[stansfield] the "BURN-OUT" DISTRICT 65 



or more^ Practically no tests as deep as these requirements have been 

 made over the greater part of. the area involved, so that the part of 

 the problem which concerns the water supply may be regarded as of 

 small difficulty once the necessary finances are available. The settler 

 with capital would experience less trouble with regard to water-supply 

 than the one who would have to make the money to pay for a well 

 before being able to call in the driller. 



Requirements for Successful Development of the "Burn-Out" 



District. 



Type of Settlers. The qualities essential to success in the "burn- 

 out" district have been indicated above, and it may be said that the 

 most important part of the problem will be the careful choosing of the 

 right types from the country's immigrants to take up farms in this 

 district. In addition to the correct psychological characteristics, a 

 certain amount of capital would be a great help along the road to 

 success. 



It is probable that some of the immigrants from Europe will do 

 best under the circumstances to be found in the "burn-out" district. 



Government Policy. An adequate government policy can only be 

 arrived at by means of discussion of the problem from all angles. 

 The problem should be recognized as one of national importance, the 

 solution of which should be to the interests of all citizens irrespective 

 of political faiths. 



As contributions to the discussion, the writer will suggest the two 

 following possible lines of action, viz., aid to settlers and establish- 

 ment of an experimental station. 



Aid to Settlers. The question of the possible financial aid to set- 

 tlers possessing the requisite human qualities for success, but lacking 

 sufficient capital to start the heavy battle with little chance except 

 that of being swamped by circumstances, is one that should receive 

 due consideration. Government loans with extensions of time, with- 

 out loss of title, when needed, along with considerate treatment, 

 would lighten the burden in difficult cases, should such arise. 



Experimental Statiofi. The area of the "burn-out" district being 

 discussed is sufficiently large to have an experimental station (if not 

 more than one) devoted to its problems. Such an experimental station 

 should be located where the "burn-out" conditions are at their worst, 

 should include at least one section of land, and should be in charge 



' Summary Report, Geol. Surv. Can., 1917, p. 44 C, and also Summary Report, 

 Geol. Surv. Can., 1918, p 45 C. 



