DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS FOR 1933 85 



Magnetic Declination 



Magnetic readings of the compass, at different points, were taken through- 

 out the survey. Five readings of the compass were taken at each observation 

 point and were recorded in books especially supplied for that purpose. General 

 remarks such as time, place, weather, or the presence of the Aurora were noted 

 and recorded. 



Nature of the Country 



The area of that part of McKay, over which my operations extended, 

 is for the greater part very rocky and mountainous, and consequently not 

 adapted for agricultural purposes. The south-westerly portion of the Town- 

 ship is drained by the North and South branch of the Indian River, and a few 

 enterprising settlers from the Township to the south, have cultivated and 

 harvested small areas of meadow lands that nestle along these streams. There 

 are also a few small meadows, south of the south branch of the Petawawa River 

 on the easterly side of the Township, that supplies a small return of hay. 

 There are a few small lakes in the Township, only one, Johnny Lake being of 

 any size. 



A wagon road, apparently maintained from the time of early lumbering 

 operations, runs from the south-easterly angle of the Township, north-westerly 

 to lot twenty-five concession five, and from there northerly to the dam on the 

 Petawawa River. This road along with numerous other logging roads and 

 trails serves as avenues of travel for the fire rangers of the Ontario Forestry 

 Branch, and assisted us materially in camp movement. 



While there are no settlers, within the limits of the area surveyed, there 

 are a few log cabins along this wagon road, the Petawawa River and two of 

 the lakes. These no doubt serve as shelters for the trappers, hunters and 

 fishermen on their excursions into this country. 



Although early lumbering operations have removed most of the virgin 

 timber, this country is still more or less heavily wooded. From the presence 

 of the charred remains of stumps and tree trunks, many years ago a devastat- 

 ing fire must have spread over the greater part of this Township. 



The greater part of the area surveyed is timbered with poplar, birch, 

 jack pine, oak and balsam with scattered red and white pine. Hemlock, 

 beech and maple follow many of the ridges with the cedar, spruce and tamarac 

 growing in the swamps. In the north-westerly part of the Township there is 

 a good stand of red pine, intermixed with a scattering of white pine, ranging 

 from 4" to 13" in diameter. 



From the number of mining claim posts to be seen on the ground and 

 later moved by the prospectors to the lot corners established by me, readily 

 lead one to believe that some little interest is being entertained of a possible 

 mining industry springing up in this locality. While up to the present, only 

 feldspar deposits have been found in paying quantities, the miners claim to 

 have discovered a trace of other more valuable minerals. I might say, that 

 this prospecting activity is confined to the south-westerly portion of the 

 Township. 



Taking advantage of the easy access to this country by automobile and 

 motor boat and attracted by the beauties and bounties of nature, many tourists 



