wards; the country is more level than that on the 2nd Meridian line, the hills more gentle in their slopes, but have the same character of surface, the rock appearing in most of them in small steps or precipitous ridges on the southern faces of the hills; the rock at the base is granite, at mile north quartz appears, changing at 2 miles north to granite boulders, from this to 15 miles north the surface is undulating, formed entirely of granite boulders, covered with a light soil and thickly timbered with birch, white pine, poplar, spruce, balsam; from 15 to 18 miles the rock is quartz, the surface is more diversified by ridges in which precipitous ledges of rock occur, and the line terminates in a lake of several miles in extent called Green Lake, the shores of which are low, the rock appearing everywhere around and the tim ber mostly birch and spruce. There are several islands in the lake, which extend 5 or 6 miles in a N.E. direction from the end of the line. The valleys between the hills have a brown sandy loam soil of medium quality. The character of the country on each side appears by exploration of a similar character with that on the line: the same rocks, timber and soil prevailing throughout,

Returning to the base line and proceeding southwards, the surface becomes more rough and for the next six miles is formed of a series of rough, broken granite hills, the rock appearing close to the surface, alternating with dense, cedar swamps and interspersed with small lakes; from 6 to 10 miles south of base, a large lake extends along on the west of the line; to the eastwards the surface is rolling for two miles, then level with a considerable extent of cedar swamps and small marshes intermixed; the soil is a sandy loam over rock; the prevailing timber being pine, spruce, birch, cedar, tamarac ; from 9 to 10 miles the line crosses a pinery, the timber being nearly all pine of large size, the surface level, the soil a good brown clay loam, but not more than a foot deep over the rock, which is trap; from this to the east of the line at Spanish River, the country traversed by the line is nearly similar: level, descending by abrupt steps of bare rock at intervals; the timber being red and white pine, spruce, birch and balsam, with occasional ridges of maple, the soil a sandy mould of some depth in places, in others the rock approaching the surface; interspersed with numerous lakes with abrupt rocky shores and thickly timbered banks; the rocks south of the base are, granite from the base to 7 miles south, quartz from that to 83 miles, then trap from 8 to 13 miles, from 13 miles to 17 miles granite and trap, and from thence to the end of the line grey quartz.

Approaching the Spanish River the land lies low, the ridges of rock being of slight elevation, and the surface somewhat swampy. The character of this line on the whole is better than the 2nd range line; it is more level; possesses more available soil, and has better timber; but it is altogether too rocky in its surface to make available for a good settlement; the best part of it is from 12 miles south of the base line to the Spanish River, a few townships might be laid out on each side of the line here, suitable for a people coming from a mountainous country, who with economy and labour might make a good settlement.

I may here mention that I noticed considerable magnetic attraction in many of the granite boulders frequent on this line.

In conclusion, I have to express my thanks for your kindness in offering me every facility and assistance in prosecuting the work, and also my satisfaction with the conduct of my explorer Mr. Alley, and chief chainbearer Mr. Robertson, both of whom aided me zealously and cheerfully in my work.

I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,

(Signed.)

A. P. Salter, Esq., P.L.S.
Chatham, C.W.

(COPY.)

T. N. MOLESWORTH,
P.L.S.

Report of T. W. HERRICK, Esq., P.L.S. to A. P. Salter, Esq., P.L.S., bearing date December

20th, 1857.

TORONTO, December 20th, 1857.

SIR,-In accordance with your instructions, I beg to lay before you the following repor

of my progress during the summer, while surveying meridian lines on the north shore of Lake Huron as also of the character of the country passed through.

On the 3rd June, I started with my party from Penetanguishene, having previously met with considerable delay from the quantity of drift ice between that place and Collingwood rendering it impossible for a boat to pass through. Coasting along the north shore of Lake Huron, I arrived on the 12th at the mouth of White Fish River, and after some delay in obtaining canoes proceeded up the river to White Fish Lake, and thence by the east branch of the Spanish River to the northern extremity of the meridian line surveyed by you last

summer.

Starting on the 25th June from the post planted there by you in latitude 46° 32′ 27′′ N., I surveyed northward for a distance of 18 miles, planting corner posts for townships at intervals of six miles and correcting my course every clear night by astronomical observations.

My progress on this part of the line was slow, owing to the great difficulty of obtaining a sufficient supply of provisions so far inland. Having completed this part of the work, 1 started back on the 27th July for the base line on White Fish Lake, and commenced on the 2nd August, to survey from thence southward towards the shore of Lake Huron which I reached on the 3rd September, at a distance of 25 miles from the base line on White Fish Lake.

From thence, proceeding with my party in canoes along the lake shore, I reached, on the 16th September, the mouth of the Blind River and, under the guidance of an Indian, portaging from lake to lake, arrived, on the 20th, at Lake Endahdahyegin, and from thence to the post on the base line mentioned in your instructions as 72 miles to the west of the principal meridian or first line surveyed by me. Starting from here I ran a line northward, parallel to the principal meridian, for a distance of 18 miles, establishing township corners as before.

Having completed this portion of the range line, on the 13th October I proceeded to pro duce the same line southward from the base line, and on the 14th November, reached the shore of Lake Huron at a distance of 23 miles from the base line and about three miles to the west of the mouth of the Serpent River Here, according to instructions previously received from you, I started my party for the Sault Ste. Marie, and in company with a few of my men who did not wish to continue out during the winter, I started for Penetanguishene with the intention of procuring supplies for the winter. But, finding at the Hudson Bay Company's station at La Cloche instructions from you of later date, desiring me to discontinue the work for the winter, immediately on my arrival at Shebahwahnanning, I despatched a schooner which lay there to fetch the party down. Owing to adverse winds and the extreme roughness of the season, the schooner did not reach Penetanguishene until the 4th December, on which day I discharged my party,

I now proceed to give a description of the nature of the country surveyed by me duringthe summer.

Starting on the principal meridian line, 12 miles to the north of the base line, and proceeding northward, the surface of the country for the first six or eight miles is undulating, crossed at intervals by ridges of granite and greenstone rocks, lying northeast and southwest, the soil is for the most part good, consisting of a sandy loam with clay sub-soil, and in the lower valleys a deep soil of vegetable matter. The timber consists chiefly of birch, maple, spruce and poplar, mixed with fine pine. On the lower grounds we find tamarac, mixed with cedar, spruce and black ash. On this portion of the line we crossed two branches from the Span ish River, both flowing in a south-westerly direction, and navigable in most places for canoes. After passing the second branch of the Spanish River, the surface becomes rugged and rocky and generally unfit for cultivation, the last six miles being a succession of deep valleys and high barren granite mountains covered with burned timber.

About the tenth mile on this line, I found a good deal of impure magnetic iron ore, causing considerable local attraction: the variation of the needle being 9° or 10° West. On that portion of the meridian line to the south of White Fish Lake, we passed through some rich undulating country intersected here and there by granite ridges.

In the neighbourhood of Lake Penage may be found some fine land heavily timbered with maple mixed with red and white pine of very superior quality and favourably situated for lumbering purposes as there is direct water communication by Lake Penage and White Fish River to Lake Huron. The country disimproves when within a few miles of Lake

Huron, the soil being in general stony and barren though in many places may be found groves of fine pine. On this line we crossed several streams and lakes containing deep, clear water. The rocks, met with in this section of the country, are chiefly red granite, syenite, gneiss, greenstone, &c.

Proceeding to the second line surveyed by me 72 miles to the west of that just described, I found much improvement in the general features of the country the soil being better and the surface less uneven. Commencing on the base line and proceeding northward, we passed through a great deal of land of good quality and well adapted for settlement, the timber, in general, consisting of pine, maple, birch, spruce, &c. The country is well watered by numerous streams and beautiful lakes, some of which contain lake trout, white fish, black bass, &c., in abundance.

About the second mile on this line, I found micaceous iron ore of good quality lying in masses on the surface, and upon examination discovered iron to be widely spread through the district. Proceeding southward from the base line towards Lake Huron, we passed through a great deal of good rolling land well timbered with red and white pine of good quality, birch, maple, hemlock, spruce, &c. On approching the Lake shore as on the former line, the country becomes rocky and barren, and the timber less luxuriant. I have the honour to be,

Report of P. S. DONNELLY, Esq., P.L.S. to A. P. Salter, Esq., P.L.S., bearing date 15th January, 1858.

MOORE, 15th January, 1858.

SIR,-In pursuance of instructions, I received from the Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands, dated April 29th, 1857, to assist in the exploration survey north of Lake Huron, I placed myself under your direction and in compliance therewith accompanied you to the base line on Spanish River, parted with you there June 22nd, 1857, and followed Mr. Johnston, P. L. Surveyor, along the said line until he had established the post 36 miles west of the principal meridian. On the 25th of June, I commenced my first range line from that post bearing N. 0° 32′ 30′′ W., 16 miles and 66 chains, over high broken and precipitous rock ranges with small valleys of stoney land between, heavily timbered and occasionally interspersed with large boulders; for ten miles the ridges were composed of granite, after which quartz appeared to the end of the line bearing strongly marked indications of the presence of minerals. My progress was rendered slow, owing to the roughness of the country, the difficulty of cutting the large standing burnt pines through which the line past for the last miles run and also owing to the detention met with in crossing the numerous narrow lakes whose length generally lay across the line nearly east and west. Having used the last of my provisions towards the end of the 17th mile, I was obliged to return to the base without having quite completed the distance you directed me to run, but from a high bluff of rock I was enabled to gain an extensive view of the surrounding country, which appeared to be similar in every respect to that latterly passed through. The line on its reverse course S. 0° 32′ 30′′ E. passes over a well timbered and fertile tract sufficient in extent for three townships on either side of the line, but which the La Cloche mountain range bordering on Lake Huron would render inaccessible to intending settlers. I crossed that range and reached the water's edge of Lake Huron on the 5th of August, having surveyed 47 miles and 55 chains. I arrived at the La Cloche post of the Hudson's Bay Company on the night of the same day, where I remained during the day following to procure canoes &c., &c., and articles of clothing for my partyhaving ascended the River Mississaga, I packed in my instruments, camp equipage, pro

visions, &c., from the head of the grand portage on an easterly and northerly course to the post, 90 miles west of the principal meridian. The ground, for about six miles, was of excellent quality and timbered with pine, hemlock and balsam, and maple, beech and hemlock alternately. From this to the post, the country travelled over was very rough and broken. Agreeably to the instructions I received from you through your messenger on the 28th August, I, accompanied by my explorer, examined the country north of the post last mentioned, and perceiving that its character was similar to that of the country traversed by my first line northerly from the base line, I determined on running southerly only-the course being 31° 22′ E. and distance 23 miles and 48 chains, over low rock ridges of granite and trap (quartz occasionally appearing) and through valleys of good soil, heavily timbered, but not of sufficient extent as to render them serviceable for agricultural purposes, at about five chains east of the post I planted on this line, 18 miles from the base, is a vein of copper ore in quartz, a specimen of which I herewith transmit as also one from a vein I discovered at the head of the Grand Portage, on the S.W. side of the river. Having ascended the Mississaga a second time and reached the post at the base line, 108 miles from the principal meridian, I commenced the survey of my third range line on the 19th of September, and completed on the 5th of October, the course being 31° 39′ E., and distance to the water's edge of Lake Huron, 19 miles and 72 chains. From base line to the Mississagua, 332 chains 25 links, soil is sandy loam and stoney, thickly covered with black birch, maple, hemlock, pine, &c. Thence to 607 chains, good land, hard wood timber, and suitable for farms, between 607 and 808 are valleys of good land, low ridges of rock and swamp alternately, the greater part being arable soil. From 808 to 1115 are granite rock ridges and lakes, between 1115 and 1504 chains, is capital hardwood table land partly though the Indian Reservation; from 1504 to 1592 the balance of the said reservation to the water's edge of Lake Huron, is composed of cedar swamp and low ridges of rock through which a road could be constructed from the lake to the tract above noted as lying between 1115 chains and 1504 chains; this being the only tract traversed by any of my lines, easy of access otherwise than from the westward. On the 6th of October, I proceeded to the Bruce Mines to procure some necessary supplies, and on the same day returned to the River Thessalon where I received your instructions, to return to Penetanguishene where I arrived on the night of the 21st of October, and discharged my men on the 22nd, allowing those that did not reside there time to go home. In conclusion I beg to state that the country lying to the eastward and westward of my range lines, was properly explored for several miles each way and found not materially to differ from that which the lines traversed. I have the honour to be,

(Signed),

To A. P. Salter, Esq.,
P. L. Surveyor,
Chatham, C.W.

Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,

P. S. DONNELLY,
Prov. L. Surveyor.

(Copy.)

Report of A. P. SALTER, Esq., P.L.S. to the Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands, bearing date 17th January, 1859.

CHATHAM, January 17th, 1859.

SIR,-In forwarding for your approval, my returns of the survey of Townships No. 1 and 2, north range 25 west, I have the honour to lay before you the following report in which I shall confine myself to a general description of the country, my diary and field notes, furnishing you with a minute description of each section, and with a daily report of my progress.

With the exception of the northerly and north easterly sections of Township No. 1. North, the whole is fit for settlement, a few of the central sections are rather low, but are

susceptible of drainage; the soil is either sandy loam, black mould, or red clay, the subsoil red or white clay.

A serious drawback to the settlement of the township will, I fear, be found in the scarcity of timber, a very considerable portion of it having been overrun by fire, and in some sections the surface soil has been completely burned off, being of a peaty nature. This is to be regretted as the soil is generally of good character and offers a good opening to intending settlers.

The surface on the westerly side of the township is somewhat broken by ravines, which, however, offer no serious obstacle to its settlement. Numerous small rivulets of excellent spring water cross the country, a great acquition to an agriculturalist.

In township No. 2, but little land fit for arable purposes was met, its general character being rough and rocky; many of the sections are well timbered, and in places mineral, specular iron was observed in the rock specimens of which, I have the honour herewith to forward; as a whole this township offers few inducements to settlers.

In surveying the lakes met in this township, having no other means of transit than a raft, I triangulated such portions as were accessible without much loss of time and estimated the remaining distances or measured them with a micrometer glass. In this, Sir, I have departed from the strict letter of my instructions, but as the country under survey was so broken, and comparatively worthless, I trust you will approve of the course I adopted as being calculated to save expenses.

In accordance with your wishes, I have made a return of the various improvements made on the several sections; appending thereto such remarks, for your information, as I was enabled to offer.

Report of ROBERT GILMORE, Esq., P.L.S. to the Hon. P. M. Vankoughnet, Commissioner of Crown Lands, bearing date 11th March, 1861.

PAISLEY, 11th March, 1861.

SIR,-I have the honour to report for the information of your Department that on the receipt of my instructions, dated 7th May, 1860, I lost no time in organising my party, and preparing for the survey of those tracts allotted to me-having hired the proper number of men, and procured the necessary supplies, I chartered a small schooner to convey the whole party at once to the Mississagua. We sailed from Southampton on the 5th June, and arrived off the Mississagua River on the 10th; on the 11th, I disembarked and proceeded up the river in a Mackinaw boat as far as the falls where I established my store camp. The Mississagua during summer is navigable for boats of four feet draught for its entire course, at least as far as my survey extended; but in the spring and autumn when the melting snow and rain swell its tributaries, then the narrow defiles through which it finds its way two miles from the mouth prove too contracted for its swollen waters, which rising, tumble over themslves in the gorge and convert what in summer is but a swift current, which I have often stemmed in a canoe, into falls of two or three feet in height. For the rest of its course so far as explored by me, this river rolls a gentle stream between banks, from 10 to 15 feet high with good land generally on each side. This portion of the newly surveyed tract, therefore, offers great inducements to settlers. Here we have a really noble stream which steamers of the draught already mentioned can ascend for 15 or 20 miles, thus affording to those who may cast their lot on its banks opportunities for com