88 REPORT OF THE No. 3 



concession six and seven there is a steep clay bank rising some thirty feet 

 in height, and at its foot a niimber of springs break forth. The water in 

 these springs is exceptionally clear and has a slight saline taste as if it had 

 passed through strata containing common salt. 



Berries of various kinds were abundant, including high-bush cran- 

 berries and elderberries. Wild strawberries were exceptionally large and 

 abundant, ripening in August, A notable characteristic of the forest pro- 

 ducts of this part of the country is the immense number and great variety 

 of species of the fungi. The wet season was apparently conducive to the 

 growth of these forms of vegetable life, although even in the dry season of 

 last year we observed large numbers of them, and from the middle of August 

 they began to multiply in astonishing numbers and almost endless variety 

 of form. Many edible species were observed, and this locality would 

 abundantly repay the visit and close study of a competent mycologist, and 

 would doubtless furnish new species to be added to the already long list of 

 fungi. Could some one be induced to undertake the work and publish a 

 reliable guide to the edible species, it would prove of great value, and 

 enable the sojourner in the woods to add a very acceptable item to his bill 

 of fare. 



Very little game of any description was seen, only one moose and that 

 one within the boundaries of the township. We have before noticed the dis- 

 appearance of the grouse in the autumn of 1905, whether from being snowed 

 under or other cause is unknown, and they have since been very scarce. 

 This condition does not appear to be local but by the accounts of others to 

 apply to the whole northern district. These birds were plentiful in the 

 neighborhood of the Matagami River in September of 1905, and upon our 

 return there in November had practically disappeared. At the latter date 

 there was about a foot of snow. Beaver appear to have been entirely killed 

 out in this part, and considering the importance of this valuable and inter- 

 esting animal, both as a fur producer and a conserver of water supply in 

 forest areas, an inquiry should be instituted into the cause of its disappear- 

 ance, and a remedy, if possible, applied. We have heard fur dealers claim 

 that over protection was the cause, the families becoming too numerous, but 

 from our own observation believe the reverse to be true. Bird life, includ- 

 ing many of our common southern species, was well represented. 



Referring to the item in our instructions in regard to the right of way 

 of the Transcontinental Railway, we found that the survey parties engaged 

 in this location were still in doubt as to the exact final location and were 

 still working when we left, in the Township of Calder, with the possible 

 chance of cutting the present township close to the southwest corner. We 

 are consequently unable to shew this location on our plans. 



We have the honor to be. 



Sir, 

 Your obedient Servants, 



(Signed) Cavana & Watson. 



The Honorable, 



The Minister of Lands, Forests and Mines, 

 Toronto, Ont. 



Ta L.M. 



