follow Poison Creek to Horseshoe Lake, which is on the summit of the
Pacific-Arctic Divide. Summit, Mile 92, elevation 3,150 feet. Now
following along Horseshoe Lake and Sheshe Nadji Lake to Suschona
Creek and Suschona River to the Nation River, Mile 108, and crossing
the latter river at elevation 2,800 feet.

“The greatest difficulty to be encountered thus far lies in crossing
12-Mile Mountain and getting from the Nation to the Manson River
Valley. This is done by following the north shore of Nation River to a
point near the 124th meridian ; thence northerly and north-westerly to the
head of Gaffney Creek, and following this creek down to Manson River.
Head of Gaffney Creek, Mile 128.5, elevation 3,400 feet; junction of
Gaffney Creek and Manson River, Mile 147.5, elevation 3,000 feet. From
this point the Manson River Valley is followed into the Parsnip River
Valley, and thence down to Finlay Forks, Mile 188, elevation 2,000 feet.

“The Parsnip River is crossed at this point, and two alternate
routes offer along Peace River to Rocky Mountain Canyon. By crossing
to the north side of the Peace advantage is taken of being on a southerly
slope, thus eliminating the necessity of protection against snow-slides;
however, two bridges across the Peace River would be required. By
following the south shore these bridges would be eliminated; several
snow-sheds would be required around Mount Selwyn and to the east,
but a series of benches, practically natural railway embankments, extend
the entire length of the river as far as the canyon. Canyon, Mile 273,
elevation 1,800 feet. Passing through the canyon fairly heavy rock-work
is encountered, and the main bench above the Peace River is reached
at Mile 296, elevation 2,400 feet, at Maurice Creek, opposite Hudson
Hope. From this point junction is made with the projected location of
the Pacific Great Eastern Railway on the Pine River by following
easterly by Sucker Lakes, crossing Moberly River to MacEwan Creek;
thence to Pine River, and following up Pine River to the above-mentioned
projected location, Mile 344, about 82 miles from Swan Lake.

“It will be noted that a very low gradient is obtained through the
Peace River Pass, which is really the Rocky Mountain Canyon, although
it lies considerably to the east of the Rocky Mountains. A most
peculiar feature will also be noted in connection with this pass—namely,
that the controlling point is lower than the country to either the east or
west. In other words, a descending grade is encountered in coming
from either direction.”

Mileage and estimated cost of construction of the projection of the
Pacific Great Eastern Railway from Prince George via Pine Pass to
Swan Lake is 316 miles, cost $18,000,000. Estimate of cost and mileage
of this route would be :—

Vanderhoof to Hudson Hope, 296 miles at $37,500........ $11,100,000
Hudson Hope to Pine River, 48 miles at $46,000......... 2,208,000
Pine River to Swan Lake, 82 miles at $57,000 ............ 4,674,000

Total, 426: smiles: jisieciea saci age wien avanwaeeat $17,982,000

Four.