1921-22 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 71 



Instrument Work. 



Light Mountain Gurley and Ainsworth transits were used. Stellar ob- 

 servations were taken as frequently as possible. Our observations were all 

 calculated, and as a check we used curves previously plotted in our office for 

 the proper latitude and longitude of the work. These curves, without calcula- 

 tion, give the bearing of the Pqle Star at any time to the nearest minute. Time 

 corrections were frequently made by observation. 



Chainage, 



400 link chains were used and slope distances taken when necessary and 

 corrected with the use of a clinometer and slope tables. The tapes were properly 

 tested and the chainers were duly sworn. 



Posts and Bearing Trees. 



The most durable wood obtainable was selected for posts. With only a 

 few exceptions, no great difficulty was experienced in planting the iron posts. 

 When possible, small trees were marked for Bearing trees. The trees were 

 chosen as nearly opposite one another as possible. 



Blazing of Lines 



One man on the party was made responsible for the blazing of the line 

 and the results obtained were satisfactory. 



Timber and Soil. 



It will be observed on the maps that the Abitibi and Mattagami Rivers 

 drop several hundred feet in a short distance. The country lying between 

 these rivers drops in much the same manner. This feature naturally affects 

 the timber conditions. Above and below this drop the country is comparatively 

 level. The upper level is a fairly good clay and mostly covered by spruce forest. 

 In places there are areas from which good pulp wood cuts could be taken, and 

 there are other areas on which the timber is yet too small to be of present value. 

 The width of the area over the drop is about 15 miles. The soil here is sandy 

 and the timber, where not touched by fire, though sometimes scattered, is large. 

 The timber in this area consists of spruce, birch, poplar and balsam. 



On the lower level the timber is also small, but we believe there are some 

 fairly good pulp wood areas. Most of this part of the country seen by us had 

 just recently been burned, however. We are unable to state definitely as to 

 the exact area burned, but an approximate estimate would be between 30 and 

 40 square miles. We are informed that the fire commenced about June 25th 

 and it lasted until extinguished by heavy rains on July 20th. The soil on this 

 area is clay, with a tendency to be slightly sandy in spots, but on the whole is 

 good. Along the most northerly portion of our meridian line the ground was 

 very swampy and the timber, which was chiefly tamarac, small. 



East of the Mattagami River there appears to be a large area that was 

 burned years ago, which has since grown up with poplar. West of the Matta- 

 gami in the vicinity of our first base line the timber is spruce and very good. 



