1922-23 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 79 



for six or seven miles to the west. The area burnt by these fires extends from 

 beyond our south boundary. The fires were only stopped on the north by 

 the extensive muskegs in the northern parts of the townships of Emerson and 

 Hamlet. 



East of the Mattagami River practically the only timber left is in the 

 spruce swamps comprising not more than twenty per cent, of the area. Some 

 of this is of a size suitable for pulpwood. The second growth is largely birch 

 and poplar or alders and willow. An exception to this is on some of the sand 

 hills in the northern part of the townships of Howells and Sheldon. On them 

 a dense growth of young jack pine has sprung up. 



West of the Mattagami River, the destruction is not so complete. Several 

 areas of a few square miles have escaped. Along the south boundary of the 

 township of Mowbray in particular, we saw some good pulpwood. In the 

 southerly part of the township of Harmon there is a considerable area of green 

 bush. This is a mixed stand of jack pine, spruce, poplar and birch. The 

 second growth west of the Mattagami River seems of a more valuable quality 

 than that east of the river. 



Rock 



Little rock was seen on the lines of survey. The rock observed was granite 

 or granite gneiss. Rock is exposed on the banks of the Mattagami River in 

 many places, and in the gorge of the Pike River mentioned above. No econ- 

 omic minerals were identified. 



Water Power 



Traverses of the Mattagami and Opazatika Rivers have been obtained 

 by your department. A causal inspection is sufficient to show that large 

 development of power is possible on the Mattagami River and to a lesser extent 

 on the Opazatika. The surveys of the rivers will, of course, indicate the power 

 possibilities better than any estimate by us. The Pike River is too small and 

 distant to offer any inducement for the immediate development of water power. 



Canoe Routes 

 We reached the scene of our work via the Mattagami River, from Smooth 

 Rock Falls, but after the first trip, utilized the Ground Hog River instead 

 above the junction of the two rivers. This is the shorter and better route. 

 The route via the Ground Hog River and the Mattagami River, is considered 

 to be the best one from Moose Factory to the railway. The portages are in 

 excellent condition. The Opazatika is said to be good between our crossing and 

 the railway and below that to be difficult except at the higher stages of water. 

 The Pike River is not travelled. 



Fish and Game 

 Moose were plentiful, especially in the area west of the Mattagami River. 

 Partridge and rabbits were seen more often than usual. Beaver work was 

 fairly common. The head waters of the Pike River are well stocked with 

 speckled, trout and the fishermen of the party made some good catches of pike 

 and pickerel in the Mattagami River. 



We have the honour to be, Sir, 

 Your obedient servants, 



Speight & vanNostrand, 

 Ontario Land Surveyors. 

 The Honourable Minister of Lands and Forests, 

 Toronto, Ontario. 



