
CAPABILITIES WITH REFERENCE TO SETTLEMENT. 303 
climate no doubt prevail over the greater part of the third steppe. To 
rear horses in this region is very easy, and the Indians and traders conse- 
quently possess large bands of fine, though small animals, which they 
value at a low rate. Mr. Selwyn, in advocating the idea of inducing the 
Indians to become stock-raisers, and cattle-herders, as the buffalo become 
extinct, mentions instances of stray cattle wintering out successfully 
on the North Saskatchewan.* In July of last summer, I saw a band of 
cattle in the vicinity of the Line, south of Wood Mountain, which had 
strayed from one of the U.S. forts to the south. They were quite wild, 
and aimost as difficult of approach as the buffalo; and notwithstanding the 
_ fact that they had come originally from Texas, and were unaccustomed 
to frost and snow, they had passed through the winter, and were in 
capital condition. 
713. In the future, when the North-west is somewhat thickly 
settled, the long period of the year during which out-door agricultural 
work is impossible, will tend to foster the growth of manufactures ; 
and especially of mills and factories for the elaboration of the crude 
materials produced in the country itself. Then only will the full ad- 
vantage of the enormous lignite and coal deposits, and water-power be 
developed. 
714. The three most important remaining natural deterrents to the 
settlement of the North-west appear to be:—Distance from markets, 
and difficulty of attainment by the immigrant; the grasshopper visita- 
tions; and the treelessness of great areas of the plains, and general 
scarcity of timber. 
715. The first of these difficulties, will soon be to a great extent 
remedied, especially as regards the access of immigrants. The remoteness 
of markets will, however, continue to be felt in some measure, and when 
the local demand for the cheaper grains, and heavier food stuffs, is 
satisfied, stock raising and the production of light and valuable crops, 
which will bear a considerable charge for transport, will remain the 
most profitable for a long time to come. Though wheat may be easily 
grown inimmense quantity, the profit to the farmer must be light, as 
long as the cost of transport forms so large a part of its total value at 
the eastern ports. Wool and dairy produce will demand attention, and 
for the growth of flax, hops, &c., a great part of the western regions, 
—and especially of the Red River Valley—is well suited. Flax and 

* Loc. cit., p. 60. 
