had reached tho Indian vi!lai;'e at the inoiilh oftheKemano K'iver, whieli must necessarily he our lirst encanipnieiit. lie estimated the dislnnce a( eii;'lil miles. From this data we made the distance I'rom the coinnieiiccment of the ii'o to tho head of the inlot, to he twonty-tivo miles, Tho Indians intoi-mcd us that the ice was qmiv strong tho whole distance. At my re(picst. Captain Morrison rcliielaiitly alloweil the steamer to i'en\ain ked^od to tho ico duriny; tho niij;hl, to cnabhs us to tret oil as early as jiossiblo. Forlunati'ly for us, he kept stean\ up all ni^ht, for before dayiiii,hl, a Horcc storm of rain and wind from tho noi-th-east struck us, the ico comnienceil breaking up along the water's edge, the kedgo gave wa}-, and hail the boat not been under steam we must have been di'iven against tlie idiitVs. Wo reached oiiranchoragi' at Kilto^-.so in safety. As the find a mule- train there awaiting our arrival with a supply of provisions. 183 ExccHsivo frcsliots in the Salmon Kiverck'tiiincd us for several days; and a. similar catiso having dctainotl our pack-train, wiiioli was oomini; from (iucsncllo Moutii, .Mr. Hunter was unaijle to commence work till July Stii. in pi'oceoding up the Salmon IJivor, it was evident tliat the unusual freshets wiue caused hy the unjirecedented snowfall of the previous winter, wtiich was then beini; thawed rapidly' hy the hot sun of June. For thii ty-four miles from the sea the mountains rise precipitously, or at very steep inclinations, for seveial thousand foot on each side of the valley, and throuifJiout that distance the ctfects of the snow were visible in avalanches as well as freshets. Most of them descended the same courses which had been swept by similar one.'? in former years, liut others had come down hillsides, thickly wooded, cai-rying evorylhiii!^ before them and depositin/^ piles of broken timber, rocks and snow, which in some cases exceeded forty feet in deplh, even in July. In locating the line up this valley, places subject to avalanches were avoided with three exceptions, and it is proposed to tunnel in the rock under one, and bridge over the other two. As you had ex[)rcssed a desire to have the country to the southward and west- ward of Lake Francois examined, 1 made atrip there, leaving Kort Eraser on August 25th, I reached the western end of Lake I'^rancois on ;{Oth, and on September tJth ascended a spur of the Cascade range of mountains fi-om which my guide pointed out Lake Talsabunkut, one of the principal sources of the Nechaco, about six miles distant. The survey winch wfTS made from (Jardner's Inlet, in 1875, by way of the Kiver Kemano, terminated at the western end of this lake and it was namcil on that occasion Kirst Lake. 1 was informed that one branch of the liiver Skeena has its source in a small lake a short distance from Talsabunkut, and flows in a northerly direction to the main stream. Lake Talsabunkut is drained by the IJiver Tachla, which runs eastward for about forty miles and discharges itself into Lake Ootsabunkut. In the above distance the river has an exceedingly serpentine course, very little current and numerous i)eaver dams in the sloughs which cause it to overflow niuch of the adjacent count ly ; so much so that I was unable to follow the valley and had to travel by an adjacent one. Wo paddled down Lake Ootsabunkut on a raft and did not abandon it till we hail descended the River Tchutasely and Lakes Intati and Nahtalcus atid reached the main Kiver Nechaco, a distance of about seventy miles in all. From the head ofLake Ootsabunkut, to the foot of Lake Nahtalcus, the valley is generally narrow, but the hills on either side rise with easy slopes most of the way. Taking the eastei'n end of L;dve Francois as a starting point, I had travelled upwards of 100 miles westward, and had returned by a course somewhat parallel, but considerably to the south. This tract of country may bo described as essentially a lake district. There is a belt of flat swampy land several miles wiile, extending along the eastern base (»f the Cascade range for a considerable distance to the north and south of Iiiver Tachla, which has only a few trifling undulations, and is intersected b.y sluggish sti'eams, dammed repeatedly by beaver, forming numerous ponds and sniall lakes. Farther to the eastward, the country is intersected by ranges of hills of no great height, running parallel to each other and neai-ly east and west, with long narrow lakes lying in the valleys. Tlie .southern slopes of the ranges are limbered with v,oplar, black pine, and a few spruce, but there are many open spaces covered with a luxurious growth of pea vine (vetches) and various kinds of grasses. The northern slopes sustain a ilense growth of spruce, black ])ine, ami a few Douglas fir and poplar of medium size and without an}* special value for economic ])urpo.>nbmit the following report : — The latitude at tho commoncomont of the survey at the Mossy River is 51° 37' 27" ; the gi'catest latitudes reached whore wo round the north-east corner of the Duck 3Iountain is 52°0(i'00"; and the latitude at tho termination of tho survey at tho Fort Polly Police Barracks, is 52° 53' 03". The length of tho line s'lrvc^'cd from tlic Mossy River to the crossing of tho Snake Creek at tho Kort Pellj Police Barracks is 10(J miles, but on tho final location this will probably not much exceed 10(t miles. The course of the railway will bo remarkablj'^ froo from curves. Fiom the Mossy liivor to the north-oast corner of the Duck Mountain, a distance of fifty miles, thoro will bo one unhioken straight. On the I'omaining titty miles there will not bo moi'o than seven curves. With tlie exception of one curve of 2,8(15 feel radius, there will be no curve sharjier than 5,730 feet radius (1°.) The gi'oatost elevation reached is (JSS feet above tho level of Lake Winidpogoosis, , at a point }l miles to tho east of the Fort Polly Barracks. This elevation is attained by a gradual ascent throughout liio whole length of t!ic line, and in no instance will the maximum gradient 52*8 feet per mile be requisite. Tho grading requii'cd to be done is very light, and thegiadicnts obtained will bo remarkably easy. At the commencement of the survey in the couiUiy lying to the south-west of Lake Winnipogoosis, I had been led to believe thai tlio "Muskegs" or swamps would, owing to their groat depth, offer serious difficulties in tho construction of the Kiiilway, but on examination J found that this wiis not the case. What may be called the swampy part of tho line lies between the fifteenth and twenty-sixth miles. Ilei'c there is a suocossioii of swamps separate, I by intervening slripsol' firm, well-timbered land. The worst of these swamps is about a half mile in width, and is seven feet deej). Though in its present state, it is imp )ssible to cross with horsos, and ti offers diflicultics even to a man on foot, it is not objectionable for the line of railway, as it is easily drained and ])os,sesses a good clay l)ottom. On thai part of the line lying between the Mjssy and Rolling Rivers, a distame ot seventy miles, the streams to be crossed are unimportant, and will be easily bridged. At the cro sing of the Rolling River (at 70 miles) wo meet with the first work of any im])()rtance. This river flows in a valley one thousand feet wide at our point of crossing, and litly feet deei). The bridge would roiiuire to bo on the high level. After crossing the Rolling Rivei", tho character of the country changes .some- what, and instead of a flat, heavily timbered country drained by low banked streams, we have tor the succeeding thirty miles a more ])rairie like region bearing light bu.sli, with here and ihoro good bluffs of timber and traversed by wide and deep gullies through which small streams flow to the Swan River. Between the Itolling River and the termination of the survey, there are five of those gullies inclusive of tint of the Snake Creek at the Fort Pelly Barracks. These cros.-ings will bo about LOi'O feel wide and from 5U to 80 foot deep. But with the o.Kception of this necessary I W I :i... I8fi liriilijiiiL; tlte expciiso of cotistrudion of tlii> pai'L of" llic liiK' will ho no gi'Oiitcr {luin that (if \.\\v j)rei"jiliiig hovouty iniloH ami tlif grailiotits obtained will Ijc equally as good. Tlic timlicr at. tlio tdinnu'iicoinent of tlio siirvoy at ifo-^sy Hivor is rliicfly grey iMijilMr, of sound (iiiality and IVom 10 to 15 iiiclios in diaiiiotor. The oouiitiy hero may bedeseiihcdaMultornatCHtrips oftimhored lundund nioiulow, tho timbered land hearing ti) the meadow a pi'iiportiou of tibont two to one. This churaeter of eountry and timber gi'adiially changes as we aieend towards tho iHick Mountain — the timber boeomos larger and the "oi)en>" fewer. At a distaneo of about iWo miles from Moss\ liivei' wo met with sprueo and tamaiae. At tii-st, the trees aro small — • not oxceeding 12 inelies in diameter -but hy the time 15 miles is attained exeellont M])nice of 18 inches in dian\etor aiv easily obtained in largo numbers. On tho bolts ot' tirm hind lying between the swamj>s before alludoil to at this part of the line, a jdenliful growth of lin(j limber — s|»riice, tumarae, poplar and birch — is available lor the eonsti'uction of llio Hallway. As we (Mnilinuo, the size and (juantity of the timber increases. At 30 miles, many white sprueo, 2' 0" in diameter and cl' thoroughly sound ijuaiily, togoMier with largo tamarae an! prairie, but in the river valleys and gulloys that ai'o crossed, tin4be4' blull's atlbrding white spruce and tanuvrac aro conveniently situated for u.so in ttie construction of tho llailway. .Vt the 90 miles the line approaches to tho Swan JJiver. Here the .Swan valley nan-ows into a gorge about a quarter of a mile wide and 100 f(^ot deep, and in this gorge there are blufls of pino and sjjruce whic!> continue lor about five miles; Irom thiK point up to the Port J'elly Barracks, a distance of live miles, there is no timber available on the line of Railway. On crossing the JSnake (.ireck, however, at tho Barracks, wOth mile tho timber is of such quality, and in such quantity, as to render it valuable as an article of commerce. Tbroughoiil the length of the line, with the exception of the last ten miles, tho soil is I'ich and fertile. On the banks of the ^[os y liiver there is a suong loamy clay, producing rieh vegetation. Farther on wo leach tho meadows before alluded to, where there is a very luxuriant growth of long grass. In these meadows arc to bo found small lagoons of salt watci", wdiilst sonu-times, occasionally in close jn-oximity to salt, there may be scon a spi'ing of porfcetly "pure water. This .salt walcf is not mot with aftor the tilth mile. Tho swani|)s mentioned between lliy oiitcM" than iHiiiiilly as liit^fly gwy y lieio may iiul boai'itii,' miitry aixl -tho tiinlim' mil 05) from ,[•0 .small — 1 oxcelloiit 1 llio boltr^ tho lino, a vailablo lor tho timhor tlioroii^hly l''rom iiofo iinlain, this cou Iho 40 tho Olio k Mit growth iTU'o oi' tho riic quality ubly sound. ; woi'o out. valloy of ho country nilos along hick undcr- [ai blutfs of ich u good skirts tho bod. \vo ontoi' a with intof- ii'O Cfosscd, 1 for uso in tho Swan I milo wide •uco whio!' Barnu'ks, a )n crossing \"A country L0SS3' Kivoi- Jtiml)or can |.[uiroiiionls tho f.Oth |aal)Io as an miles, tlic |ong loamy >ro alUuloil badows aro jy in close This salt llwoon llio I ?ii 187 flftoontli and twon<3-sixth milos would for somo time be an ol)stacl(> to cultivation, lliidugli it is probai)lo that tho drainago caused by tho cotistrucli(tn of Iho |{ailway would do much towards their imin'oveniont. After ihis is passed wo outer upon a better drained country, and tho strength of tlio soil is evidenced by Iho luxuriant and varied undergrowth in the tbrost, together with the luimur- ous kinds of grasses produced. It is in the Swan Valloy, however, that tho I'iclu'-t and most extensive ai'ca of agricultural Cf)untry is found, Tho valn.ablo ])art of Ihis valley, or rather basin, begins at tlus eastern slope of the Thunder Hill, anil extends in a north-easterly direction to the ,Swan Lake. It is bounded on tho north and north-wost by the Swan Lake and Porcupine Mountain, on tho west \>y tho Tliuniler Hill, on tho South by the Duck Mouiilain, and on (he KasI by an elevated lidge lying between it and Lake Winnipegoosis, fts extent is about (id miles in length liy '20 miles in width. Tho .soil is remarkably rich and productive. Through- out, it consists of large plains clot bed with tall sucub-nt grass alternating with strips and clumi)s of timber well-grown and admirably adapted for building ])urposos. At tho lower end, that is near the Swan Lake, the timber is more varied than in any part of tho country as yet described. Here one n y see spruce, lamarac, oak, elm, mapio, birch and poplar; onch species being represented by trees of very considerable growth. In the gardens attached to a few houses forming a little hamlet at the mouth of the Swan ffiver, I had ocular demonstration of the pruductive powor of llio .soil. This valley is looked upon by the natives as the garden nf the district. On tho last ten miles of the line running along the edge ol the gorge of tin', Swan River, the soil is stoney and light. About a mrle to the snutli, however, these stones disappear and the soil is richer. At the 45th and 47tli miles aro ridgos elevated from 12 to 1.") feet composed of sand and gravel suitable; for ballast. Again, from tlio r).')th to the (!2nd mile, at an average distance of 500 feet, tb(! lino runs parallel to the base of tho J)uck .Mountain, which here rises to a stoop slope, and from which gravel and .sand can be obtained. In .some of the streams in the Luck Mountain traces of iron could l»e detected in a few of tho stones composing the bottom, but these, I am inclined 10 thiid< wore tho vomains of bouldors rather than tho evidences of iron stone in situ. Tho climate is similar to that of tho Province of Mtriitoba. In summer" the days are hot and the nights cloudless and cool ; this difll'orenco of temperature causing u heav}' dew-tall, which compensates for the almost total want of rain. Li the autumn, the more equitable temperature of the nights and days, combined with cloudy weather, reduces tho dew-fall to almost nil; there is tho same absence of rain, and the country consequently becomes so dry that much inconvenionee and even danger is caused by bush liies. The first frost was obsorveil on tho L5th September, on which m'ght there were two degrees of frost. After this, however, as late as the mi Idle of October mild and genial weather was experienced. Tho first snow fell on the 25th Octcibor, and this snow continued on the ground. After this the weather set in steadily cold. On the night of the I7th Noveml)or the tluMnioniclcr registered — 10", and again on tlio25thof Lhemonth--.'{4°. Soon after lb i>, the thermometer, to my regret, M'as broken, but I svas surprised to find, on reaching the Kort Polly Harracks on tho 10th December, that in the miildle of the month the thermomet(>r had on one night registered — 11°. Owing to the great dryness of iho alinospbere, comiiined with tho ])ii>teclion fi'om wind the bush aifiu'ded, \vo liad not suspected that we were exposed to such inten.se cold ; indeed, I may mention that some of my men who camofrom Manjuette count}-, in ^lichigan, in drawing a comparison between tho two districts h.'ul decided in favour of tho Xorth-west as being the milder, though no doubt oven — 20" in Marquette would havo caused much discomfori. Tliedoplh of snow observed in the end of Lecember was about 8 inches, fn regard to early summer frosts, from which this district is supposed to suffer, the testimony of some few half-l»reed settlers in tho Swan Valley and on the shore of Luke Winnipegoo.^is, was to the effect that these early frosts aro unknown and that in.eveiy way tho climate is well adapted for agiicultural operations. On tlio other hand, at the greater altitude of Fort Polly, tho opinion of the genlloman in (diargo of that post was that the early frosts might in t- :!l iiJi } 1 I st. Whil(3 s|i('idt. Alx)ut I'ln'j uin])lo OS liotweeii lal location, >o() of tlio y soino (wo two unci 11 [iuko. Tho ul ot TiiiUo y Harrac Us o('rook at lliis plateau ITAM. jision, P. I 1 ArPF.NDIX M rnoanKss ukpoht o\ tiik scuvkys madk. in tiik Noitxir-wKsT TEnnrmmEs ni ntxo TIIK Yi:.\tt 11-17') llV II. A. I'. MACI.Koli. Ottawa. 2Stl. Mar. 1,, 187(1. Sir, — I liavc lilt' honor to ^-ulniiit tlic t'ollowiii;^ report on tJn- pioliminary siii- voys and I'Xploralion- I'oi the Canadian I'arific I'ailway, niadi* iliiiir\:r tijo soason of 187') in the Norih-Wcst Toi riloi'it's, liotwt'cn liiviii^stonc, near I'orl I'elly and (ho (Caledonian \'allo\-, tlio eastern approach to the Yellow lloail l^iss in ilio J{o('Iuld li(> practieahio to lun (ho line of railway (hrou^^h tluoudyiny spur of the Hocky .Moiinlains, ho(ween ("aler(li Sask.'ilchewan, by way of Mra/.eau liivei'. Sccondli/, — T(» connect (ho siirve3's already made east anil west. You supplied me with oojiies of ihe Karl of .Southe>k's hook, Captain Palliser's rcporls !ind majis, and o(hcr information. On (he niiips you marked the general direcdon of the liniis you wisiied to have surveyed and cxplorcil. I wasli(;^ia|)li liiif should lit' liiiilt as iioarly as practicaliK' oti tlio lira* wliicli will iiltiinatoly ho adr>i)t.u(l lor thu railway. On ihi» traviiitj of Mohcily's plan whitli you wont, yon dosiro*! nu» tr) sUotcli llin ii'oniinciit iihysjcal roalnics oj' tlm apjily to Mr. Thonia^ Nixon, tho jairvoyer tor nocossary proviMioiis, (H|Mi|inuMil, men. hoisos, <^c., Coi' ontlit, tiansporl and sapplios lor the whole soason. i n afcoi'diiMee with llu'>e insirnelions, I eoninii'Meed al onnr\eys. I saw Mr. Nixon on hi-t arrival in WihiiipeLf i>n tln' Mth April, and on the 12lh, when he had I'eeeived detinite instruelions how lo act 1 iiiado reiiiiisi- lioiis upon liini I'or snp|)lios for Divisions 1' and L. a'ld for my small oxplorim^ |iin'*y- .John llrown was eiit^a/^ed as my Coniniissarat otlieer and /,niidi> upon ^-onr reeoni- nutndalion. His adviee ami oxperiiMiee wore fouml lo he ol'yi'eal valiii'. Mr. I'litlan anivod on the iTlli April and took ehari;;e of preparations hoiiii; made for Division \j. ('oininissai'iat ollleei's were appointed to l"tth l>ivision>, to act in the field iimler Mr. Nixon, and to assist the engineers in ehai';^i'. Mr. Ni.von ascortained that no snitahle provisions c'<"ild heohtiiinod in Winnipoi^ al Ihat sea-Min ol' iho year, and Ihorot'ore it would ho usole.s tostart heloro thearrivai of supplies on the openin;^of' iiavit^atioii. Tho tirst stoamhoat from Moorhead arrivod on the 2\H\\ April, hut the whole of our supjilies did not come till the IHth May. Mi-, Lucas .'iriived i>\\ iho "Jlst Api'il, he lelt his jiNsistant and some (jf his jiarty at Fort Tolly, prq)ai'iiii; i)laiis, etc: ihe rest were ]iaid oil in VVimiipe^, iMy own time and that of Division L was fully oceupiod in making' tracings of ))rovious surveys and makinth of May, Ihat heing tho date agreed upon with the men hired, and on tho 20th wo all loft Winnipoi,', our supply trains having left in detachments hcfoi-o us. In comparing my aneroids with tho standard biiromolor at tho oh.-iorvatory, tho ditVorouee in each was only O'OU, after the joiirtiey by rail t'rom Toronto. I mot Mr, Fuller, conliaetor for tho telograph, fro(|Uently before leaving Wiiini- j»og, and arranged with him that tho lino would bo markod out as quickly as possible. Jounuy from Winniprg lo Livinijstonet On our first day's journey we passed tho greater part of our supjjly train. Thoy liad dispia-sed with tlieir loads to thoir houses, h)oking for their eattlo, &e., and wo soon foinid that the eommissari.-it oftictM-s Ii.tI no control over tho movements of tho froighlers, and had .'irrarigcfd ikj jiIuco of rendexvous. Tho result of this was that l)ivision fi had to leinain for a cousiderablo time at Totogan till sup|)lios came up. Fortunately Division P had two months' provisions at Swan River- IJarraeks (Livingslone}, which I sont out to them on the 5th April. Mr. Lucas was thus I'uabled to comnience liis survey at once and to replenish my stock. My li'ain consisted of five carts, a light waggon for instruments kc, throo saddle hoises, nine cart hoi-ses, and a party of eight, all told. With Mr. Jjucas and his jiarty we continued oiir journey to Livingstone. Foi- tho tii'st week wo eari'ied oats for our horses, as tho grass was short and young, I'Vtun tho end of .May to the middle ol Oclolier our horses lived entirely upon ]);isture. We followed the ordinary liail through Poi-tago La i'rairie andTologan to F'ort Kllice, and t'l'oni Fllno to Fort, Fell}' and Livingstone arriving thoro on llio f>th ,lune. T look note of the general features of tho country between Forts (I'arry and Polly. Wo found tho rest of Division P oncainpeil near Livingstone, in \ Mr. fjiicas Mlnnvofl iiio (liu |ilaii ami pHjUlo of liis locatioii from M(»^«y iJivor to SiiivUo CrcH'lv, aiwl \v»> cxaiiiincil llit> valley nf Svv.iii Uivt-r with a viiuv to ^ftti itf a licilor rro-*>iii^' of Siialio ("riTJv, iioar iln juiiflioii willi Sw.iii l{i\i'i', Itiil liii< valley ol' Swan Ifiver U \i'iy rtin;,'li ami rrooki'il with liohl |ioiiilH rniiniti;,' into the valley. Oil ilie lilicj, as located, tlie Work is very li;,'lit, exei;|»t tlio erns^iiij^ ol' a lew eoiilees ami .Snake (Jreel^. As the ^^ihuikI is hi^!i to ihu wost, wo rosoivotl to utihere to Iho high cn»«siii;{ of Snake Creek. \Vo exainim-il tho connlry to tim wtvst, utnl decided to >iti()n and that of iln' railway line, using am roids lo asci-rlain any sudden changes of elevation. I'Vom I'clly wo followed up the Valley of the As^inihoine, over a rough and crooked road through poplar wooils, J)as^sing some large lakes. On getting into moro open country ten miles out, we followed a trail north-west to reach the railway line, lait .sr)on got into so much brush that wo returned to the main trail, which wo fcllowod till we crossed the Assinihoino River. We then worked up to tho north- west again, till wo arrived within six miles of tho proposetl lino ; wher(» we found the woods so heavy to the north and \ve>l that wo had to turn to the soutlica^^t. The country is undulating, with many small lakes and swamps, and incscnts no iliiliculties for railway c(Mislruction. Whore wo cro.sscd the Assiiiihoinc, ilm valley is wide, and of no depth, not moro than 2(1 foot, tho rivei hcing ID feet wide. Wo were travelling for a tlay to the south-oast, heforo wo strui'k the Touchwood Hill trail. Ill following il to tho soulh-wosl, the woods appeared so close lo llie north, that r determined to follow the trail for tho- present. We ])assod the Little Touch- wood Hills to the .south of the trail. On the nth .Iune we arrived at tho junction of llio (^tiill T^ako road, and followed ii ill a north-wcslcrly direction. We wore now ji long way to the south of tlis' pro- jiosetl railway line, (ietling into open country at the nirlh cud of the Touchwood Hills, we again travelled in a north-weslerly iliroction, then more to tho west, and coming iij)on thick woods, had to hear off to the south. The country hei-e is very level. We again struck the t^uill Ijake trail, and followi'd il to the north enuill Lake and the 'J'ouchwood Hills are farther south than shewn on the majis, and that ids lino would not come near them. We followed the trail till we got witliiii iialfa-mile of the line. Hero wo made observations for latilude, and put up a mound as a guide to the tolegrapli con- tniclor in delivering his material, also lo mark our trail tor Mr. Lucas. Krom this mound, we travelled in the proposed direction of the railway, through iindiilating country, with groves of poplar, hut soon came out upon o[)oii plains, whit h 1 look to be Bull'alo Cart I'lains. We cros.sed the plains, and passed through a very hilly coiinliy, till wo struck the (y'arlton tniil. The hills ju'e small, and will olfer no scrioii-i ohitruclion. Suou after, we cro.ssed the hocoiuI Uarllou trail, wjiich leads to 'il I ii »,' i 1!)2 lf'1- J I f<"., I 'li, ^i llic iippof ferry, ami ibllowccl it ii sliorl lii.stanco to liml wool. Tlic contracLor'.s train ol' 50 cai'ts, with mati'i-iai lor the tok'ifrapli cuiistriiclioii wost fVum Ihc lOlliovv, ovcM'loolv Hi luM'o, aiid I lyarried Liiat Mr. Kiiltan's i)arty wiin alioiiL a day boliiiul lliom. Wc saw a ftsw Indian lodges near the trail, whoHC owners soon carao up to uh, ami claimed a small jMiny whieh^wo had t'oiind on tiio plains north ofQnill liiike, and wiiieh wo ^avo th(!m. 1 soJit my carl alonj:; the ti'aii to the lorry, and with throe of my party tollowed our course to the >Soalh Saskatchewan. In the tirst forty miles the hills incrca.se in lK'i<.^ht and size and then bear off to the .south-west. The railway will probably have to keej) to the north, unless a inoro direct pas.sasfe can bo fc^ind through thorn to the Houiii. Tiio 10 miles near the Hushatchewan is nearly level and open. Having exatninetl the banks for some distance up tho j'iver 1 .soicctdfl a vei-y favourable crossing for the i-ailway, 1)75 foot wide. There is very little timber on this part of the South Sasiiatchowan, and none suitable {\iv raiting. Wo then Ibllowed tho direction of tho river, and found our carls at the ferry. Mr. Kuttan and Division L arrived at tho terry in the evoning. As the telegraph people wore tho tirst to arrive, wo had to wait till their carts wore ferried over. Then all tho horses were driven into tho river and swam across. 1 told the foremen of the telegraph ])arty that 1 would mark tho position for the telegraph from the Klbow to the cud of tho Willow Hills, so that ho might conmienco the construction at once. Having crossed the Saskatchewan (25th Juno), we followed a trail to the south- west, and then sti'tu-k across to our land mark on tho east bank of tho river. 1 examined tho river for lour miles to llie south-west, and selected another crossing more on the direct line ])as.«iing south through the hill}' country east of the river. Tho width of the river here is S(J2 fet't and the bi'.nks are about 70 high — thi.s would make ;i very good ci'ossing. We put up a inound and continued our journey on oui* course tor the 101 bow. lU'tween the two Saskatchewans the country is open plain, very even, and easy for railway construction. The Xorth Saskatchewan was reached at the Elbow, and wo followed tho .south bank to I'^agle llili Creek. This stream flovvs through a valley 4000 feet by 200 feet dee]). 1 examined this valley fo;- eight miles, and found tho best cro.ssing at (he mouth of the stream. The freshet level of tho Sashatchowan at this jioint is 10 feet higher than the ])resont level. From this ])lace, on tho 1st July, I sent a copy of my Hold plan and directions to yU-. Lucas, giving him tho latitudes and longitudes of important points to guide him to the river crossing.-, &c. i also |uit up a mound and in(. Tlic freighler> wei'c much ilrhiyed by the ([uaii(i(y of I'ain making the roads almixt iinpassalile. It rained incessantly during our slay at l']diiii>n(on. JoKntii/ from /•'ilinonton I" the MiiUjne \',illti/ iiiii/ lniiL We lef( Ivlnionlon on the fllli August, in cinnpiiny with (he supply train, and assisted (lu'in in rea<-liing Luc Ste. .\nne. My party now consis(cd of IS pack hor.-i-s ami thiee .siddle horses, two experienced packers were uIsd added to our slrenglh. We took (wo carls to Lac Sle. Aiini>. (he end of llu' cart road. I continued the t raverse of (i!ir trail, iiuw estimating (lie dislnnces by time, 'flic road was so wcl and heavy that wo did not I'cach Lie Ste. .Vinie (ill the 1 Itli .Viigusi. 'fliere we got our supjdie- frnm the freiuhters, Hour fjr three month.-, witli a lidle bacon, and peniniican (br two T-1 I i 'VI ! ' i 194 J 'II i| i' I moiitlis whicli wo obtainod in oxcliaiigo for bucon. I secured tlic (services of Viiliul, as guide and hunter; ho told mo that ho had accompanied a largo i)arty with hotwos up the lliver Urazoau, and down the Medicine Tent Vulloy, wlicn u boy, so I thought wo wore fortunate in getting him. Oar first mail arrived at Lac Stc Anne from Fort tJarry on the 12th, taking just •no montii on the Journc}'. It returned on the following day. On tho 13th August wo got our loads assorted, and started with our pack horses loaded on the tj-ail to Jasper Jrouso. Our pi-ogress was very slow, and we fotind tho trail bad and the country very much flooded. We had to make bridges and cut out now trails round swamps. We arrived at the IJivor Pembina on the IGth, whore wo met some of Mr, Rutlan's packers. 1 found him encamped near the mouth of the Ilivcr Lobstick. Ho had commenced the survey near the ciossing of tho River Pembina, and by so doing received his supi)lies, Avhich accompanied us, before ho was entirely run out. J examined the crossing of the Pembina and tho valley of the Lobstick for some miles. The woik will be heavy and difKcnIt till the lino loaves the l«inks of the Lobstick. We had lo raft the Pembina, and continued our traverse on llu' nib to where the trail crosses the Lobstick, which we also had lo raft. Mr. Rullan accompanied me fiir some distance, to exannne the country in advance of hi.s party. The trail im))r()ved a little beyond the Lobstick, but we lost some lime in linding a Inirse which iiacd over a high watershed between it and the Rivor Athabasca, 750 feet above the Mciiood. The line goes rountl tho^Mid of tliis ridgo at a lower level, but can still be much inijirovod. The trail con- tinues u]) the valley of the Athabasca, about four miles south of tho river over a very rough slcping country, to Sandstone Ci-eek, where we descended lo the river. Following uj> the river, we jiasscd over some very even terraces and open prairie ai a much lower elevation than the line surveyed, to a point beyond Hardisty Creek. The view of tho entrance to tho Jasper Valley and Roche MyeLte is very giand from some of these terraces. To avoid high and wooded country at the month, of Pi'airie J{iver, weagain returned to the line, Horded I'ruirif Uivci" a mile al)i)ve its mouth, ■•md loUowed the trail to whore the I'iver bends t^i t'u' south iunong the nii)uiitairis. Hi 1(« Hci'viocs of l)arty with ji boy, ISO I , taking just pack horses vc found tho and cut out h, whoi'c wo outli of the f tlic River IS, before he 'alloy of the line leaves n\v traverse raft. Mr. ;ance of liis onie (inic in 10 numerous prevent tho y delays in t into more ;d us up the ast crossing l)et\vcen the LH'ley's trail igh a very 1 this point each on tho There is ine of any cted by Mr. 'ine Lodge lucli bui'iit, very good e is every following trail leave join the part being Mountains, altout 40 mountains was very watersheil goes round le trail con- )ver a very the river. praii'ie at ty Creek. pand from of Prairie louth, and litis. [fp this valley there is a trail to the I'iver McLeod, but Valad assured me that it passed over higii ground. There is no doubt that it is too high foi- the railway. From this to Fiddle liiver tlio trail and lino pass over a high watershed TOO feet above the Athabasca. Tho ridge extends northwards along the cast shore of L;ic Bi-ulo to tho river, and eastwards to tho mouth of Prairie JJiver. Tiirco traders from Edmonton met us and exchanged some horses, which assisted us much, as some of ours were nearly useless from packing over so rough u trail. We entered tlic Rocky Mountains on tho 4th September, forded Fiddle River at Fiddle ])ep6t, followed the ti-ail along the Athabasca by the foot of Roche Myette, and past Jasper House. The river washes the base of Roche ^fyette for about a mile ; the face of tho rock is very steep, so that the construction of the railway hero would be very expensive. The Athabasca was too high to ford, so we took the old Hudson's Bay Company's trail, forded Rocky Riv-cr, and traversed along tho sand^' and marsh}' flats to the south of Jasper Lake. The river takes a sudden turn to the south Hoarly opposite Snaring River, whei'e there are several bold i-ocky points with the river at their feet. The line surveyed crosses the River Athabasca to the west side, just above those rocks. We arrived at the mouth of the Maligne on the 7tli September, and coimectcd tlio traverse with the line at Athabasca Depot by rafting the river. 1 found the bench mark near the Depot, and ascertained the elevation (»f our camp above the sea by using the two aneroids. The River Maligne was very high and rapid, TO I'ect wide and fi feet deep, a regular mountain torrent. The largest part of ibe water ])asses under the rocks, .ind issues at the end of a canyon, about a mile from the Athabasca. Yalail went on to exploit, and reported that he could find no trail, and that he had never been in the valley before. Finding so much timber, it was necessary to cut a trail for our horses, which made our progress very slow. Food for the horses was very scarce in this valley; avo tliereforo left our lioi'ses in the Athabasca valley, where the pasture was good, excejit three jionies to cany provisions, intending to take the whole train up when siifHcient grass was reached. The traverse was continued on fool, and a stalioiwiry aneroid was always left at a benchmark in charge of Mr. Crompton. I used (lie other aneroid on tho traverse, and compared tho ditl'erence on returning to the bench- marks. There is an abrupt bench in the valley, about two miles from the moutli of the Maligne, where is the canyon before referred to. This bench i^ more than 400 feet above the Athabasca, oi- H,T50 feet above the sea. This would be overcome with difHculty by crossing the line above the Myette River, and rising with a steep grade along the south side of the Athabasca valley. About four miles from the mouth, there is another canyon, with falls; at the tojiof tho falls tho elevation is ;{,!)80 feet. On the 11th Se2)tcmber wo reached Medicine Lake, tho elevation of which is 4,521 feet above tho sea. The north .shore of this lake is very precipitous, with land slides, the mountains coming directly down to the water. On the south side, the shores are bold and rough, but the ascent of the mountains is more gradual. The outlet is entirely under ground for three-f[uartcrs of a mile except in very high water, the full volume of the river is not seen except within two miles of its moutli. The trail was continued along the south bank of the Maligne beyond the lake to a point about twenty miles from the mouth, when the banks become so precipitous that we could make no more trail. Up to this, the pasture was vcvy poor, baroly sufficient to keep our throe ponies alive. 1 tiiereforo decided to cross to the north bank and explore tho valley, as far as possible, without horses, till we should find pasture. Taking Yalad and two others we continued our traverse along the north bank, leaving Mr. Crompton with an aneroid at Medicine Lake, and directing the rest of the party to examine the country for a trail further up the side of tJie mountains. On the 14th September we reached Sorofoot Lake, about 33 miles from the mouth of the river, 5,134 feet above the sea, and we explored along the north shore to near the east end, 10 miles farther. The shores of the lake are very bold and rough with land slides in places, and near tho east end there is a glacier reaching ii 'll w, i ,» 1 t i I witliin 200 feet of tlic lake level. The moniilains beyond the east end of tlie lake nppioacii each other very closely, leaving oidy a narrow steep jn'orge between them, and they arc CDVcrcd with pcr]ared with the mouth of the Caledonia vallc^', is too far to the north to make a more direct line than the present one down the Athabasca valley, and the elevation we I'cached is 411 feet above the Yellow-Head Pass, and 557 feet higher than any necessary summit towards Edmonton. Valad and Urown both agree with me in supposing that the Karl of Southesk must either have entered the head of Rocky River valley or a bianch of the Rrazeau flowing around Mount Lindsay ; Lord Southesk travelled across from the MacLeod to Medicine Tent valley in half a day, and ascended to the head of the valley in the afternoon of the same day (.'Jrd September.) The mouth of Maligne River is 28 miles from the enti anco to tlu' Rocky Mountains ; it is very probable that it is equally far from the bead of the McLcod to the Maligne, as the ranges are nearly parallel, and the MeLeod does not enter the mountains. There is an old trail from Jasper Lake to the River Brazcau ; it passes to the west of Roche .lacque and goes around tbo head of Rocky River. This is probably the trail which Valad followed, as before referred to, when a boy, and it is likely that the Earl of Southesk struck the trail when ho descended the Brazeau for a short distance, and returned again to the valley of White Goat River. Near this the Earl met with glaciers, so that the elevation must have been sonic 5,000 feet. The maps in his book represent the hills on the east of Medicine Tenl V^alley as sniooth and round, while those on the west are peaked and rocky, from which it would seem that this valley is only behind the '-foot hills" and not in the mountains. The branch of the Brazeau which you do.iired me to follow is well known to Ya'ad and Brown, and they describe it as very bad, falling rapidly through canyons and high rocks. I feel sure that no practicable line can be got through in this direction. We continued our return towards J'idmonton on the 23rd September. I examined several places again, with a view to improving the lino down the Athabasca. The contitry between the Athabasca and Prairie River is very bigh, and keeps its height to the north till it reaches the banks of the Athabasca. A favourable lino can begot by keeping on the north sirazeaii 3 MacLeod lley in the Itiver is 28 t is equally arallel, and )cr Lake to d the head •ro referred I when ho ) valley of ation must east (if jouked and foot hills" le to follow ng rapidly can be got I examined isca. The its height can be got [yctte, and arth. The e will Still on some 1 the Atha- ! basea and McLeod, elevation 3,arty by the cait trail to Kdinonton, taking three horses and a ir.an. I crossed over a vei'y hilly country to White Earth Fort. Mr. Euttan and j)arty were at work on the banks of the Saskatchewan, three miles to the east of the crossing. I examined his plan and profile, got tracings made, returned to examine the crossing, and arrived at Edmonton on the Pth October. The Rev. G. MacDougall was at the Fort; he told me of his meetings with the Indians, and gave me a copy of his commission from the Liculenant-tiovernor. I wrote and telegraj)hed to you an account of my exi)lorations, and forwarded it by our mail on the 20lh October. Our horses were much pulled down, so wcgavetbom as much time as possible to re(!riiif, feeding them with barley. 1 examined a very favourable crossing of the Saskatchewan, above the mouth of Sturgeon Eiver, where the new Police iJarrack is being built; but the lino would have to be lengthened to enable it to cross there, and tlie JJcaver Hills would be in the way. A messenger from Mr. Lucas brought the intelligence that ho had reached the large coulee, 100 miles west from Livingstone, and that he was progressing raj)idly. I sent Mr. Crompton with the mail carrier to intercept any letters for me on the incoming mail. Erown accompanied me to Lucas' Cam}), and returned to take care of the weak horses at Edmonton, and other Government stores. Journey from Edmonton to Carlton. Taking three men, three carts and eight horses, I left Edmonton on the 24th October, i^assed to the south of the Beaver Hills where the line should bo located, and arrived at Mr. Lucas' camp on the 30th. He was then 450 miles out from Livingston and advancing sometimes 10 miles a day. I examined his plan and profiles, which he gave to me, as it would take too much time to make tracings. On the remainder of my journey I took notes of tho telegraph construction, the first sign of which was at 407 miles out, where there is a large pile of wire insulators, &c., intended for the last 100 miles. Some of the contracior's men were still engaged in putting up the line, near Fort Pitt Trail. We arrived at Battle Eiver on thellth Xovembcr, where the contractor has built a large shanty and stables. N'o operator had arrived, so I was unable to telegraph from this point. Several small traders have commenced business since I passed up, and some Indian families returned from the plains were living in their winter quarters. Over the Eagle Hills tho telegraph is built some distance to the south of tho railway line, in open country, and joins the lino near tins KIbow. There was veiy little snow on the ground to the west of Eagle Hill Creek ; beyond that the snow aeoined to increase in depth to Carlelon, where wo arrived on the 10th November. I|,:l IftS Hero 1 found that tlic frcigliU'i' wlio Iji-oiif^ht out the provisions scr-i, for in July had stored thorn in Iho lInugh this lake. The water can be lowered, as there is a fall of 10 or 15 leet in two miles, U) a streani flowing rajiidly into Swan River. About 12 miles out, the line is diverted to the north to avoid a large lake. The country is rough and full of lakes; it is covered with thick spruce and bruli, making it diHieult to obtain a knowledge of its features. The hue siu'veyed from the lake to the east crossing of the Assiniboine is very favour- able; it can l)e improved by deflecting to the north, as shown on the plan, but the be wider. P^'oni this to the west branch of the Assiniboine, the country is ver}' easy, and the crossing the best that can be had in the vicinity. It was found that Nut Hill lies to the south instead of the north of the AssinilMtine. It extends for several miles in a north-westerly and south-easterly direction, across the lineof the railwa}'. The best way to overcome the ascent will be in thedirection of the dotted blue line on the plan. The topof the hill is a level plateau, covered with alkali swamjhs, caused ])rincipally by beaver dams, which can be drained. The descent on the west side is very gradual, and the work light. The line conliiuics over the hill in a straight line to 141 miles out, except a slight deflection lo the north, near the 100th mile post. The country is very favourable, and little improvement can bo made in location. There is rather loss timber on this part west of Nut Hill, and it is almost entirely small poplar. Prom the 14lst mile to 175 miles from Livingston, the country is very hilly ami broken ; the line is deflected to the north to avoid high ground. It will be necessary to examine this section more in detail in advance of location. The work is not heavy, but the line can probably bo much improved. There is hardly any wood liere ; the country continues open to the Eagle Hills, west of the Pilbow. From the 175th mile to the crossing of the South Saskatchewan the descent will be easy, and the work not heavy. The crossing is the best that can be found in the vicinity; lower down, the valley increases very much in width and depth. About four miles up the stream there is another very good crossing, but it is too far south for the line, which is bent to the north by the range of hills east of the river. I'rom the South Saskatchewan to Eagle Hill Creek the line surveyed can be slightly inij)rovcd as shewn on the plan. The work on this section is very light, except the approach to Eagle Hill Creek, which is along side hills, and will be heavy in places. The crossing of Eagle Hill Creek cannot be nuich improved. From this Creek to 250 T.iiles out, the line is very near the proper position. This part is much covered with woods, and being on siile hills, i'oUowing the North Saskatchewan, it will be necessary to have it cross-sectioned before location, as u slight deviation will make a considerable ditfercnce in the ([uantity of work. The work here will necessarilj- be heav}', and there are several lai-ge coulees which will add considerably to the amount of work. At the 250th mile, the line loaves the river to avoid some bo! 1 piiiit-^ ami hind slides, passing through a parallel valley and joining the river again at 2l!!! niile< oiil. The a- :j27th mile to 427 miles out, the line surveyed passes over some very rough country in places. To the south of the four JJlack foot Hills the line is very (M'ooked and the work heavy, there are also three coulees, one of which is 220 feet below tho level of tho plains and 2,001) feet wide, ■with high ground to the west of it; with this exceptions, the rest of this j^ortiou is favorable. I believe that these ditliculties can, to a considerable extent, bo avoided by passing to tho south of Willow Ilills and keeping in the valley of Battle liivor, which runs nearly parallel to the line, the coulees can then bo crossed near their mouths and tho lino will ascend tluough the most westerly coulee to tho level of the plains near tlic 427th mile. As this deviation will be some two or three miles in places south of tho surveyed line, it is imjiossible, with the knowledge now pos-iessed, to shew an approximate profile of this section. From -i2Dth mile to near 41)1 miles out, at the Hay Lukes, tho litic surveyed is very near the ])roper ])Osition ; it can bo straightened in places, as shewn on the plan ; the woik is light, and can probably be made lighter on further examination. There is a good deal of brush anil poplar on this part. Mr. J jucas completed this survey on the 13th November, joining his lino with Mr. Kuttan's, a lew miles to the south- west of tho 491st mile, or 504 miles from Snake Cj'oek. Instrumental Surcey made by Mr. Rattan from the J fay Lakes, near Edmonton, to connect with the surcci/a made from the Pacific Ocean in 1873, to near Hoot River, 14L mites. As already stated, Mr. lluttan commonccu this survey at the mouth of the Lobstick Jliver, where it joins tho Pembina, and carried iton westward till he connected with .Mr. Moberly's survey ot 1873 near Itoot Ivivor. Ho then returned to his starting point at the mouih of the Lobstick and continued his survey eastwards till he joined Mr. Lucas" survey at the ilay Lukes. The survey was commenced on the Uth August and tho lines wore joined at tho Ilay Lakes on the 13th November. Commencing near the 4'Jlst mile at the ILiy Lakes, the surveys made to the west were detloclcd too far to the south in crossing one of tho branches of While Mud liivcr. It was found necessary to make another exploratory survey from near the I'.Msl mile, jiassing to the south of the western Hay Tiuke, crossing the AVhitoMuil branch Ih miles north of the fii'st survey and terminating at the longitude of J'ldmonton, at the point wheietho location survey of this season(l87<)) was commenced. One of the objects of this stwvey was to secure the construction of the telegraph as near as possible on the proper line. Plans and jirofiics of this part have lately boon received. The ground is rough and hilly until the White Mud is crossed, and tliere is a high ridge Itetween tliC Hay Jiukes, which How into Battle liivor, and the While Mw\ which Hows into the Saskatchewan. The grades are steep, but can be considera- bly ini])roved by lengthening the line a little. The whole of this countr}* to the west is thickly wooded, with occasional small openings of a few acres. 1 '10 1 lower flat (•» I Imnk of tlio ' located ul'lor iiiiH, und this J, iirt shewn by •opor position, l»iirt will bo )o.scd of small he knolls are or some very I lino is very h is 2l'0 foot 1 to the west avoided by 1 llivor, which ir mouths and plains near the sui'voyed approximate B surveyed is n on the plan ; ation. There lis lino with s from Snako lion, to connect 1 141 miles. nouth of the le connected irned to liis twards tillhe joined at tlio e to the west White Mud )m near the |e White Mud ongKude of conmienced. tele^raj)!! as ately been and (liero is Hie While )o (ionsidora- ntry to the From the longitude oi Kdmonton (TAl miles') to a coulee 527 miles out, the line locatctl conver/^es lo, and nearly Joins, the exjiloratory line. This ]tait is very easy and the crossinj^ ot tlio coulee li^hl. though ;{0() feet to the north tluM-oiilee is 1(10 feet deep and incivasos I'apidly in width and depth. From this ])oiiit, the locatcil line diverges lo the north to reacli a proposed crossing of the Noi'th Saskatchewan 5;M miles out. This crossiii;^ is objoctionable, as it is made at an angle of about 45° with the direction of the stream. A better crossiii";; may perhaps be fj;ol at the mouth of a stream which jninsthe Saskatchewan from the south-east about '{ of a mile above this skew crossing. It will probably be a high crossing and the approaches will be heavy. If a satisfactory crossing is fcnind here, the most di 'oct lino will pass to the north of White Lake, and will join the exploratory lino to tlie .south of Lake of Isles. The country is very hilly, but it is j)robablo that agood line can bo found. The exploratory line was surveyed with a view to crossing tlio Saskatchewan above the site of Old White Karth Fort, 55,i miles out. This necessitates keeping the line clo.se to the river lor a .listanco of 18 miles, as the hanks rise suddenly to the south, about 200 feet high, and 'ontinue to rise to the Pigeon Hills 4 or 500 I'eet above the river. There are numerous streams following from the Pigc(ui Hills, in large coulees, so that it is impossible to keep the line at a higher level, in several places the banks recede lor a considerable distanco from the river, leaving largo flats, and ajiproach it again in bold abrupt points, Tho c(mstruction on this portion would lie difliciilt, as the line passes over several Ian 1 slides, and in other parts comes so near the river that protection works would be necessary, which are objectionable in such a rapid stream. The crossing at tho Old White Earth Fort is 600 I'eot wide at low water, where the average depth is 7 feet. The river rises 15 loot higher and overflows the Hats on each side. I examined tho banks for .several miles down stream and found that either the right or left bank was being washed away .so that it would be necessary to put up a protection for about a quarter of a mile, to keep the stream in its channel, and to extenJ the bridge 2 oi' 300 feet over the flats. Thogeneral width of the Saskatchewan Valley is from 1 to 2 milos near the Old White JCarth Fort. The outlet of White Lake tlirough White Liike Creek was found to be so crooked and narrow that no use could bo made of it in getting away from the Sa.%katchewan, and it is too far north for a. line passing south of White Lake. The ascent from tho Saskatchewan is overcome by following the west bank for a short distanco till tho high ground is reached. This approach will involve .some heavy work. From this point to tho water-shed betwoeii the Saskatchewan and Pembina, 582 miles out, the line surveyed is near thei)roper position, andean be innu'oved in places. J' pa.sses to the South of White Lake, Lake of Isles and Itound Lake. The country is rough and hilly, and the work will occassionally be heavy. The waleis of l{ouiid Lak') and Lake of Isles flow tinough Sturgeon River into the Saskatchewan, rising within two miles of the Pembina, which flows into the Athabasca. From this water-shed, tho line makes a ra|)id descent to the cro.ssing of the Pembina, following the valley of a small stream and the banks of the I'embina. The work on the approach to the I'einb'na will be heavy, as it is necc.s.sary to keejiwcll in from the water which is constantly undermining the soft sandstone and coal seams which form the banksof the river. The crossing of the Pembina is narrow, and is the best that can be got in several miles. The line will then follow the Pembina for about two miles, to the Lobstick; this l)art will be very crooked and ditficult to construct, as the banks approach very near the river, and are bold and steep. After crossing the Lobstick 58(1 miles out, the line ascends the valley ra|iiilly for four miles, till the level ground is reached. The construction of this part ol the line will be difficult, as the valley is very narrow and crooked. The Lol)stick- is a large blreain and very rapid, lunniiiij; generally on sandstone rock, it will lje necessary 15 i\ I hi '1 1 t 'u.. I i^i 202 to diver) tlio Mlrenin in two piiicow, tiiiougli low poinU opposite, ami to protoct tlio umbankiuoiits wlicii they approac-li liio river. The lino tiion leaves the LobsticU to the ri^ht, and coiitiiuies in nearly a H^rai^hl line to a |)oint (]()! miles out, |)assin^ a bay of iiobstiek, or Chip Lake. There \H a ^ood (leal of niuske;^ «)ii this part of the line, but the work will bo li^ht anil the grades favourable. For the next four iniloH the line passes over broken country which extends to the north and south of the lino. The work will bo rather heavy. Krom this point, ()05 miles out, to Gilt, the line passes over several ridges, crossing the line at right angles and streams flowing into the Lobstick; there av> several large muskegs, and tho work will bo heavy in a few jtlaces, but generally light. From (ilG miles to the last crossing of the Lobstick, Oil* miles out, the line is di;t!ected to the south to gain distance. It can be Improved by uoeping at a lower level, moro to tho north, round tho shoulder of tho hill to the east. Tlie crossing is easy and the stream small. Tho line still continues in a south-westerly direction for some distance, to over- come the high water-shod between tho Rivers Pembina and McLeod, 624 miles out. The grades will necessarily be steep, and tho work heavy in places. There are several largo muskegs on this part. It is then necessary to descend rapidly to tho crossing ol Mooso River, which flows into tho McLeod. Two crossings of this kind wore surveyed. Tho ])rqjectod lino shown on plan is between tho two surveys. This is a small sticam, but tho approaches to it will bo heavy. A better line to get ovoi" tho water-shed between tho Pembina and MacLeod may perhaps bo fourid in the direction of the dotted blue line, by commencing near (»16 miles out, at a lower level, and bearing ott' to tho west. Mr. Lucas is now examining this jtart of tho country in advance of his location survey. From the crossing of Mooso River, ()27 miles out, the lino follows the valley of Root River, which flows into the Moose, a short distance below tho crossing. It ci'osses Root River, and ast-ends a small stream flowing into it from tho west to a jtoint G.i2 miles out, whore the survey was connected with Mr. Moliorloy's survey of 1873. The construction of this part will bo easy. Root River is a small stream, and tho approaches are light. Xotes OH the Soil, ^'mber and Co((i, bitwuen Winnipe(j and the Rocky Mountains, From daily records of tlie country traversed between Winnipeg and Lac Ste. Anne, west of Edmonton, I estimate that tho proportion of excellent larming land is about 43 per cent.; fair land, 15 per cent.; and j)Oor, light sandy or clay and boulders, 42 per cent. ; tho latter is, however, suitable for grazing purposes. Tho hills are generally poor soil. Retween Lac. Ste. Anne and the mountains, the soil is principally heavy clay, and, in places, sand. The frequent rains coming from the Rocky Mountains not being ])ermittcd to sink into the ground i)y the compactness of the clay, form large areas of muskeg. There are a few places where the soil in the valleys is fair. Tho area of the land covered with timber between Livingstone and Edmonton, along tho lino of the Uaihvay is about 54 per cent. Poplar is tho only wood found, except a small quantity of spruce near Livingstone, and on the Reaver Hills. About the centre of tliis region the poplar is small, but increases in size to tho east and West. From Edmonton to tho Rocky Mountains, the poplar becomes larger, but decreases in quantity, and spruce appears more frequent!}' with pitch-pine and balsam, till the woods are entirely made up of those species. Tho pojjlar in tho North-West appears to be of better quality and closer in tho grain than that found in Ontario, and resembles soft maple. It makes very good flre- woo< of tlio North Sa-ikatchowiin ami tlio Poml)in!i rivoiN sliow \iiv^i> HOctioiiH of colli uL tlio railway tro-tsingH, Ono soam at tlio Pomltina is al) »iit 20 (t^ot thick. It is also found on tho McLood ami at ('oul (!rool{, n(>ar the ctitratHto to Jiuspor Valloy. Tho spocinioris aoconipanyinj^ this aro from thoso rivois. Conclusion. Before closing this report, I may bo allowed to say that tho mombors of tho stftft' and others employed, liav(» generally performed their duties in a very satisfac- tory manner, and have worked faithfully to |>ush forward tho work in hand. Mr. Lucas and his party o.K|)orioncod a great deal of ditflculty In cuttini; tho line through tho 200 miles west of Liviiigstouo. Ti>is portion is ho much covered with wood and water that it was a most troublesome task to keep up supplies and camp outfit. The country over which Mr. liattan and jmrty surveyed is almost entirely covered with woods, and muskegs aro of freipient occurrence ; he was oblig'd to pack all his supplies on horses from Lac Sto. Anno, and the trail, from the .piantity of traffic, bocamo very soft and heavy. Messrs. Lucas and Kattan aro now engaged in locating tho lino from tho longi- tude of Hdinonton to the summit of the Vollow Head Pass. I have the honour to be, Sir, Vour obedient servant, UKNJIV A, F. MacLKOD, SA.NDPonn Ki,KMiN(), Ksq., Engineer-in-Cliicf, '' Canadian X'acific Railway. \ 1 1 1 h Haskatchc- I U 1 1 .> t APPENDIX N. REPOUT ON EXIM.nUATION MADE HKTWKKN LAKE MI'ISSINd AND RlVEIl I'lC, LAKE .SUI'KUKm, IN THE VEAII8 ISTiJ ANI» 1H71, IIY \V. A. AIHTIN. Sm, — T Imvo Iho iiomnir to I'cjxirt that, acconliii^ to your vtM-bul inHtriii'tioiiM of tlio month of.Iurio, 1H7.'{, I miido a comljincd track, micronu'tric and prospoctivo siirvo}' oftlio country lyinj; l)cl\rcen tlio oastoru end of'LaUo Nipissin^ and (lio Ili^li Kail of tlio Soutli Mrancli of tlio Moose Hivor, a distance of about 176 miles. Tlio ]>ort.ion of tlio country oxaminod lyin^ soutli-oast of tlio hoi/L?lit of land was immodl- utoly contincd to tlio norlli-oastcrn slioros of Lako Nipissiii^ and tlio Htur^ooii Ilivor, tlio point of dopartiiro lioin^ tlio Ilivor AwaHlawasin^ near itn discliar^o into tlio cuHt bay of LaUo Nipissin^, Kollowiii;^ tlic lako Mlioro for about 20 milos and tlienco strikinj^ directly to tlio mouth of Sni<)ky Uiver, 2i^ milos from tho Htarliim point, tho .soil is ^ooil, about ono-(iiiarter of the distance is hrulv and the rest ;^onorally well timbored with pino and over^roon woods and a varioty of hard woods ; thonco to tho 50tli milo, along tho valley ot tlio Stiii'^oon Itivor, level and well timbered, soil good. The valloy of tho Sturgeon Uivor to I'aul's Luke, 111 milos from starting point, otl'ors nothing but onlinary obstructions to the (loiistructioii of a lino of railway. Tlio upper part of the Sturgeon valley is generally more rocky than the lower. Along tho immediate .site of tho line but little rock will be met, the soil being generally Handy bmm. The height of land between Lako Huron and Ottawa water is about 118 milos from the starting point. The country thence descends N. north-westwanis to the head Avaters of tho Montreal Kiver, down the valloy of which tho line follows in a N. north-wostorly course to tho 1 IStli mile, crossing tho height of land botwoon tho Hudson Hay and St. Lawrence water near the 150lli mile, continuing N. north- west to l(j;{rd mile to a stream running into the (Jrassy River up the valley of which tho lino can go to the ll^vd mile, llienco to t!i(* Moose River, crossing it at tho High Falls at about the 17r)lli mile. 177 miles takes Ihe line to the Patachicapiku Ilivor, the valley of which it descends to the l!*lst mile from starting point, connect- ing with tlie exploratory survey of 1.S71 near the height of land, and after passing it, the soil becomes sandy and the chai'actor of the timber changes; tho trees there being balsam, spruce, cedar, tamarac, pitch-itine, with poplar -ind white birch. At Fort Matagama, Hudson Bay Co. Station, alioiit 47*53' X. la. ''loy grow carrots, turnips, onions, potatoes, &c. From the point where the exploratory survey of 1873 connects with the survey of 1871, the distance to tho end of division f). of 1871 is about 30 miles. N. norlli- wost of the point of junction, tho country oilers no engineering difllculties, but a site some 40 miles to the southward or near Fort Matagama would connect more directly with the survey of 1874, beginning at the narrowsof Lake Missanabe, at tho head waters of tho main brancli oftiie Mooso Jliver. Between Fort 3Iatagama and Lake Missanabe tho country is reported to bo as level as that througli which tho lino already runs to tho northward, abounding in white birch, balsam, tamarac, Avith poplar, spruce and pitch-pino. The soil is generall}' sandy. The survey of 1874 commences at Liike Missanabe, proceeding N. "N". westward, to near the mouth of tho Ilivor Pic, which discharges its waters into Lake Superior. Westward from Lako Missanabe, the line will follow up tho small valley of tho River Anjigamo, then cross a generally flat country to about the tifleenth mile, rising to the twenty-second milo to a height of land dividing tho head waters of the Mooso Iliver, east and west; Ibcnce going across the country, following the shores of lakes iiig N. iiorth- tlio vulloy of 205 nnd tho vnlloys of nmnll RtronmH, to the thIrty-Hovonth mllo, whoro wo ffot to tho valley ofllio |{ivi'i' Oha, procoodiii^ilowiiwanl to fiukoi Mm, lollu' iiorlliwanl of \vlii
    • d alwtvo in other connections, 1 1 i 2Ki AriMCNDlX S. (■ I'll ail t'ii t NOTK UN AilHIcri.TrilK .\NI> STUCK ItAISIMi, ANI» KXTKNT 'iK ri t.TIVAIII.K I.ANIi IN IIUITIMII riil.l MIIIA ; ItV liKDllilK M. nwVHii.N, AhSm',, tl.S.M., h'.il.S. iiK TIIK UKoI.OiilCAl, sriiVKV OK CANAHA. Tlit> limiting clirnatit' cuiMlitiiiiis of n^riciiltiiro in Itritisli roliiriiliia may lio ••lacbitioil iiiiilir tlio I'ollowin^ lii'nil.s: — Kxi'i>>«ivo iitiiitall; waul ot ^llllk•ionl ini»istuii>; ami too^ical (Hfvalioii, U-ailiii^ to Miiiuncr I'nmts ami a >liorti.'tic; scaHon. On tlio west roast of \'ancoiivi>r l>laml tin- aiiioiiiit of laiiil'all ami of cloiiily woalhiM' In >o;,'i4'al, that tliu prolitalilo ciiltivation of ii'ioals is |iroltalily nol |iossiliU', oven wi'iv tlit> surlacc of lilt- I'oiiiitry ol|iorwls(> ai| lor a^iiciiltiiic. TliiM Iium liDoii foiiml to III- tliocasuat Cape Klattciy, on tlio m 'iiIhtii hIiIi' of .liiuii ilu Kiica's Strait, ami al>o ac'coiiliii;^' to Mr. Ui( lianUoii, at Holla \M\.\ ami Fort Simpson ; ami from tlioir analogous por^ition, no iloiilit, olitaiiis mi the wost coast of tliu (jiiocii Cliarlottc Islands ami those parts of the mainlami upon wliich the soiitliurly anl westerly liroezes of the I'acitic strike without previously passing over mountainous islands. Thusat Sitka, in the southern part of Alaska, the rain tail averages S2.(!(i inches, ■•= while overcast or wot weather prevails mi two days out of three, the year round. The rainfall on the open coast near tim mouth of the ('oliimhia Kiver, is not much less, and on the eastern slopes of the Cascade or Coast Range ahoiil the Salmon IJiver, Ihero are evidences ol' a snow and rain-fall coiisidcialily greater than on the poi'timi of the same range liirther south, sheltered \>y Vancouver Island. The vicinity of tlit^ ocean and great rainfall of the coast are accompanied hy a mild an I uniliirm climate. The (iillowing talilc. kindly su|»plied hy i'rofessor Kingston, siiows the character of the coast climate, as cmnparcil with thai o( tde interior; I'lsipiimalt rcpri'sonfing the former and Speiico's Hiidge the latter: — i 1 S a k 1 a 1 3 cn J s a •2 i '2 a. H *•* 01 ■a S K e .J a Vt i»2 <"* c ? W •1 3 3 g. « s i « i a ? a i 'tt a V 4, — o S 4) — i, — ja ja « 7; ^ p; i>. cent. iiu'lies s ?; < < c r " ■ Estiuimalt 47 117 57 82 34-J.') 54 2!i.tiO 81 7i» 13-20 S.IO 80 08 SO AiiR. '74 Jiin. '75 Hpence'g liridgc 4708 08.23 2393 47 11 30 97 CO — 1480 100 — 29 (1 June '70 Jiiri. '75 1 112 40 Tho winter fcmporattire of Ksijuimalt is taken from that of the months of January, February and March; that of Spenee's Ilridge, from January, February and J)eeeml>or. The summer temperature at both stations from June, July and August. Average of sixteen years. Alaska const Pilot, 1809. It.K I. AND IN Ilia limy lie it iimisturi' ; H M'llSOII. itl of floiidy iMit possililo, Tliis liiH I ilo Kiicu's iipsoii : and tllO (^tlOIMI iitlioily ant DiMintainiiuH \.M iiiclioM.'i' fi'ar loiinil. « not iniicli the Salmon iian un tlio ^lan.l. Tim I mild and ■*ton, allows Ksiiuimalt K o J* to a « 8() fi8 50 29 112 10 n. '7r. months of >riiuiy and Inly aixl 84V The I't'j^ion of the coast .suite 1 for a;;rinillnre Iiy its climate, is dial shidteied from excossive |ii'e('i|iitation ; and in lliis position lie the 1 )\v ani|iiimall Ktation in (he ahovu lalile) the delta and part of (lie "alley > o|' \\n\ Nurface, and .Mr. [{ichardsoii de-crihes it as ^renei'.illy ^'ravelly and lii^'ht at the hi^dier levels, and liner ^^rainud at the lower, it may not improhalily he of marine origin and formed diiriiii; the emen^en -e of thi< land. The area of aialile land on N'ancoiivcr Island is however not l.ir;^e ; the only «'stimalo which I have M'lii is that (|iioled l>y .Mr. Sproat.l This however manifestly refers lo the surveyed portions only of the ilistricts named. The dislrilmlion of the lainl is as follows : — Near N'icloria, say 100,000 acres. Saanich, Peninsula Ot.OOii Sooke out of five sipiare miles 'A.liH\ " Cowilchen, — portions surveycfl (inclndini; Shawni;,'an, (^n;niiiclian. .SoinciinM t'oiniaken), 100,0110 acres; of which half consider«'d snnerior. Salt Sprini,' Island — area, i>0 s(|uare miles, of' which r>,7')0 acie- lidod. Nanaimo— (.Mountain, Cranherry ;ind Cedar districts,) 45,000 acres, a liiir pro- portion superior. ("omo.x- r)0,000 acres. Very ^'ood. The aliove is estimated to ^'ivo an area sufliiieiit for the support of UO,()00 country people. With rc/^ard to the interior of \'ancou\i'r Island .Mr. Sproal says,|. "I do not thiid< there is very much fai'niin;r land in the interior of the island anywhere in mass, ihon^^h detachcfl pieces on laki's in valleys woiiM no douht make a con iderahle area, if all were jiut to/^clher.' The explorations of Mr. U. Brown .and others, to whom our slif^ht knowledi^e of the interior is due, seem to confirm this statement. The fertility of the soil of Vancouver Island is very .i^reat, and j^oes far toward comjton.satiiiir for its comiiarat ively small extent. ,M1 ordinary cereals and crops fhiiirish. I do not ihiidv .Sir. .Vndei'son exa;,'i,'ciates in slating the ordinary yield of wheat at from .'50 to 10 hushels |»er acre, while <»als are said to produce frcfjuently as hi/^h as (10 hushels. Hops, for which the climate and soil seem specially suited, yield from 1,200 lli>. to 2,000 Ihs. per acre in favonrahle seasons. Mi". IJii h.-inlson ohiained the foUowini^ stalemeiil of the averai^e yield ol' land in Coinox district, when cU'arcd and thorouixhiy under cultivation : — Wlii'at from .50 to J.') hushels per acre. Harley Oats IVa.M" •' I'olatoes '• Turniiis •• 40 to 4") 10 to 4'> -!o 150 toL'OO (h* 20 to 25 tons • .Src cappciiiliy II. (J. Iiilonuiitioii for cniigruit.j, i-isiicil liy llic AKfut (ii-ia-nil ; A. ('. AinirrJonH jirifl" Oi'scripllim of 1!. U., 1872, iiml .Mr. Iticliiinlduii'a viirioiH ruportd in Uii' Mt'iauirs cif llw Ui-ologii.t Siirvi-y 1871-'72 to 1871-'73. f H. C, inruriniitiuii for Knii|;riintB ii. H'.i. I 0{'. cil. {>. 'lo « I I Hii ^1 I LMR ("ritps liki! lliesc ji|i|)o:ii'si) icnnrkalilo to llii»sotMii^ii.u;i'(l in t'ai-iuiiiic in I he Kiisl, tlial llio aicniiuy nrilu" iviurns lia-i uttrn Ik'um (pU'siiKni'il, Iml tliov liav*' lioon ropi'atodly ('(MiliinuMl, not only in liiili^li ('i.lnniliia, hut in parls of Washini^ion Torritoi-y and in Oii'i^on. Thoo results aiv, liowevcr, only ohlain^'l from land in lirst-rato ordor ; and till- soil may ot Coiirso Ite inipDverisliod toany oxtont l>y liail larming, ami hua already in inany instanc" 'X boon iniuih run ilown in tlii-< way. Ail l'i\iil> suited t(» tomporati' climali'-i flirivo ndinii'aM}' on tlio oast coast of Vam-ouvcr Island, and some ot' tlicm attain u si/u and (HMt'oct ion suldoni t'uiiiid «dsc\\lu're, aiiij s!io\v a strong; tendency to develo|i now varieties, Tlie number of cattle raised on Vam'ouver Islaml must, under present cctnditions, bo (|iii(e limited, as I lie flat and ojieii country can lie turned to more |)rotitai)le use otIierwiHo. Small herds, however, do widl the year round, with litth* attention, in llie more tliiidy Wooded porlions of the hilly coimtry; wiiere they find many edible )»iants, ami browse also on the nutritious li( liens wlii(di han^ from the brancbe.^. A j^real part of the low land, wliii h will eventually be brou<^ht under cultivation, is now co\ered with ^i^^antic forests, and at the present rates of labour it is scarcely atlcmpled to render it available, notwithstanding^ the hiiib price of farm prixluce. The Hat land about the mouth ot the Fniscr, probably rests over nearly its whole extent on soft tertiary formations, but alon^ its low. seaward mar<^in is compo.sed, to all appearance, of very moilcrn ilelta de|iosit. With it ma}' be imduded the low country about Suinass L.-iUc, the ChilliwIiacU and I'itt Kivers, forminf^ ti>^'ether a sonu'whal extensive rei:;i)n. The ^reale-l drawback to this country is its liability to llocxl, the coastward poi tion of it by the backin^-up of river water by the tide, the inland basins by tlood> aiisim; from the njelliiiij; snows in early summer. There is, howi'Vei, a very «iMisiderable are.'i til for cultivation in its proent state, and much hi;ili land wlii( h will in time be made available by the removal of the ;^real forests by which it is now covoied. It is believed, also, that by a system of dvkin^, which if cariied out by (lovernmeiit on a i^eneral plan need not be very costly, a ^real sirett b of tin- extremely fertih' delta land, can be permanently reclaimed. Somethini,' has already been done in this way by individual «'lVort, but at a comparativel}' i^reat co.st. Uf the total aiiKUint of ai^ricullnral land I have no means ,(MM> acres (li'J') sipiare miles) has already been surveyed iniit townships , id' which he estimates about U.'iO, (1110 as prairie or liujhtly woodcfl, to wiii( h 10,000 to If), 000 acres represeniiii!^ ;^ood land neai' the Kramer between I he ( 'billiwhack and Hope, must be ailded. The climate, thoui^b with rainfall somewhat in excess of that ol' the siMithern purl ol' \ancoiiver Isbintl, clo»idy le^embK-s it in most respects, reiideriiif^ it iiinioce-sary to n-pcat IIh' stalenuuits made with rei^ard to prlaiid have the advanlai^i' of cheap water commnnieaiion by wliitdi to send their prodiici- to market. ()wini^, however, to the limited csleni to which taiiniii;; is now carried on, and llie want of sntlicieni alien- lion to the l>u>iiie>s. the eonntry i> not yel nearly self snpporlin;.', beiiii^ oblif^ed to import hu'ce i|uanlilii's <.*' Ilniir. cattle, and farm pioiluce of all kinds. The natural flora of the (oiinlry. (lo>ely dependinti ervalioiis do not exi-^t. With the damp ail" and i'(pialile temperahirc of ihe coast, we find a correspondent luxniiance ol vei^elalion, and especially of forc«l ^rowlh. In a few --pots only -and the-e depending u\i the drynosH of several of the summer monlhsowiii;.^ to local eircumslanees — does a scanly representation of the droiiLchl loviiiij flora of the Califoi'iiiaii coast oc.'iir. The lloia of Hiili-h ('oliinibia. a^ a rt'hcde, may be broadly divided under four f^reat earc'uly piVMJnce. riy il.s \vli()li' ■oniposed, to led the lx, whieh tly, a ^'leal . Sonicthini,' lively gieal n^ ail I'xacI vill not tall ti,!,'H!e. .Mr. Iieady heeii ' or li.i;hll\- the Kra>er 10 southern •enderiiif^ it lofUraisin;,' i>hiiid, as i/.iiiL,'. Thi-. heap water ver. to Ihe •ii'iil alleii- f olilji^ed In , may, with re^^ioiis fur ii|i air and veifelaliuii. iih^ oil ihi' les a .scan I y under lour named a> ntn: The lirsl, eliaraeteri/ed as above ilescribed, i> that of llie region wi'sl of the C'oasi Uan^e, and is well marUeil by the peeuliarity of its jiluntM. The soeuiid is that of the southern part of Ihe interior table-laud of the I'rovince, and presents a i^em-ral similarity witli that of the interior basin of niab and Nevada to the south, and to that of tho ilrier portions of the ^reat jilaiiis east ot" Ihe Rocky .Mountains. It may be said lo e.xteiid north ward to about the r)lst |)arallei, while is. dated patehos of ii somewhat similar tiora oeeur on warm bill-sides aiul the iiorlhorn I aiiUs ni' rivers, to beyond tho niaeUwater. In the northern part of tiie interior of the I'rovinee, Just su(di an asseiiiblai(e of plants is Ibuiid as may be soon in many parts of eastern ('anada, though inin;jleil with unfamiliar slra^^lerij. This tiora appears to run eomplotcly at-ro.ss the eontiiient north of the /.^real plains, and eharaelori/.es a region with moderately ainindant rainfall, sumiuers not o.xeessively warm, and eold winters. Tho Arelic or .Mjiine Hora, i.s that of the hi;^lier siimmils of the Coast, Selkirk, and i{oeky Mountain iiaiii^es, whore snow lies lato in the summer. Here plants lurk whieh deploy on the low f^rounds only on tjio shores ot Hudson Buy, the ley Sea, and IJtdirinn's Strait. Hast of the Coast Uaiif^e of British Columbia, lies the j^reat interior plateau itr table-land, about (Uie hundred miles in avertii^'e width, ( losed northward by an irregular moiiiitanioiis eouiitry about latiliide 5'* - .'tU', and to the south by a second irregular transverse mountainous region, near iho IDth parallel. The eliinato ot tho iiilori(M" is in marked contrast lo that of tho coast, being es.senlially one ot extremes. Though the mean annii.il temperaliiro diU'ers little in the two regions, a greater (iitrerence i.s ob.served between tho moan summer and winter temperatures, and a slill greater contrast when Ihe extreme> rn portion, the lliird limiting cause atleets those districts otherwise arable — tho rainlall being lotlcient for the growth of crops. In the soulhorn interior, the cultivable land is limited to those tracts of the bottoms and slopes of the numerous wide trough-like valleys by wliicb it is traver.sod, which can be successfully irrigated. .Northward, at (Jiiesiiel (latitude f)."} - ) and beyond, irrigation is not iicce>sary; and in the lower pari of the Neidiaeco basin, (ho grealot unbroken .spread of low fertile country is met with. 'I'be soils of the interior may be broadly arrangeil in two(da.sses. 1. Soils chiclly composed of unmoditicd drill, representing the boulder clay of smiie other regions. 'J. Soils composed ol inoditied or redi.stribiilcd drift, modern alluvium, Sa-. 'IMie tirst, class, though spoken ot Icchnically as •• boiilder-clay," has nut here Iho stitV clayey character vi'ry generally found in that rormation els-nvhorc, biil is t'omposed as a rule ol a yellowish-gn-y mixiiire of clay and >aiid, rather hard in consistency, through which stones of all >i/.es are irregularly- >cattcreil. When exposed at the surface to the weather, it becomes softened and broken down, and superlicially mingled with vegetable mailer. Though its materials are in great part derived from the imme- diately underlying rocks, it contains much foiH'ign matter, by wliiidi any deticienciv's in its composition arising from the (diaracter of the local loiination, arc corrected, .ludging from the forest and sward whitdi this .soil boars when otherwise favourably situateil, it must be lertilo; but it lies in the main, if not entirely, above the limits of successful agriculture. The region- low enough lor I'arniiiig are based on the soils uf the second class, which are much more varied in character. They are chiclly the products of tho I I I ll I l| disinlegratiun end ic arraiigoiueiil of ihe boulder ilav, llioiigl •-'1 mingled n\>o with 250 :., iroa has, no douht, al a former periiMJ heeii the lied of a ^real laUo, with the line sediments nf which it is now coveretl to a varyiiiji; de|ilh, hut in some j)lact's j)rohal)ly excoetlini; lilMi feet. Tiie heds are ii>nally jiaie in colour, ealtareoiis, and foand when e.Xiiminrd niiiroscopically l olitained arc; — Whciil per acre I,|ilitiit l,."»()(l ll.s Marley " •• l,;;oil ii. l.:»()U '■ Uat•^ '• " I.CIMI lu 1,S(MI •• I'otatoes '• •• ;!U,(I(MI lo III. (Hill •• The oat crop sometimes leaches ^,"1(11 Ihs p«M' acre. Timothy ^^ras.-, from ll lo ;> tons per acre. .\t tho .\iistralian lianchc, 'JO milo In-low i^uosnol, the yit-li'. of croo^ wa> a> lollows : — Wheal per acre 2.500 llis. ilarley " " l'.r)00 •■ Oat-" •• •■ 2,.'ioii •• Tiiridp- ■• •• 'J.^i loii-oj-^.o Ml |h> I'otaloc- •• •■ L'."> Timothy y;rass " •• I,' k he three ihoiisand foot conloiir line may lie lakcn a- ioui;hly iiidicalin^- '.he exlreine upward limit «))' af^riciilliire ill ilic inleiior. and on exaininin;;; tho relief ol the(!oiiiitry il will lit) nolice(i, ihal in ils soiilh-rii porlion nearly al! the main river valleys, and many of those of the Mnalli'r >livams lie In-low Ihi- level; while the i^'eneral surface of the country stands ahovo it, m,'d would form, were waliii of i he n/iitf .^ilfa. In ii>iii;^ IIk' tliree llioii-.-iiid fool line a> liroadly liiniliiii; ihe possiliK- upward oxtoiisioii <;!';i;r|'i(.|||tui-e, it is iiol inh-inled to allirm thai wheal cun he ripened lo lliis olevalion, for in all pndi.'ihilily the prolitalilc y;i'owlh of oals a'lil harlcy will imi exceed it, ami in some re!.;ions tall con-idcralily l-elow il, The liei|L:;ht at which immunity (rom summer Irosls i> ohtained. varies c(Ui iillle diMeieiice Inlwi-eii lin- liei^ht to whiidi crop- may he rai.sed in tho ,southoiii and norihern paiN ol'lhc iiih lior. Ihrough in-aviy live dcLCi'^'c- of latitude. 251 • 1. or caiiii'il ImiiicIics u|' lu' ii'iv;(iilar 'lioir Icxliirc iivclly beds; It's, 1111(1 all' IT Nerliat'cii <1 of a ^rcal |>lli, liiil in Ic ill oiluiir. i>t' very tiiif , ir.ooinhliiii; 11(1 the Mil) 11 I'XllTMU'ly '"'il.s 1)1' (lio I'll is lai';,'('ly oral I'd willi I lie iiiU'rior, }Vi)in 1', In '!'^ \va> as lir.ililiL;- till' llii) rclicl' 1)1 main river ; wliilc Ihc hU'v at llii^ •> <^t" waior. III. till wide Me ii|)war>i CIICll lo this I'y will not il at wliicli I localitiu.x, i\V> ^liiil ill. I'avoiiialily It appears ivliicli crops iicai'ly live Hot ween C'aelio f!reok ami Clinton, on the wa^i^on road, aw several farius at a (fi'eat elevation, the hi^liost l)eiii<^, liy haroiiioter, 2,HO0 feet. I am assured that wlioat will ripen liere, lint is not ^^eiierally ^;rown, barley boiiif^ a surer crop and sollinf^ better. This is probably about the limit lor llio f^rowtlioi" strain in tliis I'Ojijion, tjioiii^li Mr. Sprout states that one may moo " tine j^rass and gool grain j^rowin^ (of course wiib Millie risk)'>ii I'avillion Mountain, 4,000 I'eel above the sea level; oxcullont tjtriiiii L(rowiiii; and harvested; aUo cabbages, carrots, turnips and potatoes elsewhon* at 'J. 700 I'eel ; vegetables ot' all kinds and grain luxuriantly at 2,000 foot."* On Riske's ("reek, north of the mouth of the Cliilicotiii, al an approximate elevation of 2,100 f'.'ct, tine wheal, and grain of all sorts, are grown without injur}' from fnwt. .\l (^iioiiel. grain cmps are miwii from April 20lh lollic 1st of May; potatoes )lanted si>ni(".vliat later. The grain is haiveslod about the middle of August. Wheat, lailey and oal- are ciillivated, and all succeed well, lliough the two lastarotho niosi prolilable. as Ihey eun be sold in Cariboo without milling. Night frosts happen hero iMcasionally in .lime, but are not usually severe enough to do damage to potatoes, though .snHii limes ehok'iig them a little. On one occasion, potaloe.s are known to h.ive been so lompletely frozen down as to prove a failure. Tlie lliid.son Hay Coin- ))any lltrmerl^' ciiitivatod a farm at Aloxa»,dr'a belwoen labii>linient. Jiiid barley and wliciil were fomierly cultivated, though il is now found ••lieaper to impoil (lour. The Indians have little garden patches with potatoes, turnips, etc. .\t ,S(uart hake f2.20(( feet) near Kort St. James, garden vegetables and iMo( ci-up.-n succeed adiiiiiably, and |)otaloes ami barU^y are grown in considerable i|iiantily. I do not kimw whellier wheal has been tried, but with proper care, it would, no doubt, succeed in most seasons, if not invariably. In all these place.s the complaint o| summer frosts is made. These usually lia|)pen in .lime, and may occur on one night only, or on two or three nighlrt, and ar(( ofieii ".evere enough to touch potaloc tops, and occasionally to harm the plants considerably. It is said, howcvci'. that thex' trost-, have mily occurred of late years, and that fornieriy they were iinknown. Il hardly seems probable thill a' y great change in clim-ile i- hiking |»lace, and il is (juite possible thai the necessity tor farm- iitg having (o a great extent been done away with, siilHcieiit eaie has not bv'eii given to c!ullivatioii. 111' to the renewal of the >eed. which is apt gradii.illy lo delerioralo and lose the vigour necessary for hiiece^sdil growth in iiorlhern latitudes. Nor are the most Judicious localities always chosoii tor tho moredelieate crops, the lowest ground, or that ne.'iresl the fort lieiiig often selcrteil. wliiio liigher slopes may be less exposed to fro>(». it is not piobable that wheat will gro^v over the whole area of the while silt deposits of this region; but I think barley would tloiiri.sh over nearly the entire area, while wlieikl may be suecessfuly rai«^od in chosen spots. The i|iialily of Ihti grain seen al. Kort l''ra.sei' wiih excellent. li is very ditlirnll, with the inf iriu'ilion now .■lece-.^ible, lo form even an iipproxi- ma*e e>iiiii.'ite of lh<' iiuaniity of arable lami in the interior ol itiiti-h Columbia. 1 iiave only scon a few [larts of the southern j)orlion of the inlerior jilateau, but Judging iV'ini Ibose. and facts obtained in ol her ways. I am inclined to believe I lial I he cull ivable land east of the l-'rascr is probably in area less than 1,000 sipiai'ii miles, It is * iiit'iiri'i^itiiin 'cr Iitimigranta, page 03t ! A. ij. Anflcrdoii, Of. ril., p. 48. I I . 252. to Iio romarkod, linwcver, tliat tins area docs not at all adequntoly roprosoiit tlio capacity of tlio coiiiitry III support a MopiiiatiMii, as a comparatively small patch of aralilc land solves llio stn( k-l'arincr, whose calt'e roam over the surionndin;^ Id^h country. West of the Frasor, as far north as the IJIaekwator. (ho enltivahlo areas aro very small. Tho so-called Chilicotin I'lains, lie loo hi/^li for tarniin^, and the availahle area in the valley of Ihet'hillcntin was roughly estiniated hy me in my report for 1S75, at 7.<>()0 acres only. An area ot .'>0(> sipniro miles might lie perhaits taken as an estimate of the farming land of this region. North of th*- Hlackwater is the Lower Neehacco hasin, already more than once referred to. The area of this is ])rol)ahly ahout l,(»Otl .s4'^ a stretch of 4.50 miles, The capa- blities ot IJritish Coliimbi.'i as a stock-raising country are so well known that little need be saifi on this point. The ' bunch-grass " countiy, pre-eminently, is that east of tho Fraser m the southern part of the Province, where the rain and snowfall is light, and the hills bare and grassed almost to their summits, lint even northward, in the thickly woinled coinili'y, there are many tine valleys with grassy northern slopes and extensive hay .-wamps, which in the aggregate must form a very groat area cajmblo of sup|)orting sto<'k. Though, as above stated, cattlecan winter-out without attention, and in many ases appear tiit and in good condition in the spring, a severe sea.son occasionally bapix'tis. in which if no provision is made they may sutler much priva- tion, and a ( onsidorable mortality nuiy occur. It is thus always belter to have a small i|uantity of hay in readiness, and with this precaution cattle-raising may bo made a<'ertain business. Sheep .succeoil admii';ibly in tho Kamloops' country, but at present even the wool .scarcely remunerates (he farmer, when he has paid the expense of carriage to the sea-board. No precise stiiti.-«lics ajipear to exist in reterence to tlu> nundiers ofealtle, sheep, horses, etc., now in llu> province, but .Mr. .Sprout, in the publication above referred to, dated 187"), gives tlu) following as an appi'oximation : — Horned Cattle M.'),0()0 lb>rses (;,()0(» to 7,00(1 Sheep 12,000 to ir»,00() Figs 10,000 This jippears to Ite rather a low estimate. Stock of all sorts is rapidly on (h(> increase, and the cliiel" want of the farmer is an outlet to a market. In the foiudly, but which is t' lly described in .Mr. Selwyn's report for 1875. Tiny aiso I'efer to tho /V(',s(7(/ < .'ii'ition of nrili>h Ctdunibia. Il'eel convinced that by the agency of man great changu-. ,vill in prod iced, as has happened in other countries. The reckless deslriictioii of Itic i';. ; I Id bo made present the ainty with sent know- the hard^' connection lie interior, rsos winter , The capa- t little need east of the fall is light, ^ard, in the slopes and ea capultio t attention, ei'e season iicli priva- te) have a g may bo ry, but i!t e expense I ' 1 lie, sheep, e referreil I II lly Oh (be I lie Peace iially, but for to the y of man e reckless J or ollicr- To the 254 APPENDIX T. in ■I ItKSCUII'TION fiK TIIK KNiilNKKIllNii KKATI KKS <>K TKIITAIN LINKS IN ll.ilTISlI CdM MIMA TO Wlllfll ATTKNTION MAS IIKKN SI'KCIAI,!. V IHUKCTKH. Ottawa. IStli Ai»iil, 1H77. Siu, — I liave the honour to snltniit llic following' dcHcnptiitn nC tlic I'M^inociin",' features of ci'i'lain liiu^s seleeteil IVoni llie tlirce groups divoij^iii;^ ffom llie Yellow Head I'aHs in the Iloik}' Mountains to dilVercnt ]ioints on the coast of Mritisii ('oiiiiiihia. For convenience of reference, 1 have dividoe .'{.Ti^-"! leel ahove the leV(d of (lie sea, hut as the railway will there he in a slight culling the hoiglit ot'the rail level may he taken at ii.T.'tO teet. IN TIIK UOCKV MOINT.MNS, Si'itinit I. — /'niii ilif siiiiiiii't iif (he p((s>( to the vml <>f iKw>.sc />'//,<■, 2M iwiUx. From the summit of the pass, the lim- follows down a deep narrow valley (Ui a westward coui-sc hy lln^ side oi' a >': ill stii'am siij)))licd iVom springs, nic'icd snow and rain on (he moimlain slopes. At (wo ami one ha!fmile-< i( nache-^ Villowhcad Lakr which is three and a half miles in length, wi(h iimaxiinuin hrcalh ol ahoiil a liali a mile. This collec(^ (he wa(crs of other small sln'amsfiom ihe moiMilains, and forms one of the source-^ of (he main hraiich of the river Kraser. 'I'ho oiiltlow of this l.akc 's a shallow strea'K ah:. ill 100 fc* i in hieadllr .\ Mule helow this, a siream o( ahoiil an ecpial vnlmiie comes in from \\\k\ soiilh. The line follows (he north shore of (he lake and (he stream llowing oiil of ji, and at \'.\\ mih's il crosses (Jraiit's Brook, ttO (eel wide, coming in from the north. At \y\\ miles il ci-o-tses .Mo >se l{iver. uhoiil l.'iO feel wide, which aUo cmies in from the north. .\( IS,' miles i( reaches (he head ot Moiiso Lake, which is .'{, lOi) I'eel ahove sea lovt^l. Hiil Ihe formation level of the railway at this point is 8,434 leel, making a lolal fall of 21t.'i leel in H,' miles, an .iverage <'' nearly Hi feel per mih • the griidienis, however, arc variahle, the maximum heing at ihc rale of 1 per 100, i.f which there .are two length^, making together tliree milos, rising ejisiwards. .Moose Lake is eight miles I..ng and .ahoiil halt a hiiie in average hrea liii;lii".| of wliicli is il".') per ltlt>, or .■{'.' ti foi't |KM- milt' for a lilllo mor half a inilo in lcni,'lli. 'I'Ik' works on tiiis siM'tion of 211 iiill'>s will he nioili'ialf, tin- (iillin^s not lUutp, ami |iriii('i|ially in sami ami ;;i'avol inixod willi lioiilik>rs ami soino Iodm' rocUs wliicli liavo rolleil ilowii tin- sido of llui valloy from tlu) clitls above. Hcftioa '2 -l-'i'iiii thr foot ,)/ M,')sr Liike to Cranhcmf Litkr, '*\Uh to h^th milr. From Moo-ii! LaUo tlio lino follows tlio ri;;lit,or north hank of the {"'rasi-r ahoiit tliivi! iiiik'-. on j^ravi'l hoiicliU'i nearly K'Vi'l.amI tin- works will Ik- lii^lil. it llu'ii trossL's tiio livor and follows the hoiiIIi s1o|u' of |Iu> Fnisor Valley \1\ miles, with an aviMM;,Ce descendiii;^ ^iiadieiit of ■'{■'i Icel per mile; the only varialion from a nniforni i;iadienl leiii^' one of 4ii^. leet per mile tor a mile ami a halt, ami another of 21 feel per mile for ahoiit the samu dislanee. ( )f thirl \1\ miles, are on granile, the sa'iie distain-e on slate roik, and the halanee on shale, with solid rork emppin^ out at intervals. The works therefore will he rather heavy tlioui;h the eiittin^s are not deep. There will he three liiniiels, the iiniti'd leii<.(liis of wiiieh will lie ahoiit 2,(»U(( teel. From this point, whieh is opposite Tele .laune Caeho, llio line takes u southward eoiiise into ('ranh«urveyo>■'' there will he no roek ciiltin;;. The plans and protilus of that portion of the line from Cranherry liake to Kam- |ito|is wi-re iiiifoiliiiialely I iiriil in ti,e lire o| IS7t, and as no ro-siirvey has heeii made I ean only repeat the ileseriptioti ;i;iveii of that portion of the line in the progress report of 1.S71. ,Si'iion',i — ('riiHhvrry fjakti to t/ir l^ildif of t/ie Xnrt/i 'J'hmipsDr. ■■■•^ /o H2 //(///vs. From l/'raiiherry liake to the ernssin;^ of Canoe Uiver, '.l\ nines is practically level, as thi^ siirtace of !lie livtir is oiilv 20 f'ct helow ihat of the lake, llnMiee to ii.ike .\lhrtiiia, 10 miles, there is n rise of 2»j4 feel. This i.-. mi the watershed helweeii till' Irihularies of the Thompson and ('oliiinhia, and, hy our surveys, is 2,S(iri feel ahove sea level. i"'rom ihis point the line follows the .Vlhreda lo its eon- liueme with the north hraiieh of the Tiiompson, a distanee of eleven miles, in wliirh ;iie lieseent is iM feet. For uhoiit half the dislanee the j."'adiont on the preliminary trial survey exei'ods oiie per lOO. Imt. hy a -lii^ht deviation it ejin lui rediieed to that.o. ,»rohalily a lower, rate ot' inelinalioii. 0:i litis section the work> will hi; light or moderate. Sirli:iii l.X'nih Th'iiii/isnii I'lllln/, t'ln/n llv ifoutli •'>' Ihr .\lliri.f.it,,/liii,i,ufli ■•! flu- Cl(iiiinit(i\ S2 >') IS2 mili.s. Ai ilu! iii'Miih n\' the |{i\cr .Vlhre la, the line (•roi'>es the n irlli hr.ineli of ihc Thomp-oii and loljievs do^v ii i;-> righi or wc->i hank, near to it> conliiieiicc with liie Clearwaier, wiiere it recros,*-- to the left liiii!^ al an an,,'le ol .ah ml h'l-', reipiiring |iii( (',.01 (iT hiidiriiiir- 111 (his di>taii:c 111 lull inile> the rivci falls I.OSil feci. This fall i^ mil iniiloi'iii. Ilia in no caso will the gradiciil exceed one |K>r lOO. K'lther shurl curve-. \\ ill ha\ • to lie used in .several plaei-s, The ^xeiiera! eharaelei' "f the worksoii this portion will no! he heavy, as the line runs 1(11 iim rial- lor ah ml one lil'ili of the dislanee, an I the re-.| mi grasid liendic-.. m- on the t'ace lit e;i-y slojie-, with the excep'ion ol uh ml eighl mile-* through ihe caiiMin, whcri' Ihe woi'lts will U' lieavv. I I i 2r)t; I 'rwolliiid.s of (III- (li?.tiiM(t' lliiimi;li llii' cnnvnii is on slali- rocKs with slmit cuttiii^N of IJd lit ."{O tfcl iiiJixiimim ilcptli ; llie luilaiicn will lie vrry lu'iivy nu'k cultiii^, willi 11 «'(iii>iil(i'!ilili' Ifiit^lli i>\' tiiiiiK'Hiii;,'. Iiiil liy liriili^ini; the rivor twice Uu« tiiiiiii-iliiiLr ran prolia! ly \>*- rciliiml to oiu' iifiJOd H'ct, anihiiinllu'r i»f H(l(( fret in doptli. Aliiinl i'lnii inili's aiiovt' llii' nimilli uf ilu« ('lourwutrr, (inc of llio lin(w to B:ilc InK-l lirani'liL'sun'. TIk) allitiidv at tliat point is 1,;]!)7 feet al>uvo wn luvul. ON IIIK tKNTKAl, I'l.ATKAH. Si'i'liuii \.— ('l(iirir(itir to Ktnnhm/ix, 1H2 to 255 milis. Ai CU'aivvalt'i', tlic lim- is free o| all llio laniji's (•onmH't(M| with the Uoi'ky .Mniini:iin>, lull ilic 'riiiini|i>«)n valli'v lo Kaniloops is nanovv and snnU dcop in tlic pialciui. I'l'oni this, llic line follows Ihc loft liaidv of tiu! noilli Itranoli of tiit- 'riionip>oM lo its jiinclioii willi tin- south Itranch, whcro it crosses tin- latlof. ic(|Mirin;; 2(HMc'C(t of lu'idiiinj; ; altilmh' l,17(Mt'el ahovo sou l» vel. It tluMi follows the It'll iiank of ihc iinilcd stream lo Kaniloops, ali()iit a iniU- lower down. In this distance of 7.'! miles, llie liver fall> \'M feel, o|- iindor .*{ foot per mile. Tho ;;iadii • x of the line are i-asy and iindnlalin^, only viirit^l in jjassiiij^ from one lieiich to another of tlilVeri'iit lioi^hl, oi' in rising over n rock}' spur to reduco the (|uaiility of excavation. The heaviest work on this .section commences ahoiil 11 miles helow tho nioulh ol llie Clearwater, and continues lor ahoiil tour miles, in which there are a numhcr of spurs of compact slate rock to ho cut Ihroii^h, in ler;.;lhs of :!(tO to HIM feet, and from 1,'» lo .'!0 feel of maximum depth ; anioiij^Nt those i> tho vVssinihoino UlulV, "IK' feel in Iciiulh, of which ahoiil 200 feet will have to lie tunnelled. Melow ihis. al various points, the hi^h henchcs of iday. ^^ravel or shale, eomo vi'iy close to tho river, and in liio.s*' there will ho .sonio heavy cuttings in hIioiI lengths, tho lower portion of which will he in slate roek ; there are eleven miles in which this class of work occurs. Kor the rest of the distance, llii- line runs on lunclus and low Hals, and tin; wmk- will ho light ; altogether this section of tho lino is very satisfactory, and tho works on the averaiii' will not he heavv. hut mediiini, and miiflil almost he t lassod as comnai- atively light. Srrfinii '2.-—/yitiiiliiiii>s to Saronim's /■'mi/, 25.') /-< 280 woVf.^. \[ Kaniloops (2."l-'»;h mile), tin- noilh and south hraiiches of the llivor Thoni|i- -on iiiiilc; and thonce ;li0 lino of exploratory survey made in \h72 hdlows the left hank ol the joint ^lii-ani alioiil seven miles down to I^ako Kaniloops wilh easy gradicnls, and I h«' works will he moderate. Thence its course is along llie south shore ol" the lake, on which, al 2'>',\\ miles, it I'licoiiiilers ii range of volcanic roi k>, extending ahout live miles ; no levels arc givi'ii over this pin-lion, Iml for alnuil half il-^ lenglh. the perpendicular hasallic clills project inl I deep water, willi cxlrcinely irregular oulline, so that very heavy rock exca\ :iiion-< and prohahly ovi'r a mile of tiiiiiielliiig will he roipiired. I'miii this lo ihe outlet of the lake at Savonna's Ferry (2.'^0ih mile), the line follow- the shore, wilh easy unduhUiug gradicnls, ahuig the slopes ol the hills. (►ii halt this Iciigl ii of twelve miles, thi' works will he moderale, on tho other h;ilf lliey will he rallirr heavy, as many of iho ciiliings will he in rock, and on llio Ihc sides of clay hliill-, and .hoiiic proteclioii works will he reipiired against the waves of the lake, and against prohahlc land slips. Siiti'tii ',].—'S,iroiina'fi Fcrri/ In Lj/ltim, 280 tu .'{50 mile.s. The aliiliide ol Lake Kainloups i- l,i;iO leel, approximatoly, hy this siirvoy, which, howevor. is not vory reliahle. Krom its outlet, al 2S0 miles, llio linc^ follows the lull hank of the '!'lioiiip-"!i to its jiiiKtioii with the Kra.seriit liytloii, al ^5U miles. 267 Mill Cllllill^s lltiii;,', will) i tiiiiiK-llih:^' ith. o-^ t(t 15'ilu I lie l{nrky lc'«|i ill the iicli of (lie (he latter. hell lollows )1 per mile, issiiijjf from ir to reduce V the moiilli t u iiiiiiilicr Ml feet, iiihl ) liliitV, 7(10 ^hulo, eome gs ill hIioiI en miles in (I the wiirlv^ he \voil<> oil as coinpar- M'l' Thoiii|i us the lel'l with eaxy 'I'V.V^ mile-, levels an- iisi(lli<' (litis heavy roek 0, till' line hills. I the other iiiil on ihi: t the waves Ins .siirvoy, line tiillow.s I o50 milcM. The who.e of this is over ek. These are varied at inlorvals l>y rocky spurs trom the moiinlains shooting right into the river and diverting its course, or oeeurriiig siinultonouiisly on hoth .ides and thus forming a rocky canyon. The fall in this di^taiiee of 7" miles is only 510 leet ; iiut to avoid e.xeesHively heavy works, the line will have to ho carried, in some places, close to the river; at others, on the high hemdies or well up the slopes of the valley, so that lli(» gradieiilH will he undulating, and the niaximiim of 1 per KM) will have to ho fro({uently employed, alternately rising eastwards or westward. Not ovon a rough approximate estimate can he made of tho extent of tho works, from the profile of 1H72 ; for with the \'\\w use of this maximum gradient, the pro- portion of excessively heavy works would still ho so great as almost to eondemn this liiu' as impractieahle. It is, however, very prohahhi that a careful location survey would give more satisfact(H-y results. IN TIIK CASCAUK .MolI.NT.MN.S. Section \~-Lijtti)n fu the irosuhKj uf the Fniscr, U5<( lo'XtH miliK, |)uring thoHeasoii of I87t!, a re-siirvoy was matle on this line betweon Lytloii and Vale. The altitude of tin? lino at liVtlon (;}')() miles) is (!!Hf {'^'^\\ ahove se.'i level, and that of the rivor ahoiil 2(MI feet lower. l''rom this point it fidlows the left hank of \\n' l-'raser to a point near Kanaka Jlar, at .'{'(S miles, whoro it crosses liio livcM* and iheii follows the right hank down to Yale at III.'* miles. The fall in this length of 53 miles is only 51(1 feet, hut to avoid excessively hoavy works, the i'ourse of llu^ line is continually varying. Now, it is on the river bank a lew l'e(>t ahove the flood level; then, it is high up on the slope of the valley, so that the gradients aro rising now oast then west, and the aggregate length that tho maximum gradient of one jier KM) has hoen used lu'twoen I feel helow. There are rocks proj(>cliiig into the river on hoihside-*, standing al>>ve high-walcr K'vel,oii which piers could he hiiill, so that the waterway could he hridged with two spjiiis, one ot' .'i")!) feet and the other of "JSO feet in length, and the approaches with fimr spans of KM) feet each : the halance of r)!Ml feci will he emhankmenl. On the next half mile there will ho heavy rock excavation and a luiiiiol 7(M( feet in length. I'rom ."{'iMth to .'{(ISth mile, the winks will he heavy. The deepest excavations, howevi'r, will he principally in gravel and hoiildeis. those in rock will not he soileop. The line crosses six ravines vaiying from S0 to \\\\\ mili», TIh! works ;,'i'ii('nilly dm this noiI ion will lit! voi-y lu-avv, llic (•xtiiviiliuii". i|ii«'|lv ill rock iiitliKiiii^' 1 Muiiiu-ls varying' iVoiii 2(M» lo ;j,!KIO |i'i>i in k-ii^'lli, making' an a^^iTf^alo liMi^tli ofalioiil two milos. Mi'>i(loN liio ravines that will roqiiiit* Wridj^iii',' or cmliankinunl, lliu l<)l!owiii|r ar«- tlio |iriii('i|ial s(i(>ains IkIwccii IaIIoii ami ^'alu : ;^.")Htli mil*!, Kivrr Frasor, omt ilioii>aii(l loot of liriil^^iii;;. 3(i!>}lli iiiiU'. — Ifivor Nali-alilaUli in a c aiiyoii 1 VI li-ot (lfi'|i Ironi t'ornialion lovol. aiul .'!."i(l loot wide at top, lnjt un a lock lioiicli 1M> Hm'I Ik'Iow toniialion lovtl, llif liroailtli is lUf) loot. ;!!»|lli inilo. — IJivor Spii/zini in a ,','or;;o lUtl loot wide, at Kiiniation lovol, so loot (k'o|i; river 100 loot wido and 7 fool doo,<. Sotion \.— l''i>rt Yule tn Fort J/i>j,c, W, to HS milrfi. l''ron> Vaio tlio lino oontinues on llio rij^iit hank ot'llio rivor, to a |»oiiil o|i|)o.siu- Fort llopo, at tho 4IS|h niilo. Tlic ,i,'radioiils an- vai iiiMo, and ilio work- will he lioavy on llio lirsl ihroo miles; on llio lialaii'o thoy will lie niodi-rato. O.N TIIK l.oWKK KKASKll. iSi'ltioil I. — /•'"// //ojii III t'/iftlilt U>i I" 11- liiilr^. Tlio survey of 1^72 t!iid- iicrc. ai;d llial ol IH7(, inailc in ciMinoi'lion willi ihr lino Iroin Kamloops by the Nicola and ( 'oi|iiilialla \'alleys, was carried I'roni I'oil ll(jp»! down llio loll bank olllie river 17 mile-. Tlio ciii^inoei- inciiur^o liavin;,' made an o.\plorulioii of tlio I'i^lit bank, loiind it su iinl'avoiirlile lor lailway coiiNliiiciioii Tor 40 miles, down to a point below the Harrison Uiver, (bat be decided to carry llie survey on llie opposite bank till lliis dilliciill coiiiilry was pas-ed. Tbe I'ollowiiii^ is extracted Irom my pn»j;ress Kepurt of llu! -iirvey iil'llial year Willi the mileage, eonliniioil t'r<»m Yellow llejul I'a.ss. 'J'lii' altiliide ot tlio Krasor at Kort Hope, at average lii;,di waicr, i- appiosiimiU ly 120 leel above sea level, and it- banks aboiil 20 leel liiy;ber. h'or Ibe lirsl mile and a bail down to ibe crossing ot ibc 1,'iver \'uii kwoliim, ibe lino is on broken side hill ground, but the works will bo nnMlerale. Tbo t^iiiekwolum is an impoliious mountain stream l.')!* loot wide. Tboiico to Un' 422inl mile, tlio line is on a Hal, and ibo works will bo linbl or nicdiiim. in the next llireo miles ibe river wa-be.s llie base of a pi'ccipiloii- nioiiiilaiii slope alohj,' wbitdi tbo line runs sometimes on slides of loo.so rook or /.^ravi I, at otlurs on narrow beiiebos i lose tu the river, so tbal tho exeuvutions would Ik- heavy, and rotainiiiif wall- al several places would be roi|uired to proleil iIk' ombankmonls from tho wash ol ibe rivor. At 424^ miles tbo line crosses the Kivor Oinisablu-, i;{(l feel wide. From 425 to 4;tl milos, ibe lino traverses ii flat, and Iho works will bo lij^lil. At 12SA milos il crosses the llivor Shalo, a stream HO lo lOO fci't wide. i'roiii 4il lo 4i{') miles ibo bank id' Ibe river pn^-cnls a brolicii iri'CLfular line, tbe riij^j^ed slopes of ibe 'f\'iias nioiinlain <(miing down [n'ocipilalely to llie wjiler's edge. Tho line has, thorofore, been taken Ihroiigb a passaltin- back of the mountain. With gradients ol 1 per 100 rising >|i|M)r>ll(' I- will lie Willi ihc lit nil I'lii'l V'iii;^ iiiaili' ll-^ll'llrlinti » fans I lie thai vrai' nxiiiialcly M)luiii, lliu iUVV U} tllf iiioiiiilaiii , at iiiIk-i's lavv, and u'lits I'nmi li-lit. (iilar liiiu, Ik- waU'i-'h iiinmilaiii. Ilicr, llioii' .>i| !l(IO loot Ih; liravy. 169 SMti'tn 2. — />"/« Clii'iim ^> (lif cmmnij <>f fhi: Fiutner itf St, Mary* .Wmi.n •1)2 to 4<>r)J miles. On thu next Novon miios I ho i^i'oiuid Im undulating, and somu of (ho gnuiiontH wiMild ho HtilV, i'ir«in;; and tailing' oach way. Tho lino pansos bolnnd tho Indian villago di' (Mioain iiotwoon the I.VMli and KUth niiio. On this sortion a nnnilior of Htroain.'« and Hmno i'(M'ky spno ai-o oroHNora^u will lH)i-allioi* hoavy. From tho 4't2iid lo 4*>7lh niilo (ho lino runs on a low Hat, subjoot in pnit to ovorllow- from tho KiiiNor. On tho tirs! '.) milos, to tho orossiiii^ ot tho (Jhilliwhuk at tho inist niilo, thu works will bo li^^ht as tho nvortlow is not doop. Tho Chilli- whack is ;{ii(! loot wido. and 'Jfi tool doop al Hood, and for lialf a iiiilo, crossing tho vallov oC thai livor the Hoods ri^o ,') to 20 loot above tin* >urraco. From this up to tho I2."lr ir>l!^ niilo^ tlioio arc a niimbi>r of sloughs, and liio ordinary floodn cover tint groniid to a depth of .'i tti 12 loot. The Hoods of IS"'! wore much iiighor, and the onibankmeiits woidd have to Ih« protected throii^liont, so that tho works nn ihisHoction would he lioav}'. At \M\ mih's is the cro-.>iii!/ of the IJivor .Sunnis, ."tOU loot wid»' and '\0 f(Hr the tirst two miles terminate pi('ci|»itoiisly on the Frasor, so tiuit in this lenj^th and ihere would l>e heavy work excavations, a tuiimd almut 1000 foot in length; rip-rap, or othoi' projection works would he rei«l in depth, and it is intel-.-octod by sov««ral small streams. From VW_, to 402 miles the l'"ra>«or au;ain waslies tho fool of tho inoiintJiin, niul the line is on tho locky slopos, ro(|uiriiii; heavy rockexcavations, and a liinnel 1,500 loot in len^tli Tlienco to iho crossin;^ of the river at \>'>'t\ ndles, the lino is on a Hal, siilii«'ot to ovorHow-i, ami intersected by >evorai sloiiiflis. Tho point seloclcd tor crossiiit,' Iho Fra-ingof the river .Stuvt', at 472^ miles. \ I'onsidorabic portion of this will be subject to the overflow of tho river, and ripiaj>, or other projection works will bo re VX\\ inil,s. Al this point. 1^2'^' miles, (||(« line leaves (ho iiaiik of the Fra-er and takes an almost diiecl ciui-c for I'ort Moody, at lie' head of the oa-l arm <»f Buii'ard Inlot. Ill Iwo miles, with a de-ceniling grailieni and modora'c works, it roue I los Pitt ill. I i| IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. O^A^ 1.0 I.I I. ^ Ill 1.8 IL25 11.4 11.6 m ^ n ^. ^/. 0% "i> /A .V > 4^ V Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 \ iV •SJ "% .V 6^ -I I 260 meadows, wliich uio about tivo miles wide and jsubjeot to an overflow of 2 to 5 feet in depth. Tliey are intersected by a nnnibci' of sloughs and by the llivcr Pitt, The line crosses this ri^i'r at a narrow part near the 488th mile, where it is 1,240 feet wide with an extreme depth of (iOleet, the bottom being of clay and sand. It j-eceivesthc discharge oi'a large lake of the same name, and has a tidal current i>f two knots per hour; the tide rises 5 feet. From the edge of (ho Pitt meadows, near the 4n0th mile, the ground continues low and wet for a mile and a half, and is covered with cedar, spruce, tir and alder. It is crossed by the JMver (.'oquitlum in seven bi'anclies or sloughs ; but these could probably bo all diverted under one or two bi-idges. Thence to the end of the survey at 4!I2^ miles the lino runs over a gravel ridgo about 100 foot above sea level. The survey ends within a mile of Port Moody, so that the latter is 4!>3^ miles from Yellow Head Pass. The distance thence to Coal lIarl)our, just within the first Narrows, as measured on the chart is 13 miles, and to thesouth side of Knglish Bay a to 4 miles more, making a total of 50(5 jniles to Coal Harbour and 510 to English Bay. Description of the timhcr on this rorite. Near the summit of the Yellow Head Pass the timber is pi-incipall}' small black pine ; thence, down to Lake Albfeda, 71 miles, it is mixed with spruce and balsam of larger growth ; this increases in sixe as we descend the Albredu Yallc}' to its Junction with that of the North Thompson. Thence, down the latter to the mouth of the Clearwater, 80lh to 183i'd mile, the timber is ])rincipally spruce, balsam and cedai- of very large growth, with some Douglas tir up on the slopes of the hills. From Clearwater to Lytton, 183rd to 250th mile, it is chiefly a j'ellow pine of little value, which grows in clumps or thinly straggling on the dry soil of the Central Plateau — of volcanic foimation — with groves of asjten and Cottonwood of second growth interspersed. From Lytton to Fort Hope in the valley of the Frnser, 350th to 420th mile, the timber is chiefly Douglas tir on the slopes, mixed with some spruce and yellow pine. From Fort Hope to Buri-ard Inlet there are spruce, balsam, hemlock, cedai-, alder and Cottonwood on the low grounds, with birch and Douglas tir on the slopes o( the mountains. As we approach Bui-rard Inlet the Douglas Hr good i miles, (ho lino crosses (he Salmon River, where i( is LiOO foot wide ami 10 feet deep in niid-chaniiol at hiijh floods, when its ri^ht bank is overflowed to a 4. I H 204 \ depth of ;^ foot. Jloii^ht from l)Cil of Hti'oam to formation lovol, 20 foot; iiltitiido of tho lattor, 1,!MT foot aliovo soa lovol. Up to tho 2;j.">nl milo, tlio gradients aro oa«;y and tlio works will iio li^lit, l)ut from this point tho lino conitnonocs to riso np on tho slopes of tho valloy with a j;radiont of 1 poi' KlO for iioarly 4/ milos, with a short lonifth of lovol in tho middle. At 23S-^ milos tho altitude is 2,212 foot, whore tho line bo,u;ins to descend to tho Valloy of the Stewart, roa(diini^ the hotlom fhit of that valloy at 24() milos and crossinjf tho river at 24!> miles, whieh is here 400 feet wide, 12 foot deep at low water and 22 foot at flood. Ileii^hl from i)ed of river to formation lovol, (i3 feet; altitude of tho latter, l,t>47 loot aliove sea level. Thence, the line follows the rii^ht or .>-outh l)aid< of tho Stewart, with easy gradients, to the mouth of -the Chilaeoh, at 2.")(j2- miles. Tho total loni^th of the maximum gradients of 1 per 100 on this section rising west is nearly (J} miles; rising oast it is 3A miles. lietween the 2.'r{rd and 240lh miles tho works will be heavy, consisting of deep o.\cavali(jns in clay and gravel, high embankments, and l>ridging numerous doop ravines; on three milos more, 243 to 210 miles, the works will be moderate, and on the rest of tho section the}' will be very light. There are no rock cuttings on this section. The timber on tho banks of the Ilivor Stewart is principally .spruce and small black jtinc. Tho lino from Bute fnlot to tho mouth of tho Chilaeoh is described in my i-opoil of the surveys of 1875; but a re-survey has been made in the canyons of the Cascade Mountains, and tho levels have boon corrected. It will be bettor to continue tho jtrc- sent do.scription and mileage through to tho coast. Chilaeoh Section, 257 to 290 miles. h ! } i' ^'lio altitude at the junction of tho Chilaeoh and Stewart valleys, 28G^- milos, is 2,0(1.') feet ; thence, the liiie follows up the Chilaeoh valloy 3.'{ milos, in which distance the rise is 182 feet, or ")! feet per milo ; but the gradients, though generally easy, aro variable, and from tho 272nd to tho 274t!i mile, where tho lino has been carried well up tho slopes of tho vallo}' lo avoid landslips on the river bank, there is a gradient of 1 per 100, two miles in length, rising westwards; and at the 28!Hh voile, where Jw lino ilrops to cross tho river, there is a like gradient, 3,000 feet in length, rising eastward. On the first throe miles tho work will bo rather heavy, some of tlio cuttings running over 30 foot in depth, but these aro short and generally in sand and gravel; only three of thom aro in loose rock. From tho 2(!0Lh to tho 272nd mile the excavations and embankments will be very light, but there will be several diversions of the river, making an aggregate length of 4,000 foot, and three crossings of tho same, each rei^uiring a bridge of one span of 100 feet, with some shorter spans in the approaches. On the no.xt live milos the e.Kcavations will be rather heavy, but chiefly in sand and gravel. From 277 to 2S!> milos, the works will be light, but on the ne.vt milo tho lino crosses tho vallc}', requiring an embankment 2,200 feet in length, and 30 feet high, and a bridge giving u dear opening of 100 foot. The altitude of formation level at this point is 2,237 foot. Section 2 — Aeross the, dicidc, betiveen the Chilaeoh aiii the. Blaekwatcr, 2!)0 fo 312 miles. li The line ascends the slope of tho divide, between thoChilaeoli and the Bluckwater, by a serpentine coui-.se, and reaches the plateau at 200 milos, whore tho altitude is 2,5!)S feet. In this length, there aro two gradients of 1 per 100, aggregating b\ milos, with stretches of level and easy gradients between thom. There aro four ravines to bo tilled up or bridged; tho largest of those is 110 deep, 500 foot wide at tho top, the slopes meeting at the bottom. idlitiulu of Ik! light, bill alley with a the middle, scctid to till' ) inilos and at low watiT ;ot; ultitiulo , with easy oiii^lli of the y (ij- miles ; ling of doej) im-i'oiis deep •ate, and on tings on this spriico and n my report f theCaseado iniie the |>re- tho valley of the Blackwatcr to the mouth of tho Nai5C0, at tho 327th mile, where the altitude is 2,680 feet, making a rise of 138 foot in 15 miles; but a portion of the valley is narrow and crooked, and to avoid heavy works, tho maximuui gradient of 1 ])or 100 ha» been used for one mile in length rising eastward. A length of about four miles of this section is on a formation tjf volcanic rock, and tho cuttings will bo rather heavy; tho balance is principally on giavel and boulders, with rock underlying. Tho lino crosses tho rivoi- three times. First, — At 317^ miles, whore the breadth of tho river is 200 feet, depth 12 foot at flood, height from bod to formation level -ttl feet. Second, — .It 318^ miles; breadth at flood 300 foot; depth 10 foot ; height from Led of river to formation level 42 foot. Third,— -At 320 miles; breadth at flood, 150 feet ; depth 7 feet ; bed of river to formation level 17 feet. Tho timber on this section is small black pine, cottonwood and spruce on tho hjwer grounds; on the high slopes it is Douglas fir and yellow pine. Section 4 — The lower portion of the Xazco Vdllei/, 327 to 370 miles. The Nazco, from its mouth to the foot of tho canyon at tho 370th mile, is a tine ojjon valley with extensive natuial meadows on the banks of the river, interspersed with groves of spruce, black pine and cottonwood, generally of small growth; Douglas fir and yellow pine are thinly scattered on the slopes. Tho altitude at tho mouth of the Nazco is 2,680 feet, and at tho foot of the canyon 2,990 feet, giving a rise Of 310 feet in 43 miles; so that the gradients throughout are easy, the highest being 0.5 per 100, 26.40 feet jier milo. On some portions of this section there will be rock cuttings, more os])ecially on tho shore of Lake Nazco, from 364 to 368 miles. But the line has been run to shorten distance as much as practicable, and to keep off the low lands which are subject to overflow; so that there are points at which it may bo found desirable (o make short deviations in order to reduce the (quantity of rock excavations. Tho balance of tho Avorks will bo I'ght. Tho lino criKsses the Nazco seven times; tho two lower crossings are 200 feet wide, 9 to 12 feet deep at flood, and tho height from bod of river to formation level 22 feet. The next four crossings are 128 feet wide, 8 to 12 toot deep at flood, and 20 feet from bod to formation level. Tho last crossing is 100 feet wide, 10 foot deep, and 22 feet from bed of stream to formation level . * The telegraph trail here alluded to, was made hy tlie Western Union Telogra|)h Co., in 1805, with a view of establishing telegraphic communication witii Euroiie, I'/i/ Alaska and Russian territory; but was abandoned on tlie successful completion of tiie Atlantic Teiegrai)ii Cable, in I860. 23 i i"i ' ^Mll i' i iiid i \ If |.; i 1 1 Si:i;tloa 5. — .Ycco Canyon, 370 /o ;{78 huVw. From ;{7t) to iJTS milos tho lino is tliroiit^h tlio Nazco Canyon, with un almost coiitiiiiioiis i^iwlioiit of I |»or 100, ami with ciii'vos ol"."»,730 foot to 1.4."{;{ railiiis, Tho ii|»|)or part ot'tiio canyon is coniposoil yf basaltic rocU ; tlio lower part is congK)morato. There will be heavy rock cuttinjL^s throuj^hont the canyon, and a bridge of a 100 feet span over tlio river; height from bed to formation level 12 feel. Section <). — 0// t/ic Plateau betwan the Nazco and ChiUc.otin Jiiuers, 37H to 407 mili'n. Tho courHO of tho lino is now S.S.W. along (ho margins of Lakes Tchusiniltil, Zazatee and Nestacheo, with easy undulating gradients; the altitude near the west end ol the last lake, at 3!S4 miles, is 3,475 feet. Thence, the line takes a. south-westerly course across tho plateau to tho Chilicotin Valley, crossing the river at tho 407tli mile near tho foot of Chisicut I(ake. Tho altitude of this point is 3,21)5 foot at forma- tion level, which is 58 foot above the bed of tho river. The gradients over this length of 2!( miles are undulating and easy, except in descending the slope of the Chilicotin Valley, where there are two lengths of 1 per 100, aggregating 12 niilos, with a long stretch of level between them. Tho whole of this section is over an arid country of sand, gravel and boulders, and the works will be veiy light. From this point, the line takes a general southerly course, ascending tho western slope of the Chilicotin Valley obliipiely with easy gradients, tho maximum bcini; 0*85 per 100, or, 4'88 feet jier mile lor a mile and three-quarters in length. It reaches tho highest point of the plateau which dividoK* tho Chilicotin Valley from the basin of Lake runtzee, at the 413tli mile, where the altitude is 3.472 foot, l-'rom the 41(Jth mile the lino descends obliciuely tho western slope of the basin (>t' Luke Punt/.eo. reachiiii; the head of tho lake at the 423|rd mile, and thence follows a narrow j>ass into tho valley of the Chilaiuoh, crossing the river at 427i miles, which is here 3!) toot wide. The height from formation level to the bed of the river is 37 feet altitude at formation ; by revised surveys, 2,!>85 foot above sea level. Un tho whole of this section tho aggregate length of the maximum gradient of 1 per 100 is two miles rising eastwards, the maximum rising westwards is 0-85 per 100 I'or 1^ miles. Un eight miles of this section there will be rather heavy cuttings and embank- ments, chiclly in gravel and boulders, with solid rock cropping up at a low points ; on the balance the works will be moderate. Tho limber is chioHy small black pine, interspersed with a small pi'oportion of Douglas tir of better quality. Section 7 — The VluUmcoh to the Snmniit of tlie Dioide, 407 to 452 nulcs. From thoChilancoh the course of tho line is south-west, ascending, by a depres- sion, whatajipears to be tho ancient bed of a river to tho level of tho plateau with still gradients, of which there are two lengths of tho maximum of 1 per 100, making together 4^ miles. At 442 miles tho altitude is 3,450 foot above sea level. Thence, the line follows the same depression in the plateau with easy undulating gradients to 452 miles, where it reaches the summit or divide from which the waters flow eastward to the Fras'ir, and westward to Bute inlet. Tho altitude of this point is 3,505 feet. This section, from the Chilancoh, 427^ miles, to tho head of i^iaglo Lake, 444^ miles, is broken with ridges of sand, gravel and boulders, and indented with hollows and dry bods of ponds. The works will not he heavy till after reaching Eagle Lake, along the shore of which, seven miles in length, there will bo a considerable quantity of rock cutting. The country is of tho same character as that east of tho Chilancoh ; the timber being principally small black pine in the valleys, with Douglas lir of liiir size and (quality on the adjoining hills. th nil almo.sl nidi lis. Tlio Bongloni(»nito. ridgo ofji 100 to 407 mill's, . Tclmsiiiiltil, loiir tlio west ijiitli-wosU'i'ly !it tho 407t*li loot at Ibrma- isy, oxcopt ill » of 1 per 100, md hoiildor.s, % tho wostoni ciimiin boiiii; 1. It icac'lios )in tiio basin •oin tiio41(Jtli aUo Piiiitzoo, narrow jjasH s here 3!) foot jt altitiulo al I ^'radioiit of 8 0-85 por 100 and oinbank- w points ; on II proportion inilcs, , by Ji dopros- oaii with still 100, making ni\. Thonco, ng gradients waters flow )t' this point Lake, 444^ with hollows ■ Eagle Lake, ible quantity ; tho timber lair size and 2«7 IN THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS. Section 1.— Watenlied to the foot nf Lake Tatlayaeoh, 452 to 484 iniles. From tlie siimmit, tiie lino descends the valley by a stream and sorios ol^ small lakes on a course generally south to 471^ miles, where it reaches the shore of Lake Tatlayacoh, about '21 miles from its liead. The altitude at this point is 2,7fiO feet, and that of the Lake 'i,717 loot; the gradients are continually descending from the summit, and there is an aggregate of II miles of the maximum of 1 per 100. The lino now follows the eastern shore of Lake Tatlayacoh in tho same southerly direction, to its outlet at 484 miles, with easy undulating gradients. From the summit at 452 miles to4(!3i milos, the works will bo light, tho cuttings not deep, and principally in gravel, sand and bouldors, with some loose rock. Tho heaviest works will bo in tho crossing of two ravines, one 114 feet doop and 500 feet wide at tho top, tho other 113 foot deep and 400 foot at top ; in both, the slopes meet within a fow feet at tho bottom. At 40 feet hi;u|». Il«ij,'lit Itifoel Cinin lii'il til lorinatioii lovol. !^f2't[ miles — Htioimi fiO loot wido, tl toot iloop. iluiglit from hoil to iormation, l> foot. fi2!i'/ iniloH — Stream 100 loot wido, 50 loot (lco|». Iloi^ht from bod to formution, 11 toot. 'idmiloM — llomatlicii Kivor, 200 IVi't wide, 20 fi>et doop at lii;r|i tide, Iloii^lit from li(*d to li)rmaliiiii, 'A'l loot. Tliu timber on tliis Noetioii is l>oi|i{las fir, and Hpruco of largo hI/.o and goocril)od (No. (!) at tlie fon fluence if tlie rivers Nazoo and HIackwalor, ;{27 miles from Vellowliead Pass, and follow up tlio Hlucl at a point in the C'hilacoh Valley, 2H0 miles from Yellowhead Pass; nnd taking a westerly course over a rollintr country it enters tbo Hlnckwater A''alloy at a considerable distance above the mouth of the Nawo, and follows it to its boail ; thonco it crosses the divide to tbo Valley of tbo Salmon Jtiver, which it follows through the ('ascade Mountains to Kamscpiot Hay toot wido, nuar tiio itl.'tlli niilo, uiid tlio rivur Ii -.iltaosly at tho .'MStli milo, noar tlio toot of a Hmatl laki.', wlioro it is 151) foot wiilu at tlouds and 5 foot d(5 0-40 21-12 03S loo 52-80 0-74 Level. ... • • » • ■ • • 0.57 0-80 42-24 0'7(> 140 73-l»2 0-35 Level. •• ••••■•• o-()(; 1-00 52-80 ((•05 Level. 01t5 150 7t»'20 3G-15 Section 2 — i74^ to 48G milvs, to Terminus at Kumsqmt liiiij. The last of tho steep gradients ends at 474.1- miles, where the altitude is 425 feet above sea level, and that of formation at tho tei-minus 10 feet, making a fall ot 415 feet in 13;^ miles. The descent is continuous, with variable gradients, there being tivo lengths of the maximum of 1 per 100, making together 'A\ miles. The rest of tho gradients are easy, with a considerable proportion of level. The works on these two sections of 52 miles through the Cascade Monntain.^, may bo divided as follows: — 18 miles of very heavy work, cliictly deep cuttings in rock, embanking and biidging deep lavines, and a number of tunnels through rock. These heavy works are diieliy between the 438th and 45(ith mile, and in tho short canyons between the 485th and 48(!th mile, and include the following: — Ijist of Tunntls. 447-\ miles.'* length l,.30O leet No. 1, at 447J i> 448 " 3, •• 448J. " 4, ' 44it " •'>, tt 45t»TV " t), U 450^ " 4511 " 8, u 151.', 452^ " lit. a 455Ar " 11, Ki 45(i,l- '• 12, ^i 402 ■• v.], U 465A " 14, 1( 480 .330 1,750 i,(;t)o 770 300 4t)0 750 l,t»50 2.250 800 i,«;oo 5()0 370 U 13,230 loot Ei^ual 2'55 mllc^ I I ^ i ■ >!' 274 I'' 1? ' ,1 The print'iptil Iji-idycs that will bo roquii'od .iro : — At 4^iS\ miles. — River Pimchusco, a rapid stream, in a f^ori;o 92 feet deep, -100 I'oet wide at top, KJO feet at bottom. 440} miles. — llavine 120 fc t deep, 000 feci wide at top, sloping to a few iect ut bottom. 448 miles. — Ravine 2i)0 feet dee)), 700 feet wide at top, and a few feet wide at bottom. 448;f miles. — IJavine 150 feet deep, 200 feet wide at top, 20 feet at bottom. 450| miles. — Ravine 125 feet deep, 200 feet wide, on a bench 35 feet below forma- tion level of railway. 454;f mlies. — Secoiul erossiiii;- of the Salmon, ^orge 150 feet deep, (iOO feet wide at top; 200 feet wide at bench, 85 teet below the formation level of the railway. 470 j: miles. — Third crossing of tlio Salmon; formation of railway to bed of river, fi8 feet, requiring 700 feet of bridging over the rivei", and SOO feet in approaches 40 feet high. 472^ miles. — Snow-slide in ravine 25 feet deep, requiring a bridge of one span of 200 feet. 473} miles. — Snow-slide in ravine 28 feet deep, will require bridge of one span of 200 feet. 480 miles.— -Third crossing of the Salmctn in canyon SO feet deep, 175 feet Avide. Will require a bridge of one span of 175 feet. The curviituro on this section is 47 per cent, of the whole ; the sharpest curve is 955 feet radius. The timber is chicHy spruce, cedar and cotlonwood of large size on the flats, and Douglas tir of good size and qualit}' on the slo])es ; all increase in size in descending towanls the sea. Jvamsquot Bay is six miles from the head of Dean inlet, and is well sheltered from the strong Avinds blowing uj) and down the valley. Jt bus a frontage of over two miles in length, well suited for wharfage, and well sheltered, but only a narrow belt j)arallel to this for anchorage, as the water at a short distance from the shore becomes very deep. The Indians told us that ice forms from the head of the inlet down to this bay, and is sometimes sufficiently strong on the bay itself to bear a man's weight ; but never below it. AI.TEKNATIVE LINE I'lioM THE ClIlhACOII To THE CASCADE MOUNTAIN'S This branches oH from the line No. (I near the juiu'lion of the valleys of llu<, Nechacoh and Stewart, 25(5 miles trom Vellowhead Pass, and follows up the right bank of the Stewart in a westerly ilirection to ita confluence with the Xechaco at the 291st mile. The formation at the starting point is 2,003 feet above sea level, and about forty feet above the Stewart; while at the 29lst mile the formation is about forty-five feet above the river, and 2,133 above sea level ; giving a rise in thirty-tive miles of oid}' i)-} feet jicr mile, imt the gradients are undulating and there are two miles of 1 jier 100 rising westwards. The works on this section will be jnoderate, the excavati()ns being jirincipally in gravel. The principal streams to be bridged are the Chilacoli at the 257th mile; 150 feet wide, and a stream fifty feet wide at the 2(i3rd mile. From the Junction of the Stewart and N'echaco Rivers, the valley of the latter takes a bend to the north-west; to avoid this the line crosses over the plateau in a south-westerly direction. Fi'om the 2!Ust mile the line follows up the Valley of the Xechaco to the 303rd mile, wheie it commences to ascend the hill-side, and at the 304th mile enters the Valley of Tsinknt Creek, which it follows to Tsinkut Lake at the 311th mile. Ele- vation of Lake, 2,385 feci, and formation, 2,438 ieet above sea-level. eot (loop, 400 to ii few foot r feet wide ut jottom. below foiTTiii- cp, (iOO ieet tlio railway. iiy to beil of 11 jvpproiiche.s )f one span of f one span of sep, 175 foi'L iai')»e.st curve the flats, and 1 descciidinij; ell slioltercd igc. and well water at a 1 to this hay, t ; but never VINS illcys of (ho ij* the rig'ht ho Xeeluifo ve sea iovcl, le formation ig a rise in g and there riiR'ipully in h mile; 150 >f the latter plateau in a (I the :{03rd ) enters the mile. Elo- In this distance of twenty miles, the rise is ;]05 ftot, with varying gradients tliero are two miles of 1 per 100 rising west. ding ilo of 10 niilr, and T inkut About tcotion near the 201st mile, where the too of the hanlc touches the river. 'PI balance of the works will be light. There is a stream fifty feet wiilc tn bo bridged at the 2!>4lh Creek, seventy-five foot wide, at the 307th mile. From the outlet of Tsinkut Lake, the line passes along the north sides of that and Nodki Lake, and to the .south of Tachick Lake. It then crosses a rolling plateau, lo the :W2nd mile, where it reaches an elevation of 2,722 feet above sea level, arul enters the valley of a stream fifty feet wide, flowing south-westwards to theNech ico. The gradients on this section are undulating, with four miles of 1 per 100 rising west, and 1^ mile rising east. On about six miles the works will be heavy, and on the remaining fifteen they will be light. At the ;U8th mile, Stoney Creek has to bo bri pri)liuble. how- ever, that the gradients could be improved, and the work reduced by ninning the line on low benches close to the Nechaco River. The river flows (hrougli a canyon for 5 miles above this, and it was found necessary to run the line on the side hill .sometimes upwards of 200 feet above the stream, as far as the 370th mile. The gradients on this portion aro easy and undulating, and the woi'!v.> will be moderate, the cuttings being principally in gravel. There aro no s reams of impor- tance to bo bridged, but one ravine has to bo crossed 110 feet deep and 1,000 feet wide. At the 370th mile the formation is 2,051 feet above sea level, and a(M)ut GO feet above the river. The line keeits close to the river, and follows it up to Nahtaleiis Lake at the 387th mile, where the elevation of formation is 2,()(i5 Ieet above sea level. The gradients are easy and undulat ng, and the work will be moderate, there being only a small percentage of rcjek. About one mile of ]}roicction work will be required, but it is j)robabie this could be avoided if a revised survey were maile. At the 370th mile a stream 50 t'eet wide is crossed, and anoihi'V of the same sizo at the 3S(»th mile. The elevation of Nalitaleus Luke is 2,058 feet above sea level, and the line skirts along its south-eastei-n shore to J,he 30.'h'd mile with easy undulating gradient.- ni the works will be rather heavy. The cuttings are princi|)ally some ))rotection works will be rc(]^uired on bays of the lake. There are no streams of any consequence lo be cros.sed on this lengtl rrav<' but I I l,f 'I !l 211] if* ' I I ■< I ' i I Af'lof loiiviiii^ NalitaliMis Lako, at the 30!^i-d milo llio lino follows up tlio Kntiaco Rivor, rcacliintj HtiiiatotacliiKrIi Ltiko at tlio 4<)8th milo— clovatioii 2,!IS1 foot above Hca level, slnnviiig a lise in 1") miles of H2H feel— but on aeeounl of can^'ons on the river, iiiululatiiiu; <;i-a'lieiits liave (o be usoJ, ineliidiiig (I n'lile.s of 1 poi' 100 rising west, and 1 milo rising ea>t. The excavations will be heavy, and <^enorall\' in rock. The Kntiaco Miver, 100 feet wide, is crossed 15 times, and will probably require to be bridged thirteen times. From the lOHih mile the line follows the northwestern side of Entiotctachuok Lako to the 41(Ith mile, keeping; well up on the slo])e to avoid hlulfs on the margin of the Lake; and then up the hJntiaco Iiiver to the 418th mile, where it leaves it. Li this (iistaneo the gradients undulato, and havo 1] mile of 1 per 100 grade rising caht. The euttings will not bo loop but a large proportion of them will be in rock. The Entiaco Iiiver is crossed twice between the -H(Jth and 418ih miles, but this can be avoided by iiu alteration of the lino. The divide, between the waters of the Neeha<'o flowing eastward to the Frasor lliver and tho.se flowing; westward to Dean Chatinel, occurs at the tHOtli milo and is ;{,100 feet above sea level, the lormation at same point being H,105 feet. The ascent from the 418lh mile to the summit is 100 feet, but tho line follow.s a depression in the ])latoan with undulating gradients and at the 423i'd mile attains an elevation of 8,147 feet above .sea level. There arc two miles of a gradient 1 per lOO rising west and half milo rising east. The woi'ks will ho moderate, the cuttings being in gravel with a small propor- tion of rock. No streams are crossed which require bridging. After passing the summit the line l-irns to tho west and follows tho north bank of Quulchf) Tiuke and the creek of the same name to the 448th mile, whore it crosses to tlie south bank and continues on that side to tho 450th mile. Hero the formation is 2,7fi8 feet above sea level, showing a descent in 20 miloa of 337 foot, nearly all of which is made after passing the western end of Quakho Lake at tho 437th milo, so that there are 5 miles of a gradient of 1 per 100. The works for about 4 miles on (^ualcho Crook will bo heavy, and the rest medium with little or no rock. The only stream to be bridged is (iualcho Oroek, 50 feet wide at the 448th mile. From the 450th mile the line bonds to tho south, passes dose to tho shore of Tsigutlat Lake at the 454th mile and descending tho vallej- of iltasyonco lliver to its junction with the S Imon Eiver, crosses the latter, and rejoins the line last described nt the 445th milo on that line and tho 403rd on this. Tho elevation of this point is 2,465 feet, being a full of 303 foot in 13 milo^, on 3.| miles of which the gradient is 1 per 100 rising east. On this section there will be aliout tive miles of heavy work, and on the balance the work^. will be moderate. ■^rhc Tltasyoueo is crossed a( ]451^- miles, and again at the 450\th mile— it is 200 feet wide in each ])lace; the Salmon River is crosse 1 at 401^ miles, in a canyon 150 feet wide with perpendicular walls of rock. A loo|) line was e.vplored, divoiging from the line just described at tho 257ti; milo, which, after crossing the (!hiIacoh River, ascends rapidly fill tho level of the nlatean is gainei,i,iot, Cominander-in-Chiof. Admiral Farquhar to the Admiralty. Carlooik, Kincardine O'Neil, 20th J)ecember, 1H7K. Sir, — In compliance with thoir Loi-dships' directions, contained in your letter marked M, and dated tho 13th instant, I now return the paper emanating from the Colonial (Jftico, with such answers to Mr. Sandford Fleming's queries as 1 am able to give, only regretting that tho answers are so indoHnitc. Tho Secrotary of the Admiralty, AVhitehall. Lhavo the honour to be. Sir, Your very obedient servant, A. FAli(iUlIAR, Vice-Admiral. The Admirallij to t/ie Colonial Office Admiralty, 2(!th December, 1876. Sir. — 1 am commanded by my Lords Commissionersof the Admiralty to send you herewith for the information of the Eai-l of Carnarvon, a letter from Vice-Ad. niral A. Farquhar, with such answers to Mr. Sandford Fleming's queries as he is able to give relative to the site for the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway on the Pacific coast. I am, etc., (Signed) VERNON LUSIIINGTON. Tho Uniler-Socretary of State for the Colonies. 2M1 ibor, 187«. 4th instunt, oil in tlio waters inadian Patiitii- tlio queries us 1 [ bo fiirnisliud sstions as rolur LINS, Lieulenant, nljur, 1«7H. in your Icltoi" ting from tlio IS 1 am able to IIAE, x-Admiral. ibor, 1876. ilty to 8011(1 you Mcc-Ad.niral bo is able to ail way on tlio LNGTON. The Colonial Secretary to the Gocenior Ueneral, DowNi.NK Strkkt, " Scout,') to Mr. Sandford Fleming's queries as to the site for tho terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway on the Pacific coast. Governor General, Tho Right Honourable The Earl of Duirerin, K.P., G.C.M.G., K.C.B. 25 I have, &c., (Signed,) CARXARVuX. ■\\\ 'I ; 1 If i* 'i Mv JJkak Sik, — 5(« 282 T/k; EiKjinecr in Chief to the Finance Mini.ster of GnuKln. London, Ulh November, 187C. * Tlioro is ono bniiuli oC tlio siilijocl rospoctiiiy; \vlii
  • session of full information on tbis bead ; and I would (suggest tbat api)lication be nuide, in tbe proper (juarter, in tbo name of tbo Canadian (iovcrnment, for all reports, plans, cbnrts and otiior documents wbicb may exist. Tbe information is ol" very great importance, if not indispensable, to enable the (iovcrnment properly to arrive at u decision witb regard to the terminus and the lino wbicb tbe I'ailway should f()llow. Tbo several points on the coast of the have under examination, terminate, arc as tol mainland, where bind lines, wbicb we lows : — 1. Hurrard Inlet. 2. llowc SouikI. ;>. ]iutc Inlet. 4. Bentinck Arm (North). 5. I)can I idol. (5. Kitlope, Gardner Inlet. 7. Kemano, Gardner Inlet. y. iviver iSkeona. The application should, however, not be continod to intormation res])ecting these points; it should endiiace all that is known with regai'd lo the various inlets and waters of tbo Pacific coast within the linuts of Ibitish t-olumbia. I am, my dear Sir, Yours faitbfullly, SANDFOED FLEMING. Tbe Honorable 11. "NV. Caktwiuuht, Finance Minister of Canada, The L'ni/inecr in Chief to (he Undir S-'crcliiry. 27 Eels-ize Park Gaiibens, N.W., London, 2t)th November, 187(J. Sir, — Tbc Hon. Mr. Cartwright, Finance Minister of Canada, requested mo to examine ibe cbails of the coast of ]Jritish ('olumbia, which 3'ou obtained from tbe Admiralty a few (la3"s ago; and, in case it should appear that sufficient information was not furnished, with a view to tbe .selection of a terminus for tbe Canadian Pacific Ilailway, I Avas further requested to apply to you, in the hope that you might be able to obtain it. 283 bcr, 1870. o^iiin viilimblo oil the Pncifir kiion'lod^o of ho ai»|»roiu;ho8 t points along it is innnifostly >i- that no lino mill Ijo viewed tlu! coast, is head ; and I 13 name of tho its which may , to onablo the us and the line ncs, which we niet. Inlet. ispeetini^ these )us inlets and .EMINCi. m; 187(J. nested nic to ned from the informalion ladian Pacific night be able The charts plaood in niv hands do not furnish all Iho inforniafion required. [ called at your niWn.' yesterday In explain what was wanted. 1 had not tho good fortune to see yoiirx'If personally, luil the gentleman to whom I was referred con currcd in th(> suggestion that I Nlioiiid draw up a series of ipiestions, to bo submitted to ail the otUcers, within reach, who have iioen in command of Her .Majesty'^ ships of war on the North I'acitic Station, and win* have had opportunities of acquiring infor- mation and forming opiiuons on the subject. 1 have now prepared a series lA' twenty-eight questions, with some preliminary remarks, o.\planator\- of their object. They are frtimcd with a view of eliciting all tho information which the (fovernmont of (Canada reipiiro t(» enable them to come to a speedy determination on this important Mibject. I resiioctfully submit them for your consideration. [ am, Sir, Your obedient servant, SANDFORD FLEMINO, EiKjiiu'cr ill Chief , dtnadian Pacific Railway. R. G. VV. IlEIlIJEIlT, Under-Socrotary of State for tho Colonies, Ohxcrratiom and queries hi/ Mr. Sdndf ml F/riniii'j, Hi'if fCn/inerr of fhc CJitihuVnm Paeifu; Jialhraij, relatimj in the quest inn of ,i site fir t/ie Teriniitus vn the line if the Pacljio Coast. Suhinitted throwjh the Colonial Office to the Adiniraltij, London^ December, 18"ti : — Tho (iovernment of Canada has undortsiken to establish a lino of railway from the Atlantic side of North A?nerica to tho coast of Hi iti.-h Columbia, and has, during the past five or (?i.\ years, made extensive explorations across the continent, with tho view of reaching the Pacitic Coast by a jiracticablo and favourable line. Several routes, more or loss practicable, havo been discovered, and it is now important to obtiiin full information respecting tho harbours, anchorages and approaches from the ocean, in order to select the most eligible terminal point for the railway on the J'acitic Coast. The railway linos which havo been projected across tho Rocky ^[ountaln /.one, touch tho luivigable waters of the Pacitic at the following inlets ; — 1. Uurrard lidot. 2. Howe Sound. il Bute Inlet. 4. Hontinck Arm, North. 5. Dean Inlet. 6. Gardner Fnlet. 7. Skccna River. In order that information may bo elicited from competent authorities to guide in selecting a suitable terminal point lor the railway, it is considered advisable to .solicit written re|)!ies to a sei'ies of questions herewith presented. It may bo stated that while tho immediate object of the proposed undertaking is to connect tho Pacitic Coast with the existing Canadian railway system on tho Atlantic seaboard by a lino wholly within British territory, it is of primary impor- ance to select such a route and western terminus as Avill best command traffic, in order that tho railway may ultimately become self-sustaining, or as little burdensome as possible. No local traffic now exists in any portion of the vast territory to bo traversed by tho railway commensurate with the cost of the undertaking; it is tho more important, therefore, to give due consideration to " through trade," and in estab- lishing the railway, to select such a route and terminus as will afford tho greatest possible facilities for successfully competing with foreign routes for ocean-borno traffic. III 284 The P(»nst oCtlu> miiiiilniul of Mrili^li Citliimhiii oxtonilH I'roin tlio 4!Uli piiralli'l nf Inliliulo ((» the BSlli. Witliiii flicso liinilw Iho si'vcii iiilots ulmv*' in»'iiti(Hi(»(| arc silimtcd. 'I'liis I'xiciiNivo coast may Ito rcaclioil I'liiin llu' opoii ncnaii liy lln't'c main passages nr cliaiiiiclN, an tullows ; — IkI, a Noiilliciii chaiiiii'l, oxlciidiiiif liotwooii tin; loasi (d' ilio UimUmI SIuIivh and tlio Hfnilherly roast of N'ancoiivcr Uland. lind. A hortliorn cliuniiul, oxIiMidini; lnttwoiMi llic< (^iiuon Oliai'lotlo Isliinds and Alaslvu. iJi'd. A niiildio cliiiniiid, oxtoiidiii^ bolwccn Vancouvor iHlaml ami llio i/imcn Charlotte Islandn. Ocoan-Korno tiatlic nuiy roai-li ihu co.ist of tlio mainland ol' Ui-ilish (loliimliia tlii'ou^li oilhoi'of Ihoso channels, and iho tirwl considoratioij wliieli j)ivsenlH itsoll is Willi ivsj)0(t to the one whose ^^oo^raphical Kiliiation is most favourahle for thai (lescrii»ti()n of trach*. Inlormatioii on this head may ho furnished in connection with questions Xos. 1, 2 aud 3. It will he ol)served in the (piostions which follow, that attention is drawn to Mime details in connection with the more noi'therly inh^ts. This is due to tho ineoni- jilele eharaeler ol' the charts of the coast north of N'ancoiivor Island. (^I'KSTIONS. Question 1. — What is tho distance from a common point nn the Asiatic coast, say. Yokohama, to the centre of the Southern ("hannel, ' nces would ocean-<^oin^f ships require to he towed ? Question 5.— What is the tiistance from (point defined in No. 1) Southern Channel to tho head of Ilowo Sound ? llow much of this distance would sailitix ships, under ordinary circumstances, i-equiro to he towed? Question (5.— What is the distance from Southern Cliani.cl (point defined in No. I ). to Waddmf,'ton llarhour, Hale Inlet ? ITow much of this distance would sailing ships rot[uire to bo towed? Question T.— Would the course of vessels to Hurrard Inlet, Howe Sound or Bute Inlet, as alluded to in (Questions Nos. 4, .^ and (5, in tho event of hostilities with the United States, be exposed so as to render the apjiroadi to the terminus difficult or hazardous ? Questions. — At what minimum distance would ve.ssols have to pass San Juan Island or other islands or coasts of the United States, in their passage by tho Southern Channel to Burrard Inlet, Howe Sound or Waddington Harbour. Question 0. — Could large sea-going shi])s, apiMoaching by the ^liddle Channel, pass without danger or ditficulty" through hy .lohnstoii's StVait to Burrard Inlet, llowe Sound, or Waddington Harbour? ^Me^^/on 10.— What is the distance from the Middle Channel (point defined in Question 2) to Burrard Inlet? How much of this distance would sailing shijis have to be towed ? Question n.—W hut is the distance from the Middle Channel, (point defined No. 2) to Howe Sound? I [ow much of this distance would sailing ships require to be towed ? Question 12.— What is the distance from the Middle Channel (jwint defined No. 2) to Waddington Harhour? How much of this distance wouM sailing sliips require to be towod ? 286 4!)lli imnillcl of iiiciilioiiiMl ai'i> I l>y lliiTi' niaiii liliMl Stutos ami Itu Islimds uikI mid till) (^iioun i'ili«li (*()liiinl)iti )itsoii(m itsulr is Miniblo for that qHOHlioilN XoH. ion is drawn to to tlio iiK'Min- ia(ic coast, Hay. I ('apo Klattory of the Middio f tlio Noi'thoi'ii lioni Ciiannol, Iho to Knglisli II l)c towod ? thorn (Miannol 'f shij)s, under lined in No. I), d sailing sliips ound or Biilo itio.s wilii llic us (lifflcult or )a.ss San Juan y the Soutiioi'n idle Channel, Jurrard Inlet, nt defined in g shij)S have point defined ips requii'C to t defined No. sliips require Quesliitn i:i — Wlial is (ln» dislanco from tho Middle riituinel fpoinl defiiuxl in (/iieslion li) to the head ol \i»rlh IJi'htincK- Arm, r/i/ l''il/.liii<,'li S.iiind/ llnw mukIi of this distanee woidd sailin;,' ships, under onlinary eireinnstanees, nipiii'e to iio lowed '{ ^^>llt'slil>li 1 I, — What is the dislanee from tin' Middle < 'hannel (point di'lineil No. 2) to North MentineU Arm, /•/(/ Millmnk Sound ? How miieh of this distance would sailing' ships re(piiio to he towed ? (^iii'stioii l.'i. — What is tho distance IVom the Midillo Chanmd (point detlneil l^nestioii 2) n' I5ay, (!ocUle Hay, and at Port HIakeney. Also, on tho course to Dean Channel and North Mentinck Arm, at Hampden Hay. and at i'orl John. Are yoii aware ofother anchorai,'es in these waters? QucsHdh 17. — What is tho distance from the Middle Channel (point delined in (^nestion 2) to the aneliora<,'e op)»(.site Triumjdi Hay, (iarden Inlet, vi 1 I. I Question 1. "What is the distance from, a common ])oint on the Asiatic coast, sa^', Yokohama, to the centre <>f the soiUhcrii chaiuioi, on a line drawn from Capo Flattery to Point Eon ilia? Jieplies—AumnA}. Cochrane 4,'?00 miles Admiral RicriARns 4,115 " AiiMiRAf, Fakquhar " Captain Graham 4,103 " Captain Catoh 4,300 " Commander Pender 4,300 " Lieutenant CoLMNs " Question 2. What is the distance from Yokohama to the centre of tho Middle Channel on a line drawn from Cape Scott to Cape St. James ? Replies — Admiral Cochrane 4,000 miles Admiral JiiciiARDS 3,870 " Aj)MIRal Farquiiar " Captain Craham 3,855 " Captain Cator 4,052 " CoM.M.'t.NDER Pender 4,000 " Lieutenant Collins " Question .3. ^yhat is the distance fi'om Yokohama to the centre of tho Northern Channel, on a line drawn from Capo Knox to Capo Muzon ? i2e^>/ and (» are through Active I'ass. If the passage between .Saturna and Patos Islamls were used, the distances would, in each case, be 10 miles longer. Lieutenant CoLiiiN,s. — Question 7. — Would the course of vessels to Burrard Inlet, Howe Sound or liute Inlet, as alluded to in MiRAL Farqiiiau. — Yos, unless an inner channel, out of reaidi of guns placed on the Island of San Juan, is fi)inul navigable. Cai'TAIN Graham. — Whether difficult or hazardous would deper.d uimui the naval force of the United States in the locality. Cai'TAIN Cator. — Yes; certainly, as they have to pass through Ilaro Straits, whore they would be within range both day and night, into the Straits of Georgia. Commander Tender.— Juan de Kuca Strait, under the.se conditions, would be somewhat similar to the British (!hannel. The strait is eight miles ai'i'oss at its narrowest part, between liace Roclcsand I'oint Ange- los, and ten miles wide at the western entrance. On the Vancouver or British shore, ships of warengaged in protecting commerce could find at Barclay Sound, Port San .luan, Beecher Bay, Peddai- Bay, Boyal Boad, Ivsquimalt and Victoria Ilarbour.s, and in the Haio Strait iri Cormorant Bay. On the American shore, 2s'eeuh Bay, five miles within Cape Flattery antl I'ort Angclos, opposite Kace Bocks, would correspond with I'ort San Juan and Beecher Bay on the Vancouver !*hore. Lieutenant Ciu.i.ins.— Question 8. — At what minimum distance wouUl vessels have to pass San .luan Island or other islands or coasts of the United States, in their passage by the southern channel to Buvrard Inloi, Ilowe Sound or Waddington Ilarltour/ lie})Ues, — Admiraj. Cochrane. — About five miles. 281» tsiiiiio answers li 1 [am Straits iland) t.) Wad- bo done under iiiles, or I'roni lirouifh Active Piitos Islands e, be 10 miles Sound or Bute ilities with tiio nis ditticult or ot the sea, the amcd would be superior naval 1' reach of ^uns d depend upon til rough Ilaro [ind night, into ditions, would t is eight miles I l.'oint Ange- thc Vancouver jmmorcc could J'eddar Bay, in the Haro eculi Bay, five le Race JJoeks, Bav on the pass San .Juan the southern Admiral Richards. — Ships need not pass asfarnrt'as within three miles of San Juan, but they must pass within two miles of Stuart and Cftto Islands, unless indeed they take the inner channel along tho coast of Vancouver Island ; and the ]»assages from these channels into the Strait of Clcorgia are dangerous, and they would not bo used unless in case of emergency. Admiral Farquhar. — Distances not accurately known, but tho blutt'on tho north end of San .fuan, armed with heavy guns, would command tho passage. Rosario channel is wider, but both sides bolong to tho United States. Captain Graham. — Four and a-half .soa miles from San Juan. Cai'tain Cator. — About 21 miles from San Juan, as far as 1 can rocollecl, and close to Stewart and Waldron Islands, the two last, I believe, belong to tho United States. Tho anchorages at NValdron Island are frequently used by sailing vessels ))assing to and from Ilaro Straits. Commander Pknder. — Not necessarily within Hve nautical railos (of (i,080 feet) ; Zero Rock in Ilaro Strait being that distance from the nearest part of San , I uaii Island, and there is even a jtasaago westward of the rock (Zero) or between it and Vancouver Island shore. Lieutenant Collin.s. — Question 9. — Could large sea-going ships, approaching by the middle channel, pass without danger or difficulty through by Johnston's Strait to liurrard Inlet, Ilowo Sound, or VVaddington Harbour. Replies. — Admiral Cochrane. — No, iiKAL Richards. — The some danger, especially during the frecpicnt fogs. Admiral Richards. — The approach would always be attended witU Admiral Farquhar. — As I have not passed through Johnston's Strait, I cannot, from ]»ersonal experience, speak as to its facilities for inwi- gation, bat I have understood from officers under my orders that the navigation is intricate and difficult for large vessels (even steamers), and iinj)racticable for ocean sailing vessels. Captain Graham. — Yes. Captain Cator. — Vessels could pass with a commanding breeze from tho westward, but other than that, the approach t) Johnston's Straits would be exceedingly hazardous. Vessels going through Johnstons Straits and Discovery Passage, would have to pass Sey- mour Narrows, and I certainly would not recommand their attempt- ing it without steam, as the tides run with great velocity. When in Il.M.S. " Scout," after ])assing Seymour Narrows and from thonco to past Cape Mudge (Valdes Island) under steam with the current, we wont over the ground over 20 knots per hour. Tho United States steamship of war, " Saranac," 2,000 tons, 576 H. P. nominal, when passing through (Jueen Charlotte's Sound, became unmanageable in consequence of the strong tide, was swept on shore and totally lost. ) I li I ll gu i 21)0 I' I CoM.MANitER Pendeh. — It woiiUl iK)t bo iinposs'blo, but would bo attondetl with an a^jgravatoil amount of risk and delay. Lieutenant Collins. — Qiu'stloti 10."-Wi»at is thediMtanco from tlio middle channel (point doHnod in (Question 2) to Jiurnird Inlet ? How much of this distance would sailing ships require to be towed ? Jteplies. — Admiral Cochrane.'^320 miles. Ad.mcual Ricuarus. — 320 miles ; towage all the way, generally. Admiral Farquhar. — I cftnnot answer this question (Xo. 10) with any degree of accuracy. Cai'TAIn CrRAiiAM. — 280 miles. 130 miles. Captain Cator. — About 260 miles. To be towed 160 miles, from entrance of Middle Channel to Oyster Bay, south of Discovery Passage; the rest of the dis.ance can be done under sail. Commander Pender. — 320 miles. From Xahwitti Bar, or about 305 miles. Lieutenant Collins. — Question 11. — What is the distance from the middle channel (point deriiied, No. 2) to Howe Sound ? How much ot this dislanco would sailing ships require to be towed ? ift/>/int defined in ot, via Milbaiilc d Hailing ,shi2)s lart I liave, but es. The whole ner Inlet noi oiinil, or abr>iit in question 1(>, oly a stopping place; and the anchorages alluded to between that Bay and Fisherman's Cove are horn Inilian rejiort, and T huvo no knowledge of any vessel liaving anchored n either of those places. Home's Bay, at th(! north-west part of Princess Royal Island, is iit for a largo ship, and is, in fact, the best anchorage between Wright Sound and Finlayson Channel. LiET'TENANT CoLi.iNs. — No ; I am not. Question 19. — What is the distance from tho Northern Channel (point defined in ciuestion No. .'}) to the anchorage at 'rHunipb Bay, (lardnor fnlet, via Principe Channel, Cridge and Yerney Passages? How much of (his distance would it oe necessary to tow sailing ships ? Replies. — Apmfhal Cochuane. — 11>0 miles. Amiiu.u. ]?iru.\Ri>s— Same as reply No. It, AltMIRATi FaRQI HAR. — Cavtain (rRAiiAM — 250 milos, 00 miles. Captain Ca TOR. — About 200 mile.-. To be towoil 100 miles. Thowliolo distance can be made under sail. Commander Pender. — 100 miles. About 90 miles, fir from the northern entrance to Principe Channel. Lieutenant Collins. — Question 20, — By tho route described in the last question, tho chart indicates auclioragos at Port Canaveral, PortStepbens, and at ' )ghlan ; are you aware of any oilier anchoi'ages in these passages ? » Replies. — Admiral Cochrane.— No. Admiral Hictiards. — Not acciuainted with those anchorages personally. Admiral Farquiiar. — No other anchorages have been brougiit under my notice. Captain Graham.— Captain Catoh. — No. Commander Pender. — .\s far as I know there are no other anchorages ; • and Coghlan anchorage is the only one which would be of ser\'ice to large ships, and which may be considered of great value here. LiErTENANT Coi.LiNs. — No ; 1 am not. Question 21. — What is tll'o distance from the northern channel (point defined in Question No. ■{) to Triumph Hay anchorage, Gardner Inlet, ciu Brown Passage and Grenville Channel, Row much of this distance would sailing ships require to bo towed ? Replies. — Admiral "Cochrane. — 18,5 miles. Admiral Richards. — Same reply as No. 17. Admiral Farqi har. — Captain_^Graham.— 220 miles. 100 miles. Captain Cator.— About.200 miles. To be (owed 180 miles. The whole distance can be made under sail. 204 I 1 I* i ; t f'dMMANUKK 1'knker. — Anproxiintitoly, 185 milos. From Brown Phk- siigo or about 115 inilcs. LlKITKNANT ('Ol.l.ms. Qiicstimi 22. — Aloii^' tho I'mite tlrscribotl in last (|nostion, tlio olmrt indicator inside of Biovvn J^ansa^'i', aiu'ii(ii'n;^cs at (^lawdzeot, Uetu^c IJuy, Cartlona IJay, Stewart Anclioi-ago, Klewnngfjcit liilol, Lowo Inlet and Cogliian Anchorage, Are yon aware of other anchorages ill those waters ? /i'eplies. — A MMiHAf, CorniiANK. — No. Admihai, I'lntAKPH. — Same as reply Xo. 20. Au.MiKAr, FAiKjiHAn. — ^iTo other anchorages have been brought under my notice. ("ATTAIN CiBAHAM. — No ; but hftvo not visited tlie locality. Captain Cator. — Yes; Duncan Bay. Metlah Catlah Hay a'ul North Skeena I'ass. CiiMMANOER I'enhkr. — There is also anchorage north ol' Mount Mcdrath, in Chismoro Pas.sagc, Chalmei-'s anchorage, and Alpha Bay, in the east jiart of Chatham Sound, Metlah Catlah Harbour, Duncan Baj", Big Bay. and lastly-, I'^ort Simpson, at the north' )i;irl of Tsimpsean ]*eninsula, is the finest hai'bour north of Beaver ilaiboiir. in A'ancouver Island. LiECTENANT CoLMNS. — No; Idonot. Question 2;?. — What is the distance between the anchorage opposite Triumph lja\' and the anchorage al KomanOj. Gardner Inlet. h'ejdics. — Admiral Cooiilwe. — 20 miles. AnMTUAL BlCIIARDS. — AOMtKAL FaUqUIIAR. — Cai'tafn (in AHAM. — 20 miles. Captain Catmr. — Aliout 22 miles. Commanher I'endek. — A))])ro.\imately, 20 miles (un.surveyed). Lieutenant Comjns. — Question 24. — What is the distance from the northern channel (point defined in (Question 3) to j'ort F.ssington, near the entrance to River SUeena vid Brown Passage, llow much of this distance would sailing ships require to be towed ? Replies. — AoMiKAi, Coi'krane.— 11.! miles. Admiral Richards. — 120 miles, half of it towage. Admiral Farqi'HAR. — CAl'TArN.GRAIIAM. — 116 uiiles. (Ui'TAiN Cator, — About 120 n\iles. To be towed 80 miles. Tho whole distance can be made under sail. Commander Penoer. — About 98 milos to tho only known anchorage (north of Mount McGrath, and about 11,3 miles to what is called Port Ks-ington.) This portion of the Slceena River is unsurvoved. —About 4.5 miles, or fron^ Brown Passage to Port Essington. Note Tho distance by Telegraph Passage, would be about 130 milos, but m Brown Phh- f'liart iiulicatoH Cartlonu Hay, K'liora^e. Art» broii'^ht iukIoi' |{iiy and North til of MoUDi ngi:, and Al|)li;i itlali Harbour, the north ));trt ii'th of Bcavor * Triumph l>a>- )'0d). nt defined in own PaHsaffi!. Tlic vvholo ^n anchoray;o at is called unsurveyod. ington. Note 50 miles, but '-".15 that part has not been Kurvoynd, and I only know of a snndl rivor Mioamboat having asfondi'd tho SUoona Jiivor tliroiigh that passage. Lieutenant Com-ins. — Question 25. — Aro you aware of other anchorages tlian tho-to already mentioned, inside of Brown Passage and that in North Skeona Pas-.age ? Replies. — AoMiRAii Cochrane. — No; except MetlahCatlah Harbour. AoMlKAIi IllCIIARDS.— Admiral FAR(ii mar.— No other anihora;;es have been l)rought under my notice. CaI'TAIN (rRAIIA.M. — No. Captain Cator. — Ves; Duncan BayandMeliah Catlah Bay. CoMMANUER Pknokr.- --There is ulso atichorage north of Mount Mcdratli in Chismoro Passage, (^halmor.s Anchorage, and Alpha Bay, in the east part of Chatham Sound: — Mctlah Callah Harbour, Dnncaii J3ay, Big Bay, and lastly, Kort Simpson at the north part of Tsimpsean Peninsula, is the tinest harbour north of Beaver Harbour in Vancouver Island. Lieutenant Colmns. — Never been there. Quest iun 2V). — Generally, aro there any objections of a cJinuUic nature to any of the seven inlets herein specially alluded to, such as obstructions from ice ? Jf so, ti> what extent do they exist in each case ? Replies. — Admirat, Cochrane. — It is to be apprehended that the navigation of all the Inlets referred to would be much interfered with in the winter time by ice, with the exception of Burranl Inlet or Harboui'. J )ense fogs in summer and snow storms in winter, together with the general absence of unchoring ground, owing to the great depth of water in, and the precipitous sides of, the fiords or inlets, render luivigation in them, if to be conducted at any speed, almost impossible. In the spring of the year, the rivers at the head of the inlets, and the mountain torrents which descend from the glaciers, carry into the inlets large (piantities of trees, and these floating for a long ])erio 1872, ill the noitli, and oftlio Ilivor SIvooiiu lioinj^ fr(v,oii up, (ho IhormoinoU'r ',10 dt'urocs holiAV /.ero, I .should coucliido that all liilots north of 1,2 and .'{ would cortaiiily l»o >ppe(l. Generally they are fresh on the surface a considerable distance from the land, and in .some winters there is nmch floating ice, but 1 am not aware of any obslruclioii to navigation on that account. Fogs, gales of wind, with thick weather, strong tides, and close and intricate navigation are more the sources of danger to large ships. Again, during dry summers, sometimes lor two or three months together, the entire country is enveloped in smoke, (origin- ating in Indian bush fires), making it dillicult to see the shores even in the narrowest parts, and increasing the risks of navigating t'le inner channels to a dangerous extent. LiKLTENANT CoM.iNS. — Climate all that can bo desii-ed. Question 27. — Mention any special advantages or disailvantages ajipertaining to any ot tb. teven inlets herein alluded to, which have imt been touched upon in the Ibi'egoing ques^'jiis and your replies thereto ? Ad.miuai. Cochrane. — J consider that no ocean terminus of the trans- Atlantic Kailway should be situated at the head or in any part of the fiords or inlets enumerated in the preamble to the (|iiestions forwarded. This view would limit the number of sites suggested for the terminus to three, viz: Jiurrard Inlet, Skeena Kiver or Metlah Catlah, and some part in '• Mil ford Haven." Of the.sc 1 select Jiurrard Inlet as ofl'ering the greatest advantages. 1 would suggest that with a view to insure a considerable amount of fieedom of navigation in the Straits of San.luando Fuca, in case of war with the I'liited States, that arrangements should be made with the United States Government of a similar character to those which I lielieve exist with advantage on the Canadian lakes, and calculated to ensure neutrality in tho dose waters adjacent to ]}ritish ami American shores in the Straits of San Juan. I beg to submit that applications should be made to the United States to cede to Canada the point of land "Capo IJobert," to the south of the Frascr River. This piece of American territory is about 20 miles in area; is isolated Irom American soil, being a point of land projecting into the sea fi'om Canadian terri- tory, but south of the 4!Hh parallel. In case of the terminus being made at Burrard Inlet, thin piece of land might be a fruitful source Vozoii up, (ho ;lii(lo thiit all obstructions > iittom])t tlio i obstructions ioncod in tho ntlis. St run/; low, liail, rain ^oon Capo St. L W. by N. wrocitod in u Sound, wbcii lorioan stuam botvvoon tlio t)l' the same lo hoiglit and ) bo (Iroppod. ■able distant'o )atiny ice, but that account, dos, and close Igor to largo two or throe inoUo, (origin- 00 the shores of navigating poi'laining to upon in tho of tho trans- any part of the (iuostions OS suggested una Eiver or Of those i considerable San Juan do rrangoments of a similar age on the in tho close le Straits of be made to land " Capo of American iicrican soil, nadian terri- ninus being litful eourcc 2!t7 of annoyariic. It is at present almost uii!tdiabit<'d. but (h.- land is level and well wooded. An.MiKAr, UrrirvKKs. — Admihai, K.MK^niAH — I ran spiaU with more (H'ltiiinly of the value of ihu'iiird lidc! u^ a t(>rminus than of any of (ho otlu-r--. Murranl Inlet has Iho advantsigt) of being the soMthei'nmo>t. at no great ilistaiice from a wide channol ; 1ms a deep, ideai- enl ranee; possesses a -|ilendid biirlMiiii ( l{igb( Arm), and a fiiir anclioiage oulsid<> f Hng- lish IJaj), and is alnin-«i immediately opposite Nanaimo, the great coal depot. ITowe Sound docs not ajipear to me to have e(iual advandiges. ISute Inlet I ronsider moro diMieuK of access (ban either of (bo other (wo, lin( if i( won' praclicable to bridgi- S.ymour ■ Narrows, the railway migh( be eondnued to a jx.int oi\ the" south or west coast of Vancouver. Captain (iraiiam.— CaI'TAIN CATOR.~Of (he sevm Inlets alluded to, 1 should select Wad- dington irai'boui' (Bute lidct) for a teiininMs for the (V.naK.ii I'knuku — Dean Inlcl, (inrdnei- Inlet, and Skecna lliver entrances are unsurveycd, so I cannot spcaU fi'om any personal Unowledgo. Of the remaining inlets, Miirrard Inlet, though • without anchoi-ago at its hcail, yet with the anchorages at lOnglisb Buy, at Coal Ilarliian-, at Port Moody, and in Hedwcll Hay, it is manifestly- of tho greatest value. Howe .Sdiiml allords no anchorage at its head. At ISnlc Inlet, Waddington irarbour is bnt an indif- ferent anchorage, and Mcnlinck Arni is ovet\ more limitetl jind objectionable as an anchorage for large .>-hips. JjiKl.Ti'.NANT Ooi,LiNs — My knowledge of tlie>e -even iidcis is very lin\i(ed, 'Jiii'slii)n 2S. — Kaviiig regard (o naval and commercial considcralions, mention the |ioiul on the coast which aj)pears to you the most suilaiile lor tho railway termi- luis, and designate tho other points to which reference has bei'cin been nnide, in the order of prelbrenec. Jiej/lks. — An.MiRAr, Cochuank. — I am of belief that ibo most advant.igcoiis site for the terminus is, as before stated, that of Jiiirrard lnlc(, and that this site will, tor juany years, hold its snprenuicy over all olbcis. When ])opulation has notably increased on the mainland and on Vam'oiivei', and i^ueen ( 'barlDlte Islands are settleil, then the ter- minus will probably be (ransfei-rcd Ihrtber and farther to the nortJi- ward, until, in my be!ief,_it will eventually reach Berling Straits. I would mention (bat in my visit to i^neen Charlotte Islands and to Poi't Simpson, on the boi'dors of Alask-a, I caused tho tem- perature of the sea to be constantly olistM-ved, and little or no aittbrcnce was found in tho temperature ot' the sea at that latitude and at Vancouver. The climate of (^ueen Chai'loiic Islands, thus temi>ercd by ocean currents, is mild, and (heir resouti'cs from agricultiu'c, mining and (isheries will, a( no distant dale, be an element of wealth to tho Canadian CJovernment. 27 ; 1 I I flv» 2!»8 v< Oil my viMii in i|i(> I'oil ot Mi'tlah Catliili, ii ('nets willi a\iiu lo .-Imw that llio rliinato i.s mil li(p-,ii|,' to cvontmil onii^iatiun tu ilio norlliwanl. Willi lollToiico to qiicslioiiH itH t(» Iho lailway, I would roTiiark tliat il would III- id advantage lor all sailiiijjj vcssols, making for any liarlfour apiiroaclii'd thiDiii^li llin Straits of San .Iiian do Kiica, to ho takiMi in tow to tlicir do>liiiati>n from tlio time of entoriiii^ tlio Straits; and wIu'h niakiiit^ lor any ollior aii< liora^^o, situatod up any of till! fiords or inlots. tin'y slioiiid \m taluni iti tow wlion tlioy a|p|in>a
  • w, Hiirrard Inlot is C)V(M-y way prt'lcraMo. I slioiiid say Kimlisli May, hut, if any coii- sidcr.'ililo iNju'iisc would lie saved in tlie eonstniction of the rail- way, I'orl Moody mi^lil lieadopltnl. .N'oxl in order, from llie sain», pfiint of view, is Howe Sound, liiiui, Uuto Inlet. On nautiertl «'on- sideralioiis, all Ilie rest liave ^icat disadvanta;;es. Ofoourno llie tin ility for niakint^ tlie railway is paianioiinl to all other con- hid«'ralioiis. A piaiiicahle route, witli an inferior water terminus, nii^ht he prelerahle to an alnio-n tlm whole, if praeticablo for the railway, I >hould ;^'ive the |>rel'ereiicc to Burrard Inlet, if hostilities at any time lu'oke out between (ircat 'Britain and the TJnitctl Stales, our first objett should be to oblain po: uon of the island of Sati .liiaii, '^o unloriunalely lost li> us, it beiii;^ llio key of the channel leading Irom the Strait of Puea to the Sti'uit of CJoorgia. C.M'i'AlN tluAllAM.— - I'aI'TAIN Catou, —As the Island of San Juan is now part of the United States Territory, ami commanding as it doi's the Ilaro Straits by day a> well as by night Cusing the electric liglit), I should, undt'r these circiimslance-. select eilbei' rciiucklc.-'il or Alherni Jlarbours in J^arelay Sound as the most suilabic for a lerminus in Vuneoiivcr Island, both as regarda a Njival Station, as its ontranco can so easily be fortified and it (|uite commatids the entrance of the Juan de l''iica Slrails; as also tor a iiu'rcantile emporium, as it is easy of access ami depai'lurc at all times of tho year for .'^ailing ships oi' any draft of wafer as, when once clear of Cape iieale you are dead to windward of Cape Klattery some 25 miles, tho prevailing winds being from the westward. 2t»9 icoMl to AluMkii, IH, iindor cluir^^t 3: thofUhoric-, n)s[)(>i'tivM i»it)f- t tlio fliiiiiito i(H I. K'O Ihllt. Hllilill^r for liny of tlio lid romiirk tliut nakin>^ for uiiy n do Fiica, (o Im, )f oiiloi-iii)^' the isituatud it|)aiiy 0\v wlioii tliuy ^iirrnrd Fnlct is but if any con- ioii of th'o rnil- , from Uio Haiiii II nautical con- UfCOUIHO till) all otiior coii- vvator torminns, route attoiiilcd I'll aH Miirraid imninasiiralily on atcouni of il I'lsHiiiifton a I lie inlots iiorlli (lio tiMniiniisof ily ^'ainod, Imi oacli fnjhi ,soa :;ticablc for the t. Jf hoHtilitios ! United iStatos, island of San of tlio channol i-gia. of tho Unitnl iiro Straits liy should, niidi^r jcrni Jlarliours in Vancouvoi- itranco can so ICO of tho Juan , as it is easy I' sail in <( ships loyoiiurc (load ovailiiig winds Tilt* oMHlcrii ondaiif'o rHarcI.iy Si)und") rt'(][iiiro,s a liylil on Cape Moaif (I Ih'IIi'Vo it lil^lllllou■^o lius I.mimi ortulod ^inro niy K'aviiii( \anc<)uvi'r in II. M.S. "Scout," IS7,'{) and Ik-or Island, and OIK) or two small ones fiirthor up tlii' ciilriiiKn', wIumi port would 1)0 accossildc al all times. A >W('ll is cxpi'riciu'cd outside and otV ('api' Heale, luit you soon run into snionih water, ami have Iml to ^m ^^()nlo 15 miles Iroiii lliu (!npo to i'ea( h l^ hiieUlesil llarhour. A steann^r would he advaiita;,'eoiis at l)oi;or Oove, whieh is at tiic cntraiiei' oT ihe Middle ('liamiel, availahli' for towini; vessels in cast* of w iiid tailiiii,' or calni. JIavinj? st!leet<'d WadtiiiiL' . llarhour (Hute Inlet) on main land; UcliU(dvlo>ii or Alhorni llarhour (IJarcluy Koun!iull now jiropo.so (hat a small railway bo Con^lrul■ted to hraiuh olV IVoni riliiicldoil or Alherni llarhour lo Nanaimo and I'oit .\u!,'usta, for eolleeliii!^ ijoods at each ol these ports and so tapping the prodiK'o ol" tho numerous Inlels, etc., which could he hrouii;ht roinul for export to either of those harbours in Marelay SoiiihI. Steamers eoulil easily run from Waddiii/^lon terniinus (o I'ort^ Ani^iista which is only about Hit miles, pending a''furthoi extension ol' railway when tin; resource.^ of tlu- country are more developed. rchuchlesit llarhour is vovy capacious, entirely land locked; is ;{ miles lon^ by Ik miles broad, and would Inld a great iiumlpor of ships. A floating dock, much rci|uircd and very ea>ily constructed without entailing much cNpense, .-bould be ])rovided bydovorn- mont It would soon pay it-^elf, iis the docking would be imu h cheaper than at San Francisco; further, a coaling depot U)v Ocean steamers coultl bo made here ; tho coal to be bi'ought round in small craft from Nanaimo or by rail. The sea, bays and rivers team with fish, inchiding Salmon, of Humorous de.scrii)lions (numbers of Salmon at u certain time of year are found on the hanks of the Frazor liiver, laying ilead, and stink for miles), Haddock, Whiting, Rock Cod, ('od, Skates, J5ass, Flatfish, Anchov}', Herrings, lloolukau and Ifalibut abound. The floolakan is about tho size of a herring, but smalhM', from whii h is extracted an oil, very similar to i-oddiver 'ii!,vory ntitricious. So ricdi are these fish that the natives often nso them as a torch. To illustrate the abundance of tho Iloolakan, 1 may mention that the natives literally comb them out of the M^a into their boats with a long thin polo, through which nails ate driven, tlius form- ing the teeth. The Halibut c;in be caught in iminciisc numbers round tho entire^ coa>t. I wa- iniormc(l that a vo^sel !!is. Caviare; and Isinglass could ca.^ily be maiiu- factui'cd, the former (roiu lis roe.-, and the latter fnuu tho swim- ming bhuklcr. \n conclusion I would beg to remark that if fisheries were established from Natis to Frasei" K'iver, it \voidd increase emigra- tion to this part of the Dominion, which \\'ould in time dcvelopo the other resources of the country, which 1 believe to bo consi- derable, esjiecially in minera!<. I I I il 300 Co.MMANDKU Pknueu.- -For roahoiis "jlvcn in Xo, 27, Biirrard Inlot is, in r I Sr, ! Ill y o|)ini()ii, lucibriililo lo oil!-.'.'!' of tlio otlioi- j)1:i(H!s named;' it l^ also tli(> iiH).-t easy of accos.s from tlio ocean; Init <-von hero tlio risks attending- navii/ating with lar;;o sleamsliips, ai^ainst time, amniigsl till' islands iyinti; l)e!\veen Fiica Strait and tlic Strait of (ieoru;in, are to me, very great. Tlic other [)la('e> ajijiear lo stand in the following order oi prefiirencc, viz:— -Howe Sound, Bute Inlet, BentincU Arm, Dean inlet, (ianlner Channel and Skeena Ilivcr. On tlio three approaidios IroMi .seaward. I would ohserve liio southern ( No. 1) is so well define, 1, charted, and lighted as to he made present nse ol' hy any class of ships. The middle channel (No. 2). — The position of Vancouver shore may ho confidently tniHtoil, but Capo James has not heen accurately defined. The northern ehannel (Xo. 3j. — The shores of Ala.sUa, as well a.s <^iiecn Clr'-lotte Islands are nnsurve^-ed, and Jtose Spit would always he a largo element of danger in using this i-oiite. LiKt TENA.VT CoIjIj.vs. — I havo not sufficient knowledge of the main- land to enal>le me to give ano)»inion. I I Au.sTRArT of nistancos referred to in Questions Xos. 1, 2 and 3, • Southern Middle Northern J)if. between l)if. between Southci-n andlSouthern and Middle 1 Northern (JocnisAVE 4.300 . 4.115 4.000 3,870 .3,820 3,f;04 300 ' 480 lircuAKiis 245 421 I'^AHOIIMAU (Ikamam ( .' M'Oll 4.103 f.300 4.3nO 3,s.-,r, 4.nr)2 4.000 3,(578 3,803 3,820 248 , 425 248 ' 407 Pender Col.I.IN.S 300 480 ^, ,,, 4.224 1 Means 3,05(1 ' 3,781 2G8 443 301 ■nircl Inlet is, in OS named;' it is fivcn hero tho ).s, airaiii.st time, itl tile Strait of owing oi'dor n| lok Arm, i)oaM lid ol)sorvo the gUiod as to lj<. of Vancoiivor >* has not Ih'ou Alaska, as well lose Spit would )iito. of the jTiain- nd 3. nlDit: between llSoiithern and I Northern 480 421 T.viu.E OK Distances from Yokv.hama (•/"(/' Northern Channel to Anlliorilios. Cochrane . Richards.. Farquhar , Graham.... Ciitor Pender .... Colling .... Ti-iiiinpli Hay, (itirdiier Iiilcl, VIII I'l-incipc Clmnnel. Distance. '1.010 Means. To Kenmno Ray, 20 miles to bo adiled.. Towage. Inlet, via lirown I ort IvssinRton vn, Passa-i., Ac. Hrown l',is<..g,.. Dialance. ] Towage. { Distance Towage. 4,00.'-, t I 1 :i.8M I i i :i,it28 ■1,09;! ■1,010 ioo .3,808 4,093 4,010 !io f 4,005 4,030 03 113 •1,000 100 130 115 3,701 ■1,013 3,033 4,(V20 ur 13.j .3,807 00 30 43 44 \-'i 425 407 480 443 ' i 3U2 OJ : ■* c in : «> 1 .-.-;■ -^ >>n a So a 1 m ^ : '^ a i * 1 ! i 03 C o o ?5 ! 1 1— t r-« ^ 1 § T 'i ; n rf ■* ; -t~ o Q^ c : o c O : a> c c g 1 o en ii ■^ : 02 00 00 j rt ti E^ S in c C rH c ; C C :g g 1 o : 1 s c = : m e- s-; E i5 ^' • 1 t* cj c ^ : o ^ o : o 05 bC tn Ti » ; ro cc !0 : o r* 'i 1 c t—f t-H T-» Tl S 1 i"*^ » 1 rzT p £j o ?^ b o C H •-♦H Se5 '11 c ^ oj JT c : in N m 1 C u ■5 o rn t- : «D t- 1^ • o § 1 :^ ^ " ^ < : <^ f" : -*' 3tJ ^ *? »r : I .o -^ 5 : o o o P— 1 tn < lO to : <=> 'O gg 1 -^ : — co_ CO be : - o •n : 00 ^ tfl 'i • S 50 o >» iJ a: 1 ^ : f 1 : -1 n : CI c 55 1 a 5 : in (N o i in u CO c 1 c '1 : c^ C-] m 1 u^ ^ iJ c 1 r ?- C! : c^ to. '5 i^ * f ' ). . Tj. n t : •* m 1 • ! a> w 1 c I : m a < § " I 1 e k : us -< U 2 g^ 1 1. a a . 3 c X -- •■ I S 25 c 3 : «. "o ; i P s u, ;; t. W 1 303 Tahle of DtsTANCEs fi'otix Yokohaiiiu via Soutlieni Clianiiol \o nhlee. Burrard Inlet. English Bay. Howe Sound. Waddington hour. Hsr. Aulhi Distance. Miles. Towage. Miles. Distance. Miles. Towage. Miles. Distance. Miles. 4,445 4,280 Towage. Miles. D'Stancc Mile.s. To\ Mi •age. les. ■ Coclirane 4,440 4,280 90 4,420 4,260 90 4,545 4,385 Richards 70 195 Farquhar Graham 4,2G8 4,442 4,440 4,243 4,430 4,420 4,318 4,450 4,445 30 50 95 4,403 4,560 4,545 40 100 195 Ciitor 62 90 50 70 Pender Collins s 4,374 81 _ . ^ 4,387 Mean 4,355 63 6G 4,488 133 M' "i|i ' I 304 ArPENDITt V. I,KTTKUS AND .STAXKMENTS HKSl'KCTINU SO.ME OK THE IIAUUdl'KS AND AVATEliS Oh' THE MAINLAND OK JiKITlSM ((iI.r.MHIA AND VAN((»J;VER ISLAND, HV ,MASTEIt MAKINEHS, riliOTS, AND OTHEKS, HE.SIDENT JN TDK PROVINCE OH LOCALLY ENUA(iED. ¥■ I t Jjcfhr tiddressed to fhr (lumrnor General l>y <^\vards ot' tbirt}^ years. In my otiieial capacity I have been frequently called upon by the former Colonial (lovernment of Mritisli (Col- umbia to vender assistance to JTer Majesty's ships cruising on these coayts. 1 have a good general knowledge of all the harbours and inlets from \.\\v tilth parallel to the norlberti limits of this Piovince. These fads ought to qualify me to give an intelligent opinion. I presume the object of issuing the questions referred t" is to elieit practical opinions, m order that the Clovernment may be guided in their determinations in fixing the terminus at tlie port having the greatest general advantages for such pur- [» >ses. Transcontinental line.-, have been projected to each of the following iidcts: — Burrard Inlcl. Howe Sound. Hute Inlet. Xorth JJenlinck Arm. Dean Chaimcl. Gardner's [nlel. Skeena. 1 shall, bowoAer, conline luy remarks, mainly, to the sua approaches to tl >' al»(}ve phi'-es, which sea ajiiiroaches are, in my judgment, the first essential conside- ration in finally «!eciding upon a termiiuis site for the railway. The Pacili*: coast is n''L generally favoured, like the Atliintic coast of this con- tinent, by pos.scssing batdi' sMcii pui'- C inlct.'s : — aclics (() (I c itial ciMisido- of this C'Hi- * I'CfjiiiiHw 11,1 >tf tlic West cntianc(! ot' north (wJicn 3U5 llio facilities of lights and fog-whistles should he erected) pi-acticahle at all times, even in thick or foggy weather. The soundings extend from the shore more or less to tho extreme westerly end of the island and about thirty miles to the west- ward ot Capo Scott. The geographical fouturos of tho Straits of Juan do Fuca are most impoi-taut to tho commercial interests of tho north-west coast of America, carrying an average breadth often miles for fifty miles trcmi their entrance at Cape Flattery toKace Rocks, whore, in consequence of tho American shore trending northward, the breadth is contracted about two miles. From this |)oint the Vancouver shore recedes in a northerly direction for nine miles towards Es(juimalt, otf which port the " Royal Iloads" extend for three miles, ottering to all vessels bound northward a splendid anchorage and stopping place when re(piirod. Froni tho Royal Roads (though as a rule not necessarily so) sailing ceases and steaming begins. In the inland waters tho winds are generally variable and light, anil it is tbund by experience that steam is practiciilly more economical than attempting to make passages under canvas. Vessels do, however, frequonti}' make the passage to and from tho luml)er and coal depots without tho assistance of steam. The next main entrance to tho inland navigation is (iuoon Charlotte Sound, at the extreme north-western end of Vancouver Island to Gololas Channel; approaching which from seaward a vessel would tind irregular soundings about thirty milos Irom shore. When once tho land is made there is a good entrance into the channel, which averages a mile and a half in breadth for a distance of tifteen miles. From this point, the channel widens until tho west end of Malcolm Island (thirty-six miles from the entrance) is reached; at this place it would be necessary for a sailing vessel to have the a.s8istance of steam. Should this channel be brought into use at any time, it would bo found desirable to take steam from the entrance ; thei'o are, iiowovor, no obstacles in tho way of vessels sailing with favourable winds, making the point above indicated. The navigation from the north-western end of Vancouver Island is good for vessels navigating under or by the assistance of steam, to any port or inlet to tho southward and eastward, whether Bute Inlot, IIowo Sound or Jiurrard Inlet ; the channels are deep, and no dangers existing other than those that are well known and defined, and which can easily be avoided. Anchorages on the direct lino of route in Johns- ton's Straits can be made in several localities, A vessel in the offing In (^ueen Charlotte's Sound, and bound up i^'itzhugh Sound, could only approach tho shore under most favouiable circumstances. The marine surveyors have described a circle about twenty-tivo miles diameter, designated dangerous ground, round numerous rocks and reefs, which virtually Mock tho entrance to said Sound, leaving two narrow and intricate channels round the circle of dangers that could only be used in clear weather. Fitzhugh Sound is, iievertholess, one of the entrances leading to Dean Channel and North IJentinck Arm. Milbank Sound may be considered the main entrance from sea, leading to Dean Channel, North Bontinck Arm and (iardiier's Inlet, and to this locality I most respectfully beg leave to draw Your Fxcellency's attention. An inspection of the chart will show a rugged coast line, with only very irregular soundings to be got close in shore. Allow me the privilege of an old sailor to ask Your Excellency what any mariner would do approaching such a place in a gale of wind, in thick weather (to which this locality is exceedingly liable) ? He must necessarily heave to, and remain hove to (as it would be impossible to approach the coast under sucli circumstances with any degree of safety) until tho weather should break, which may be for several days; this would at least be inconvenient, say to a steamer having on board Her Majesty's mails, and probably several hundred passengers, bound across the continent; and assuming that the vessel in question finally reaches the shelter of Milbank Sound, it is ninot3'-tive miles to what is called the anchorage ('i*) at Kams- quot, head of Dean Channel, through winding and circuitous passages with scarcely an anchorage for the whole distance that tho commander (»f a valuable steamship would I'isk liis ship to swing in. It is questionable whether any insurance otlicers ■^6 306 r ---J I r i t '■ f 1^ r f I would tiikc tlio risk on sucli navigation. I state tiiis moi-oly as my opinion. AvoshoI iiaving ontorcd the .Soiuul could, however, witiiout prejudice to the above statement, roach any part ol the abovo-menlioned localities under or with the assistance of steam. It is, in my opinion, the want of soundings and the danger of the sea approaches that would condemn this route in the judgment of any practical seaman, having in view tiio purposes foi- which this entrance might be selected. With reference to the northern entrances, via Dixon's Entrance, Brown's Pas- sage and ('halham Sound, leading to Skeena and Gardner's Inlet; the navigation referred to in this locality may bo considered only iidapted to that of steam. Brown's Passage, so called, is three and ahalf miles wide ; it has, however, an exten- sive I'eef of rocks nearly in the centre, which contracts the passage on the southern side of said reef to (wo miles, and barely one mile and a-half in the clear on the northern side. To a vessel approaching from sea voiy great caution would bo neces- sary, as in thick weather this passage would at least bo hazardous. (It might be a question for consideration, whether the channel to the north of Dundas Island or thai of Kdye Passage to the south of Brown's Passage would not otter greater facilities lor entering into Chatham Sound; the navigation inside (iueeu Charlotte's Island being sheltered from the westerly winds, and only exposed to the south-oast. Winds, howevei', from this quarter, with thick weather and rain, prevail during the gieater 1)ortion of the six winter months. One advantage a vessel would have in using the 5dye Passage route viti Capo St. James, would bo the soundings inside Queen Char- lotte Island.) When once a vessel has reached the smooth watoi- of Chatham Sound the ditfi- cultios of navigation are comparatively light, and Irom this point to Port Essington the distance rid south end of Kennedy Island is tifty miles ; hero the sands at the mouth of the Skeena are met with. No survey (to my knowledge) has been made of Port Essington ; it is, however, a bar harbour and freezes up solid in winter. From (Jardner's inlet to Brown's Passage is sinooth water navigation, and is one hundred and sixty miles distance to the head of the inlet. In nearly all the inlets and arms of the sea on the coast of British Columbia, one or more mountain streams empty at the head of each, and in severe winters considerable ice forms. At (Jardner's Inlet, where, in the months of February and March, 1876, the Dominion steamer "Sir James Douglas " wintered, waiting upon a party of surveyors, ice had formed solid twenty inches thick, oxtentling sovonty-Hve miles down the inlet. The inlet was frozen on the vessel's arrival there, and sixty days afterwards when the steamer left it had not broken up. The only anchorai^e that could be foiuid in (Jardner's Inlet was a small bay, in Avhich room only could be found for the Doiiiinion steamer to lie in, moored head and stern. The same ren)arks would a[)ply to Bute Inlet and IIowo Sound. 1 have myself seen ice in the latter i)lace at the head of the Sound, in the month of March, fourteen inches thick. 1 did not intend, when commencing this cmmunication, to deviate from the subject of the various sea appi-oaches; perhaps it would, however, with Your Excel- lency's ])ermission, be desirable to comment upon the hai hours comparatively to each other, for Your Fxcelloncy's information, having in view the object dosiied, viz., the teiMiiinus of the Canadian Pacific Kaihvay. 1 have endeavoured to show to Your Excellency what, in my judgment, are the superior advantages which the Straits of Juan c!c Fuca possess over the other entrances to the inland navigation on the coasts of British Columbia; this being so, which I feel assurcil cannot be refuted, it becomes then a question as to Avhich port nieiits a decision in its favour for the terminus, Bute or Burrard Inlet. It has been demonstrated that Buri-ard Inlet is a safe and commodious harbour, for since the establishment of the two largo saw mills in that port, tho first in 1864, at least six hundred ships of large tonnage, to say nothing of local and smaller craft, )t one of which rccei\ pori any I the casualties incident to navigation in the inland waters would compare most, nion. AvoHHol jvo n late moil t, a ussi.stunco ot' sou approaches man, having in e, Brown'H Pas- thc navigation thai of steam. ,'cvcr, an exton- II tiic Hoiilhorn he clear on the could 1)0 neces- (II might be a i island or thai roaler facilities irlotte's Island h-east. Winds, ing the gi eater ve in using the do Queen Char- Sound the ditfl- Porl Essington ho sands at the has been mmle n winter, ijation, and is nearly all the noro mountain ) ice forms. At the Dominion veyors, ice had he inlet. The irds Avhen the I bo found in the Dominion 1 have myself [arch, fourteen Mate from the 1 Your Hxcel- atively to each i3siied, viz,, the ^nient, are the )t-er tho other this being so, to which port dious harbour, ! first in 1864, smaller craft, any damage ; compare most m favourably with any port in tho world. Ice docs not form in any p;»r( of tho inlet proper, as no streams of any magnitude empty thcmaelves therein, except at tho head ol the north arm of said inlet, which is a comparatively useless sheotof water; and should tho inlet be selected by tho Dominion (iovernmcMt as the site for the ter- minus, it may, some day, bo considered advisable to block up the arm in question at its narrowest part, which does not exceed twenty fathoms in depth and about six :iundrod yards across. This may appear a work of magnitude, which, undoubtedlj-, i is ; but, if done, it would have the otlect of reducing the current at tho entrance of iiio inlet, probably ono-half or two-thirds iis present velocity ; and it may bo fairly asked if it is woi-th s'j many millions to make a transcontinontial line, it surely would bo worth a few hundred thousand dollars additional to make the natural advantages which tho inlet jiossessos as nearly perfect as possible. Tho inlet as it is, however, possos>^os all the roquiromeiits likely to be nocossaiy, if required for tho terminus. One common road for the inland navigation from tho Straits of .luan do Fuea, n'a tho llaro Straits, which has two separate and distinct navigable channels, through both of which any sized ship could pass. (Tho channel nearest lo Vancouver Island, which could bo used if required, would load a ship at a minimum distance of four and a half miles from the American possessions), continuing through Active Pass direct to Burranl Inlet, Howe Sound, or to Bute Inlet, with this ditt'erence, that Bute Inlet is one hundred and seventy miles further up the coast, the latter half of which dis- tance would, in thick weather, be at least very intricate navigation. Waddington Harbour, so called, at tho head of Bute Inlet, is really no harbour at all, the anchorage being limited and exposed; and, from the nature of fho bottom, it is, in my opinion, beyond tho power of engineering skill to make the port secure within any reasonable amount of expenditure commensurate with the object gained. Howe Sound does not possess an anchorage that could be available for any purposes coiinecied with a terminus; the water is everywhere deep and the shore precipitous. I beg to append a schedule showing the distances of tho rospect'vo ports and inlets from Yokohama, from which it will be readily seen that notwithstanding tho extreme northern routes have considerable in their favour in point of distance, they lack other considerations which, in my opinion, more than counteract the apparent advantages this saving of distance would bo in an ocean route. It is in the smitbern portion of the Province that the resources are being developed, not the least of which are tho coal fields of Vancouver Island, an important consideration when ocean steamers have to be supplied, and although an extreme northorn route (if i)ra(licable with good sea approaches, possessing a favourable port and other climatic considera- tions) would reduce the distance by water between tho extreme northern and extreme southern localit}' in tho Province about 350 miles, it is a question for tho consideration of the Crovornment whether that reduction in distance is an eq'ivalont for the facilities ottered, as presented herein, leaving out the preponderating advantages of a splendid climate per contra of that of the northern portion of tho Province. Tn drafting this communication, I have duly considered the importance which it bears to tho general interest of the Dominion, and have consequently boon cxtremoly careful to present nothing to Your Excellency but fads, to the best of my experience and judgment, which I most respectfully submit for Your Hxccllcncy's coiisi(leration. I have the honour to be. Your E.xcclloncy, Your most obedient, humble servant, JAMKS COOPER. SCHEDULE OF DISTANCHS. Via Dixon's Entrance and Brown's Passage. From Yokahama to Port Essington 3,075 " head of Gardner's Inlet 4,085 1(1 .^08 Via Milhanh Sound. Krnm Yokoliamn to head oC Doiin ('Imiinol.., (iiirdiuM-\s Inlet. " to Xortli IJciilinck Ann 4.17;! Kill 4,1 OH 17a Fitz-Hugli Sound. F;om Yokoliaina to hoiul of Douii Channel. " to Norlli Jk'iitinck Arm.. Vki Goletas Channel. From Yokohama to head of Bute Inlet, cid Stewart Island.. " " " Capq Miidgo " " Howe Sound " " Burrard Inlet Via Straits Juan de Fuca. Fron\ Yokohama to head Burrard Inlet, via Active Pass.... " Howo Sound " " Bute Inlot " " to San Francisco 4,101 4,17ii 4,250 4,27:5 4,324 4,.3l6 4,482 4,440 4,.^)53 4,731 ■ f Statement of Captain John Derereux respectin;/ Harbours in the Strait of Georgia find on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Burrard Inlot has a safe and commodious anchorage two miles inside the first narrows at Coal Harbour, also another seven miles inside the second narrows at Port Moody, twelve miles from the entrance ; hut there is one great objection to either of those places, viz. : both the first and second narrows, respectively, are but about a cable and a half wide, through which the tide runs about nine knots an hour, creating Avhii'ls and eddies, I'ondoring it unsafe i'or large steamers to enter or leave port at night, or at certain stages of the tide, leaving out altogether interruption b}' fogs and thick weather which occur more frequently inside than out. Next is the outer harbour of Burrard Inlet, known as English Bay; there, at a jilacc marked on the chai-t as Government Eosorve, is a good anchorage with every facility to construct a broukwator and wharves, or even docks both wet and dry, and by eix'cting a lighthouse on Passage Island entrance to Howe Sound, one on East Point, one on Twin Point, and another on Discovery Island, the largest ships in the Avorld might bo conducted thither in safety ; but there are throe months in the year, viz.: from part of August to the same time in November, when this coast is subject to dense fogs, I'ondering it unsafe, if not utterly impossible to navigate llaro Strait, and the (ruif oftroorgia with large steamers such as the Iloyal Mail, Cunard and I'acitic Mail Company's ships. 'Phis point, I think, will bo conceded by all who know anything about such ships and the straits in question, whore the tide runs from four to six knots an hour, with boiling rips and overfalls, narrow channels and outlying roofs, deep water and no anchorage that could be reached in such weather, and to stop a stream in such a plight would simply moan to the mariner to lose his reckoning, as ho would bo car- I'ied ort' by the tide, and not know \»hither to go; on the other hand if the engines of a lai'ge ship were kept going like those of the small steamers on this coast, she would neither answer to her helm nor turn astern quick enough to avoid running ashore, as it frequently happens; the fogs are so dense hero that land cannot bo seen one hun- dred yards otf. 4.n:{ 4,221 4,1(18 1,191 4,n<; 1,250 4,27:{ 4,:{24 4,316 4,482 4,440 4.553 4,731 t of Georgia rmd i iiiRido the first narrows at Port ion to oither of are but al)out a n iiour, creating- or loave port at ion b}' t'ogrt and iay; tliere, at a ago with every ct and dry, and nd, one on East test ships in the ths in the year, coast is subject ite liaro Strait, iiil, Cimard and ling about sucli knots an liour, deep water and iream in such a e would be car- tiie engines of a oast, she ^\'ould ining ashore, as e seen one hun- 809 Sudi is a brief description of tlie difflciillies the navigator would have to contend with in these inhmd waters, and tlie farther up the Strait of (leorgia he wouhl pro- ceed, the more he would add to ids trouliles; therefore, 1 will nut dwell nn this subject by describing anything above Buri'ard inlet. I will now call your attention to the west coast of Vancouver Island where nature would seem to have revelled in harbor making, that it niight almost be said they are innumerable, but strange to say out of so many there is not one, exeeitt per- haps lIeH(|uiat near Xootka Sound, and Uchucklesit in Barclay Sound, worth noticing for such a purpose, on account of deep water, narrow channels and poor accommoda- tion within, with rocks and outlying dangers without, whereon ships would strike in thick wcatlier whilst seeking entrance; however, the tides are more regular on the west coast than inside, and might be relied on at all times, but as a sot off against this, bad weather happens more frequently, or at all events is felt more on account of the heavy seas and exposure to the lash of the Pacific Ocean. And now to return to those harbours above mentioned. Uesquiathas but twenty- four feet of water on the bar at low water, whereon the .sea breaks heavily during south and soulhwe-t gales, rendering it impracticable for large steamers to enter or leave port during their prevalence, and even in tine weather there would bo no water to spare for such vos.selsas the "Shannon," " Siene," "Tasmanian," of the Royal line, drawing over twenty-three and a half feet when loaded, therefore the above port would be ill adapted to such a purpose. And now for Uchucklesit, in Barclay Sound, about 15 miles insideof Cape Boale. The channel leading to this harbour is narrow, varying from one to two miles in width, has water too deep to anchor, and several dangerous rocks that wouM bo difficult to avoid in thick weather, aiul the harbour itself has also very deep water with little accommodation for^-uch an important station. And there is still another and greater disadvantage on the west coast {i.e.) : the further north the mariner proceeds along the coast the less distance the soundings extend from the shore, consequently he has not the facilities at hand in thick weather there as he would have farther south, to warn him of his a])proach to the land and its attending dangers. It will be now seen that, in my opinion, either Ksquimalt must bo made the terminus of the ocean steamers or else a harbour must be sought north of Vancouver Island altogether, whore there is neither settlement or any other advantage to otl'ei' as a recommendation ; so everything seems to be in favour of the former, viz., settle- ments, political and commercial impoitance, and a naval station, which it both now is, and ever will be, notwithstanding others to the contrary: foi- as long as England and the Dominion I'oquire a navy to protect their interests on the seas, Ksquimalt will be the station on the Pacific, in order to watch the Strait of J)e Fuca, and political movements (tn Piiget Sound. So if St. Juan Islan.l be the key to British Columbia, Esquimau is the lock ; and the latter may still keep the thief out of the house, even if the key were lost. And as to its capabilities as a I'oit, it is needless to mention them; but for the benefit of those who are not well acquainted with nautical matters, I will remind them of last summer when the fleet on this station, together with the Flying Squadron, were all anchoicd safel\ in it. leaving room for as many more, indepen- dently of the shore> where wharf accomodation could be constructed for double the number. Such is the harbour, and its approaches are equally good and cleai-. Without, is an excellent outer harbour, " K'oyal Roads," where ships rido in all weathers. It has also a lighthouse erected at its entrance, with another at l?aco Rocks, leading to it, but io render the chain complete and navigation safe and ea.sy there should be one built on an unnamed point near .Jordan Jiiver, halfway between Cape Flattery on the one side, and the above rocks on the other, and another on Cape Heale, entrance to Barclay Sound. The mariner then coming in from the Pacific could sight the latter, also Ca])e Flattery, Jordan R'ver. Race Rocks, by tho way, and Es([uimalt. in niakin.<; the land in thick weather, he has soundings to a distance of 310 V '■ I I lliirly miles otV slioic, aii>l luiwlicro cIho oh tliis coiisl arc Huch Houiidiii^'s to bo CouikI. In fact, it is to tlio Straits of Do Fiica wlint llio IJanlcs of Nowfoundland arc lo llic (Jiill" (if St. Liiwrc'iico, a safe ami valiialilo ^^niidc to Iho mariiioi' ap|ti'oa('liiti<^ till! land ill lliicU woatlior, and liy attending to the lead, and using ordinary profaii- tions, llio navigatoi- can find his way into and through tlic Strait, as thoro is a doon water zone, 100 faliionis, runidng eastward inidchannol until Race Itocks aro passod, whore it shoals to 00 oi' 70 fatlioins. This deep water f*hoals rapidly lo twenty fathoms about two miles off shore on both sides of the Straits, and at a distunce of one mile, six to ton lathoms will be found, and carried right uj) to the elitfs, as there aro no outl^'ing dangers except Race Rocks, whore there is already a lighthouse, as aliove mentioned, and a fog bell, and whore tliore would be jtlaced a gun to fire v\o\y hall-hour during fog?i, similar to those in the St. Lawrence. I{ut oven without Iho gun, the mariner could steer mid-channel by the load until the water shoaled eastward of Race Hocks, and thonco one course would take liim in safety to Royal IJoads, whore the mail or passengers could bo landed night or day. In conclusion, F may add that n steamer might, in fogs, anchor a mile or k) off shore on the Vancouver side, anywhere from Port San Juan to Sooke, a distunco of tbiity miles, in from six to seven fathoms of water, as it seldom happens that there is much wind with fogs on this coast, and the sea, however light it miiy bo, gives forth a distinct jjoeuliar sound, while washing against the clitrs, sutticionl to warn the mariner of his proximity to the shore. JOHN DKVRRRUX. Statement of C^njitdin Brown, of the Schooner " Alert,'' respectuKj liitriiay Sound, Stamp Harbour {AVterni) and IJchuekUsit, Caj)tain Brown states thai be has been engaged in the coasting trade of Van- couver Island, between Victoria and JJarclay Sound, for the past twelve years, and that ho at one time was pilot on the Sound, and has taken several largo sailing .•^Iiips to Stamp Harbour. He says it is one of the best and safest on the Pacific coast, and lie has soon ten largo sailing ships in there at one linio, and six of them wore al)le to lie alongsido of tlio mill and load at once. The anchorage comprises an area of about two miles scjuare, and a do])tb of from ten to twenty fathoms. Vessels of any size can ride at anchor in any gale of wind in jjorfect safety, and ho feels contldent that in Stamp llarboui- six times as many vessels can lie at anchor as in £.squimalt. Barclay Sound can always bo approached in foggy weather by soundings, and there is now a lighthouse at Cape Boalo. The rules laid down in the Vancouver Island Pilot aro correct, and there are some small anchorages in Baiclay Sound not laid down on the chart. A vessel can sail from the entrance of tho Sound to Turn Island and find good anchorage there, but as the wind is nearly always battling, a steam tug must be used to tow her thence to Stamp Harbour. TTcbucklcsit is •< good harbour, but is out of the way for a vessel unioss she has a tug, on account of ballling wind;;. In going uji the Alberni Canal the only current to be met with is that on an ebb tide, and its gioatost velocity does not exceed li knots. Statement of Captain McKay, respecting Barclay Sound, Alberni Canal. Victoria, 10th January, 1871, Captain McKay states that Barclay Sound is easy of approach, as easy as most coast ))lacos. Tho entrance to tho Sornd is good and soundings outside; good anchorage i'lside. Stamp Harbour, he siys, is an excellent harbour, well sheltered and safCj with plenty of good ancho;"rvge. Alberni Canal has deep iiiiiditif^H to 1)0 wfouiidland iiro »>!• apiii'oacliini; •dinary procaii- tlioro is a (leoi) cks aro passed, idly lo twenty it a (liHtuncu oi clitl's, as tlioro I li^htliouso, as a giin to tiru ol l»y tlio load irso would take andod ni^lit or :i mile or m) ott" i, a distance of »ens that tliore may bo, givos int to warn tlio l^KRKUX. 'iiinlny Souiul, trade of Van- he 3'earH, and large sailing on the Pacitie id nix of thorn ) fomprisos an loins. Vessels , and ho feela anchor as in by soundings, ;ho Vancouver lay Sound not the Sound to ways battling, 3el unioss she \ is that on an Janal. ry, 1871. ach, as easy id soundings lent harbour, mal has deep .'Ul watoi, but is A-eo ft'om danger. Tf any Iraftlc wore there, stoam lugs would lio used us lliuy are in Mlhcr niaci's, not as u nialt»'r of ai>suluto iicccssity, iml as u matter '.\ vessels of considerable size at Alberni (Stamp Harbour), which yiu know is at the head of the canal, and 1 think 1 am right in saying that not or'e sustaineil any ilangor. We have had ten ships, of 1,000 tons on the avei'age, lying al one lime otf the wharf at Alberni. These facts aro bettor than theoretical statements. Kor ii general description of the j)lace I would refer to the Admiralty Chart, but may say that while Barclay Sound is not a harbour like the uni'ivalleil Hs([uimalt, it is not a bad harbour. The eastern passage is the best, we always considereil, and now that there is a lighthouse at Cape Beale it can be well approached. The channel IS only about a niilo clear, too narrow for big ships to beat into, but gonorally the wind draws up or down. We got along for five years without ary appliances, and 1 therotbro think that with the lighthouse, a tug boat and pilot, the place would jirove to be l)otter than the average harbours on this or on the Knglisb coast. The most I know about the harbour at Alberni (head of Canal) is that it was frozen over once 14 years ago, not since, nor for long before, b}' Indian accounts. IJchucklosit is a good harlxdir, quite snug; generally speaking, the water in i>oth ■ he Sound and Canal is too deep, but there aie some go(jd anchorages. I have ridden outagale in Wizard Anchorage, near Satellite Passage, just afier you got well into the Eastern passage. There is not an anchorage beyond rchiu-klesit in thet^anal, but you can lie up alongside the rocks, and the wind geni'rally di'aws uj) or down. Once up to Stamp Harbour a dozen or more big ships can ride conifortaiily. You could not run into Barclay Sound in a fog, nor could you into the Straits of Fucawitb much contidence. There is a rolling and generally wooded tract of land at lieail of Canal five or six miles s(iuaro, with good soil in parts. Very good indications of coal have been found lately dose to the wharf. A small expense would make Alberni safe from attack by an enemy from seaward, the canal is so long, narrow, and bordered by such high mountains. GILBKKT SPROAT. V.VNcoLVfiii Island, 4th February, 1877. •M'2 APPENDIX W. MKMiiUAMH-M n.N TIIK MII.ITAIIY ASI'KCT OK TIIK lUHlUAKI) INI.KT IKH TK, IIV MA.MMl- OKNEUAI. MEI.IIY SMVTII, fiiMMANKINd TIIK MIMTIA (»!•' CANAHA. Tlioro ouii Lo no doiilit llial i{i)iito No. 'J, lunuiiiutiii^ ul Htii'i'urd'rt liilol, \h open to siiiiio Miiiilaiy olijci'tiiins upon tlii^ ^I'liuiiil ol its riintiin^ williiii ii short distuiicu of a l'orc'ij;ii toiritory, lor lull (!) miles IVoiu ll\o soa. Its apjtroicli is also iialil'.) to interruption Iroin I lio ocean, in passini^ llie Island of San .luan, Itut recently, un- lorlunatcly, j^ivcn up to tjic I ■iiiloil Slates, Tiio ^iins on tliis islaiui would eoinplotely euinmand the i>aHs;ij^es either hy the K'osario or Jiaro (.'hannels. I do not think, however, that the ohjuclions I have mentimuMl — and there are none other of which I am aware — arool'suHicit-nt gravity to weiijfh aj^ainsl themime- rous advantages which have heiMi set forth in favour of thu liurrurd Inlet teriniinis. In case of hostilities, we should, in all prohahility, have a (^onsidorahle s(Miadn)ii of gunhoats and ships of war of vai'ioiis descriptii^ns, upon which we should liavo to depcJid, not oidy to j^iiard the approaches from tho ocean, hut also to keep open tho Krazer River Irom its continence with tho Strait of (Jeorgia, past New Wostniinster, lo Hope. Ik'aids, of course, coidd, and, possi Illy, would he nnide from Washington Torritoiy across the international line to tear up rails, blow up bridges, or otherwise interrupt tho line of railway ; but as in war it is scarcely possible to provide against every sort of desultory attack, so it would hardl3' he consistent to overlook all tho numerous advantages in favour of Hurrard's Inlet tormiiMis, merely from tear of eventualities wh'ch may bo very remote — may, indeed, never occur — or if attem[»ted, might bo averted or rondorcd nugatory, through the moan.s of naval protection to which i have uliuded. K. SKLBY SMYTH, Major-General. Ottawa, 15lh March, 1S77. ;)l; ATPfiNDIX X. II TK, IIV MA.IOII- tuiicu s also liubl^ to III rotontly, iiii- ould foiiiplotc'ly — and thoro ui-o ^aiiis) tlu) imrin'- iilut lonniiiiis. cnihlu sMUiMtroii I) should liiivo (<) o kcMtp opoii lliu iw WostiniriMtcfr, ii^toM Torntdiy urwiso iiitorriipt ;!iioHt ovory noit II tlio luinioi'oiis of ovotitiialitiort n[)tod, might ho to which 1 huvo :Tjr, ijor-Gencral. SKF.Tfll or THAT l'nllTlo\ ol-' TANAUA IIKTWEKN f.AKK SI IK.Iltoll \NI» TIIK llorKV MOINTAINS, WITH SI'K.CIAI, UKKKIIKNCF, TO ITS AdIUCI r.TI UAI. ( AI'AHIMTIKS, IIV JOHN MACOfN, M.A., IMloKEHSnil oK IIOTANV, AIJIEHT COI,I,K(iK, llEM,KVII.r,E, ONTARtO. niii'in^' I ho Slimmer ol' IRdi), I'rol'ossor 11. iJoil, of (hf (Icolo^ical Siirvoy, bxamiiiffl tlio rcj^ion around N'opit^oii River and Lftko, and r('|)orlod (hat thoro wcro largo aroas of land, itotii in llu' vicinity of tho laUo and rivor, u(dl sitiiatod for agri- cultural piirposos, Spoaking of tiic Xopigmi country, ho says: "In tho Xopigoii country tho largest tract of good land appears to boon tho soiith-wosterii sido of tho lake. Kroni tho Nonwatcii IJivor northward to tho I'agilchiguma, a distance of fifty miles, tho country is comparntivciy level, and tho sf)il generally tortile; hut wo could not ascertain from our own explorations how far westward this tract extends. The Indians, and others, however, represent itas continuing nearly to tho Hiver Win- nipeg, and becoming more generally level in receding from Lake Xepigon. Sonic of tho peninsulas in Lake Nepigon, within tho uhovo distance, are hilly; but the noil, generall}', is good, oven on these, consisting of ahrownish loam siitHcienlly tenacimis, when moist, to retain its form after being pressed in the hand. Tho rivers entering this part of Lake Nepigon, as far as examined, wore found to flow, with tortuous courses, between muddy banks of day, overspread with lino sand. The clay as seen in the banks generally appears sandy from having become mixed with the overlying deposit ; but when clean ."cctions : i o obtained, it is usually found to be stitf, tcnaciinis, and free from grit. On the higher levels the sand is ol'ton coarser, ami stratilied with layers of gravel. Tliere is a considerable area of good i, .,d around the bottom of South and Mtdidyre's Mays, and on the peninsulas cast of tho latter bay and (full Hay. l-'rom the mouth to the first rapid on tho I'oshkokagan, the loamy banks of tho river ai-o from twenty to thirty loot high. Tho JJivcr lvabitoti(|iiia is so crooked that by following its windings from the mouth to tho portage leading to Chief's Hay, I ho distance was estimated to bo fully thirty miles, although it is only niiu' miles in a straight course. On both sides tho country is level and tho soil samly, supporting a growth of grass and bushes, tho timber having been all burnt olT by repeated fires within the last few years. The land is free from stones, and veiy little labour would bo necessary to make it ready for the plough." A number of other localities are mentioned having a good soil, ami capable of supporting a large pojjulation. During tho summer of 1 Stilt J. made exttuisivo collections of the j)ian(s in tho iiiimodiate vicinity of Jiake Superior and at some distance from its -Iiorcs, and in no case did 1 find boreal plants except dose to tho Lake. Although the greater p;irt of tho land was covered with spruce it was (piite evident that if tiiis were cleared away tln^ land would bo drier and a ditl'eront vegeiiiiioii would spring up. fn the summer of 18T0 very extensive tires took ])lace, and much of this timbo- was c(;nsumed. My second visit confirmed the opinion I had formed on my fir.sttliat the apparent coldness of tho Lake Supciior region was eauscd by a supcr-abundanco of moisture. Kvcii three years had made a change, and tho vegi'tation now springing up was indicative of a drier climate. The valley of the Kaministiquia contains a largo quantity of good, fertile soil and tho greater ])art of tho land between Thunder Bay and Shebandowan will yet produce heavy crops of haj- and oats, and possibly wheat. When passing through it in 1872 I noted that all tho attempts which had been made at culti- vation had been successful. Timothy was exceptionally gowl and proiluccd immense 29 mi mii. 3U If quantities of seed, i liave no doubt but th:it much ot' tlie land on the eastern sido of the watershed is suitable lor cultivation, and that, taken as u whole, it is little beliind many parts of the Jjaurentian counlry in Ontario. 1 have very little knowledt^e of the country which I designate as the " water- shed." It seems to be a plateau elevated about 1,()(»0 feet above tlie Lake, and so studded with laiccs as toaj)])ear to be at least one-halt' water, 'rborecaii be very little hind lit for cultivation; judging from the section passed over by me, 1 am led to assume that there are extensive gi'oves of red and white pine throughout Iho whole area. That this is so, 1 have no means ot ])roving, but I infer it from (he country to the south of it — Minnc.-rola — which, in its northern ])art, is |)recisely like the area in •[uestion. This section may be said to extend from ihe MinneM)tu boundary on the south, to English Jiiver on the north; and from the Jjake of the Woods on tlio west, to near Lakes Ne])igon ;'.nd Superior, on the east. An area of more or less extent, well suited for agricidtural ])urposes, is met with on liainy JJiver; but whether it extends far to the north, seems to be an open ques- tion. A i;entleman, who resides at Fori Francis, inlorms me, that there is much more good land along the river than is generally supposed, and that it extends a long distance back from il. There are likewise many tine groves of lii'st-class timber, ami he assures nu: that there can be no doubt of the fertility of the soil, as crojis of all kinds an^ raised at Kort Francis. Here, there will be a very large settlement, which will very j)ossibly extend back, in comingyears, to the railway. This is vhe most favour- able j)oinl for .settlement between Lake Superior and Manitoba; and as it is in con- nection with navigable water, will always bo nn imj)ortant location. The swamp said to extend along the right bank of the river, at a varying liistancc of Irom one to thirteen miles, will be very easily drained, as it is much highe'" than it. As the c luntry is cleai'ed, tliese swamps will naturally dry up, as they are really Ibrmed by the depo>«orthirn Ontario. White pine, retl pine, swamp elm, red ash. leil ami white oak, balm of (liiead, poplar, basswood, birch, spruce, cedar, and tamarac abound, and grow in nniny cases to a large size. A c(iiii])arison between this region and that of northern Ontario, is not inapt, as the pai'ailelism is almost complete. Kocky ledges, .swanqis, lakelets, patches of good arable land, larger areas of good or .saiuly soil, lakes and rivers teeming with tish, and, lastly, a climate cooler and moister than that ol tlie Lake region, are found throughout both areas. Taking the average width of the dry land along liainy Eiver at eight miles, and it> length at eighty, the valley cannot contain an area of less than i{t)0,((00 acres of good land, having a soil so rich that it has been the tlienu! ot every explorer. The canal now being iniilt at Kort Francis will tio much to attract settlement to tiiis out-of-the-way region, and will Ijc a valuable auxiliary in the construction of the J'acitic JJaihvay. Although Winnipeg J{ivcr is very rocky, ye( aloiig its course there are many snudl areas which have a \ery lerlile soil, and which produce Indian corn and wheat together with otlier cereals in abundance. Towards the mouth of the river the good land increases,andat Fort Alexander there are many thousand aci'cs of good arable land. A region very little known lies between J^ake Winnipeg on the one hand, ami JiUk's Manitoba and Winnipegoosis on the other. its climate i^ certainly no colder than ihat in the vicinity of Fort (larry, and wherever sufficiently elevated above the lake, it should jtroduce all the cereals cultivated further south. Xear the lidvcs there are innnense marshes and low grountls which )troduce great quantities of bay, and which, on the settlement of the country, will be very valuable both foi piusture and meadow lands. eastern sido of t is little boliind as tlio " water- lit* Lalses, is met with )c an open fjues- ' there is miieh t extends a lon^ •lass timber, and , as crops of all sttlemeiit, which ihemost favour- 1 as it is in coii- Tiie swamp said of Irom one to lan it. As the i-e really (or mod not he the case ihio, that all the ic extent of this Winnipeg, con- st-growth, there •io. White pine, >plar, hasswood, lo a larye size, lot inapt, as the )atches of .i;()od Muing with lish, )gioii, are found eif^'ht miles, and {00,000 acres of ex])lorer. The llcnxont to tins striiction of the lore are many Horn and wheat ! I'iver the ijooil [anitoiiaon the east, is very wet and mai'shy. This may bo said to be the cau-io of the siimnu-r frosts in this rcLjion. Althoui^h marshy and wot the soil is nearly ail <:ood, and in cominij; years, when properly* drained, will produce abundant crops. A careful examination of the maj) will show tlie reason of this wetness. This is the outer mar!j;in of the " (•"'irst I'rairie Steppe," and the water which has been absorbed into the soil of the "Second Prairie Steppe" hei'o comes to the surface in multitudes of sj)rings, which are the cause of the marshes that lie along the base of the mountains s|)oken of above. Xo one carefully studying the map of the 'Second Steppe" can doubt the correctness of this theory. A lino passing from Foi-t a la Corne and the Hasquo Hills by the Porcupine, l>uck and Riding .>rountains and the wet country east of Pino Cieok to Pembina Mountuin, will include the country kni)wn as the ''First i'rairie Stoppe." Kast of JJod i>Mver (lis same region extends alui-.g the boundary to near (he North-WesL Angle and north to Lake Winnipeg. The outer line ail the way round is marshy, except wher(> i( is cut through by the IJed liiver, and in course of time will all 1)0 drained and become very j)ro luctivo. Taking Manitoba as a wlolo, it is surjjassed in fertility of soil and productive- ness by no other co)uitry in America. Kroin a carefid study of its rainfall and its mtui'al |)roduc(ions, I have* no hesitation in saying that all our forest trees will bo easily grown on any part of the "First I'l-i^rie Steppe." Theri^ seems to bo no deficiency in the rainfall in spiing and summer, altliouich both the fall and winter are very dry compared with oui's. Hxperience of the climate of Manitoba will surely bring a liking tor it, it being so uniform that the periods of the commence- ment and close of winter may be accurately predicted. Second Prairie Steppe. On the Second Prairie Steppe, the soil, instead of being unil'orm as on the first, changes its (diuracter very often, i'ich j)rairio soil is fouml, alternating with graved, sand, or boulders, or with a mixture of all three. My own observations mule during two trips across it are as follows : — ■ After passing Hat ("reek, the tiail to I'ine ("reek leadsover awido and beautiful j)rairie, (in 1ST2 without an iidiabitant, but in the fall of 1875 nearly all fenced in and stiuided with the houses of numerous settlers). For the first i'cw miles the country is an unbroken plain, with, at intervals, a few clumps of aspen. As we proceeded westward, it bec.ime more thickly covered with aspen (dumps, and gradually changed from a boundless prairie to a )>artially wooded plain. The trees wei-e very small, in no case being more (ban si.K inches in dianie(er, and having every appearance of ([uick growth. Constant fires are certainly the cause of the want of wood, whi(di is every ycai' becoming scarcer. After leaving J{at ('i-eek, for a distance of over twclvi' mile-' the land is of tirst-class quality; then intervenes a tract of land about ten miles in extent, which is more wood»'d and wet in spring, as was easily seen by the numerous clumps of willows thickly scattered over its sin-faco. Foi- the next tt'M miles the ti'.ail led through a rich country; vegctiitioii of eveiy kind being most luxuriant an*alt, as for the whole eighteen miles saline ))lants were observed. When I ]»asscd the Shoal Lakes in August, 1872, a stream of fresh water was flowing out of the ujiper lake southward into the lower, anil the water was sweet and good. I'assing the same point last October, I was surprised to find that the creek had ceased to flow, and that the water in the upper lake was not tit to drink. This water question is one not easily solved ; but from my own observations I have conchuled that good water will be found in almost every i)art of the country by judicious sirdving. Fi-om the fact that when salt water and fresh arc near each other the firish is on the higher ground, I have come to the conclusion that the salt depressions or areas occur either where the soil is impervious, or at the bottom of synclinals. The fact of .springs being found higher than the salt seems to point to the latter as the cause. Unquestionably one or other of these is the true reason, as salt lands are generally, at least to all appearance, impervious to moisture. On other parts of the prairies the .soil is porous, and the water disappears from the Hurface, eventually to ajipearas springs or swamps, it may be, liundreds of miles off. AVere wells dug in the vicinity of fresh water pools, or on linos showing an appearance of an anticlinal, water would bo invari.ably obtained. The soil between Shoal Lake and the Assiniboine is generally good, being principally a sandy loam, resting on a gravelly sul>soil. Jiimestone pebbles are very abundant in the soil, although there is an abundance of gneiss boulders on the hill- sides and on the level ground a'so, in a number of ))laces. The country between IJird Tail Creek and the crossing of the Assiniboine is much cut up by deep i-avines running down to the river; in corise(iuence of this, much of the land would be unfit for the i)lough. The triangular area enclosed between the Assiniboine on the one hand and the (^u'Appelle on the other, having a ])erpendicular of 25 miles, is worthless for agricul- tural purj)oses. being composed of sand or gravel , but after that is passed, the good land continues all the way to and beyond thcToucliwood Hills. The hills are more like an upland plateau than anything else. They are about SO miles wide whei'o t!.j i-oad , there is a sti'ctch ol fully forty miles where there i,- no wood and scarcely any fresh water. It seems to be an immense deprt-ssion extending east and west along the base of the hills for a great distance, ending to the eastward in (^uill Lake, which is said to be ([uite salt. Ten miles west of the " Hills " is the bitterest water on the whole route, and at the time I ))assed it, last October, it M'as even unfit for either horses or caltlc. 'fwciily miles may be set down as the breadth of the salt lands, the other twenty being a very fair soil, but totally devoid of wood and possessing very little water at any season ot the year. Metween the eastern edge of the plain and •' Jiound Hill " the soil is very good, but the sur- face is much broken with bills, ponds and bouldei's. From Round Jlill to the South Saskatchewan — a distance of overtifty miles — the soil isgenerally of a tirst-chissordei'. The aspect of the country is much varied by woodwl hills and I'ertile j)raiiics interspersed with beautifid little lakcsaud occasioiud marshes; taken as a whole, this region is all well suited li)r settlement. Hound Hill is about four mib^s west of the telegraph line, and the couutr}' seen from its top is thus decribed by tlie author of Ocean to Ocean: " Climbing to the suinmit of the central hill we found ourselves in tiic middle of a circle, thirty to forty miles in diameter, enclosing about 1,()()() square miles ol beautiful country. Xoi'lh and east it was undulating, studded with aspen groves and shining with lakes. To the south west was a level prairie with a sky lincof hills bordering it. To the iiorth-wesl — our directiools, though the wu(hI was not so artistically groujicd." All tliat has been said of the country between Pine Creek aiul the South Saskat- chewan applies to the line of cart road, which by referring to the msip will be seen to pass across the plateau which separates two water-sheds. On all the land for the whole distance the grass foiius a sward, and if the ])rairic tires were stopped the whole would be again covered with wood without dillieulty. The only tree ibr this whole distance is Popuhts tremuloUka (Aspen poplar) except a few oaks, elms and ash, in the valley of the Assiuiboine. The country soutli of the line I traversed is drier, and almost wholly without wood; but there are many tirst-class locations in the valleys of the rivers wiiicli traverse the territory in «juestion. George Dawson, Ksip, who was geologist to the Boundary Commission during the years 18T2, lS7;j and 1S7 I, in his published i-ejiort speaks of this region, the Second Prairie Step, kv„ as follows: — " On crossing Pembina lliver the eastei-n margin of ihe great treeless ])lains is entered on. Xo woods now iippear except those forming narrow belts along the valleys of the streams, and soon even the smaller bushes beci)me rare. The shrubs met with are generally stunted from the absence of shelter against tho wind and the fretiuent passage of |)i'airie tires. With reference to the soil west of Pembina Piver the same remarks apply as to that east of it. It is iertile, though aot so dee]) or inexhaustible as that of the Ped Hiver Valley, and rests on a gravelly drift sub-soil. Swampy bottoms, bearing a good growth of hay grass, aboinid, but their area is small as compared with that of the dry groinid. Toward the end of summer most of these swamps dry u|» com|)letely, and extensive regions are then without other water supply than that derived from the streams and I'ivers, which lie in deep valleys and are often far ajiart. I do imt think, however, thai ditficulty would be found in obtaining waier by wells suid\ in any ot the lower part of tho prairie. The rainfall ol this region is j)i'obably slightly less than tliatol Jied Piver Valle}', but appears to be suttlcient tor agricultural pur|t()ses. Jt seems jirobable that at a perioil not very leniote, a gi'cat part of this i-egion was covered with forest trees. 'I'lie humiilitv of the soil and cliuuile is sutlicieiit lor their growth, and in some jilaces little hummocks. I'esembling those found in a forest and known as " cradle knolls,'' were observed. (Jn approaching Turtle Mountain, 313 tho tendency of iMs part of the prtiirie In rccloth itself is shown l»y the occnrroneo of thiclvcts of sccuiini^ poplars on the shclh'i'od sides of the undulations, wherevt'i- any consi a valuahle nucleus for the utilization of the surroiiiidini^ Ir'^elcss prairie; servinif as a supply of fuel and liiiiMin^ timher, and as a refui^e for wintei'iiiif stock whicii, durin;^ the summer, lias been herded at lari^e on the plains. Thouicli tiie elevated and l)roken area of the "Mountain" is pretty nearly equally divided liy the Boundary Line, the nortiiorn half is more uniformly covered with woods, and probabl}- embraces two-tliirds of the forest area. There arc also larf^e rei^ions of the so-called mountain, which, thoui^li more boldly iiiidulalinij than the prairie, show ^ood soil, and will eventually be cleared for ajrricultiire. There are indications that this wooded area receives a much more copious rainfall than tho surroundini^ country. The wood is chiefly jioplar, of two Hpccies. Oak, however, occurs abundantly aloni:; tho mai-i^in of the forests, and forms fi^roveson therid;^es, or^'roves interspersed with other trees, White birch is abundant, though not foiming large groves, and black birch also occurs.- Tho ash-leaved maple or box elder, and the elm are also found, the latter attaining considerable dimensions in some of the more sheltored valleys. The largest po|)lars observed must have been over two feet in diameter at the base, and of goo 1 height. The average size in many groves is about eighteen inches. The oak and binli are seldom over two feet in diameter, and the latter aie geiio:alIy much less, but growing in thick masses and very tall. Most of tho swamps are grassy, and would yield excellent hay. I'eas and vetches are aliundant anil occur with the tii'{iwwi\(J'Jpilol>lum (iiKjmtifoliiiiit) and various species of Aster and Solidago. Westward from Turtle Mountain the prairie rapidly loses its abrujitly undulating character, and becomes almost ])erfectly level before roacdiingtlio River Soiiris, at the 17') mill' ]»ost. There are, however, .still many shallow basin-shajied hoUows, which must be tilled with water in the early Hj)ring, but, soon after, show a tine tall growth of swamp grass, which in tlie autumn was found in many places standing consider, ably higher than a Iiorse'.s back, ai-.d which contrasts strikingly with the short crisp sod of tlie surrounding jtrairie. The vegetable soil is not very doe]), often only six or eight inches, and in character somewhat light and sand}', but it is based on whitish marly drift, which forms a good subsoil. The valley of the Souris is here nearly' a mile wide. It includes some flat und very fertile land, and a limited quantity of timber, chiefly elm, is found along tho immediate banks of the stream, massed in tine groves on the peninsulas formeil by its devious windings. The region liotween the first and second crossing of the Souris by the line, about 50 miles in width, presents features similar to those of that last described. It is gently undulating, with a soil which is, in some places, perhaps, rathor thin and gravelly, but becomes deeper and richer in tho vicinity of the Xorth and .South Antler Creeks— tributaries of the Souris. Along the valley of the South Antler, a good belt of trees extends for many miles. The surface is everywhere covered with a strong sod of short grass. The Souris at its second crossing flows in a valley with wooded grassy banks, somewhat narrower than before, and with tho immediate bed of tho stream pro- piu'tionately deeper. It is still fringed with wood and continues to bo so as far as Wood Knd — 2()2 mile post — or about St) miles by the course of the stream. From the second crossing of the Souris to the foot of the ^lissouri Coteau, from the '^lotli to the2!)(jth miiejiost, the prairie still shows a gently uiKliilating surface, and in iiiost places a short thick growth of grass. The soil, however, in passing west- ward shows a tendcnoy to become more sandy and stony, and some hu e tracts are covored with boulders in such j'l'ofusion as to be rendered permanenily unfit for agriculture." 319 1 T^ ! the occnrroiioe niis, wlicrov(!r K' water (if tlio Olio (listincf!^ >(! iiiTii wliicli Ic niiclcMis foi" |)ly of fuel iiiid 13 siimiiu'i', lias II area of tlio ; nortliorii half (Is of the foivst 1, tlioiiijh nioro lio cleared for li more copious rs abiinclantly ?s Inlerspersoil fo ^Toves, and elm are also noi'e sheltered in diameter at lioiit ciu'hteeii the latter arc of the swamps laiit and occur and Solidaijo. lly undulatinj; • Souris, at the lollows, wliicii le tall growth liny; consider, le short crisp on only six or ed on whitish los some Hat lund aloii^ the formed by its iiris l>y the ast described . tlior thin and III and South itii Antler, a cove roil with ,'rassy banks, stream jiro- so as far as m. Coteau, from ; surface, and lassiiii^ west- 'o tracts are lly unlit for These are tiie words whicli Mr. G. Dawson uses in descriiiing the Second L'rairio Steppe as seen by him on the boundary Line on Latitude 4!l^. JJotween the road travelled by myself and the Boundary so clearly described by Mr. Dawson, flows the <^u'Appelle Jiivcr, explored by Professor Hind, in 1S58. Of tho valley of this river and its surroundings, he thus speaks in his report of the bet\ Fort HI I Appclle Lak country ueiweeii rori miicc aiio me ijii Appciie "At 4 p.m., on the 12tli ot July, we loll Kort Hllice, ami travelled duo west through a pretty- coiintr}', near the banks of the Kiver (^ii'Appelle. We passed one quan'inire, and after breakfast on the following day, arrived at the Cross Woods; they consist of aspon, with a splemlid undergrowth. The pasturage is excellent and the road good. On tho KUh, we passed through a fair rolling country, the soil consisting of sandy loam, with much vegetable matter in tho valleys. Aspen groves are numerous, and many little lakes, margined with reeds, atlbrd (piict bree lied River; an old Indian, accompanying Mr. Pratt, born in this |(arlof the country, told us that he lemembcred tho time when the • whole of the prairie through which we had passed since leaving Fort Kllice was one rontimioiis forest." The view from the liulian Head range is exceedingly beautitnl ; it embraces an exieiisive area of level ju-airie to the north, bounded by the Aspen Woods on the borders of the (^u'Appello valley. A portion of the old forest alluded to by the Indian still exists on this range, it con- sists of as|)ens of large growth and thickly set. Or. Saturday, the llHh, wo entered a very beautiful and fertile prairie at the fool of tho Iiulian Head ridge, our course leading us in a northerly direction to the (^u'- Appelle Mission. Wo reached it about (i p.m., after jiassing through a magniliceiit ])rairie all day. In fact, the country north of the Indian Head and Chalk Hill ranges is truly beautiful, and will one da^- become a very important tract." Speaking of the country between the (^u'Appclle liakes and the Elbow of tho South Saskatchewan, the same writer says: "I'mting out tires in the prairie is a telegraphic mode of cominunicalion tre(iiieiitly resorted to by Indians. Its coiise- (|uences are seen in the destruction of the forest, which once covered an iniiiicnso area south of the (lUrAiipellc and As-inilioiiie. The aritlity of those vast prairies is j»artly duo to this cause. The soil, though light, derives much of its a]ip:irent sterility- from the annua! tires. In low places and in shallow (U'|ircssioiis whci'c marshes are formed in spring, the soil is rich, much mixed with vegetable matter and supports a very luxuriant growth of grass. If willows ami aspens wore allowed to grow over the prairies they would soon be converted into humid tracts in wliitdi vegetable matter would accumulate, and a soil adajited to forest trees be formed. It a portion of a prairie escapes tire for a year or two the result is .>iecn in the growth of asjiens and willows, first in patches, then in large areas, which in a shcirt time become united and cover tho coiuitry; thus retarding cvajioralion and permitting 320 [i \ the acc'umuliition of vc^-otalilo maUor in tlio soil, A tiiv comes, dostroys tiiu yctiiin' forest )m Fort Pelly. he says :— " Immediali'ly after crossing Swan K'iver we entered the i'ive .Mile Woods. The trees are mostly asjien and balsam poplar, with some spr\ice and white birch, [n tln^ woods the soil is an excellent clayey loam overlaid with black mnuld, I'lmerging from the Pivo Mih' Woods, we entered upon the S(piare Plain, which has ii length on the trail of about 1(1 miles. In the fh'sl or .southern sixteen miles of this dislance, ]U'airie openings alternate with groves of aspms, and the soil is of a coarse sandy character, with some gneiss bouldiTs. The ron aiidng ten miles consist of prairie, Avith bushes in some |>laccs, and the trail passes over a tine loamy soil, the best we had seen since leaving the ierlile prairie land of the Tjower Assiniboine valley. The sandy soil in the southern pari of the Square Plain is furrowed by old buffalo tracks running in the same direction as the trail. Thunder Hill lies on the western side of the Scpnire Plain, and the brook named after the hill joins the Swan JJiver near its eastern coriu'r. Leaving tlu> Sijuare I'lain, we passed through the Poplars, which have a iength of abuul live miles on tiie trail, and after crossing a short interval oi" dry sandy land, entered upon the (Jreat Meadows, which ar(> saising of tlie Swan Kiver. In going thii.iigli the J'oplar.s the trail in the seconpru('0 and ;o Assiniljoiiie <; to \V\'j; Hoggy il :ioi'tli-iiorth- iiilos. Most of III the above y mixed witli ic Crow Stand, half the area rs and willows, if the soil into .iicii \vc passed {■V)rt Telly, he i« Woods. The liirli. In the 1. I''mei',^iii,ii; las a leiii;lli on this di.^lance, a coarse samly ■iist of prairie, lil, the liest we valley. The bulfalo tracks wc^stcrn side of liver near its '()[ilars, whieli >rt interval oi" exleiitl all tiie ti lliroii.^ii the li; the top ipf a ini; from five posed mostly on eaeli .side. VII with rank They woiilil horses. The tout draiiiai,^', eel above the ;i2l level of Swan River. The remains ol aiuienl beaver (lani> are a iiolicealiJe teatiii b o in this area. Owing to the level nature of the gi'"""d, they have necessarily neon liiiilt of a great length. They are now all dry, with the exception of a little water at the gap, which is open ed throui'li the lowest noiiil in each of them. These old bcaver-dams may be taken as one of the evidences of the greater abiiiidaiice of water in this region in former time.s." Ml. .1. W. Spencer in describing Porcupine Moiinlain writes as follows: — '■ I*(n'- ciipino Mountain Ibrms a continuation of the chain of high ground which marks the eastern linut ol the second of three great prairie steppes of the Xorlh-West Territory. It rises to the heij^ht of about S0(( feet above Swan Lake. Ik'tween the base of the moiin o I tain and the lake is a belt of about twelve miles of low grounil, consisting of pen marshes, or " muskegs," tamarac swamps, &e., while the remaiider of the interval is densely wooded with aspen, balsam, poplar, spruce iiiid willow. On the slope of the mountain I saw balsam poplars >i.\ feel in dianu^ter, while in some cases spruces reached a thickness of nearly four feet. This forest is more ancient looking and bears fewer evidence- of tire than any other liial came under my ob-iervation in the North- West Territory. The region is little frei[iienteil, even by Indians, being difficult of iiccess. Although fire has not visited the slope-; of the mountain, or the level ground below lor a very great length of time, yet the whole wept away a lew years since, and in its ])lace a .young growth of poplars has sprung up." After a careful examination of all the authorities in connection with the Second Prairie Stejipe, I am i) to ;^00 feet deep. All the small streams which convey the surface waters of the plains to the rivers cut deep narrow valloys in the plain, and cause the cartroads to cross the lca>t watered part. One feature of the (^'Appclle should not be passeil over without mention. That is, the series of beautiful lakes near the upper part of its course, which are well stocked with fish, cs])ecially whitelish. This river seems to have dis(diarged at some remote time a part ((f the water of the South Saskatchewan, as the .source of tho (i)Appelle is actually within twelve miles of the '• Flbow," and the same valley extends to it. Its depth below the [u-airie level being no less than 1K» feet. The river valleys are all well stocked with wood, consisting chiefly of olm, ash, ash-leaved maple, balsam, poplar and willows, while the slopes which lead up to tho jirairie level above arc generally covered wii'.i a thick growth of aspen poplar. Oak is common on .some spots along tho Assiniboine, but it seems to pa.ss but a short distance into the Second Prairio Step|)e. After leaving the river valleys, luit little timber is loft on the level country, the fires having been steailily encroaching on iho forest area from time immemorial. The ningcs of hills, however, are still more oi* loss clothed, and those, owing to their greater rainfall and less exiiosure to lire, aro 30 322 likely In lotaiii tlioii' wnod until the; iixo ol the sotlloi' lU'.stinys what wuh oiico a va>t aiit soil, their luxuriant ve;|^ctatioii und the springs oozini; out of their llanUs that much of the apparent want of water is not real, but Ih a consocpioncc of the nakedness ol the land. Tho soil of tho ro/^ion is inclinoil to he sandy, but, with tho exception of the triangular area enclosed between the (^u'Appolle and the Assiniboine. the eastern slope of the escarpment and tho eastern face of the Little Touchwood Hills, I saw nono but what would be called go miles north of IJarleton on the road '.<> (ireen Lake. In the valloy of the South Saskatche- wan and between it ami Carleton tho soil shows more signs of alluvium; then' is more sand contained in it, and th'.!re an; few if any ]»obblos in the subsoil, Tho bare isolated hills that are frcany places, antl vm-v little of the ivgion in (piestion is without them; but still they do not form a very nnirkcd fcatiiit' of I he country except in the vicinity of " Moinit Camel" or Jiound Hill, where for a few miles both east and west they are very abundant. Little has been done in the way of agriculture, except at the Hudson s Hay ('oni- pany's establishments, but all attemjds which have been made, .show that the .soil is admirably adapted lor the laising of all kinds of giain, especially wheal and peas, (^ver sixty fanulies residi- at I'rinco Albert Mission on the North Sa-»kat(diewan — )orty-six miles below Carleton — and raise largo quantities of wheat, besides other grain. Last year over H,Ol)0 bushels of wheat wore raised, and this year much more. A steam grist ami saw mill was put up last winter, and by this time it is in successful operation. Everything is in u progressive state, and tho colony has siu-cessfully ilemonstrated that thriving communities can be established in the far interior. On the banks of the South Saskatchewan, at the lower crossing, I found no less than fifteen setllei-s in October, 187'), whore there was not tho sign of a settlement in August, 1872. They had raised good crops the preceding j-ear, and on my second visit had a lai-ge tract of land broken up. Sixty miles north of ("arleton, on the tJreen Lake Jliud, a mi.ssi(jn had been started by a Church of Hnglund .Missioiniry nameil llynes, \n the fall of 1S74. Last year he raised wheat, barley, peas and ])otaloes, the latter in abundance, and had bright anticipations foi- this year. Jle was a practical Hnglish farmer, and he said thai the modicum ot saml in the soil was an eleniont of success in raising crops in the north, as the crops grow much quicker, and hence were less likely lobe injured by frost. Tlie Third Prairie Steppi'. The boundaries of this " Ste])pe " on the east are the westei'U bomuis ol the pre- ceding section. These are the Missouri Cotoau, or Thunder- Hreciling Hills, on iho boundary and south of the Saskatchewan, the Hagle Uills botwoon the two Saskatcho- wans, and the Thickwool Hills north of the North Saskatchewan, and west ol Fort Pitt. Speaking of ihe southern part of this section, Mr. (r. ])aw.son writes : " The strip of broken country embraced under the name of Missouri Coteau, from where it conies to the boundary line, to the HIbowofthe South Saskatcliewan, has an area of about 7,500 sr|uare miles, o| which the greater part must always remain unsuited lor pur- poses of agriculture from its rugged and stony character. It would, however, be au 32.1 oxcolk'Ml stock-raising (lisd'iol. Tlinii<^li soino oftlu' st('(>)»or iiills an' Imt scuntily olad with voj^otntion, a <;ro\vtli of (^ood mifritioiis gi-ass covors most of tlio siirfaot>, and swanijis and sloui^lis witii fxcollont hay i^rnss aio scattorod cvcrywhon'. in its physical features, tlicCotoaii rcseinlilcsTuitlo Mountain, and liito tliat place, woidd no douht naturally ho covi'i'cd with wood, liut (or the prairio tires, which sometimes run hundreds of miles inthedry wcatiier of autumn. As il is, the want of woo<| is one of the most serious drawliacks, and animals fed over these hills in summc r, would require to he wintered in some of the river valleys to the north, or in the woodofl ravines of the Tertiary i'lateau to the south. South and west of the Coteaii lies the ji^reat plateau of the Lij^nite Tertiary, which may be said to he/^in about the JJoO mile j)ost, extending as a well-defined table land as far as White Mud IJiver, a distance of 115 miles, in the vicinity of the line. Its form is very irregular, but its area may lie about 12,0(10 sciinire miU's. The soil o( this plateau apjx'ars as a rule to bo I of a fertile character, but the indications are that the rainfall, except in a few fav()ured spots, is too small (or thegr'wth of the ordinary croj)s. Its elevudon also, no doubt, renders it more subjeci to early and late (rosts than the prairie to the east, though the winter is probably not so hmg as that of the Valley of Ued River. On reaciiing this part of tlu' lliinl plateau in June of 1874, the vegetatior. from a com- parison o( llie (lowei'ing plants, appeared lo be about a week behiml that of the Second Stcp])e. The plateau of the Tertiary is for the most part adapted only for pastoral pin'poses, but being covered with a good growth of grass is well suitoil foi- this use. An important advantage of this plateau is the existence aloi.g its edges of slioKored ravines and valleys con(ainiiig groves of poplar ; and also the presence of great lignite deposits beneath it. In one of tiiese sheltered valle\-s the half-breed so(tlement known as Wood Mountain is situateii. j West of White Mud llivor to the oll'ith mile post an undulating prairie is passed over, resembling in its vegetation the surface of (he Tertiary Plateau. It is deeply (Irift covered. Beyond this point an outlying portion of t he Tt>rtiary Plateau si ret cues for about ;{0 miles. It is much cut up by ravi!:es, ;ind in some places is very stony, j hut in general it is overlaid by a closi; sod, diversitied by a Cow swamps covered with good grass. Heyond (his portion of the TtM'tiary Plateau an arid plain stretches with little [ interraption for tifty miles, nearly up to Milk River. It also extends tur iiorth-wost- I wards towards the Cypress Hills, and appears to coalesce along their western front, 'with a similar desert region which — according to Pallisor — exists to the north. It appears to he irremediably sterile and useless. In early spring, it is evidently in Lmany places wet, but in summer, dry, hard and tlssured, scarcely supporting a sod. iTt is traversed by the valleys of the Hast and West Korks of Milk River which riso 'in (he vicinity of the ('ypress Hills; but both the main streams and their lri!nitary f lules become nearly dry before tlie end of summer. I The western limit of this plain, is formed by a strij) of more elevated land lying between it and Milk Ilivcr. alxtut Hvo miles wide. This is again ba.sed on the Lignite j Tertiary formations, and shows a uniform shor( .sod, a few lakes and swam|)s, sin-roundod with fine hay grass lying along its eastern bo'-doi". Westward from the .Milk River, the uidortile (.'retaceous clan's do not recur, the , country being based on the Lignite Tertiary. To the base of the Kast Butte, the surface, though not of the .same desert character as that met with east of Milk I IJiver, is covered by a short, thin sod only, and is, besides, in many ]»laces, stony. : The unfavourable apjiearanceof all this region does notarise so mmh fioni aih^licicnc'y j in the soil itself as from the absence of sufficient moisture. Vegetation, in fact, depends (diiofly on the saturation of the ground by the water of the melting snow and spring rains; and when this supply is exhausted, its further grow.h is stopped as eftec(ually as it would be by the incoming of winter. The height and mass of the >Sweet Gr. is Hills (Three Buttes.) of which the highest or western one is 0,483 foot above the sea, is smdi as to cause the formation of clouds, in their immediate vicinity, where the rainfall is, in consef|uence, much 3-'4 TTioro coj)ious. TIioso mnuntnin.'j, niid tlic lirokon i^mnnd nroiind lliom, (V>rm n fhvonrito liaiint for llio liiiU'aln. wlii'li licro fiml iiltumlaiicn of t'ooil Jiiid wiiter. 'I'lic s|»fiiii;s risiiif^ from Hotm parts of the IJiKlcs me very ainpli', ami form cxlen.sivo streams; tliose on leaving' the slieller of the wooiloil valleys, ami issuing on to the plains, aro rapidly .t'lsorlied hy the dry soil and almospheu' in (lie stimmor season. Onoof those was oi)serve(l to he a rapidly flowinj^ hrool< dni'iiiir the nij;ht and morning, hut in tlio afternoon it itoeanie (piite dry. From the Sweet (Irass Hills, touai'd the l{oeky Mountains, thoconntry imnrovos in appt'arance, and shows evident signs of a greater raiidall. The ('actus, droase- wood and ytrf«7H/.s/(Mlisappear. To t lie .Second iJramdi of Milk I{ivor--a distance of fifty-live miles— -the coniilry is generally much hroken, liut shows remains of a former more elevated surface, in somewhat extensive (inttoppoil hills, which when uscendod, arc found to l.o nearly of e([iuil tieight, whiliit the soil upon thom is drier and more g/avelly than is elsewhere found in this region. There is usually a close, thick growth of grass, and the «wamps ami sloughs, which are numerous, generally hold grasfOH and carices to the exclusion of the rushes formerly most ahundant. The water 'di"d region, from ihe l-^econd IJranch of Milk River to the St. Mary's River, is of a similar charactei-. The portion of Ihe fertile Iielt fringing the eastern side of the I{ocUy Mountainn, in the neighhourlmiMl of the tbrly-ninth parallel, is ahoiil twenty five miles in widtli. On crossing the St. .Mary's liiver, a very nuirkeil and rather sudden change for the hotter is oi)seived. The surface at the same time, hecomes miu-e tindulating and hroken, and is ([uite hilly heforc the actual hase of the mountains is reached. It is now covered with a thick vegotahle soil, supporting a lu.xuiiant growth of gi'ass ; and wherever the tire has spared them tiees are found in all stages of growth. Many plants last seen in the neighhourhood of Pemhina Mountain and I'ed River Valley, and which across the more arid plains have hcen lurking only in sheltered hollows and damp coule.s, now rea))pcar over the sinface of tiio country generally. The rivers and streams, also, entirely ( hange their character, and instead of flowing hiluggishly with a milky opacity, now hold clear hlue water, lun swiftly over stony and gravelly heds, and are Idled with trout. " The foregoing description will show that the (diaracter of the Third I'rairie 8top])e is much more varied than that of either of the others; but also tiiat no |)arl of ilssoiitiiorn extent compares favourahl}' witii the land of the Red IJiver valley, or that of the best j)aits of the Second Steppe — alwaj-s excepting the laneeii (luite warm, the ice is completely gone, and the weathe." is like early summer. Wo are taking advantage of the tine weather and getting everything ready for the winter ; the men, a splemlid lot of fellows, are working away like Trojans." Verbal reports from various parties indicate that there are I'-aiiy tracts of lirst- clnss agricultural lands south of the North Saskatchewv.,i. The valley of Hattlo River is very highly sjiokoii of as well as the valleys rf Jiow and Molly Rivers. The Eev. W. Mac(h)iigall told nic that the lilackfeet country was (he garden of the North-Wosl and la{er ronorts tend to condnn this statement. I think from the detailed account given aliove of the character of the country along tli» lino wlicre it is (he higliost and ilriest, an unprejudiced person will he |)repared to believe the testimony of all who have been in the cnimtry that it is one wliieh will be valuable both for pastoral and agricultural pur|><)ses. Not liaving seen the district referred to myself I cannot speak from jiersonal knowledge of any part of it excejit that north of the Ni>rtli Saskatcliowan. After passing the North .Saskatchewan the country has a nioister climate, tho soil seems to have moro humus, and (here is every indication that at no remote perimi the forest reached to the river. I have no data at command to show the extent of prairie country north of tho Saskatchewan and east of (,'arleton, liut liaving traversed the area from (irecii T,ako to t'arloton I know (hat the 'ontinuons (orest is not reached until the traveller passes at least 7<> miles north of the latter (ilace. The Thickwood country may Ikj said to follow (he watershed betwei-n the Beaver and the Siiskalcliewan Uiversto tho head of tho former river, approaching nearest ti^ the Saskatchewan a short distance east ofViet(U'ia. Passing wers the temperature at times that summer fi'ost> are of l're<[ueiit < ccurreiicc between Fort Pitt and Victoria. When the land is cleared, and these marshes aredraiiied, summer frosts will cease, and this region will be secoiul to none in the Norlh-Wost. Fort Pitt being on the borders of the BatValo country, has no cultivated tielUs wm ^ h l:S nroiinil il, lnit ill Victoria MinHion (W.M.) ami Lac la Hlcliu (]{. ('. Mission) tho Ihilians ami lialt'liii'ols raiso an alaimlaiicc of wlioat ami otlior cereals, to^rutlioi* with cmtiiiioiis ci'oiis of polalotis and tjanlon vc^DlaMos. At I'Mmoiiloti ami ali'int its vicinity, lai-^o llclils arc ciillivatuil, ami at St. Alltcrt, iiinu miles IVuni it, tliuiv is a lar^c hall'liicctl suttloMiciit aixl nuicli lanU iimlur tlio plou^li. Atftid'iisi'a iiuil Euylish ftirer Distrii'tn. Ki'oMi CiiMiltorland ITonsu on tliu Saskatclicwun tn liuko Athahasca, tlio iriulsoii Hay ('ont|»any's route scimus to follow tlio Huparutin^r lino Iwtvvoon tlio liaurontian rocks an. I tlio liinostonys of tlio Silurian, ami tliis lino may lie said to soparato tho fertile lands from those that are iiiisiiitalile for piirp'sos of ai^riciiltiire. This roiito follows a chain of lakes to Fro^ I'orta^o, and from thonco hy Kii;^lisli Ilivor (('hiirchill) to islo La Crosse Ivake — from thonco l>y Miitfalo ami Mothy Lakes to l'ortaj;t» La Lo<'lic, and tlienco down tho Clearwater and Athahasca rivers to the Lake. A lino drawn ii./ni Lake Athahasca to tho west end of liittio Slave Lake, and front thence to near Jasper House at the haso of the !{ocky Mountains, will bo tho one side of a trianfj;le, tho opposite side hoini^ a litio from .laspcr Ifouse to Lake St. Anne, and thence alon^ the watershed hetweeii the SasUalehowan and Mcaver or Kti^lish river to Ciimiierland llouso. This larijfo triaimular area may he doscrlhod as a land of rivers, lakes, marshes ami swamps, with many 1 irgo tracts of first-class land, oven at jnisent ; whilst immense areas will he hrought under cultivation when the forest is removed. At various points of this section, I found crops j^rowin<4, and in every oaso there were lar^o returns received from the soil. Sir .John IJicliardson sa3-s that wheat is Huccossfully raised at C'umhorland iroiise. At Lac J^a Hiche, at tho head of Beaver Itivor, the missionaries raise excellent cmjis of wheal and other cereals. At Little Slave Fiake in 1871i, I found harleyin stack, which had hoon cut on the 12th August, while that at Kdmont m, on the Saskatcdiowan, was not cut until the lifilh of the same month. I was at Isle F^a ('rosso on tho 2ind Septomhor, 1875, and saw potatoes still as green as they wore in .luly. I was told W Mr. Cummings that th"ir potatoes are hardly ever killed hy frost in Septomhor. Flore there was a Hour mill driven h}' horse power, and all kinds of grain are reported as ripening success- fully. On the liordors of Clearwater, Ruttalo and Methy lakes, I saw nnmerous potato tields cultivated hy (^hipweyan Indians, who lived altogether on fish and potatoes. F was at the forks of tho Athahasca and Clearwater llivcrs on the 8tli Sei)tomhor, 187.5, and found tomatoes, cucumhers, wheat and barlo}' under cultivation together with all the vegotahlos found in kitchen gardens in Ontario. Here was a fine tract of prairie, which tho Hudson Hay Company wore going to cultivate, and from which they intend^ in the future, to supply tho whole north. On tho night of tho Sth occuri'od the first frost whidi had boon known on the Lower Peace and Athahasca Rivers since early in Ma}'. All the ciicunibors wore killed at tliat time, but no frost occurred at Fslo La Crosse. I spent ten days at Athabasca, and obtained specimens of wheat and harlo}', which have astonished all parties to whom I exhibited them. .Many of the ears c*izo intors)iorsoiI with uccdHional tiinianic ; (»r tlioy aro alti»j^«llu'r ih'Voiil of lives. iiihI rovorcil willi vaiiod N|Hh'iiiituni (|»i>at moss) and Krii-aci'ous >hi'iil>H; in iliis cu-ti! Ihry aiv (iiIUmI " niiisle set down as very poor and sandy. In the mountain swamps oidy 1 obsorvod balsam spruce (Ahifs hdlmnidt), and even then it was of rare occurrence. I never saw an elm, aHh, maple, pine, (other than those spoken of above), oak or cedar west or north of the Saskatohowan or on I'eacoKivcr, and I am i|iiite certain none exist. 'I'iir whole country around tht; soiilh and west of Lake Athabasca is a vast alluvial plain, elevated but a very few feet above the lake level, and in some yeaiN much of it remains permanently covered with water, The first riij^hl after leaving? Fort Chipwoyitn we slept in the boat on account of the lowness of (he land which waH not more than a foot above the level of the water. The .Vthabasca has formed a large delta at its mouth, and is every year siltinj^ up Iho lake with its muddy water. For miles before we cntcreil it from the lake, we passed over mud flats due to the same cause. The m(»uths of the river are merely a series of wiMow swamps and islands scarcely a foot above the present (Sep. iird) level of the water. I am unable to state the breadth of the main channel of the river, as it was (piilo evident that we entered by one of its smaller discharges. Where we breakfasted, the land had risen to a height of two feet alMtve (ho water — at dinner, four feet; and whore we slept, six feet above it. This was J.'i miles fr(tm the Lake and the first spruce was seen, showing that the land was only subjected to flood in tho spring. One da}' and half from the lake we reached the " Ilivor Kmbaras." where the ilella commences. At this point tho general level is about ten feet above the water. The whole of the country between (his and the lake is alhivium brought down by the river in bygone ages. All this immense delta, includin;- Lakes ('lair and Mainawti and their bordering marshes and all that part of tho Peace IJivor valley below IVace Point may be called a delta or f/ie Delta of tho Peace and Athabasca rivers. There is no doubt in my mind but that, atone time, all this region was lake, and that it i^ now silted up or being silted up by those rivers. Tho dep(»sits of the Athabasca have encroached so much on tho lake that there is not more than si.K miles from Fort (Ihipweyan to tho line of willows which nuirks (he division between mud and water. Outside of the willows there are more than two miles of mud shoals cov- ered with a thick growth of /'ufn (ITivcr Weed), and a gradually diminishing depth of water as one approaches thom. The water of tho Athabasca is even muddier than that of the I'eace, i>ut that which issues from the lake is (piite clear, in fact, the delta of Lake Athabaska is almost a Manitoba in embryo, as it is now what tho latter once was. From the " Delta" the country rises very gradually all the way up the Atha- basca and eventually passes into tlie foot-hills of the iiocky .Mountains on one side and the watershed of tho Knglish Jliver on the other. The whole is a gently sloping plain with the liirch Mountain breaking the general level south of I/.ike Atliaitasca, and the Deer Mountains south of Little Slave Lake. All tho lakes and rivers of tho district teem with fish of a large size and excel- lent Havour. Whitefish swarm in myriads in Lake Athabasca, fiittlc Slave Lake, and all the hikes and rivers discharging into Knglish or (Miurchhill river. Four-fifths of the food of tho (yhi|)Woyan Indians consists of this fish, while their dogs and those of the Hudson's ]Jay CN)mpany devour multitudes of thc^m. Suckers ami pike (jack lisli) aro frenk of the Peace the country soon loses its prairie character and becomes almost wholly an aspen forest which con- tinues down to the delta of the Ath.iba^ca and Peace River. On the loft bank of the iVace the prairie character of tin- country continues all the way to the vicinity o^ \lie (Jl° parallel, or to Fort Laird, but, the aspen continues beyond the Arctic Circle. om On the left bank of the I'eace tlie «'ou!itry tit for raising cereals extends fi Jludson's Jlope, lat. atP 1*2' iKjrth, long 122^ west, where it leaves the mountains, to the Arctic Circle in long. 1 IP wost. Slave River — thedischarge of Lake Athabasca — the south side of (ireat Slave Lake air I the .Mackenzie form the cjistern boundary of th IS area. The altitude of the district known as the '• Peace River Country " is much lower than the Saskatchewan '"ountry, not Itcing as elevated in latitude .')G°, close to thi pace w suinm R<»cky Moinitains, as at Kdn> >nlon, in latitude .").■{" ',V1', which is 2,08S feat above tho sea. Dunvegan, on Peace River, is only about 1,(1(10 leet al)ove the sea, and the general level of the juijacent country about l,tl(M). Lake Athabaska is said to bo loss than ()()(> feet above the sea, and as we proceed north the country gets grmlually lower, until at Kort Ncu-man. lat. •!"•', we are nearly at the sea level. An examina- tion of the map will show that ill the r'vers north of Peace River flow in a norlh- ca»terly direction towavds (ireal Slavi- liikc. 'J lu' change in altitude seems to keep ith the increase ot latitude as tar north .as Kort jjaird, in lat. Gl°, and the cr temperature ol f' ■« latter i> .said to l)o Just as high its tlio country along Smoky River, and in the .iCighbourbocKi of Dunvegan. At Vernullion, on the Lower Peace, in lat. .'tH"^ 24', I found the temperature much higher than at Dunvogan, in lat. .'»(!^ OS', so that I can easily believe iri tlu' nbovi' statement. The whole country between the mountains and Athabasca and (rreat Slave Lakes is a gently sloping plain, being under 2,.')(I0 foel, in lat. ."t.')^. and at the mouth of theLiiird less than Kid IclM, having become lowered to the extent of i'.t least 2,000 feet in live ilegreos of latitude; or six feet to the mile. Ranges of low hills cross it at intervals, but nothing like a mountain is seen, except the {{utValo Hills, south of Vermillion and the C.iriboo Mountains, which seem to be 40 miles to (he north-west ol it. These ranges may only be a tew hundred feet in height, and are possibly tho continuation of the plains of the Cppcr iVace. They se-vc as watersheds to separate the valley of the Peace River from that of the Hay' River on the north, and that of tho Luon Iviver un the south. 820 n lor void growth Lii Crortso Lake, vor or the Allm- |>( l)y tlio flow of iiimbiu' of lakes, t uast and nortli Iway, from Lako )artof it. Tiiis tion of moistiiru f tliu AtliahaHca r tlio niMiiiilaiitri illi ij;niss instead aiigos its tdiarac- roarli to Smoky uiivogari aiMl St. 10 ciiiintry wiicn which f»)riu tho y crowned with ho country Hoon )rost whicii con- loft hank of the I) (ho vicinity of lie Arctic Circle. lis e.xtontlH from to mountains, to ike Athaltivsca — wtern boundary " is much lower .")()", close to tho iH feat above tho tho Hea, and the is said to bo loss • gets grmlually . An examina- tlow in a north- c seems to keep It. Gl", and the country along »n, on the Lower it Dun vegan, in iKi (treat Slave 11(1 al the mouth if i'.t least 2,00(» »w hills cross it Hills, south ot ) the north-west are possibly tho ilieils to separate Mill, and that of The whole country seen or heard of throughout the region in question is covered with a deep, rich soil, of woridcrlul fertility, free from boiihters, and having very few swam PS or marshes. The rainfall seems to bo le.ss than that of Ontario, but this is t'onijjcnsateil by copious (h-ws, which keep the grass and herbs growing all summer. Tho clear skies and long summer days, comliined with the lowering of tho tempera- luro at night, seem to give astonishing vigour to v"^^"'*dde growth, and tocausograin and i-eetls of all kinds to bo far more prolitic here than further south. The following extracts, taken from my former report (Pacitic Railway Survey 1H72), will show the character of the country under consideration. Speaking of the country between Little Slave Jiake and the mouth of .Smoky liivor, I write as follows : — " Kroni the l*ost at the west c'.d of liittle Slave Lake, a number of bare hills could be seen, rising Irom the margin of the lake at its iKU-thern corner. These I took to be barren, but what was my aslonishmeni to (ind that they were actually covered with prairie plants. I found afterwards that this was no unco Dtnon occurrence, but that in (ill iiiscs, up to the base of the mountains, hillsido or river banks with a south- western aspect, were devoid of trees, an'( iini frijl'iruin}, the I'asinie Fiowc own •r (Aikhkhii iKilms) and an Oxytiopis {<>.i(/lr '/lin sjiliiii/ens) in full (lower. Kvideiilly a long ^pell of diy weather lia beautiful prairie all the way. Thi> w;is on the north, or left bank of the river. As I proceeiled ii|i the river 1 could see that the left bank was a constant siuecs^ion of grassy >lopes, with aspen cops*' and servii-e berry thickets ill the hollows. The riglil bank on the other hand was always woodeil, the timber being aspen, while bindi, and spruce. The islands and points (hat l\)rmcd the .secondary bank of the river wer<' generally covered with lialsam poplar of a large size, but spruce, aspen, and bircli were in considerable ipiantities. Long-leiived willow i^Siili.c li'iii/i/'"l>ii) liisl look |)ossession of the recently formed I'lud banks, (|uickly lojlnwi'd by balsam piplar, which, on tho sumo island, could be seen passing from a seedling of a ye.-ir old u|i tt to depict the appearance of the country, as il was so utterly beyond what 1 ever saw before that I dare hardly make u.'^e of truthful words to poiirtray it. Mr. Selwyn. who made an excursion ten miles to the north- west, reports a very luxuriant vegetation where he was — much greater than he ever saw at Kdmonton <»r anywhere in the Saskatchewan country. Kaiti}- Kiver and the Little Slave Lake marshes are the only regions known to me that aro in any way comparable to it. 'V\w latter, howevi-r, is marsh, and this is a plateau nearly level. and over 70<> feet aliove the rivei-. The .soil must be exceedingly rich to su))|>orl such a growth year after year, and the early sumnn'r teinjH'iature must be high to have vegetation so far advan-ed at this jH'r'iiHl (.luly 27th.) Ail the cultivation done at Si. .lohns is on Ihi- terrace immeides ol the river, but there is no reason why cereals should fail on the top of the hill, as, if anything, tho .soil is belter. There was only about a week between tlie ripening of the berries on tlu' hill lop aniii(nt>ii. a sjieeies of Cacliis, is tbuiid here, in comj>an\ with many prairie si»ecies. On these slo|tes, ('apt. Mtitler saw Anfiiioni'. jiittiiis, or l'fts<|ue flower — iho first tlowor which shows itself in Manitoba, — covering the groiiml with its pale bluo II "wi-rs, as early as tho 22nd of April, 1S7;{; and the :5l i iK'W islaiiiN, on llic Jiowor It St. .InhiiN, a l»y land, tliu .'riiatiiii; wilh IS wliioii flow lis yoMlorday. I'l. hiaiiiiii;*' a^ no inai>li. Ii llii* a|i|ic'ai- '•1 a park-like live.-. Tliex- . St'Oll." releired to in > IJivef, I h.i.l <)ii)|iaiiied liy Kaniiniii^ the the level nl' t (lie |ilaleaii u' river. Imu' illi I Ik; iiil he invited me to look at a strange plant he had in his garden. VViiat was my astonishment to tind a bed of cjcumbers with a number ripe on the vinoi and many green ones. I aske 1 him if he raised the young plants in a hot-bed. but ho know iioihiiig Uim 100 feet above it. AtLiti'c ' ed ]{iver I found everything in a very forward stati-. Cu(!Uinbers started in the open air were fully ripe, Windsor and pole beans and peas were like- wise ripe, August 15th. Fort Cliipweyan, at the enirance to Lake Athabasca has comparatively poor soil in its vicinity, being largely composed of sand ; still, here I obtained tine samples of wheat and barley — the former weighing sixty -eight pounils to the bushel, and the lattei- lifiy-cight pounds. The land here is very low and swampy, being but little elevated above the lake. At the Freiiih Mission, two miles above tho Fort, ftats, wheat and barley were all cut by the 2Gth August. Crop rather light on the ground. Mr. llardisty, chief factor in charge of Fort Simpson, in Irtt. 01° N., 1 c t I r 33:^ ole month of wind, hulmy Octobor, the II the foot hills lis lute as tho idoiits in tho ivor fi'oin tho ) Hudson liny 10 river for 10 was lirst soon *ed tho winter tho setting in s hitor than at sol in ut Lai^e ns. From my •om Winnipeg ) in taking tho area of nearly hillside at St. il 22 nd, mii ; in flower on found that the h April. Tho 1 tho year Sir tho spring is the opening of mted from the after tho first 10th May, and for wlioat not , and potatoes 1 A ugust, and III of the same ripened three !i-ature at this r. Shaw, who never in jure ;an ho grown. st I ever saw. tout. In my level of the ('ueumU'rs eius wore liUo- Uhaliasea has still, iiere I ght pounds to and swampy, mill's aliovo ) rather light hU. Gl°N., informed mo that barley always i-ipciu>d there, and that wheat was sure four times out of tivc. Melons, if ntartod under glass, ripen well, frost seldom does them much damage. Chief tnider Macdougall, says, that Fort Laird, in lat. fil° N., has tho warmest summer temperature in the whole region, and all kinds of grain and garden stutf always c(»me to maturity, lie has boon or, tho Y'oucan for twelve years and says that most years barley i-ipons under tho Arctic Circle in Ion. 143° W. The localities mentioned were not chosen for their good soil, but for the facilities which they atl'ord for cariyiiig on tho lur trade, or for mission purposes. Five-si.xths of all tiie land in the I'oaco River section is just as good as the |H»ints cited, and will produce as good crops in the future. The reason so little is cultivated is owing to the fact that the inhabitants— Whites and Indians, arey/(\s/t caters. .Mr. Macfarlane, chief factor in charge of the Athabasca District, told nie that just as much meat is eaten b}' the Indians wiieii they receive flour and potatoes as wlieii without them. At the Forks of Athabasca, Mr. Moberly, the factor in charge, has cut an immense (juantity of hay, as the Hudson's Hay Company,winter all the o.xon and horses used on Mothy I'ortage at this- point Ho told mo that in ayear or tw)the Company pro|K)»ed supplying the whole interior from this locality with ffxt, as the doer were getting scarce and supplies rather precarious. This is the ideniical spot where Mr. I*(md had a garden tilled with Kuroj>ean vegetab!e> when Sir Alexander Mackenzie visited it in 1787. The following extracts arc from .Sir Aiexander Macki-nzio's travels, lie passed the winter of 1792 and 17!>3 near Smoky Rivei, and writes as follows : " November 7th, the river began to run with ice yc'itenlay, which we call the last of navigatuMi. On tho 22nd the river was fro/.p:i across, and icmained so until the last of April." Between the Kitli November and the 2iid December, when he broke his thermo- meter the range at 8.30 a.m., was from 27" alM)vo to KJ" below zero; at noon tho range was from 2!)" above to 4" below, ami at i! ji.m. it was fntm 28° above to 7° below. " On the .'itli .lanuary, in tho morning, the weather was calm, clear and cold, the wind blew from the south-west, and in the afternoon it was thawing. I had already observed at the Athabasca that this wind never failed to bring us clear mild weather, whereas wiieii it blew from the opposite quarter it produced snow. Here it is much more perceptible, for if it blows hard from the south-west for four hours a thaw is the conso(juence. To this cause may be attributetl tiio scarcity of snow in this par: of the world. At tho end of .January very little snow was on tho ground, but aliout this time the cold became very severe, and remained to to tho lUih of March, when tins weather became mild, and by the Stli of April all the snow was gone. On the 2(llh the gnats and mus(iuitoes came, and Mr. Mackay brought me a bunch of flowers of a pink colour and a yellow button {Anemone patens) encircled with six leaves of a light purple. On the other side of the river, which was still covered with ice, the plains were delightful, tho trees were budding anil many plants were in blossom. The change in the appearance ot' the face of nature was as sudden as it was j)lea--ing, for but a few days lia since the ground was covered with snow, ice.' On tho 25ih tlio river pas«eil away was cleareil of Wii liile on I'cac*' river, last year, I had instructi(tns from Mr. Selwyn to observe carefully tho flora of the country, for the purpose itf comparing it with other and belter known parts of the Dominion. With this end in view, I enumerate 1 all the species found growing at the following six distiinl point:^: Hudson's Hope, just east of the mountains; St. .lohns, (10 miles lx;low ; Diinvcgaii, 120 miles liirtiier down; Vermillion, about 30l> miles Iowlm- down; then Litlle Red River, IKO miles further down, and lastly at Lake Athabasca. As will be seen, the flora of the whole river is much like that of Central ()nl;irio, and ot' the prairie region. It m:iy be as empeiature ot' the growing season fouml. The lollowin;; table gives well lo romaru iiiai we can only iictiu from the character of the vegetable product lions tho result of the botanical examination in a very condensed form Hi 384 1 • f ! ^ li t If i Wi'st of Weslcrn Total. Hellevillc, Quebec. Mnimtain. IMaitis. nmlsr^n's iropo 211 VM', 7 17 51 St.J..lins LMH ICI ;{ <; 78 DiiMvciraii lilt; KJO 2 5 79 Voimillioii If)!* 112 2 1 44 Little Ri-d IJiv.-r 12H 88 1 '{!) Jiiikc- Atliiilmscii 24') 18(i 7 2 50 Tlic only jilatits tliat sliow any si;;iis nfa boreal climate ai'o tliuso from Qiioluff. Tlio two at \'onnilli and aliso that of tho two ri/nning months July and Aiii;u>t. July nnd Lat, N. Sumuier. Spriiif;. Auliinii!. Au"t{u.Ht. f*umberland House... W.V'M iVl-iVl ;i'{04 :{2-7<» (>4-25 Fort Simps(ui <;i 50 .V.I-IS L'O-fiO 27-;{4 02:51 Fori Chi pwevan 58-42 58-70 2270 .'il-KiJ 00-00 Winnipei,' ...' HKkJ OOHO 40-50 17-10 04-00 Fort William 48-21 5!1-!I4 .•{'.1-07 ;{7-S0 0(1-52 Toronto 4:{-;{!» 02--f(» 4!t-!tO .'M-OO (;8-50 Helh-ville 4410 04-;{0 52-40 ;{2-70 (;s-;{0 Ottawa 45-25 04-00 51-(;0 20-20 0S-,-)0 .Mniiircal 45-;ri O.'MKI 5|-1(» 27-00 OS-25 (^uel)e(- 40-4S Ol-K) 47'7ll 20-40 OOKt Halifax 4J-:i.> 0 r)(» from (^iK'li»!C. 11(1 Jli^'li Jitislj wliolc ri'j^ioii lai'io. of^ical iTjx'il. r Ontario ami -,; is iieai'ly us iiorlli. 1 take ripening montlis 'illy Hiiil ^UHM.-lt. (54-25 (>()-f;0 (;4(!0 (;(i-5'i (;s;{(» (jS-5(» (;.S-25 Cll-lll (;:5T<» 5iS5 may not iio f cliarac'tor of fjil oi'al least I llio ^'Pcator I pai'aliol, llu' I sai^o l)rii>h omos (rovorotl m aro soplacoil me. No ei-e. .' of im)is- inoiv eniKihlo hiu;li treeless iii^^lil is less mi C'oteaii, is a- si'lllemenls ■s ill whatever of tlie woods t liyall w.-itcrs ic reuse. It in liiilj- as miuii last summer xperieiiee ami 111 of mill, but III .TJ5 on tlic contrary is possesseil ol oxteiisive marshes, swamps and forests, the product ot a rainfall, which, in comparison with the evaporalion, is oven to laimii lanl. Captain l'alisst>r, when in the SasUalchewan country in IS.')^'- .*>;•, had pils ^iink in tliesoil to see what depth the I'rost penetrate I, and at tli it time, in the spriii';, the soil was free from it. On tlio level prairie, in the vicinity of Kdmonton, the frost penotrateil to a depth ol" seven feet during the winter of IS5S, while the next winter it penetrated only (o a depth of six feet. The former year there was scarcely any snow, whichaccounts for tho greater depth of trost. I( may possihly remain in the ground all summer in a swamp, hut cannot remain in a fairly dry soil all the year rouml. except the mean annual temperature fall heiow Ireczing point or .'{2° Falir. It is well known that ii coaling of moss or straw will kcp the IVn.it in the ground till June in Ontario, so that I shouUl not he surprisivl to hoar of frozen soil in .Manilohu in .luly. Captain I'allis(M' found that the ground, three feel helow the surface, grew colder until almiit the 2.'ith Ki-hruary, when the temperature hegan gradually to increase; hut it was not until Ilie2."irhow ihat Ihe rainfiill of . Manitoba for spring and .summer is nearly Ihat of Ontario. .Manitoba meuii for spring, l)*42 inchi-s; mean for summer, (iOO inches, Ontario •' " (;-2n " " " S-.TJ '• This, taken in connection with the fact of the I'ro.^t retaining the moisture in the soil, and the st-.-inlier evapm-ation <-au>ed by higliei- laliludes, gives .Manitoba .-i grealer rainfall than Ontario, and ensure-* it agaiii>t our lVe(|uent drought. On the other hand, Ihe light rainfall of the auliimn, taken in coniieclio!) with the small amount of ssiiow (which never thaws, but evaporates) during the winter, pioduc<'s an immen.se amount of fodder every season, over an area not less than .'itHl.diid s(|ii!ire miles. It is the light rainlall of Iheaiitiinin and the setting in of winler wilhoii! it thai gives the nutritious hay grass that cattle aiul horses cat on the plain-; ail winter. This is the true reason why these animals come in fat from Ihe plaiii> in >pring; and cattle fed wIh'ii the snow gets too deep for ihem to lind food on the plains would winter just as well as the horses. All thai has been said and writlen about the nulrition^ gias.-ow of the South Saskatchewan lor a radius. On these hinds the grass ,selilon> forms u sod, and the raiid'all is deticient. III. Immediately surrounding the above is the " I'rairio and Copse Woo«l Sec- tion." Here the grass forms a s(Ml,and the treeless j)rairio passes by easy gradations into |)opiar copse, wiiieh eventually hoeomes continuous forest. i\'. This section extends from the west side ol LaUe Winnijieg, and includes the Saskatchewan country below Fort !i Lii ("orne, the basin ol tho Upper (Miurchill, and also that of the Athabasca from the Forks of tho Clearwater to the Jlocky Mountains. \'. The I'eace Jtiver section includes all the lands drained by that great rivor e:us| of the Uocky Mountains. From the Mountains to below .Smt»ky Kiver the land is principally prairie, but, after that, it |ia.sses into a poplar forest, which e.xtonds to ihe K'ivor h.-iiard, north of the (list parallel. Although the tigures given above look imiiosing, the}" do not come up to the reality, i'lacing tho arable lamls at 80, ((00,000 acres, we have about the same num- ber lor pasture and hay lamls, and over 4(M'""i""0, or oncs-lifth of the whole, for lake, marsh and swamp. Tlie preceiling part of this report will show where those lands are located, and my reasons tor assuming so high a percentage as being lit tor raising grain. .lUilN MACOUN, M.A., J*ro/c;<6ijr (if Jiulanij, Albert CoUeije. H:\' ur«H, LakcH I SwumpK. Al'PKNDIX Y. 1,«)0(»,00(» 2(),4.S0,0()() (J4,«;oo,oo() 2.S,8(>0,00() 120,400,000 I'llodUKSH KRIMiIlT ON TIIK SUKVKYS MAI»K IN TIIK \VK>TKHN I'KMKIK llKdloN, \Mi tiV rMK KASTKIIN Si UfK Ol TIIK llnCKV Mol NTAINS, IN |S7»;, IIV IIKNUV A. I'. AlACLKOH. con Iho 10:5i'\.ton, us doscril)0(l Ottawa, L'liml Koiuuaiy, 1.S77. Siu, — I havo (he lioiioiir lo sultiiiit llio following roport on (lio oxpioiatioiis, pio- liminai'V imd location surveys, tor IIki Canadiaii Pacitic liailway, inado diirin,:; lht< season oi'l.'^T'i, in *li<' Nortli-Wcsf 'J'crriloiio, liclwccii Livingstone (Kort IVIly,) and tlic bunimit of the Yellow iload Pass, lincUy Moiinluins. At tho date of my last re|»ort, 2Slli Marcli, 187w Head I'ass is 2551 miles. Trial survey.s were jnade over the gre.iter part of , !i. ring the season of IHTG, and KiO miles wen^ located, leaving '.Kt'l miles yet to lie located. Tin' plans and ])ro(ilos of the portion not located show a lino laid down denoting (he |)ropoMe«l location. A reexamination was also madi' Ity Mr. Lucas, of the ditliciili ground hetwcen the Willow Jlills and the rtiiinniit west of I'.iitValo (-'ooje. Having com[)lelod my otHce work in Ottawa, you again ilesired me to rclnrn (o the North-West, to superintend the surveys, and to make a reexamination of-evcial loc'dities over \vlii(di the surveys of 1875 passed, in order to redure. construction work. Tho portion from the Willow Hills to jJutl'alo Coole, south of tlie four Mlaekfoot Hills was particularly mentioned, F having led yoti to suppose that a more favoiirahle line could he foimil. Iiv kiepiiii,' more l ot the conti-ait (Xo. 2) -lioiild have been (ompleted on the tirst of Jul}-, ]87t!. On tli(^ 27lh of A|»ril. I sont a rofpiisitiou to Mi'. Uolis(jn, iho l'iii'Vi'\ nr in ]{iiii>.h ('^•liuntiin, to forward thre<' months provisiwiis for Messrs. Lucas and L'utrlan, lo tho " AthabaskuDepol,' to be deliv(u*ed in .luly, which I comi)uted wouM be a siillicient supply to c tmplete the location surveys, and would carry the parties back to Fori ('arllon, ankcil liiiii lo Imrry tlicru in I nW* a-ifitninod Iroin Mr. Kiillt!!' wliiil ([,iiuitif\ c>l" pii'vi.^ion>< coiilil Itool.taiiU'ii lioin liini iif Mal.tii'loil. 'I'o <-tiiiblo iMo>»i'<«. Ijiu'ii.<< unij Udltitn to tnakr a I'urtiMM- t.-\uniiiialion ot thu 10(1 miloM south ol' iho tuiii' lllacMoot I'lli^, I j^aw ;i ivoiii^' «'oiMpioU>il, I K'l't Winiiipui; li'i' IvlinoMtun on tiio 'I'lxA of July. 'J'lio nops aioiijf^ tho loud were iMa;,'ni!iccnt, parliriiiarly in tlu' vicin-ty of I'ortairo I^a I'laiiio. Tliorr w;i' nn appi-arami' of ^i'a.«-Hli(i|.pi'i-< in llii- I'lovimc, lln! lii'>t I met wfiv to tln' \Vi'>l ofMrnai Jiriki-; liny \vi n: niiiiit'KniH ;il l''ort Kliii'c, and an lai- wi'st .,-, ilir rinJi.-.aMl Jlili I'lains. On ilio 4tli Aii^ii^l, wo i)a»t;d Toutliwrxxl Hill i'o^l, wlicro t li'.irnt tlial liio biill'alo wore witliin two days of llio |»o.mi, wliirli is niiuli tin tlu-r oust and north tlian they li.ivc hi'cii lor ycai ■•. Next d;iy I in' i Mr. i 'ivmiplon returning; to Winnipet^, having hoc'ii oliji^od lo loavo .Mi. J.,ii(ii>' pa.tytVnm illncs.s. jlo ivporU-d that all WH.t going on favourably with ihu parties wliuii he left, hut 1 1 lo progress made was nol so gioal i\-< 1 expelled. 1 rt-aihed Uie survey and Iclegrapii lino on iln- Vlli .Augusi, whore lh<> trail to tiie middle ferr}' iiilerseel.^ it and loUowed the line to llii^ no.\t trail west, laking notes of iho eoKiilry over whieh ihc; loeiiion .shoulii i>e niadf. The grass was so heavy, mul tho country so iiilly, that it told very much upon my 1\ium',>), and I iiad to give up my intention of (.rossing tho South Sa>Uatchewau at the railway ro.-sing, and inaUe foi- tiie Ujiper teny, w hieh I crossed on ibe "lii August. At l{attle!ord. I received a lelegiam trom Mr. N.T. Muilieod, iniorniing mo that tlie supply of pi'ovisions was very small at lidmonton, that the Hudson's Hav Oun]>any there were entirely out, and that by ijio last news fVom the )»arlies in tlio mounlainii no Mipplif- bad as \et arrived tVom Kandoop-.. 1 aUi> met .\Ie>si'-. Bi'ndio and Har- vey, vvhu were li>reed to leave .Mr. Ivutlan's ; aity, having been rendered unable Cor work through an a'lai Iv ol seiir\y. I learned frnm llu-m a good deal ot liio slate of I^ivisii/iis I', and \i. M'. .MacLeod inl'oi-nie.| nc tb.il he bad sent :i reipiisition from Mi. I.uias fur. a month's supplies to .Mi . Clark II ndsoii'.-. I>ay < 'onipaiiy. < 'arleloii, and ;i>l.i d me lo .>ei' that the provi>ion.s were disiiah bed as -loon as po->ible. 1 wrote to .^l^. I'larU, and asked him to (omply with Air. Lmas' jotiuisitioii, and at tho same time to sentl a like • luanlity I'oi- Mr. J'ultau. to I'Mmonto-.. Mi Clark ie|)Iied thai he would t'orwanl llie siij>plie> al (Uici;. 1 also boiii;hl one nionlh's siipplu s from Mr. Fuller, at Ualtle- I'onl, for each party, iniliidiiig ten o.\en, with carl.-. The.so were to follow me in charge of one of my jiartv. whom 1 btl behind, lie was also to Juri- som< men reipiired in the Held, who wen- to act as drivers of the ox train. I had tliu> provided three months' >upplie.> foi' oic'li party, vvhiih w Mild bo availabli should the stoivs from l\ainioi.|(-, not arrive, o\ whii h tli<'ir a[)peared lo be considerable uncertainly. .My own supplies woiv aNo replenished, so as to eiiab!;, mi' to m.ake the journey to the summit and back without di'awing upon the provisions (d the "-urveying jiarlie-*. Mr. Fuller, tho leUgraph , potatoes, and garden vigetables, iiieluding euciim- bei- and onions, by simply breaking up the prairie and sowing on tiie sod, tlio sanio season. Tilt' liull'alo were ver\ iiiiiiurous a short distance I'rom IJattleJ'ord, some of ibem were liiinted within a mile of liie new police barra(dis. 1 bdl liaitlellird on tho ITiih ol' August, and in the afiernoon met .Mr. Fallfir'.s iii.Mi iclurniiig, iiaving compkte.l tlu' erection of tho telegraph to the longitude of Ivimontoii. (}n the Itflh I eoimnenced the examination (d'tbe salley of iiattle |{iver, 1 left the surveyed line at .'iiU miles out t'rom Livingston, following u course gen- erallj N 80 \V, and joined the liin' again near the 3(>0tli milo. two i>:irtioM, )n|| >.ll|)|)li(;H taiiiod lr«»in llrloil. To f l(»n iiiilt'H lo ^^^)ll(l dlio lilort WOSt 1)1' tlio li2i.e>,'. >i'toaiiy lio moiiiUaiiiH lio unil llar- 1 unal'lf for tho ^laU■ of l,iit a.^ lor .a Uni nil) to M!0 r riaili, ami lo .-(.I I' I a lilsf Mild incwai'l or, at lialtlo- IioIiIikI. lie or> of ihi' ox ii h w 'ulil I'o |ioaroil lo !•<• I,, ciia''!;. nil' 10 |iro\ i>ii'ii> inwin,^ >otli0 iidiii^ runiiii- -,(1(1, till! ^aiiic soinr of liii.'iu •L Mi'. V'.'Wiyv':* l(iii;_Mlil'lo ol Hattlo |{iviM-. ;i I'oiirsc ;:;oii- 880 llaviii:^' III otxlfil alMiiit fonr luilt'x in i|i<> uIionh tliiaution, I nifl it liiji;h riili^'o of till' Williiw llilU oxtoMilin^ four iniirs (o t ho «toulh in tuhm flio lino i \va'< followini;. \vhii-h olili^od nio lo turn in tlial ii. I f<>aii'l liatllo Uivir Il>>.\ iiii: in tho hniitli of lliii riili^'o, ami ''oniiiinoil niv iravor^o itji ii- noiiii liaiiU. 'I'lm lninUs .u"0 vory rou;;li ainl hrolvLii, with hif^h liilN, ri^itifj; iniinoliaU'ly t'l tho imrih, !•"» l<',t aliovo fhn IdvoI of lhi> river. I liii'l coiisi.lorablo thai I I'oum'I Iho i oii-lnnlioM of tlm railway in lliis lilroolion uoiiM ho iiioi-oi ostly than alony iho lino miiinoVi'I. whioli is aU-i Muit! iliroot, if iho lino >outli of tho four HIaoUlitot hili-^ ran lio iinpiovod. Ilavinj^ loliowi"! iho hanks ol Uatllo iJiver fur about sovon inilos, I look a oourso X fill wo-l, which onahlo'l ni'' •■> pa'— to iho north of llf luvil wo^lol•!y of iho Willow Hills, ainl lo jnin onr ^nr\"\oil lino at Slatimi ;!1!'-. I a^jain loll our >nrvoyo(| lino at Stalioii ."tiitil, ami iriaile a tiavorso to I lio MUith lo I'Xainino tlio oo.ilo that run^ thiou>,'li ihi.- valKy, ;iml to a»'oi-lain Iho |iositlon of I'.alilo l{ivor. ki\ llaviiit; |»roooo' runniii!,' nearly at ri^ht anj^los to my course, varyirii; in iieii;lit from 100 to "JOO foot. In alMiul fourteon rnilos 1 oaino upon a ooolo riiiiiMii;^ woHlwiinls inio Hatlle K'ivir. ami in live mile-* nioio caino upMii ilu) hanUsof iho rivi-r. I sirnek IJaltlo River near tho north < orni-r o|' ;i Hiiddon licnd whit h il makes lo the north, and fouinl thai < ii i/./ly Hear Coole runs into ii at tho north eiio of tho I'lMid. Tho hanks are very roui;h and iirokon, standing 100 foot aiiovo the river, and I hoy arc i iil up \>y deep coolos and si reams from Iho norlh. After crossiii:;- (Jriz/ly Hear ('oolo I continued in a westerly din i lion, ami found llial the i^roiiiiil rose in u succossioiis of plateaux lo a lioi^hlof (JOO foot ahovo the river in u distance ol (J miles. I eonnocled my Irtivoi-so with the -urvoyed lino at Slalioti 100 or lOli miles out IVoni Liviiif^slon. From the information tliu.^ olitv.In.'.l i decided that no more favomalile line can bo i'ound near the improvomeiih /ground. lU'in^ nearl\' slraiirht, it has the advanlai,'eof i.K>in^ the mostdireet hetweon tioveniiii^ points, the .^oulh of iho four lllaekfoot llill> a.'d the >oiiih of the Heaver Hills. 1 wrote to Mr. Sinitli on the .'{Olh .Vii^iist, from F.diiitMiton, that I h.id eome lo tliiH conplusioti, and Mr. fiucas has sinco, from actual sarvey.s, ascertained that this portion of Iho surveyed line can lie much impi'o\ed and prohahh- sh,.rlent,' I. the valioy of Battle Uiver ihan the prcenl survey line, and that idl Is must bo lUiulo within a snorl dislaiico of this line, as .lol oul on the riiere is a belter ero.-sin;^ of MuH';ilo (,'oolr ;iImiuI hall' a niilo lo the north of the one siirvo\e(|. I examined the eoolo |lir '!!, miles to the north and found thai il did not imjirovo, and dial the hills became hit^ber to the west and east. I continuod niyjourney .'don;; Iho leloirraph lino, passed the south of tho IJoaver ililN, and arrived al the iole;;raph sliiliou on the IFmv jjaki- trail lo I'Mnionton on the 2Hb August. From this point I was enabled lo lommunirato by lele^'raph with 'he ollico in Ottawa. Fr'>m iho toloLTrapli station I followed the lino wot ward to Ihe loni^iludo of Kdmonloij. The line itasses over some Iml^Ii hilly i_'iound to iho oast of White .Mud Coole, on the wtitorsheii between IJallle JJivor and the .Suddiii lnnv;in. It would ajmoaras thou;^h the Heaver llillsand l*ii,'e m Hills f u iiied a cotiiinnous ran;ie over which tho lino nuirit pa-ss. The orossini; of While Mud t'oolo in lieavy ; the approach on the e.-i-t can be improved l>y di-tleelin/^ tlio line to the soiilh. West of till" ooole the const r'uction of Iho line is oas\- to tho eios>iii:^ c>C ibe .Sasl<;iteln\vaii. I ariivod ill Ivlnioiiton on the 'Jiilli .\ui;iis|, rcecivod leilor.-. from Mc-^-r-. Lucas and Kuttaii, and ascertained what pro;.;re.^, the jiailies were making'. Fronj the leltors recoivei [ learned ihal the siirvoN's wore not so far juivanooil as I ostimaled lliey would lie; that the siipplioi from Kaiiiloo|is hiid not arrived, ami thai they migbl not arrive lor .some time on aecount ol the high water in ihe.Myeilei 310 I i IN lilso lliat llio |i!il'll<-» vVMiil'l MIDI) lit' ;;i'ttiii/< "Imi-t of •«ti|»|)liO'«, wliilsl. i t'ouiitl lliat tin* lliiilyiiin I'ttv ' '••iiiprttiy 111 I'JiiMoiiloh wci'f aliiiii-(' |)i'ii\ i-iiiiis, | loni iniiiiii ati'il willi Mr. Smilli I'll i In- hIhivi- iii;iltt is liy Icttrr on (lu' UOtli An^^qixl, iiiut also wrolf I" Mi'>hiH. I.inn^ ami IJiiil iii, Iclliii;,' llicin nt'llii' aii'aii;^riiu)ii|t I IiaX(Ii:iiil;o», a- -oiiir WfiT ii')t .iMi' In ^'1 nil Ciiiilior at ilm liino. 'riuM'oiiiiiiissatiat iliicii • 111' Di i-i'>ii> I'amI I., aiiivi-cl on llii .'Jnl St'|»U)iiil)iT, laiiij; iii;,Mlir news thai ImiiIi iiiirlii's wcri' (in llicirway mil, witlionl ciiiiipli'iini; iho lixatioii mil v»'\ - Till' i'X|plm((i1 Miji|ilii's iVum KaiiiliMi|is limi not anivfil al Allialiaxca 1)<»|h"i| np Id llu' 2(!lli Aii^iixl, Tin' liwillli of Ixttli pailim was Ht'i'i'Uisly impuiroil jiy tiio »'.\i>'»Miri' 1)1' lasl wiiiti'i', ;iiiil |iriil>aiily liotii waul nl Kiillii icnl clian^^o in dii-l. I k'U)^'i'aplii'am(' day. Oil llii> .'ill Scptoiiilu r I ,M'I oiii Ini llu' iiiouiilaiiis. I nii'l Mr. I.iiiartand Ins paily al I'oiiiid Lake on the 8lli. lie and many of his ]iai'l3' Wire .Hiitl'ering from what aiipiaiod to he symptoms of M'lirvy, and did not fool t i|iia! lo ronliiiuin;; work in the tudd foi' any Ien;,'theiii)d periixj. Ml". I,iieas lias, in all cases, .-.iieieidi'd in findiri;,' a (avonraMo line over the now ]ioiaionrt of lliti eoiintry on whirli I repoi te 1 la>l .season, Tin' dislaine Iia.s hceii shortened I'y alKnit 2(1 mile-. I eoiitimiei my journey on the lUh to the Loh^tiek, Avhcre I met .Mr. Unlttin iind part}-; mnny of tli(>m wore in a hud Hluto of health, suirerinic appareiilly from the -.ame malady as Mr. LueaH' party, and almost al! wt're liadl^' provided wilh ilothiii;^. Ak tiieio wa.s no i ei lainty of supplies reaehin^ Athahasca Depot this season from the western side of the mountain^, an I as it would he almost iin|iossilili' to siii)ply a larty in the iiiuuniains hy ii>in;j; doi;s from Ivlmonlon, taking into le-eoiinl also ilui lad eohdition o| the men for winter work. I dicided to ahamloM location surveys for the pie.-elii to the wc-^l of the McLeod. I iheretoro diri'cled Mi. K'littan to complete the locution of the line hetwoon the I'eniliiiia .•iml .SasKalelu win. a d!>tiin< c of ahoiit tl) miles, arran/^'im^ that Mr. Ijnas should make a n' e.xMmiiiation otthe iiiii' siii\ e^'ed tiy him, lu-t ween li.e summit west of Hiilfalo (\ toil- and ili> Willow Mills, liy makini; extensive cimss traverses with levids and hy surveyiii;^ lu-w iro^sint;^ of the ci)()16s. The remainder of tho working ^oason vva.s hilly occmpiod in nnkin;.; tho.se surveys. On the rjtii, i met the Ia>t of Mr. Uiittan's |)ail plans, whii h I levi^ed, and took imttis of the iiilmipal diHienltie^ wliitdi he eneoiintiMvd. We urriveil at Wool iJiver on the l.'Uh, and followed Mr. Liieus' new trail across Wolf Hivor lo the .McLeod. There is a u">"d deal ol wet, marshy country in Ihi.s -^eition, and the trail, in con.-eiiui'nee of recent heavy ruins, was very had. On tho I'ith we ariived at. thr moulli of Mo lieine Lid^e l)reek. whore the locution line eros.sos the McLeod. Mr, Liu:iH hus uscertained this season tliut Medicine Lodge docs not flow from " Ssvamj) Tiiike," as V'alad inl'ormed me last year . it takes its ri.se more to the north, jioar the Athal.a->ca. aivl llow> in a soulh-i-asterls direction to within ei^'Iil milo>< ol its moatli. when it turns to the east. Several other streams run across the roiinlry, tlowin-^ into the .MrLeml hcl' ire the waler-hed is remdiod, hut ^Ir. Ijiica> haliy i^ioiind here ami the trail is uiiyihiiig luit jjoll-<. I fOtH- Ah;^!!"*!. ami H I li:iil tiiailu uar tllti'il Cto' miiIk'I', liriii^- ; llu' liuatioii al)a"-('a l)(>|)nl mi 10" I I'V till) ) in dii-l. I nay tliat llu' (t ill) ill a in Hattlfr.inl, lliiy LaUfsA r^l ofSopteiu I iniuiy III' lii-t I iljil mil loci over tlic new tioo 1ms liot'ii [\m Loh^lirk, itu ol' hoaltli, nobl all wiTi' HHonsoii tVoni Id sii|i|)ly ii mint also llio n sui*vi\VH lor D l)«lW00ll ill*' it Mr. Ijiicas iwniiiit wosl (iC OS with lovi'ls iho WKiUiii^ i^ol hi> iilaiis, oii(;(iiiiit(;r«-ii. il across Wolf this soitioii. K. wiioro llu' lot flow t'roiii ; to lIu' north, williiii oiifliL mi airo.-'H tin.' Ill y\i\ Lucas \iS aiio « tlu- > llu- valUy of Thdo arc I good, so thai Ml my hf)i*NO» hUffcn'il vor\- niinli from lliln c:iii««i\ nml uIho fVorn tho uciucity of liiiKtiiro. On li'uv in^ .\rar>li Lake the Ijni' pa'^Ni'-t ovir a «|iiir of thu Foul llill-<, iM-in;; iln' lii^!:cst jfioiiii'l that ni'.i-l he i loisiij to tho ua'^t of llio Yellow Head I'a^-. Tiio «>lcvatioii is niniont iduntical with (hut aMoitainod liy inu with anor>>id.s liisi yuar. 'I'liu line ilicii ilc^ii-ndH into the Alliaha- IiIl;!! ground. Alter (•ro>^.>ing Sandstone (Jrcok on liie L'Oiii .Si'|ilenil"r. I met llio party ■!' iii;ht liion who were hciit o\er (ho niomilaiiis froiii i\aiiiloo|ii\i^ion-> I' and Ii, They had ntorod the proviHJini.s at Athahasci l>e|iot. anl were taking tsvunly- lour liorHos and I wunty-one cattle to Ivlinonlon lor ll.e vvinli'i, in aci '•rilain e vv ith instriictimis ictl liy .Mr. Kiillan, l<> he acted on, shoiild lln-y ai rive alter .\ii . Kuiian'x return to Kdnioiilon. I desired Mr, Trapii and another to return with mo to the .VthahaMji hi|iiif, to n tiiuiii ill ehargoof the >iores lliere during the wriiilei ; tho re-t of the paiiy went on with tho ^fiik to Kdnioiitoii. I then continued niy journey up the valley of the .Vlliahasca lo ihe lower end of Lau Hrulc wlioro tho linecroHhcs. The ground hetwcen lliiN poini and I'rairic {{ivor is very rough and hilly, and the work will he licavy. Mr. idillnii w.is nl,|i^'e I to give up the lowi'r crossing of the .\lhaha-ca near liarili'cpot on tlio -Itli Septoinher, and lound llio caij^'o of provisions stored I licre , aiiothor li .liii load was expected lo arri\e daily. .Mr. Trapp took charge of llm sioies lor ihe winter. Near the first crossing of the Myette 1 mot tho expected liain, with supplier ti'im Tote .Jaiino Caehe. The train went mi lothe depot and di-i lunged. This loail made IhoHunply stored to ho altoiil 2 as much as lioisci,- could do to lord il. 'J"ho hail crosses the M^etie .'^evoral times heforo icaching the Mininiit, so thai ill high walor tho road is almo.st iinpnssahii^ 1 took note.>» id' the topography and character of the counlry on tho way up and down. On tho liTlh I leached the Miinmit of Iho Voliow Ilea I I'ass, and found .Mr. KoolVi's iiiai ks and henches, and also Mr. M'dicrly's 1 went ahmii half i mile further, Jiuind Ihe wator flowing towards tho I'lasor, and cumineiiced my reiuin towanis the i^asl. I found that the waters of the .Mydle, in fl>ods, M(metimti>> divide and llow partly lo the Fia-'or, so that il would ict he difli'ull n. diverl tlie whole -liejini in that diicctioii. This would etiect a laryo saving in tho construction ot the line in the valley of the .Myette; parliciilarl}' al lFor.se Ua|tils, where il would oiherwi.-i! ho necessary to diverl the river into an old channel. I have sini'e heeii informed that tho waters ot the .Myotic, would iiol caii>e any >t'rioii^ iiieonvonience In ihe line wtJ.sl of till' summit if nuulo to flow into the Frasei . Tho omiity train paxsed us on its way to Kamloops; we got hack lo ihe depot on the liMth. I crossed iho Athahasca hclow the mouth of the Malieiie on a rail, and follipweil our trail uf la.>l year lo near Fiddle ifiver. Here I made an o.\aiiiinalioii of Ihe .Vlhal'iwa, with a view to crossing il ahovo Fiddle Uiver, or at another point jn-l helow Kmlu ^lycllo. This would avoid the heavy work at I'lulrii-h I'l'iii', aii\'e would have to eros^ I'iddio River, and il. lino would pa.^s ihroU'^h the ^d'-il'liiig sand hill> aliui;^ Ihe cast shore ♦^rf Lac Hru'i,'. Tho cro.-..sin.'.r o| tho Ailiaha i a uoiild also he lienvier than IIid I lossing al tho lo -I of Lac IJiiilo. Il i>, however, in my "pinion, wortl trying hoforo Ihe tinal location is miuio. On m\ return 1 kept to our trail of la>l \ ear, as it is gonorally on Lifrher ground. We had a heavy jralo'in the IlIi ( I ( )(.li'liei- al White MikI Lake, wliicli lilU-jour trail ihroiigh the Itiirnt counti-y with t.allen liiiiher, and cjiiiMd us ondie--. innihle li|| wu got to iioot Itiver. In many placo.s the ti.ul wa.-* more full of liii'I'i .■ Uiaii hiforc i' 'M-2 y '' I • \v:iN ('iiiiitiicii>'(>i| ; wccDiilil iiiiikc no liculway llii'>>iii;li ii,:iiii| lia it and nink(* (.'iniiit.s Inr i'i»ii-«i(li'r:ilil'.' (Ii.«tuii(i"^. I cNaiiiiiuMl the crdsojn;,'-! nl" ilic .\|irA''Ml, Muavi'i- Creek, iimt Wnlt' Ifivcr on my i inoiitli to '■eo ir a lu-l Icr (■n)>^ill;;■ iif '.lie l\'n liina alnn c I In- F.i I'^lirk louM li^ luiinil. Iiiit ii a|>|)i'iii'(' IIK' iiniirai'iicalilc t>> !''. ai'li tlial |ioiiit on llic ('tui, ln'twrcn it and tlic snnll stnaiii cunii!::; liowii iVmn tlic \va(ci->lu'd, wliit'li tin- locaiinn line imw f. l-'roiii ilie rcniliiiia to Wliilf Kailli I'mi, 1 toliowed IJiitlanV triiil, itaHsin/r to tins sotilli ol" Wliili' |jaki>. Tlic location lino is generally clone lo tlio (rail, the country in liilly, particularly lo the cast hl;,di i^roiuid lyiiij^ inort' lo ilu> t'iist. 1 \\ciit on in the crcissiiit; of the Saskalcliewan and exaniincil it, with the a|i]irn;ich "II the wc>l .side. 'I'lu' cros-int; c:in he made more nearly sijiiaie, and liic line -horleiied lpy rai.-ini^ ihe iirade, and |ilaciii;,' the Tnc lijw^her up the hill mm eat ii side of (he river. I e.xainined another (m-ossIum;, three i|iiar(ei's of a mile up the liver to (he south. A survi'y w;i> made 1)1 this, winch -hows tii;i( the ap|ii(pach on i-ast sidt! Inllnws » very crooked deci, valley, whi-ic Ihe work would he lioavy. 'I'lie ap|troaeli on Ihe we-l side woidd also I «. heavier than (he lower crossin^r. The count ly lietwccii the lowest ero.s.sin^' of the Saskatchewan ami llic cast ^icle ol' While Laki' wan no! c.\aiiiiin>l ia^-t year, so that it liecaim- neeesssiry to niiila' tri:il siir\('\s in adsaiiiv' o( |o( .at ion, a-- the line of la^t year was come miles to the south ol' the pie.sent, loialiiui. I returned to tic While l'",arlli Trail, which I followed lo Ivliiionton, ;iirivi?i^ tiicie on Ihe ISih Ocloher. Here I lound .Mr. {{iiltan inakiii;,' tinal preparations for h;^joul■nc\ to Wiiiiiipei^. lli< jiarty had l^'Uk; down (he ri\'er on a hoat luiill li_,' iheinselve-', inlendiin; to reach ('arlet(Ui hetiire taking (o earti. 1 found that II lai%' ! exleiit of the cuuiitry ahoul I'Minonfon liad lately heen on fire, and that a lari^e ijiiantily of hay, cut, had lieeii de>tioyed. li wa-- eonscipuntly dil;icul( lo keep viork to^feiher, and the supply of hay would jM.ihulily he .-.lion hefore next -.prih:' 1 ihcri'iorc ilccided to -end all the ho:>cN and mule.', lo 15o\v IJiver for the winter, ill idiaiife of some men tr(/m Mrilisli (^)lumhia, who eoidd iio( he Men( biu k at tl; it siNison of (he yi'ar. There \\;i- Millicici'! h:iy MMiircd ('• keep the cattle at I'Minon'oti, and ! luil .Mr. .M'dinii, w ho ai eompaiiied me from Winnipe;^, in chart:(! ')f ihei'allle and (lovt'i'iinient stores .at that place. .My hor>es wer.r not ii, a ciuidilion t other horses could ii'it he loiiiid ju->t llieii, on aeeoiinl of the fires. I therefore decided (o i,'ct ;i hoat liuilt, and t > eiidi'.avoiir lo j;«'t (o Carletoii hy water, wheie i would he aide to i^et >ome hordes and dou- froiu Mr. Kiitlan. 'Ihe hoal bein;^ ready, I .-tailed the 22i'd v )iiolier down the Sa-kalchewan. Mr. IJuttari lel't hy 'and on the "Jlst, (o , so (hat we had ^"icai dilliculiy lU ^.^eHiiii^ down, and several narrow oseipe» itom heintr up-i-l. We passed I'oi t N'ictoria on the 'J.')lh 'i'he rivor is very t-rooked ; the di-laiue hy it mu.t he twice as great, a.s in a direct lino. At and helow Do;; Kiimp ('reek the river becomes mu(d> ohstriieleil with e.vtcnsivo taiid bai>. which till the bed nt'lhe river in eveiy direction, making it iiiipor..-ib!o (o follow the clKtiiiici. In some pla 'e.^ they were i|uite out of the river, in others only uovei'eil with a tcw inchc- ol water foi-i oiii; the only vi-ihlc channel tiu' the watiir of the river. We liuJ heavy rain and miow iiM tx' r<>iinil of llio I'flll .'Iwcon il and itiiiii liiii' ii.ivv !>!i>Niriir to lit" 10 iKiiiili'y !•< ^ I'liiVitlioii III riu- valliy of )i'ili lo aviiid i^ioiiiid lyiii;^ I'xaiiiiiicd it, ly siiiiaik', and ii|i the liill oil til tlio SOIllll. I ^idc to iiiiiko trial I) till' .•iuiitii '>r lion, arriving •|»ai'alit ilit> tiros. HI liy water, •liowaii. Afr. liirj;o stonos ■I'lal iiiincw Til.) rivor llilTcl lilH". Ill I'Xtuiisivi) III |ii»fi>|| tlio l>oal llioio and lake lior?ii'H t«» (\irlotoii. W'l- n-arliod l''oit I'ill on tin- ."Mlli, wluTf we wcru vi ry kindly treated liy .Mr. Mrlvay ofilieN Hudson Hay t 'nniiian}', who >ii|))died ii- with hoi>e>. Tlie >i\:<\\ wns now about a loot ileep. We terri»;d the livi-rnii the b>.i Nuvember, and eoniinmil our jiMiine\ to iJattlelor.l, w hert' we anivoil on tho Hh, and at I'aiUdi'ii jii the IDlli. Mr. Uiitlaii and hi.-^ |>art\ slartod t'roiu Carh-loii on tlie With. We ^el iHii I'roni CarlelHi on the lHh N'nvenilier and t'oMowei llie i id fioni the niiddio I'erry to the t'oili> of the (^iiill Laiveliail, tlieiithe i^iiuli Lake trail tor .onie di.sUiiico mid .Htrink across to the tc'h«;;ra|ih hue, Ahieli wo liilhiwod lor a eon^ideiable (li.staiu 0. We |ia'->e.l liie leU'^'rapli ^tatioll at Mil; Stmie Lake on ihn Hth aiidfoihimd the lino l<> tlie <.*iiill Lake trail. The ro.'id led iis alon:^' 'he iinrlh of (^inill L.iIm' fur .i (on.sideral le di>laiii r, iiir.ve;,'ut [n the nmth < nd nl th«i 'I'^Hiehwo id ||il'~, 'A'e [)a^>ed the now mail statiun on tlie 'Jdth, and arrised at Foil l'ell\ uii Hie 'JlMi. I went to LivillJ^^tolu' and oNaniini'd xmio miles of iIk; iele;.rriipli line in the we>t, lhiiiiii,di till- wnniU. Kiuiii I'liit, I'elly, 1 fiillowed the trail jiassiiii^ liver the Miiilh nt' tin Ividin^' .Mmiii- tains, and took .siiino note> o( tho widths iiiid do|it lis of thi' valleys ot lie .\.shinilKiino, Mini Tail Creek, \e. At the Little Sa>kate|iew.in I l.t't my horses l.. liillnw t,|i)wly, and went ui with lUi^ tiaiii.>< to |*iirt.'it;e La Praiiie. Here I niel the u-i^iilar ^lai^e in \\'iiini|u»;.'. arrived IJieie on the >th l>eeeinbir and nai lied Ottawa mi tiio hh n| January, 1^77. I hhall now allude to tho siirvoys, de»erilKM| m llio liillowin^ .■^oetionM : — I. Loeatiuii Mirvoy, I'Mjuontoii to IJiver iVmbina. '-'. do. do. Kivei reiiibina to i{iver .Mi Lood. II. Kx|)lora!Mr\ survey, iJivei .MeLend to ^ummil e.i.sl of lliver .\lhab;i'>( a. 4 do. do. KUinmit ea.->t of lti\er Alhaluu^ca to Kiver .Moiinlain AsKinibnino. .'). Lui.nl ion survey, TJivt'i- .Mniiniain .V-sinil.nine, to Uiver .Myclle. tl. Ivsiilmaloiy .survey, Uncr .Myette In Mimniit nt Vollnw lleadl'a.st, Kilinoii/i'ii to /{iftr I'l iiiliiitii. Sir. liiiliaii, and l>i\l^in|i L having' airived I'-ont t '.iilinn uml lAirt I'ill, niuni nieiiied the -iiiviy at the lla> L!iKe>, nil the Ith u| l'"(dii iiai y, IKIC. .\•^ before .slated, I fniind il : vi e>*Mirv lo run another trial linu iVniii lla\ Lakes In the luii^'itiide ol Kdm-intiiii, lu aseertain the natuio nf the entmliy beiweeii llmM- |iiiiiils, and to iMiable the iniitiaetui* |u build ihe lele^iaiih on llu^ |ir>|M'r line. I''inm the end ni |li;-4 trial line at the loiii^iiiide of |-.diiinninii,'the I'l atmn vmvev > wa-* enminelieed, illld .e.Xtelided We-leily, eru>.-.in;; the ."^askalehewati al a I'nillt alwill iweiilN niih's hilo'v the |if(i|iii>ed erussiuj,' of last year (I'^TfV). 'l"ho^ioa\y #id( hill wnik almi;,' the .smilh b.'iiik of the river will thii.- be avuided, but it bee.anie neiessniy io smxey a iii'V\' trial line between tin-, lu-w i iusmul; and White Liiki'. " . ' Having' I nni|ileli I tlii>tii.il line nn tho l"»ih .Nlay, \li K.iiin ileuight it advis- able III fj^o III Ijio .\tli:iba~l>a and e\eeiite the surveys in ihal Inealitx On llio !Mli Se|ilein' ( r he lelliriiedl" in!ii|ilete the lucatlnn belwien |||,. Sa-- katehevvaii and I'linbina, whiih wa.^ elleelod mi the loth Oetnb, r, 1^7ii. Till! eoiinlry Ix'tween the lon;;iiiido of JMniontun, near the Lrj7ih imli , ami tie- Saskatidiewaii is very even and |ire-.e|,is iiuditlhiillios in the emi-.triii liun of ijio rail- wav. Tho work will be lii^dit nvor this |iuiiiiin and will averii^^e finin .'( tn fi feet bir embankments .md eiii linu'v There is a euole at I, -In iisile-' whnh iiierea^e^ raindlv in si.'.e toward.^ the SasUalehewan, the line is delloeled to the north al'ter ha.In^ ei'osseil it. The ahproaelie!, to llie Saskalidiewan In'iweon tie L'JI.'ith and I 'JI'Mh mill > nvo idoni; the balik> ol the river, on iniiLili side hill finuiid, lliv Wttl'k-^ \ull In, heu\), eiittiiii'M itiid ontbankineiit^ averau'int' abuiit 'Jn ib en. •MA Tlic line, ;i- III pccsciil locatoil, (Tusm's tlir river nl an luii^li' •!' 15', iiiiil at an (ilovatidii alwivf llir I'lilnt ill! river ol" luj Iccl, iM'.|iiiriMy a lirid^'i- almiil ],'J(li» fret long. r>\- rai-r 15 (eel llic rrii,->iiiL^ ciiiild !«• made inorti nearly Mi|iiai'e. tlio hrjii/^o woiiicl ln' ^liurtoneil, llie iii)|ir(ial ii|Min suior ;4ri)un>l. « l-'roni tiie l/.M'-'lli niilr tn a lar^'e loole at the l,'J'J2n. Tlio er<»' 'n>< of" lliis eoule is \er\' heavy, i' hein^ '.'() Ici-i lUeji lielow furnialiun level. The ir(i-*>i(ii,' niiu'lit he im.|iiiivim| h}- lrMf,;theniM;,' the line a litlio and s\viii;/inL; it inoii' to the nnrlli ; tnwaid- ( he .-i/.(' ; even with (he iirc-eiit ei'ti^sih^ lii,' Imc \<< tin- wi'l > an In rhan^^cd to oiilain a |iridilc, n.s nIuiwh liy Llie d'llled line. The work mi the ascent In tin' 1,'JL'ilh mile is nnidiirMtoly heavy, iiboul eight foot 1(1' eid'in^ : this wmuM jirolnlily !»' reijiieed <>n a line niore In ihi; imrtli. Kruin (he l,L"Jlth I'l 1 ,-'-'iiih mile the wrji is lii,'iit, enihankinent ah^it ihre'' leol. riio (oiintiy hoeume- hilly aid ditUenll Intwoon tiie l.'J'Jtith ai. I 1,'2.'{2^ mile-, aiiil iIk wnrk i-. heav\', eiillinjj;s and emliankinetits ahniil KM'eel ; at (he last named distance there is ii laiu;e e(tn|e, which inerea->i's consiilerahly iiisi/o tn t,he smith a.s it iH>|iiuaelu's the Saskatchewan. The hofnin nf the e(ssin;4 of While ],akc Creek. I j;t7 [niles. (he cmintrx eniiiinin'^ hillv, (hnii;.'|\ the Work is not -.n heav\, pmhahly six t'oei tor eiitliiif^'s and ( inl>ankmen(h. Tic cro-isiii/^ ol While l|i, ami .'idtl tt>et wide at (op, It cannnt ho muk h in)|iro\'ed. as (here is hi.i^li i^ionnd ahoii< hair a mile in tho eiis*. I'miii While l/uk( ('reel; to !,'JlNj mil-.-<. il e line riso lajndly t'lovercnnn -nun lii^h iL'rmind lnHween the SaskiKehewaii and White Lake. The cmintry is \'\'yy hilly and hioken and ihe wnrk will he hea\ s . jirohahly (en ((O! I'or eiittini,"-' iind eiiihaiikmcnt.s. Il conliniies jnnch it' the same eharaetcr tn White Lake, 1,'JU miles, eiittiiijjfs and I niliankimnts ahoiit Ifife'l. Mclwocn l,:.'|land L'i.'ilA mill t the lino en)s.si>s a Kinall ha)' o| While Lake. ".MMtO t'eol widi-, and three feel deep (niiK' feet in tin' chaniK'l. I it ihcn rn|!nw-.a natara' heai h nl" liic lake tor \[ mile.-, tho rest is j^eneraliy iiloi);^ the foot of hij^h gmnnd to ih csmith and nmdi. The work here will he li:ji)t, emhiinkmciits alKHil three feet deep. Kidin !,-.'> t'^ to 1, '_'.")!> mile- tin i-miiitry i-- hilly an>l hrnken, and .'he 'Anrk ho!i\y piohahly al'Oiit r{(leen feel for ci,(tinu;s and einlmnkiueiitx. The v.urk ini;.(hl he leiliiied in i|nai»(.ily hy heiiiiiiii!: the line a lidle to conform more to tlic contour nl the hiils. Helween L2.V.' au.l I,'_'(i'l^. mile- ihe Work i-i !i;.(h(, enil>ankmenl- alMMil (line fi-el lice 1 1. I'rom I,-1\ mih-s lIuMf .ire — • .'(T miles nl -lrai:,'ht line or nearly >^.'i percent. U.l " " curves niiind niidcr 1 ., -nearly I '' :{',' ' from 1 lo'J^ or tn'.irly 5 " '• a| " " '• ••• 2"(o:i- m- neail\ 5^' " " I " •' •• *' :y' lo 4 ■ nr neailV f, " 1°, iiiiil at an III 1/2(10 \W{ riioro iicaily lip tlu' siilc- I try is iHidii i\v toiliiatiiiii iii'l H\viii;.'iiii; <(• ; I'Vi'ii witli lilf, as .slinwii out ci{,'l)t loot altiiiil tliroo \:>A'J.^ mill'-' (• la>it named 10 s<»iilli aH it *vv I'oi'tiiation . llic i<.llllll\ ■ iMilliti^-* ami 100 loot ii loot in llio irt f^oiioniliy \vntk lioavv • \k ini;4lil I"' Ik' coiiliiur 1)1 al«iiil tliPoo k iioavy j liio ii'lit al''" ill' ;ii5 MJ milos (if lovol (»i noarly '2'2 \ov 10(1 r noarly V, 13A " " O'li.') to it:,(j j„.i' lot) or MoailV lio '• *' 14" " '• OJO to 075 j.or 100. . .or noarly 21 '• " ItJ]^ " " 07.') to 1-00 per 100 '>r noarly 2l ' " A bott'or lino tliun tlio one looatot i nd of Wlnic Lake, and would havo to pu^^ ovor \ or}- hilly country to ti.c noitli and oa»t ol tho *aino, It would, howovor, bo woll to oxainiiio tiiin roulo l>ol"ro piooooding with tho ton- struoliou ot' tho inoru southern lino. Tho ^lorliun of tho lino to the west oi tho l,2(jlth mile wa.- iooatod h_) Mr. laiias. Jiiver Pembina to Itiocr McIhoiL .Mr. Luoiiis. and Division I' iiuvin;,' arrlvod at Ivlnionton ir(jm ('arloton,on tho2llh January, and 8tii rohruary, 1S7(J, thoy proooodoii to mako traoinifs ot' Mr. Riittan's plaiiH and ])rotiloK, and othor plans roquirod tor u^o in tin- tiold. 'rill' location ! ;:i'vey was coiiiauiici'd at tiic I'omhin.a on the ."ird March, and oou- liinK-d oaslorly ahout throo milos lo iho Junction of Mi Itattaii's location. It wa.s then carriod lui westerly to iho .Mci.ood Hi.cr, wliiih \v;i> roachod on tlio JHtli .Inly. From this point a trial survey- wa.s made to noar tho Athahusca, thirty and a half miles; on tho plana proji-cloil location has hocn laid clown. 'I Ills survey wa.-. cMiaplciod mi tho liSth Auijusl. cuniiccii!!:.;- ilic lino wiih tho survey nuido l>y Mr. Uutlan a few weeks hcloie. ( 'omiiicntin;^ at tho l,2Glth mile, tho line -oi,ii do-<. > ud-. to ihc crossing' ol tho IVnihina which is roaohoti noar tho l.L'iiTth mile This approacli i.i very heavy and dilliciill, tho w.ilorslied hoiwocti tho Sa.-'kalclicu :tii and Pen, l>iiia hoin^ no noar tho latter i-ivor. The depi h> o( Cultings ami cnihunkmonts on llii> poi tuai will he fiom lo lo 40 loot. Tlio enwsin^ of iho I'cinhina is heavy. Tiio watoiuay slioidd he jOo foot; tiio height (V«»M>. formation lev»'l to tho hoitoin otlhe liver i^ !•■') foot. From tho Pomhina to iho erossin/' of the I.olistick at l.litJsA niile>. liii- W' ik' is Very lie;i\y. 'I'ho lino jiassos jiloui^ the side ol' a precipitous sandsli;i.c oiitl, and tho ombankinoMls are hiifh. and riHpiire protoction on tho .soiiih nido. 'i'ho liii^host of tlio omlianknn Ills here will lie ahoul -10 led, mid the ciiliiii,i;>> ahoul 75 li'ol. Tiiis jiart of tlio lino may possibly ho iinprovod hy niakiiii,' a tunnel throu-h tho locky narrow riil;^o oahL of iho l,2(i8lh mile. Tlio line mi^hi ilu n ho straiiiht- eiicd and the prudes lowered. Tho lirst crossing' of th»' FjobstieU is 55 foot hi;j;ii lo foi malion lo\ ol, and leiiuiro.-j a waterway of lOO fei-t. Tiio work i- heavy in liie valley o| ihe i;ol>stiek until the ovin ground is roaciiod noar tlie l,27;{rd mile.liio cuttings and eniliankmonis will u'enerally aveiaj^o aliout 15^ loot, 'i'liis valley is ver_j irooked with Indd abrupt iKiiiks : liio rivor is viry rapid, aiiti (lows ^oiu'i. 'illy on saiidstcuio rook, it will lie necessary to make t wo divorsioijv of tliu liver, tlic tiisi i!c;ir ilic i,«'70tli mile, uid easily he wt!c>'toi|, tlie -eooiid. noar llio l,;J7Ist uiiio, will he dillieull. 'i'ho liiu' can III- located laoro to the soiilii, and thus jfivo raoro room lor the diversion on tlio norlli widi. ll l<> 2') feet. IJoiwciMi ilu) l,27*'tli mile am! Ilio la'-l ero'^siiiir of the Lolwtick near tlio l,301>t milo, tho country is iiiKiiilutinij, risiiit^ in liii,'li i-idgos to the south ot the lino, wliioli .still kecjis ill tho vaiioy >>i' the ^Jol)^•tir•k. Sovciiil laiT^e slio.'iniH cross tlir lino llowiii!:; into tho Lobstick, and into Ohip Ijiikv, I'cquiniiff onilianlviiuMiis raniii ion ti> Iwonty-tivo foot for sliort dis- tuncoH ; tiic rcmaimlor of the work h ii^'ht, cuttings and ornbunkmonts al^nnit throo foot. Tho last ( roi^'-iuir of tho Lobstick is thirty-five foot high to formation lovol and uil! rcfjuiio a water way oi' eighi}- feet. Ti-oni tho Lolofielc the lino asci-iids r;ipidl_v to ovonomo tho water-shod hotwocn the Jvivors I'ondiiiia and .Mcl,ood--at l,.';(l.!i niiles. The work is not heavy, and will ])robably aveiago live foot in cuttings and einbaidinioa),s. Stsvoi-al other lines wero H'li'veyed ovei- this divide in thcs i'iid(!avoiir to got a more ilirect jiao ; the loc,atotiral»le a-, tar as known. (Jn crossing this waler-Nlicd tho lino iniinodiately dosconds to Mooso River, a jiranch of tlie Mcljend at tho l,3()Sth mile. The work on this portion is light and will piolialily I'O under !ive loot for cuttiiigs and embankments. The crossing of .Mooso llivor is heavy, beintr ;idoi!tblo distance to the north. This portion iijjtotho l,;!ltith mile is liirlit — the I'uilingh and embankinonts will average about tliioc feet. Jllotwocn this point and the crn.ssing of Wolf River, tho cmuitry is very mai-sby — the Work is mck and ilu' l.."i20lli mile the codiUry i- more undulating and loss marshy , tin- wmk on tln> part is modoratel\ heavy, averaging about eight feel for cuttings and i'lnbaiikinent-. At the l,:]20ili mile a deep \alloy i-i jias.sod. roi|uiring an onibankmont 150 feet high for 1,200 loot. lietween this point and the l,.';,'!,'{rd milo tho svorlv is light, and will average about five tcot lor embankments and cutting-^. There is a deep coolc near the l,!}.'>.'!)'d iiiil(> which will reipiiie an t>mbankiiicnt 7r> feet liigh and 300 feel long, with an allnwaiM e for waterway of Ht feet. The lino now apjjroachos the McKood, tho banks of which arc iiigh ami Ixdd. From the conle aliovt'-mentioned to l,l);idi miles, iic-ir the crossing, tho work is heavy, and will probably avorai^o about li) (cc^t li)r cuttings and embankments. Jiircr Mf IjI'kI to i' boon n';ii-i..'(i oil (he plans, not verv far removed from the trial line. •0UIU8, whoro ir I ho l,:i01sf. I! lino, wiii.-n 11(1 into Cliiji lor nliort ' Ihjuii ;{4< Tlio crossing; of tlio Mcfiood is 7') i\"'l liiijli iVoiii llio liolloni of llm rivorlo formation levtil, ivi|iiirin;; a watcrwav oi ;{iH) fci-t, Tlic iiultanknu'iits o!i hotli sides aro heavy, avorai^ini; ."!(• feet d«'e|i for L',(l(l(Mei>l. The line lure Joins the survey of IMT'i, ami runs parallel with it liary to diverl for a short di>lanee. Uulweon till) l,.'{.'{Hlh and l.liUlh miles the work will he lit,'ht and the f^round, dry, tlio euttii.,> and enilmnkmenls will avera;,'e ahoiit three feol. The crossinj^ ol Medieiiie Lod ye Creek is ahoiil lio feel hi;,di, with a waterway of fiO foot. The emhanknionl on hoth sides is iilioiit 20 feet hi^^h, ami 11,01)1) feel loiij,'. The line here leavos the valley of the .Medicine hod;,'e, and strikes across tho country towards Iho watershed hetweeii the AleLeod and Athahasca. From l,mi}f miles, (or Ihi-oo miles, tho work is lii^ht, iiveruijin^j about Ibroo foot for ciittin/^H and embankments. Near tlio l,;itHth mile the lino crosses a doei» valley, re(jiiirinj; an embankment .'tr> foot lii^li and l,r)00 lon^. MotW(. The work on this portion is light, nrobably from three to live foot for cut tings and embankments. Tho oluiraotor of the ground in wet ami marshy. The work for 1^ miles west (>f this stream is moderately heavy, averaging from fivo to ten foot lor cuttings and embankments. From l,.'ir>4^ miles to the watershed bi'tween the .Mehi-od and Athahasca at I,.'{57 miles, the work is light, iiIkiiiI three leet for cuttings eiiihanknients, exccpl one embankment in the l,.'{.')l!tli mile, wdiich is I'l feet deep fur l.'iiiO feet. From this watershed to a large stream ninning into the Athaba.scaat l,;{,')'.t miles tho average <)f cuttings and embankments will be jdioiit live foot. The croHsing of this stream is about 25 feet high, with a waterway of ,S0 feel. From this stream for alKiiit u mile west, the cuttings aiicl «>mbunkmenls will average aliout five foot. The ground here becomes wet and swamjiy. Between the l,.'i line was ma !«• neai' ihe I,;!t)7th mile. 'I'lie work on this part descending troni the sumiiiil, i- moderately lii,'lil, from live loeii^iit tool for cuttings and embankmeiils, except a ctitiiiig at the 1 ''Dith milo, which is 'JO feet di'op for 1,000 leet. This culling eannoi well bo avol us therein a bold blutt' puint running out a considerable distance into the valU j ich must be ciussed, Aliijntncnt. On those two sections of 103 mile-< there .'ire. HO miles of straight line or nea' '\ 78 per cent. 0_\ do '• curves of and under 1" rnctiiv !• per cent. (ij do " " from 1' t.) Ii' ■ C '• •I'j do '' " " 'J' to .'l" 4 " :{ do " " '• T lo 4" " :\ " (I'niilicnts un sniiw. 23 mill's of level or nearly 22 per cent. 8 do t'roMi to ((•2.') per 100 or iieai iv H per cent. 20.', do • n-2.'') t " " H " :].4 '''J " O'zritoi'OO " " .ij B4A AOor (■()in|il('tiiiir this survey, Mr. Lucas miulc some survoj'H in the vicinify oC tin- l-'oiir MhicUl'iKit Hills, as !ili()V(> inoiilioiicd. j'j i' I I :• !•■ i fi ASiiiimiit Hosl III Ik'inr Allnilnisrii to Hirer MoKntuln A^siniliDine. Mr. IJiiiluii, with Division Fi. loinnK'ncod work in tlio Atliahasca Valloy on l.'itli .hino. Tlic trial survey Ik>Iw(!i'Ii the l,.'US7tli arxl IlielJ.'Wni niilo, near tlie iiionlli (if the M^'elte, was r(»ni|>l('teil on the ttlii Ani^iist. ami the lncatinn survey li<>l\VfcMi the Mountain .Vssinihoine. and the Henry House on the 2Sth Aiii^ust. ('nniinenoinji; on the l.;{<>7ahly avirai^e ei^^ht feet for cuttini;s and 25 feet fur onihankments. A stream is crossed in the l,.'57-nd milo, whose bed is 75 foot below formation level, roquirini^ a walor-way of 2(1 feet. Melween the l,.'!72iid :.i.d the 1,;{7 Hli miles, the line continues to dosceml alon/.( side hill ixrouiid. The cuttings and «'mbankmcnts will average eiji^ht toet. A lai'^e stream is cros.sed in ;i deep coolo, near the l,.'!7i{rd milo, S5 foet iVom bed to forma- tiiiii U'vcl. It rci|niies a wattu'wavof HtM'eot. 'The countiy iMU'onie.s more even between the l,;J74lh and the l,.'{78th miles, and the work is li;fht. about live feet for cnttirii^s and embjinkmi'nts. A stream i> crossed near the l,.''.7ilh mile, fO(|Uirin^ a waterway of ."{O feel, ami Sandstone ('reek near the i.{7Hih mil.', waterway 2<( leet. Tlu're is alM)iit halt a mile of Hide hill work (o the east o| Sandstone ("reek. The lini^ follows a very even terrace between the hills and tho river from the l.:!7H|li lo the l,;{K5lh miles, with li^bt work varyini^ from three to five feet lor vutlirins and cmbaid\inents. Coal t'l'oek, a considerable siceam, pa.s.sos under ground in the l,3H2!id mile, and apiiears airain somo di.stam-e bolow the lino. Hardisty ( 'leek is ciossed in the l,:{HHrd mil- it will loquiro a watorwuy of lt)0 lect, :ind is 20 feet iMini bed to flirmalion level. l''or the next mile tind a half the lino is partly on side hill ; the work is li;^ht and will average about live fee! lor cuttings and <>mbaidr cuttings I.? I'ecl. The hills to the . soi.il I of tho rivor aro high, bold and abrupt, forming a deep ci'cseent with bold point- pfojocting towjirds tho line. The portion to tho west of the river rise; alon^;- ^-ide hill ground; !( is believed ;i better line can bi! i^^it by keeping lo the so'i- h, and conlorninltanknienl> about tweiilv fei'I, and luttiiigs aiiout li,leei> fcc(. .\ large i'oole is ciosscd at the l.'JlKMli mile, sixty feet Ironi lied of stream to foi-matioii lev»'l. On the next mile the work is moderately heavy, from live to (en feet. From t he l.'{!t2ml to the ci'o-'sing of the Uliuliasca at the l,.'5!M;t!i mile the lino is genei'ally along side hill, am! ihe work heavy, t'om ten l<» twenty lee!. The line cr(»sses the Athabasca al j'.n ans,'lc of 5'i degrees, and will recptire an open illy- of tJOd feel in I his din I'liun. '!'lie heii^ht from bei' of river toforsiiat ion level i> ;">(• leet. This is iii(' iiarro\\<'sl crossiht; o| she Athabasca. I'reeman s t jc*!-:, a iar^e stre.im. empties into the river near lho<"ro-.'iinu', and can be diverted alon'' the north of the railwav. viciiiilv of Valley *>n 0, noai' {ho lidii survey i^Ust. t) llie viilley oriif^c silwiit itroain near will rtviuire ,'ork heavy : «. A Hi ream I'OqiiiriiiLj » IHCCIliI illoilJJ 1. A laif^e >(l to lorma- li milos, aixl in is croHsed siik near the work to the he liills ami tVorn three \i| mile, and rway of KKI ork is li;(!it )rojectod, is hoiU 30 foe! iiiijj a (i'.'eji 3 west of (hi- >y keeping 11, liowever, M'li, in some l.:{S!>lii aii| dio tuck from tho tiinnelH and cutting. Botwoon Uiilnish I'oint and 1,407 miles the endiankment is heavry ; kept high as tho Athahaska at this point is lialile to rise to a considorahi(» height. The emhank- ments will average ahoiit eight feet. The cntliiig is very light and the tilling will ho niado up from side horrowitig. From the 1,107th mile to tin; crossing ot the Mountain Assinihoiue the line passes tliroiigli low marshy flats, on which the work is light, running from three to live feet. An olhow in a side channel, which causes a serious dulleclioii in the line, is passed near tiie l.lOHth mile. Anolhei side channel is cro.sscd twice m-ai' tho I,|Oliih and 1,410th mile. Thischannol (^an ho divortod, and tho material us(< tor einltan knieiil. liiver Mountain Asstniboiite to River Mijeite. Tho line fif)m the .\ssinihoine to the Henry Mouse has In-en h)caled, Iml il would ho well to throw the line at lln> cri>ssingof I he Assinihoiue, sa^'.one halfa ?iiile to the north, *ir VI I I" I III n\v till' n III' til I III' 1 I ".'^:m 11^ ' »i I IM' /vr»^i III iMiiiu, ^\\^ ,' mh- ihii i 4i nil ii' m i iht him in, a.s nIiowii on plans and profiles, so as to get a .safer crossing, whei-e the stream issues from tlie rocks. Helow that point the sl'-eam spreads very muih 4 would not he safe. This proposed crossing wi!' niquire a waterway of 70 (he 1,414^ mile the work h moderately heavy, and will ttverajre aL>oul eiijhl feet lor etiihanknuMils and cuttings. The line l;ieii passesover a high jioint, through svhich it is propu-ied to make a tunnel 250 feet long, with open cuttings at tho ends. From lhi» point lln' lino descends a long side hill, till .Ta-por Lakisis reaihed, 1,41(1 milos. Thi^ part will he heavy and will average 20 feet ii)r cuLlings and einhaidvmeuls. There will prohahly he roe k in the lower part of tlie.se cuttings. One of tho cuttings is 5o feet deep and 300 feet long, Tho line fcdtows the shore of .lasper Laki' from t" > 1,414th to the l,4I0lh mile; it passes over sevor.'i! points of inek running into llu^ lak(>. in one uf w Inch, ne.ar the !,4l!tlh mile it is proposed to make a tunnel 225 feel long. Tin* emliaid\menl.s on this portion will run from 10 to 15 l(U(t, and the cuttings ahout 15 feet. IJetween tho l,411Mh and the i,421sl miles the work is light, ahout live feel for cuttings and fillings. White .Moose Creek is t. Il will he nece.ssaiy lo protect tho diversion lor ahout (iOO feet. Oil the next mile the work is mtxhu-ately heavy, cuttings and emhankment from eight to litieen Jeei. From 1,422 to 1,425 ?niles tho work is light, averaging from throe to flvo feet en»hankments. Snaring Hiver iscrossoil in tin- l,425lh mile. This is a rapid, dangerous torreni ; great care will he required in theconslruclinn oflhe hridge. and in protecting the hanks ol'llie stream lor some disiance lo the wot. It would have heen heller to kuve erosst'd ihe river whei'e il issues from the rocks, hut the ground is there loo iiigii, as compared with ihe approaches on each side. The line would also he ien^jthonod hy doing ^.o. :{5(> Wnrkontlit'iioxl iiiilo is |iou\ y ; cmlmtikinciils rrorn »'i;^li( tt» 'JO f«>c(, iiiul ciilliii^^s iiltout |0 I'oi't. Si'ViTiil stii'.'iins an« I(» Im' ilivtnloil to ii struct me nC 10 Ct'cl oiKMiiiii^. Till' WDik is li;;|it lu'twt'i'ii 1,1'iii ami l.lJl'i miles, avi'ra;,'iii;^rn)iii tliivo to KMi-cl. A Hlrcain ro<|iiiriiii( a 20 l»«i'l (t|i(iiiiiiu; is crossod al 1,128 iniU's, .'{0 ltH>* from lioil to foiniulioii level. Oil llie lu'xt mile tlic wiiilv is miMJoialoly lieavy, eiilliiij; l.jfoul iiml oinliuiikinoiU 20 (eel. The line a|i|»rnaelies elo^e totlio Allialiasea River al lliis emhaiikiinMil. I'rom 1 120.'. to 1 I.T2 miles, llie wmU is lii^lit, alioiil live feel lor ciilliii^^s and emliaiikmeiits. ^riiere am two plaii's where llie liiu! will rei|iiir»' u Minall amoiinl of |iroteclioii, whv're it approailies the river, near the Alliaha^ea I)o|Hit. The last mile lo the end ol the location Survey (at I, ISA miles) is moderatoly heavy, and may involve some nndt exeavation. The eiillin^s and emhaiikmeiils will avi'ri'i^o about 10 feel. Alltjniiient. On those two Heetions of «!() mlle.s there are, — miloM of straight line or nearly 77 per «'enl. 61 ii curves o ° and under r B; << >i from 1 ' to 2^ M >i i< " 2' to T li i( tt " T to r 8 It S K r. <( 2 U 21 12 i:t,} Gradient a on sume, miloH of Level or nearly .'{2 porcont, from to 0.25 per 100 " " VA '• 0.2r» to 0..'»o " " 10 " " O.liO to 0.75 " " 15 " " 0.75 to 1.00 '« " 21 " ii liavin;,' finished this survey .Mr. IJiittan and party returned eastward, and entn- ]ileleil the location of the line lielwoen tin* Saskateiiewan and I'emhina as ahove tlescrihcd. Uicer .Vyettf to siiinmit Yellow JIciul Puss. A (rial survey of this portion was male in lS72-7;{. The projected location is close to the trial line, ami is li:ised upon it, and upon further exploration made liy me in 187(;. Commeiicinj^ at the l,t!{.'!rd mile the line which is ir.^w in the Alhahasca Vallov near the river, hej;ins to asceml, for the purpose of passin;^over a point of land, which runs out lo the junction ol the .Myctte and Athahiusca. It then follows up the M^'otto, or C'aUtiloiiia valley, to the summit. On tlie (Irst mile the work is li>.;lit, and will average from three to five feot for outtin^^s and emhankments. ( )n the second mile the ascent is more rapid, and is alonj^ side hill ; the work will ttveraije about live feet for rutliii^'- and 15 feet for emhankments. From the l,4;{5th to the l,i;iTlh mile lh«' work is mixlerately heavy, about 10 feet for cuitiii/^s aiul cmbankmeiils. There will be rock e.vcavation in passini^ over the numerous »purs ol the hills, alon^ the base of which the line runs. On tin- next three miles the work i.-. 11^'''. probably about live feet for ciittiii>,'s and embaiiUmenls. The .Myette is crossed in the l.UOlh mile ; it will reipiire a watcrwa} of 200 feel. The waters of I ho .Nlyetle laii be diverted into British Oolumbiu at the summit, uml u largo ainuuui of lioiivy work suvoU in the valley of (hi! Myette. Thero uro ml ciiHln^^H DpOllitl'^. •o to lOli'fl. li'Kin IiimI to tllltllllkllUMll kllKMll. iittiii;^s ami I aiiiuiiiit (»r inodoruti'ly kmoiits will lit. )ht. (I, iiml coin- Ill t\H aliovo locution is uiulo l)y mo tsca Vallov ami, wliidi I 111" Myotto, tivo foot for u' work will lon.t 10 foci U'^ ovor tho tor cuttings of 200 loot. ln> siiininit, Tlioro uro 351 Htill Home lai'fjo ntronms flowing into tlio Mycfto to tlio oiwt of tl o summit, and it Im IlP^■CH^arv lo koi^]t tlic waiorway lari;o lor those inoiuitaiii sti-eu'ii-^, even wlu'ii the Myotte is iliverted. Tlie work on tlio 1,1H.«I mile is light, Ironi ihree t" hvc t'eot omhunkmentrt. Un the ni'Xl 2h miles ilie valUy ascemis rapidly, and the work on the line will he heavy, onvolvin;^ imlHinkniciils aveni;(iiii,' ahoiit l.'t feet, anil rock ciittint^son steep >i(lo hill. The emliankincnl.i will lie made ii|i |iriii(i|i.illy Irnm side l>orrowin^^ A large rapid Hiream is erossed at the l,H;Jrd imle, which will leqiiire a watt-r- way ol lOO feet. Uetwoen I,i4i{i und l,4r)l miles, ihc work is light, from three to five loot for cuttings and emhnnkments. The Myette l{iver is croHHC'l again iieai' the I.147lh mile, and will reijuire a wat/t'iway ol HO feet. (Jleii's brook, at I.IH* miles, should have a waterway of (>0 feet. Thore are iwo small p(jints of rock to he cut through in this distance. The soil of the valle\ of the Myette is generally soil and marshy, and will prohably reijniro attention in sor»e >laccs het'ore the embankment i> conimeined. Very much oi this is caused hy ii.-aver dams, which are numerous hero. The siile drains ol iho railway will havo the elfVxt ol lowering the water on the flats. From l.t;")! to l,ir»2\ miles, at the summit of tho Yellow Head Pass, the work is moderately houvy ali>ng side hill, averaging aliout eight fetit tor c.ittings and embunkinents. 'I'hero will ho some rock excavation ii the side hill, 'fhe Myette is cfOHsod again elo^o to tho summit, hut it is proi>osed to divert it into Uritish t'olumhwi, which cm he ort'c( teil hy deepening an old channel in that direction, and building a dim ot crib wharting a slnut distance uj) the stream. AUijinnent. On this distance of 19,^ miles there aro : — li{ miles ol' straight lino or nearly (17 per cent. ;^- " curves of and under 1° " I '• 2.\ " " from \^' t«» 2'-' " 12 " li " " " 2*^ to ;{^ " s " i| " " " :{° to 4° " i> " (/rat/ etdsm Mine. ;iij miles ol level or nearly lOjiereonl. 4 '• Irom 0- to 0-25 " 21 '• 4jj •• " 0-25 to n.."iO " 2:{ " 2" ' '' tt-.'jO tt» 075 " 11 " 5 '■ " 0-7') to 1-00 .- " 2G " liuiUinij Malirials, Hctwcen J'MiiioiilnM Mild the .-■umiMil the kind "\ limber that most g.'nerally jrce vails is spruce. U is found in large (|iianiilies in almost all pints of this country, sound and "f good si/.e, I'rom eight l>i thiity inehos. There is also ii large nuantity ot' tamaiac in the inarshc^, runiiiiiL; frnTu .-ix to twelve inches. Pitch pine is aluindaiit. bni it is veiv interior in quality tor timber. 1 have seon no wlife or red pine belweoii thf l.ake of the W^mmIs and the sum- mil, except three small trees of red pine near Mar>li Lake, on tlu« AlhalKiscii. Poplar is very plenliliil in idl parts of the country. There is some ver\ large ahmit White ii'ike, anil in siinu.' other valleys. 1 1. decrease- in si/.e as the moiintnins are ■approaclu'd. Birch is only found in snnill quanlilics, on banirove in the (piarry. In the valleys ol' the MeJiCod und Athabasca it is harder and well suited for bui'ding purpo.sos. -r p ;{W Tiiiiicnliiiic liiiiildi !•< ar<- tiiiiiit i-aslfiii laii^t',-, .if ilic l.'iii-ky MuuiilaiuH ara vt^'y lur^'««ly Lxnijxi.sod of liinc>l"iio. Ill llio valley III ijic Mycllo fTiiui.-^.-oiit iDck.-i a|ipfai, alUu'iialiii;.^ with mIuIu uihI (•ll!l^^*l' ^iitoii, ami ii in u>|h)|-u>i| to i'\i- a vcrv largo itoi'lion of ilm country is iiiaili- up i>| ^ri-av4tl ami miikI riil^cH. tSi'il uitil I'djtiilhhlii^ for SelllniiinL Thu laiiil lo Uk- !sOUlli of l'.i|iii'iiiioii aiiil nxttnulin^ wosiwani l«« tho Saskad lif wail JH viiy j^ooil, and >vrll adapted lor siMtlonu'iil. Ii '\> HiifHcimilly fiu»', fionrwo'NU to pciiiiil oi' aj^iii iiitiital i.;H'iatioii,> luiii;^ •oiiitm'iii'rd'al oinlu>r« aliMiidanl liinlioi I'm ixiiidin;; pnrpu->'.-^, aixl for linj. I'Voni llif Sa' and Wliito Lako. Tlioro ai'o alfiiiniiiit Uii' hoiI iicioinivs inoio clavcv and I'dtiuii'i'M dniina^^i'. Nodonbl if tlio land uoiv tk-arod llio .soil would lucoiiu' diyor. l)n thiH Mcclioii tlioir uio Huvoral placos wlioio gd tarins ( an Im loiiiid, hik li as llio \allov> of MooHO and Ki Iroia ilio wt-storn Midi! ot ihc inoiinlain>, llii' siirwy was loft in a It"*- porfoi 1 foiidilimi lliaii wa^i iniciidod by your iii>^lriu lions. It is only nylit, liiwovrr, that I hlioiiiil alliidi* t<> iho lir- tiiiMslanco wliit li fondiici'd I'lilu' failnro o| godinif Mipplios in l^ iho parlios. Aiiioiiifst. liu'iii may bo inontionod llio hi^linoss ul' iho wji.or in tiio Frasor, wliioh dolayi.-d (ho pack trains in Hriii>|i (.'oliiinbia Ibr Movriai months, and imvontod llioir arrival ill Alhalia>i'a dopol till Soptoiiibor, Tlioso siip|iliis wi-ro oi' lorod lo bo tboio, and wcro roipiirod in .hil\- The lowiK.s.-^ of tiio waloi in liioSa-^ki r|ii;wan, wliioli oni\ porimUod tbo Jliidson'^ JJuy Co.'tt stoaiiior to niako hall .i trip, nanioly, li-om C arlton to Kdnionioii, tliii.- roiliicinjj; liio u.iiial stook ot' provi-ion-^ this side of tho riioiinlain>. 'I'ho laibiro ol tin bntl'alo in tho vicinily of Kdinoiiion, whuh rodiiooil Iho usual ^up|liy i>\' poniioan 'I'ho failuro of (he « .op-^ alioijl Ivlimmlon, aiaUiii^ all pros isions st-airo, and tin hloppaj^o of our mails, wliioli provoiitod thu iloli\ory of IcUors, aiitl kopl all parlio- ooiii'irnod in i:,'noranoi' of iho art na I >latt' of al1air>. 'I'ho \w> parlios oni^ai^od in iho-t siirvcv-- nndorwoiil a oonsidorabh- anioiinl. oi' hardship in Iho winior of ls",'f '71!. l'"ir.i of Ivliuoulon won; vor> .stM ioii.s, and tho traiisj>urt aviiilablo was limiiod, Miihai niaiiy articlos nut ab.MdiilvI)' iiofos.sary woro loll bohind. ihcroby can^in;,' .^ilKllo^^ lor want of i hungo in diol. All the molnbciN of lie :-lall have poiforinod thoir Work in a .•^iiii.^liK lory maimer, and havo ondoiU'oHiod lo laiiy on 'ho work Mioio.ssliilly. 1 have U J honour to bo. rfir, Your oliodioni sirvanl, .S.\.NJ)K.ni. Ki^KMiNd, K.s.|., , lli;.\'l;^ A. K. MrLKOh, Knginoor in ( loil', Caniwliaii raiilic Jiailway. Ii would t'lii-- UOIIIJKt.SlMl lit' ill) sliilo uml i|' I ho |{n inn of lliu I' Saskiid lie '»: IV 1)0 HUinc tiiiiu Wliilo LiiUi'. Hint roqiiiivs ,'or. i)iiii to llio cir- flio |iai'tiu>. 'ruHor, wliiili c'xciitoil llirir I (i) l>o lln'ii', till' Iliiilsod's lllnliloll, tllll.-' uuil the iiMiiiiI iUTC. lll\l\ tin it ilii |lilltil- i> iltUiiMIll I't" .l\ Lillir-) 111 I |H |i>rllll\!lli Miiliiiii, with I w'l'i'i: vory 1)1 uh^nlntfly < ill iti* I. iiry miiiiiicr. l,KOl>. 3A8 Al'i'KNDIX Z MK.!U<>H\Mi\ HKMI K< I'lNi) TIIK WINTKK il.lM \TK "¥ IIIK IdnKV MoUNTUNh, llV UKoKoK A. KKKKKIl, . .».. A i^fiii'i'iil iih'ii of Iht' < hiii'iK (< 1 111' tliat |it>riioii ni' Iht* ItirLy Miiiiiititiif« wi-hI waiil' , iiiii he loriiu"! limn the atliirhi.-l -iiiiuuaiy dI" niclfor'ilu^'iriil ohsoi vhiIoiih, laU<>ii rn-iiiM lively .it 'IViti .laiiiK' < 'iii'lii', !;ii. ft.'J'Oi N., ilui-ih!'; Ilif wiiili'i'iil |S7;>'7i;, ami tiniii \lf. Jiii\ i.s' itci.'mI 111 li'in|i ratlin', lakdi ni mnt, iliiiini^ lii-< Siunky Kivtr r\|M>'>. whihf (hill ol'iho oisteni hl()|ifl <-aii li<< jiiil;;i- ja«]'«r IImiiho in .laiiiiary ami I'Vliniaiy , i><.V.>, aiitl a opy <>t Mf Mulu'iix V -iimmary <»r iil'-ti\alii»im, lakoii at AthalmN'ii 1) 'jint ilmln.; tlif wintoi of l;'i7-'(;i, |tiiliii^lH'i| m Mr. Kifiniii;^'?* ii'|M)rt 111' IS7I, acioinjiaiiiiMl \>y a «>liuri it'|i'«rl nf Iho •" (iciu-ial 'hariiilfri *tit> i>t' lh>> winter i-limttle of tlm Kooky Mountain", mori' |iartiriihirly that nl' Vdlow lli-ai| \'m-' ami its apjiinac h<-. ' (St» AjiiMiKlix r.,Mi. Kicniiuy's ri'iiort kI IM7(.^ Taken oonjointiy, |Ihm« nliscrvatiniis will an! in Ljivin^ra i mrcct i«ti'ivatinns laUi'U .11 Titi- JauiM- Cicjio won- at an altiliiili< oi 2 I :i."i alfivi' 'oa level, aiitl ."»ii tiiili-s wist ol' lh«i ^^iitiiiuit, tlu! extreme olevation oi' wlii'-li, in the N'ellow Iliad l'a-<-', irt ;i,7:U feet nlmve •ealuvel. TIio-m uI .Mr. .larvi- v:iiie'l frniii an ilevatiun of l.'.UO at I'ort (leorf.;i', lo f>,;^fH( lent at lIu' •"inniiiil. 'riii>.-«e of Cant. I'aHiMer unit Mr. Mohorly. at .Vthiilea iK'pot, '.i,'Mit feet uliove tho haiin' ihiliiin, ami iixloiid Inni .laniiary to .Xpril, inelufive. ir their leHpeetivc yeais. ,Vh will I <• Hci'ii, fill ihe we^tel•n siojie, the winter nl l^i'T) ixefodiHl in severity that of 1H7 iinii-.ual "liu^v lall appairiiily e.xleiidod to l ie.' ea.-lei ii >i(UK' of the inountains, reaehin;^ all avein^u doptli I f I'roin l.*) to l.R inehe.-* jit tho .\tfial>!isea hepm, while .Mr. Molieily'.s re|ioii for the eon-espoiidiii;,' iiionlhs in tin- winter of l.^i'L' '".'{ mentions -^i.x iiielies as the ^re.'ite-t depth at any one time reniainiii". <'api. I'.alliser meiiii.ms a fall of some 22 iinhes in the Athahasea Vail, v on ilie lilst .laniiary, IM.'M', ahoiii half way lutweeii lOlmonton and .las|ier Iloii.se, hut a later record, I'rnm Foliiuary Itlth in 1(!th, taken in lln- imino I 25 C 31 9 4 5 2 i «i 12A y57 ArPENDIX Z. (A) PROOBESS REPORT <>N SURVEYS CARRIED ON DUBINU THE YEAR 187*', 1«Y MARCUS SMITH. Ottawa, 20tl» April, 18T7. Sib, — T have Iho honour to Report on the progress of the Surveys for tlie Canadian Pacific Railway during tlie year 1870. Western or Moxinta'm Region. The surveys projected for the season, were : — 1. The completion of the trial location from Tete Jaunc Cache, to the neighbourhood of Fort George. 2. A re-survey and location of the line through the heart of the Cascade Mountains by the valley of the Homathco, following the East branch. These two surveys were necessary to complete the trial locntion of the line (No. 6 of former Reports) from the Yellowhead Pass, in the Rocky Mountains, to Waddington IlarDOur, at the head of Bute Inle;;. 3. A trial location survey of the line (No. 8 of former Reports) from Ivamsquot Bay, in Dean Channel, thi-ough the Cascade Mountains by the Kamsquot or Salmon River, a distance of about 52 miles ; and an exploratory survey, in continuation of this line, by the Rivers Nechacoh and Stewart, to the mouths of the Ohilacoh, about 15 miles west of Fort George, where it joins the line No. 6, referred to in Sections 1 and 2. 4. An exploratory instrumental survey of a proposo>f tho pro- posed survey again touches tho bay, after having diverged to a considerable dis- tance from it. I think it very jjrobable that this may prove the best place for the terminus of the Georgian Bay branch, or for tho depot on French River, if t'io main line should pass through this point, as tho bay is wide, giving rooni for vossels to swing," and the water is deep, except on a sand bar aliout 2,000 feet in length, on which it is only about ten feet in depth. Should this require to be dredged. I think the expense would be small compared to that of constructing a railway six or seven miles in length, over rather rough ground. I therefore directed Mi'. Lumsden to run a trial line westward from this point, 1 4 h) I . 1 miles, was :>in that point m in charge, ed out all the surveys with A full descrip- pondix Y). 13 miles, had on. W. A. Austin. the line from istance of 183 tvood, as Dis- navigation of J, and part of it on French practicable to in charge of /. P. O'Hanly ")ng the shore k Bell was in- ke to a point make a trial iles from its 10 Canadian my assistant as canoemen ce Nipissing, 27th of July, equipage we •actor for the camped near of the Bay, ) >)f the pro- siderable dis- !st place for iliver, if t'lo g room tor 5,000 feet in quire to be nstructing a n this point, 359 across the several branches ot the French River to ascertain approximately the bridging tliuL would bo required, and to gut a pi-olih! of the country iuljoining. DiTthc 1st August, Mr. r;iinisden's party coinnifiiced iUv survey, and 1 pi'o- ceedod up the French Jtivcr with two canoes and tivo men; on the third day wo reached Lake Nipissing and crossed over to the Hudson's IJay Company's Post, on the north side ot the lake ai>out a mile up llie Sturgeon K'iver. Here wo spent a day maturing our plans. Wo purchased a largo sized canoo, engaged another Indian to complcto her crew, and sent back the two smaller canoes to Mr, Lumsdcn's camp. Wo then made thi" circuit of Lake Nijtissing t'roni the mouth of the Sturgeon River to the entrance of the western arm or bay on the south side oi'tho lake, wbicii we (>int l<> South iiivor, the couiiliy bordering on the hilvf is low ari'l swampy, with rocks protrmlin^. Thoro is somo vi-ry fino land and piiu! tiinlii'i- ill till! vjilloy ol' (hc^Soiilh FJivcr, in [which 'Ihoru aro a' miiuhor of >ottleiai.'ii(s. Oil iho ;-oiith -^iilc of the vallty (l;o couiihy rises lo a (•oii--i(l(M'ahlo height, i esiiiiuikil it roii:.(lily ii>. 300 to J()() led altove ilu^ level of fjake Nipi-^sint,'', l>ii( lollowill^f the shore of the latter in a north-westerly direction, II t'alls (o within 100 ti' 150 f(M!( .if (he level of the hike. I' consists, however, eliielly of rixdts and swamps, alont; the whole i>fllie south shore of the lake to its west(M'n i\xMr(>niily. On nil r retiii n to the Hudson's Bay ( 'ompany's po>l, we met. Mr. Jtidoiit ami .-no of his statf. They had toiind good crossings of the two hraiiehes of tho French River, Ijidow the (Miaiidiere Fall<, an. I were working north westwards hya chain of lakelet-. in a series id' narniw valKys hel w<'en rocky ridges, which gave promise of a favoiiriil)le line for the railway. On the loth uf Aiigii>t, with two canoes well niaiiiied, we started up the Jiivei l^euve, which falls into the eggshaped hay of Luke Xi]iissing lying lo (he west of Stniu'con JJiver. This hay is ahciit tive miles long and Uvo and a lialt witle, and on its margin there is very tim- land, cnvercd"witl\ snfi nutple. Mrcli, ash and other hardwood. We trav'jiled two days up this river, in a generally north-wcsi direction, and made a distance ot ahout tweniy-tive miles, to where the river is liivided into two hranciies, having triiv((rsed in our course a number of short portages, at rapids, falls, anil jams of driftwood. Although this is hut a small stream, it is dammed iqi iit intervals hy low rocky ridges crossing it and forming slictehes of dead water like canals, 100 to 150 ti[>et wiut tive miles south of Salter's liase line. He inftirmed us that the party had reached a point witliin a short distance of: the river, and had Ibund a very feasible route, but were driven some distance south of the direct line by high rocky ridges crossing their course. Tho same ovoiung, we jeachcd Salter's line, .vhcrc we found .Mr. liidout cam])ed, and oui- supplies stored. ■fhe Wuhnaiiitaepee is a beautiful rivei-, 150 to 180 tect wide on the lov.-cr sect ion, and 100 to 10<( feet near Flbow Lake, about ihirty-tive miles up from its mouth, on which distance there are thirteen ])ortages, but most of them are short. For the tirst ten miles the country is very ro>/ky, and the timber has been burned ; beyoinl that the land near th.! river is low an ler lianlw'i'd. li reel ion, and (led into two , rapids, falU, liy low roi'ky 150 toot wide land in thf r liardwoods, s Iwsen nearly iranc'li of the Klbow Lake, ks, tiuM'o was 1 lo return to .vliicli, with a lakes, with southward, lay: or, wo he Wahna- 18 we had left napitaej)Ce. line west- lopot ; next Ml-. Tapper, line. Ho the river, Houth of the evcninj^, we es stored. owerHoetion, :8 mouth, on }('. en liiirned ; vo miles of ich is about feet above niles to the 3(il Next morning, wi' went aliont thiTC miles up the river, and iiseendini^ a hill .'IftO I'eet lii,L?h, had an extensive view (d" the siirroumlin^' country, whieii to the norlh- west mid east wa« very rou^li and broken, with lii_uh roiky hills, whieh would, lo home extent, f^overn the line to be ex|)lored for the railway. J had now sullieieiit knowledge of the lociiiion toeiiiible me t<» ;^ive Mr. Kidout detinite insti'iietions as to the nmlo westward that otl'ered the best piospeel of siU'cess, and from .siibse([ueiit oiiM-rvalions in passiii;^ down Loiiif Luke, I did not anticipate any very i-erious eii^'ineei ini^ ditlieiillics till icaehiiii; the vicinity ol Vermilion IJivei-. (In the 21st ot AiiLCUst we resumed our journey westward, takiiifX the route by the Jjoni,', Uoiiiiil and Whilelish Lakes, tlu^ Nermilion ami Spanish iJivers to Lake 11 li roll. The tiist part of tlio journey was very tedious, as the waters were low, :iiid the, sloiiji;lis coiinectiiii!^ the (drain of small lakes, collectively called Loiii^ Jiuke, were nearly oup are iW to 40 feet higher. There is some very tine pine timber around the-e lakes, with some hemlock and jiatchcs of mapio, birch and other hard woods. The Vermilion and Spanish are tine rivers, with a coiisideraiile quantity of good land and timber on their margins, esj)ccially on the latter, from the links down to within three or four miles of Lake Huron. The journey, howevei-, was tedious, as there were a great many portages to make, some rather long and rough. Our last portage, the seventy-sixth since we entered French Jlivor, was aiiout t-even miles below the confluence of the Siianish River and Vermilion, or, as it is sometimes called, the East or Whitefish branch. Thence, the river is navigable by steamboats to Lake Huron, about 35 or 40 miles. On the 26th of August we reached the mouth of the Spanish Itiver, but it had been blowing a gale during the night, which was now increaseil so that we could not ero.ss to the island on whieh .Mr. Chati'ey's mills are situated, and where thoro is a post office and wharf, at which the coasting ste uners stop. When we arrived there, two days after, we found the coasting steamer " Silver Spray " had passed up during the gale, and there were rumours of the other steamer — "Seymour" — having gone into dock for repairs. So we took advantage of the tirst calm day, and ran down to Little Curient, on Manitoulin Island, intending to take the tirst steamer up from Collingwood to Lake Superior, but we were again disappointed as the steamer " Cumberland' from Collingwood that week went out of her usual course, and did not call at Little Current. Through these detentions we did not reach I'rinee Arthur's Landing, Lake Superior, till the 10th of September; full}' ten days later than 1 had arrangeil for. I inspected the greater portion of the line under contract (No. l.'i) from Fort William to Sunshine Creek, 32A miles in length, and found the works were being well constructed and advancing towards completion, the grading of 23 n.iles being finished and the balance well in hand. The next hoction is fO miles in length, extending to Fnglish River, 1I2{, miles from Fort William. This was put under contract (No. 25) three months jirevious to my visit. The contract embraced the ti-ackla^'ing and ballasting on both sections. Tl le grailing anil ami there were then 14 miles of rails laid from Fort William, other works were progressing satisfactorily. Having arranged vari(U'lages intervening), we crossed the height of land ; thence, by another chain of lakes, we reached l^ngli^h liivor, and examined the located line at the crossing of the same, and for some dis- tance on I'acb side. A mile and a halt below this point the (Jbush-ke-gah River, u tortuous, siugg'sh stream, enters Engli>b llivcr from the south-west, crossing the railway line between the irJihand ll.'Jth mile. We followed up tiiiN about ten miles, to its source in a large lake; tiience, our coui-se was by a chain of lakes a few miles to the south of the line anil generally parallel to it. The portagl^s between these lakes vary irom a few yards to lour miles in length, so that our progress was slow. Un the third day we reached the Ka-ka-kee J{iver, which flows in a tortuous course through a large Hat of swampy ground. JJescending this about twenty miles in a northerly direction, wo crossed the located line near the liJlUh mile, where we camped. I then sent a messenger along the line westward, wdio found .Mr. Austin's party about eight miles distant, to which jtoint they had located the line, and run a trial survey' some miles in advance. Mr. Austin came to my camj) with the plans and j)rotiles, which 1 examined, and they showed a very good line foi- so diftkuilt a country, which is not mountainous, but intersected with very irregular rocky ridges running generally in a north-easterly ilirection, almost at right angles to the line of railway. The next party, under Mr. Brunei, were supposed to bo about twenty miles west of Mr. Austin's party, but working eastward to meet them. I gave such instructi(nis as 1 thought would insure the surveys being joined in time I'or both parties to get back to Lake Superior before the winter set in. We found we could not get furtiier westward on that route Ijy canoe, so on the afternoon of the 22nd of September wo sot out on our return journey, and on the third day i-eachod the Jlivcr Seine. Wc intended to follow that river down (south- westward) to Sturgeon {""alls, at the head of an arm at Rainy Lake, but the Indians gave bad accounts of the i-ajiids and ])ortagos, and as oui" ])rovisions were getting low we reluctantly had to retrace our course back to Lac des Millo Lacs, on which, how- over, we fortunately had tolerable weather for canoeing and reached the liaril portago on the 28lh September at noon; ciossmg this, we paddled down the Haril Lake and I'cached IJrule the same eveni.ig. The whole journey by canoe from Lac des Mi.'lo Laos and i-eturn, occupied twelve days, in which we made fifty-two poi'tagos, \arying in length from fifty j-ards to four miles. At Briik' we fnuml a sleam tug ready to go westward next day, so I sent back the Indian crew whom I had engaged at Fori William, and we went on westward on the sieam tug to the next portage ; we continued to follow the JJed Eiver route, liut as the steam tugs were not running very regularly and did not always make connec- tions, we sometimes bad to proceed in our canoe, and were frequently delayed by liio-h winds which made the lakes too rough for canoe navigation. Our progress was, therefore, rather slow and tedious, and we only reached Fort Francis on the 4th of October. J lore we were detained two days by a snowstorm which covered the ground to a depth of six to eight inches, and cau.sed some alarm to Mr. Brunei's party who feared that the lakes might get frozen before their survey was completed. m|tiiiiy willi out' lixlians H'ltlllKldWatl, rtjiifos Willi hike, whoio it iiiiinhoi' of lOI'O, S(» tliut II tiii(liiiu;(lic I ii 1,'riiorally III tlio iioi'di. voiiiii^), wo liod Kiii^lisli for soiiio (lis- iis, slii-;,!,"sli liiK) hotwocii SOIIITC ill il soiitli of llic >' I'njtn il fi'W II a toi'luoiis I'l'osseil tlio sciii^ci" aloiiy; ml, lo wliicli lvalue. Mr. 0(1, ami lliey laiiioiis, Iml jrtIi-o:isterly y miles west instruetioris xrlics to gel so on the and on the own (soiith- tho Indians getting low which, how- laril portago Lake and ic des Millo ^es, varying 1 sent back vestwai'd on )!• route, Imt ake t'onneo- ilelayod by ■ogress was , the 4th of covered the unel's party ietcd. :m Tilt' stcuml'Oal on (lie Lake of the AVoods was laid ii|i di'-aliied, ai'd llie •» under Mr. (Jarden and Mr. Mortimer, who had complelcil their surveys, so we liad to oontiniie our joiiriu'y down llii- iiuiiiy Kivcr in canoes. In two days we reached Hungry JIali, an abainioncd |p(»l of the Hudson s Hay ('onipany within two miles of the fjakt^ of (he \Voo<|,-,. Here we wt*r('stormlM>uiid for three dlly^«; the weather being very cold, when I'oriiiiiately ( 'apt. Wyiie's steam tug came ilown the river with a cargo lor the Xorth-weit Angle, so I took passage on her for Mr. Huipe and niy-'elf, and sent our Indiiin crew back lo be paid olV. The storm having abated, wc started next day. 1 Ilh October, (uid at the mouth of the river we ima the tug with the surveying parties, win' had been -^iv days sn)rm- bound on an inland in the liakoof the Woods. In t vo days we reu(-hed tho Norlii- we.st Angle, where we met Mi'. (Irani the ollicer in cliarg(>.of (ho trans|iort service on the I{<'d River route. Mr. Hiirpc acicmpanied him to Winnipeg, ami nexlday I look ])assuge ill i'nui. Wylic's lug which had a cargo for l-lat Portage, we arrived hereon tho 14th Octoher. There ! found Mr. Kellowes, Assistant Engineer on .Section 1.") oiicamped, and, together, we exaininod s,)me of the most dilliciiit portions of thai Section. I gave liim sonic iiistriictions riwpt'cliiiLC the cairyin;.: out of tin* works, and then i-cliirnod with the lug to the Norlh-west Angle; thence, with lior.ses and waggon, wiiich Mr. Grant had provided, 1 travelled to Winni|ieg, where F arrived on tijo li'fli of October. In coinpiiny with Mr Kowan, District I'lngincor, we inspected several miles of Iho grading on the Pembina Uraneh, which is very well e.xeciitod. We then drovi- down to the main line, and examined the place selected tor llm crossing of the I'ed Jlivcu". and at'terwards iii>pected the works on a considerable pr)rlioii of (Jonlract Xo. 14, 'J'he grailing was nearly tinished on (he first .'{.'flniles, and (ho bridges were being ])Ut up. The side and oil-lake ditches have not only been successful in Ihoroiighly draining the line of railway, but ihe portion of the eoiintry which was formerly wel i.s for a considerable distance on each side greatly beiieliltcd. The soil on the margin of Ihe .Vssiniboine ami Ifeil Uivers, ami indeed of the whole country as far as I (ravelled, i.s exceedingly rich. Having completed all necessary arrangemciils respecling the siirvoysaiid works of construction. 1 left Winnipeg on the 27lh October on the steamer ' .Manitoba," being her last trip of the season. The weatluM' had been cold for .some weeks past, iiut now the Indian Summer had set in, artd the tri]) to l''ishcr's Fianding, occiipyinix three to f()iir days, was delightful. Thence, we travelled by rail humewards, and rea(diod Ottawa on the Tlh of November. Accomjianying this is a synopsis of tic; reports on the explanations made during the past year, on a direct course between a point on Fieiieh Jtiver and the m )Uth of the Fliver I'ic, Lake Superior. Also, a report on the trial location from Conlin's Fia\-, French River, to tho point known as the Ivisterii Terminus, south of f^ake Nipissing. Also, a general description of the engineering features of the line located from I'^irl William, liakc Sujjcrior, to the siiminil of (he Yellow Head Pass. EXPLORATrONS IJKTWEEN KRENPII RIVER ANP THE MOUTH OF THE ItlVrR I'lC, LAKE sui'Kiiion. The following is a .synopsis of the Reports on explorations made between French Iliver (Fjake Huron) and liie Kiver Pic, Ijako Sn]»eiior, dui'ing llu; year 187(J. J'J((6tctn Dioisiun S'lh mills, Mr. '/'. liUluiit in < hdnjc. This oxjiloralion was oomnK'nced on the French Kivcr at the Ilajiids du I'in, about 40 miles up from the (-ieorgiiin JJay. Here tho main brancdi of tho rivor is , t .{tii h:i.' •1--4 (liviilnl liy an \y-\iiii>\ li/iviiii; cliaiinolsnn carli siiloiiC aluiiil 100 fool wide, thocnniitry oast and Wfsl lu-inj; hiijli, mcK-y and ln'idvcn. Ifiinniii^' imrtli wcslwaid <'ii llio (■•inrso indii'iilcd in iho irisiiiiiliDii-. i'm- idmiil Iwm milt-, llic norlli liraiicli \\;i - iiuM with aixl I'oiMid I., lie !IIM» tii't widr willi a di'pt li uf walii' < it 5(1 t'cot. 'I'lic rnii;,'li and I'ooUv character id" ilu- ninntry in tlii>* Incality, ln^'cllior with llio width of the river crortsin"'^, in'i'OHsiicd fnrihcr examination i'nv a niuie ravonial)!^ criMsinij and lower cniintry. The river w;is ae(i.fdini,'ly le ronstniiled with a i^oo 1 a|)|iiii,i(h to the ri\ er. i'he line will iiillou /^'eiKM'ally in it we-ierly direetion, alon;; the. .soiilh >hore o| the noi-tli Itraiich of Krenrh Ifivei' io the seventh mile, passinif thi'oni,di some ;^ood liaid wood land of saiiiiy loam, wilii frequent points of rock. on this llie works will he moderate and the /gradients easy, At the 7th mile an arm of the river will h >erossod, hut (he waterway at this point doc- not exceed fiO feel. 'I'licn ucsiwai'd to the iL'th mile, llic line mils aloriLC the lai'^c western arm of Kremdi liivcr, ims-in;; lliroii^h rocdiy ridges with intcrvoiiinf^ swamps, and in some jilaces aj.(ooiI deplli ol soil. The ri<'j;osare not liiiili, -o that i,food ^r:idicnts can he olitaiiud with moderate works. Kmni the 12t!i to tlie iJlst mile the lino takes a very liircel coiirso, ahoiit north (\^)'' nest ii|i IIh^ north side of a valley, thr(Hii;h whicli flows a small stream which al titcrvals oxjian Is intu a scries of lony; narrow lakes. The altitude of the stream or lake at the 12tli milo is estimated (114 feet ahove tliii level of (he sea, and at (he iJIst mile it is (!S2 feel. i,'iviii|i^ a I'ise o( a liltle o\ ci' (wo feel per mile. The coiinii\' throiin'hoiil liiis section has hcon comitietelv liiirnod over, leaviiio heavy. At the 27tli mile the line is forced away iVoni tlie shore of the I.ake hy hi^'h rocky rid^os, about one mile to the north, whi^-e there is a depression, and the rock alt»'rnates with swamp anas!ward to the Fre^neh Riv-er. and westward to the Wahna- ])itaei)ee. On this section there are high rid)j;es of rock, and the works will l>o licavy. The altitu(h'on the divide is estimate*.! at 7(>0 feet above sea level. The country to the north-we.sl of this is very roui^li and broken, .so that the line is forced to the southward of (iio dircet i»eiieral course, and folhnvs a nari'ow valley in v»diich there is a chain of small hiki^s, sumo marsh and tamarae swamp, to the River Wahr.apilaepee, which is cro.ssed near the 4tith mile. The formation level at the cro.ssinif is estimated 70(! feet above sea level, showini;' a fall of 54 fec^t in the last seven miles, so that the gradients on this section will he easy and the woi'k moderate, as there aiv only a few poiiits of rock to cut through. The \Vahii;ipitaci)ec at this ])lace is 200 tVet wi(.\>, having clay banks six feet high, rising on tlie west side to a rock}- i-idge (i5 feet above the level of the river. Cutting through this ridgo, the line continues north-westward to tlie 4Sth mile, throiigli a tamar.'ie swamp, and some rolling land having a fair depth of soil. From the 4Stii mile the country is so extremely rough and I'ocky on (he general course, that the line is forced northward on ;i hill side, and across some low ridgea of 1 (litH'oiiiilry n llio<''Mir-(> nut will) iiml l> ami roi'Uy iMiinl ry. hu(/'liiiiiilu'ri' llio count IT In oltSlTVC a to tlu' rhcr. >iitli shore lit li some iri>ifi\ vnrks will l.c ill \> t |•|•os^^^.>(l, Ik. tlio l-'tli "ill;; llin>ii;r|i ol^oil. Til.' I*.' WO! lex. alidiit iiorili am wliicli at 14 t'oi'l aliiivo il tic ii\ I'l' t W'l over, loaviii;:; Il very littlo , aiiil on flay lino f'ollnw- a ^ood ileal al<« hy hiy;li ml lilt! I'ock liiits ran bo a mo gi^ioral I'Us lit;iit. (liviii(! tVoin tlio WaluKi- irUs will lie el. thai tlio lim arrow vallry kvaiii|i, to tho vol, yhowinn- tioi> will ho it throu^ii. inks six i'ocL if the li vor. tSlh milo, siiii. tho ;j,onoral low i'i(.l;4eH of roflc, iiltoinatiii;,' with lu.'ndow-. riii'l liiinani'' sw.iinii-, haviiiL,' » ijoo'l^iloptli of noil of clay ami hiimly loam, atl'tinliM^r fnir nrailiontx with moilfrato moU. From lliu iltilh luthofiltl niilo tho i>>iiiitry i» Ihiokly wooiloiini', hirdi, po|iliir, ! cinloik, ami ocoiixioiinlls ffoml pino. I''iuin iho ."»Hh niilo iho ;;onoi'al ooiir-o of tin lino i-^ iioail} iim|-iIi Im tho 'ilMli milo, w lioro il crosses I hf loi'i,' narniw valley ninnin^' -outhwo t, inntaiiiin;,' Iho loiifj; chain of hik(>s which di^oharire into Lakes I'ena^e and ilnron, In this soi lion there is u consi'loialile aiiiiiiinl of rook, and liiore are t wn small lakes -o siirioundod with rocky hills thai it max ho necessury Inom^. them l>y hi'id^iii;^ ui- rnihniiknieiit tn avoid exei>ssi\o i'iir\atiiro and hoiivv rot k oNcitviitinii. Krtxa the 5'.Mh to 'Mnh milt! the line iist ciitlf* the north -lope of tin valley on a WOiHtward course, with a fxradicnt of 1 per ll»(l. 'i'hetiee to tlu' T'Hh mile the eourse is north wcNt. jiassintf through stniohos of swanip ami eluy tiats of ifnod land up to the llTth mile, with easy i;railieiits and liyhi works, Iml fiuiii ihis tn tin- TiMh mile there is a ^ooil deal of rook witli lir(»ken ^ro'oul, and tliou<;h the ;j;radionls are easy the work will be hou\y. From tho SUb to thoJITth mile the counlrv is nearly all l.iirnod over; thence, to the 77lh mile, there is ;^'ioon hush ol hii,niidients may bo obtained, 'riio highest point, on this Division is between the TOtli and 7tst mile, wliitdi is a|i|)ro.\imatoly lt)t;(» fool aliovo the level ot lln- s.a. After oit>ssiiig the stream 2(1 feet in width at lho77lli mile, the line tukosa north- wostorly courso and enters upon a large level plain of gorwl clay land, • ■•iiipleloly (deared of timber by lire. After passing a small stream !il 'ho Sliili mile green woods are again mot with, and the line ]iasses through a ridge of slate rock to some spriictj and tamaratt .swamps of sandy loam, e.xlonding t<» the Vermilion at ^'2\ miles. This crossing of the river is ahoni eight miles above Luke \ fi niilion and one mile liolow tho Junction of tho U'ivor VVonatiing. eoming in from the norlhwi st. Tho width is about liM) feet and depth from !.'» to 20 led, the banks being of sami and clay, and their altitude about 1170 loot above sea level. Tho valley ol the Vermilion is from three lo four niihvs in width, of sandy loam, u lew slate ridges protruding, and is cov(>red by a thick growth of spruce, balsam, cedar, tamarac, poplar ami sm;dl pine. Ili^lmr up, ]nne of good size is loiiiid. Itis bounded on tin; west liy a range of hills running nortleeastward ami rising toa height of ,{00 feet above tlit^ level of the river. Through this valley tho Wiimabiiig must pass, as, from inlbrmation obtaineil fr 'in the Imlians, it conuts from a small luko idioiit twelve miles to the north-west. From the foregoiniblo route bolween l''roiieh and Yormilion Uivors ean bo obtaiiiud. Tlio distniico is ostimaled at 82.1 milos, being an increase of lU per coat, on a straight lino bolwooii extremo piiiits, caused by the noce.sHary deviations and curvature. T'ho Waliiia])etaepeo was ascended inio I'loidi 47, six inih's above llio portage loading to Long Lake, and the country a.> liir as could be soon from tho fop of the highest hills near tho river, -was vcvy rough and broken by ridges of granite :.ml gnoifss from lt)0 to 250 feet hii.'li. An examination was also made of tho country between tho south en I of Long Lake and a pniiil on a bramdi of the Frcu'li I'iver, north of (-oiitin's 15ay. to which Mr. Lumsdoii had extoialed his survey. This route is not favourable for railway constrin'l ion, as it cro.ssos tho general course of the stiv;iiiH noiilv ul right angles, with liiu'li rotdcv ridtfos intorveniii''. 366 I'M If t-" ! ir 1^ ' .1 .'> I ivfi CENTRAL DIVISION. Lak« W'nnihfgon to (he Tiircr Auv Salilcs : M^r. Chiirles Horcfsfcy I'u charge. Luke WiniiiU'uon was roacho:l on tlio 22n(l July, with cauoes from "Lake Huron vi(l tlio Mishissuijna and otiior nt reams and lakes. This lake, a laiii'o l»ody of water eontaining numerous islands, lias I)etwoen the parallels of 17° 20' and 47" 2S' north latitude, and nearhf upon the meridian of 83° west from (iroonwich. To the north and westward a level expanse of partially swampy country extends for nlan}' miles, its jijeneral features presenting ap|iarently no ohstuole to railway constiuction in tlii- direetioti of the River Michipicoten. The lafk of inloi inalion regarding the country south-oast f:'om Lake Winnihegon necessitated a careful and lengthy exploration before adopting the line now briefly to be described ; the region to the north" and east of the air-line between the "Pic" and '' Frcndi "[{iveiv. b"iii«jiiiiupicd by much water area and being otherwise of a very rough chui'acter. The line now r.iibmitled begins in latitude 47"^ 20' N. at a point slightly to the westward of the lower end of Lake Winnibegon, and taking a soutli- castei'ly course it crosses the Ri\cr Winnibegon at a distance of five and a half miles in airline, ])assing over a fairly level countiy of rocky formation and thickl}- wooded. On this portion of ihe line, low rocky knolls are of freal stream of this region, the Mississagua. The line now follows the ('ypress for a distance ofnin'eor ten miles to its conflmtnco with the Epinotte, where the elevation is estimated lo be 1,305 feet. Tlio Cypress follows a mcanderi ng course to the south-south-east through a nearly level region. (Jranite knolls flank its course throughout nearl}' its entire length. The banks arc low, the soil light and sandy, and a lilc'icheil forest of burnt timber stretches from Lake Wagong to the Kp'inetle. A great portion of this section is very favourable for a I'ailway, although the rocky formation frequently crops out upon the river, which expands abi)ut four miles bolow liake Wagong into a series of lakes flaidicd by rjcky cliUs of low eleva'.ion. All along the River Cypress the gradient is nearly level, but occasionally some rock cutting may bo necessary. The country is singularly imintoresting and apparently worthless. J^* ^\\o confluence of the Cypress with the Kpinette both streams widen out to about 20 foot, and here, only, canoe navi- gation becomes reasonaldy practicable. The country hereabouts is extremely i'ligged ; bare granite hills from ."iO to 100 feet cri>pi»iiig up in every direction; still, excepting inr short disluuces, a line may be easily carried along the low banks of the river. " Hi, charge. Lalvo Huron botwoon llio ndirtnof83° itry oxtoinis to railway Winiiil)o^on ow briefly to the "Pic" i^iso of a vory ut a point ni^ a Houtli- a iiuif niilos ikl}' wooded, uv, but lite do of about eve! jijround i.i,'H-isb. The wU'.v of llio ^-ation at tbo e last named »0 feet. Its > ot llie liiu) est from tbe to the river this country vi'osM at an iloli. drains loder of the miles to its J 1,:W5 foet. nearly level The banks >.v strotcdies on is very ut upon the ies of lakes gradient is country is .he Cypress canoe navi- extremely ?tion ; still, \v bunks of 367 The confluonce of the Cypress and Epinette is about twenty-six miles from tho starting point near Lake Winnibegon. The River Kpinotle is now followed for four and « half miles in a southerly direction. The loft baidv, which is generally low and level, oltcrs the best features for a line of railway. About one mile from the confluence ot the Epinette with the Mississagua, tlu^ line leaves the former, and, pui-suing a southeasterly course about four and a half miles, it crosses the Mississagua. The uj)per part of this short section is unfavourable. The tirst mile of easterly ascending graxlo will be about 2 per 100, besides entailing in all probability a large amount of rock excavation. From the summit, however, the descent to tho Mississagua will bo found easy and the work medium. This .sununit (1482 ft.) is the highest point tho line crosses since leaving Luke Winnilte- gon. Tho country thereabouts presents a most desolate appearance, its broken, rocky, surface being covered with fallen trees, burnt by frequently reciiri-ing tires. The crossing |)oint \\\)o\\ the River Mississagua (about thirty-four miles from Ijake Wir.nibogon) is 1,422 feet iibove sea level ; it is in latitutle 4(J^ 5(3' north, and about eight or ten miles above the confluence of the Epinette. The crossing is extremely favourable, the banks being low and level, tho river Itcd ol the finest character, and cpiito uniform, with an extreme width of 150 foot. The lino now enters what has been termed tho Hastern Kiver Valley. For a dis- tance of about eight miles there is an ascending easterly gradient along a small river and chain of lakes. Haifa mile from tho Jtivor Mississ;;gua there occurs a short but steep ascent of 40 foot. Above this the gradient is very favo\;rabIe initil the line reaches an eleva- tion of 1,500 feet above the sea, when a shoi-t gradient of about 2 per 100 occurs. Two miles further, another summit is passed (1,5S(! feet above sea) and now the line descends with sharp gradients for about a mile to the crossing of a luirrow arm of Bark Lake (1,522 It.) The section thus briefly described belwceii Iviver .Mississagua and J}ark Lake is about nine or ten miles in length, and has been thought to offer a very fair passage through the hills between the points in question. Tiie crossing of tho south-west arm of Bark Jjako is about 300 feet in width, with good ap|)roaches and low biiiiks. There is a fair depth of water, with rather soft bottom. The next and last section examined, about fourteen miles in length, has been trace 1 on a south- easterly course through another valley, as far as the River Aux Sables to a point in latitude 40° 45', and approximate longitude 82^ 17' west. This is about sixty miles from Lake Winnibegon. The profile of this portion of the route is very favoiu-able, the line following a chain of lakes to the south end of Lac Aux Sables ; asmall proportion of the section will require rather heavy works, but, upon the whole, this valley has been thought to otter a good passage, so far, through the rough and hilly country. Tho lateness of the season put a stop to the examination of the rough, hilly countr^'^ to the eastward. There yet remains a distance of about forty miles to con- nect with the line ex|)lored fi-oni French Jliver. An alternative line, cutting off a consiilerable purlion of the line Just described, has been projected upon the plan. If found feasible, the worst features of (he line along the lower Epinette will bo avoideii, and much saving ofdistance etlecte 1. The whole route from Lake Winnibegon to tho River Aux Sables appears to t)trer a feasible line for the railway, with very favouralile gradients, and an average of :Meditnn work throughout. Kcloviatcs very considerably from the direct lino l.-etwocn tho Rivers French ami I'ic ; Lac Aux Sables being estimated about seventeen miles to the south-west of that line. E.xploratioiis have Ijoen made in connection with the line described by two dirt'erent chains of lakes to points north of the direct line, but the country was found so unfavourable as to give no promise of a practicable lino for the railway. I *; 368 WESTEIIN DIVISION. I«|. ■ ! ' ! ' n - 1 1^ r ; i ■ Fruin Jiinr Pic to Lake Wmnihajon ; J. L. P O'Hdnlij in chanji. For eonvonioiico ol' I'oCoroiR'o llic division may bo sulxliviilcd into two .sections. One i'oinprisin<; llwit )»!a't of tho exploration cast ot' the River Mieliipicoton, and the other, that to the west. The wcsteiii section whidi extends from Lake Superior eastward to the Micliipicoten is, by ronijjh computation, M.') miles lon^. This is probably 10 ])er cent in excess of an air line. The tiist i-eiious enij;ineerin,i; dilliciilty encountered in tliis section is in risiiifrto the summit which divi(U;s tlie waters of Sand Beach frcmi the Minijjuish, both inipoi'lant branches of White J?iver, where an ascetit is met with of 4()0 Icct in two miles, between the 31st and ;{.'5rd mile, attaining; a maximum elevation of about l,20(Meet above the h'vei ot Lake Superior, or 1,8(H) feet al)ove tlie level of the sea. Tliere arc indications that this rici^e extends in a westerly direction from the Mini^uish to Lake Suiicrior, and that there is no more favourable crossing for a long distance on either side. The crossiiiif of what seems to correspond to the same ridge by the exploi'ation of 187'), nearer Lake Superior, was less favourable. The coiintr}' thence to the lliver l)(He at 74 miles, is rolling, and in many places broken, lUgged and diflicult, but with long stretches of a more favourable country intervening. The altitudes above sea level, at tlie following points, arc given ai)proximatcl3'. River Minguish (vJ!* miles), 1,400 feet ; Lake Minguish, (45 miles), 1,450 feet ; on the divide at 47th mile. Thegradients are undulating and generally easy, with the exception of one length of 1 per 100 rising eastward a little over half a mile, and a similar gradient rising westward about a mile in length. On the first three miles the works will be light, on the next four miles they will average heavy, and on the balance they will be very light. Uetween the (ifith and (37th mile the South River is crossed twice. Each cross- ing will require a bridge of 100 foot span. Froii! the 67th to 76th mile the line follows up the valley of South River on a general course, a little to the east of north, with very easy gradients, and the works will be light, except on one mile, near the 75th, where they will be rather heavy. The South River, in this section, is crossed three times — one crossing being 60 feet wide, and the others 40 feet each. At the 76th mile the waters flow westward into Lake Nipissing, and eastwards into the River Ottawa ; altitude, 1,231 feet. Fi'om the last point the line takes a course nearly east to the end at the 80tii mile, with very easy gradients. The highest point on the line is 1,210 feet above sea level, at ^ilh miles; the altitude at tlie 80th mile is 1,2.'{0 feet. On three miles of this the works will be light, and on the balance moderate. The River Amable du Fond is ciossed twice, requiring a bridge of 40 feet sjian at one crossing, and 100 feet at the other. From the commencement of the line at I^'ronch River to the 48th mile, the country is generally rocky, with very little si.il tit for cultivation, Fastward of that the country improves, but is much broken with rocky ridges. Line to the C/iaudiere Falls, French Ricer. Explorations wei'o made for a route to connect this Last lino desfribed witli that explored from the Chaudiore Falls westward. The only feasible line that was found takes a general course from the crossing at the Falls, varying from south-oast to south, and intersects the located line at 34 miles from French River, its length is about 13 miles, over a rough and broken country, especially in the first six miles from the Falls, on which the works would be heavy. DESCRIPTION OF THE OENERAL EN(UNEERIN(i FEATURES OF THE LINE FROM LAKE SUPERIOR TO THE VEIJ.OW-IIEAn PASS IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS. First Dicision. — From Lake Superior to MedRicer, 410 miles. The line commences on the leit bank of the River Kaministi(iuia, a little over two miles from its entrance into Thunder Ruy, and takes a genei'al course about North 60° Vrest to Lake Wabigoon, 208 miles ; tlience to Cross Lake, 3.}4 miles, it is nearly due west, but there is a great deal of curvature in detail. The country up to this point is generally of the Iluronian and Laurontian form- ations, in irregular bands, and the character and extent of the soil varies accordingly. The best section is on the watershed to Lake Superior, which is lolling and well- timbered, principally with tamarac and spruce, interspersed with birch, poplar, balsam, cedar and a few pine. The tamarac has supplied excellent railway ties, and there is a considerable extent of good land in the valleys, and patches on the hill- sides fit for cultivation. Advancing westwards, the country is more broken with I'ocky hills, 'ak nps, and the proportion of land kit for cultivation decreases. There are \ imarac an J spruce with an incieasod proportion of pitch pine and other swam of tamarac anJ spiicvv. .Tiu.i i.ii •wv..v...o^« p. .^^,... >^.,,.. w. ,„...,, |,.,.,^ „..^, ,/i..nji ^^u of fairsii5o on the low ground, but, generally, on the hills, it is of smaller growth. hills, lakes and patches woods 372 m ii On the last TO miles, up to Cross Lako, tlio country Is eompoHcd nlinost entirely of granitic and jL!;noiH8oid rocks; it is very rough and broken, with pnmerous lakes and swamps, and there is scarcely any soil tit for cultivation; there are, however, patches of good tamarac, spruce and j)itch pine, interspersed with bii'oh, poplar and balsam. From Cross Lake to Red "River is on the alluvial basin, where the prairie region commences, and the soil is very rich. The general course of the line for this section is about N. 75'', west. Section 1. — Fort WilUam to Sunshinr Creek, .32^ viiles. This is contract No. 13, the works of which are nearly completed, and the rails are laid for 25 miles. Commencing at a point on the north bank of the River Kaministiquia, fi04feet above the level of the sea,* the lino lakes a north-west course, gradually leaving the valley, to cut oft' a great bond, with continually ascending gradients to 15i miles, at which it attains an altitude of 1,077 feet. In this rise there are five lengths, making an aggregate of a little over six miles, of a maximum gradient of 1 per 100=r),2SO feet per mile. Thei ;, with undulating gradients, the line re-enters the Kaministiquia valley, and crosses the river between the 2.3rd and 24th miles, near its confluence with the Mattawan, altitude 1,010 feet. In this length there are three-cjuarters of a mile o"' maximum gradient of 1 per 100, I'ising westward, and neai-ly live miles of a maximum of -50 per 100 rising eastward. The lino then follows the south hank of the Mattawan nearly to the 28th mile, when it crosses the rivei-, and follows up the valley of Sunshine Creek to the end of the Section, at 32^- miles, with generally ascending gradients. On the first twenty miles the works arc light ; on the balance they are a little heavier, but still very moderate; there is some rock cutting at tho ci-ossing of the River Kaministiquia. Tho principal structures are : — At 5J miles — A ti-cstle bridge across a ravine, 300 feet wide at the top, 100 feet at bottom, and 40 feet deep. At 23|- miles — The Kaministiquia is bridged with two spans of Howe truss, 100 feet each. 27^ miles — The Mattawan is crossed with one span of 100 feet, Howe truss- bridge. 29 miles — Sunshine Creek is bi-idged with one span of 80 feet. Section 2. — Sunshine Creek to EngUsh River, 32J miles to 113 viiles. This Section was put under contract (No. 25) in June, 1876, and the grading on the first half of it has been vigorously prosecuted. The line fol'ows up the valley of Sunshine Creek to the 39th mile, then it crosses a narrow divide to the valley of the Oscondige, which it follows up to tho height of land near the 53rd mile. From this it follows the valley of the Savanno to the 7Ist mile, crossing the river about two miles from Lac des Mille Lacs, to which it is navigable for vessels of light draught. Thence it travei-ses a slightly undulating and easy country to Hay Lake, at the 90th mile, crossing a bay of Firesteel River at 93i^ mile-*, and English River at 111 miles, within two miles of its outflow from Hawk Lake. The gradients are undulating and generally easy ; there are sevei-al shoi-t lengths of the maximum of 1 per 100, rising westward, making together about five miles. The aggregate of the maximum gradients (2G'40 per mile) rising eastward, is about lOJ miles. The altitude at 53 miles is 1,581 feet; this is on the "height of land " which separates the waters flowing southward into Lake Superior, and westward into Lac des Mille Lacs. At Knglish River the altitude is 1,513 feet. The works up to 41 J miles will average rather heavy, some of the embankments running up to thirty feet in height,and the cuttings to twenty feet in depth, some of •TliJB datum of sea level will be understood througliout,.wherever_tbe altitude is given. almost entirely pnmeroiis laUos uro, liowovor, roll, poplar and prairie region ! for this Moction }d, and the rails stiquia, fi04fcet lally leaving the to 15i miles, at lengths, making per 100=5,280 leKaministiqiiia r its confluence ec-cjuai'ters of a ^ five miles of a < the 28(h mile, !l{ to the end of they are a little crossing of the he top, 100 feet Howe truss, 100 et, Howe truss- 3 miles. nd the grading ivs up the valley the valley of ■d mile. IVom >ssing the river e for vessels of country to Hay ^, and English The gradients 'the maximum le aggregate of J miles. if land " which tward into Lac leemhankments 1 depth, some of le is given. 373 them ill rock ; these, however, are generally in short lengths. From this to the end of the Section they will he very modoratoon the average, for the cuttings are goner- ally shallow; hut as many of them are in rock, tho following elussitication will bo better:— -20 miles medium or moderate, 45 miles very light works. The principal structures are :— - At 40i miles— River Oscondige ; one span of 80 feet. 47+ miles — River Oscondig»5 ; second crossing, five spans of 20 feet, 7i| miles— River Savanne; pile bridge, 8 spans of 20 feet. 00 miles- "Ray of Hay Lake; Howe truss bridge, one span of 100 foot. OHi miles — Firesteel River; Howe truss, one span of 100 feet. 07 miles — Boaver River; pile bridge, four spans of 20 feet. lOOJ miles — Fox River; pile bridge, three spans of 20 feet. Ill miles— English Rivor; pile bridge, fourteen spans of 20 feet. 112i miles— Scott's River; pile bridge, nine spans of 20 feet. Section li — English River to the head waters of the Little Wahiyoon River, 113 to ICO 'iniks. This section of the line is across a rolling country, containing numerous lakes and swamps with very iri-egular rock}' ridges, bearing genei'ally in a north-east direction, almost at right angles to the course of the line. Taking advantace of the narrow valleys and basins of low land, and depressions in the rocky ridges, a line has been obtained with tolerably easy gradients, and without heavy works. The gradients are undulating, tho highest ])oint reached is at 120 miles, where the altitude is 1,558 feet ; the lowest points are at 15-lJ and 100 miles, altitude 1,408 feet. There are 1.^ miles of the maximum gradient of one per 100, rising westwards; three miles of -50 per 100,and 7J miles of -CO to -75 per 100 rising eastwards, but it is expected that the location can bo improved so that all these can be reduced to a maximum of -50 per 100=:2G'40 feet per mile, without greatly increasing the cost of the works. The works will be moderate on the average; very few of the line cuttings will exceed 1,200 feet in length or 20 feet at their greatest depth, and these generally will be in sand and clay mixed with boulders, but solid rock may be expected in the bottom of many of tho cuttings. There will be no heavy structures on this section ; tho longest will be at the two crossings of the River Osaijuan, 153 and 154 miles, requiring a 30 feet opening for waterway at each. Tho River Ahgim-ack, at 147 miles, will require a clear waterway of 25 feet. Section 4. — From the head waters of the Little Wahigooii River to Thuivhr Lalce, 100 to 200 mites. The line follows generally parallel to tho valley of the Little Wabigoon, nearly due west to the east shore of Lake Wabigoon, which from this point, bears north for about three miles, and then bends to the west. The course of the line is generally parallel with it, to the end of the section, at a point on the narrow nock that separates Thunder Lake, from Lake Wabigoon. On this section the general fall is westward; the altitude at 160 miles being 1,408 feet, and at 206 miles it is 1,215 feet; but there a few undulations giving max- imum gradients of 1 per 100 for .3J miles, rising westward .vith three miles of "50 per 100, and 15J miles from -60 to -75 por 100 rising eastward ; the latter will be reduced in locating tho line for construction. The excavations, on this section will generally be neither long nor deep, but they will be in great part in rock. Thoy will, on the average, bo moderate, but a little heavier than on the last section. The principal structures will be ; — i' m^' tt' ).' tl; 374 At nCi milcH — Little Wnbi^oon Rivor, tliroo spans of 40 foot. 20iil mi loH— -Black water Creek, 30 feet openii)^ " — Heaver Crook ; one span of 80 finot. 391 " — River Brokenhoiid ; one span of 100 foot. 40l)A " — Crook ; one span of 80 feet. On the whole ot thisdivisicm — 410 miles — there aro about 70 miles on which the rock excavations will be heavy, one half of which are in the sections under contract; on the balance, abiuk River — Waterway; ♦!0 feot wide. From Norlbcote the lino takes a Houtli-woMtorly dircotion up (lie valley of Swan Jlivor to IjivingMtone — (i77 miles — about eiglit miles north of Fort J'elly ; thonoo it keeps a course a little to the north-west in almost a direct line to Caorlavorock, !M2 miles, at the olhow of the North Haskatohewan. From that point it follows the valley (»f the Saskatchewan on a general north-west ('(turso to Batlle- ford, at D<)7 miles. From (i2!> to 054 miles theconntry is woocied ; (>5-4 to iiS'ii miles the woods arc in bolt.-i and jmtohes with intervening stretches of prairie; th mile. Scctioti 2.--Mrthcote to Htopjord, (>2'J to 721) miles. Tho gradients rise generally westward, with some undulations, to the highest point on tho plateau at 72!t mik^s, where tho altitud«^ is 2,01!t toet. The maximum is 1 per 100, rising westward, of which there is an aggregate length of 7^ miles on this section. JJising eastward the maximum is -50 i)er 100, of which there are 18 short lengths, making an aggregate of nine miles. The works on this section will bo moderate on the average, but heavier than on tho procciling, owing toagreat number of narrow deep valiios orcouloj* to be crossed with bridging or embankment, of which there are eight, varying I'rom 700 to 2,000 feot wide, and aO to 'JO feet deep ; also tho valley of tho east branch of the Assiin- boine Kiver, which is 2,800 foot wide, anil 80 feet deep. Tho princijjal streams to bo bridged aro : — At G41 miles Stream (!0 feet ojioniug. 650 658 665 6751 682 707 711 721 718i Rolling iJiver 60 Stream 40 " 40 " 40 " 40 " .'{0 " Fast brunch of the Assiniboi no. 100 Stream 30 South braiKJi of tho Assini- boine 100 a <( Section 3. — Stopford to Denhobn,—Tl\^ to 831 miles. On this section the gradients are easy and undulating, but the general fall is to west ; there is oidy one mile of the maximum gradient ( " that direction, and an aggregate of l.'J miles, in a number of short lengths, of -St) per The earthworks will be very light throughout, and the largest structure will bo over a stream 30 feet wide. Section 4. — Denholni to Caerlaverock, 831 to 912 miles. Tho altituile at Doidiolm is 1,856 foot, and at Caerlaverock 1,542 foot, so that tho fall is generally westward, and the gradients in that direction are voiy easy. Rising t.' :1-! •aduiilly fVom pilo bridging III ley of S Willi liy ; tlionro it C'liorlavcrock, 1 that voint irrio to Hatllo- 4 to f' tlio South SiihUatchovvan tlicie is a grudionl f)t -HO \w,y l(li» a nui(> in li'ii;,'th, and one of 1 per lUO, tliiec-<|uarU'rs of a nule in U;ngtli. The niaxiimiiu on the rest of the section rising i a>itward is ail per 1(10, of whi«li lUcre are II niiinbcr nf longllis vaiyiiii,' from luilf ;i mile ti> a mile and llirco (luarlcrs, inttUing an aggregate ol ncai'ly 17 niilcs. The cartiiworks on the tii.sl 18 miles will be heavier than on tin- preceding Section. Tln>rc are a number of Nhuip undulations or ridge-> with narrow valleys intervening, reciuiring embankments from 1,(MM» foot to 2,(M)(l feet in length, and varying from It) to 25 foft in maximum depth; these Ixicomc (.ji'iidiinlly liLfhtcr as we jirocecd wohtward to the valley nf the .South Saskntcbcwan, at S7S n\ilc>, thi.> is l,tiOO Irot wide and 88 feotdoop. Tbeiice, to the end ol iho Soetioii, tlic works will be very light. There will be only one large s^triictiiiv on tiiis Seclinii, ni the crossing of the South Sa^ktttclu•wan. which will ri'(iiiire a clear water way of l.Otlll feet. Section Si.- -Caerlavcrock to Batttcfon/. 912 to Wt mi/rs. The line skirts the base of the Kagle Hills, by wliich it is forced e|o^e to the bank of the North Saskatchewan, wbich it follows to the (did ol tlio Section at liattlcford. The altitude at C'nerlavorock is 1.r)t2 foct, and ul Hattlefnrd, it is 1,(J15 liet. The gradients are undulating, but generally easy, there being a leiiglli of a mile and three (piarlers of the maximum of 1 per 100, rising westwai'd, and there i- an aggregate lt>iii;th of u little over seven miles of 'oO per 100, rising oastware crossed that have boon worn out of the alluvial soil by the lateral ^tioams. The valley of Battle Tliver is 2,(!00 foot wide and "tO feet deci). Kagle Ifill valley is 2,300 foct wide, by 44 loot deep, and thore are seven othoi's, varyin;; from ."iOO to 1,200 feet in widtli, and 40 to 70 feet in depth. The principal bridging will be at — !U8 miles — Kagle River, a clear opening of 80 feet D23 " Stream, " 80 " 953 " • " ^ « ao " 1>5(J " '' " (iO " 'JG4i " Battle River, water way 4oO " The works on the whole of this division of 557 mile> will be very moderate on the average ; the heaviest excavations can be con>iderably reduced, 'and noiuo of the worst gradients imjiroved, in locating the line lor coii.slruction. , THIRD DIVISION. — BATTLEl'ORD TO VELLOWHEAD I'ASS, DC? To 1,45.! MII.KS. tcneral fall is to n- 100, rising in jnglhs, of -50 per Itriiclure wi II bo feel, so thattho |iy easy. Rising Section 1. — Battlefvnf to Edwonion (1!> inih'fi south uf the Fort), OUT /" 1,1!I7 miles. At Battleford the line leaves the vail .y of the North .Saskntcliewuu and Ibllowtv that oi' Rattle River, in a generally iv)rth-west direction, to the we->l end of the Willow Jlills, at 1,027 miles ; tiience the general direction is nearer to west, across a rolling and somewhat hilly C(Uintry to Kdmonton, abrmt 19 miles south of the Hudson's Bay Company's ic^'t. The rise is generally westwards, attaining the highest alti'aule, 2,555 feet, at the 1,179th Tuile, from which point the descent is gradual a« the line approaelies tlio valley of the North Saskatchewan. Tlie altitude at Edmonton is 2,413 feet. 37 878 Till' j,'!'"'!'''"'^ «ii"o f^ctuii'iilly on-\ I piT 100 rising woMiwiinl is 14^ iiiiitv"'. IliHJii;; oUKtward, l.OU jior 1(K>, 71 iniloM. do -0 do 1^ do do ■<; iiiv r.culti'1'i'd tliroiii,'lii)iit tho mtIIoii in sliort li!ii!,4l)-<. Holwc'CMi tiio l,i)7Hii:iiid l,tl87tli nlil^^^ tliLM'Xcaviitioris ill earth will lio luavy, and on theliulaiu'H llioy vary in altoinate K'nj^tlnl'rotn liyl't lomciliumor niodoraU'iy lioavy. On llii' wliolt* -ocUoii tho o.xr.'ivatioiiH may be clansiHod thus; — I'A iiiil«!s vtM-y heavy, 4J» do inodnnili^ly heavy or medium 70 do very rnoderalo. !»S do U'^Ui, 2:{0 Oil tiic tiiMl hundred inilos the bridging will bo very light, ehicfly on small Nlroams, but beyond that tlierts will bo Home very heavy struct uren, viz.: — At 1,074^ miles, eoule, 1,100 foot wide at the t*!]), 100 loot at bottom, and 05 foot deep. At 1,077^ miles, (irizziy Hoar Croek valley, 2,200 feet wido at toji. 1,000 feet at bi^ttom, by 155 ti-et deep. At 1,101 niilos, l?ull'alo Coiile, 1,(500 toot wide at to)), 700 feet at bottom, by 100 lent deep. \t l,l!t2 miles, White Mud Coule, 3,000 feet wido at top, 1,400 feet at bottom, l.y 05 loot deep. The greater portion of this section is woiMJed with small poplar and willow, with o|ienings at iniei'vais , the hills are generally covered with poplar. Tho first eight miles on the line we>f nf Mattloford is prairie; from 1,032 miles to 1,074 miles, and I'rom 1,124 to 1,13;{ miles, is also prairie. Section i — Kdmoiitoiit') the. Hirer Pembina — 1,1!17 to 1,2(57 miles. Fi'om Kdmontoii tho lino takes a course nearly due west for 14 miles; liiout'O to the Pembina the geiK'ral course is more to the iiorlh-wesl, but with u cionsiderable amount ofciirvalure in detail. It crosses the North Saslcatohowan at 1,218 miles, and runs geiioraily parallel to that valley, on the north side ol' i\ to l,2.'iri miles, opposite White K.'ulh Fort, 'f hence to tho I'embiua the country is hilly and rolling, and dotted with mimeroiis small lakes. The lino follows the south shore of White Lake, which is alioui nine miles long and two to three miles wide, and crosses tho liivor Pembina at 1,207 miles. The country is generally wooded with pdplar, spruce, pilch pine, tamarae and birch. The .spruce is of good size and ([uafity, and .some of the tamarac is largo enough lor railway ties. The altitudeat Edmonton, 1,107 miles, is 2,4i.H i'oet, and at 1,211 miles it is 2,377 fee* ; the gradients between these points are wvvy oa.sy, the maximum being -02 per 100, thence the descent to the Saskatchewan is continuous, the altitude at tho erossing. 1,217* miles, being 2,200 feet. From this point the rise is generally westward to 1,226 miles, where the altitude is 2,400 feet ; thence to tiio I'embina the difference of level is not great: at 1,2.)7 miles the altitude is 2,348 feet; at 1,256 miles, i.s 2,427; at 1,264 miles, on the summit of tho " divide," it is 2,51S feet, and at the crossing of the Pembina, 2,410 feet. From the 1,215 miles [o tlie end of the section tho maximum gradient is 1 per 100 of which there is an aggregate length of a little over nine miles rising westward, and live and a half rising eastward. i; 'J ,1 1 IRT I 1)0 I I.ehi'iivy.aiKl ioraloly huiivy. liotly on Hinall om, and (!5 foot ». 1,000 It'ct at joltonj, I'y 100 i!t ai botluni, t>y in liivcr Peinbinii i\o, tamai'ai! and amarac is larg''- miles it is 2,377 .iiii,'-62 pel- 100, at the crossing. loro the altitude fi-eat ; at 1,'2.!7 s, on the summit 2,410 feet. rradient is 1 pei- ■ising westward, H70 On tlio first 18 nnios from Kdmoiitdii tlio w<>rU> will Ik* very ligltf. Imt hotli the excavation and bridginj^ will lie heavy in eros.sing th(> valleys of tin- North Sa^kaf- chowan and I'emhina. On the whole soetion the ex may he ( lassitied lliii^*: li!t inile^ heavy, '■' miieH medium, and .'{2 miles li^ht. The principal bridginji,' will bo at: — 1,210 miles — Streant, .'{0 feet opening. 1,217^ do North .Saskatchewan: Valley 2,100 feet wide at to|», 1,200 feel at bottom, and 101 loot deep; waterway at flotwl 1,100 feet wide by 20 feoi deep. Coule — ItOO feet wide at top, sloping to.{0 feet at bottom, cleai- waterway HO feet. White liake Crook r)50 foot wide at top, -10 feet at bottom, with clear waterway of 40 feet. Hay of While Lake, 40 feet opening. Stream, 40 foot opening Rivor .Sturgeon, 00 feet opening. Stream 40 " River Pembiini, briilging 1,000 feet by SO foet deep, water a1 flood, ;{00 foot wide by 20 feet deep. 1,222 1,2H7 1,244* l,2.')4Jf 1,2(5U l,2«;fi*" 1,2(57 (to (h) do do (h> 1,373 miles. After crossing the I'ombina, the line follows up the valley of the Lobstick to the Lake, which is an ex])ansion of tlio river, at 1,281 miles; it then keojjs on the south hide of the valley to 1,.j01 A miies, where it crosses the river, and takes a westward course across a low divide to the Junction of the Moose and Root JJivers at 1,.'{08 miles, following up the valley of the latter to 1,312 miles. Thence it takes nearly a direct line west to the valley of the McLeotI, which it reaches at 1,328 miles. Following the south side of this to 1,33(!?, miles, it tlien ci'osses the rivor and follows up the valley of Medicine l^odge Brook to 1,340 miles. Thence, it takes a course over a rolling country, crossing tie divide between the McLcod and Athabasca at 1,357 miles, and reaching the south bank of the Athabasca at 1,373 miles. The country in this section is wooded with spruce, pitch ])ine, poplar, tamarac, and birch; the spruce and poplar of good size. At the crossing of the rembitui, the line is entering the foot hills of the Ifocky Mountains, and it rises generally westward, the altitude at the l'end)ina, 1,207 miles, being 2,410 feet ; at 1,300 miles, 2,857 feet; at 1,305 milos, :i,025 feet ; at Moose Rivor crossing, 1,308 miles, 2,'.M)1 feet ; at the crossing of the McLeoil, l.li.'itU miles, it is 2,903 feet ; at 1,357 nules. the watershed between the McLeod and the Athabasca, it is 3,480 feet; at 1,304 miles, crossing a spui', .3,571 foot ; and at 1,373 miles, at the end of the section, in the Athabasea Valley, it is ;>,21(I feet. Of the maximum gradient of 1 per 100 rising westward, theie is an aggregate length of 20 miles. Jiising eastwai'd, there are about seven miles of gradients vary- ing from "00 to 1 per 100. On the first three miles from the crossing of the Pembina, the excavations will be very heavy, two of them will be in red sand stone, the first rock that has [)eeii met with west of Red Rivor; on the rest of the section the excavations are altoi'iiateiy light, heavy, or medium and may be classified thus : — 24 miles heavy, 20 miles medium, and 53 miles light works. i W ' i I 3b0 Tho principal bridging will 1)6 at : — 1,2(18* 1,280 l,2S2i 1,287 1,293 1,21»7* l,30r 1,308 1,310J 1,320* 1,327* 1,333 l,33»Ji 1,343 1,353 1,359 1,3(58 1,371J 1,373 milos, do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do the River Lohstick, first crossing. Sti'cam Stream do Crane Rivor Coldwatcr Ri ver River LobsticU Moose Rivor Feet. 100 60 60 60 60 60 80 60 Root River 40 Wolfe River 100 Beaver River 80 Stream 80 McLeod River, water way 300 feet wide, and 30 feet deep at flood ; height to formation level... 75 Medicine Lodge River 60feetclear. Stream 60 do do 80 do Coule 700 feet wide at top, sloping to a point at bottom, and 75 feet deep. Coule 700 feet wide at top, 250 feet at bottom, and 75ft. deep. Coule 400 feet wide at top, 50 feet at bottom and 85 feet deep. Besides the above, there are, at intermediate points, four streams requiring bridges of 30 feet opening, and five requiring an opening of 40 feet. Section 4. — Up the Athahasra nnd Caledonian Valleys to the summit of Yellow Head Pass; 1,373 to 1453 miles. The line follows up the south-east side of the Athabasca Vallej' to the foot of Lac Brule, where it crosses the Athabasca at 1,396 miles. This lake is an expansion of the river, about eight miles in length ; the line follows Its western shore, and, con- tinuing on the same side of the valley, on a general south-westerly course, it reaches the foot of Jasper Lake — also an expansion of the river — near which stands Jasper House, at 1,414 miles. It then follows the northwestern shore of the lake, and con- tinues in the same general direction up to the 1,421 miles; thence on a general course nearly south, to the confluence of the Athabasca and Myette rivers, at 1,435 milos. From this point the line follows up tho Caledonian Valley on a westerl}' course to the summit of Yellow Head Pass, which is reached at 453 miles. The valleys are wooded with spruce, poplar, pitch pine and tamarac of good size and quality. The altitude of the beginning of this section — 1,373 miles — is 3,216 feet; at the crossing of the Athabasca — 1,396 miles — it is 3,241 feet; at 1,414 miles, near Jasper House, 3,321 feet; at the Athabasca Deuot — 1,431 miles — it is 3,331 feei; and, at the summit of Yellow Head Pass, it is 3,730 feet by check levels from the Pacific coast.* The maximum gradient is 1 per 100, of which there is an aggregate length of 8 miles rising westward, and 2* miles rising eastwai-d. The excavations up to 1,403 miles will be in earth; about one-half of them will be heavy and the other light. On the next two miles, at the head of Lac Brule, the cuttings will be heavy, chiefly in limestone rock, including two tunnels, one of them 1,600 feet, and the other 350 feet in length. Thence to 1,413 miles the works will bo light, but on the next six •The levels carried from Lake Superior make the altitude of this point 3,720 feet. Feet. , 100 60 , 60 , 60 . 60 . 60 . 80 . 60 . 40 . 100 . 80 . 80 3 . -75 clear, lo lo it bottom, and and T5ft. deep. \d 85 feet deep. lams requiring >f Yellow Head the foot of Lac expansion of ore, and, con- irse, it reache.s stands Jasper lake, and con- general course It 1,435 miles. erlj- course to ac of good size 6 feet; at the OS, near Jasjjer et; and, at the Pacific coast,* jgato length of If of them will e heavy, chiefly the other 350 on the next six 381 miles, ulo.ig the .s'.ore.'? of Jasper Lake, the cuttings will mostly be in limestone, with two tunnels 250 and 225 foet in length. From 1,419 to 1,434 miles, the cuttings will be in earth, and not heavy; thence up the Caledonian Valley to the summit of the Pass, the excavations will be heavy and light alternately, some of them in gneissoiil rock. On the whole section, the works may be classed thus: — 23 miles — heavy. 25 miles — medium. 32 miles— light. The principal streams lo be bridged are at : — l,382i miles— Hardisty River, 100 feet opening. 1,390 1,396 .1 Prairie River, 100 Coule, 750 feet wide at top, 150 feet at bottom, and 60ft. deep. River Athabasca, 600 feet water way ; from bed of river to formation level, 50 feet. 1,403 miles — Stream, 80 feet opening. 1,406 " " 60 " 1,406J " '• 40 " 1,409 " an arm of the Athabasca, 40 feet opening. 1,413 " Mountain Assiniboine, 700 feet waterway, 20 feet below formation level. 1,422J miles — Stream, 40 feet opening. 1,424J " Snaring River, 700 feet wide ; from bed of river to formation level, 18 feet. 1,425 miles — Stream, 40 feet. l,439f 1,443 1,447 1,449 1,452 u (( River M^-ette, 300 feet. Stream, 100 feet. River Myette, second crossing, 200 feet. Glen's Brook, 60 feet. Rivei- Myette, third crossing, 200 feet. Three otiier intermediate streams, require an oj)ening of thirty feet. Over the whole of this Division, 486 miles, the works will average rather heavy on account of the large amount of bridging. The excavations have been classified thus : — 104 miles — heavy, parti}' in rock, including four tunnels of an aggregate length of 2,425 feet. 145 miles — medium. 237 miles— light. Further examinations will be made before locating the line tor construction, with the view of reducing the heaviest portion of the works, both in bridging and excavation. A description of the general engineering i'eatures of the lines from the Yellow Head Pass to the Pacific coast will be found in Appendix T. J have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, MARCUS SMITH. Sandfori) Fleaiinu, Esq., Engineer in Chief. Mm ■ *- i \ W. 382 APPENDIX Z (B). 'f- ' t > t t ■ I ■ . : 1 fi CANADIAN PACIFIC EAILWAY SURVEY. Lives lost in connection with the Survey, during the Years 1S71, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875 and 1876. Date of Death. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 William Matheson Indian, name unknown., do do do do do do do do 1871. August do do do do do do 1872. do do April Arthur Hamilton iMay Edward J. C. Abbott do George Knout do George Rochctte do Frederick Chadwick Nov. William Caldwell do D. Taylor ; do Michael Clancy I do j 1873. Joseph Hughes July I Arthur Torrie I do Neil Patterson do John P. Robson [October Nathaniel L. Price Dec. Wm. Tappige., 1874. October John Spence Sept 'Joe Paskall •Thomas Robinson I'Edward Jynes I'Saniuel Nicholson , •John Tarbut •George Skipper \ do •Richard Corcoran do 1875. do Nov. do do do W. P. Scott. 1 .32 jJohn Dolan ... . 33 I Isaac Howch..., 34 Samuel Londit. 1875. Remarks. Lost in forest fires, do do do do do do do do do do do do Drowned in North Thompson, do Lake Temiscamingue. do do do do do do do Lake Huron. do do do do Broke through ice. Drowned in Whitefish Lake do do do do Died, do Drowned ia Frazer River. 29 29 4 4 4 i 4 4 4 do do iWent down I do do do do do Dalles River. do n steamer " Pacific." do do do do do Dec. 31 1876. Juno 25 July 19 October 16 Drowned in North Thompson, do Salmon River, do Kettle Falls. Tiicse men had been paid off a few days previously. i J 383 APPENDIX Z (C). LIST AND PKSrRIl'TinN OF THE SKVEKAL CONTKAPTS ENTEKEH INTO IN CONNECTlOV WTTII TIIK I'UEMMINARY WORKS OV CONSTIU rTION OF. THE CANADIAN I'AriFKJ RAIIAVAY ; TOfiETIIEa WITH THE GENERAL SPECIFirATION UNHER WHICH THE WORK IS HEiNG exe(;i;tei) ; als(» informathkv hesi'Kctin<} all ExrENinTi hes for CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES IIP TO .lANirARY IST,, 1877. CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY. Summary of Pu^'moiits ma. Conti'ac". rate, erection of line ,.. 8213 18 per mile " maintenance 813,000 00 per annum When the contract was entered upon it was understood that the line for its whole- length would pass though a prairie country'. Considerable sections of woodland, however, were met with which necessitated clearing. This was paid for at the rata of $25 per acre, by arrangement with the contractor. Paid en .account of construction $98,350 00 The line has been in opei-ation for its whole length since July, 187(). Contract No. 3. TKr.Eoiui'ii. — F.dinonton to the existing telegraph .system of British Columbia. LengtJi about 550 miles. F. J. Barnard, contractor. The contract embraces tho clearing of the land in wooded sections lo the width of 132 feet, the furnishing of all materials, labour, instruments, and everything necessary to j)ut the lino in operation j the building of substantial and comfoi'tal)lo station houses of log or frame, with shingle or that(th roofs at distances of not less than Ihirly miles apart along the line, and also the maintaining and operating of the line (without |irotits) for a period of live years aflci' completion. Date of contract, 9th Xovember, 1874 ; date for com- pletion, 2jid Octobei', 187(!. Contract rate S 495 00 per mile " tor maintenance and operating, without profits r*... 4(3 50 " Paid (m account of construction 27,184 91 .Maieiial and supplie^ have been provided, but no great ]irogress in construction has been made. o Livingstone, embraces tlie ' f'lirnifshing of ) line in ojora- or frame, witii le most eligible ine foru iieriod for comj)lclion, V mile 00 00 ilil 80 98,919 80 ilfj, but lliere i» lichard Fuller, ur, instruments itaining of the Date of f'on- r mile r annum ne for its whole- s of woodland, for at the rata 50 00 m. tish Cohunltia. t embraces tha niishing of all e 111 operation ; V frame, with along the line, or a perioil of date for com- mile 1 construction 385 Contract iVo. 4. Tei.eor.vimi. — Fort William to Selkirk, about 410 mile-^. Messrs. Oliver, Davidson & Ox, contractors. The contract einbrace-i the t^irnisliiiig of all materials, labour, instrumer.ts, ami everything necessary to put the line in operation, and the maintaining of the lino in good working order tor a period of five year-! from the 80 Total amount of coatract work, when conxpleted, estimated at 243,150 The telegraph is erected 00 miles westerly t'rom Fort William, and 50 mdes easterly from Selkirk ; the remaining portion is in progress. Contract JVo. 5. Pemhina Branch. — From St. Boniface (opposite the City of Winnipeg) to a point on the International boundary lino east of Pembina, .losojili Wliitebead. contractor. Length OH miles. The contract embraced the excavation and grading formation of the roadbed, and consisted cliietly of earthwork obtained from side ditches and borrowing pits, the roadbed being raised above the level of the prairie to a height of from twenty to forty inches, as circumstances ret^uired. At all sti-eam crossings, openings were left in the roadway for such structures as were considered necessar3^ The structures are unimportant and are not yet in place. Date of contract, HOtli August, 1874; date for completion, 80th October, 1875. Contract rate, 22 cts. per cubic yard, with an additional allowance o\' (im: cent per . 13. MAiy Line. — (liadinfx and ltri(ljiin<; — Fort William to Shehamlowan. Lomotil 45 inilo.s. MosHi'H. Sifton and Ward, ((mtractors. Tlio contract enihnices tlio cleai-ini;-, grubbing, fencing, excavation, draining, ditcliing, foundation works, wooden bridges, culvoi'ts, and all other works rc(juired in connection therewith, according to general Hpecitication. Date of contract, i>rd April, 1875; date for conii)letion, Ist August, 187«. The approximate ([uantities furnished to contractors, moneyed out at contract rates, are as follows : — SCHEIX'I.E OF QUANTITIES AND PRICES. 700 acres Clearing ]ier ncre 22 " Close cutting " 114 " Grubbing, including side ditches " 20,000 lineal feet.. Fencing per 100 lineal ft.. 30,000 cubic yards|Solid rock excavation per cubic yard... 8,000 " ..'Loose " " 944,000 " ..'Earth excavation " 74,000 lineal feet.. Under drains per 100 lineal ft.. 2 spans 100 feet clear " 6 " 80 1 " 60 4 " 40 (jjSOO cubic yards II Howe truss bridges i)erspan. '11 II II " .. Rip-rai 1,300 lineal feet.. Piles 1,200 1,300 10,000 100,000 " 30,00(1 " 20,000 feet, B. M... 10,000 " 5,000 " 20,000 lbs , Crib work in abutments and piers of bridges, including timber and stone filling per cubic yard., $ cts, 20 00 40 00 60 00 5 62 1 25 50 23 ,10 00 3,000 00 2,400 00 1,800 00 1,000 00 II _ I per lineal foot ... 3,000 " Timber, 16 inches by 12 inches, string ers for trestle bridges and culverts... " Timber, 12 inch square, in trestle bridges, culverts, and cattle guards. " 8 inch flatted timber, in trestle bridges, culverts and cattle guards " Hemlock or spruce plank jier 1,000 ft., B.M. Pine plank " Hardwood plank " Wrought iron, including bolts, spikes, straps, &c... i>er lb Cast iron , " 2 25 4 00 40 35 30 15 20 00 20 00 20 (to 10 07 $ cts. 14 000 00 880 00 6,840 00 1,124 OO 37,. 100 00 4,000 00 217,120 00 37,000 OO 6,000 00 14, 40 J 00 1,800 OO 4,000 oe Apjiroximatc amount of Contract.- 15,300 00 4,800 00 520 00 3,500 00 30,000 00 4,500 00 400 00 200 00 100 00 I 2,000 00 I 210 00 , l$406,194 00 Aftei' the contract waa let, a change was made in the location of the line, which cut oti' about mj mile'-' at the westerly end, and reduced the ([uantity of work about one-third. The contract now terminates at a point neai" Sunshine Creek, length, '62^ miles. Approximate amount of contract (as revised) S270,'79() 00 Amount paid on account of work executed 23[t,220 00 Contract No. 14. Main Line. — Grading and bridg'ng — Selkirk to Croi^s Lake. Length, 77 miles. Me.>isi's. Sifton and Ward, Contractors. The contract embraces the clearing, grubbing, fencing, excavation, draining, ditching, foum'nuon works, wooden bridges, i t i- I 8 wan. Leiif^tli 45 oi's tlio clearinii', , wooden l)ri(liffs, •riling to ffeni'iai >tioii, ]hI Aiiixust, out at contract lies. Amount. $ cts. $ Cts. 20 00 14 000 00 40 00 880 OO 60 00 6,840 00 5 62 1,124 00- 1 25 37,500 00 50 4,000 00 23 217,120 00 50 00 37,000 OO 300 00 6,000 00 400 00 14,40 J 00 300 00 1,800 00 000 00 4,000 oe 2 25 15,300 00 4 00 4,800 00 40 520 00 35 3,500 00 30 30,000 00 15 4,500 00 20 00 400 00 20 00 200 00 20 00 100 00 10 2,000 00 07 210 00 $406,194 00 r tho line, whicli uaiitity of work Siin,>?lune Crook, 1,796 00 1,220 00 jcngtli, T7 miles. 's the clearing, wooden bridges, 380 culverts, and nil otiior works required in connection llierewitli, according (o general upccitications. Date of contract, Hrd A|)ril, lb7'>. Pate for completion, Ist Aiign>l, 1870(» 00 Main Line. — (irading and bridging — Cross Lake to Keewatin. I.ongtli, IJO^- iniles — also track laying and ballasting, Selkirk to Keewatin, lengtli 112 miles. Messrs. Sutton, Thompson & Wliitohead, Co.d factors. The contract embraces tho clearing, grtibbing, excavation, ombaidimonls, tunnelling, drainage, ditching, founda- tion works, Avooden bridges, culverts, masonry, the track-hi3'ing ballasting, and all other works connected therewith, according to general sjiecitications. Date of contract, 9th January, 1877; date for completion, 1st .July, 1-79. Tho track from Selkirk to Cross Lake to be laid as soon as jiracticable after tho completion of tho roadbed by the contractors for tho grading of that section. The approximate (piantities furnished to contractors, moneyed out at tiie contract rales, are as follows: — k H90 SOIIKDILK OK QUANTITIKS ANJJ PRICES. ■X f Aiiproxiiimti! Qiiuntities. De8crl))tion of Work. 500 iicrt'8 '20 " 50 " 1^00,000 cubic yards 30,000 " 80,000 " 20,000 " 10,000 lineal feel.. 1 span, 40 feel clenr.. 425 lineal feel., 200 " 160 320 450 1,300 II II II 1,000 cubic yards 2,400 " 380 " .^oo lineal feel. S4,0UO " 84,000 " 1,000 " 20,000 '< 140,000 245,000 " 225,000 " 84,000 " 260,000 " 44,000 " 16,000 " 81,000 " 14,000 " 74,000 " 198,000 " 15,000 " 29,000 " 1,000 " 645,000 feel, B.M... 1,000 " 1,000 " 325,000 lbs Clearing per aero .. Clo^e cutting " rinibbinK, including side ditches and off- take drains " Solid ri)cl< excavation per c. yard Loose rocl< excavation " Earth excavation, including borrowing " Kxcavation in olf-take ditcties, beyond rail- way limits " llnder-drains per 100 1. ft. Howe truss per span... Tunnelling for railway (sectional area equal to 15 cubic yards to tiie lineal foot) per 1. foot. 20.fl. tunnels for streams (12 cubic yards per lineal foot) " 16-ft. tunnels for streams (8 cubic yards per lineal fool} " 12-fl. tunnels for streams (4 cubic yards per lineal fool " 8-ft. tunneLs for streams (2 cubic yards per lineiil foot) " 6-ft. tunnels for streams (1 cubic yard per lineal foot) " Rip-rap per c. yard Bridge masonry " Cribwork in abutments and piers of bridges, including timber and stone-fdling " Si/iiiire:{ Timficr in Tn'ntle-iL'ork, Uridges, Culverts, ij'c. IG indies bv 12 inches per I. foot. •' ' 12 " " ' 9 ■' 12 '' 9 •' 6 II i> II II II II I Round Timher in Treatle-woik, Bridges, Culverts, ifc, of size to fquiire, to following dimrnninnn : 12 inclms by 12 inches per 1. foot. 12 " 12 " 12 " 9 " 9 ■' " 6 " 10 9 6 4 9 6 4 4 8 inches Hatted timber " [Hemlock or spruce plank per 1,000, 'B.M. Pine plank " [Hardwood plank " iWroughl iron, including bolts, spikes, I straps, &c per lb 10,000 " ICasliron " 270,000 Number Ties per tie 116 miles iTrack-laying per mile .. 186,000 cubic yards Ballasting per c. yard 26 sets Points and crossings laying eacn set Approximate Amount of Contract $ cts. 30 00 50 00 80 00 2 75 1 75 37 45 55 00 600 GO 30 00 26 00 18 00 14 00 9 00 7 00 2 00 11 00 2 75 33 30 30 30 28 28 25 25 20 18 17 17 12 10 12 10 08 06 12 12 00 25 00 20 00 13 10 40 290 00 33 10 00 Amount. $ cla. 1.5,000 00 1,000 00 4,000 00 826,000 00 52,500 00 29,600 00 9,000 00 5,500 00 600 00 12,750 00 5,200 00 2,880 00 4,480 00 4,050 00 9,100 00 2,000 00 26,400 00 1,045 00 165 00 25,200 00 25,200 00 300 00 5,600 00 39,200 00 61,250 00 .')6,250 00 16,800 00 46,800 00 7,480 00 2,560 00 9,720 00 1,400 00 8,880 00 19,800 00 1,200 00 1,740 00 120 00 7,740 00 25 00 20 00 42,250 00 1,000 00 108,000 00 33,640 00 61,380 00 260 00 1,594,085 00 Amount paid on account of work executed. Nil if J Aniuunt. $ eta. 15,000 00 1,000 00 4,000 00 826,000 00 52,500 00 29,000 00 9,000 00 5,500 00 600 00 12,750 00 5,200 00 2,880 00 4,480 00 4,050 00 0,100 00 2,000 00 26,400 00 1,045 00 1C5 00 25,200 00 25,200 00 300 00 5,000 00 39,200 00 61,250 00 .';6,250 00 16,800 00 18 46,800 00 17 7,480 00 1 17 2,5G0 00 12 9,720 00 10 1,400 00 1) 12 8,880 00 J 10 19,800 00 ) 08 1,200 00 1 06 1,740 00 ) 12 120 00 J 00 7,740 00 ) 00 25 00 ) 00 20 00 » 13 42,250 00 ) 10 1,000 00 ) 40 108,000 00 ) 00 33,640 00 ) 33 61,380 00 ) 00 260 00 1,594,085 00 3'Jl Contract No. HI. (Canada Central. — Kxton^^idii <>(' llic Riiilway fVoni (hu vitinily (if tlio villaj,a' of l)()ii^liiH wentward to tlio eastiM'ii unci of tlio main lirut of tlu' J'aiidc Kailway near Lako Nipissin^. Tho Canada CcMitral llailway Company (•(intnit'l(trs. Tlio lon^tli of lino Hubsidizod is ulxmt 120 miles, and the siilisidy to ho ^nintod is at tho rato of «12,00(l per milo. Date of Order in Council, 4th November, 1874; date for completion, 1st January, 1877. Very littlo progress has been made towards carrying out the worU. The sum of $08,000 has been paid on account of rails delivered. Contract No. 17. Transportation of Kails from Liverpool, England, to the ports of Ksquimalt or Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia ; Anderson, Anderson & ('<»., con- tractors. Tho contract embraces tho transportation of about 5,000 tons of steel rails, with their accossorios, such as fish-j)lates, bolts and nuts. Date of contract, 8th Ajiril, 1875; date for last shipment, June 1875. The quantities and rates are as follow: — Tons. cwt. qrs. lbs. Kails 5,077 8 1 18 Fishplates 109 10 1 4 Bolts and Nuts.... Td 4 5,2G0 2 2 22(«;8'J.73 per ton... .851,181 22 Insurance 205 Oii Freight on Packages 7() 68 $51,402 KG Amount paid on account $51,462 06 Contract No. 18. Transportation of Eails, tish-plates, bolts, etc., from Dululh to Winiiii»eg, Man., or any point on the Ecd Eivcr between Pembina and Winnipeg, at tho rato of $15 per ton, U.S. currency, and in tho event of llie chunnel of tlie Ucd Kiver being- improved, same rato, viz. : $15 per ton from Duluth to the [»oint of crossing of tho Caiuidian Pacific Railway north of Stone Fort. Red River Transportation Co., Contractors. Date of contract, May 22m(I, IS75 ; delivery during the season of navigation. Quantities delivered to date as follows; — Tons. cwt. qrs. 11)S. Rails 14,492 2 9 14 Fish plates 597 13 9 Bolts 51 12 1 3 15,141 7 2 1 @S15 U.S. cy. =$227,123 41 Amount paid on account, $206,171 33, Canadian currency. •.m (Contract No. 19. Knuinkkk's lIoraK, orocti-il al Ivoail's, iioiir Kiimiiiistiqiiiu liridgo. Mosos (Jlii)Vri'lli), ('oiitratlor. Tilt' colli liict ciuliraiCN all lalior, iiialoriiil, |»lant, ami ovorylhiii;^ iicci'ssary for tho tiiic cidiijilt'lioii of ilm uoiU. I)alo of ooiilnut, .'{rd Juno, 1^75 ; ilato for coinplo- tioii, \^i AugiiHt, 1875. Ainoiiiit of coiilract sorii's from Motitrual to lviii;^stoii. llok'oiul) it Sttnvart, Contractors. Tin* contract cmliraccs ilio supply of a numlicr of standard liart;(>s with |iropcr steam poW(>r and transport, to load, unload and pile tho samo on wharf to iio indicated. Date of eoniiMct, 22nd .Seplombor, lS7r»; dato for coinplctioi., during lliu soason of inivi^ation of IS75. (iuantitiosand rutos as follows: — Tons, cwt, qrs. lbs. 4,!>0t; 8 1!) 81 :^Operton lo.-,s 10c. por ton for pilinj^ dono by (Jovornmont 83,S87 70 a5,850 00 Amount paid This contract has boon complotod. Contrart Xo. 23. SfiKEPKiis or . Amount of contract 8:j,0(»0 00 Kxtraallowanco for plastorini^, etc S;} 70 $ 3,083 70 Amount paid 8 3,08;} 70 Tills contract has boon complotod. Contract No. 25. Main Line. — Cradini;- and Bridi^ing — Sunshine Crook to English llivor; length 80 miles; also track-la^'ing and ballasting from F<)i't William to near English. Rivor ; length, 112i miles. Messrs. PurcoU & Ryan, Contractors. The contract embraces tho" clearing, grubbing, excavation, oinbanking, draining, ditching, foundation works, •wooden bridges, culverts, tracklaying and ballasting, and all other works connected therewith, according to general suecitication. Date of contract, 7th June, 1876 ; dato for completion to Port Savanne (Lac des Milles Lacs), 1st August, 1877 ; to English Rivor, 1st August, 1878. 39 *i I ^1'';! III- hi J 894 TIic ii])])rf)xiiniite ([iiiiiititifs fiiniisliod lo ooiiti'actors, inonevod out at onntract rates aro as follows: — SClIEOrr.K OF (^lANTITIFS AN'H I'HICES. Aii]ii'oxiiimtf Quantitipg. 100 acres ... 50 " ... 200 " ... 240,000 cul)ic yards 10,000 " 1,000,000 " 10,000 " 60,000 lineal feet.. 4 spang, 2 " 6 " " 9,000 cubic yards 2,000 " r>,M») lineal feel.. 14,000 •' 'JO, 000 " 4,000 " 45,000 " 28,000 " 11,000 feet B..M ... 32,000 " 49,000 lbs 10,000 " 210,000 tied 112 miles.. . 180,0(10 cubic yards 24 sets Description of Works. Clearing per acre... Close cutting " Orul)l)ing (including side ditches and oll'-take drains " Solid rock cxcu -ation (line cuttings) per c. yard Loose " " " Kartli excavation (including borrowing) " Kxcavation in oft-take ditches beyond rail- way limits " Under drains i)cr 100 lineal feet.. Howe truss bridge 100 ft. clear i)ei span... " 80 " " " GO " " H 40 " H Crib work in abutments and piers of bridges (including timber and stone tilling) .... per c Rip-rajp " Piles driven per 1 Timber, 16 inclies by 12 inches, stringers in trestle bridges and culverts " Tiuilier, 12 inclies square, in trestle bridges, culverts and cattle guards '' Timber, 12 inclies by 6 inclies, in work " 11 g "8 " " " II q " G " " " Hemlock or siiruct- idank, in work per 1,000 B.M. Fine plank, ill work " Hardwood, plank, in work " Wroiiglil iron, ineliuling bolts, spikes, strajis, &c., in work peril).... Cast iron " per tie Track laying per mile ... Hiilbisting per c. j-ard Points & crossings layingencli . yard foot. Rates. Amount. Appro.ximate amount of Contract. $ cts. 25 00 30 00 80 00 1 50 90 ;!3 35 10 00 4,000 00 2,800 00 2,100 00 1,200 00 4 00 2 50 25 50 40 211 20 18 IG 00 20 00 20 00 10 10 20 300 00 .^8 5(1 00 $ Cts. 2,500 00 1,500 00 1G,000 00 360,000 00 9,000 00 330,000 CO 3,500 00 c,ono 00 16,000 00 5,000 00 12,600 00 7,200 00 3C,(I00 00 5,00(1 00 1,325 00 7,000 00 38,400 00 800 00 9,000 00 5,040 OO 176 00 640 00 80 00 4,900 00 1,000 00 54,600 00 33,000 00 68,400 00 1,200 00 1,037,061 O'l Amount jiaid on accumit of work o.xoi'Uted 81-9,100 00 Tlie work is l.ioiiin; onorgeticiilly iirosccuted, tlio rtiils aro laid twenty-five miles, aid it is e-xjietled tliat lAirl William will lie coiuiected with Port Savanno by Septem- ber next. Contract No. 20. Knofne IIoi'sk at tiie town ]tl(>t of Korl William, .liimes Islicster, contractor. The contract embraces tdl kinds (if liibour, nuicliinery, materials and overylhini;' necessary for the due oxecution and comjilction of a ten-stidl en, vaiiiio by Soptoni- icsler, t'ontraetor. and oveiylliiiiL;' 8 house. Date ol ),989 00 4,800 00 80o Contract Xo. 27. Tu.VN'Sl'nKT.VTKiN OK RaiLS iVoill MoilllVill, riUcllillC aild l\ill<;-sti)ll to Foi-t William Di' J)ulutli. Tlic Merchants and liuko and Ivivcr Sleamsliip Company. Coii- trac'toi-s. The ('onti-aot incliKUvs the |irovidinif of tirst-ciass |)ro|)eliors and transpoi-t i'roni tlic ports ahovo named to I-'ort William and Duhitli oi- either of them, together with all eliar,ii;es for loadinij, nnloudini;- and piliny; ol' the same on tho wharves or jtlaccs within a distanee of sixty feet from the slup'sside, all pi'emiuinsof insnraneo, all wiiarfane or harhoiir dues at the }iorls of destination or delivery, with all eanal or other lolls cliar^-oable on the route. Date of contract, l(Jtli May, 1870; date tor com))lotion, season of navigation, 187tl. Tho quantities and rates are as follows : — Tons. cwt. qr. lbs. It-iils 1<) H-v' 11 •' •>■> I '^^''^^''^'-i' t-o Foi't William or Dululh, at $ t.oO ) , lUUs, i.»,h.). 11 . -JLachinv '• " at t.-)0 } *'^^'-^^^ "^ Rails, " Rails, 130 100 I) 0— Kingston — Kinsrston II at 2.75... 357 50 II at :j.2r)... 325 00 8S9,11I» 12 Amount paid, Tho contract has boon comj)lotod. .'. 689,0(;0 00 Contract Xo. 28. Tiuxsi'oUTATio.v or Roi.M\(i .Stock, tish plates, bolts, spilces, switch-gear, i^c, from St. Paul or Duluth, to Manitoba. The Rod River Transportation Comjiany, (Jon- tractors. Dale of contract Kith >ray, 187(i ; dale foi- completion, season of naviga- tion. Tho quantities and rates are as follows ; — Fish-plate-i, bolls, spikes, cro-ssings and swilcli- U.S. ('y. gear, at 60 75 j)er 100 lbs. Locomotive and tender to Moorhoad, at .35 jior mile. " " Moorboad to Manitoba, at 1 00 pei- 100 lbs. Passenger or baggage cars to Mooi'head at 15 per mile. 1)(V d(') ' ' Moorbead to Manitoba, at 75 per 100 lbs. Box ear to .Moorbead . 1(1 pei mile. Flat cai' " 08 per mile. Box or flat cars, Moorbead lo .\ranitoba 75 per l(»Olbs. No work' performeil under this contra(!t to date. Conlrart Xo. 29. Railway Spikes, to bo delivered on the wliari' at Foi't William or Duluth. Mossry. Cooper, Fairnian & ('o., Contractors. Dale of contract, .Inly 28, 1870. 25 tons to bedeliverod on or before the 15tli August, 187*) ; the remainder at suilablo periods thereafter. Contract tor 150 t(ms, at 857.00 per ton 88,550 00 Amount paid 4,275 00 398 Contract Xo. 30. Bolts AND Nuts delivered in Montroal oiToioiito. Messrs, (Joojior, Fairnian iV Co., Contractors. Tlu) contract embraced the delivery of bolts and nuts, as above, manufactured accoi-ding to sample furnished by Mr. C P. Sandbern;. Date of contract, 5tii March, 1875. Contract tbrlGO tons, at §101. Amount paid This contract lias been completed. 81(5,1(50 00 l(;,lf)0 00 Contract No. 31. |i' !■-. ill! , 'i i .i i \ Bolts and Nlth delivered in Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Messrs. Coopei", Fairman & Co., Contractors. The contract embi-accd the delivery of bolts and nuts, as above, manufactured according to sample furnislied by Mr. C. P. Sand- berg. Date of contract, 5th March, 1875 ; to be delivered during the year 1875. Tons 43 30 cwt. 4 at 894 90 $4,099 68 at 90 04 2,701 01 Amount of contract $(5,800 69 Amount paid. This contract has been completed. 6(5,800 (59 (rENEIiAL SPECIFICATION For the Coiibirvitioii of (he Wurl; t w [being curried into execntion binder certain of the foregoing/ ( vntracfs. 1. This s])ecification rclcis to ail works of consti uctioii and matei'ials required in making and building the laWwuy u]) U> format ic7i level, tmd ]irej)iiring it fbi' the permanort Avay : cunijuising clearing, clo^e cutting, grubbing, fencing, excavation, tunnelling, draining-, ditcbinu'. Iminilatidn Avorks, di'idges, Also track- laj-ing, liallastiiig. and all other works connected with the construction and conij)le- tion of tlie line of railway, to which the Mnginecr may consider this specitication to be applicable under each contract. / m CLEAIiINO, CLOSE CL'TTINMi A.N'D (iUUHULNd. 2. The cleai'ing is tiiibrnced in the contract for the erection of the tciogiajih ; but in the event of the Telegia]ih Contractor failing to execute this poition of the work, tlie Contractor tor grading ntay lie recjuired anf the brush oi- logs be cast 11 1 . Joojier, FairniJiii <^: d nuts, iis aliove, iillici-,:;-. Date of 1(50 00 IfiO 00 Diumbia. Messrn. delivery of bolts y Mr. C. P. Saiid- ho year 1875. [to 68 (II 01 M 60 L)0 69 dcr certain of the uteri als required ariiig it fbi' the ciug, excavation, Is. Also traclc- ioii aiul oonijtle- snecitication to t tile telegiajili ; is portion of the I it ; a pi'ioe foi- must Iie/'learcd siicli gi'eatcr or T loose material 1 1 or log-s I»e east / 307 baelv upon the adjacent timber lands; thej' must invariably lie nv.vlc iiito ])iles near the eentio of tlie space to be cleared, and there entirely consumed. All brush or trees accidentally or otherwise thrown into the adjacent woods, must be dragged out j^nd burned. The land when cleared must be left in a clean condition, and the Contractor will beheld responsible for alldanjago to crojts and timber. 5. Where embankments arc to be formed less than four feet and more than two feet in height, all the standing timbei- and stumps must bo chopped close to the ground within the limits of the embankment, and burned. (). Where excavations do not exceed thi'ee feet in depth, or embankments two feet in height, all stumps muct be giubbed out and if possible burnt; those that will not burn must be carried beyond the limits of the cuttings and embankments, where directed, and there piled. Directions will bo given at the piojier time as to the extent of ground required to be cleared, close-cut and grubbeil. The side ditching and oft'-tako drains must al.so be grubbed, but no grubbing will be paid for in borrow- ing pits. yENCING AND GATES. 7. The fence, whei ever required, shall be a strong, well-built, heavy farm fenceof approved design, thoroughl}- secured by stakes, ridcis. posts and yokes, or othei- means to prevent its removal by gales of wind or animals. 8. The farm gates, when required, will be light and strong, of an ap])roved defe>ign, similar to those on the Intei'colonial Railway. 9. The iencing to be thoroughly completed through all the cleared glands, and wherever it may bo directed to be placed by the Engineer. GRADINCi, EMBANKMENTS, DITCllING, ETC. 10. In woodland the grading will be commenced after the clearing, close cutting and gi'ubbing requii'cd is com])letcd to the satisfaction of the Engineer. 11. The width of embankments at sub-grade or forniation level will be 17 feet. The width of cuttings will not be less than 22 feet. The slopes of earth work will gener- ally be made one and a half horizontal to one perpcniliculai-. In rock cuttings the slopes will be. as a rule, one horizontal to tour perpeiidiculai'. In cuttings jiartly earth and partly rock, a berm of (! feet shall be left on the surface of the rock. The widths, sloj)es and other dimensions above defined nuiy be varied by the Engineer at any time, to suit circumstances. And the Contractor shall not take out nor be jiaid for I'ock, nor any other ex( nation beyond the siojics, without an cxjircss order, in writing, from the Kngineer. In the event of a slide in a rock cutting after it is formed, the Contractor wiil lemove the dchris, and be paid for it as loose I'ock oi' as earth, according to the class to which it may a])])ear to the Engineer to belong. 12. The material to be placed in the embaidliall einlnace all excavation in connection lhere>vith, beyond the limits of the railway land. 3il8 11 11. Sidcliill ground [n lie (•()voi'oil liy embankment sliall first lie tlioroughly iinderdraincd as tlie iln^incer may sec expedient, and all eutlini^s arior Ijeinu; formed, and all s|ii]k's likely (o lie atl'eetcd ly wel, nnist lie similarly uni'erdi-ained, lonii;itiidiii- ally or trunsversidy, or liotli, as eircnmslances may seem to liim to reijiiire. These drains will he constructed in a similar way to that in which ordinary landdiains are hdmctimes made ; a trench will lirsl be diii;' to u minimum dejith nf i'oiir feet, and in the iiottoin of this treiudi, ihree or four cedar or sjjruce poles from two to three in(dies in diameter will first be laid by hand, breaking joint; over the poles will then be jdaced not less than three feet (if small broken stone, not larger than ordinary r(jad metal ni' gdod gravel ballast, over which will bo deposited such material convenient to th(! place as tiie l']ngiiieer may appi'ove ot". The Contractoi' must find all the material reciuired in these drains, do all the work described and remove the surplus earth. These drains nuist always be made with a sufficient longitudinal fall for the easy flow of the water, and thereloi'o they may in level cuttings bo deeper at one end than at the other, but the minimum depth will be not loss than four feet. 15. On the com|)letion of the line cuttings and the undordrains provided for in last clause, ditches for the removal of surface water shall be formed along each side at the bottom of the slopes, in cuttings, according to directions to be given. Catch water ditcheis shall also lie formed some distance back from the top of sjope.s, to exclude troiu the excavation any water flowin<>- from the adjoining lands; the Contractor shall also construct all othei' drains and tlitches which the Engineer n\ay deem necessary for the jterfect drainage of tiie railway and works. 10. All ojien ditches in cuttings or elsewhere, other than those referred to in clause i;{, and all excavations re([iured for turning, making, orchanging watercourses, and which must be executed as may tVoni time to time be direc'ed, \\'ill be measured up and paid for as excavation according to its class, and all other excavations such as nui}' be re([uired in the formation of public roads, or in borrowing pits, or in grading de|)ot grounds, turnouts or branches, and ,so much of fountlation pits lor bridges and culverts as are not under the level of the water, shall be consitlered as a necessary jtai't t lie tlioroiiifhly ^01' Ijeiiijjjl'onnod, lined, I<)iiii;itiiiliii- ) I'ocjiiii'o. Tlioso 3' luml iliiiiiis tiro III' four foot, anil rom two to tliroo poles will then an ordinary road torial convenient uist find all the move tlie surplus Jinal fall for the eoper ut one end feet. •ovidedfor iu last jf eaeli side at tlio n. Cat ell water !, to exclude troiii tractor shall also em necessary for >ii referred to iu iny watercourses, \»'ill be measured -•a vat ions such as its, or in grading for bridges and d as a necossaiy be executed and and will be jiaid to its class. In 1 the excavation (' price of earth »'7i', Loose Rod;, et, and all solid t, and less than nay bo removed siiall bo termed foil-take ditciies dl 1)0 taken to I may involve a lul over twelve je allowed at the ul being in any to the schedule lis clause shall 19. TIio omliankments must bo made to such sufHciont height and widlli as will allow for the subsidence of the same, so that on being triiiimoil they will stand at the full tlimensions specified in Clause ] 1, or at suidi lieigiits, levels, widths and t(»nns as may be directed by the Kngineer, the upper surface of the lianks to lio rounded in order to tiirow oil' the water. 20. The whole of the grading shall be carefully foriiuMl to the levels given, and the roadway in cutting shall invarialily be rounded and left from six to eight inches lower at the sides tlian on the centre lino. In rock cuttings it will bo siiilicient to form a water ehaunel about two feet wide and eight inches deep along each side. All materials found in excavations, whether in road-bed cuttings, ditclios, water channels, road crossings, borrowing jiits or elsewhere, must be deposited in sucii places as the Kngineer may direct. In cases whore the road-bod excavations are insufficient to Ibrm the embankments, the deficiency shall lie supplied by widening the cuttings, or from the side ditches, or from borrowing pits, but no material shall lie so supplied without his concurrence, and not until the cuttingsaro completed, without his expre.>s sanction. All borrowing pits siiall, if required by tho Kngineer, be dressed to a good shape and projiorly drained, ^yhere material to n akc up ombankinonts is taken from the sides of the embankment, a borm of at least ton feet from bottom of slope of embankment shall remain untouched. 21. Where the excavation in a cutting exceeds what may be reipiireil to make tho embankments (d'tho speciKed width, the Kngineer may direct that the embankments be increased in width with the surplus material, and when this is done to his satis- faction, tho remainder, if any, may l)e wasted; but in eveiy case where oithei' borrow- ing or wasting is resorted to, the matei'ials n\ust be taken and deposited as he nriy regulate and direct. 22. In cases where pitching or ri])-ra])ping will bo i'e<[uirod for the protection of cmbanl\inents coiitigucus to streams, all stone suitable foi' this work found in excava- tions may be removed and deposited in some convenient ]ilace until ro(|uirod, and all good buiitling stoiu' which may be found in rock excavations may, with the approval of the Kn_;inoor, bo preserved and piled along the side of the line asdiiocted. But any matei'ial so found and used will not bo paid for twice, the quantity, if considerable, will form a deduction from tho quantity of excavation as measured in the cutting. 2;j. liip-rap work, wherever reipiired and oi'dorod i\>v the protection of slopes of embankments, must bo well and caivfully performe;e is intersected hy jiubl.c or private roads, tho Contractor must keep open at bis own cost convenient passing places, and he sliail bo helil ros- j)onsibie tor keeping all crossings iluring the progress of the works, iiisuch condition as will enable the public to uso Ihom with perfect Nafety, and such as will give rise to no just ground for complaint. Contractors will bo held liable lor any danuigos resulting from negligence on their [lart or iliat of their men. At all jtublic roads crossed on the level, the Contractor will bo I'oquiroil to put in two sulistaiilial cattle guards of wood of such dimensions as may be directed by the Kngineer. 20. Whenever any material is met with in tho excavaticjiis, which the Kngineer shall consider suitable and roiiuirod for ballast, tho same siiall at his di.scrotion bo reserved for that purpose. 27. When slips occur in cuttings, after they are properly formed, the material must be immediately removei by the Contractor, tho slopes re-formed, ami such pre- cautions adopted as the Kngineer may doom necessary. The Contractor will bo jiaid for the removal of slips us already provided for. 28. In tho event of earth excavation being proceeded with in /.'inter, no snow or ice must be placed in embankments, or allowed to be covereil up in them, and all frozen earth must as far as practicable be excluded from the heait of ombaiik- ments. I : 20. Tlio Contractor shall, hoforo tlio woric is finally ufceptod, finish up ciittin^n and embankments, dress and tli'ain borrowing pits when required, dross slopes to tho reciuired angles, repair all damages by t'rost or other causes, and complete everything connected with the grading ot ihe road-bed, \.v., in a creilitable and workmanlike manner, in accordance with the directions and to the satisfaction of the Hngineer. ;{(). The measurement ()f'([iiantilios shall invariably' be made in excavation, unless in special cases, it' any, where this may be found impcjssible ; in such cases the Kngi- iieer shall determine the (piantities in embankment, after making all proper allow- ances, of which he shall be tho judge. .'{1. The prices stipulated for excavation of tho several denominations, together with the price for haul in extreme cases, and the price for work in foundation pits under water level, shall be the total prices for excavating, loading, removing and depositing all the material. In a word, tho rates and prices stipulated in the con- tract must, be understood to cover every contingency ; the furnishing of all labour, material, power and plant ; the cost of finishing up cuttings and embankments, the dressing and draining of Jjorrowing pits, when rof^uirod the dressing of slopes to tho requireil angle, and tho completing of every thing connected with tho grading of road- bed, in a creditable and workmanbke manner, in accordance with the directions and to the satisfaction of the Engineer. TUNNELM.Va. i^ tt : i :}2. The tunneling will consist of " Line Tunnels" and " Stream Tunnels" ; tho Ibrmcr shall be formed to an exact minumum section hereafter to be furnished. For tho purpose of tendering, the sectional area of " Line Tunnels " shall bo calculated at iOS superficial feet, equal to 15 cubic yards to the lineal foot of tunnel. Tho "Stream Tunnels," where formed, shall be driven through the solid rock which, in some places, form the sides of ravines ; they must be formed in the manner to bepointedout in each case. Open cuttings at the end will Ije excavated to give an easy flow to the water; these open cuttings may be slightly cui'ved, but the tunnels i)ropor must be perfectly sliaight from end to end, with the sides as smooth as practicable. The up-stream end in each tunnel mrst generally bo one foot lower than the bed of tho stream at that point, and the tunnel must be driven with a proper inclination. Care must be taken to leave a solid pillar of rcok between the tunnel and the side of the ravine, equal (cxce])t in special cases) to not less than about double the iliameterof the tunnel. The thickness of solid rock over the tunnel shall be similarly proportioned. The open cuttings which forms the outlets and iidcts of tunnels, shall be mea-;ured anil paid as ordinary excavation accoi-ding to classiricaiion ; the material excavated from them to be placed in the embankmeuts; or as may l)e ilirected. The tunnels shall be paid for by the lineal foot, and the price must cover all cost of pumping, bailing, draining, &c., which m;iy be necessary. The tunnels re(iuii'ed will bo of the following general dimensions Sectional Per lineal foot areas. of tunnel. Twenty feet tunnels, ;]2-l superficial feet equals 12 cubic vards. Sixteen feet " 210 " " " 8 '• " " Twelve feet " 108 " " " 4 " i<:ight feet " 54 " " " 2 " " Six feet " 27 " " " 1 " " Tl.MBEK STRUCTURES. ii3. The structures for the passage of small streams may bo built of tho most suitable wood to bo found in the country. Character and quality to bo approved by the Engineer. The .several structures are intended to be built according to the following .specification and the drawings referred to; but the character of tho designs ma'' bo changed to suit circumstances. t- 1 tiisli up ciittingsi OSS sUtpos to tlio plcte overytliiiig 1(1 woi'UmaiiliUo lio Ktii^incor. cciiviUioii, unless cases the Kn^i- II proper iillow- xtious, together f'uuiulation pits ;, removing and ited in the con- ig of all labour, ibanktnonts, the g of slopes to the grading of roal- e directions and 1 Tunnels"; the iiished. For the calculated at i05 The "Stream 1, in some places, ill ted out in each w to the water; nust be perfectly ^0 up-stream end stream at that must be taken le ravine equal The 10 tunnel lied. Tlie open ed and paid as 1 from them to all bo paid for g, draining, itc, owing general ards lilt of the most )e approved by jcordiiig to the r of the designs 401 'M. (Jotioral Drawings No. 1 to ft, inclusive, show the kind of atniotures lo be orectod foi- tho p.is-iago of the s,mallor streams under the railway. Drawing No. 1, for omiiankments 2 feet higii. No. 2, t No. 3, G No. 4, 8 No. 5, 10 No. 6, 15 No. 7, 20 No. 8, 25 No. 9, " 30 35. No. 1 will bo composed of two bents framed together in tho manner shewn in the drawing, having cap and mud-sills t'ramed into post and braces, and pinned as shewn. These bents will lie placed in trenches — previously excavated — 11 feet centre to centre, and at least 5 feet in the ground, and when properly level lei as to grade, height, &C., tho earth will then bo firmly packed around them. These bouts will bo spaniiod by stringers 16 inches by 12 inches, and bolted by^ inch bolts — with washers — to the caps. The bank stringers will be 12 inches by 12 inches. The whole then covered by ties inches by 8 inches, and of tho lengths shewn in the plan. .36. No. 2 will be similar in every respect to No. I, except as to height of bents. See drawing. 37. No. 3 will bo composed of four bents; each bent will have cap and mud-sills 12 inches by 12 inches, and four posts 12 inches by 12 inches, and two braces 12 inches hy 12 inches, all framed together and pinned in tho manner shewn. There will be two diagonal braces of.) inches by 6 inches placed in each bent in the manner shown, at.il bolted to the frames by J inch bolts with washers under the heads of nuts and bolts, seven bolts to each brace. Tieiichos will be dug for the reception of these bents 11 feet centre to centre, and 5 feet dco]), and when (he bents have boon levollod up to grade height and placed in line, tho earth will then be tramped firmly round them. Stringers of 16 inches by 12 inches must bo provided and bolted to cup iiy ^ inch iron bolts with washers. Tho bank stringers will be 12 inches by 12 inches; the wIkjIo structure will then be covered with special ties !) inches by 8 inches as shewn. 38. Nos. 4 to !> will I j similar to No. 3 already overlap each other on ca)) all being tiriuly bolted to caps. 39. Wherever tho circuinstaiicos of tho case ivcpiii'o the ado|ition of trestle work in lieu of oinbankmcnts, tiio same sliuH be erecteii in the most substanthil maiiner in accoi'danco vvith the j>lan> and sjieciticatious of same to bo furnished from time to time b}' the Hiiginoor. 40. Wherever tho ciicuiii^taiioos ot the oaso require the adoption of bridges on piles, they will bo erected acconiing lo the following or another approved ])laii. Trenches will first be excavated 21 feet centre to contreand to the depth of the beds of the streams. Mach bent will be composed of four ])iles driven perpondicularly,togethor with two spur piles asslu'Wii in the drawing. The piles are to measure at the butt or larger end not less then 12 nor more than IT inches in diameter, exclusive of bark. They must be perfoetly sound and straight, and bo of such ioiigths as (•ircumslaiicos may require. The piles must bo driven by a hammer weighing 1,50(1 lbs. or upwards, until they reach port'ectl}' linn ground. They will genorall}' lie (cstod by the hammer falling 30 feet at the last blow. Care must be taktMi to have tlioin driven truly, so ttiat the caps, waling jtieces and braces may bo properly framed and bolted to tlioni. The spur piles must be curve-pointed, so that as the}- are driven they will gradually <'Oine into their places and butt against the piles and bo bolted to the same, with two 40 •102 Ivl r^ f ) l)olt» to cnch spur pile. Before lieiii^ ili-iven llio piles must lie sawed or chopped off squaic at tlu! butt, iiiul taijoied to a liliinl jidjnt at tiic smaller end. Should tiiero aj)])ear to he an}- daii^^M' oCsjdittiii^', tlie lieads luust he hound with ii'o.i hoops, and if necessary the j)oints must also lie )ir()])erly sliod. The stringers must he dnuhle, 12 inches hy 1t the outside arrises, strings, and coping, which will bo chisel drossod. 49. Tho courses will not be less than twelve inches, and they will be arranged in preparing tho plans to suit tho nature of tho quarries, courses may range up to 24 inches and the thinnest courses invariably be placed towards the top of the work. 50. Iloadors will bo built in every course not farther apart than (! feet, thoy will have a length in lino of wall of not less than 24 inches, and they must run back at least throe times their height, unless when the wall will not allow this proportion, in which case they will pass through from front to back. Stretchers will have a minirauin length in line of wall of 30 inches, and their breadth of bed will bo at least 1^ times their height. The vertical joints in each course must bo arranged so as to overlap those in tho c<)urso below 10 inches at least. Tho above dimensions are for minimum courses of 12 inches, the proportions will be the same for thicker courses. 51. The quoins of abutments, piers, t OIK' ill ovciy flvo feet in lino of wall, and fi(((iu>ntly in tlio riwo of wall. Jii tlir Hniallest stnictiire licadors shall not lio K'ss tlian (wcnly-foiir inclios in longtii and tho miniinimi liicaillli fif lu'd alliiwi'd for .-tictiluM's >liail In- twelve inclies. In tlie laruer .>>t I'lietnres all .stones must lie licavier in jii'o|)i'r |iii)iiort ion. Kver^ attention must be paid to ]»id(|iice a perfeet bond, and to give the wliolo a strong, neat, worlc- manlike tinisli. f)?. Wing walls will generally be finisbed witb sle))s, (binieil of soiiml, diuidile .stone, and not le>> tlian from 10 to lli inebes tbiclc, and (! feet Mi]ieilieial area; olber walls will be <'ov(>red witb eopingol'a similar tbiekiiess, and ot seven feet or upwards, siiperfieial area. Tbose eoverings Avill be neatly dres.sed wbeii ix'tpiired, and as may bo direeted. Tlie wall.s of the box eiilverts will bo liiiislioil witb .stones tbe full tbiekness of wall, and tbo eovers will be from 10 to 1.') inebes tbiek, aeeording to the span; they must have a bearing of at least 12 inebes en eaeh wall, and tliey must bo tittod sufficiently eloso legetber to ])revent the earth from falling througli. 5S. ArchcK "f 10 fiet sjioii ami iijnidrdK will be eoiistrueted of stones eut so that, when laid, their bods will radiate truly from the eeiitro of tbo eirele, the depth of stonos will of eoiirso vary witli the span, but will never e.\teed .30 inches; tlioy must not be less ill length than 27 inebes and they must break joint ten inches; their tiiiikness on the soffit must bo at least !• inebes, and it will bo dressed to tlic circle. All tiie stones must 1)0 dressed to the full depth of boil so as to give truly radiated joiiitB from iJ-lO to :|-inch, they must be set w'Miout pinning of any kind and the end joints must bo ])roperly squared. Each stone to be full bedded in cement, and each course afterwards thoroughly grouted. Tbo outer ring stones to bo neatly worked witli a chisol draft around their o inches. fiO. All arches shall be built in cement, and before being covered with earth or the centering removed, they must bo thoroughly fluslied on the back, .ovolled up and rounded to a moderately even and smooth surface witb the si.mo material. (!1. Centres of arches must in all cases lie well formed, of ample strength, .securely placed in position, and in every ros])cct to tlio satisfaction of the Kngineor. Tbo ribs must not be placed farther apart than tliree feet in any case. Tbe laggings shall be cut to a scantling of three inches square. The supports of centres shall bo sul)stantial an. Both cement and lime must he fliorouyhly incorjiorated with ajiprovetl pro- portions of clean large grained sharp sand. The general proportions may he one partof linn totwo parts of sand, hut this may he varied according to thecpiality of the lime or cement. Mortar will only he made as re(|uired, and it must he prepari-d and used under the immediate direction and to the satisfaction of an Inspector, hy the contractor's men, failing which, the Insjiector may employ other nieii to prepare the mortar, and any expense incurred tlierehy shall he home hy the Contractor, Grout shall ho formed hy adding a sutHciont ijuantity of water to well temj)ered and well proportioned mortar. 70. VVlieii UKU'tar is used, every stone must he set in a full hed and heateii solid; tlu' vertical joints must he flushed uji solid, and every course must he perfectly level and thoroughly grouted. 71. In all walls hiiilt in common lime, the e.xposeil faces will have a l-inch lijiping of cement. 12. All masonry must bo neatly and skilfully pointed, hut if done out of season, oi' if from any other cause it may require reiiointing before the expiration of tho contract, the contractor must nudic good and complete the same at his own cost. AVoik left untinishcd in the autumn must be j)i'operly protected during the winter by the Contractor, at his risk and cost. 7i5. A puddle-wall, at least 2 feet thick, extending from end to end of tho masonry, and from the bottom to the top, must be made between tho back of thi' dry masonry and the embankment. 74. After the masonry of a structure has been completed for a perioil of four or live weeks, the formation of the eini>ankment around it may be proceeded with, Tho earth must be carefully punned in thin layers around the walls, and in this manner the filling must be carried up simultaneously on both sides. Tlie Contractor must be extremely careful in forming the embankments around culverts and bridges, as he will be held liable for any damages to the structures that may arise. Tlie piiiiiiing must be carefully attended t<>, and the whole fillingmust invariably be done in uniff)rni courses from the bottom to the top of the enibanknienl, without loading one sido of the masonry more than anoiher. TUACK LAYINU AND llAI,LAST[\(i. 75. The work of track laying and ballasting will embrace all engines, cars and plant (unless otherw'so provided in the con'.ract), and all labour and tools reipiireil for loading, unloading, and distributing rails, joint-fastenings, sjiike, points and crossings, and sleepers or cross-ties; laying, lifting, centreing, lining and surfacing the track; also, for making roads to ballast pits and laying all service tracks; for getting, load- ing and unloading the ballast, placing the same in the road lied and trimming it up. At the close of the contract any engines or cars which may be considered by the engineer fit for further use, may lie trar.-^ferred to the Covernment on the valuation of the Engineer. 76. The Government will furnish to tho Contractor rails, joint-fastenings, spike points, crossings and switch-gear. 40U 77. Tlio rails, joinl-tiiHtoiiin^.H, npiki*, uml points ami cntMsin^H, will bo doli' .m'oli'ilMiU'(| Ity lli«-('iiiitt'acti>r. Till! iiiil.H >|iiill lie laid In a ;,'aii,i;i' <>\' -M'l. HJ iiiclios clear liolwooii (lie rails, and llioy shall lio well and caroridly I'asionod at tlio joints, wliicli must lie as near an jmssililo oppusito iMitdi olhoi' and <>n tlio samu tio, spocial cart* nui^t lu- laUon at pninls and criissin^s to liavotlio rails laid to a tight ^^aiii^c, tlio rails must ln' lull spiUod, and on curvos tlu) ontor rail shall Im flcvatiMl (iinK'ss otjiorwiso dirwtwl), according to tlio di'groo of curvaturo as follows, that is to say, <»n ono dogroo ciirvos 0.(1') loot, on two dogroc ciirvos 0.10 fcot, on tliroo n» wlioiKo (Ik'v on tlu* ruilK, ninl *t Ih< iiM iiDur an •> talxoii at pditits •f lull s]iila>(|, and III), acfcii'iiiii^ t(» ilof^roo fitrvo.H OS 0.15 «o(it, mid ; same precautions as reiniired for tlie tiist " lilt," in oi'flor to soeuro a unilorm IhicUness id' \)1 inches under Ihi' sleepers. 84. In weteiiltings tlie Kngiiieer shall havt- power to diroct a groaler thickiU'SH of ballast, should it be deemed necessary. 85. The Coiilractors hIikII keeji all juiblic and jirivate road crossings in asafeand ^orviceable condilion during the progress (d" the work, leaving tln'm wtdi and properly planked iiisido and outside iich work, and he shall bo [laid iho loasonablc and actual wages of such lorce as ascertairicd by limc-keeiier and pay- shoot, together with fifteen per cent, for the use of tools and jirolit. The Kngiiieer shall be at liberty to discharge any bad or unsuitable workmen who may be placed at day's labour work, and tho work so performeil shall be subject to his approval beforo payment I hereof. rnishod by tho purpose, a pro- 'an bo procured, tho working of loer shall have 1 exists, and no ivel, free from Tho maximum unloading tho d fro so as to ;ity isdepo.sited be an average CONDITIONS OF CONTKACT. TheJoUoivinij are the Conditions uniler ichich the Contnuts arc entered into: 89. At any time before the commoncemeiit or during (he coiisiriictioii ol' an}' portion of the work, the Engineer, under the authority of the Minister ol" l*ublic Works, will bo at perfect liberty to make any changes or alterations which he may deem expedient, in the grades, the lino of location, the width of cuttings of lillings, tho dimensions or character i>f structures, or in any other thing ■ 'iinecteil with the works, whether or not such changes increase 'or diminish the (|iiaiitities of work tf> be done. The Contractor will be paid for tho v'ork actually executed b}' him, under the Knginecr's directions and to his satisfaction^ at the price- stipulated in the Crogress measurements and computed at the j)rices stipulated in the contract. On tlic completion of' the work, to the satisfaction ttf the Engineer, the (piantities will be carefully made up from exact timd measurement, and a certificate will be given then'on, itut a final and closing cei-titicate, including t' •, ten per cent, retaineil, will not be gianted for a perioil of at least two months thereafter. 94. The ])rogress measurements and progress certificates shall not in any respect be taken as an acceptance of the work or release of the Contractor tVom ids responsi- bility ill respect thereof, but he >hall at tiie conclusion of the work deliver over tho same in good order, according to the true intent and meaning of the contract and specitication. 95. The Conti'actoi- shall respect and preserve in their true and oi-iginal position, al! bench marks, hubs, all ci'iitre, slope, reference and all otln r stakes and marks jilaced or niaile by the iMigineei', on or neai" tln> line of worl< ; he shall adopt evciiy means in his power to ])ri'veiit tlcir being bui'ut in tlu' clearing, or altered, removed or destroyed at any lime; and whenever rei[uired by the l']ngineer, he shall furnish tiie necessary assistance to correct or replace an}' >take or mark wb.icli through any eause nvay have bei n removed oi* destroyed. 9,5. The Contractoi" shall employ as many competent agents and foremen on the whole works as may be cou-idered rei[uisite by the Kngineer; and the said foremen shall be I'cgularly and constantly present on tlie wi>rks for the pui'pose of ulVeclually over-eeing the same, and ot' receiving instructions fVom the ICiigineer. 1>7. 'i'lie lOngineer shall have lull powi'r to dismiss any toi'eman or wiU'kmau whom be may deem unlit for the duties assigned him, or who may, in the opinion ot the Kngineer, be guilty ofslighiing the work, oi' of wilfid ilisobedienee of orders, or of improper, intemperate or disorderly conduct ; and the Contractoi' shall supply the jilaces of all such im-n XI disnu^sed, without di'lay. anil he shall no! em|iloy them again on the works. 98. The ("onlracior is liouiid by the general eouilition-^ ol the specitication to provide all propvi' looU and pl;inl for the execution of the woi'k, ami is resp(msib|e foi' the sulHciency of the same; he must also take upon him-elfthe entire responsibi- lity of lUe centreing. scatVolding, and all other mean-, u-ed for the lultihnent of the contract, whctliei' such means m;iy oi- may not be approvotl ol' or recon mended iiy the Kngineer; and the Contractor must run all I'isks of accidents or damages from whatsoevei- cause they nniy arist' until the completion of the contract. 9I». The Contractor -hall, subject to the approval of the Kngine(!r as to the same but at hi» , ten per cent. ereat'ter. not in any rospecti iVoni his resjxtnsi- delivor over the the contract and )riginal posit ion, takes and marks diall adopt ev(My alti're(l, removed he shall t'uriush icli thi'ongh any 1 loi'omeii on the the said ibreinen ose ol'ullectually 1'. an (>v workman n the opinion ot nci' of orilers, or sliail supply the • ! cmiiioy them >pe('ilicalioii to lid is re>ponsiMe .'nlii'e i'i-.[)onsilii- I'llltilnH-Ilt of lliy ('(•on mended liy r damages tVoni t. 'v as to the same the progress of the work-i toi* land owners crossing the line ot railway, and he shall provide tiie iiecessaiy accommodation for the passage ot the public at; the intersection of public roads. lie shall also, at his own cost, make such provision until the fences bo erected, as may be i\eccssaiy to ])revent the straying of cattle where the fields in settlements are entered upon. 100. The Contractoi' shall be responsible for all damages to land owners arisi n:r from loss of crops, oi* cattle, oi- injury thereto, respectively sustained by any cause or tb.ing connected with the construction of the work, or through any of his agents or i-k- d he sli b(i held ibie tor all d; idiich be d( to worlcmen, ami ne snaii ne neid responsiuLc loy an damages wnicn may ne ti( property or persons through the blasting ot rocks or other operations carried on by him, and he must assume all risks and cont ingencies, whether from fire, water, or any other cause whatever, that ma}- arise during the progress of the works, and he must make good, at his own cost, all defects and failures, whetiier from negligence on tho part of Idmseif or workmen, or tVom l)ad workmanship, or tVom the use of improper mat: rials, and he shall h;)ld harmless and indomnify Ifer Majesty ot and from any claims, losses or damages in respect thereof. 101. The Contractor shall not permit, allow, or encourage the sale of any sj)irituous lit^uoi-s on or near the line of railway. 102. No work whatever shall at any time or place i»e carried on during t lie Sunday, and the Contractoi* ,;hall take all necessary stejts for preventing an}' foreman or agent or men from working or craployin- <)thers on that day. 10;5. The Contractor shall by himself, his agents and workmen faithfully carry on the works until completion, and no sub-contract, assignment, or transfer shall in any way be i-ecognized. 101. In the eveni of any bad matei'ial being delivered or any bad work bei'ig executed at any time, the same shall lie immediately removed on notice beinggiven by the Kngineer, and the work shall lie reconstructed in strict conlormity with the true meaning of the specification and to the entire satisfaction of the lOngineer. 105. The .Minister of Pidilic Woi'ks resci'ves the right to suspend, without notice in advance, opeiations at any particular point or points, and in theeveni of siudi right being exei'cised so as to cause any 'lelay to the conti'actoi , then an extension ol'time e(|ual to such delay or detention shall be allowed him to comiilete the contract, but any su(di delay shall not eiilille the (y')nti'actor to any claim for damages. lot!, it'atany lime (luring the progivssof the works, it should ap|»oar to the Hngi- ncer that the fjrce employcil. or the i-ate ot jji-ogress then licingmade, or tlu^ genei'al character of the work being performed, or the materials s\ip|)lied or fui-nished arc not respectively such as to ensure thecom|)letion of the said works within the time stipu- lated, or in accoi-dance with the contract, the Minister of Public Works shall be at iilierty to t.uke any part or the whole works out of tiie iiands of the Contractor, and emjdoy sucii means as he may see lit to complete the woi'lcs at the Conli'aclor's c.x- ]teiise, and he shall l)e liable for all extra expenditure incurred thereby; or the .Minister ofPublic Worksshall have power, if it may be deemed advisable, to nullity the contract. 10". Should the Contractor become insolvent or liaidletod at his own expense and he shall be liable for alt extra expenditure which may le incurred thereby, and the Contractor and his assigns or creditors, shall forfeit all right to the percentage retained and to all money which may be due on the works, and to the deposit stipulated for in the 115th clause, and he shall not molest or hinder the men, agents or onicers of the Minister of Pulilic Works or the new Contractoi-, from entering upon and completing the said work as the Minister of Public Works may deem expedient. 110. Any notice or (tther matter under or connected with the contract may bo served on the Contractor either at his usual domicile or at an address to be men- tioned in the Contract, or attached to the signature of the Contractor thereto, or at his last known place of business, by being left at any Post Office in Canada, and 3hall be deemed to be thereby legally served. 111. If at any time it shall appear to the Kngineor that the security of the works is endangered, or the peace of the neighbi' one thousand dollars accompanies the tender, which shall be forfeited if the party tendering declines or fails to enter int(j contract for the works, when callcil upon to do Fo, at the rates stated in the offer submitted. In the event of a tender not l)eing accepted, the cheque or other security will be returnqd. 115. For the due fulfilment of the contract satisfactory security will be re(piired l>y de})osit of money, public or municipal securities, or bank stock, to the amount of about five per cent, on the bulk sum of the contract, to which the sum sent in with the tender will be considered a part. 411 1 to relet the same, erials, as the case )ntof the contract vork sliall I>e cora- dlture which may rs, shall forfeit all hie on the works, t molest or hinder new Contractor, !• of Public Works s contract may be idress to be men- I" thereto, or at his lada, and 3hall be irity of the woi-ks rbed, or any other Government may jedue on the best n account of the d to Ijc performed e manner, and in such instructions ider the direction t Hngineers and :cd and material •e arise as to the ■ as to anything of them, or as to be decided by the sroon is to be final • petition or legal von, extend to all contract, or as to ;hem, or as to the .'ontractor to any is not to be road ■s conferred upon 1 contract, moans his authority and s given, or powers luthorit^' will bo forms propai'od oclly priced and r other available )c forfeited if tho )rks, when called it of a tender not • will bo rccjuirod to tho amount of nu sent in with I llti. To each tender must bo attached the usual signatures of two responsible anu "solvent persons, residents of tho Dominion, willing to become sureties for tho carrying outof these conditions, as well as the due performance of the worksembraced in the contract. IIV. The works are to be commenced as soon as practicable after the person or Eersons whose "Tender" may be accepted .shall have entered into contract, and must e proceeded with in such a manner as to secure their completion at the date named in the " Bill of Works " for each (;ontract. SAXDFORD FLEMING, Engineer in Chief. Canadian Pacific Railway Office, Department of Public Works, Ottawa, April 18th, 1876. U , t I- l!^ I M INDEX. Active Passage _ Agriculture and Stock Raising, British Columbia., Agricultural Land in Similkameen Valley do do do do do do do do do do do do do along Lake Okanagan Grand Prairie, near River River Thompson Nicola Valley Interior of British Columbia Chilicotin Plains on River Winnipeg Chilacoh Valley Mossy River Swan River Vancouver Island Fraser River, Lake Sumas, Chilliwack and Pitt Rivera., Between Lake Superior and the Rocky Mountains Alberni (Sta.7ip Harbour), suitahle for a terminus on Vancouver Island do Best Harbour on Pacific Coast Anchorages, British Columbia Coast Anderson, Anderson & Company, contract with Assiniboine, Soil near the do River Mountain to River lAIyette Athabasca River do do do do do do do do to River Mountain, Assiniboine Valley, Heavy snowfall in do Ordinarily safe place for wintering stock Valley Line up to Vellow Head Pass And English River districts Splendid Wheat at Timber confined to few species Shoals of White Fish in Austin, W. A., Report on Explonuion between Lake Nipissingand River Pic. Parb 307 246 116 117 117 11» 2.51 252 314 127 186 187 247 248 313 298 310 291 .391 316 349 19.5 348 3.53 3.53 38fi 326 326 326 327 204 B Baril Portage Barnard, F. J., Contract witli. Bark Lake 214 384 367 Barclay Sound, Easy of approach 31,, do Statements respecting 310 311 Battle River 2oo do Lake 214 414 Paoi 325 325 339 377 377 320 320 , 193 313 297 113 360 , 200 205 207 326 Biackwater Valley 265, 271 " Upper portion of. Blue River Pass, Exploration in Bolts and Nuts, Contract for.. Boston Bar to Yale Bridging across the Valdes Islands do Prairie Region do List of, in Prairie Region British Columbia, Mineral Wealth of Battle River Valley very fertile do to the Brazeau, fertile country do McLeod's Survey Battleford to Yellow Head Pass do to Edmonton do do FortPelly do do Swan River Beaver Hills Bell, Professor, on country about Nepigon Bentinck Arm, Limited in Anchorage do Beuve River Blackfoot Hills Black River. ... do span of Blackfoot Country, Fertile do do do do do do do do do do Jo do -lo Coal in , Lignite in Gold in Iron in Population of Silver, Copper, Mercury and other Ores in Harbours of , Rain-fall in , Agriculture and Stock Raising in Flora of Soils of Crops in interior of Local Statements respecting Harbours in Cost of different routes through Blown, Captiiin, Statement of, resiiecting Western Vancouver Harbours. IJrouglUoii Straits Brown's Passage, Reef of Rocks in Brule Portage Biitfalo Coule , Building materials between Sdnionlon and Yellow Head Pass Bulrusli Mountains. Hiirrard Inlet, Local Testimony in favour of do No Ice in 'lo Strung Ciirreuts in do 272 101 396 258 20 36 45 64, 218 227 234 219 234 64 235 65 246 246 248 249 250 304 52 310 109 306 213 33!» 351 349 306 307 308 415 Paob 325 326 339 37i 377 320 320 193 313 297 113 360 200 205 207 325 265, 271 272 101 396 258 20 36 45 64, 218 227 234 219 234 64 235 65 246 246 248 249 250 304 52 310 109 306 213 33!) 351 349 306 307 308 Biirrard Inlet, Fogs in do Advantages of.. do do do do Bute Inlet, Ice in do to River Stewart Paok 308 74 74 213 295 Ferry from, to Nanaimo Lignite at No decided climatic objections to Value of, as a Terminus 297, 298, 300 30G 169 Caerlaverock to Baltleford Caledonian Valley Line up to Yellow Head Pass Campbell Island Cambie, H. J., Rxploration across the Cascade Mountains do Report, Surveys in British Columbia Canim Lake to Clearwater Valley Canada Central Railway Company, contract with Cariboo Range do do Unsuccessful attempts to pierce do District described 221 Carleton to Fort Garry Carnarvon, Lord, Letters from, to the Governor General 278 Cascade Mountains, Watershed to Lake Tailayaoc Lines through Through heart of .... do gradients , do tunnels to Knnisquot Bay do gradients . do tunnels .., Explorations in do do do do do do do do Cnssiar Gold District do Analysis of.....^ Cascade Mountains to Bute Inlet Cattle, numbers at Lake Ossoyas, British Columbia do Statistics res])ecting, in British Columbia do Wintering out do Cater, Cai>tain, replies to queries respecting Briiish Cohnnbiii Harbours. do do Howe Sound do do Bute Inlet Central Plateau, Description of , Channels around the Valdez Islands Ciianncl, Southern, Distance of, from Burrard Inlet Chatham Sound Chevrette, Moses, contract with Cherry Creek, Silver Ore at Cheam, to the Fraser, at St. Mary's Mission 252, 377 380 110 1(15 182 131 391 262 31 225 198 281 267 32 267 268 26H 272 273 273 137 227 22H 163 111! 252 263 286 287 287 32 168 287 396 392 236 259' 416 Pi \l f ! V do M 119, 233 234 43 46 72 227 228 228 229 203 203 1C9 119 242 108 Cochrane, Vice-Ailminil, letter to Secretary of Admiralty do ilo Replies to (lucries r''H|ifetiiij,' Hrili^li Coliinibiiv Harbours do do U|iinioii3 ot'i on (tritisli Coliiiiiliia lIiirbour!i, Colliti.j, Lieut. W.. Opinions of do do do Letter to tlie Admiralty Contracts, List and description of Conditions under which Contracts are entered into Contin'3 Hay Cooper, Fairman & Company, contract witii Cooper, Captain James, Letter respecting; Sea Approaches to British Coliiml)ia and Harbours Copper in itritish Columbia do do list of localities where found Correspondence relating to Western Harbours Cormorant Island Cost, Estimated, of British Columbia routes Cninberry Lake to Valley of North Thompson Cross Lake to Red River Crops, Dates for Sowing at various points in Prairie Region Cro/.ier, Captain, On country about Fort Calgary Cunningham, 0. C, on Survey between Lake Winipigoosia and Livingstone Cyiiress Flills... do River Dawson Road, Repairs required on do do Surveyed for improvements Dawson, U. M., on Minerals and Mines of British Columbia do do Agriculture and Stock-raising, British Columbia. do George, on the 2nd Prairie Steppe Dean Channel do Inlet to Blackwater Valley Dease River Denholui to Caerlaverock Deux Rivieres Portage Devereux, Cajitain John, Statement respecting Harbours in Strait of Georgia, Doglip Hills Dore River Douglass Channel Duck Mountain to the Assiniboine, Character of Land. Dun vegan to Fort St. John E Eagle Lake Ebbw Vale Co., Contract with Edmonton to Maligne Valley... do Carleton do River Pembina do River to Pembina (Location Survey) 42 I'AOK 279 286 68 69 280 383 407 359 395, 396 304 236 244 278 109 62 255 375 332 324 185 323 366 211 52 218 246 317 113 173 225 376 213 308 125 368 138 320 330 163 388 193 197 378 ai3 418 I'AC.K Rilyu PaRsnge 3<>Q ElliDW Lako 2(i(i Knilmra.t Itiver 327, 3fi3 at 251 do Hope to Burrard Inlet, Instrumental Survey 12.s do do to the Valleys of the Similkameen and Ukanagan llti do Liard 328 do JlcLeod 325 do Rupert 109 do Sinijison, fin' Harbour at 29." do St. James, Crops grown at 251 do St. Johns, Luxuriant Vegetation of surrounding Country 330 do Pitt, No cultivation around 225 do William, Engine House at 5G do do to English River 5fi do do First Locomotive landed at 58 do do to Selkirk, Works in progress 58 do do to Sunshine Creek 372 Foster, Hon. A. B., conti-act rrith 387 Francois Lake, District 183 I'Ai.y. ;vHli 327, afiC 3fiH 373 30(» 240 12.'« 2sn 68 280 •3 2bC 71 74 319 292 SOf) 282 282 > Britisli 28:i 248 4, 329, 330, 332, 334 334 314 212 324 159 127 251 12.S 116 328 325 109 2i'." 251 330 225 5G 5(! 58 58 372 387 183 •111) Fniser River, Survey . do Levels of do Kriil(;iii)r over do (luld Didtriut uf do Amble Land at muutii do Right liiink of, In lioHtun Bar do to I'ort Moody do ciiltivabie land east and west of do Across bend of do CroHsingof, to muiitli of tlie Clillacoh do to the i^iinilkainecM Fraaer Valley, Worlds necessary on Freilerick Arm, m terminus to Fiine Frencli Rive do Portage 213, 359 do Lake ;il3 do to mouth of River Pic : 81t 84 :m7 2(13 385 292 113 Hall, R., Rear-Adnural, Letter to Under-Secretary of State for Colonies.. Harlioiird of British Columbia do ecting Harbours and Anchorages: — Skecna River Alberni Coal Harbour , English Bay Hesquiat Uchucklesit "Royal Roads" Esquimau Kamsquot , Essiujjton . Waddington 72, Rijjht arm Burrard Inlet Bentinck Arm Burrard Inlet Howe Sound Bute Inlet Haro Straits, commanded by San Juan Hay Lakes to Root River Helen Lake to Lake Nepigon Hesquiat, Harbour Hind, Professor, 203 38S 2ft2 113 281 65 .... 66, 280 66 67 VI 73 ... 290, 291 304 75, 296 .. 310, 311 308 308 309 309 .soy .Mo;t 305 306 72, 297, 299 297 297 3f0 307 307 29S 2110 207 319 393 Iluiniithco River do Valley do (lu (fi'iidipntH u|i(in do do to Wndtlinfiftoti llorbour.... Ilnniu's Buy, Oood AnchornK<* ilupp, Silver Miiu> iiciir ilo to Ciieam Iloretsky, 0. Iti-porl on i'X|iloriili()na from Pacific Coa.st Eiiiitwiirds. Howu Hound, Ice in do without Anchorage Hunter, .1., Kxploration, Clearwater, to Vortli Thompson. Tec, Hhip Frozen in, in (Jardcn Bay do 75 miles of, in Gardner's Inlet do in Bute Inlet do in Howe Sound do at Gardner, Denn itud Bute Inlets do I{e]H)rt on above do Kamsquot Bay Indians, Quokolt , do Tchinsain.. do Hyda do Bella Coola do Stick do Chilicotin do Kitlopc do Taoolootiira do Creea do Chipweyan do Kliiskus Inlets, Northern, Navigation Dangerous throngh Fogs and Snow-storms. do examined in winter Iron in Hriti.«h Columbia do in Texada Island do in Oregon, blast furnace in operation do list of localities in British Columbia where found Isbester, James, contract with Iscultacsly, the, to HIackwater Valley Island Portage (Hiver .Valigne) Jarvis, E. W., Report and N'arrative Johnston's Straits Kabinagoganing River Kabitotiqiiia River Paok 161 urn 170 2;i9 293 23.1 28H 1.37 396 .307 101 2m 300 306 306 27 177 274 10t> HI 112 113 167 121 178 17J> 193 32*i 120 295 177 234 2:u 23.5 243 394 271 212 145 289 205 313 Pagb 118 2.")G :u:< 14:», 167 305 KHinloo]is and tlic Coquihallii Paaa do tu Siivoniia's Kerry Kamiiiiiitiqiiiii Vallc-}', Fertilu Kamsqiiut or Salmon River do Ilarltoiir, A])|)roac!ic(; tlirou^'.i Winding Passages do do River crossing at 372 Kaaliabowic Lake 214 do Portag- 214 Keefer, A., Rejiori on Winter Ulimate in the Rocky Mountains 353 Keniano Bay to F'rst Lake 175 do Rivi'r 137 do Valley 110, 13V Kenny, Patri-k, contract with 392 Kettle Falls Portage 212 Kingston, Professor, on cold and snow 83 Kitlope River Ill Kitiniat do HI, 138 Kootenay Gold District 226 Konisetshtbii River 208 Kynumpt Harbour, Good 2'J2 Lac des Mille Lacs Laeha( Mercury , 2.36 Metlah Catlah, Flo. irishing Indian 'Settlement at , m, 2tt8 Michipicoten River to Lake Winnitcgon 368 Milliank Sound 110, 114 do do Dad a]>])roach to Mineral Wealth of Woodland Region Mines, Gold do Coal do Silver Mississagiia River... .Missouri Coteau or Thunder Breeding Hills Missanabe Lake Paok 315 376 38 335 211 237 112 204 310 3.33 189 337 :m7 346 340 .Missions : — Prince Albert Hynes Lac la Biche Victoria French St. Mary's Lake Okanagan iMontrciil Rivi-r Moose River , do Lake to Cranberry Lake engineering features do do to Tote Jaune Cache , do do Crossing heavy Mos.sy River, Timber and Soil on .Mortinu'r, H. I., Report Murtle Lake "Muskegs'' near Lake Winnipegooais Myette River, Proposed Diversion of do to Yellow Head Puss 305 «1 2IS» 227 235 367 322 2(1 » 322 322 326 326 332 2.'>!t 117 369 202 255 261 346 186 211 103 185 341 350 424 N I'* I NtiiiK'nkaii Lake Namiigos River Nanniino, Cunl at Nautical Evidence do Ferrj- to, from Burrard Inlet Naval Testimony as to Harbours, British Columbia. Naj-lor, Benson & Co., contract with Na/.co Valley Nechaco River do Nepean Sound Xepigon to Superior do Deductions from Neiiigon Lake, Surveys past do Character of country around , Nequaquon Portage Nickle Ore, British Columbia tlo where found in British Columbia.. Nicola Valley, Coal at do Good Land at Nimpkish River, Favourable route for Railway Ni]iissiiig Lake to River Pic do do .. do to Xepigon Nodalcs Channel can be used for Ferry North Tnompson Valley to mouth of Clearwater di) Canyon do and Chilicotin Rivers, Plateau between Nortlicote to Stopford Paob 2\i 20,-) 221) 278 74 65 387 265 123 126 114 51 70 48 313 212 236 245 232 117 109 204 204 50 72 255 266 266 37S Oba River 205 Okanagan Lake 116, 117 Old White Earili Fort 201 Oliver, Davidson k Co., Contracts with 385, 393 Omineca, Gold District 226 Ootsabunkut Lake 183 Peace River and Mackenzie River District., do Flora of District do District very fertile Pembina Branch placed under contract . .., three-fourths graded , Passes through the Rocky Mountains . do do do do do River do do Coal on do do to the Athabasca 328 329 37 52 58 30 201 203 379 n 125 Paob 212 205 221) 278 ^\ 65 387 265 123 120 "^ 51 70 48 313 212 236 245 232 117 109 , 204 204 50 72 255 266 26G 376 205 116, 117 201 385, 393 226 183 328 , 329 37 52 58 30 201 203 379 {•'■nieiichUfnay Hirer I'l'iii 11=11 la Hiirboiir Fondir Stall' Uoninmtider, [)i((est. of opinions on British Columbia Harbours. .lo do Reprioa to queries respecting Harbours " Potcrel, Tiio,'' Mearly WrecliiMi off i-'itzliugh Sound Philliji Arm Pi(; River do to River .Macleod do do Nepiijon do to Lake Winaibegon Pigeon Hills Piue Portage do Creei< lo the Little Saskatcliewan, Character of country good Plitlinum in British Columbia Plumbago iu British Columbia Population of Kritish Columbia Port Essington - do Towage to l'r)rtages, Red River Route do do ' Table of Lengths Porcui>iu<' Mountain, Region about Praiiie Region, General Remarks on do do Frost in do do Cliaracteri.sticsof do (111 Detined , do River do Second, Theory accounting for Moisture of Prices of Staples in Cariiioo .'. Prince Albert MissMin, A Flourishing Community .j Princeton Farm Piiget Sound, Coal at i'liroell & Ryan, contract with 'ACIB 137 20(! tJH 286 •-'96 lt>a 21(5 345 206 368 201 213 315 245 •)4 111 294 211 216 321 334 335 7!t 35 207 315 224 322 116 231 393 Q CJualcho Lake 122 Quantities, Hcliedule of iu Line No. »>, Yellow Head to Bute Inlet 217 Qu'Aiipelle River, Region 31li Queen (-'liariotte .Sound, Pungerous 2H'J do Harbours in 292 do Ppiciiption of 305 do IslaiuN, Climate mild 297 Quesnelle, Vield of cro|i3 about , 250, 251 do .Mouth, distances from to variouj! localities 147 QuestioiiL siibinitted to Knglish N'aval Oflicers respecting British Columbia Harbours 2>»3 R Race Rocks Rails, Steel, purchased do Coutractsfor 43 310 54 385 J 426 iu FJiunfnll in Briti?h Coliimliia du Manitobn Rainy River, Aren of ricli fertile soil, ilo liUkc PAf.E ^4f> X!5 :!ii 212 do Rivir ." 211 Rn* Ort-ek to Pine Creek, Cliariicter ol Country 315 dri Portage to Sturgeon Falls r>'.' do do Crojis Laki'' '.ili Red Rivnr Tran.'^portation Cumimiiy, contract with 391, 3t<5 do to Battleford , 375 do Northcote 375 Red Rock (Nejiigou River) 2(iG Reserves for Railway purposes, Ac 78 BichardB, Rear Adtiiiral, Letter to Secretary of tlie Admiralty 27Jf do Uigtsl of Opinions as to Harbours of Britiib C()lunibia 68 do Replieb to tjueries respecting do do 286 Road CrosBinga t)2 Robert Cape 29«l Rocky Mountains, Miniuium Temperature 147 Rosario Channel.. 25» Root River 2i»2 Round Hill to Hoiith Saskatchewan 317 Routes described 17 do Yellow Head lo W'addinglon Harbour 2fi do do B8tlmaii:d cost of 6(i do to Dean Inlet do 29 to Coast classified 33 do Lenptb of 69 Kstiuntc of different 61 Snniuiary of Estimates 62 Selection of. „ 73 305 do do do do do do do |{oyal Uoada ". I • s Sahiion House .• I4;i do River 121,263 do do >.'a; y '272 aalt Lands 317 dii Lakes 316 8( y> 374 m, 3K5 375 375 2i)6 78 27t^ 68 286 !*2 2'Jii 147 25» 202 317 17 28 6(1 29 33 6£f 61 62 73 305 143 121, 263 272 317 316 306 288, 307 281* 193 342 377 378 192, 342 316 Pauk Saiilt Ste. Marif lo Rivir Pic 54 Srvi. Dim's Ferry to Lytton 250 Scrvicf, Trying 85 SeitlpnuMii Lnnil^ .\vailablfl for, \Vi'3t of Liiko of the Woods 335 Seymour Narrows, Dangerous _. 289 Sliehandowan Fjuke :»14 do List of [..ocalitics in British Coliiiubia where found 243 Shoa! Lake, Country abont impregnated with aalt 316 do to the .■Vssinihoine, Character of country good 316 Sifton. OIhsh A Co., Contracts with 384, 388, 3U3 Hilvcr in liritish Columbia 226, 235 Himilkiiineen Valley 110 Hki'tna River as Teriniiius to Line 75 do The, Frozen up 296 Smith, Marcu.'!, Report for 1874 107 do do 1875 162 do do 1876 3J7 do oil Fngincering FealuruH of certain Lines 254 Smoky River to '^-.iuvcgan, Description of Country .329 tlo Paris, Table of distances from 147> do do Description of 152 Smyth, Selby, Major General, Memorandum on Military aspect of Burrard Inlet route 312 Snow Fall in Rock. Mountains . .• 260 do Slide on tlie Peuteuchltenay 137 Soils of British Columbia 24^ do Between Winnipeg and the Rooky Mountains 2(i2 do do Ednuintoii !tnd Yellow Head Pass 352 Sorcfoot Lake 195 Soundings olf West Coast of Vancouver Island and to Golctas Channel .304 Souris River 318 Southe.sk, Earl of, route taken by I9«! Spanish River 361 Specitic'iition, General, tor construction of existing works 396 Spencer, J. W,, on I'orcupiue .Mountain 321 Spikes, Contracts for 395 Sprout, Gilbert, Stiuement respecting Barclay Sound and Alberni 311 StHlf, Thanks due to 84 .Stamp Harbour (.^.tberni) Best on Pacific Coast 310 Stations, Sites for to be determined 78 do Directions as to 95 n((lisli River Superior, Lake, North Shore, Suraniary of quantities on do to Vol low Head Pass, enj^ineering featnrt's of do to Red River do Region, Coldness caused by su|iera1jiindant Moisture , Surveys and Exiploratiou:*, Olmraoter of. do do dc do do do do do do do (io do do do do ilo do iU> do do do do do do do do do .Io do do do do do do do do do do do do Paok ,'i.' 35!' 20.t 259 137 ■214 129 2C1> 371 371 •MA ;i 2 3 Extent of Ex))enditurc on Tn 1871 4, 12, .«, W 1872 6, 14, 37, 4S IST.f 7,16,37,48 lt;'74 8, 2:, .^8, 50, 107 187.1 10, 24, 41, r,2 1870 11,27,43,5.'-. Acrciss the Rocky Monntuiiis liy Smoky River Pass do Cascade .Mountain? by ButoVnlet do do Salmon River Pass.. do do Similkameen Valley Around the Valdes Islands Rule Inlet to River Stewart Clearwater to North Thomjison Dean Inlet to lUackwiiter Valley Fort Hope to BuiTurd Inlet U5 l 101 in 12!: French River to Lac Amablc du Foml 3.58, 370 do and River Pic from Douglass, (Jardnir and Dean Inlets, eastwards from the Chilacoh to the Cascade .Mountains, alternative line. Gardner's Inlet to Lake Toehquonyala, winter uiploratton in Mountain Ret;i()n Keman'i Flay to First Lake Kitlupe Valley .. Lake Siijieiior to Yellow Head Pass do Winnihegon to Riviere anx Sables Livingston to Yellow Head Pass River Pie to Lake Winnibegon Yellow Head Pass to Hurrnrd Inlet do Bute Inlet do Dean Channel Suit.;ii, Th(im]ifnii fi Whitehead, contract with Swan River, Locality productive do Coiintij along i::7 27-1 177 107 17,". lit: 371 3 204 259 137 214 129 372 2Ct> 371 371 3I:h 3 2 3 .... 4, 12, 38, W .... 6, 14, 37, 4S .... 7, 16, 37, 4S 8, 2'., .38, 50, 107 .. 10, 24, 41, r>2 .. 11,27,43,5.') U5 I(!3 KW 105 1H8 16t» 101 173 V>H .358, 370 .lii.i i;!7 •JT4 177 10- 17,-) I7<: 371 3WJ 3.37 .368 2fil 27i- 381- ;j,;i 320 Swiiii l{ivei' Vallc}', Rich Liitul in do do Clinmtu do do (>rHj'>lioi>per iilanuf iinkuown in. Svvfct (Jriiss Hilli, FJeight Causing Clouds and Rain.., ilo to tlu' Rorkv Moiinfftins Paok 187 187 188 323 324 T Ttttlayaco Lake 163 do to HoniHtlico Canyon „ , 267 Tchutazidy do 123 Tchestftf.i do 124 'IVlegraiil; to Edmonton, Contract.^ issued for.. 40, 384 do do Surveys lor 4o du do do 41 do do 535inile8in position 43, .338 do Coraniunicntion uffeelud with Kdnionlon 46 du Located tliriiugli entire prairie rugion 4.'> do Ked River to Lake Superior, Contracted for r>4 do sliouid [iretede ruilway 77 Ten)|iiraimc in Rocky Mountains, .lannary to April 147 do Priiirie Region 334 Tcti- ./tiiinc Caclie to Grand Ra|>idg 261 do Winter clitnatp at S.'JS Telacluick Lake i2.t Texada I.-land 2.34,2.37 Tlioin|i3on, T. J. Reiiort 206 Tiiratclia Lake 120 'i'i. under Hay to Winiii|icg. Tiniiier on region '. 314 do Lak- to Lako Feist 371 Tiidennm'.- River M'V Timber at .Mo.^^sy River 186 do .Swan River Valley 186 do Few specie!! in .Vtlmlinsca District 326 do on ilie Prairie I'l do plentiful hot ,\.H'n Livingstone and Edmonton 43 do from Vellow Head Push to Biirrard Iiilil 260 do lietween Winnipeg and Rocky Mountains 202 ToclKiMonyala I^ake... 162 Tolclielkin Lake Ml Touchwood Hllla ;il6 Towiiire of Vessels lo Soutlirni Harbours 290, 291 Transportation of liaiis. Rolling Flock, etc., to Manitoba .W do clieap ilirougii prairie region 8;t do contracts for 3'Jl Triiimidi Ray 292 Trutcli', .1., Exploration across Ca.scade .Mountains 105 Tfatsquol River 140, 141 TschicK Lake 123 430 Tiiffi) oil Diiwi^oii Rou'e Tiirtle .MuiiiitHia, Valuiihle Timber on u Uuliuuklcsit lliirboi^r iiri IViiiiinus do Very Araldo land (p dii do liniitfd in area. do ijreat fertility of soil Van Winkl.' Minos, B.C Vafpoiiver Island. Fisheries iiiiportniit do 8oiindin.cg to I.iviii^stoiK' Uo Eiluiuntuii, ilcLuud'D Hurvcy. do Rirer ilu
  • rior and Hudson's Hay, at al)0ut Hfty-fivo iiiiloH, conlinnin^and yoin^ to tlio nortliwaid of Ksna- f,'amo, ^foManollik, and Man/^onsi' Lakos, tlironj^li a lovol country, crossing' llio lu'i^lit of land ai^aiii atft!) milos from Mis,Kanali«> ; inoht ot tlio diHtanoo up to this in surprisingly lovol, ^nivol and sand alioiindin^', with sumo j^ooii soil iioar tlio rivois, wlioiv wild poas, oats, and luirloy, woro soon ^rowinj; luxuriantly, and altiiiHlancc of tiinhor — spruce, taniarac, lialsam, pilcli-pino, wliito liindi. and poplar. iK'scondinj^ from llio sixty-iiintli milo, tlio lino would cross tlio Uivor Kal»iiia;^a- pmin^', at tlio sovoiily-first milo, (tlu> valloy ot which oxi ds somo twenty miloH to tho southward), and at sovont^'-tivo miles loaves the valley ui tliis river, and ^'ots to tho lioi<4ht of land at the oi^lity-eif,'htl> milo, liaviii;^ ascondeil the valley of the River Nama;;os, and run alon^; part of tho shore of a lak«> of the same name, thence followiii^a chain of lakes, and connecting streams to the niiioty-oif^hth mile, to the heij^ht of land, overj^raveily deposits and rock fonmit ion. Fiom this, it f,'oes down the valley of tho North White Uiver, to the 1 1 1th mile; then passes over to the South White River, to near to foot of Fiake Natamasa^ama, where the line crosses at tho narrows, llifl mil(!S from Missanahc Lake ; thciic*' over a rf)llin;:^ country to the 141th mi!«', tothohoadofa stream runnin<; into tho \i\m\i Ilivt'r, throii;,di which valley tho lino would descend to I'jOth milo; thonoo followiiif^ down tlio Hlack River to tho KKMh milo, whoro, meeting a small hraiich of tho Pic River, the lino de-*cends its valley to tho IMc. Nearly the whole of tho country through which tlio lino is projectoil, olfors a fair site for a rail- way, and is what mi;;ht bo called a ^onorally level country, comparntively hut little rock oxistini^ in tho immodiato ncij^hhoiirhood of tho proposed location. Abundance of wood can lie had, althoiii^h juucli of it has boon destro^'od by liie. It consists of jiiteh pine, spruce, tamarac, white bircli, balsam, cedar, and ])oplar. In places, the timber is small as yet. Hut littloclny exists to tho eastward of Niitasa<,'amu Lake, but abounds towards the Pic River. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, W. A. AUSTIN, EiKjInccr in char5 Description of Work. I 40 40 37 117 Banks, cutUngs and tunnels do do .Totals. E a .a - 15 •a '2 <^ a Ji 6 i SSc^ ~t- ■ m o ^ I .M I- = C3 a> ocui C-K-O e (, • > id • Viaducts. No.; Span. I I a 1,568,000 1,259,000 610,860 3,443,860 1,024,000 1,361,000 394,350 5,717 i 39,200 25,612 I 31,475 34,025 6,333 1,300 13,350 16,672 29,434 10,658 23,755 2,600 2,600 a o o-a ^ Description of Work, 35 miles heavy work (rock) 40 5 miles light surface line 40 3'6 miles tunnel . ....Totals a T3 ^ it- C ' o $ -Jo 1,204,000 55,000 r/j "^^^ ,* C ►" C 3 1,171,000 1,260,000 190,000 3 OT3 5 W 31,475 6,333 1,361, ■ 6,333 31,475 a . m P, ^ a; o tf 29,276 4,750 34,025 Viad ucts. ,(» tO feet, or one mile 120 3'ards. Kashahowie Portage, No. 12, Between Lakes Kasbabowie and Shebandowan. Tlio line adopted by Mr. Bawson is probably the best that can be obtained on this portage, so I have tbllowed close to it. The diftbrenco of level between those lakes is 32 feet. Mr. Dawson is of opinion that Shebandowan can bo raised to the level of Kasba- bowie; this would lay a large tract of country under watci-, would also bo subject to innumerable leaks, and if I am not mistaken, Mr. Murdock told me, would materially interfere with the extension of the Thunder Ba^- Branch. The tramway, as on plan will bo .'5,800 feet, or nearly three quarters mile. The road from Thunder Bay to Shebandowan is bottei" known to Mr. Hazlowood than to me. When I passed over it, it was covered with snow. Krom my own personal observation and from conversations bold witli the late contractors, 1 have ascertained that it is not possible to convey tons of freight each wa}' daily over the roaf 40 tons burden is ready to be launched. 0\\ Lake Baril there is a small tug and a large barge. O.i Liic dos Mille Lacs there is a goo.l tug but no barge. 2 1.1 Hazlcwood few of thorn [low bariio of On Liilvo Jvusliabowio llioro is ii liir^'o tiii,' and l)ar^o. On Lako Sliobandowan tlioro is a Iar;^o tug; I am not awuro wliotiu'r llioro is a bargo or not. All of tbo- feet to 10 feet high 2(),00(> Timber lor beam culverts, I'J inches by 12 '.iches 7,250 " d(j do 12 inches by 8 inches 21,;50(» " do do 10 inches by 8 inches 13,550 " do do IG inches by inches 7,100 " Foundations for structures, Contingencies, &c., allow |i 1 1." 17 u t I V M •JlH Ari'lilNDlX u. NOTK ON TIIK Ef'iiVoMrC! Ml\Klt.M,S, ANI» MrVKs uF IIUITIsll nuLlMHIA, IIV UROllUK M. KAWSd.N, ASstlC'IATK ll.H M., K.1I..S., l»K TIIK (iKol.odlPAIi SI KVKV Ol' CANAHA. '■ i l>i '■] |}oyi)ii(l llio elevated western luarj^iii ol'tlie (Jiciit Plains, ami intervening iielweeii it and the Paeitie Ocean, is a le/^ion wliieli may he elmraeleii/.ed as one ol" iiidiiii- taiiis and disturbed roek formal ions. This runs north-westward and soiilh-oastward, Avilli the general trend of the eoasl,and is divided into two suliordiniite nioiiiilainoiis distriets hy an irregular heltof high plateau country running in the sainu direction. South of the V.H\\ parallel, this region, Ironi the JJocky Mountains to the Pacific, in various ])arts of its length, has been found to eontain valual)le metalliferous deposits uf many Uiiuls, and alreaily appears to be the most important metalliterous area of tlio United States. In the Province of British Columbia is ineluded over S((() miles in length of this mountain and plateau cnunlry, with an average breadth of about 4tM) miles. N(»rth of the -ilHli parallel, the IJocky Mountnins are now known to e.xtend to the Peace IJiver, and even further northward, to neai- the month ol the Mackenzie J{iver, ami to maintain throughout mueh the same geologieal character with that of their Hoiitliern portion. The I'urcell, Selkirk, Columbia, Cariboo, and furtbei" north t\\v Ominien Mountains, may be taken collectively as the representatives of the iJitter Jtoot liunges of Idaho. The interior plateau of iirilish Columbia represents the great busin of Utah and Nevada, but north of the southern sources of the Columbia this region is not sell-contaiiu'd as to its drainage, but djseharges its waters to the Pacitlc. Tlie Cascade or Coast Jiaiigc of British Columbia, lb lugb in a general way bearing the •same relation to the interior plateau country as the Sierra Nevaila Mountains of ('ali- fornia and the cascade .Mountains of Oregon, forms a system distinct from eitlu'r of these. The uplift, of the Sioira Nevada antedates that of the British Columbia moun- tains, while the Cascade Mountiiins of (Jregon aie described by Professor Leconle and others iis chietly composed of comparatively modern volcanic mateiials, which seairely occur in the main langcs of the west coast of British Columbia. The j)arallel ranges of Vancouver and the (^ueen Charlotte Islands, may, as far their structure is yet ] follow, so that may show con- (111 south-east to ir as geological einhlance ot the tern States, and )arod with rock ent on the con- known mining regions and cost of lahoiir and sii|i|)lieH. In adilition, a great part of llie coiintiy is densely forest-clad, and the siirtiice iniicli eiiciimhcreil with glacial iliitt, which, though often lending to |iriMliice a more fertile soil, conceals the indica- tions to which the prospector trusts in more soul hern laliliidos. All these circumstances tend to retard the development of Hritish Ooliimbia as ii mining country. It i.s HJowly iidvain'ing, however, and it is my opinion that, when ilie country is opened up and the cost of lulioiir and supplies lessened, il will he Iniiiid ciipaltle ot rapid devidopment, and may soon take a lirst place as the mining j'rovince of the Doiiiinion. It must not he omitted to state thai, in one very iiiipor- taiit particular, the rocks of this part of the I'acitic ("oast dilVer from those further south — the cretaceous series changes considerahly in its c haractcr, and at the samo tinio becomes coal-hearing, furnishing the fuels mined at Xanaiino and (,'omox. In the tollowiiii;- pages I have endeavoiirod to give a somewhat systematic, tliough brief account of tlie mineral resources and mines of Kritish (Columbia, iipply- iiig whore necessary to the piiblisheil Memoirs of the Geological Surv»>y, and entering into somewhat greater detail with localities of which no published accounts are yoL iiccessiblo : — (hlil. It may, I think, be said without exaggeration, thai there is scarcely a stream of any imi)orlance, in the Province of Mritish Columbia, in which the "colour" of gold can not be found. The discovHjry of gold, lirst made known in 1S')S, led to the great iiitlux ol miners of that and the following year, (iold, thus the first caiiso attracting nttention to the country, has ever since been the chief factor in its prosperity. The annexed tabular statement shows the annual yield of gold from 18.58 to the end of 187(5. Ah no ollicial record of the gold (>xpoit has been kept, the only moans of arriving at an ajiproximate result, is t(> idd to that actually known to have been shipped by the bard06 4,200 634 4,100 617 4,400 482 4,400 .S49 4,294 8);'. 2,982 893 3,044 814 2,390 992 2,309 740 2,348 569 2,450 734 2,400 671 2,300 m7 2,808 643 2,024 1,222 I Average number of miners employed yearly 3,220 .\vo rage earnings per man, per year $058 Total actual and est'iuated yield of gold, 1858 to 1875 $38,166,970 Adding the product of 1876, the wiiole amount of gold exported from the Pro- vince, in eighteen and a half years, is computed at 830,05;},618, or staled in round numbers, fortj- millions— a very remarkable result from a colony, the total European pojadalion of which will probably- not average during the same period, 10,000. The gold yield shows a fluctuation trom j-ear to year, which is due not onl_\ to the uncertainty of the deposits worked, and iiumborof miners einphnvd, butdeponds also on climatic conditions. Thus the decrease of 187ti, as compared with 1875, may be attributed in the Cariboo District to the great quantity of snow falling on the mountains during the lueceding winter, and more than average rainfall of the sum- mer; v'ircumstancos preventing the clearing of the deep claims t'rom water till lute in the season. In Ciussiar the unfavourable spring preventeil the miners from reach- ing their claims till late, and heavy floods impeded their operations during the summer. The general distribution of alluvial gold over the Province may indicate that several difleront rock formations produce it in greater or less quantit}', though it is onl}' whore " coarse" or " heavy " gold occurs that the original auriferous veins must bo supposed ti, exist in the immediate vicinity of the dejwsit. Colours, as the finer particles of g(»ld are Cidled, travel far along the beds of the rapid rivers of this coun- try before they ar.> reduced by attrition to invisible shreds; and the northeiii and other systems of distribution of drift material have, no doubt, also assisted in spread- ing the fine gold. The gold formation proper, however, of the country, consists of a series of talcose and chloritic, blackish or greenish-grey slates or schists, which occa- 221 403 606 634 61Y 482 849 I 813 2 893 4 814 992 9 749 8 689 734 671 567 9 G43 4 1,222 hioniilly boc'oino iiiicaooous, nixl nciiorally sIdw oviiloiico of ^roatei" motainorpliism than tlio f^old-lieaiiiii;- slates of Caliioriiia. Tlii'ir prorisu i;;i'oloni(.'al horizon is not yet ilctorniiiioti, no gooh)i^i(al sm-voy to that cinl havini; licon made; but I anx inclined to hdicvo that they will he found to occupy a position intermediate between tiie Lower Caciie Creelv y regular mining operations the rocky bottom of the valley" is followed beneath 50 to 150 feet of overl^-ing clays and gravels, the course of the ancient stream being traceable b3' the polished rocks of its bed, and the coarse gravel and bniilders which have tilled its channel. In lliclu)llow of the rock3' channel the richest '• lead" of gold is usually found, but in following the rock surface laterally-, side groiiml, rich enough to pay well, is geiierall3' discovereil for a greater or less width. The old stream courses of the Carib:)() district ari^ found to have pursued veiy much Ihe .same directions that tlieir ])rcsent representatives fol- low, ei'ossing often from side to side of thovalle\' with ditl'erenl flexures, and occa- sioiiallv running through below a p tint ot' ilrif! material projecting into the nKtdern channel, but never, [ believe, actu:ill3' leaving the old valle\', or running across the moiern ilrainago s3'stom, as is so often the case in the deep placoi-s of California ami Australia. As an example of the methods employed, and extent of mining operations required to reach the deep ciiaiiiiels, the Van Winkle Mine, on Lightning Crc<'|.:, which is the iivt-il successful now in o|)eratioii, may be taken. This mine is briefl3' tt I' ,:f n ii n *OeoIogiciil Survey, Rejiorl (if Progress, 1S75-70. ooo ■- I. P i ■ .iS- ! *:i- . Irf' ir notiood ill tlio Descriptive CataI()<^uo, piiblishoJ in coiiiic<;tiuii witii tiio (leologica Smvoy's collection at the late Pliiladelpliia Exhibition. Tlio claim covers about 2.050 feet in length of the valley, tho deepest part of the old channel of which iiad been cleared out to a length of between 1,GOO to IjTOO feet in October last. Much side ground, however, yet roniains, and the workings .some- times attain a width of from 200 to 300 feet, in following this up as far as it can bo made to pay. The claim yielded tlu' tirst dividend in December, IStS, $10,000 liaving been expended before gold was found in tho channel. It has since continued to pay haniisomely, having produced in one week gold worth ^ISjTOO, and on other occasions at the weekly •' clean up" sums of $14,000, $12,000, &c. At tho datoabovo Tiientinned the total product of gold had amounted to the large sum of §500,904.99. In reaching tho buried channel a shaft is usually sunk at the lower, or down- stream end of the claim, on the sloping side of the valley, where after having gone through a moderate depth of clay or gravel, the slat\- rock of tho district is reached. The shaft is then continued through this, till a dejjtli supposed to be sufficient is attained, when a drift is stai'ted at right angles to the course of the valley, and if tho the right depth has been chosen —either by rough estimation, or calculation based on that required in otiier neighbouring workings— tho old channel is struck in such a way as to enable the subterranean water collecting in it from the whole upper part of the claim, to bo pumped to the surface by the shaft. On cutting out of the slate rock, however, into the gravel, so much water is frcciuently met with, that the pumps arc mastered, rendering necessary a cessation of work till tho dryest part of the season, or the application of more powerful machinery. When the drift is not found to be at a sufficient depth to cut tiie bottom of the old channel, it is generally necessary to close it, and after continuing the shaft to a greater depth, to drive out again. The old channel once reached, and cleared of water, is followed up its slope, by tho Workings, to the upper part of the claim, and where paying siilo ground occurs it is also 0])ened. In the Van Winkle Mine, the average depth of tho workings is only about YO feet, tho lowest shaft being placed 300 feet from the creek, on the opposite side of which the rock is seen to rise to the surface, forming steep cliffs. The water is raised to within 40 feet of t'.ic surface; when it is discharged into an adit 3,000 feet long, which is also used by other claims. There are two jiumps, 10 inches in diameter, with wooden pipes, making about twelve four-foot strokes a minute, the power being supplied by an eighteen-foot l)reast wheel. This does not adequately repiesent the volume of water pumped, however, as the ground of this claim is partly drained l)y otiiers lower in the series, in which work cannot be carried on till later in the .season. The richest j)ay is obtained in the rock channel of the old stream, but whore this is much contracted the force of the water has swept the gold away to those places whore its width is increased. The harder rocks still pn!serve their polished and water-worn forms, but most of the slates are rotten and crumbling to a considerable depth, and in cleaning up in the bottont a tliickness of one to two feet is taken out with a pick and shovel, and sent up to the surface with tho overlying gravel for treatment. In tho side work, as in the central channel, the greater part of tho gold is found lying directly on the " bed rock" and only occasionally are paying streaks seen in tho gravel a few feet above it. The side ground is worked up from tho channel in succes- sive breasts parallel to i(. Tho average j'ield of the part at present worked niiiy bo stated at from two and a-half to three ounces to each set of timber; the sot uncovering about thirty-five .sciuaro feet of the bed rock, with a height of six feet. The lowest lii^'ers uf gravel foiitain many larger l)oulders of quartz and slaty fragments not much water-worn, which must have come down from tho hill sides. The apjiearance being that of deposit by torrential waters to a depth of four to si.\ foot in the channel, above which the gravel is generally bettor rounded, and moro evenly spread, though still mixed with little clayey matter. In consequence of the unconsolidated nature of tho gravel, tho ])rossuro on tho supports of the workings is excessive. The posts ani caps of tho timbering are in some places only a few inches apart, and the whole of the workings are lined with :>23 tompleio lai!;«:inijf. TIio timber used is from one to two foot in tliicknoss, ami coiisisls of the 8pruo<) of the country, simply barked and sawn into Icni^tiis. It costs, delivered uttlic mine, eii'lit cents per ruimiiig foot, all suitable sizes being taken at tiie same rate. Tbc lagg'ng, winch is merol}' split out, four feet long, Hve inches wide, and two thick, costs ;even dollars a bundled ))ieces. With every precaution, the timbers are frequently crushed by the pressure, or the uprights even forced downward into the slate. Where large boulders are removed fi-om the sides, or " slum " is Ibund, spruce brush requires to be extensively used behind the lagging, and in many parts of the mine the Avater sti-eams from the roof like a heavy shower of rain. The auriferous gravel is raised to tiie surface by buckets and rope, with friction gearing and Avater power. Tbe whole of the deep workings are annually tilled vvith water at the time of the spring floods, and it is sometimes late in the summer or autumn before the ]ium])s again acquire the mastery. In October last, the following coin|)anies on Jjightning t'reek, were driving their pumps day and night, the Van Winkle being the oidy mine clear of water. (Joatdlu Cldlin. — I'lmip, 12 inches diameter. D-foot stroke, making 10 strokes a minute. Vulcan Cl'iiin. — Pump, 12 inches diameter, (i-foot stroke, making 18 strokes a minute. Vatxfouver Claim. — Pump, 12 inches diameter, U-foot stroke, making 10 strokes a minute (double acting.) I'an Winkle Cluiiii. — Pumps, 10 inches diametei-, 14-foot stroke, making 10 strokes a minute (two pumps.) The quantity of water being raised at this time would theref ire amount t > aliout 13,870 gallons a minute, or 19,874,000 per diem. In many cases the machinery and appointment of the mines is very creditalde, and almost the whole expense of the mining entei'pi'ises i:-, borne by the mineis of the district themselves, without the aid of foreign cajjital, and with labour and materials of all kimls at exorbitant rates. Money earned in one venture is embarked in another, and the shareholders of a mine aie frequently at work themselves below gi'ound. On Lightning Creek, about lOOO!) feet of the valley may lie said to be woi'ke I out. in so far as the deep channel is ccncerned ; and thougf some bench claims and tributary creeks have j)aid well, the material on the sides of the valley is not, at jMcsont. rich enough to pay for hydraulic work. In endeavouring to " bottom " the old channel further down the valley, ver}- great difliculties are encountered, owing to the great quantity of water met with, and the increaNcd depth of the siidiing requited. There is no leason to believe, however, that the lowest part of the channel holding good pay has been reached. The following table, supplied by Mr. .lames Kvans, to (he Minister of Mines of iJritish Columbia, gives as correct a statement as he has been able to compile, of the amount of money taken from some of the more prominent claims on liightning Creek, uo to \ovember 1st, 187"): — j)nlch and Siege! (now Perseverance) ??i;iO,000 Dunbar ;{0,000 Discovery and Ibitcher 120,0un: ' lour, ])er lb S cents. Beans do !."» " Bacon do ,'5.') " Grain, for horse feed, per lb 7 " Hay do 5 " 225 Richfield arc II iongtii. Ill lO side ground :)f the lateral ides, in some ' rieii tor tiio lliiinns' Creole, or 1875 l)eing, ver, has a cor- stricts. nto two parts, worked open Ill's; hydraulic eep ill the old ig down about amei'on cluiiii, •face, and was ed out. The feet at tho ■ Ji niilo holow 1 channel has The valley is le, low liollow, I' Creek. It is so turns otV in aracter of the e Ballarat, has [)t. Tho Lane ,ory complete and have, for ini;- have jiaid ep channel of generally tine ecially favoiii'- ])()ssiljle, with of their upper lave not heeii many of tlie xpense would lu were poor, the road hy -and of labour ot navigation and a half Id autumn ; or aehinory and Its Ordinary laiioiirers receive S'j.OO per day ; mechanics, from 85.00 to 87.00 ; Cliinamen and Indians, 8;5.0((. These prices, though a great reduction on tiiosc ruling heforo tlie construction of the waggon road, ]»reclude the working ot any but tiie richest deposits, which necessarily boar but a small proportion to those with a moderate or small amount of gold; and in working over tho deep ground in early (lays much was loft that would even now pay handsomely, but cannot be found or ivached on account of the troaciieroiis nature of the nii>ved ground, tilled Avith old timbering and water. I do not think it would be an extravagant statement to say that tho quantity of gold still remaining in the part of Williams' Creek which has hceii worked over, is about as great as that which has already been obtained. Witii regard to Lightning Crock, tliis statement wouUl scarcely hold, though there must be a great quantity of gold in ground of medium richness oven liero. To render this gold available, however, and to prove successfully the lower and more ditlicult parts of tho valleys, greater and more exact engineerii'g knowledge, better and larger machinery, and above all, cheaper labour and supplies, dependent on greater lacilitics of transport, arc required. As an illustration of what might be done in this way, it may be menlionod that ii is already suggested, that by cutting a flume to Antler Creek — part of which would ic([uire to 1)0 a tunnel — free drainage of the whole upper part of Williams' Creek woiiM bo obtained; enabling the valley from its sources to tho flume level, with all its old workings, and the great depth cf tailings holding more or less gold, which have accumulated, to be completely stripped by extensive hydraulic works. So far, mention has boon made of only W^illiams' and Lightning Crooks, but there are many other localities in tho Cariboo district which have yielded much gold ill surface work or shallow diggings, which it is believed by those best able to form ail opinion, Avould prove rich in their deep ground, if pi'operly explored. Owing, liowovoi', to the groat cost of [irospecting, and of suitable machinery, this has not yet been done. Antler, Cunningham, J.ick of Clubs, and Willow Iiiver, arc su|»posod to be especially promising, and attempts are now being made to bottom some of .hem. Mr. Bowron states, however, that the Xason Company have already spent $;{0,U((0 on their claim on tho first-named stream, without having boon able to tost their ground. In most goKUbcaring countries the placer mines, though often i-i( h, liavo eventually led to the mining and treatment of the auriferous (piartz from which thoalluvial gold has been derived. No success has yet, however, boon obtained in t[uartz-mining in Ihitish C'olumbia, and very little attention has boon paid to it, the jilacers having absorbed tho mining energy of the country. Though much of the gold accumulated in the beds of the old streams of Cariboo may have boon derived from veins too small to work individually, it seems scarcely to admit of iloubt, that in a region where so large a quantity of gold has boon obtaineil within .so small an area, rich lodes will bo discovered and worked. Indeed, notwithstanding the want ot attention to these deiiosits, and the very difficult nature of the country to prospect, several are already known, which in other parts ot the world, might justify extensive mining operations. Some i>f' these liavo been traced with considevable and well-maintained width for .several miles. The gold occur.s, as is usual, in association with iron pyrites, Init also often with considerable ([uantitios of galena, through crystalline masses of which tho jtrecious metal is sometimes strung. Not a single stamp-mill is in operation, how- ever, in Cariboo or any other part of Mritish Columbia, a small tost battery which is at llichfiold having lioen run for a few days only at a time, on one or two occasions, by men unexperienced in quai'tz milling. The remarks made in coniiectio:i with the placer mines, as to the cost of labour and provisions, apply in this connection with even greater force. Vein mining, once initiated, will, 1 believe, lapidly develope, giving to the district a permanent character which it does not now possess, and iiulircctly tending to cheapen labour, by giving employment summer and winter. Ol thodistrictsof Ivootonay, Omineca, and the new Cassiar region, I know nothing personally, nor have they ever been visiteii by any member of the geological staff. .'situated on (he same bolt of aurifemus rocks, they, nodoubt, in the main featui'os of their de|iosits, resemlilo those of Cariboo. There are also several other localities on 18 fi i.:n ll. ,1. 226 I i" I w. ■ Iho lino of Iho main dovolopmoiit of tho miriforous rook^), which have, from time to time, iittniclcil attontion, iiiul yioldoil inoro or less ^^okl ; l»iit from their limitod character, poor pay, or doptli of cover, they iiave iioeiiahaiuloiiedoi' allowed lofall into the hands of Chinamon. The •'reater pait of tho gold range, especially toward the north, is voi-y densely timhereu and covered with moss, peaty swamps and tangled vegetation, rendering its examination very ditticnlt, rnd tho discovery of (ho I'ich Hpots, a matter requiring time and labour; in this respect it ditl'crs allogethoi f"om tho bare slopes of California. It is to be remarked, however, that when altered conditions rendei" deposits of the lower grades remunerative, that tho recognized ai'cas of all the gold-tields will be very much extended, anil that many of those which have now fallen out of notice, will again spring into iin})ortance. The yield from Kootonay, for 1875, is stated ny the Minister of Mines to have been about 8-41)000; 40 White and 50 Chinese minors being employed. The district lias produced, I believe, about the same amount in 1870. The Omineca district has certainly not proved as rich as it was i one time sup- posed to bo, and has been in great part abandoned for tho new field of Cassiar. In 1875, tho total population was 08; the estimated gold i)roduct,8;{2,00f). Tho number of minors in 1870 was still smaller. I have spoken to several men who have left this district but who still appear favourably impressed with its prospects. The transport of supplies from Yale costs 18 cents a pound, causing provisions of all sorts to be so dear that a minor cannot afford to stay, unless ho has a rich paying claim. Kxton.ive prospecting is quite out of tho question as a private enterprise, and, in conse(|Ucnce, groat areas remain yet untried. Mr. Page, late government agent in tho district, bclioves tho Findlay Branch to lie specially worthy of oxaminaiion. A sample of quartz, with some galena, obtained on a stream running into Manson Crook, ;]0 miles from Dunkeld. which was transmitted by Mr. Hamilton, of .Stiiui't's Lake, prove°. and he]iarated from Omineca by over three hundred miles, unknown gsographically, and scarcely, if at all, prospected, (i old has long boon known on tie lower part of the Jtivor iStickene, b}' which Cassiar is api)roachod from the coast ; but itoccurs there in light scaly particles, like those obtained on many of the bars of the Frasei'. The rich deposits, lately discovered, lie on the sources of the iJiver Deaso and about Dease Lake, the upper end of the latter being separated liy only a few miles of low countiy from a i)art of the Stickene. The Dease empties into the Mackenzie, and thus passes to the Arctic Sea. The discovery of this tlistrict is due to Mr. Thibert, and a companion, who reached it from the cast in 187-, after three years spent in trapfiing and ]»rospccting. Mr. Good states, in the re])ort already referred to, that the area of the Cassiar gold-field, as at iiresent developed, comprises a tract of country of at least three bundled scpiare niilos. The number of miners employed during the summer of 1875 was over 800, and the gold obtained is estimated at a little less than a milliini of dollars. Deasc" and McDamc Creeks, the two most important in the district, are aliout one hundred miles aj)art, wiiile discoveries have been pushed northward and eastward on river systems connecteil with the iX'ase to a distance estimalod at 370 uiilos, in a region which probably lies beyond tho i'rovinco of British Columbia. A 227 promising (|uai't/- voiii, cotitiiiniiig gold, Milvcr iiinl copper, lias Ihm'Ii discovorod on McDanjo (yrei'lc, undu lodcof argeiitiforoiis galonu on llio IJivor Kiaiicis or Dcloiro. The Cassiar niinos arc worked under cnorinotis disadvantages, situated in an almost aietic climate, where the soil is permanently frozen at a small depth helow the surface on tho shad}' sides ot the valleys, with a short season during which the water courses are liable to floods, disastrous to the mines ; reached after a sea voyago from Victoria, by tho l{ivor SticUcno, only a part of which is navigable even under tho most favourable circumstance;!, and with supplies of all sorts at famine ))riccs, oidy the highly auriferous character of some parts ot the district co'itinues to render it attractive. It is scarcely likoly that any improvcTuent in the moans of comin mi- cation in the more settled portions of IJritish Columbia will malcr'aliy atl'ectC'as^iar, but the existence of its rich deposits is important as showing the continuity of tho auiiferous belt of the country ; and if rich metalliferous veins can be proveil to exist, on which more permanent mining may be carried on, ( 'assiar may yet rise on itsown merits to bo an important mining district, drawing its supplies by improved trails, or by a road, from tho central portions of the Province. Heet caltle are even now driven ovei-land from the Lower Frascr to Cassiar. It will bo unnecessary to refer at any length lo the Uiver F-.-aser gold deposits, tho tirst to attract notice, but rich in oidy a small ]iorlion of their extent. It is estimated by Mr. Good, that about S5(),0(JU worth of gold was prodiiceubse(iuen(ly began to work it. In 18(11 (hey sold (heir mine, now known as tho \'ancouver Company's Colliery, to an Knglish company. TlieComox and Xanaimo areas have be^n thoroughly examined by Mv. luchard- son. They are described in his repoits for 1ST1-T-. 18"2-7-^>, 1873-74, and will bo more com|»letely treated of in a fordicoming report. (Quoting from (he repor( of 1S71-7-, the coal measures aro described as rcsdng in a " narrow irough, which may be said to extend (o (he vicini(y of Capo Mudgo on (he north-west, and to approach (o within (ifteen miles of Victoria on tho south-east, with a length ol about i;}(» miles." The surface of (ho coundy is generally rolling, widi no elcvadons rising (o a grca(er height (han 800 fee(, and in some places is comparatively level. The rocdvs accompanying the coals, are sandstones, conglomer- ates, and slates, and are often lalsediedded on a large scale They hold abundance ot fossil plants and marine shells in some ]»laces, and in appearanct^ and degree of metamorphism much resemble tho true carboniferous rocks of some parts of the east coast. On the Xanaimo area, there are tlire<' co'npanios now at work, (ho mines being known respectively as tho ^''ancouvcr, Wellington, and Harewood. The two first carry their coal to the wharf by short railways on which locomotives aro used; tho last-named is provided with an aerial wire tramway. Two seams aro worked in (ho Vancouver Company's Mine, respectively six feet, and three feet in thickness, und ])robably averaging (ogedicr eight feet of clean coal. The seams were lately lost at a fault, but have boon recovered at a slightly increased dejidi by boring, the thickness of (he upjior seam being repor(etl at nine fee( in (he bore-hole. The coal bcil worked by (he Wolling(on Comjiany, at Departure Ha}-, averages nine feet six inches, while a second seam stated to be six feet thick, is known, but is not used. The scam at the Harewood Mine, averages five to six feet in thickness, and three and a half feet below i(. is a seam (hree feet (hick. I( is ditlicult to ascertain the precise equivalency of (he different beds, but Mr. b'ichardsoii is of ojiiiiion, that those of tiie Vancouver ami Wellington areas represent each other. The coal is worked, I believe, on the jiillar and stall sys(om, though parts of the seams have been so steeply inclined as to rcvjuire stoping. The miners employed aro Whites, Chinese and indians. Mr. (food states the numberof each, for (ho year 1875, to be as follows: — Whites, IVM] ; Chinese, 17'j ; Indians.;')!; giving a (o(al of (!23. Tiio wages earned by (he Whites vary from $2.00 (o 8"). 00 a day ; by the Chinese and Indians, from 81.00 "to 81.r»0. The (o'(al ou(-piit of coal for 187r> is Viven at 110,145 tons, being an increase of 28,597 tons 12 cwt over (ha( of 1874. I)uring 187 coal seamsoccur, with an af;t?rofj;ato thickness of 1(! foot 15 inches, tho thickest lied hciiii^ the lowest in tho series, mid averaj^in^^ 7 feel, in a section of 122 feel at IIk* Union mine, 10 coal scams, with an a^^re^^ato thickness of 2!t feet ."{ inches occur, t!ie thickest seam hoin^; iO feel. This section represents only a small |)arl of the jn'odiictive division. In a thiril section, on Trent IJiver, attain eiiiliracin^ nearly tho entire thickness of the iirodiictive measures, l.'l seams are found, with an atr^'rcicale thickness of only IS feet 1 inch, the thickest hcd heiiii; 3 feet 8 inches. On th(( area of tho Maynes Sound T'oiupuny, in 220 feet 10 inches of measures, two seams (, feel, and ft feet 10 inches respcctiToly occur. Mr. {{icIuM'dson 1- estimates the extent of country underlaid by the productive measures, at ;5()0 s'luare miles, wit!!('il taking into consideration that which may lio beyond the slmii. ; and com|)Utin^ the total thickness of workable coal in the Union ('oni|)aiy's jiroperty, at a little over 25 feet, calculates the quantity of coal undei- lyin^ tho surface at 25.000 tons per aero, or 1(),000,(/00 per square milo for this part of the roi^inii. It will bo soon fi'om tho oullinos of tections ijiven above, that tho productive coal rocks of Comox, thou/^b throughout preserving their carboniferous (diaracter, probably vary considerably in the number of seams containcl, and even iiore widely in the thickness of the individual seams in ditVerent i)aits of their extent. This variability appears to be e(|U.4lly found in all jmrts of the Vancouver coal fields which have been «'xaniined, and contrasts with the great comparative regularity of those of tho pala'o/oic, carboniferous formation. In tho working of those beds, tho next nio.st imjiortant ex))ioratioi:, after the mere definition of the coal-basins, will be the proving of the seams from point to point by boring operations. To this end tho diamond drill has already been used to good purpose. In (piality, the Vancouver (toals arc found superior I'or all practical pui'poses, to any worked on the Pacific coast, and command, in consequence, a higher price. The comparatively limited scale on which tho workings are at present carried on, is owing to the small demand for local jiurposes. and the high duty imposed on the coal entering San Francisco, the chief foreign market. In spite of this, however, Nanai mo coal is used on the western section of tho Central Pacific Railway. Dr. Harrington has given the following statement of the average composition of tho coah of Vancouver Island, as deduced from his analyses : J Slow coking. Fnst coking. Water 1-47 117 Volatile «-(mibiistible matter 2810 ;{2(i9 Fixed carbon fl-4'05 ftO");") Ash (;2!» (5-29 100-00 100-00 In a sample from the XTnion Mine, Comox, the percentage of ash is only 28.'?. Nanaimo and Coinnx are not the only known coal fields of Vancouver Island. Coal occurs, and was worked at one time by the Hudson Hay Company, near Fort Kupert, on tho north-eastern coast of the island. A low, flat country is reported to •Report of Progrcsii, Geological Siirve}-, 1872-73, p. 85 et aer/. jReport of Progress, Goologiciil Survey, 1871-72, p. 80. t Report of Frogres.^, Geological Survey of Canada, 1872-3, p. 79. Iwiiy iiikI tlio 'iilly moiisurcd u'ir rlianu'tor nilcrop (if llio K)st tho oiitiro ut (i iiiolioH of s of 1(1 foot l{ :; 7 fet'l. In ii lliiclcnosH of aproseiitH only L IJivcr, ngaln nniH ivro found. l)oiiii^ 3 foot 8 )s of measures, ho productive A'hkdi may lie i'l llio Union of oonl undei- for this part ho jiroductivo oHH character, 1 Moro widely extent. This al tields whicli ity of those of Iho next most be the proving tiio diamond I purposes, to r price. The 3don,iso\vingf on the coal sver, Nanaimo omposition of st ceking 1-47 ;2'(;o )!••.").') (;-2!j )0-00 only 2-S:j. Duvcr Fsliind. ly. nc;ir Fort is I'oported to 231 stretch acrosN from here to Quatsono Sound (m tho west coast, whoio (ho c(»al rocks iM'o i\\iM\\ ivnown. Skiiu' cxainiiialiunol the latter litcality was niadoat one lime tor an I'lii^^lisli company, who had at(iiiii(Mi property there, liyMr. Ijandall. .Mr. U. 15 Mmwn, the liotanist, also visited the re>,'ion in llStKi, and writes rc>;ardin^ it : •' My opinion is ilccidcd that the Koskcmo ((^luitscno) coal lield is the hestyet discovorwl in Vancouver Island, though unopened out, not only on accountcribcs the occiuTence of rocks of the c(»al series at Iho head of Alborni (.'anal, opening into Harelay Sound on the west coast. S|K'ciiucns of coal have been procured there, but the mode of its occurrence is not known ; neither this locality, nor those on the northorn part of tho island, having yet been examined by the IJeological Survey. The interior of Vancouver island being eomparalivoly unknown, oven in regai-d lo its main toi)ogra])hical features, it is not improbable that a geological examiiMli(yn may bring lo light coal areas, which may lie cytensive and important, in the Vidleys of the interior. A considerable part of the crumpling and motaniorphism of liio older rocks is of jjost-crelaceousdate. aliiet which renders it (juito possible that o'-Ilyers ^.' tho coal rocks may be foldeil into moro synclinals than those air- .uly known along tho coast line. The question of the ])ossiblo occurrence of coal-boaring rocks of the ageol those of Vancouver Island on tho maiidand of British (-olumbia, is ono on which little can be said. The equivah-nts of those i-ocks have not yet boon distinctly recognizeil, nor is it known whether it will eventually be possible to separate them by any well markeil line, from tho lower rocks of the t^uoon Charlotte Islands, and their repre^ontatives on the mainland. The coast sections of Vancouver and tho (^iioon Charlotte islands will probablv atl'ord the means of determining tho relations of the two series. Tho tertiary rocks of Uritish Columbia appear to hoM both coal and lignite, though this series is better known in its extension southwards in Washington Teriitmy, than within the limitsof the Province. At liellingham I5ay, andat Scillle, on i'uget Sound, it has been worked for a inimbor ot years, and the mines of the latter locality are ikjw in a tlourishing state, and ship large quantities of coal to ,San i"'rancisco, wliich, though inierinr to that of Xanaimo. can compe'e with it, owing to the protective duty. The Seattle coal seams aie said lo be tive in number, and tovai'v from four lo twelve feet in thickness. In quality, thoy may bo consideieil e((iuil to the better class of lignites i'rom the western jylains and llocky Mountain region, which are iound to he sutliciently good lor steam laising and most ordinary jmrposes, but com- pare unfavourably with true coals. Mr. Macfarlane, in his woi-k on coals, gives tho l()llowing aiudysis of that of Seattle :— Water llfiK Volatile combustible matter ."{y- H» i'Mxed Carbon 45JI7 Ash G-4I The tertiary rocks of Paget Sound have never been thoroughly exaniineil, but it is believed by those who have studied them lor the purpose of tracing the seams ot coal, that, leaving out of consideration minor irregularities, thoy lie in a wide trough between tho Olympic and Cascade Mountains. In the central part of this trougli, and strategraphically the upper ])art of tho series, the fuels are lignites ; lower down in tho series these are replaced by fuels moro dosoly I'osembling coals, .aid on iho outer edges of the trough l)y coals in some places so much altered that tl.cy b:ive been called anthracites. It is possible that all these tertiary rocks rest unconforinably .< •!l ast n I ' ■ oil tlio I'l'i'tiKToiiM, iiiiil ai'o Hoparalt'il 11(1111 it \>y a laji^c ol' lime iliiiiii;^' wliirli fi)liliii;r of tlio oilier lii'ils ami cluvatioii of iiiniiiiiaiiis took placu; Inil, it is n<>t iinposHilijo that ill hojiu* |ilii(rs llii'io m.iy l»e a iiioiv nr less coinpli'ti' si>iii'-' of passa^'o ln-di lu'twioii ciThuooiis anil tt'iliarv, as occurs on tlio castoni slope-* ol' llio IJocky Aloiiiilaiiis ; or dial llioio may cvt>ii Ix- two ccrii's of tertiary rocks scpariili'il liy an liiicoiitorniily as some oliscrvaliniis woiilil appear to imlieate, Tlie tertiary cnal niensiires of l'ii:;et Soiiiiil ami iieliiiii^liam Wny aru continuoiis north of tlie UMli paralU-l, ami must iimleilio lu-arly I, (»'»(> sipiare miles of the low coi'.iitry alioiit the otiiiiry of the Fraser ami in the lower part of its valk v. Li^^'iiite has lieeii foiiml in cmiiiectioii with these roekH a! liiirraiil inlet ami otlie:- locaiitios, anil specimens nf a fuel resemhlin^ triio hituininous coal (and coking on the appliiatioii of heat) have heeii ohtained near tlie Krasor uhovo Now Westniiiistor. The remarkalil}' ^'ond specinu'ii of coal from the Ifiver Chilliwack, of which an analysis hy Dr. llarriii;;ton is^fiveii on pa^'e !l!> of tlu' (ieolu^ii nl Survey l{eporl for If^T.'iTl, is proliahly from this series. 'I he seams, so far as known, are ipiite tliin, hill tli't low country underlaid hy thu formation is deeply eo\(>red with drill and alluvium, ami e.Nposiires are few. Mr. Iiichaidson has made a slif the coals and liffiiites of these rocks can ho ascertained. Tertiary rocks holdini;' li,i,'nite, are found frin^ijini,' other part^ of the coasl in 1,'rcater or less width. They liavo heeii seen near Sooko. and al various placos on the soiilh-wesl coast ol Vancouver island. They also occur at Clallam JJay on the south Hide ol' tho Strail of i-'iica, in Wasliin;;ton Territory. Noiio of these localities have Itoon particularly exaininod, nor arc they likol^- to he of importance in view of the aeccssihility of tho su|ierior coals of the cretaceous, unless in sonu^ place, tliick heds of li^nito somewhal resemhlinj^ hiliitninous coal in its properties, like that of Seattle, should ho found to occui". it such heds should prove to exisl they may ac^juire some importance from their loss dislurheil and more easily workahle character. Jiif^nito and coal formations of tertiary ai^e aro known to cover ijreal tracts of tho interior of llritish Coliimhia, and it can now ho shown, from several sections ex- amined lastsiimmer, that in most places the horizontal, or sliifhtly-inclined hasaltic, and other iirnooiis Hows of tho interior plateau, are attached to, and form tho latest roiks of the liji;nite hoarinij: tertiary, i'rom this fju-t, and the known rel;itions of the heds in a niimhor of localities, it is hi^dily jirohahie that sedimentary tertiary deposits iiiulorlie a ^reat part of the ai'ea showini;' only the later ii^neoiis rocks at the siirl'aoe and whiMovor extensive exposures of those tertiary dcjiosits occur, moro or los.s coal or li,ij;nite lias lieon f()und in association with them. Ill the Nicola Valley, near the Junction of tho Ooldwater, tho occurrence of coal has heeii known for some yeai>, and on analysis it has proved to he a hituininous coal of very hi;,di class. The average of two delerininations hy i)r. Jiari in;^'lon gives tho following rosult: Volatile comhuslihle matter and nioistiiri' 3(!(l(),') iMxed carhon (il-21»tl Ash li-ni;-) l()l»(IO(» 1 mado a cursory examination of this locality last Novoniher, the result of which may deserve soir.owhat detailed monlion, not (Uily on account of the |»rohahlo importance of the series, hut as no other account of it has yet ajipoaivd. The chief exposure of the coal is in the west hanlc of tho Cloarwatei' river, which Joins tho Nicola from tho South, and down which one of tlu^ proposed lines for the (,'anadian J'acitic IJailway passes, in its way from Hope to Kamloop-^. Tho oriifinal Oj)>ninir on tho coal wa.s almost in tho hed of the river, and is now quite tilled up. A socoml small u|ioiiing has, however, heen mado a little iiighcr up tho hank, and hero u vliicli fuliliii^ ill illl|>OHHil»lo laratiMl liy an (-oiitiniiDiis \H of tllO low It V. Li;,'ni((( he:' liK'alilioK, lUiii;^ on tlii^ Wostiiiinstoi'. of wliicli an I'y l{i'|nirl lor V, i|iiit(> tliin, ilh (Iril't anil 'r li'ss coal or rence of coal a liitiitninoiis Jlariiii;^loii .) Mt 1.') I) [lie I'esult of tlie probalilo The chief icli Joins the the ('anadian jinal oj)3ninj; . A second and lierc u ihicknoss of mIx feet <>\' coid was cxiin-xii at I he tiineol my vi^il, the luistt of the hed not heinr front eX|)osiiru lo the weather. The coal hed passes holow a consideiahle thickness of pale yellowish, rather coarse-^ruiiied, soil >andstoiut, which ciiimliles under the weather and appears to dip here aliout north, at an an^^le of lt( ' to 15'. In a second exposure, a( the distance of ahoul a mile, iri u ravine in the south hank of the Nicola, similar saiidsltme-. uccnr, a>sociated with lilackish shales and a^^ain holdini^' coal. TImh IhmI, like that ol the la-^t locality, has licen worked to a small extent, hy the hlacksiniths of the neii^hhourhood. It is of >iniilar (pialily to the last, hul the oveilyin;^ hi'ds have fallen down on the outcrop, an«l the thickness of the Nuam could not he d(fterminel lie, at least, several foot. Unless oxtensiv«> slidiishave taken place, there iniisl also heoiio or more smaller seams in addition to that which has hcen wurked. IScyoiid the Coldwater Valley to the ea-l, on tim Nicola, older crvstalline lotks appear, cutting out the coal measui'es; hut westward, the coals with ;issociatoil sandstone pass iienealh ii j,'i('at thickness of tho locks of the tertiary volcanic sc'ies, dippiiii; on the whole at low an/^los to the south-west. In followinj< the Micola Valley westward, tho volcanic rocks are li)und to form the muss ol tho hills which rise steeply on either side, hut the sandstones lA' the coal lorniation are seen to rise from time to lime in tho lower parts of the slopes. They show in some places an interhedding with flows of i^^neoUH roek. At tho Junction of the two classes of ileposits, and in other instances, tho samlstoiies are observed to i^ratliiato more or less completoly inlo lull's, and otlitir similar rocks formed o| the tiiier volcanic dohris. Tho sandstones and overlying siu'ios are folded together into a number of aiiticlinals an milos from the junction of the Cohlwater with the Nicola, an-7 1 i.^l.ti.it.... <'...w.i^ /i\,..;i....,\ ^ m-^.j^..^^^ .»• ..iiiv. JllXyl-^. vyi/II|- parutively little is yet known about them, for though, as already stated, they probably underlie a great part of the basaltic plateau of this region, the soft character of the assoi'iated beds lauses them to wear away, leaving hollows iiili which the basalts, easily crumbled by the weather, fall, concealing tlie lignite out-crops. Iron. The most imporUint deposit- of iron yet known in IJritish ('olumbia, are those of Texada Island, wiiicli have been examined and briefly reported on by Mr. Kich- ardson.'i' The ore is a coarsely granular magnetite, containing, according to analysis by Dr. Harrington, (!8'40 per cent, of iron, with only -OOii per cent of phosphorous. It is associated and intcrbeddod with limestones, ejiidotic and dioriti(^ rocks, supposed to be of curb iniferous age; and is well situated for mining, smelting, and shipment, occurring within twenty miles of tiic pointof shipments of coalsof the Comox area, i;nd contiguous to de p harbours; while charcoal in unlimited quantities, could be prepared in the immediate vicinity. The largest exposure is on the south side ol Texada Island, about three •^ilfs ncrth-west of (lillies Hay. Here, tlie oro- bod is seen to be from twenty to twenty five feot thick, and to rest on grey crystal- line limestiuie, with which for about two feet down are inti^rstratitied bands of ore of from half an inch to an i-ich in thickness, hroiii this point to the north-west, for nearly a mile, liic bed is occasionally seen, amt at one place tlieic is a conti- nuous I'xposiiie about 2r>(l fe*'t long and from one to ten feet thick. To the north-east it is also said to have been traced for more than three miles. ! With the present high price of labour(Ui tlie Pacific coast, and especially in British t'oliimbia, the profit- able manufacture of iron may appear to be a contingency of the remote future only ; especiallv in view ttl the low r;ite of fieigli! at which the west coast is siipjilied with coal and iron from Britain, by vessels »omiiig out nearly light, for return cargoes • rttport of Pro^rcHS, l5eolonical Survey ol'Ciimiifa, I8<;J-7l, \>. 'M. t UcsiM'iiilivf Calulot'in; of Economic .^filu■luli of Cuii., i'liil. tulcr. lixhib., 1870. 4 iiiid dhhIo of ,o\viiitit- fulurt' only ; uppiied with turn cargoes 235 of wheat from California and Oroi^on. In the neighbouring State of Oro= Where iron ore and fuel of tirst rate (lualitj' can thus be obtained together, it is often possible to compete .^ucoossfully, for many purposes, with the lower classed and pricetl iron mo.st abundantly pro^luced in Biitain. On the Pacific f'oast too, Chinese labourers can be procured in unlimite or has been carried out on the deposits of metalliferous ores in British Columbia, Various unfortunate circumstances have prevented the testing on a large scale of the localities known to be promising, and much money has been lost from time to time in injudicious enterprises, which a comparatively small amount of knowledge of mining and metalliferous deposits in other countries would have avoided. 'I'lieso circumstances, coupled with the diflBculty and expense incurred in exploring the more rugged and tree-clad ])ortions of the Province, have tendeay traverse an out Iyer of the lower cictaceous, which caps the Cascade crystallino rocks of the region. The Minister of Mines of British Cr. Hunt, gave respectively, 271"1H oz. and ;-{4T'0S oz. of silvei- to the ton of 2,000 puiimls. Lead, (-opper, antinomy, inm, arsenic and sulphur, are also present. As above stated, the ore from this locality has iiecM sold at a high price in the rough state, as cxti-acted from the mine, and carried to the river by the present rude appliaiu-es. Certain unl(hip of the property, now only appear to prevent the success- ful woi-king of (bis deposK. Within the last few months, lodes, which are suppo-e I to be either (lie (-ontinu- aiioiis of tho.se above described, or others i-unning parallel to them, have been dis- i 1 1. -I I il 'Juurii. Iron ami Stpel lost No. I, 1870 p. 238. 236 ■I it li li r \ i covered noai' (ho water level of the Jiivei- Fraser, apparently in a f^ranitic matrix. Those contain silver and copper, but the former in smaller ([iiantity than in the Kureka veins. (!herry Creole, a tributary of the River Shiishwap or Spillanieocheen, holwoon Okanaganand Arrow Lakes, is noted as a locality from which specimens of remarkahly rich silver ore have been brouf^ht, and wlierc somewhat extensive exjdoratory works have been carried on with the lioj)o i>f finding it in paying qiumtity. The ociation with alluvlnl gold. Niclicl. — Dr. IJIaUo has Ibund nickeliferioiis sand among tho heavy materials ^cparated from the line goUl of liie Frasor, iinitio matrix, in tlie KureUa eon, liolwoon Dfremarkalily )ratory works Tlio (listrict ) descriptions i ^old bearing or proiistite, oeiv, between latter mticli • mass, wliicli slate of the ' (juarlz, some I've additional lit have heard found i'l the the Province, no in various their matrix, riferous veins )s, in the n'old rred to oh of \■>.' «<> th' en 239 and t'liiptios tlio source of (1 some good course and II water for feot in depdi imong (lioso lunn'd exists Lli holow tlie worked out s; in former carried on How T?iver, s on nortli- the nortii. It have not Jreek. Tlio part of the 1 was one of 1' two miles, been much water met ilown, have lever been etting pay i)g tlie val- ues below embraced ere in ]»ay- yet been gold, was die claims Jilt have ipany. It t rich, and irtakeii. strict was igly rich. Company but found IS not yet Creeks on tin- North siiiitri't. hitiKi' i'ri'vk. — Ilt'iivy j^old, j^ood jtay. 'J'/iilxrt CircL — Ilt-iivy f^old, irood pay. Mart of W()rk hy hydi-aulic method on the henches. Mitnsiii Rinr. — Only (wo companies at work in IS75, and making less than wages. SIdfc Crah. — Miners staled to he making e.\penses in 1S75. Elmore Gulch. — Poor pay in lS7r» — Two companies at work. Lo^t Ciurl;. — liitlle work in 1875. Details of other localities wanting. KwleiKiy Di.slrii.l. J)olails wanting. i * Other Diatrii'ts. Pitrsnip liii'ir. — Bolow its junction with tlioNalii>n l{iver, draining the Omineta country. This sirt-am carries tine gold, which lia-i proved highly romunorativo, in some localities. Hii'ir Finillnfi. — Fine gold fonnd on all tho bars, but tho hoail wators (where richei' deposits may orcur) have not hccn pro-ipocled. l\(trr /th'cr,e(ist "/' tin- H<)r/;i/ Mount iiin». — Kino gold is iound in some ahundance in places. Mr. Selwyn thinks it may he derived from thi! [juurcntian A.vis to the north-east. Hlnr Frd.sif. — i-'iiic gold from its >.ourcc> (o the sea. lltsivy goM does not e.xtoi fai' liclow Boston IJar, hut is found in many places iVuni hci'i^ to livlton, and also as 1 am informed liy .Mr. D. Mclntyrc. in spits lVo!u Intton to the mouth of the ('hilicotin. Much gold is still olit.'iined liy (Miinaiui-n :ind Imlianson the Kraser, and I think it jHohahIc that, eventually, many ot even the higher levt-l tiats and henches will pay lor hydraulic work. The heaviest gold pretty nearly coincide-i i'.i its distrihution with the wiillh of the slaty rocks of the Anderson and IJiverH)ston Mar series. Tin' largest nngget found above Lylton was obtained ten miles bi-low Lilloocl and was worth $i:i.(m. AfrL iiiKiii ('/V(7.-. — (Thirteen miles fron\ Tele .launc ('ache, running intoCran- horry La,voand thonco to the I'raser.) — (iold tound last summer giving wages ol $t.0(» to §5.00 a day, but owing to heavy boiiMers in stream and expense of all supplies will not pay to work. /iirer Niehari'o. — Colours obtained near Kort Kraser and also abundantly near its notion with tho ['"raser. J idibly undor jf tliu CasMiar cspoeijilly on Hue of whir 1 1 ll juiiis l\w )eHs<', iu\(i is liore in IfS"'), ; ami purl ol' iH tliaii wagrs. I Ik* Omiiicra iiiiioi'alivu, ill wlicro I'icliei' 10 aliiiiulaiit'o Axis to llu! !s not 0x1 01 ami also as 1 If (!liilicotiii. ll I think it K's will pay -iliittioii with sci'ii's. Till' Ki'l ami was i; into ( Vaii- iiKOs ol 8l.()l» supplies will ntlv near it.-j •-Ml fiirtr Childi-io. — Tncoi'laiii liaiiUs noarits mHith t'ii^Iit or niiiV colours to llio p:tii may ho ohtained. A small (piaiitity of in-avy ;,'ol(l loiiml in a latoral ci'oi'k hy (tiio ol' iho nion connoctod with llio Canadiaii I'acilic Uailway siirvoy last siimnu'r. Itinr (^hilii 'it in. —iiiiUi in sonio rpiii!:«ily said U> liavo hcon loiiiid iioar llio mouth (it this sti'uani. Iiriil(ji: Jtirii: — (iold found in hoavy piooos, somoliini's \voi:^hini^ ono to two oum-us, and atlunliiii^ oxcollunt mining on this stroaiu for ton luilcs up from its mouth. Olio niigj^ot is said to liavo hooii worth $'.M\). Jtivor pro-tpoiiod toils siuroo in oarly days, and though gold found in sovoral stroams, not onoiigh to Justify work at that dato. IHver Lllhort — Flowing into Harrison Lake. Some gold found horo and also at various points on tho jior'.agc^ toward Lillooct. Soiitli JtinrTliomji^oti. — Colours, it is said, can ho ohtainoil in all the >i roams joining this rivor. .Yortli Itivcr ThonipnoH .—CoUmrs loiiml along its wliolo course, and at li mis ("rook, 150 miles from its mouth, on the cast side, gold has iieon found in paying (piantitios. TntiKiitlllc Hirer. — Joining lvainlo)ps Fi ike, from the n irth. lleivyairl light gold ohtained here ; ahout »>() Chinamoii at work last summer, getting good pay ; is said lo have paid \ ounce ])or diem at the mouth. Scotch Creel:, or Ailanis Creek. — Joining Slmshwait Lake from tho north. White men mining heavy gold last summer. Mdiii li'rer TliDinjisoit. — Hoavy gold found on this river up to .Yicoinmca, whore it is liolievwl tho lirst gold in paying ipiantity in IJiili-'li ('oliimhia was foun 1. This logioii chiotly worked hy tho liKlians of the country, who, I am assured, have oiitainod many thousand dollars in siiocially favourable years. /^iw .l«(/ ^ ago a gold excitement of some intensity- occurreil with regard to this region, but tho results wore not salihfactoiy. Hirer Sluujit. — Colour found in several plact-s in 1S.')S, but no favourable indi- cations. Hirer Simitkitnuiii. — Cold found in sharp and unwashed jtarticlos at moiiih in IS.").'} by Captain .Mclicllan s party. In tho canyon near lliol'.Uh parallel, considerable i|uantity of gold got in IS.'jS,-')'.),-!)!! ; the largest iiiece weighing ?<2i. .')(!. This ii'gioii, M)on abandoned liy the Whites, was worked fo ■ years by Clilnameii. Hirer (Mv//((((/(f/i.- Scattorc can be found in every sire: m running into this valley. Missiiiii ^ '/•<■(■/•. — .loin ing (Jkanagaii Lake iVnni the east, yielded at a spui live and a half mile- from its mouth, lino and coaise gold. a>sayiiig §18. ."ill; paid al one time from two or three ounces to :?2 or §;{ a day. Colours occur for eight or ten miles above this. /i''«7. CreeL — JJisiiig east ofOsoyes Lake, and falling into the Kellb' b'ivcr, about a mile from its mouth paiil well, in some instances yielding a- much a> §10(1 a day, but geiieially from one to two ounces. Some of the benches also paid, in one ca-M' yield- ing half an ounce u day to tho iuiiid during the soasmi's work. The best paying ground was whei-e tho creek crossed a bolt of soft slate ro(d< ; in lollowing it up, the cuvor was loiind vor\ sofl and deep. liU ij iff i > i I II ,• I ll 242 »■» lionnddri/ C^nifi-. — Joins Kulllc Itivcr from ilu> ejist. Soino vory lu'uvy ;,'olii louml htTo, uiid u j^ooil (loiil of |tmsiioftiii,u; ilono, Imt loo much " s])otlo(| " lo bo )>rotitulik>. Kettle or Xchoiiilpif/iint Jtiver. — Colours ami smull quaiitilios of ^old fouml iii Hcveial localitii's on tho main Ktroam uiul olliors ot its trihularios. Siyiiiour Creek, liurrnrd Inlet. — Some j^old ;^ot hero at one limo, ImiI work aliaii- (l()iioy nion connoctod with CI*.J{.S., ISTf). Jjoirer Hirer //oiiiatheo. — Colours obtained in various |ilaces. Other .streams tloirintj from C((ne(ule JiarKje. — Details aro wanting lor mo.-l, but it is probable that colours, at least, can bo found in all. Vuneouver Island, 'i.eeeh Jiicer. — Tliis stream has jjro'xnl auriferoiiH for four or livo miles of its lentil), where it I'uns alon^ >») sti'i' ol a 'lelt of slates, Mstimatod that 8HK),()()0 taU- 1 out, but no worU now n; . ''Mi s rich ground was liiund in tho modorii j'iver bed, and is sU[)|)o. bu iii-otitulilu. ^()|(i IoiiikI ill III work uliiiii- Jiiikt'. SoiiR" mosl, lull it is ,'0 mil»!s of its I thai 9100,1)0(1 ill lliu inodurii miicli s])()tlc of remarkably aiii iiiikiiuwii. 848 Cofil Harbour, liwranl Inlet. — Kere ami oisowlmre in llie flat land at llie month of the Kraser, li<^iiite in thin seams occurs. Probalily in iipper part of Icitiary Ibr- inatiun. Junction of Nicola and Coilaatcr Rircrs. — Bituminous coal. 'IVrliaiy. Doscribo*! MJiove. Piilthratir Hivcr. — liitiiminous coal of same formation as last in sevoral places. Xortk River Thompson, — (45 miles above KamloopH.) Jiituininous coal. Thick- ness and position of seams unknown. Viciiiiti/ of Llllooef. — Hitiiminoiis coai. Thickness or position of soums unknown. '/'<;« uMilr ('reel!, or Kozoom Kanaix. — Joining Kivor Nicola from the north. Li;,'nito of good (|uality. Thickness of scam unknown. Rirrr Siiiiilkiimicn. — (Above the mouth of tiie I'asayton.) Lignite in micnceous sandstone. lioijds or Colli S/uituj House. — Lightning Oreok. liignitc lied, six to ton feet thick, fair quality. Rirer /•W/.sT/'.— Hetweon Soda ('icok and Fort (Jeorgo, and at eaiiis frequently seen ; that at (^uesiiel of poor quality. />(ar /^V(v.— (Near crossing of (MM{. surveryed line.) C-oal I'cported ; Mr. E. Dewdney says about eighteen inches thick ami covered with water at high stage of liver; on burning left a hard stony ash. (,'rctacious ? I'lttrc /{ivcr and Fine liiver. — Heds ot' bituminous coal (mesozoic) ; doscr" d by Mr. Selw^n in Report lor 187')-7<». Parsni/) Itiitr. — Drift fragments of lignite inlicating a basin of rocl-$ of tl.o lignite-bearing age. l\ii-its coitdiinin;^ Nilvor, ill ^I'ciitor or lo>*s i|ii:iiiiity, art) known. Count ry i-oik prohalily L;i-aiiil*t. Vlnrry 'V,(7.-. — Kid' >i!vi'r ore ( |iyi'nrj^t'iia' oi- |ii-ou>litc,) not yol yi't known to oxi.Hf ill voiiis 111" pfiyinj; widliior iviiiilmil}'. I'ifiil CiriL Oininerii. — IJolloil, or nioic or l('>s anmilnr l'ni;;niinls cinit'n analyscij fontninoil H.'i-.'id por cent, silv v. Lninhtjiiiliiii ' 12 inilin Soiilli of C/irrri/ ('nil;. — F.ari;i'aiti to kavo liocii irscovorotl liolili'iif $\{) >ilv('r per Ion. /iV»(V Siiitill iiihfcn.- Nuar jiinclioii of iioitli aii>l >oii(li links. Nalivu silver fonml in i,^i)|(l pkiftT.'*. liiier SiniilL-aniicn, — ^Vhoicjiist sonlli of l)Mt running paraMol willi 4lMli paraiU'l ; (111-, rocks coiiiainiii^ niinioroiis miwiII slrini^s of f^alona " nsaiiily yielding a licad of .silviT." MiiiAioiiCiri'h. — Joins Okanniian fiako IVoiii llic cast; native -iivcr foinid occa- sionally with j^oM. h'irir Frdii'is — AIkivc lis ronfliioiMC wiOi llic Dcasc, ('!i>«>i;ii' ; ;ui^cntiferons i;aleii:i. a iiiii^e sample of ||u> ore was sent for assay, hut I havo not lieani with what result. ropi'En. •s I Lni'dlitj/ hftiifiii Jfrrls fiifit (inn nnalvMcil I lo liiivo Ik'ou 'u silver foiiiiil l!Mli |>iinill.-l ; liii;^^ a licail ni' V fniind octa- ari^cndfcnHis nl willi what liornito,) and . ont as sjicci- nimcns, Iml I Li^Iit house.) Dno timo, Imt r abandoned. !0 feet, at an le«. Seales of V and piirpio ot of copper, •fivon ine a ont of native ative eopper, )iiv, wei^hlni,' ppei- in i^oid money spent B reported hy I' pyrites and loealilies in OTHER .MINF.R.M.H. Ptiitlniim. — Found in scales in association with ;^old on tlie SiniilUamunn River. Pliitiniim. — On the Fraser River, ten miles helow liillooot, very line scales of platinum found with ^old. Antlmoni/ unil Aneiiir — (arsenical pyrites?) Spccim«'ns hrou^^ht hy Indians to Captain Stuart itrohalily from Kumnieshaw, (jueen t'hariotte Islands. ft'iin /*//n7(',s. —.Specimen of massive pyrites, Haid to e.xist in lar^e quantity, lirouf,'ht from Copper Island, Marclay Hound. J'lumliiii/o. — .Specimen of l'lumha;;o ohtained hy the Vancouver Islaml exploring expedition in the country ncu'th-east ol I'ort San Juan. Xii'kcl. — Nickoliferous sand ohtaiiiol in :^old-washin^ on the River Frasor, con- sists of magnetite, and pyiitous j^rains attr.-.ctol hy th(> mai^net whitdi consist, of oxiiles of iron and nickel. (.1. HIake. M.l>., I'roc Cal. Acad. Sci., V. p. L'OO). .)F