TIMBER 167 



productive soil between Campbell River and Comox 

 Bay. Minerals abound in this locality as well as 

 timber. The latter consists of Douglas fir, cedar and 

 western hemlock, probably unexcelled by anything 

 in the world. 



The Douglas fir takes the first place, and grows 

 as far as 51° north, where it gives place to 

 cedar, hemlock, cypress and spruce. The firs along 

 the coast grow to the height of 300 feet, with a cir- 

 cumference of 30 to 50 feet at the base. This timber 

 is of high commercial value and to it may be added 

 white pine, tamarack, balsam, maple and cottonwood. 



There are about 160 sawmills in British Columbia, 

 and close upon ;6^4,ooo,ooo of capital invested in the 

 trade. It has been increasing year by year. The 

 demand for cutting timber has become so great that 

 the Government have discontinued the granting of 

 licences. 



Pulpwood which is found along the ocean border 

 supplies material for paper manufacture, and mills 

 have sprung up for working it. Their position on 

 the coast facilitates export trade with Asia and 

 Australia. It is predicted that British Columbia will 

 be in a position to furnish half the civilized world 

 with paper in its numerous forms. It must not be 

 thought that the vastness of British Columbia pre- 

 cludes the more concentrated human element in its 

 industries. There are charming details in the form 

 of pretty sheltered homesteads which might well 



