REVIEWS OVERL.AND ROUTE TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 209 



thus in a great measure prepared for it ; and in view of the traffic then created, 

 as well as the comparative economy in construction, it might be undertaken in 

 sections by private enterprise, or in such other way as might then appear most 

 expedient. 



" I am not prepared to say that the foregoing is the best order of sequence in 

 which the several sections and stages of the work should be constructed ; it is 

 simply presented for the purpose of showing what might be accomplished by a 

 email annual expenditure. It is not at all unlikely that the peculiar nature of 

 the traffic might warrant the conversion of some section of route into a railway 

 at an early period ; possibly that section between Lake Superior and Red River 

 would be the first to require the change, which of course could be made without 

 difficulty at any time, so soon as it appeared that the trade of the country was 

 sufficient to maintain it.. The order of sequence is not important ; but it is an 

 essential part of the system proposed for opening up this vast and roadless 

 country, that every portion of work done should form a component part of a 

 perfect whole,, and that whatever expenditure is made, — whether it be one thou- 

 sand or one hundred thousand dollars, — should be laid out in the right place, in 

 accordance with a thoroughly digested and well matured plan, the great object 

 in view being to obtain the maximum result of good from the minimum amount 

 of outlay." 



We have no hesitation in ascribing to Mr. Fleming's letter a high 

 degree of practical importance, and considering it as greatly increas- 

 ing the -value of Professor Hind's very useful work. We recommend 

 not intending emigrants only, who would like in seeking the Gold 

 Mines to take the most direct route, and who think it prudent to train 

 themselves for their proposed work by the labours and hardships of 

 their journey, but thinking men and patriots generally to study this 

 httle book, and consider how far it is fitted to guide their efforts in a 

 great and noble national enterprise. We confess to a feeling of impa- 

 tience at finding that more speedy action seems hardly possible ; yet 

 we know that this is a weakness, and if we could only see our way to 

 the speedy attainment of a good communication between Canada and 

 the Red River Settlement by such improvement of the canoe line as 

 should make it really available for commercial purposes, together with 

 a commencement at laying out the grand roadway, and promoting 

 settlements at suitable stations, we could be content to leave the work 

 to those who qpme after us, confident that the accumulating proofs of 

 its importance would prevent any danger of its being abandoned, and 

 that it must, in due time, contribute its full share to the glory and 

 prosperitv of Canada and the British Empire. 



W. H. 



