152 NOTES ON MANITOBA. 
known as the ‘ Fertile Belt” and that the southern part about which 
so little was said, was set down, or assumed, to be arid and of slight 
value ; an opinion still generally prevalent and mainly fostered by 
writers whose views have been based on a misinterpretation of Capt. 
Palliser’s remarks. 
The survey of the International Boundary and the establishment 
of the Mounted Police Force in 1874, tended in some degree to 
dispel the cloud which hung over the south. Their frequent journeys 
have done much since then in the same direction, yet in the minds 
of the general public, and even of many others who should be better 
informed, the old prejudice, in a measure, exists against it. 
In this position of the question the past only repeated itself. 
How many are the instances of wealth unknown having passed for 
centuries under the eye of the dwellers on the spot unappreciated 
and untouched 4 
In our day the growth of the Dominion, demanding a through 
communication from east to west, and the exigencies of the over- 
populated countries of the old world, have brought it about, that we 
should be the means of enlightening the world as to the extent of the 
resources of the “Great North-West,” and in so doing, possibly of 
acting as special agents, fulfilling the beneficent intentions of the 
all-wise Creator. 
Explorers have traversed its length, and settlers have here and 
there dotted the new land and the reports of one and the other only 
stimulate us to further research. 
Amongst those sent out to explore, I was first commissioned by 
Mr. Fleming, in 1872, to examine the flora of the prairies between 
Winnipeg and Edmonton. The same year I was despatched in com- 
pany with Mr. Charles Horetzki to explore the Peace River and 
examine the country on its banks. The results were the discovery 
of the low passes through the Rocky Mountains and of an extensive 
tract of fertile country, since known as the Peace River District. 
In 1875, I accompanied Mr. Selwyn, Director of the Geological 
Survey, in the capacity of botanist, to British Columbia and from 
thence by the Peace River Pass to the east of the Rocky Mountains. 
Circumstances compelled me to descend the Peace River from the 
Rocky Mountains to Lake Arthabaska and I was thus enabled to 
see the country as far north as lat. 59°. Turning eastward at this 
point a journey of 1,200 miles brought me to Winnipeg. 
