Dominion Lands.

Few new surveys were undertaken in 1877. The special survey was continued, seven townships sub-divided, thirteen Indian Reserves surveyed, one old settlement, one outer two miles and one old trail surveyed; the Reserve at Thessalon, Lake Huron, sub-divided into farm lots, and a survey made tor the Indian Branch at Garden River.

In the special Survey, the second principal meridian was produced north to the telegraph line, and a careful preliminary survey made of Prince Albert and the Indian Settlement and "The Forks" of the Saskatchewan. The total distance run was 300 miles; the country was well supplied with wood and water,—soil, sandy loam of fair quality. Streams of fresh water. Lakes, alkaline. North of these lakes the soil is poor to about three miles south of the C. P. R. line, when it becomes densely wooded, with numerous ponds. This continues about 27 miles, when for 18 miles the country is more open and inviting, gradually descending into an alkaline sandy plain. On the Third Principal meridian 106 west, the line runs for 24 miles through the same sandy, rolling plain, crossing the C.P.R line at the 13th mile. At the 11th base, the main southern trail to Carleton was crossed, the land improves and fresh-water ponds and groves of timber abound. Alter crossing the South Saskatchewan 1¼ miles north of the 12th base line, a tract of great fertility was entered on which continued to the North Branch, beyond which the country was thickly timbered with poplar and spruce of large size All along the 12th correction line for 20 miles east the land was excellent, and settlers' improvements were met with. At Prince Albert there was a population of about 500. The land is nearly as rich as in the Red River valley and more undulating, and everyone seemed satisfied and cheerful as regarded the future prospects of the settlement. The wheat, oats, barley, turnips, &c,&c., were equal to those of Ontario. At the St. Laurent Settlement, on the south branch, there are about 400 French half-breeds Not much attention is given to farming; but the land is capable of raising good crops The Indian Settlement, is on the north bank of the South Saskatchewan, 14 miles southeast of Prince Albert, on a very choice flat. Fort ft la Come is 50 miles east of Prince Albert, land poor and light. Carlton House, 40 miles south-west of Prince Albert, land Inferior in quality, except on the limited intervale The Saskatchewan flows for 150 miles from Carlton on the north branch, and St. Laurent on the south, through a land with excellent soil, plenty of splendid timber and abundance of water. This fertile belt, bounded by the Pasquia hills on the south, extends more than 50 miles east of Fort ft la Corne, and this fine country is free from the grashopper, and the magnificent rivers afford a cheap outlet for surplus produce to Winnipeg, the trip from Carlton to Winn peg occupying 4½ days. On the 8th September, 1877, the North Saskatchewan was 907 feet wide with a mean depth of over six feet.

The cash and scrip receipts amounted to $168,098.

The half-breed lands wore allotted in 1877, in 12 parishes, and 1, 15 claimants over 18 years of age were granted patents Scrip was issued during the year to half-breed heads of families equal to $40,320, and in commutation of hay and common right, $26,705,58.

Nine new settlements were formed in Manitoba in 1877, besides 10 Mennonite villages, and the population is steadily and rapidly increasing every year.