1920-21 DEPAETMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS. 79 



In explanation of part of this excess I would point out that on working 

 out the departures of the courses and distances given on the right of way plan 

 of the Canadian Northern Eailway there are surpluses found on two sections, viz, : — 



Surplus. 



Across lots 7 to 12, Halkirk 2c.81 



Across Rainy Lake, from west boundary, Lot 36 Watten to I. R. line, 

 thence west following I. R. lines to Carpenter base, this all being 

 my own chainage 7c.91 



Also that in every case where I have rechained Niven's lines I have found 

 excess, in the lines included in this plan these surpluses show: — 



Sxirplus. 



South boundaries. Potts and Fleming Oc.86 



South boundary, Dance and North boundary Miscampbell Oc.83 



West boundary of Potts, between Niven's posts Ic75 



Soil. 



None of the land in the vicinity of these, lines is of any value for agricultural 

 purposes. The whole of the country is formed of rocky ridges with swamps, 

 lakes and streams in the valleys between. 



Timber. 



The accompanying timber plan shows that practically the whole of the area 

 included has been burnt over. The probable dates of these fires has been deter- 

 mined from the apparent age of the second growth timber, and has been indicated 

 on the plan. This second growth is nearly all jack pine, with poplar, birch 

 and spruce, only in a few places is there any second growth of red or white pine, 

 these places are also indicated on the plan. When these fires passed over the 

 country most of the large pine escaped destruction; all of this has since been 

 cut, with the exception of scattering trees far from water, so that there is now 

 no merchantable timber left except between my 3rd meridian and the 7th meridian, 

 where the spruce and cedar swamps escaped the fires, and which are yet of value 

 for pulpwood and cedar poles and posts. The tamarac in all these swamps has been 

 killed by the Larch Fly. 



Minerals. 



No work has been done for many years on any of the locations which 

 are shown on the plan, nor is it possible to give any estimate of their value. 

 That many of the veins carry gold and other minerals in what should be paying 

 quantities is undoubted, but so far mining has not been successful. It is certain, 

 however, that in the future there will be renewed activity in mining in this 

 district. The only evidence of any activity in the vicinity of the lines is between 

 Furlonge and Stonedam Lakes, where several mining claims have been staked 

 out and assessment work done on deposits of copper and iron pyrites. North 

 of the base line, on Schist Lake, there is a good showing of iron ore on which 

 some test pits have been sunk. Transportation difficulties, however, render these 

 claims of little value at the present time. 



