The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-11-04
BRITISH COLUMBIA.
IT IS THE ONLY PACIFIC DEPEND
ENCY or THE BRITISH CROWN.
Mr.. O'Connor Power Writes Entertainingly
Of It's scenery, It's People, It's Resources
md Its Busiuess--The Wonderful For
ests Of That Region.
rsneciai corresnondenee.l


the only dependency Of the British crown
bordering the Pacific ocean on the western
coast Of America. 1t is about 760 miles
long and 500 broad, containingc superficial
area Of $50, 900 square miles. The Rocky
mountains form the eastern boundary,
separating it from the remainder Of Can
ada, and the Pacific ocean bounds it on
the west. save for a distance Of about 800
miles OH the extreme north, where
the Alaska possessions Of the United
States .nterpose between 1t and the
sea. Its southern limit is the forty
ninth parallel, which forms the in
ternstional boundary line between
the province and the United States, and
the northern Is the siytieth parallel. The
general surface Of the country is noun
famous, consisting of short ranges and
detached groups Of mountajns, elevated
plateaus and valleys of various extent
Running parallel with the Rockies, and in
many places scarcely distinguishable from
them, ore masses of mountains, and along
the coast lies high ridge, which is q
northern extension Of the great coast
range. Lying between these two Is an
irregular belt of elevated plateau. Beyond
this the mountains, except those border
ing the coast, decrease in height, and be-
fore the limit of the province is reached
the land has gentle slope towards the
Arctic ocean, the Peace river and other
streams of the Arctic watershed finding
their sources there. There are high noun
tain ranges inclosing high plateau, down
the center of which flows the Frazer river
It's general course being south until it
approaches the international line, where
1t turns sharply TO the west and enters
the ocean. The other great streams Of
the interior are Thompson river, entering
the Frazer from the east, and the
O'Ksnagan, Columbia and kootenay, the
last two having very eccentric
courses. The Columbia rises almost
in the extreme southeastern corner,
sweeps northerly around the upper end
OF the Selkirk range, aud then flows
directly south between the Selkirk and
Gold mountains into the United States.
The Kootenay has its source in the same
region as the Columbia, makes long
sweep to the south, crossing the boundary
line and returning again, discharges its
waters into the Columbia. One PECULIAR
1y Of this region is that nearly every
stream of consequence has its origin in,
or passes through, one of the long, mar
row lakes which are formed in many
places by the widening Of the river and
consist III others Of lakes of considerable
area. The coast line of British Columbia
has most wonderful confguration. The
mountains border closely upon the sea,
the shore being indented " G. multitude
Of bays and inlets and fringed by count
less small islands, between which run
tortuous, but safe and navigable, chan
nels. Outside Of these, and protecting
these inland channels for nearly the en-
tire length Of the coast, are series Of
large islands, the greatest and most
southerly Of which is that OF Vancouver,
on which Victoria is situated
The charm of Victoria is its happy
situation Il commands such glorious
views Of the mountain scenery OH the
main land, end its tropical vegetation of
flowers and plants affords pleasing con-
trast to the snow capped SUBMITS glitter
ing on tho opposite shores.
The island has vast resources in its
fisheries, mines and timber, but C. good
deal of the lend is held by persons who
are content with the riches they have
acquired and want therefore a sufficient
motive for enterprise. Some Of it, too, is
held by absentees, who either neglect it
altogether, or look forward to future
when they can dispose of it a. great ad-
vance on present prices.
Viotolia's geographical position is adj
mirably adapted for commerce. II is On
the high road of the passage to China,
Japan and Australia, with favorable trade
winds and open harbors. 1t commands
the whole Of the rich sounds, broad CULTS
and tranquil inlets which spread them
selves for hundreds Of miles around the
coast. II is the seat of government for
the province of British Columbia and an
imperial naval station of the first import
ance. The land rises gradually from the
water till it reaches c higher level, on
which the principal streets are built, and
from the business quarters the land rises
still higher to the outskirts OF the city,
where the residences of the leading IN
habjtants are 10 be found. The govern
ment buildings are Oh James bay, which
is connected with the city by handsome
bridge.
Another arm of the harbor extends in
a southerly direction several miles inland
and approaches Esquimault, where her
Britannia Majesty's ironclads repose in
magnificent moorings, protected from
every wind, picture Of silent strength as
they lie anchored in the deep blue waters.
Here has recently been completed a large
dry dock and orders have been issued 10
construct extensive Notifications, for
which the British government has under
taken to supply guns of the heaviest cali
Der. Vending your way in another
direction, across James bay, You
come to a natural park of great beauty
which is known by the name of Beacon
Hill. 1t Is remarkable for its wild SIM
plicity. Ever and again some moss Gov
cred rock affords a welcome rest TO those
who love TO linger in the shady groves,
while rustic seats are thickly scattered
over the more frequented parts, and ad-
jacent to the spot where the band
plays on a Saturday afternoon, at
tracing a most appreciative com
pany. There you will find an
animated gathering of sparkling
eyes and rosy cheeks, in carriages, on
horseback or on foot. the representatives
of all grades Of society in the charming
city, manhood IN its strength and youth