ClasIEj-^ ^ 7 - Book ^^. 3 So 4^ ftrr ;^T''l€'t'^lis \ ^ \ c,-^ <^oz^ ^ (see pp. 39, 48, 59, 70, 83, 84). Gold mining (see p. 75). Coal „ (see p. 79). Saw-milling (see p. 81). Fishing (see p. 87). Flax (see p. 90). Tobacco (se^ p. 91). INFOEMATrON FOE EMIGEANTS. i The Country — its History and Natural Divisions. The coantiy is divided into two perfectly distinct parts — Yancoiiver Island and the Mainland. These were constituted colonies, the first in 1849, and the second in 1858; they were then united in 1866, under the name of British Columbia, and so continued until the 20th July, 1871, at which date the colony became one of the provinces of the flourishing Dominion of Canada. With greater correctness, perhaps, it may be said that the province is divided into three instead of into two distinct parts. The Rocky Mountains form the eastern boundary of the province. Speak- ing ill a general sort of way, it may be said that a long and massive uplift on the ^Mainland, called the Cascade Eange, runs parallel to the Eocky Range, and divides the country between it and the Pacific Ocean into two divisions, namely, the " East Cascade Region," and the " West Cascade Region" (see page 47 and Appendix). The islands of Vancouver, Queen Charlotte, &c., might be considered to make a third division, though, climatically, they belong to the West Cascade Region. Population (excluding Indians). About 20,000, which is increasing yearly. jSTationalities — British Isles (many Scotch and Welsh), Eastern Pro'vince of Canada, the United States, France, Italy, Austria, Grermany, Xorway, Sweden, Denmark. Coloured, 750 ; Chinamen, 1500. Indians. Probably about 30,000, quite quiet, over the whole mainland and island ; rather saucy on west coast of Vancouver Island and in Queen Charlotte Island ; useful as common labourers, and not without capabilities as artisans ; some take to farming and have cattle, others carry on mining with "rockers" on the Thompson and Eraser Rivers ; altogether, the Indians contribute very largely to the trade of the province. They use large quantities of flour. SETTLE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, AND REGISTER YOUR HOMESTEAD. The soil of British Columbia is, as above said, at the disposal of the Par- liament of the Province, not of the General Government as in the United States. Public Lands. The Land Act of 1874 makes most liberal provision for the acquisition by settlers of land, either as Free Homesteads, or by purchase. Land can be secured against seizure. Free Homesteads. Heads of families, widows, or single men of 18 years and upwards may obtain free grants of 320 acres eastward of the Cascade range of mountains, or of 160 acres in other parts of the Province. The settler selects his own land, records it in the office of the District Commissioner, the fee for which is 8 BRITISH COLUMBIA : two dollars, and at once enters upon occui^ation. After two years' occupanc}-, and certain conditions as to improvements having been complied with, a Crown grant or conveyance will be made, the only expense of which will be five dollars — so that a farm of 320 acres, or of 160 acres, may be obtained in a beautiful and healthful country for about thirty shillings ! Sale of Surveyed Lands. Lands, the surveys of which have been duly made and confirmed by notice in the Government Gazette, are open for purchase at the rate of one dollar an acre — to be paid in one full payment, or in two annual payments of 50 cents per acre : payment to be made in two ^ears from time of purchase. Unsurveyed Lands. Persons desirous of purchasing unsurveyed, unoccujDied, and unreserved Crown lands must first have the land surveyed by a surveyor approved by the Government. The regulations as to the sale, purchase, and price of the land are the same as in the case of surveyed land. Should there be two or more applicants for the same tract of land, and a prior right to either or any of the applicants is not established to the satisfaction of the Government, the land may be tendered for by the applicants and sold to the highest bidder. Tracts of land near the land actually occupied can be leased for grazing ^purposes, on terms designed to be liberal to the pre-emp)tor. Such leased land is liable to be "pre-empted" by others; but, in that case, the lessee's rent is reduced proportionately. Land covered with wild hay can also be leased in the above way, but not more than 500 acres of it to any one person, and not for longer than five years. Mining and timber leases will be named under their proper heads fm- ther on. Military and naval officers in her Majesty's service are entitled to free grants on certain conditions. The Agent-General will give information. Homestead Act. Most important Act. If a settler have a wife and children, this Act must be dear to him ; the farm and buildings, when registered, cannot be taken for debt incurred after the registration ; it is free up to a value not greater than 2500 dollars (500Z. English) ; goods and chattels are also free up to 500 dollars (100?. English) ; cattle " farmed on shares " are also protected by an Exemption Act. Farm lands in private hands may be bought at almost any price, from 5 dollars (20s. English) to 40 dollars (8/. English) per acre, according to situa- tion and improvement. Terms of purchase are as agreed — generally a portion in casJi, and the balance at stated future periods, bearing interest. The Government of Canada (which as landowers have taken the place of the defunct Canadian Pacific Eailway Company), the Puget Sound Agricultural Association, and the Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company at ISTanaimo, which companies own land in the province, are anxious to promote settle- ment on their lands on fair terms. I believe that the latter company, in the case of working-men, will exchange town lots in the thriving town of Nanaimo for land elsewhere in the province, in order to stimulate the growth IXFOEMATIOX FOR EMIGEAXTS. 9 of a town destined to be important. It is a cheering sign, when all persons in the province recognise more clearly the great truth that they have a common interest. Popular Names for Lands— a Word to Intending Settlers. Most countries have peculiar names of their own for agricultural lands, and lite immigrant, on arriving in British. Columbia, will hear men talking of " prairies," " beaver-dam lands," " bottom lands," " tide lands," and " flats." A few words to explain these terms may assist him in selecting a proper location. The term " prairie," on the " Pacific slope," does not mean the treeless sea of grass which is called by that name in the ccDtre of America, east from the Eocky range. The Pacific slope prairies may be classed, broadly, as " wet " and " dry " prairies. " Wet prairies " are level spaces at the meeting (forks) of rivers. They are often overflowed in early summer by river " freshets." This kind of prairie is also found at the mouths of tidal rivers, where the land is overflowed in winter by high tides raised by wind. Extensive specimens of both these kinds of " wet prairie" may be seen on the lower part of Fraser River. They are generally free of timber, except perhaps some alder shrubs, and produce a coarse grass called "swamp hay." Cattle do well on the wet prairies, but cows not so well on the salt-water marsh. These prairies need dyking and draining in some parts. The soil generally is very rich, and they are considered desirable '' locations." In British Columbia they are free from malaria and ague. The choice pieces of land scattered through forests, and known as '"' alder land " (or easily-drained swamp), seem to be, in fact, " wet prairies," on which the alder bushes have grown to be trees. Another kind of " wet prairie " is " beaver-dam land," that is, flat land made marshy by beavers having dammed small streams which run through it. This is very good land gene- rally. Small marshes also are common at the head- waters of streams — gi'assy spots among the rough mountains, which are xeiy pleasant to the traveller and to his horse. We may also class as "wet prairies" the open marshes (" tide lands " or "flats") where the sea-coast is low and shelves back. These appear to be portions of the raised coast-line. The sand-drift encroaches on the wet gTound, and the plants of the two localities grow almost together. It is sometimes difficult to get fresh water for cattle on these " tide lands." " Dry prairies" are open spaces generally near rivers. Some have very rich soil, but they are not generally so rich as the wet prairies. They have fine grass, beautiful flowers, and often a dense crop of ferns not liked by farmers. The pine forest bounds them abruptly hke a regiment of trees called to a halt, suggesting to the observer that the "diy prairie" is the remnant of larger open tracts which existed in some age with a different climate, and that the pines have encroached. The dry prairies are seldom extensive in the West Cascade region, " Bottom lands" are flat lands in river-valleys or adjoining rivers, dry enough to be classed as "dry prairie" land. They generally bear such trees as the maple, ash, crab apple, with a stray fir. These trees are easily cleared, and as the alluvial soil of the bottom lands is often highly productive, these lands are desirable places to settle upon. 10 BRITISH COLUMBIA: The term "dry prairie," or simply "prairie," seems to he popularly applied in the East Cascade region (comparatively an unwooded region) to any open flat tract, not distinctively a valley, and not large enough to be called a plain or plateau. The " Grand Prairie," north-west from Okanagan Lake, is 16 miles long, and about 2 miles wide, bounded on either side b}'- mountains, between which flows a river. It is in fact the piece of a valley, and would be called one, were it longer. I need not mention names given to the high lands in British Columbia, as there is nothing peculiar in these names, except, perhaps, the term " bench,'' which is applied to the raised level spaces, or terraces, in some of the river- valleys. These terraces run at intervals along both sides of the rivers for miles in length; and they recede where the mountains retire, for distances back varying from a few acres to a few miles in breadth. They are objects of curiosity and speculation, and, from the regularity and evenness of their struc- ture, add much to the beauty of the rude scenes in which they occur. They generally appear on both sides of the river, and in some places are multiplied into several successive level plateaux, rising one above the other as they recede from the bank.. Transport and Travel, Vancouver Island. There are no really navigable rivers nor trunk-roads in the island. Several district roads are good, particularly near Victoria. The Canadian Pacific Ptailway is being made from Esquimalt along the east coast of the island, but,Jbr the moment, the sea is the main highway. A Government steamer goes weekly to Cowichan, Maple Bay, Admiral Island, Chemanis, and Nanaimo, and to Comox fortnightly.* The rates of fare are as follows : — From Victoria to — Cowichan, Maple Bay, and Admiral Island, single ticket, two dollars and fifty cents (10s. English), return ditto, four dollars (I6s. English). Chemanis, single ticket, three dollars (12s. English), return ditto, five dollars (20s. EngUsh). iSTanaimo, single ticket, four dollars (16s. English), return ditto, six dollars and fifty cents. (26s. English). Comox, single ticket, six dollars (24s. English), return ditto, ten dollars (40s. English). Breakfast and tea, 50 cents (2s. English) each meal ; dinner, 75 cents (3s. English). Freight. — To all places between Victoria and Nanaimo, three dollars (12s. English) per ton of forty feet. From Victoria to Comox four dollars (16s. English) per ton. All cattle to Cowichan, Maple Bay, and Admiral Island, three dollars (12s. English) per head. To Chemanis, four dollars (16s. English) ; ISTanaimo, five dollars (20s. English) ; and to Comox, six dollars (24s. English). * Names of places in this Handbook are spelt as in the Map of the Province, 9th May, 1870, with additions January 1871. ^ IXFOPvMATIOX FOE E^IIGEAXTS. . 11 Small animals, sucli as calves, sheep, pigs, &c., from fifty cents (25. Englisli) to one dollar and fifty cents (6s. English). Mileage. — From Victoria to Cowichan, 36 miles ; thence to ]\Iaple Bay, 9 miles ; thence to Admiral Island, 5 miles ; thence to Chemanis, 7 miles ; thence to Xanaimo, 22 miles; and thence to Comox, 55 miles. A second steamer runs along the East Coast, when the traffic seems to require an additional one. ViCTOEIA (IX YaXCOUVER IsLAXD) AXD XeW ^YESTMINSTER (OX MaIXLAXD). A steamer goes regularly twice a week, at least, between Yictoria and Xew Westminster ; running time, 6 hours. XeW AYESTillXSTEE TO YaLE (HeAD OF XaYIGATIOX OX FeASEE PiIYEE FE03I Sea). Stern- wheel steamers, which frequently take a day or more according to state of the stream. An excellent waggon road has been lately finished, and farming homesteads are being made along it. The Government of the Dominion have undertaken to make a waggon road through the province, but it is not yet located. Yale, TO the Ixteeioe. (See Roads on the Map.) Stage coaches make weekly journeys from Yale (head of steamboat navi- gation on the Fraser) to Barkerville, Cariboo, and coaches also run weekly from Cache Creek (near the meeting of the Bonaparte and Thompson Pavers) to Okanagan, in close connection, at Cache Creek, with the above coaches from Yale to Barkerville. The coach-owners carry passengers and freight, deliver'- parcels, make collections, and execute commissions. Total Cost of PiOads. ABOUT £400,000 EXGLISH ($2,000,000). Last Yeae's Yote of the Peovixcial Legislatuee foe Koads. Repairs to Roads and Trails throiujhout the Province : — Dols. Victoria District— -Pioads, Streets and Bridges 20,000 00 Esquimalt ,-, ,, ,, .... .. 8,000 00 Cowichan Xorth Cowichan Municipality 2,500 00 , , Eoads from Groldstream to Say ward's Mill . . . . 18 , 000 00 ,, Eoads, Streets, and Bridges 1,000 00 ,, Trunk road, Sayward's Mill to Chemanis .. .. 5,000 00 Salt Spring Islo.nd Municipality 1,500 00 Xanaimo Pioads, Streets and Bridges 15,800 00 Comox Eoads, Trails, and Bridges 8,500 00 Courtenay Eiver Bridge 3,000 00 Xew Y^estminster District, Langley ^Municipality .. .. 1,500 00 ,, Chilliwhack Municipality ' \ .. .. 1,500 00 ,, Eoads, Street, and Bridges 86,600 00 Cm-led forward 172,900 00 12 BKITISH COLUMBIA: Brought foruard ., .. 172,900 00 Yale District Eoads, Streets, and Bridges 80,600 00 Lillooet ,, ,, ,, ,, 8,800 00 Kootenay , , , , , , , , 6 , 500 00 Cariboo ,, ,, ,, ,, 36,500 00 Cassiar Trail from Fort Fraser to Dease's Lake 5,000 00 Supplementary vote 12,395 00 1322,695 00 ( = £G4,539Eng.). Taxes for District Eoads. Every settler pays 2 dollars poll-tax. Land up to 10 acres is free. Land- owners having more than 10 acres pay a yearly road-tax of 4 cents (2d English) per acre, which is reduced to 2 cents per acre for land leased from the Crown for pastoral or other purposes. The money is spent where collected. Descriftion of British Columbian Waggok-Eoads. Superior to the public roads of most young countries. They are 18 feet wide, the surface being covered with broken stone, where (as in most joai-ts along the Fraser and Thompson Kivers) such material is at hand, or with gravel well cambered up in the centre, with ditches on one or both sides w^here required. With the exception of some short pitches as steep as one foot in ten, the sharpest inclines throughout the trunk waggon-road from Yale to Savona's Ferry are of 1 foot in 12, the curves being easy, and the bridges and culverts sub- stantially built of timber. Loads of 7 and 8 tons are hauled along them, by mules or oxen, at an average draught load of 1200 lbs. to 1300 lbs. to each animal, and the mail coach, drawn by six horses, travels between Yale and Cariboo at the rate of 9 miles an hour. The Young- Country Eoad Grievance. This is the grievance of settlers in all countries, but with less reason in British Columbia than in many other places. Considering the newness of the country, there are excellent roads both on the island and mainland. It is inevitable, in all young countries, that fine districts should be unoccupied for want of roads. The cure takes a long time. In wooded countries especially, the want of roads and the difficulty and expense of making roads and keeping them open, are great drawbacks to settlement. When settlers go back from the road already made the obstruction and expense begin anew. Fortunately, British Columbia, in addition to her fertile wooded lands, has alluvial fiats, prairies, and extensive irrigable valleys, open or partly open, through which roads can be made without excessive difficulty, v/hen needed and the province is able to make them. The work of road-making is being yearly prosecuted with vigour, and many districts that were a short time ago difficult of access, have now good roads and bridges connecting them with the main roads of the Province. INFOEMATION FOK EMIGEANTS. 13 EiVER AND Lake Navigatiox. Steamboats can rim up from Xew Westminster to Douglas, the head of steamboat navigation on Harrison Lake (50 miles from mouth of Harrison Eiver), as well as from New Westminster to Yale, but the Douglas route to the interior is not at present used. The Fraser River, above Yale, is not available at present for much naviga- tion. A steamer relieves transport on the v^^aggon road when required, from Soda Creek, 20 miles below Alexandria, to Quesnel (see Map), 40 miles above that point ; or some 20 miles higher when necessary. The navigation is then interrupted by a rapid, the ascent of which is not attempted. Above this point there is clear navigation for steamers for a distance of 60 miles, to within 20 miles of Fort George, where another rapid, impracticable for steamers, occurs. From this point upwards, both by the Stuart and Fraser Lake branches, and in the direction of Tete Jaune's Cache, there are stretches very favourable for steam navigation ; but the occasional breaks are a great drawback. Neverthe- less, with the extension of mining operations these portions of the river will doubtless in time be made available, in parts, so as to meet the increased demand for transport ; and inducements for settlement will thus arise in the upper portion of the province which do not at present exist. There is a useful stretch of navigation on the Thompson River. From Savona's, at the lower (western) end of Kamloops Lake, uninterrupted steam- boat navigation extends through Kamloops Lake, and up the South Thompson River to the upper (eastern) end of Great Shuswap Lake, a distance of 115 miles, and also up the North Branch of Thompson River, which joins the South Thompson at Fort Kamloops, to a distance of 85 miles from the latter post. The Columbia, Nasse, and Skena Rivers are navigable for short distances by light steamboats. So also, of course, are the Okanagan and other lakes. Steamboats now run from Victoria to Fort Wrangel at the mouth of the Stickeen River, where they connect with light river-boats for the new mining district of Cassiar, Travelling may be said to be at present very expensive in British Columbia, whether by steamboat or coach, compared with the cost of travel in Eastern Canada or England. Climate. This is perhaps the main point in choosing a place for a home. Parents will agree with me that fair fields and meadows are little to the emigrant, if they generate fever-producing miasm and vapour. What are soft breezes if they waft the seeds of pestilence ? What cares a man for golden grain and mellow fruits, or indeed for all that this world can yield, if disease annually visit his dwelling? British Columbia may be said to be the very land of health — for man, for beast, for tree. This fact will have a mighty influence on her future. General Characteristics of Climate. The firie climate should he knoivn everywhere — variable, but healthful and agreeable — nights cool, very suitable to the Anglo-Saxon constitution, and, indeed, to all races and temperaments — the altitude, irregularity of surface, serene air and absence of marshy plains, promise health and long life to the settler — no malaria or ague— good in cases of functional and nervous debility 14 BPJTISH COLUMBIA: — makes people feel vigorous and wide awake — the climate of a large part of the East Cascade region not imfavourable for chest affections. Over a great/ portion of the province the climate is that of England, with rather agreeable differences — no biting east winds, for instance. Over another portion, the -climate resembles that of France. The larger lakes do not freeze over, nor do the large rivers ever close entirely up. Severe winters seem to come about •once every eight or ten years, but what we call " severe winters " are less severe than the ordinary winters in Eastern Canada or the Northern States of the Union. Elevated districts, of course, have the climate that everywhere 'belongs to them, but even tiie roughest mountain climate in British Columbia is healthful. Climatic Divisions. AVest Cascade Eegiox. Near the sea — say, west of Cascade Eange generalh', and in Vancouver Island, seldom over 80° Fahrenheit in shade on the hottest day in summer, ;and rarely falling to 20° Fahrenheit in winter. Genial, though rather humid ; humidity increases as you go north. Summer beautiful, with some rainy days ; autumn, bright and fine ; winter, frosty and rainy by turns ; the spring ■very wet. Snow falls to the depth of several inches, rarely to the depth of a foot — melts quickly. When the atmosphere is clear, heavy dews fall at nights, and fogs are common during October and November ; summer mists rare, partial, and transitory ; no tornadoes, such as sweep over Illinois and other Northern States of the Union, and occasionally visit New England. Brilliant weather in winter, sometimes for a month at a time. I include Vancouver Island above as part of the " West Cascade region," because the climate is similar. Of course, were the matter gone into exhaustively, the island climate would present insular peculiarities. East Cascade Eegion. Climate different from the climate west of Cascade Eange. Heat and cold- greater ; almost continuously hot in summer, but not so as to destroy vege- tation. Little rain; warm rains, perhaps, April and May — again, but not always, in August and September. Winter changeable ; November frosty, December, January, and Febniary cold and wintry, but generally clear and sunny ; little ice ; snow say afoot deep on an average of years — melts quickly, winds melt it, and often leave ground bare for weeks. March and April vari- •able ; plains then begin to show grass. Hill-sides, in some places, show green grass in March. Irrigation generally requu'ed in this region. The above description applies to an immense territory in the southern portion of the " East Cascade region." The description must be modified as regai'ds certain districts. Approximation to the Eockj'- Eange, or to the rugged Cariboo and other mountains, has its natural effect ; trees abound, more rain falls, snow is deeper. On the upper parts of the Fi-aser Eiver, the winter is ■capricious ; very severe cold for a few days, then fluctuating near freezing- point ; another interval of intense cold, and then perhaps spring comes all at -once. In the south-eastern corner of the province, a re-modification takes place. The effect of approximation to the Eocky Eange is there mitigated by the influence of approximation to the border of the Great American Desert INFOKMATION FOR EMIGKANTS. 15 whicli stretches south to Mexico. About the headwaters of the Columhia, the climate is delightful ; extremes are rare ; snow generally goes as it falls. The scenery is very grand, and it is therefore probable that, wdien made accessible, this region will be the resort of thousands of invalids. Again, where depres- sions in the Eocky Range occur, towards which we may suppose that the Pacific Ocean %vind,s are drawn in their passage eastward, approximation to the Range does not injure the climate. For instance, near Jasper House, and for some distance in the Athabasca Valky (see map), snow never accumulates ; there is constant grass ; warm rains sometimes fall in January. The same may be said of other parts. Public Debt. The Province has no public debt, but the claims of a rapid industrial developement will probably soon remove this peculiarity. Taxation. The settler in British Columbia at present pays no taxes except the road-tax, and a tax which is paid indirectly to the General Grovernment of Canada, averaging about 15 per cent, on imports. The Government of the Province is supported by an annual fixed subsidy from the General Government of Canada. Moderate taxation may be imposed in future in the province by the Provincial Legislature, to enable improvements to be made for the advantage of settlers. This is a contrast to the heavy Federal and State taxes, and burdensome indirect taxes paid by settlers in the United States. The advantage which a settler in British Columbia has, in respect of taxation, over a settler in Washington territory, Oregon, California, or other States of the Union, is, that the British Columbian settler pays about 15 per cent, all round on what he consumes, and the United States settler pays about as follows : — The farmer in the United States is taxed for trousers he wears 60 per cent. ; flannel shirt, 65 per cent. ; vest, 60 per cent. ; on the cloth for an overcoat, 60 per cent. ; for the buttons, 40 ; braid, 60 ; lining, 60 ; padding, 150 ; boots, 35 ; coal, 60 ; 150 per cent, on the stove-pipe ; stove, 55 ; 40 per cent, on the saucepan. His dinner plate is taxed 45 per cent. ; his knife and fork, 35 per cent. His hat is taxed 70 per cent. ; cigar, 150 per cent. ; horse-shoe nails are taxed 67 per cent. ; plough, 45 per cent. ; chains, 100 per cent. ; and harness, 35 per cent. His pocket handkerchief, 35 per cent. ; shawls for his wife and daughter, 200 per cent. ; silk dress for Sunday and holiday, 60 per cent. ; woollen dress, 100 per cent. ; wdfe and daughter's hats, 40 per cent. ; stockings for his family, 75 per cent. ; female boots, 35 per cent. ; ribbon bow for neck, 60 per cent. ; umbrella, 60 per cent. ; rice, 82 ; soap, 70 per cent. ; candles, 40 per cent. ; paint, 25 per cent. ; starch, 50 -per cent. ; needles, 25 per cent. ; thread, 73 per cent. ; steel pen, 70 per cent. ; pins, 35 per cent. ; books, 25 per cent. His fowlingpiece is taxed 35 per cent. ; window curtains, 80 per cent. ; window shades, 35 per cent. ; window glass, 55 per cent. ; wall paper, 32 per cent. ; wash basin, 40 per cent. ; sheeting, 55 per cent. ; blanket, 540 per cent. ! ! His bedstead is taxed 20 per cent. ; if sick and needs quinine, it is taxed 45 per cent., besides the glass phial in which he buys it. His axe is IC BRITISH COLUMBIA: taxed 45 per cent. ; liammer, 50 per cent. ; watering-pot for garden, 35 per cent. : pocket-knife, 50 per cent. ; scythe, 50 per cent. ; screws, 150 per cent. ; garden and farm implements, 45 per cent. ; dinner-can, 35 per cent. ; well-bucket, 60 per cent. ; hand-saw, 75 per cent. ; and his produce is carried to market on steel rails taxed at 3000 dollars a mile, and which he must pay for in exorbi- tant freight. The iron car in which his crop is conveyed is taxed 40 percent., and the locomotive which draws it all, and which draws so much unnecessary profits from his crop, is taxed 45 per cent. The United States settler, additionally, has to pay a State tax, which each State collects for State purposes. In New York State this amounts to 11^ dollars (46 shillings English) per head. In British Columbia, there are, as above said, no provincial taxes at present except a trifling tax for roads. The British Columbian farmer gets higher prices for his farm produce than the average price obtained in the United States. Average Wages in British Columbia. Bookbinders 14s. a day Blacksmiths 14s. to 16s. , , Bread and Biscuit Bakers 8?. to 9?. a month, with board Butchers 107. to 127. ,, with meat Bricklayers 12s. a day Carpenters and Joiners 12s. to 16.s. ,, Cabinet-makers 16s. ,, Coopers 16s. ,, Carters with horse and cart 20s. , , Coachmen and grooms S/. a month, and board Cooks 67. to Dairy- women , , Dressmakers and INIilliners , , Farm Labourers ,, ,, ,, (see p. 45.) Gardeners , , Household Servants 4/. to 57. ,, ,, (see p. 23.) Labourers (day) 10s. a day Mechanics 14s. to 16s. ,, Masons 14s. to 16s. ,, Painters and Grlaziers 14s. to 16s. ,, Plasterers 14s. to 16s. ,, Plumbers 12s. to 16s. ,, Policemen 87. to 107. a month Shoemakers 12s. to 14s. a day Stonemasons 12s. to 16s. ,, Saddlers 10s. to 12s. ,, Slaters and Shinglers 12s. to 14s. ,, Tanners 12s. to 16s. , , Tailors 12s. to 14s. ,, Tinsmiths 16s. to 20s. ,, Wheelwrights 16s. ,, These are the highest rates of wages in Vancouver Island, and the Xew Westminster district. In the interior of the Mainland, wages are higher still, INFOEMATION FOR EMIGEANTS. 17 and at the mines the wages of labourers reach 32s. and 40s. a day at times ; but the mining season lasts only for a portion of the year.* The wages in British Columbia are, therefore, attractive ; but it must be clearly understood by the emigrant that the country is so young at present that the prospect of continuous day-by-day employment cannot be very con- fidently held out to a number of skilled artizans, or even to common labourers if numbered by thousands. The province has not at present the resources of a large settled population, whose varied wants multiply indefinitely the chances of emplojnnent. We want producers specially at this time — men of large and men of small capital — and we hope the employer and the labourer will come together. The demand for labour is comparatively small, because there is not as yet sufficient capital to employ a very large number of labourers. When it is brought, the field of labour will be seen to be unbounded. The number of situations, however, is increasing every month, consequent upon the progress of the country, the building of the Graving Dock at Esquimalt and other XDublic works, and the beginning of the Canadian Pacific Railway within the province. The construction of the latter will afi'ord employment to suitable men for many years. But apart from suitable classes, it were best that no great " rush " of emigrants took place. The Agent-General will always be ready to ■give the best information which he possesses without any colouring. The country is sure to go a-head — the luJiole northwest of America is moving — but sound judgment dictates at present that British Columbia be peopled little by little. Any man with confidence in himself, however, may take his own course, and if the experience of other colonies may be a guide, such men, if ready for manual work at first, often " fall on their feet." A mixed emigration of employers and labourers is generally best for young countries. The purchasing power of the above wages — the true test — is very great, as will be seen by comparing them with the prices of the common necessaries of life, and still more with the price of land. The climate, over a great part of the province, also is such as to enable a workman to work much out of doors both in summer and winter. A thrifty man may lay past every day the price of an acre of land. I invite every working man's attention to the following fact : — The labourer who puts his own labour into a piece of his own land in British Columbia, in reality pays himself the above high wages for farm-labour, and he besides makes a home, and improves property which must rise steadily in value, and which up to 2500 dollars (500Z. English) cannot be touched for debt (see Homestead Act). Many farm-labourers in the province put their earnings into cattle, which are allowed to run with their employers' herds. These are protected from seizure from debt by the Cattle Exemption Act. * Compare the above wages with the wages in the eastern portions of the Dominion, which are about as follows : Agricultural labourers in Eastern Canada are paid from 25?. to 30Z. a year, with board; and from 50/. to 601. a year, without board. Skilled farm hands are paid from 30Z. to 40L a year with board. Common labourers receive from 5s. to 6s. a day, and find their own food. Mechanics are paid from 6s. to 16s. a day. The wages of female servants vary from 16s. to 2l. a month, with board; but higher rates are paid according to capacity, very common rates being from 245. to 32s. a month. Boys in situations receive from 16s. to 21. a month, with board, according to age and capacity. C 18 BHITISH COLUMBIA: Xotliing but ignorance and untbrift keeps men from saving money in order to settle in a Land wbere labour can soon employ itself without asking- leave of capital, and wbere a man can be bis own employer and receive exactly all be earns, be tbe same less or more. Savings-Banks. Dominion Government Savings-banks at Yictoria, Kanaimo, and New Westminster — quite safe of course — deposits not less tban a dollar and mul- tiples of a dollar (4s. English) — 5 per cent, per annum interest added at 30tb June — money returned on demand to extent of 100 dollars (20/. English) — seven days' notice for any sum over 100 dollars — office hours 10 to 3 — Saturdays, 10 to 12. Immigrants should put their money into the Savings, or other good Banks. Money Table. Table fob coxvertijtg British Monet into British Columbia Moxey^ AND British Columbia Monet into British Monet. Equivalent in British Britisli Money. British Columbian Money. Columbian Money. British Money. £ s. d. doUars cts. dollars cts. £ S. d. 1 02 01 Oh 2 04 02 1 3 06 03 1^ 4 08 05 2i 5 10 10 5 6 12 15 n 7 14 20 10 8 16 25 1 Q>h 10 20 50 2 1 11 22 1 00 4 1 1 24 2 00 8 3 1 s 30 3 00 12 5 1 6 36 4 00 16 5 1 9 43 5 00 1 61 2 49 6 00 14 8 2 6 61 10 00 2 1 1 5 1 22 20 00 4 2 2^ 10 2 43 25 00 5 2 9 r- 10 4 87 50 00 10 5 61 5 24 33 100 00 20 10 11^ 10 1 48 67 500 00 102 14 9^ 25 i 121 67 1,000 00 205 9 7 100 486 67 5,000 00 1,027 7 Hi 1000 : 4,866 67 10,000 00 2,054 15 10^ For general purposes, it will be sufficient to remember that the British Columbian cent and the English half-penny are almost the same in value. IXFOEMATION FOE ElUGKANTS. 19 Cost of the Commox Articles of Household Coxsumptiox axd Use ix British Columbia, axd compaeisox of the same with Exglish axd Easterx Caxada Prices ix 1874. Abticxes of CoxsnrPTiox. British Columbia. Bread, per lb j Beer, per gallon | Beef, per lb Bacon , , '0 Butter (fresb) l Candles , Cheese, per lb j Coals, per ton | Coffee, per lb. (ground) j 1 Eggs, per doz 1 Firewood ! Lard, per lb i d. s. d. 2i to 3 6 10 1 10 See page Mutton Pork Potatoes Pace Sugar Tea 7 , 9 5 , 7 7 , 9 n 4 44 , 6* 6 , 3 England. Eastern ProviLces of Canada. 1 11 to 1 1 1 7 „ 31 1 1 1 n 4 4 11 lOJ- 3i 4+ Boots, IZ. apair: trousers, lAs. to 20s. a pair; coats, 30s. to 40s.; cotton shirts, 4s.; flannel shirts, 8«.; socks, is. 6d a pair; cotton stuif, Is. 6d. a yard; dress stuff, 2s. a yard. Brandy, 20s. per gallon ; -whisky, 12s. per gallon; gin, 12s. per gallon. The above are the prices on the seaboard of British Columbia. The prices of foreign produce are higher in the interior, oTving to the high cost of land carnage, and this T^'ill probably continue so nntil the Canadian Pacific Piailway is finished. Weights and measures are the imperial ; but by agreement, the American gallon, which is about one-fifth less, is sometimes used. The American ton is 2000 lbs., not 2240 lbs. A consideration of the above prices of the princij^al articles of household consumption in British Columbia will show to the small farmer, to the me- chanic, and to the farm -labourer, and, indeed, to many others, that these prices permit a family of moderate means to have a plentiful supply of excellent food, and household and personal comforts. There cannot be found anywhere more charming places of residence than in several towns and districts of British Columbia. It is therefore extremely likely that, as soon as communications are improved from California, a matter which is under the care of the Dominion Government, visitors will reach the province from Xew Orleans, St. Louis, Chicago, and other places. We expect also residents attracted hj the climate, scenery, good schools, and abundance of choice meat, game, and vegetables at moderate prices. The main difficulty at present for residents is the wages of household servants and the difficulty of getting them. For the information of intending residents, I state here the estimated expenditure at this time on necessaries of a small family, in a city in England with an income of 300?. a year ; and I compare the same for British Columbia (seaboard districts). c 2 20 BRITISH COLUMBIA : ENGLAND. Per Annum. £ s. d. Rent, rates and taxes 49 10 Servants' wages (15J. and 9J.) .. . . 24 Butcher: 23 lbs. at \Qd. = \%s. 2d. per week 49 16 8 Baker : 10^ quarterns at S^-d. ; i peck flour at is. Id. = 8s. 6d. per week 22 3 1 Grocer : s. d. 1 lb. tea at 3s. 4d 3 4 1 lb. sugar at 6d 6 5 lbs. brown sugar at 5^ 2 3^^ 2i lbs. butter at Is. lOd. 4 H Spice 6 1 lb. cheese at Is. Id. . . 11 li lb. bacon at Is. . . 16 3 lbs. rice, &c., at 3id. lOi Candles 1 6 Per week . . . . 15 8| = 40 16 10 186 6 7 Vegetables and fruit 8 8 H qr. milk at 5d. = lid. per day . . 11 7 6 Beer 9 18 10 8 tons coal at 32s 12 16 BRITISH COLUMBIA. 228 16 11 Per Annum. £ s. d. 45 50 .. .. .. .. (one servant) Butcher .• at 6d . per Ib.r 1:115. Qd. per w eek .. 29 18 BaJcer : 10+ quarters at lOd. i peck flour at 2id. per •lb. (14 lbs. in the peck)= -9s. 5Jd. per week 24 12 11 s. d. 3 4 10 2 3i 4 H 6 1 6 1 1 1 8 16 3 42 5 191 15 U 8 11 14 18 8 7 6 18 3 .. .. .. .. (at 45s. per ton) 244 9 8 The principal difference is in servants' wages. The cost of coals and milk may be reduced in British Columbia, by having a place out of town with grass for a cow, and wood-fuel for the cost of cutting and hauling. Game and .fish are much cheaper in British Columbia than in England. The natural productions of British Columbia (berries, animals, birds, and fish) afford good help for food. Thirty thousand Indians at least have lived upon these natural productions for nobody knows how long, without, so far as we can judge, lessening their growth appreciably in the districts inhabited by Indians. Eatable Wild Fruits. There are hosts of these everywhere, and they attain a size and flavour such as cultivation only can impart in England. The cranberry is an article of trade. The cranberries grow in swampy places — plentiful near Xew AVestminster and Nanaimo. Picked in the proper season (towards the end of September) cranberries will keep well for more than a^year, by being simply put into a water-tight cask filled with water. A correspondent at Nanaimo writes recently, " I think this year one of the most prolific for wild fruit, every bush and tree is literally weighed down ; tons upon tons of all kinds must rot in the bush — truly our land does flow" with milk and honey." Beasts of the Chase. Various, and in parts very numerous — not dangerous, except the grizzl}'' bear. The principal ones for food are the black-tailed deer — capital venison, sold by the joint 6 to 10 cents. (3(i. to Zd. English) per lb. — very numerous every- where, but not north of Fort George — come upon low lands, or near the coast IXFOEXATIOX FOE EMIGRANTS. 21 in winter. Also the Large Xorth-AYestern Stag, called " Elk " — very numerous in interior of Vancouver and on the coast of the mainland, up to aboiit 52'', for about 200 miles inland — very good food — as big as a small horse. The Eein Deer — (Cariboo)— mountainous regions, north of 51^ on the coast or 49^ inland —plenty in Chilcotin — is also fine food. Hares abound periodically on mainland east of Cascade Eange — found on the Bonaparte. Birds. Grouse, of various kinds, are found almost everywhere in the island and mainland — in the thick fern near a tiny stream — perched on crab-apple or young fir-trees, or dnimming on a pine top. Ordinary price of a grouse is 12i cents (6c?. English). Packs of prairie chickens in all the open valleys of the East Cascade region. Quails have been introduced, and are becoming numerous. Ptarmigan, on the high mountains — a stray cock of the plains (sage hen) occasionally about Osoyoos. Numerous wild geese — price 25 tc 50 cents (Is. to 2s. English) each. "Wild ducks, 25 to 375 cents (Is. to Is. 6d. English) a brace. Snipe and pigeons plentiful. The mouth of Eraser Eiver a great resort of wild fowl. Capital sport. Plumage birds very beautiful — song birds not remarkable. Several harmless varieties of snakes. A few rattlesnakes in southern }X)rtion of East Cascade region. A rattlesnake is not bad foodj but there is no occasion to eat it. Fish. Sea fish, and lake and river fish, most abundant — one of the chief resources of the province for consumption and exportation. Salmon, very numerous at various periods, from early spring to end of summer. All the larger streams along the coast abound with salmon ; they also go 700 miles up the Eraser. At the regular shops, salmon and other fine fish are sold at 6 to 8 cents (od. to 4c?. Enghsh) per lb. ; but the Indians frequently sell salmon at 12i to 25 cents (6c?. to Is. English) for a good-sized fish. Salted salmon are sold at about 7 dollars (28s. English) for baiTel of 200 lbs. Sturgeon, halibut, cod, herrings, oysters, and crabs, are plentiful in the sea-board districts, and are sold at prices that would be considered absurdly cheap in England. Good fish abound in the numerous lakes and rivers of the interior. Housing. Houses — commonly wooden, some brick and stone. Saw-mills in principal places — Xanaimo, Xew Westminster, Hope, Yale, and Lytton district : Lillooet and Clinton district ; Kootenay and Columbia district. Ordinary prices of sawn wood (lumber), outside mining districts, delivered at the mill : — Dressed flooring per mille feet 20 dollars ( 4?. English). „ cedar „ „ white pine „ „ maple „ Piough cedar „ „ white pine ,, „• maple „ „ lumber „ (The measure is a foot — 12 inches square and 1 inch thick.) 35 „ ( -I „ ). 40 „ ( 8?. „ \ 50 (10?. „ ). 25 „ (5?. „ ). 30 „ ( 6?. „ ). 40 „ (8?. „ ). 12-50 „ (2?. 10s „ ). 22 BRITISH COLUMBIA: Cost of wooden house depends, of course, on size and finisliing. Three- roomed cottage, 500 dollars (100?. English). Eents of cottages range from 5 dollars (11. English) to 25 dollars (51. English) per month. Opportunities are frequently available to workmen for purchasing a building lot and erecting a cottage, to be paid for by easy instalments. In the country, rents are much lower than in towns, and, besides, there is often the advantage of a garden, and keep of a cow, pigs, and poultry. For temporary accommodation, a man often puts up the one-roomed house, called a *' shanty." Country settler, not near saw-mill, puts up a log house. Neighbours will help. Cost about 30 dollars (67. English). Build for sunshine — avoid low ground. Have flowers, and also books for the children's sake. Successful settlers often speak of the happy days in the old log-house. Materials for brick and stone houses plentiful — cost not excessive. Bricks made in many places — Victoria and New Westminster, &c. — cost, 10 dollars 21. English) per thousand at the kiln. Fire-clay not found. Fuel. Coal is used to some extent in Victoria, and costs 10 to 11 dollars (40s. to 4:4s. English) per ton. Wood is the common fuel, and farmers generally have enough on their land. The price in the seaboard towns is, say 3i to 4 dollars (14s. to 16s. English) per " cord " of firewood delivered. A cord is 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet broad. Wood is dearer at the gold mines. It must be cut after delivery into suitable lengths for household use. This will cost about 1| dollar (Qs. English) per cord, but many householders themselves cut it.* Board and Lodging. Ordinary present advertised rates in good second-class hotels are as follows : — Victoria — Board and lodguig, per week, oh to 65 dollars (22s. to 26s. English). „ „ per day, 1 dollar (4s. English). Single meals, Sli cents (Is. 6c?. English). Beds, 50 cents (2s. English). (Cash in advance.) New Westininster — Board and lodging, per week, 7 dollars (28s. English). Board, 5 dollars (20s. English). Single meals, 50 cents (2s. English). Beds, 50 cents (2s. EngHsh). Clinton — Board and lodging, per week, 8 dollars (32s. English). Single meals, 75 cents (3s. English). Beds, 50 cents (2s. English). * Fuel iu Eastern Canada is rather an expensive item ; being nearly equal to tlie rent. "Wood costs there in the country from 5s. to 20s. per cord, and in cities from 20s. to 30s., besides the cost of sawing and chopping, which is from 4s. to 6s. additional. This latter item, however, can be saved, if the workman will saw and chop tlie wood himself, which is almost universally the case. Coal is burnt only in the cities and largest towns of Eastern Canada. The price is from 29s. to 33s. a ton for the ordinary soft coal, which is burnt in the open grates, and from 31s. to 39s. for the hard anthracite coal, which is burnt in the stoves. A cord of wood contains 128 cubic feet, tha load containing a cord generally being 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet broad. A cord of wood is usually considered equal in heating and lasting power to half a ton of coal, and lasts about a month in winter and about two months in summer. INFORMATION FOE ElIIGEANTS. 23 At the Cariboo mines higher — I believe 12 dollars and upwards (48s. English) 3, week for board and lodging. Household Servants. Scarce ; wages high, 10 dollars to 12 dollars (lOs. to 48s. English) a month for nurse-girls; 20 to 25 dollars, and even 30 dollars (4Z. to 51, to 61. English) a month with board for general house-servants, having some knowledge of cooking ; a considerable number of well-principled, competent women servants can be employed in respectable families — those accustomed to country work are most wanted — many men of good character and means are pining for wives in the country districts. China women do not take servants' places. China men are employed as cooks at 20 to 25 dollars (4L to 5?. English) a month with board. They cut fire- wood, light fires, clean boots, &c., but a good deal of the household work, nevertheless, falls on members of the family. China men are quiet, but many heads of famihes object to them. Indian cooks (men) are employed at 20 to 25 dollars (4Z. to 51. English) with board, and make fair servants when em- ployers understand their character. A good woman servant might soon make money. For men there is an open field with no favour. For women an open field full of favours. Unfor- tunately it has been found that some of those women who have reached the province have been fickle. Many of them have been disinclined to go to country work, and some have "tip-tilted" their noses at everything. Sm-ely, however, the right class can be found, when wages are so good. The best plan at present for persons of moderate means is to do without servants ; getting help for wood cutting, washing, and scrubbing floors. The idea may be one to shrink from, but this plan is not burdensome in actual every-day life. A settler will find many doing this in the province who are socially his equals. Who should go. If a man is prosperous, healthy, and contented where he is, there let him stay among his relations and early friends. But if he cannot make the wealth-producing power of his labour available, if he is restless and uneasy about his own future and that of his children, and is prepared to emigTate, let him consider the advantages which British Columbia affords. He will find at first that the travel and change of life will raise his spirits ; then will come a x^eriod of depression, .under the rough task of beginning in a new country, to be followed by the feeling of security of home and subsistence, which is the most solid blessing to a man. ^Yhatever may have been his former station, he will find that in the province, he may work in his own fields with his own hands, and neither feel it to be a degradation in his own eyes, nor in the eyes of those around him. His mind bowed down lately, perhaps, by care and anxiety, will recover its natural independence. His family, instead of being a burden, will be a solace and help to him. If lie sets to work resolutely, and is sober and careful of his money, he will never regret the change of life which he has made. This is an undoubted truth, as I know from the mouths of hundreds of settlers, who have overcome early difficulties, and settled permanently in the country; nevertheless it is not now an easy matter to answer letters which I frequently receive, asking me 24 BRITISH COLUMBIA: to state tlie actual advantages from different occupations and investments in the province. Xo man can answer sucli questions satisfactorily, without second sight, and the power to gauge moral dispositions. I might draw up statements on paper which might prove fallacious in practice — so much depends on the individual himself in every colonial undertaking. It will, therefore, be more prudent on my part to give general advice, the application of which to special cases must be the business of each individual himself. We cannot at present encourage the emigration of more than a few frofes- uonal men, such as lawyers, doctors, surveyors, and civil engineers, unless they have money beyond the expected earnings of their profession, and are j^repared to take their chances after arrival. Clerks, shopmen, or those having no particular trade or calling, and men not accustomed to rough work with, their hands, if without means of their own, would probably meet with dis- appointment, and, perhaps, hardship. Tutors, governesses, housekeepers, needlewomen, and women generally above the grade of domestic servants, should riot go alone to the province at present, and they should not go at all, unless to join friends or relatives able to maintain them for some time after arrival. Men who hang about the G-oveniment ofiSces in search of "appointments" are nuisances in all colonies, and British Columbia has had her share of this class already. The only way to get an " appointment " in the province is by recommending oneself to one's fellow citizens, by sharing for years in the hard work and honest toil on which all young countries depend for their stability and progress. A smart, active, ca^paUe man, with only a little money, but accustomed to work with his hands, is, however, sure to succeed in making a comfortable home in British Columbia. Wages, as already shown, are very high ; land, food, and house materials are cheap. If such a settler has a strong heart himself, and is blessed with a common-sense wife used to country work, he may confidently look forward to becoming even rich. He need not long remain in the condition of a labourer. This certainty of rising in the social scale must stimulate the emigrant. His chances will be greatly improved if he is a country meclianic, w^ho can carry on his trade and also farm for him- self. Farming is often carried on in shares — the man of no capital giving his labour for a reasonable proportion of the profits. To farmers^ sons, or persons vAtli moderate means, qualified for the life of a settler in a new country, who cannot see openings in older countries — who cannot go up, because the passages are blocked — who cannot go down because their habits and pride forbid — to such persons I say — " go to the province, set to work at something — no matter what ; give up old country notions : by- and-by take up a farm ; grow fields of grain ; have an orchard ; establish a dairy ; rear pigs and poultry ; get a band of cattle or a flock of sheep ; sub- scribe to a librarj^ ; avoid whisky ; be industrious and patient, and success in your case also is certain. If you feel faint-hearted at any time under the new conditions of your life, bear in mind that the men who tackled the wilderness, and made homes out of the primitive forests of Eastern Canada, Xew England, and Pennsylvania, had little money in their pockets. They paid more for their land than you will have to pay for land in British Columbia ; they worked in a far inferior climate ; they sold their produce at much lower rates. You can do what they did, if you will, and with far less privation than confronted them." rNTOEIVIATIOX FOR EMIGEAXTS. 25 Tenant farmers themselves, luith limited capital, may accept the above advice. They should have at least sufficient capital to be independent for twelve months. It is often best for the father to go out and pave the way for the little folks. Opportunities are still good in British Columbia, and jnst a little enterjrrise would give to many a family now poor and discouraged, comfort, hope, and a new life. Farmers or other persons with larger means will also find either tillage farming, or cattle or sheep farming in British Columbia an agreeable and profitable occupation. The natural pastures of the country are practically inexhaustible. They will feed several millions of cattle, and at present there are only about 25,000 in the country. The East Cascade region of British Columbia was made by nature to supply the cities on the Atlantic and Pacific seaboards with beef, butter, and w-ool. Why should an EngUsh farmer continue to pay rent, and remain under the control of a landlord as a leas€- holder or yearly tenant, when, with one year's rental, he can purchase a partially prepared farm with buildings on it, in the thoroughly British pro- vince of British Columbia ? Farms cannot be made in a day, and it is evident that the demand for farm produce, which the steady growth of the country, also the Canadian Pacific Railway and other undertakings, will create in British Columbia, cannot be supplied from existing farms. The province may be recommended generally to all properly qualified persons, with some means, and not disposed to croak, who may desire a per- fectly natural, genuine, and above-board life, in a land which has the virgin attractions of great space and freedom, a superb climate, varied resources, and a bright future. But for the scarcity of domestic servants, I could recommend British Columbia as a charming place of residence for families tuith fixed incomes^ They would find, with much less difficulty than amidst the crowded popu- lation of the Mother Coimtry, a suitable and pleasant home, with every facility for educating and starting their children in life. Persons living on the interest of their money can get from 8 to 12 per cent, on good security. The invalid will find that a visit to the province will brace him up. The tourist who can command sufficient means and leisure, might well exchange for a time the beaten tracks of European travel, for a tour of ex- ploration and adventure, where the world assumes a new and to some minds not unattractive phase. To the observant traveller nothing could be more instructive than to witness the beginnings of a noble country — the Pacific Ocean stronghold of the Empire. In the magnificent scenery of British Co- lumbia the lover of nature would see much that would remind him of Swit- zerland and the Rhine. The naturahst and botanist would fijid specimens not known in Europe. The geologist would witness a panorama to which the old world presents no parallel. The sportsman would find abundance of adventure, and game of all kinds. If he wants a new sporting sensation, let him try the reindeer on the Chilcotin foot-hills. For general tourists the novelty of roughing it in the bush, or traversing the fine open East Cascade country would possess singular charms. In the principal towns he can have as good a dinner as in Paris. What I wish to enforce is, that British Columbia is not a country with 26 BRITISH COLUMBIA: only " one string to its bow;" it is not agricultural and grazing onl}^ ; it is also a mining countr}^, whose surface has hardly been scratched by miners, though about 3000 miners are profitably employed in mining ; it has fine forests, and teeming ocean, river, and lake fisheries, a coast line studded with harbours and coal-fields, besides a position in the world very favourable for commerce. The countrj^ is on the highwa^^ of civilized nations ; it stands to America on the Pacific Ocean, as Great Britain stands to Europe on the Atlantic. The 'Alta California ' newspaper, says, " That these new settle- " ments (British Columbia) are yet to become competitors for the trade of the " east, if not the commercial supremacy of the Pacific, it were useless to " deny." (See Canadian Pacific Piailway, p. 73.) The urgent requirements of the province at the present time are men and money — the large and the small capitalist — to employ the labourer who also must come with his strong hands, to bring out for conveyance to market the treasures that are hidden in the soil or merely adorning its surface. The j)opulation of the province at present is far too small to utilise their valuable domain. We have mines to be worked, railways to be made, roads to be opened, water power to be used, fish to be caught, grain, mutton, beef, and wool to be produced, and for all of them we have requirements and markets. How to reach British Columbia. A first-class passenger can go from, England to British Columbia in about 3 weeks, if the connections meet at the proper times. A. third-class passenger will take 10 or 15 daj^s longer. The spring season is the best time to arrive. Passengers from England may go round Cape Horn by sailing-vessel, or 'by steamer, via Panama to San Francisco, and thence to British Columbia, but the ordinary route will probably be as follows : — (1.) By steamer across the Atlantic to Canada (Quebec in summer ; Port- land, Maine, U.S., in winter). (2.) Thence by rail across the Continent to San Francisco. (3.) San Francisco to Victoria, British Columbia, by steamer. The Atlantic passage takes 10 to 12 days ; the railway trip across the Con- linent about the same time, and the steamer from San Francisco to Victoria 4 to 5 days. It is best to take "througW'' tickets to Victoria. Thu*d-class passengers should provide food for themselves for the railway trip across America, as provisions at the wayside stations are expensive, and the " through " ticket price does not include provisions except in the steamers. The steamer goes from San Francisco to Victoria only twice a month at present, and it is therefore desirable that, as far as possible, third-class emi- grants especially should leave England in parties, so as to reach San Francisco about the proper time, and save the tedium, and expense of remaining over. Tlie Agent- General in England, No. 4, Lime Street Square, London, E.C. will arrange this, if communicated with. While passing through Eastern Canada, and until Detroit is reached, emigrants from England for British Columbia -will apply, in case of need, to the Immigration Officers of the Dominion of Canada. Messrs. Allan, Brothers, and Co., James Street, Liverpool, give the following advice to emigrants : — INFORMATION FOR EMIGRANTS. 27 i " Take passage by tlie Allan Line of Eoyal Mail Steamers wliicli leave Liverpool every Tuesday and Thursday for Quebec in summer, and Portland in winter. In connection with this line through tickets are issued, either via Quebec or Portland to Victoria, the chief town of British Columbia. Trains leave Quebec and Portland twice a day, which connect at Detroit, Chicago, and Omaha, with through express trains over the Union and Central Pacific roads to San Francisco. From this point to Victoria, a distance of 753 English miles, the communication is by water, steamers leaving San Francisco twice a month. For rates of passage between Liverpool and Quebec, or Portland, refer to advertisement on the back page of this book. " From Quebec or Portland to San Francisco the rates are — 1st class rail, 26?. Qs. M. ; Emigrant class. 111. ; Children — Between 4 and 12 years, half price ; under 4 years, free. " From San Francisco to Victoria the rates are — 1st class, Ql. 3s. M. ; Emigrant class, ?>l. Is. 6cZ. Children— 6 to 12, half fare; from 3 to 6, quarter fare; under 3 years, free. " Baggage — 100 lbs. free for each full passenger." The " through." passage money to British Columbia is, at present (January 1875), Vd. 2s. Qd. per adult passenger. The following are also agents of lines of sailing vessels to British Columbia : — Messrs. Anderson, Anderson, and Co., 1, Billiter Court, London, E.C. The Honourable Hudson's Bay Company, Lime Street, London, E.C. Messrs. Gr. H. Fletcher and Co., 9 and 12, Exchange Buildings, A, Liver- pool. Money (Coin) in British Columbia. cents. 'he sovereign current at 4 dollars 85 „ half-sovereign 9 5J -^ » m „ half-crown )» 62i „ florin 1 5> 37^ 5, shilling J> 25 „ sixpence 5> 12i „ threepenny-piece J5 6 British money is not much used in British Columbia. Business is done, and accounts kept, in dollars and cents, and the coins principally used are United States coins, as follows : — Gold. 20 dollar piece 10 5 SiLVEK. 1 dollar piece .2 „ Dime (called a "bit "). The United States coins are more uniform in value in British Columbia than British coins, as the United States have a mint in California (which is close to the province). Money (Paper) ix British Columbia. The paper money of the bank of British Columbia, and of the bank of British Xorth America, passes freely in the province in notes from 1 to 50 dollars. These notes are payable in gold. 28 BEITISH COLUMBIA: United States paper money is not used in the province. If the emigrant should see any United States paper money he must remember that it varies in price, not being payable in gold. CouKSE OF Exchange on England. Bills at sight 5 dollars 15 cents per £1. „ 30 days' sight 5 dollars 10 cents per £1. » GO „ 5 „ On New York. 4 to 5 per cent, premium. On San Feanciscq. 1 per cent, premium. How to send Money to British Columbia. The emigrant is not recommended to take British coin to British Columbia. He should pay that portion of his money not wanted on the passage to the Post Office in Great Britain, and get a money order for it payable in Victoria, or he may pay his money either to the Bank of British Columbia, East India Avenue, Leadenhall Street, London, E.G. (the bankers for the Government of British Columbia), or to the Bank of British North America, Bishopsgate Street Within, London, E.G., and get from the bank, in exchange for his money, an order payable on demand from its Branch Bank in Victoria, British Columbia, for the equivalent of his money in dollars and cents. The equivalents at present given for money thus deposited are about as follows :— Gold £ Dollars, Cents. 5 paid in England would realise 24 • 25 in Victoria. 10 „ „ „ 48-50 20 „ „ „ 97-00 50 „ „ „ 242-50 100 „ „ „ 485-00 The emigrant, on 'paying his money to the Banh, must sign his name on a separate piece of paper, and ash the Bank to send the signature to their Branch Banh in Victoria, so that the person who applies for the money in Victoria may he known to he the proper person. If this is neglected, the emigrant may not he ahle to get his money in Victoria readily. The above banks have agents in England, Scotland, and Ireland. The Bank of British North America has its own branches in the Dominion of Canada, New York, and San Francisco. The Bank of Montreal is the agent of the Bank of British Columbia throughout Canada and New York, and the Bank of British Columbia has its own branches in San Francisco, and in Port- land (Oregon). Both banks have correspondents in Mexico, Japan, China, Australia, and New Zealand. The American Express and Banking House of Wells, Fargo, and Co., which has branches in many parts of the United States, has a branch in Victoria, British Columbia. INFOKMATION FOR EMIGEANTS. 29 Words of Advice after Arrival. Emigrants are recommended not to linger about the towns at whicli they may arrive, but to proceed with as little delay as possible, either to their friends, if they have any in the province, or to the localities where they are likely to meet with employment. To ascertain where their services are most in demand, they should consult the Government Immigration Agent at the port of arrival, who will assist them with information and advice that can be relied on. They should be cautious in trusting strangers, and particularly should avoid the bar-room idler, and the croaker in the street, whose note in every colony always is that " times are bad — no work for men — country not worth a cent." These idlers and croakers, together with office-seekers, are nuisances everywhere — in Australia, New Zealand, and also in young American states. If seeking employment, immigrants should at once accept any fair offer of work, although the wages may be less than they anticipated. They should remember that until they get into the ways of the country they are of much less use to their employers than they will be afterwards. If the emigrant wishes to farm, he should not invest all his capital in land, but reserve sufficient to stock and work it. Let him be careful of his cash capital, and not put it into investments hastily. Small capitalists are recommended not to buy land before they have become acquainted wdth its character and the kind of labour required in a new country; and further, if possible, to purchase or rent a farm with some im- provements on it, rather than to go upon untouched land. This last advice more particularly refers to emigrants from Europe, whose jDrevious training . necessarily has not so well adapted them to the settlement of wild lands as persons brought up in America. Partially-cleared farms, with buildings erected on them, may be bought in some districts of British Columbia on easy terms of payment, owing to the disposition pioneers have to sell old settle- ments, and take up more extensive new ones. The price of such farms depends, as already said, much on their situation, ranging probably from 14 to 35 dollars {21. 16s. to 11. English) per acre, within from 5 to 50 miles of Victoria. It is better for a small capitalist, possessing from 100?. to 1000?., to place Ms money, on first arrival, in the savings or other hanks allowing interest ; to take lodgings, and to work for wages for a year or more, in order to gain a knowledge of colonial life and modes of management ; or he may rent a piece of land in or near the locality in which he expects to settle, raise a crop, and look round quietly for a suitable place for a home. By pursuing the plan suggested the emigrant, at the end of a few years, will probably be far in advance of him who, on his arrival " went at it with a rush," as. beginners are apt to do. Special Advice to Young British Columbian Farmers. Get a wife. Keep no spirits in the house. Laugh at croakers. Hold on to your cash capital. 30 BEITISH COLUMBIA: Don't buy poor stock — a runt is dear at any price. Feed yoar laud, and it will feed you. Do not buy one extra plough or harrow. Buy as little as possible secondhand. Don't improve — except slowly. Don't employ a lot of hands at first, building, fencing, draining, &c. Only good farming pays. Don't hunger for a " big " farm. Give up old-country notions. Don't think you are very much wiser than your neighbours. Make your house pretty with shrubs and flowers. Go to church. Work a little — rest a little, but be always about your place. Aliens. Aliens may hold and transmit land as fully as British subjects — may be naturalised after three years' residence — alien women are naturalised by marriage. We invite emigrants from all nations. Public Schools are in the hands of the people — free to all, without distinction of race or creed strictly non-sectarian — highest morality inculcated — no religious dogmas or creeds taught — uniform text-books — Public School Fund voted every year by the Provincial Chamber — General Board of Education for the whole Province — a Superintendent of Education, who visits and inspects — School Districts wherever population is sufficient — the people choose eveiy year from among themselves 3 School Trustees to manage schools — Trustees get money from " Public School Fund," on application endorsed by Superintendent of Education — Trustees may make by laws (approved by Superintendent) requiring children to attend school — Teachers (3 grades) paid, from 40 to 100 dollars (81. to 20Z. English) a month — appointed or removed by Trustees — must have certificates of qualification from the Board — Board fixes salaries. The settler will well know how to estimate the capabilities of this school system. The St. John's (Xew Brunswick) ' Telegraph ' newspaper says — *' Let us take care that the young sister province on the Pacific does not lead "New Brunswick in education." There are very good church schools and private schools, for both sexes, in several of the larger towns. An education befitting the children of gentlemen can be obtained for both boys and girls at Victoria and New Westminster on reasonable terms. The following are the terms of a Collegiate School established on the plan of the Grammar Schools in England, viz. : — 4 dollars (16s. English) per month. French, 1 dollar (4s. English) per month. Boarders, from 30 to 40 dollars {61. to 8?. English) per month, according to age. In other good schools the prices are somewhat less. INFOEMATION FOE EMIGEAKTS. 31 Public Boarding Schools. To meet tlie wants of some districts of the province where the population is at present too scattered to allow of sufficient schools being provided for the education of the children of settlers, the Government have established a system of Public Boarding Schools under the management and control of Trustees. Churches. No State Church — no tithes, but religious wants not neglected — Sundaj' well kept — Eoman Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Congrega- tional, and Hebrew communities have churches and clergymen in the larger towns — churches built also in some small towns and country districts — other places are visited by ministers. As soon as an infant settlement is formed, the inevitable minister appears, generally before even the newspaper correspondent. One of the settlers in a settlement of about 20 families on the "North arm," near the mouth of Fraser River, writes — " We have two churches already, and a third is " talked of." Eeligious societies may take a conveyance of land for certain specified purposes by appointing trustees and registering the title deeds. Newspapers. Numerous and well conducted — receive constantly news by telegraph — the wants and opinions of settlers in remote districts are made known through the- press to their fellow settlers and to the Government. Post-Office. Rates of Postage. England Throughout the Province and Dominion United States Germany .- . . . . France Australia New Zealand China Letters per half oz. Papers each. Book Post, Lowest Eate. 6 cents 3 ,, 6 ,, 23 ,, 34 ,, 16 ,, 16 ,, 16 ,. 2 cents 1 I 3 cents per 4 oz. I 1 cent per 1 oz. 1 6 cents per 2 oz.. 2 cents per 1 oz,. 2 ,, 2 Money Orders •with Canada and England. Local Post-Offices. Ashcroft. Comox. Barkerville. Cowichan. Burrard Inlet. Chi Hi whack Cache Creek. Dunkeld. Cassiar. Duck and Pringle's. Chemanis. Esquimalt. Clinton. - Hope. 4'Z BEITISH COLUMBIA: Local Post-Offices — continued. Kamloops. Omineca. Kootenay. 150 Mile House. Lake La Haclie. Pavilion. Langley. Quesnel. Lillooet. Skena. Lytton. Soda Creek. Maple Bay. Sooke. Nanaimo. Spence's Bridge. New Westminster. Sumass. Nicola Lake. _ Van Winkle. Okanagan. Victoria. Okanagan Mission. Yale. Administration of Justice. This lias always been wholesome. There is very little " rowdyism '' in British Columbia. Life, limb, and property are secured by just laws well carried out. The courts do not ask whether accused parties are Indians or white men. The San Francisco (California) ' Bulletin ' said, lately — " It is " well that our citizens should note that our neighbours in British Columbia " do not deal so leniently with those who take life as we on this side of the " border line." Local Self-Government. The people of a locality with over 30 male residents may be formed into a " municipality," and elect from among themselves Councillors and a Warden to manage all local affairs. Provincial Self-Government. The old system of government has been quite done away with. There is now one Legislative Chamber only — elected for four years by the voters — three, or not more than six of its members form the " responsible advisers" or " ministry " of the Lieutenant-Governor — hold office while they have the confidence of a majority of the chamber — municipal councils are steppingstones to Legislative Assembly — no social obstacles whatsoever in any man's way — nobody asks where a settler comes from, nor whose son he is. Among measures passed lately were the Qualification of Voters Bill, which invites every hoiid fide resident British subject to take an active part in the great work of self-govern- ment ; the School Bill, which places a free education within reach of every child in the land ; the Municipal Bill, which enables every settlement to manage its own local affairs, and thus educate the people in the art of self- government ; the Inheritance Bill, which divides equally amongst the children or nearest of kin the property of persons dying intestate ; the Eoad Tolls Piepeal Bill, which throws open, free as the high seas to all comers, the main trunk road of the Province. The political constitution of the province, as part of the great Dominion of Canada, is impressed with the stability of the British system of Government, combined with the freedom, elasticity, and progressive energy of Eepublican institutions. INFOKMATION FOE EMIGEANTS. 33 The people of the Province may amend or alter their political constitution in any way not inconsistent with the general constitution of the Dominion of Canada. Exports. The gold shipped from British Columbia by banks, and carried out of the country by miners, has not been less in value than 4j millions sterling during the 10 years from 1862. Other exports than gold, namely, lumber (sawn wood), coal, furs, fish, fish-oil, wool, cranberries, are yearly increasing in quantity and value. The exports of coal from the Il^anaimo coal mine, during the above ten years, has been 330,395 tons. Several new coal mines are about to be opened and worked. (See Coal Mining, page 78.) The following represents the exports of the Province of British Columbia for the year ending 30th June, 1874 : — Dols. Products of the mine — gold dust and bars 1,072,422 Coal, etc 278,213 The fisheries 114,118 . The forest (lumber, etc.) 260,116 Animals and produce — wool, fnrs, etc 330,625 Agricultural products 5,296 Manufactures 443 Total for the year .. .. 2,061,233 The gold export, exclusive of that shipped in private hands, amounts for the three months ending Sep- tember 30th, to 407,734 For the corresponding three months of 1873 348,161 Balance in favour of three months of 1874 59,573 The gold export for the month of September of the present year amounts to 190,000 This is the largest amount shipped in one month for 'several years past, which is a gratifying fact. It must be remembered too that this is exclusive of bullion in private hands. Manufactories. New WESTMI^-STEE. 3 Saw mills — can cut 183,000 feet of lumber per day. 1 Grist mill — can grind 30 barrels per day. 1 Distillery — distils 300 to 400 gallons per month. Brick works. Hope, Yale, and Lytto>'. 2 Saw mills — can cut 7000 feet of lumber per day, 5 Flour mills — 2 can grind 23 barrels, the others 10 barrels per day each. D 34 BKITISH COLUMBIA: LiLLOOET AND ClINTOX. 1 Saw and Flour mill (combined) — can grind 60 barrels of flonr per day, and cut 12,000 feet of lumber. 1 Flour mill on Dog Creek — can grind 2000 pounds of wheat per day. 1 Saw mill at Lillooet — can cut 5000 feet of lumber per day. 1 Saw mill at Clinton— can cut 2000 feet of lumber per day. 1 Flour mill at Lillooet — can o-rind 120 sacks in twelve bours. KOOTENAY AND COLUMBIA, 1 Saw mill, water-power. 1 Bed Eock Flume. Cariboo. 1 Steam Saw mill, on William's Creek, 20-borse power — can cut 20,000 feet of lumber per day. 1 Steam Saw mill, on Ditton Lightning Creek — can cut 20,000 feet of lumber per day. 1 Quartz Mill, on AVilliam's Creek, 3-horse power, 4 stamps of 450 lbs. each — can crush 4 tons a day, 1 Flour mill, 20-horse power — can grind 50 barrels of flour per day. 1 Flour mill, Soda Creek, water-power — can grind 40 barrels of flour per day. 1 Saw mill, Quesnel, water power — can cut 2500 feet of lumber per day. 1 Saw mill. 1 Saw mill. 1 Iron Foundry. 2 Sash Factories. Gas Works. 4 Breweries. 2 Distilleries. 1 Soap Factory. Nanaimo. cowichan. Victoria. 2 Tanneries. Boot and Shoe Factory. Brick Works. 1 Ship Yard. 2 Lumber Yards. 2 Wago'on-makers. Trade. The estimated value of exports and imports for 1870 was as follows : — Exports, including gold, 1,848,803 dollars ; imports, 1,605,809 ; balance of trade in our favour, 242,994 dollars. The exports, besides gold, were supplied by twenty-one articles of home produce. Here are the germs of productive manufactures, lucrative trades and of an active commerce. The Toronto 'Monetary Times' says that the imports and exports of " British Columbia have increased steadily since the confederation of the " Province with theDominion, the former aggregating for the three years 1872, " 1873, and 1874 the sum of 5,891,129 dollars-, and the latter, for the same " period, 6,825,148 dollars. In the imports the necessaries^of life — flour, wheat " and meat — form quite a, large part, though to'Bacco, wines, and other luxuries INFOEMATION FOE EMIGKANTS. 35 ■*' are freely imported. Gold is the chief export, and coal comes next. The '" present state of trade will be entirely changed as the country grows older, for " many parts of it are eminently suited for agriculture and grazing. Eegular ''' exchanges now take place between British Columbia and Honolulu, China, " Chili, Peru, and other countries with which we, in the eastern part of Canada " seldom or never come into contact. This being the case when the population " and wants of Columbia are so small, it is not too much to believe that a con- " nection by rail with old Canada would render necessary lines of steamships " from China and Japan, which would compete with those now plying from *' San Francisco." Imports. The total value of imports into British Columbia during the year ending 30th June, 18.73, was 2,191,011 dollars— 507,364 dollars being free goods. The total amount of duty collected was 302,147 dollars 65 cents. The imports during the year ending 30th June, 1874, amounted to 2,085,560_^dollars — .266,631 dollars being free goods. Tonnage for 1871. The vessels— sea going — that entered the ports of British Columbia for th-e year 1871, numbered 292, with a tonnage of 131,696. Cleared, 285, with a tonnage of 129,864. Hospitals. There are three Public Hospitals in the Province, supported by private ■contributions with Government aid. One at Victoria, another at New West- minster, the third in Cariboo, and a Lunatic Asylum at Victoria. In addition to these, there is the Naval Hospital at Esquimalt for the accommodation of H.M.'s fleet ; and, in Victoria, a private hospital supported by the French Benevolent Society. Telegraph Lines. British Columbia is connected with England by telegraphic wires. Telegraph lines extend from Swinomish, in Washington Territory (United States), to Barkerville, at the extremity of the Cariboo Koad. There is, besides, a branch from Matsqui to Burrard Inlet via New Westminster, in addition to a tele- graphic right of way over the line belonging to the Western Union Telegraph Company, from Swinomish to Victoria, which comprises two submarine cables. This line of telegraph is 569 miles long, in addition to the submarine portion, which is a mile and a quarter in length ; it originally cost 170,000 dollars. Besides this line, there is that from the mouth of the Quesnel to the Babine, but the line has not been kept up, and is abandoned. The Government of the Dominion are making a telegraph line across the continent. Work on it has already been begun within the Province. Public Works. The Canadian Pacific Eailway (see page 73) to be begun this year ; also a first-class Graving Dock at Esquimalt ; additional light-houses ; improvement of the Eiver Fraser ; Marine Hospital ; Penitentiary ; Post-office and Custom 36 BKITISH COLUMBIA. Houses. Among existing public buildings and property are fixed light-bouses on Eace Eock and Fisgard, also at Cape Beale, a floating light at the mouth of the Eraser Eiver, postal-service steamer, harbour dredge, Mint, Court-houses and jails, Lunatic Asylum, Governors' residences. Legislative and Departmental bmldings, &-c. Harbours. On Vancouver Island : Victoria, Esquimalt, Xanaimo, Barclay Sound. On the mainland: Burrard Inlet, Howe Sound, Bute Inlet, MillbanJk Sound. Eiver Skena, Eiver Xasse. These harbours, being open all the year round, and, generally speaking, easy of access, sheltered and capacious, give a distinctive value to the province, which the course of events on the North American continent will every year make more apparent. Part of Government-street, Victoria. From a photograph. Vancouver Island. Area, 12,000 square miles ; length, 300 miles ; average breadth, 30 to 50 miles. Surface very mountainous and woody — flattens at both ends, and for part of its eastern side — most mountainous region in the interior — highest mountains (6000 feet) towards north of island — no "back-bone range," such as some describers say exists — width of arable valleys, from one to six miles — • whole country fall of lakes, streams, and waterfalls — (the water-power is generally some distance inland from the coast) — shores boldly picturesque — promontories, cliffs, harbours, coves, and beaches. West coast, cut up by arms and inlets, margined by rugged mountains, bearing fir, hemlock, and cedar — here and there shore is skirted by lower wooded hills, among which, and along streams, small patches of open or wooded fiat land are found. Xo inlets on north and east coasts, but in other respects the above descrip- tion applies also to them — near Johnstone's Straits, shore-line is even more continuously mountainous and abrupt than on west coast. Farther down east coast, and also in south-eastern part of island, the coast is lower, and the proportion of flat or gently undulating land, good for farming, increases, some of which is open or thinly timbered. Prevailing timber — fir, near the coast — hemlock, inland — great cedars on the mountains — shrubs, berries, and flowers everywhere — grasses, sweet grass, reed meadow, bent spear — white clover, wild timothy, wild oats, broad- leaved rush, cowslip, &c. Fern in the open lands, troublesome to farmers. Resident Population. Victoria and neighbourhood 5360 Cowichan district 350 Nanaimo and neighbourhood 950 Comox 250 Indians, say 3000 9910 There are three Farmers' Societies in the island. Her Majesty's Fleet at Esquimalt adds an average of about 500 to the 38 VANCOUVER ISLAND. population of the Victoria district, "whicli is also considerably increased, temporarily, by visitors at all seasons of the year, and by crews of vessels. A fine Xaval Graving Dock is being built at Esquimalt. Soils. These, being everything to the farming immigrant, will first be mentioned. Derivation of Vancouver Island Soils. Four chief sources — disintegration of underlying rocks — deposit of the sands, gravels, and clays of the great Northern Drift — alluvial deposits — decay of vegetable matter on the surface. Distribution of Soils. The nature of the underlying rocks has produced in various parts of the- south of the island (which the immigrant first sees) gravelly soil, with a thin coating of vegetable mould. Further north, along the eastern shore, where the rocks alter in character, rich loams are found, due to the decomposition of the limestone rocks in their neighbourhood. Good specimens in Cowichan valley and at Comox. These soils are always ready for cultivation. The JSTorthern Drift sands, gravels, and clays, are spread out over the whole undulating surface of the east coast. The sandy gravels form the soil generally, from which the forests spring, while the clay will be found chiefly in the open undulating grounds as a retentive subsoil with a thick topsoil of vegetable mould. This latter clay-vegetable soil is a most valuable soil — colour, rich brownish-black. It fills up hollows and swamj^y bottoms, and forms the sides of gentle slopes. In some localities the clay forms the only soil. The above clay- vegetable soil is mixed with alluvium in some localities,, namely, deltas of rivers, near inlets and in valleys. The alluvial deposits are not extensive, the streams being short water- courses. The brown earth, or " Humus," resulting from the decay of vege- table matter, is abundant, and mixes with the other soils in various propor- tions in different localities. Value of these Soils. The gravelly soil, found as above stated in various parts of the south of the island, is poor, from its inability to retain moisture. The rains are drained ofif into lagoons, and the sun dries up the surface. This soil produces large timber and coarse grass. Wheat could no doubt be cultivated upon nearly all the other soils with proper culture. The clay-vegetable soil, above mentioned, is very valuable, particularly where it has been mixed with alluvium. With subsoil drainage this soil would carry the heaviest possible crops of wheat and other cereals. The clay, when found by itself, would, like all heavy land, require special treatment. The sandy and gravelly loams are eligible forvbarley, oats, rye, buckwheat., beans, peas, root and leaf crops, &c., &c. VANCOUVER ISLAND. 39 The deep loamy soils everywhere are especially eligible for fruit culture. The alluvial deposits in the vallej^s are in many places very valuable. Mixed with the decayed, and the decaying, vegetable matter brought down by the numerous streams from watersheds, they form a rich black soil, many feet thick. The brown earth, or " Humus," forms soils of great value, according to the materials with which it mixes. Though light and parous, many soils, so formed in the valleys and plains of the eastern coast, are well constituted for absorbing and retaining moisture as well as heat. The brown earth appears to be rich, when resting, with a depth of 2 to 3 feet, on a gravelly, or even, sandy, subsoil, if we may judge from the successive crops of potatoes which the Indians have raised from such soil. Hilly, partly wooded, grazing tracts are interspersed among the prairies and benches. Often, near arable farms, rocky hills rise 1000, 2000, and even 3000 feet — surface craggy — patches of thin soil with grass. Sheep and cattle like these hills in summer. Water. Kunning streams numerous ; springs excellent. In places, however, where the clay forms the top-soil, the water runs off, and unless you bore through the clay the water must be looked for at some little distance, where the clay is overlaid by a porous material. Many springs resemble the Bath waters, but are not unpleasant to the taste. In one place there are " brine " springs. Estimated Quantity of Farming Land. Extract, condensed from ' British Colonist,' Yictoria, August 7th, 1872. " Near Yictoria. — Say 100,000 acres, all occupied or owned. Some farms " can be bought or let ; terms higher than in places farther from the capital. " Saanich peninsula. — 37 square miles ; 64,000 acres. 200 settlers, with " farms from 50 to 1500 acres each. " Sooke. — Out of five square miles, 3750 acres fairly good, open land ; re- " mainder tolerably level wood-land. " Cowichan. — Portions surveyed (including Shawnigan, Quamichan, So- " menos, Comiaken) 100,000 acres, of which half considered superior. " Salt Spring Island — area, 90 square miles ; 5750 acres, good. 80 settlers. "iSTanaimo district (Mountain, Cranberry, and Cedar districts). 45,000 " acres ; a fair proportion superior, some light and sandy. ^ " Comox. — 50,000 acres ; none better in the world. " The above gives sufficient area for 30,000 country people, at least, and it " is known that towards Alberni and in other directions, for instance, in tho *' long narrow valley of Salmon River, there is land available for settlement." Much of the above land is covered with fine large timber. Many of the best farm-locations near existing roads — at least the best to the eye — may be expected to be already taken up or occupied ; but there certainly is room yet for numerous settlers. This will be more clearly seen as communicationa are improved. It is said that Victoria buys a quantity of beef every year from the opposite American territory, and that butter could lately be imported from Montreal at a profit. The facilities for dairy farming are excellent in British Columbia. The truth is that many farms are occupied by non-practical 40 VANCOUVER ISLAND. farmers, who are merely waiting to sell their farms. The climate, scenery, and abundance of game and fish have had the effect of making this class of land-holder rather numerous. They will give place in time to the right class — as pictured by Franklin : — " Farmer at the plough, Wife milking cow. Daughters spinning yarn. Boys thrashing in the barn, All happy as a charm." Land here must continue to rise in value, and the practical farmer is sure of a good yield from his farm, and a market for what he produces. The settlers are hospitable, and will give anyone a warm welcome, particularly if he is disposed to help himself. Interior of the Island. I do not think there is very much farming land in the interior of the island anywhere in mass, though detached pieces near lakes and in valleys would, no doubt, make a considerable area, if all were put together. The mountains in the interior cross and re-cross, interlaced by valleys, generally wooded. Some of these valleys are of good size, and the soil is fertile. Many of the larger lakes have steep sides ; the streams are rapid, and often have rocky banks. Nearly all the smaller lakes and rivers, however, have a good deal of low land near them, swampy or liable to overflow, but capable of being brought into cultivation. Jn hollows among the hills also are marshy tracts, easily drained, which, if there is a subsoil, will make fine farms. Mode of clearing Land. The immigrant is often attracted by a fern-covered prairie, or by " brush " land, covered only with alders, willows, &c. The fern is troublesome, and is only entirely removed by successive crop- ping. It is cut year after year in early summer, and the land then ploughed and cross ploughed. Some use tiles for wet fern lands. In reclaiming " brush " land, one way is to make an open ditch, three feet wide, and as deep as the drainage will admit. Next summer the vegetable matter on the surface will burn, which kills the roots, and frequently lays the brush as though it had been "slashed;" burn again the following summer, and with a little labour the land will be ready for winter wheat. Another way which is adopted often on bottom land, timbered with maple, ash, and only a few firs, is to " slash " (cut small growth) all but the large growth, felling all one way as much as possible. The best time to do this is through the months of June or July, when the sap is at its highest. After the trees have lain one or two months fire is set to them in different places. When there is much small brush, it should be piled upon the larger growth. Care must be taken before fire is set that there is no brush or other inflammable substance near the dwelling or out- buildings. Some farmers cut the vine-maple off about six feet from the ground ; take a yoke of cattle, " hitch on" to the top of these stubs, and " snake" them out. The soil being loose and the main roots near the top of the ground, it is not difficult to cut with an axe any root that may hold fast. I have seen patches of excellent wheat, the ground for which^had never been ploughed up. The farmer stated that after " snaking " out the roots and sowinsf the wheat VANCOUVER ISLAND. 41 he took a yoke of cattle and dragged a large brush, made of branches, over the ground, to smooth it down and cover the wheat. The crop on one of the patches (a few acres) was a volunteer crop (second year without sowing), and promised to be g®od. The large trees on a heavily wooded farm are usually felled in the following way : — Take a long shanked auger, and in a standing tree bore two holes, one above the other, at an angle, so that they will meet some distance inside. Introduce lighted pitch faggots into the upper hole. The iiame draws air from the lower hole, and acts like a blow pipe. The inside of the tree beneath the sap bui-ns quickly, and in a short time a huge furnace roars, which can often be heard ^at a considerable distance. The sappy outside does not burn, and thus a mere shell of the tree is left. This shell is chopped through on the side of the tree on which it is desired it should fall, and the tree comes down with a crash. The usual price for "slashing" is from ten to twelve dollars (40s. to 48s. English) per acre, cutting all down (except the large growth) and piling it up ready for burning. The best and cheapest team a farmer can have is a good yoke of cattle. They can make their own living, and it costs but little to rig them for work. They are the best adapted for the kind of work usually done on a new farm. Course of Cropping. After breaking up new land, perhaps a first crop of peas or oats is put in, or it is left as a summer fallow until the early part of October, when wheat is put into the ground. The crops commonly raised are — wheat, barle}^, oats, and peas. The green crops are — turnips (swedes), mangel-wurzel, vetches, potatoes, and all kinds of vegetables ; cabbages and pumpkins attaining a very great size. Of the cereals, wheat does best ; of the leguminous plants, peas are the mosL profitable. Nowhere does the potato flourish more, or have a better flavour ; it is grown in great quantities by the natives. The rotation of crops in virgin soil is, wheat after fallow, then a crop of peas ; wheat again, or oats ; and then a fallow is made for turnips ; and by this time the land will be pretty clean. After turuips, a crop of barley or oats (spring sown) is raised and followed by potatoes, the land being well manured, and thus mended. After this, farming operations are conducted on the same rotation four-course system as in Great Britain. The above rotation, however, may be exchanged for whatever expediency dictates. The following are the usual quantities of seed sown per acre : — of wheat, li bushels ; barley, 2i bushels ; oats, 2i to 3 bushels ; peas, 2 to 2^ bushels, vetches, 2h bushels. The sowing times for oats, barley, peas, and tares are from middle of March to end of April, These crops are harvested 1st of August to end of September. Potatoes are planted in March and April, and are gathered early part of November. Turnips sown between 1st June and middle of July, and are gathered with the potatoes. Autumn cultivation not yet common. Clovers, lucerne, and trefoil are good fodder plants. Sown in October, they give bulky spring crops. Alsyke clover the best perennial ; crimson clover should be cut in flower. Lucerne likes light sandy soil, with calcareous subsoil — S years' successive crops. Trefoil, dry, 42 VANCOUVEK ISLAND. elevated pastures, deep roots, remains green long ; cattle like it. Other plants, sainfoin, tares, rye-grass, fescue grasses, do well sown in autumn. Pkoduction on Good Faems in South-Easteen and Eastern Disteiots of Vancouvee Island in 1874. Wheat from 30 to 35 bushels per acre. Barley „ 40 „ 45 Oats „ 50 „ CO Pease „ 40 „ 45 „ „ Potatoes „ 150 „ 200 „ „ Turnips „ 20 „ 25 tons ,, Timothy hay about 2 „ ,, Hops (equal to the best Kentish), 1000 to 1700 lbs. per acre. Butter, per cow, after feeding calf, about 150 lbs. per annum. Apples, pears, plums, cherries, white and red raspberries, red, white, and black currants, and most kinds of fruit thrive remarkably well. Apples have measured 13 inches in circumference, and weighed 19 ounces, and been well flavoured and good for cooking or eating. Pears, many of them 11 inches in circumference, juicy, and fine flavour. Common winter cabbage have grown 3 to 4 feet in circumference. Eed cabbage and cauliflower equally large and sound. Carrots, parsnips, onions large. Tomatoes equal to the best English. Cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, and poultry do well ; sheep (South Down), mutton choice, fleeces light, wool good ; pigs easily reared ; wolves and panthers (not dangerous to man) sometimes kill pigs and sheep. The average production, of course, is not likely to be so good as the above over a number of years, even if an intelligent system of farming should be the rule ; but the emigrant may see from the above the capabilities of the soil. In England it is believed that the average production is — wheat, 28 to 30 bushels ; barley, 35 to 40 bushels ; potatoes, about 160 bushels, or 4 tons. The following Table will show to the reader the — Estimated Aveeage Yield, per Statute Acee, of the Peincipal Coen Ceops, and of Potatoes in various Beitish Colonies. COLONI New South Wales . . . . Victoria < South Australia . . < Tasmania < New Zealand . . . . ■< Natal Cape of Good Hope Years (ended 31st March in some Colonies). W^heat. Barley. Oats. I^Iaize. Potatoes. 1869-70 Bushels. 16-90 Bushels. 16-24 Bushels. 23-16 Bushels. 38-12 Tons. 3-16 1869-70 1870-71 19-75 10-10 24-55 12-26 25-98 14-98 20-50 19-75 3-10 3-27 1869-70 1870-71 5-74 11-51 8-99 14-74 14-82 14-28 •• 3-60 2-83 1869-70 1870-71 16-10 15-63 23-09 21-23 25-71 22-34 •• 3-63 3-67 1869-70 1870-71 27-27 23-56 31-14 25-26 33-47 31-21 5-44 5-14 1869 12-27 C The pro I partly luce of thes< cut green f 3 crops is \ or fodder, j Bushels. 131-3 1865 6-87 8-9^ 4-35 6-48 •• TAXCOr-N'EE ISLAXD. 4a I may also invite attention to tlie — Estimated Average Yield, per Statute Acee, of the Peixcipal Coen Cbops, and of Potatoes, in liiPESiAL Bushels, in various Foreign COUNTEIES. Date Wheat Cor>~rEiE<. I of and Barley. Ptetums. Spelt. ; Oats. Eve. Beans and Peas. Maize. Potatoe; Sweden . . Xorway . . Prussia . . Wurtemburg Holland .. Belgium , . France Portugal . . Spain , . . . Austria . . Greece United States Bushels. Bushels. Bushe 1S69 1865 22-3 28-4 1867 17-1 25-1 1870 40-0 23-6 1869 25-7 41-7 1866 22-8 34-9 1869 17-1 20-9 1865 8-9 11-1 185t 23-3 24-3 1870 14-3 16-1 1867 13-2 18-8 1869 13-2 27-1 Bushels.: Bushels. I 35-8 26-2 39-3 41-2 25-6 18-6 18-1 19-0 29-6 16-7 20-1 20-6 24-6 15*5 6-7 8-4 14-6 Bushels. Bushels 10-4 19 -6 17-5 14-1 24-4 23-2 13-8 Bushels 91-2 162-7 151-1 108-5 I 106-3 As regards the United States, 17 bushels of ^vheat per acre may be assumed as the wheat average of Minnesota ; Ohio, 9*96 ; Illinois from year to year not more than 8 bushels. Four States only, by the census of 1850, reached an average of 15 bushels per acre. Oats average, say 19 to 30 bushels. Potatoes 75 to 120 bushels per acre. The following Articles of Produce and Stock were Exhibited at the Provixcial Farming Show, Yictoria, 1874, also at the Saanich Show (close to Yictoria), and at the Cowichan, Chemanis, and Salt Spring Show, held at Maple Bay (up the east coast, 45 miles from Yictoria). Pure Short-horn Durham bull ; other bulls ; bull-calves ; work oxen : cows ; rams ; ewes ; boars ; sows ; stallions ; brood mares ; saddle, carriage, and draught horses. Wheat; barley: oats; peas; hops. Turnips (Swedish and white) ; mangel-wurzel ; carrots \ beet ; cattle- cabbage. Turkeys ; geese ; ducks ; dorking-fowls ; salt and fresh ; cheese. Apples ; pears ; peaches ; plums ; grapes ; Potatoes ; cabbages ; lettuces ; parsnips ; celery ; beets ; onions ; melons ; tomatoes ; Agricultural implements ; ploughs ; thrashing machines ; salmon barrelled and preserved in tins ; currant wines ; cider ; beer ; cranberries in barrels : waggons ; harness, &c. The same as the above, in quantity per acre, and in quality can be pro- duced by the district of Xanaimo — (a flourishiag coal port, 79 miles from Yictoria) and by Coniox district, farther up the east coast, 134 miles fro-m Yictoria. pigeons ; rabbits ; eggs ; butter, quinces ; peas ; maize, vegetable-marrows ; cauliflowers ; pumpkins ; squashes ; cucumbers. 44 VANCOUVER ISLAND. Comox is a picturesque settlement — in one locality 12,000 acres well watered and dotted with oaks and alders — fine stock and crops at Comox — also church, school, &c. Comox looks much to Nanaimo as a market. Prices of Farm Stock. Victoria Maeket, 1874. English. Beef cattle, dressed weight 12 to 16 cents per lb. £0 5f to £0 8 Cows with calves, 35 to 60 dollars each .. .. 7 „ 12 Dry cows, 30 dollars each GOO Calves, 10 to 17 dollars each 2 „ 3 8 Yearlings (good), 20 to 30 dollars each .. .. 4 ,, 6 Two-year olds, 25 to 37 dollars each 5 „ 7 8 Three-year olds, 40 to 42 dollars each .. .. 800,, 880 Pigs dressed, 12i to 13 cents per lb 6 „ 6^ Chickens, 4^ dollars per dozen 18 Eggs, 30 to 75 cents per dozen .. 1 2-^- „ 3 Prices of Farm Stock (presumed "in gold"), in 1874, at Olympia (140 miles by sea from Victoria), on the United States Territory, whence Stock reaches Victoria Market, paying 10 per cent, ad valorem duty. Beef cattle on foot, 8 to 10 cents per lb. market well stocked. English. Milk cows, 40 to 50 dollars each £8 to £10 Yeal calves, 8 to 10 dollars each 1 12 „ 2 . Yearlings, 10 to 15 dollars each 200 ,,300 Two-year olds, 20 to 22 dollars each 4 „ 4 8 Work cattle, 150 to 250 dollars per yoke (pair).. 30 „ 50 Sheep, 3^ to 4 dollars each 14 „ 16 Pigs (dressed), 11 to 12^ cents per lb 5^ „ 6 Hides, 4 to 5 dollars each 16 „ 1 2 Work-horses, 150 dollars (30?. English) each for good ones; common, 30 to 40 dollars (