ACKOSS THE SUB-AKCTICS OF CAXADA 



command of the steamer Neptune, on behalf of the Govern- 

 ment of Canada, mads a most fruitful voyage into the bay 

 and channels to the north of it, and has since published the 

 most complete and comprehensive report upon that section 

 of the continent that has yet appeared. 



During the summer of 1905 it yet again fell to my lot to 

 revisit the bay, on which occasion I made a complete survey 

 of the harbor of Fort Churchill, the most important upon 

 the coast. 



Besides the names above-mentioned, many others have 

 conducted explorations in the bay of greater or less extent, 

 particularly among the mariners of the Hudson's Bay Com- 

 pany. Special credit is also due for the extensive work of 

 Dr. Kobert Bell, of the Geological Survey, who has con- 

 tributed largely to our general store of knowledge regarding 

 the Hudson Bay district. 



Eesoueces. 



Under this heading we have to consider one of the im- 

 portant questions in connection with the opening up and 

 development of the Hudson Bay region. If the local 

 resources are of limited extent and little value, then the 

 difficulties of creating an outlet for commerce from our 

 western wheat-fields to Europe by way of Hudson Bay and 

 Strait assume a serious aspect; but if it be true that the 

 local resources are of large extent and great value, surely 

 the success of a well-advised railway project to some point 

 on the coast of Hudson Bay is assured. 



Classifying the natural resources of the Hudson Bay dis- 

 trict under the three great divisions of the Animal, Vege- 

 table and Mineral kingdoms, I will begin with the first and 

 briefly review the whole subject, dwelling chiefly upon such 

 items as have come under my personal observation. 



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