FLORA AND FAUNA.
Where not recently burned the country is fairly well forested, the density and character of growth being dependent upon soil and drainage. The best timber is in low ground and near watercourses where conditions for growth are most favourable and the probability of fire least. Recent fires have done much damage around Nest, Obushkong and Gowganda lakes. Probably the best timber lies near Duncan lake. Trees do not grow very large as a rule and are not especially good for making lumber, but provide an abundant supply of materials for pulpwood, railway ties, fuel and for mine use.
White pine is the most valuable species, but although individuals attain thicknesses of 20ʺ to 40ʺ they are too scarce to render this timber worth the search. Good red pine is more abundant. Jack pine is a very common tree, especially in sandy districts, e.g., north-west of Duncan lake; but is small and worthless. The common and most widely distributed species are spruce, balsam, cedar, poplar, white and yellow birch. Tamarack is not abundant. Clumps of small red maples were seen to the south-west of Pigeon lake.
The East and West branches are not well suited for carrying logs as there are extensive lake expansions without current on each and the rapids are shallow. Excellent water-power is obtainable at the 40 foot fall on the West branch above Fort Matachewan.
Wild animals are not abundant, and will probably become less so as the country is occupied by prospecting and mining camps. Moose were plentiful in 1908 and some black bears were seen. As a source of food the abundance of pickerel and pike is of much greater importance. Brook trout do not occur in the Montreal River waters, but are caught farther to the west and north.