49 
On the western slopes of the Selkirks, nature is much more 
gentle and luxurious, but in crossing the Gold Range by 
Eagle Pass, we seem to enter a distinctive region, with very 
little rainfall and, at times, quite arid. The last stage of 
the railway journey follows the valley of the Fraser River 
whose course is marked by the constant addition of mountain 
streams, which carry down into its bed tremendous boulders. 
Of Vancouver itself, Mr, Leigh was able to give some interest- 
ing reminiscences, for, on his first visit, giant cedar trees 
were growing practically in the town itself. The fjord-like 
channel between Vancouver and British Columbia is full of 
charm. Here and there one sees on the shores quaint Indian 
villages decorated with the totem poles on which family 
genealogies are recorded, often more imaginative than well- 
founded. One of the most common sights in these waters 
is the spectacle of moss-covered trunks of trees which by a 
tidal freak are tossed eternally to and fro on conflicting cur- 
rents. Vast areas of the island are as yet uncharted and 
uninhabited, though it is known to possess a full and rich 
fauna. Two days journey from Vancouver city brings one to 
Prince Rupert, a town of queer planked roads were the land 
is in the hands of speculators and often changes hands at 
considerably enhanced prices. In closing, Councillor Leigh 
referred to the whole region as one where the streams are 
prolific in salmon and described the great “ runs ” upstream 
which take place about every four years. Salmon here is 
so plentiful that dogs can catch them and even bears have 
been known to lay up a store for winter use. 
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