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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 47

Okanagan Country

Okanagan Country.

Very fine stock country, and will also produce grain; yields fall-wheat only without irrigation; spring wheat 1¼ to tons 1½ per acre, with irrigation; also profusely oats, barley, Indian corn, potatoes, tomatoes, musk-melons, water-melons, grapevine, tobacco. Summer warm, has shown 98° in the shade; cold is sharp in winter, but weather clear and sunny, snow seldom deep, and never lies long; cattle, horses, and sheep, as a rule, unhoused in winter; moderate preparation, however, recommended.

The lake, 70 miles long by mile wide: country to the east of it a fair sample of the best districts between Rocky and Cascade Ranges; open, grassy hills, dotted with trees like English parks, successive hills and dales; lakes, ponds, and streams full of fish; soil much the same general character as the Similkameen; rich sandy loam, substratum of clay in some valleys; stretches of "bottom" land; some alkali patches; settlers coming in fast and taking up land since Canadian Pacific Railway survey began. Those who would have "sold out" a year ago are now tilling and improving their laud. It is said that in Okanagan and adjoining districts, there is room for a farming population of 10,000 souls (allowing 160 acres for nine persons). Roman Catholic mission-post (1100 feet above sea-level) on the east side of the lake; fine country behind it. On the west side of the lake, a little distance back, runs a low mountain range, from which detached spurs press upon the lake, and rise above the water in precipitous bluffs; excellent pasture, particularly on small spits jutting into the lake. The Cherry Creek Silver Mine has been abandoned for the present.

Near the north end of the lake is an Indian reserve of very choice land.