1915-16 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS, FOEESTS AND MINES. 81 



half. Through the entire valley of the Black Sturgeon river good spruce was met 

 with, both as regards quantity and quality. Excellent piling could be secured 

 here to meet demands, now most urgent, for this in the cities of Port Arthur and 

 Fort William — but some little difficulty would be encountered in getting this out, 

 most of my men believing that the river would give trouble in handling of piling 

 over 45 ft. in length. This belt of good spruce extends approximately a half mile 

 on each side of the river. Some banksian pine is found along the hills bordering 

 the river, this pine running from 3 to 10 inches in diameter. Throughout the 

 township, some poplar is to be found, this for the greater part being small in size. 

 In concluding these remarks on the timber, I would state that I have not seen a 

 township much better timbered than Hele. The spruce is large, it is found in 

 liberal quantities. I beg to refer you to my timber plan for details as to the timber 

 in the several separate lots. You will note that the better timber is to be found 

 on the land best adapted for farming. 



Game. 



Moose and red deer are very plentiful in this township. In the river are to be 

 found pike and black bass, no trout. The pike run to a large size. 



Lakes. 



The lakes met with in the survey of this township were of clear, cold water, 

 fed by small streams from the hills.. For the most part the banks are rocky. No 

 fish were to be found in the lakes. 



EOADS. 



There are, of course, no roads in this township. It is easily accessible, how- 

 ever, from Nipigon by roads through Nepigon township and from Hurkett on the 

 C.P.E. by trails and roads through Stirling township. With the exception of the 

 lots bordering the Black Sturgeon river, the greater number of the lots could be 

 reached by roads following the several concessions and lot lines of the survey. In 

 most parts of the township these could be easily built at a comparatively small cost. 



In conclusion I beg to state that throughout the survey of this township I have 

 carefully followed my instructions with regard to the same. I have put special 

 attention upon the soil and timber, and I believe my notes will fully cover all the 

 lots as regards these details. I beg to enclose herewith plan and field notes, 

 traverse plans and notes of the Black Sturgeon river and lakes. Trusting that my 

 work and the report upon the same, may be found to be satisfactory, 



I have the honour to be, Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



(Signed) M. E. Crouch, 



Ontario Land Surveyor. 



The Honourable, the Minister of Lands, Forests and Mines, 

 Toronto, Ont. 



