78 TRANSACTIONS. 1 897-8. 



resources of that region, as strangers passing down the river 

 in a boat, see, as far as the eye can carry, both sides of the 

 valley verdure clad, all of which they assume to be as im- 

 portant as that immediately adjacent to the stream, which 

 generally is of fair size and of good quality. A tramp land- 

 ward from the river would soon disabuse their minds of this 

 idea. 



To sum up, we may say that of the 7,000 miles of river, 

 stream and gulch, which we have assumed exist in the 

 Yukon district, at least five sixths are more or less timbered 

 with timber of practical use, the belt having an average width 

 of say a quarter of a mile, which gives us, approximately, 

 about 1,500 square miles of timbered territory. At the present 

 rate of consumption for mining purposes, building, and lum- 

 ber for boats and other necessities, this will only last a few 

 years. It is important, therefore, that it should be husbanded 

 as far as possible, but that, as a question of administration, 

 hardly concerns us here. 



The general surface of the country is rugged, bleak and 

 sterile ; the sides and summits of the ridges and ranges 

 from about 1,500 feet above the streams are bare. Be- 

 low that, as already intimated, there is a thick growth of 

 scrub and shnibbery, through which it is often extremely 

 difficult to force one's way. 



The winter, it might be said, begins in the last half of 

 October and lasts until the middle of May. Ice commences 

 running in the strerms about the first date, and generally lasts 

 until the latter date. This gives us nearly seven months of 

 winter, during the greater portion of which the temperature 

 often rims below — 40°, and, during three months, borders on — 

 60° or even below it. The attached table shows what may be 

 expected. 



In conclusion, I would say the region is not at all invit- 

 ing, and its food resources may be said to be nil. Travel is 

 exceedingly difficult and laborious. Insect pests, especially 

 ni'. squitoes, are a veritable curse ; and the long, dreary winters 

 with their very short days are depressing. Still, to those who 

 have hardihood, pluck and patience, there may be a rich re- 

 ward for a few years' stays there. Hundreds have found it 

 so, and thousands of others may venture with like expecta- 

 tions. 



