1927 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 165 



Owing to lack of available flying, due to fire hazard, this photographic 

 survey work was not commenced until late in the season, when weather and 

 light conditions are not as favourable as in June and July. The largest area 

 photographed was south of the Canadian Pacific Railway between Franz and 

 Heron Bay, south to the north shore of Lake Superior, including what is known 

 locally as the "Pukaskwa Country," a very rugged and mountainous territory 

 the interior of which is very little known. During September and October, 

 when this work was being carried out, it was impossible to work south or west 

 toward Lake Superior, which made the operation all the more difficult. This 

 was due to lack of a distinct horizon which is essential in this work. 



(a) Equipment.— During the last few weeks two machines equipped with 

 Eastman K. 1 cameras were used. 



The camera mounting used this year, designed and constructed by our own 

 personnel, was much better than that used in previous years. With some 

 further slight modifications this mounting would be very satisfactory for use 

 in an H. S. 2 L. flying boat. With the new mounting it is possible to change 

 the film during the flight, which enables the camera operator to expose several 

 rolls, if necessary, on one flight. This was impossible with former equipment. 



(b) Recommendations. — (1) If possible, it would be well to plan a year in 

 advance for photographic survey work. This would enable those in the field 

 to use the available flying to better advantage. An alternative would be to 

 allot one machine for photography, providing there was sufficient work of this 

 class to warrant it. 



(2) Before next season the camera mountings should be modified to suit 

 existing conditions. 



(3) A new camera case should be constructed to contain the new K. 1 

 camera. Bo.xes should also be provided for the fittings belonging to each camera. 



(4) Arrangements should be made, if possible, to expedite delivery of new 

 film, also in the developing, in order to advise results to those in the field. This 

 would also make it possible to turn out a map of a small area within a few days 

 after the photographs were taken. 



(5) Photography should be carried out during the summer, especially the 

 early part when the days are longer, the advantages of which are quite obvious. 



With our present staff" and equipment the Forestry Branch should be in a 

 position to undertake all work of this nature that may be required within the 

 Province. 



Western Patrol 



The following is a general review of the operations in the Western Area 

 for the summer of 1926: 



The headquarters of the Western Patrol was at Sioux Lookout, with sub- 

 stations at Orient Bay, Fort Frances, Kenora and Pine Ridge. The machines 

 from these stations were used to patrol that portion of Ontario lying west of 

 the 87th meridian of longitude and about as far north as the 52nd meridian of 

 latitude. The station at Pine Ridge was established this year on account of 

 the rush of prospectors during the winter and early spring to Red, Woman, and 

 Narrow Lakes. 



The western observers, with two exceptions, were all experienced, and are 

 all recommended for similar positions next year. 



