COMMERCIAL VALVE OF KELP-BEDS 39 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 38a 



SUMMARY. 



The kelp beds of the British Columbia waters can supply far more potash and 

 iodine than the amounts used at present in Canada. Large quantities could probably 

 be marketed at a profit at pre-war rates. Should the present war be of long duration, 

 all Canadian requirements can be met from this source. In any event, the industry, 

 carried on on a moderate «cale, would almost certainly be lucrative. 



Definite evidence is adduced that the growth of kelp is largely dependent on the 

 salinity of the containing water. Macrocystis pyrifera requires a more saline habitnt 

 than Nereocystis liltheana. Both species grov/ more luxuriantly the more saline the 

 containing water. 



GHAUTS ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE REPORT. 



Chart I. A general outline of the British Columbia coast, showing areas charted 

 (thick lines) and areas examined but not charted (dotted lines). 



Chart II. — Detailed map of kelp area A, from the international line, Juan de Fuca 

 straits, to Ballenas island, near Nanoose bay. , 



Chart ITI. — Detailed map of kelp area C, in Queen Charlotte sound. 



(This report received for publication October, 1914.) — E. E. P. 



