Freshets and Tidal Overflows.

The Fraser River and tributaries of it overflow a portion of the prairies in this district for a short time in early summer, when the volume of water in the rivers is increased by the drainage which follows the melting of snow throughout the country. This rising of the water is called a "freshet." The whole Pacific slope—California, Oregon, Washington territory, and British Columbia,—owing to the physical structure of this part of the continent, is more or less liable to severe floods over low lying districts near rivers.

The rivers generally rise quickly.

The sea also comes over a portion of the land near the mouth of the Fraser—generally in stormy weather in winter. This happens perhaps two or three times in winter, for a few hours at each time. These tidal overflows do not interfere with cropping. The above mentioned "summer freshets" do not overflow these "tidelands."

Parliament has lately passed an Act to facilitate dyking.