1909-10 DEPAKTMENT OF LANDS, FOEESTS AND MINES. 79 



ing the west boundaries of Unwin, Leask, McNamara and Beaumont to its intersec- 

 tion with the base line run by O.L.S. Proudfoot in 1888, and at the same time com- 

 pleting the north boundaries of the two last named townships as they were 

 passed. 



The base lines were run as six mile chords of a parallel of Mitude and 

 frequent observations were taken throughout the survey to verify the accuracy 

 of the work. The lines Were well cut out and well blazed and a substantial 

 wooden post was planted at the end of each mile and marked in Roman numerals, 

 on the east or the south side, with the number of the mile counted west or north 

 from the township corner. Where loose stones were convenient a mound was 

 built around the post, bearing trees were also blazed and marked at each post. 

 At each township corner an iron post I14 inches in diameter was planted beside 

 the wooden post and both were marked with the names of the adjacent townships. 



The country included within the limits of this survey is for the most part 

 rocky, much of it is extremely hilly and very little of it is suitable for agri- 

 cultural purposes. The greater part of it is drained by the Wahnapitae River, 

 which is, throughout the most of its length, a swift flowing stream broken by 

 numerous rapids. During low water the volume of the flow is small and therefore 

 it will not have much value for the development of power. Through the kindness 

 of Mr. W. R. Rogers of the Bureau of Mines I am able to show a correct map of 

 this river and of Burwash and Welcome Lakes. 



The Sturgeon River drains the Township of McLeod and the eastern part of 

 Haentschel Above the junction of the Stull branch it is a small stream and little 

 used as a canoe route 



The Vermilion River crosses the south-west corner of Beaumont and drains 

 most of that township and the western part of McNamara. This stream is also 

 small during low water. 



The main line of the Canadian Northern Railway here follows closely the 

 west bank of the Vermilion. At the time of survey the work of grading was 

 well advanced and the rails have since been laid. 



The country is fairly well timbered. White pine of medium quality was 

 found scattered over a considerable portion of the area. Jack pine of good size 

 and quality is found in large quantities in some townships, there is also a large 

 amount of spruce suitable for pulpwood and some poplar, balsam and white birch. 



There was considerable activity among prospectors in the northern part of 

 the country this year, a great many claims have been staked and some promising 

 indications of silver are said to have been found. 



Very few fish were found in the lakes and streams and small game was scarce. 

 Red deer were scarce but moose were plentiful and a few bears and beaver were seen. 



Accompanying this report are the field notes of the survey and a map of the 

 townships outlined and a timber plan 



I have the honour to be. 



Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



(Signed) James Hutcheon. 



The Honourable, The Minister of Lands, Forests and Mines, 



Toronto, Ont. 



