Prince Rupert, British Columbia = Agriculture “—— QLD) _—$—$—$——————————— A oriculture ARMING is the staple industry in the great valleys F contiguous to Prince Rupert. Along the line of the C.N.R. great strides have been made in fruit and mixed farming, while an additional source of revenue is found by many settlers during the winter months, when agricultural operations are lightest, in the production of poles and railway ties either from their own uncleared lands or from other timber limits. Indeed, at present, some of the pioneer farmers make as much money out of the ties, poles and cordwood they produce as from their agricultural crops. Of course, eventually, when the land is more extensively cleared and markets extended, they will devote their efforts exclusively to farming. Terrace is the centre of the fruit belt, great success having been attained at that point in the growing of small fruits, especially strawberries. A good many of the ranchers are also going in for the growing of apples, pears and cherries, and have met with marked success. Other fruit growing valleys are the Kitsumgailum, Lakelse, Bella Coola, and the Naas. About 150 miles east the country and climate change and the soil is more suitable for mixed farming. This applies especially to the Bulkley Valley, of which Smithers is the principal town, being a divisional point on the line of the G.T.P. The land in this district has proven good for the growing of wheat, oats and more especially timothy. There is no doubt that in the near future the valley will be a great producer of dairy products. Burns Lake is the centre for the Lakes District, where stock raising is carried on to a great extent. This industry will increase greatly with the construction of abbatoirs which one of the large packing houses has under consideration at the present time. Estimated Areas Available for the Settler: Skeena Valley ................ 200,000 acres Francois Lake . 64,000 acres Nechaco Valley .............. 200,000 acres NEVA RUA Ore ah ee ener ee 300,000 acres Bulkley Valley ...... 120,000 acres Braserisalcemc 2 seu . 15,000 acres Bella Coola 350,000 acres y [PAGE TWELVE]