Fort Fraser Division. 5

Lake compares favourably with other cultivated districts of the Northern Interior.
Prevalent opinion has favoured the growing of garden-truck as the most remunera-
tive branch of agriculture, but a superabundance of vegetables on this account,
together with bumper crops, recently threatened a glut of the present markets.
While cattle-raising is still in its infancy, its success has been established, but the
presence of cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, etc., together with oats and hay sufficient
for winter consumption, suggests mixed farming as the ultimate aim of the local
farmer. The existence of coyotes probably discourages sheep-farming, and though
some residents are seriously considering sheep as an adjunct to their mixed farms,
no attempt has been made to test their success. As a specialty, the preparation of
stall-fed cattle for Coast markets would, in consideration of the excellent location,
the luxuriant growth of herbage for stock, and the amount of excellent winter feed
which may be cheaply grown by the farmer, appear to be the most lucrative. It is
a general local belief that ultimately the district will hold a prominent place in the
sbeef-producing districts of Canada. Oats are being grown with great success, and
from actual weights and measurements taken this year an individual crop of oats
was found to average slightly in excess of 100 bushels to the acre. The potato-crop
is usually highly satisfactory, and the past year’s is no exception, some of the yield
eyen weighing over 3 Ib. each.

“ Under normal conditions—that is, with the average amount of road-construc-
tion, railway improvements, etc., in progress—the vegetable production far exceeds
the need of the local markets. The fluctuations of these markets are materially
enhanced by outside labour being occasionally imported for the purpose of hastening
railway-work, but never do the meat and dairy markets ebb so low that their require-
ments can be met by local supplies. The importation of beef, eggs, butter, etc., is
regular, and ample room is left to warrant much development and increase in stock
on the part of the farmer. Prince Rupert and Prince George, being comparatively
large towns, receive their farm produce by train, and in the competition for their
desirable patronage the district surrounding Fraser Lake is by merit destined to
become noteworthy.

Sort.

“Disintegrated clay has, by years of nature’s working, been deposited over a
considerable area of the district, ultimately producing by association with sand,
gravel, and other ingredients a sandy soil. This varies greatly, occasionally present-
ing a fine silt appearance which suggests the entire absence of sand, and again
showing a decided preponderance of gravel. The latter soil is found usually on the
higher levels, where the absence of moisture is also manifest. Vegetable mould, red
and black loams are present along the river-bottoms and in most of the lower
altitudes, except where summer fires have burnt deep into the surface soil. The
fertility of the lower lands is unquestioned, and the luxuriant growth of peavine or
yetches, fireweed, etc., gives ample evidence.”

In 1916 CG. E. Bailey, Inspector of Pre-emptions, in his report said: “ That
season, from an agricultural point of view, was the best in the history of the district.
Splendid crops of all varieties were produced, and especially hay and oats, which,
owing to the demand in Prince George and’ elsewhere, was almost entirely disposed
of. Hay sold at $15 per ton; oats at $28 per ton. The potato-crop was heavy,
running between 6 and § tons to the acre. This may be looked upon as a splendid
showing, considering the land has only been under cultivation for a very few years.
In parts of the Fort Fraser District ploughing was started as early as March 15th,
becoming general throughout the district by April 1st. Although this was nearly
three weeks earlier than any previous season, it is nevertheless quite apparent that,
as the country gets settled and more land cleared and brought under cultivation,
the climate rapidly changes and becomes less susceptible to frost every year. To
correct an erroneous impression held by so many people, especially in the Coast
cities, I would state, from personal observation and careful inquiries made through-