Canadian National station and divisional point at Smithers.

Farm view typical of Central British Columbia.

Livestock raising is an important industry.

CENTRAL

BRITISH COLUMBIA

This area — between the Rockies and Prince Rupert —
offers good farming opportunities to the man and family
seeking independence in this line of endeavor. No other
part of British Columbia offers such a combination of advan-
tages so attractive to the settler with limited capital. The
various districts combine fertility of soil, a rapid growing
season, moderate and healthful climate, excellent hunting
and fishing, timber for fuel, fencing and building material,
and good social facilities. Soil surveys are being conducted
under Provincial and Federal auspices. This important ac-
tivity provides evidence of the agricultural value of the terri-
tory and furnishes expert information of vital interest to
the landseeker. |

The territory is particularly adapted to a variety of
farming purposes. Soil and climate are favorable to the grow-
ing of wheat, coarse grains and grasses. Livestock thrive on
the forage crops produced; there is adequate shelter and
water. A wide variety of the hardier fruits are grown.

Long hours of sunshine in the growing season force
plants to maturity more rapidly than in the more southerly
areas. The temperature in the summer seldom rises higher
than 85 to 90 degrees and the short nights are usually cool.
During the winter months there are a few cold snaps of
short duration. Blizzards, sandstorms and severe electrical
storms are almost unknown. Water, as a rule, is easily ob-
tained from streams and wells.

District -Agriculturists, employed by the Provincial
Government, are located at Prince George and Smithers.
Many of the towns have active Boards of Trade. The
settled areas are well served by highways and telephones.
Experimental farms at Smithers and Prince George are main-
tained to serve farming interests. _

Predominating nationalities are Scandinavian and British.
Swiss and Dutch settlements have been recently established.
None of the Slav nationalities has started settlement in
Central B.C. A sprinkling of Americans may be found
throughout the territory.

New Schools will be opened for 10 or more children and
will be maintained with a minimum of six children. High
Schools are well located. Every child has the opportunity to
secure primary and High School education.

Churches are maintained in all the larger settlements.
The smaller points are visited by travelling clergy.

Doctors are located at McBride, Prince George, Vander-
hoof, Burns Lake, Smithers, Hazelton and Terrace, and
up-to-date hospitals at Prince George, Burns Lake, Smithers
and Hazelton.