60 EEPORT OF THE No. 3 



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And again continuing west, astronomically, I intersected O.L.S. Speight's 

 meridian run in 1910, from the 108th mile post of O.L.S. Niven's base line, near 

 the 18th mile post thereof. 



The above mentioned lines were well cut out and the adjacent trees blazed 

 on three sides in the usual manner, and hewn posts were planted as shown in the 

 notes, care being taken to plant these posts firmly; where possible a mound of 

 stones was erected about the post, and when the point came in a lake or river the 

 post was planted at the nearest suitable point and the proper chainage in miles, 

 chains and links carved thereon. 



Iron posts were planted as shown in the notes, but were not planted at all 

 points as instructed on account of a consignment going astray when forwarded 

 by freighters from Chapleau, which I regret very much. 



At frequent intervals throughout the survey observations on Polaris were 

 taken for obtaining azimuth and the magnetic declination which varied between 

 5 degrees and 8 degrees west of the meridian was noted and entered in the field 

 notes. ..-ii _A -J 



Throughout the survey the chainbearers were duly impressed with the im- 

 portance of their duties and of the need of great care to obtain accuracy in their 

 measurements. 



Natural Features. 



The district through which my lines run seems for the most part to be rolling 

 land with a predominance of swampy land, especially along the route of the 

 Canadian Northern Eailway, which traverses this district diagonally. North of 

 this branch of the Canadian Northern Railway (under construction) and between 

 the Kapuskasing River and the Mlissinaibi River is a belt of good agricultural 

 land for the most part being a greyish clay loam with a light grey clay subsoil. 

 To the south there are small portions of good land but with a good deal of stone 

 and round boulders beneath the loam. The country around Gull Lake and from 

 thence easterly to the Trout River is stony land interspersed with swamp and 

 marshes. Along the Missibaibi River there is good clay land, but lighter than 

 in the interior townships to the north and east. 



Speaking generally, the three townships north of my first base line are suit- 

 able for agricultural purposes and of "the balance about fifty per cent, is good 

 land. 



No evidence of economic minerals were noted. 



Timber. 



The northeastern portion of the district is well wooded with spruce, balsam 

 and cedar of a size suitable for building operations, ties and pulpwood but con- 

 siderable tamarac was seen in the western and southern portions, especially in the 

 stony country. 



Along the second base line and southwest to the Missinaibi River and the 

 Canadian Northern Railway considerable good poplar, Balm of Gilead and some 

 pine was noted. While there is abundance of timber for use of settlers and in con- 

 struction, yet there is not that amount which would warrant extensive lumbering 

 operations. 



