12 PLATEAU AND VALLEY LANDS

The New Settler often Secures Employment in the Mines of Central British Columbia.

elevations being from fifty to one hundred and fifty feet above sea level, sloping gently
northward. The soil consists of rich vegetable and leaf mold, varying from one to
four feet in depth, the subsoil being a gravelly clay or clay with a substrata of blue
clay. Much of the land, especially in the vicinity of Masset Inlet, will have to be
drained, as it lies very flat. The annual precipitation for this part of the island averages
about 47 inches, being much dryer than the mainland coast, accounted for by the fact
that there are no high hills on this part of Graham Island. The winters are very mild,
snow very rarely lies on the ground, and in midwinter there is scarcely enough frost to
form ice on the water. Being so far north, the hours of sunshine are much longer in
summer, inducing a more rapid growth and early ripening. The natural growth of the
pea-vine and wild grass in open places is very luxuriant. This all indicates an ideal
mixed farming country, and the conducting of dairy ranches and stock farms can be
undertaken at a minimum expense, while the market at Prince Rupert and other points
on the mainland will easily absorb the products of the farms.

The Grank Trunk Pacific Steamships operate twice a week between Prince Rupert
and points on Graham Island, and transit is now both rapid and comfortable between
Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver and all ports on the islands.

Timber Lands

Timber lands (that is, lands which contain milling timber to the average extent
of 8,000 feet per acre west of the Cascades—Coast Range—and 5,000 feet per acre
east of the Cascades—Coast Range—to each 160 acres) are not open to pre-emption,
lease or purchase.

By order in Council, dated December 24th, 1907, the Government placed a reserve
on all timber lands undisposed of at that date, consequently no more licenses to cut
timber will be issued until otherwise determined.

Purchases

Crown lands may be purchased to the extent of 640 acres, and for this purpose
are classified as first and second class, according to the report of the surveyor. The