I

IN BRITISH COLUMBIA 5
SSS Se eee

_ The fisheries, which constitute one of Prince Rupert’s most valuable assets, yielded
during the same periods, $11,000,000 and $14,455,488 respectively, an increase of three
and a half million dollars.

Climate

The warm Japan current, which flows north until it strikes the Alaskan coast, then
flows south along the coast of British Columbia, gradually cooling off until it is a cold
current off the coast of Oregon, exercises a moderating influence on the climate, espe-
cially over the central interior of the Province, through which the Grand Trunk Pacific
passes. Warm winds penetrate the deep inlets and follow the low passes at their heads,
to spread over the plateau between the Coast and Rocky Mountain ranges, there being
no intermediate mountains, as there are farther south, and the moisture-laden breezes
from the ocean are therefore not prevented from exercising their beneficent purpose of
giving sufficient but not too much rain to insure crops under natural conditions, irrigation
being unnecessary. So, whether it be the hardness and quality of the grain, or the
flavor and excellence of the fruit, the Central Interior of British Columbia is peculiarly
favored as the most fortunate of countries in the ideal conditions sought by the agri-
culturist, dairyman, fruitgrower, or the man who desires most for the least expenditure
of labor or capital. The long summer days of eighteen hours’ sunlight, the extreme
fertility of the soil, and the temperate, well-balanced climate insure quick growth and
maturing of crops, with consequent elimination of danger of crop failure, which is more
or less common to less-favored sections of the North American continent. Hail is
unknown in Central British Columbia.

Settlement

The settlers established in the central interior are substantially all homesteaders
who have located for the most part during the past six years.

Pre-emption lands can be secured in most districts at a short distance from the
railroad; and now that transportation has been supplied, the settler is assured of a
market for everything he can produce.

Land offered for sale by private owners who purchased from the government,
is specially selected, certificates as a rule covering 640 acres, the maximum amount
allowed, and may be purchased from present owners at prices varying from about
$8.00 to $30.00 per acre, according to quality and location, or the varying confidence
of the owners as to its value.

Soil and Class of Lands

The nature of the soil in the different agricultural districts of Central British
Columbia is as follows:

Potatoes Are Grown Extensively in the Bulkley Valley and Shipped to Alaska.