REPORT ON TOWNSHIP 54, RANGE 7, WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN
ACCESSABILITY AND ROADS
The main through road from Vermilion to Elk Point passes northerly through this township. Vermilion, which is, the chief marketing place, is nineteen miles south and one mile east. There are numerous roads throughout the township and all parts are easily accessible. The Canadian Pacific Railway have located a branch line between Lloydminster And Edmonton, which passes through the southerly part of this township, and will likely be constructed within two or three years.
TOWN
Vermilion, situated on the line of the Canadian National railways between Edmonton and Winnipeg via North Battleford, and Saskatoon, is a divisional point with a population of about 1,200. It is an important marketing centre for a large surrounding district and all. lines of business essential to the needs of a farming community are represented here. There are also good educational facilities. The elevators located at Vermilion have a combined capacity of 110,000 ,bushels.
SURFACE
About one-half of the township, has a surface that is fairly rough and heavily rolling, while the remainder is about evenly divided, between rolling and gently rolling. The different types are irregularly distributed so that no definite outlines can be given.
SURFACE COVERING
Approximately one-sixth of the land is now under cultivation. Because of the uneven surface most of the cultivated areas are small and irregular. About one-half of the uncultivated land is somewhat open, with bluffs of young poplar and willows, while on
the remainder there is more or less of a continuous growth. of young poplar and, willow, with scattered large and small areas of poplar from three to six inches in diameter. These bush areas are considered to. be either light or medium to heavy clearing.
DRAINAGE AND WATER
Most of the southwesterly part of the township is drained by a small creek flowing northwesterly through the lake in sections 5 and 7. In other portions of the township the surplus water forms numerous small lakes and sloughs. Good water is obtained, from wells, which range in depth from thirty to seventy feet.
HAY AND WINTER FEED
There are some haylands in the southeasterly part of the township and hay is also cut from the numerous sloughs and low lands liable to flooding throughout the township. This wild hay is supplemented by oat greenfeed, which is the chief fodder crop, and straw for the winter feed for stock.
SOIL
Approximately the west half of the township has mixed areas of black sandy loam, black fine sand, and brown or yellow sand. The remainder has a soil of from four to eight inches of black fine sandy loam, interspersed with areas of clay loam or clay, and many stony ridges.
SETTLEMENT
The settlement of this township was begun in 1906 and at present approximately three-sevenths of the land is occupied. The settlers are Savonic, Scandinavian, and English- speaking, the first being in the majority.
CROPS AND STOCK
The grain crop consists chiefly of wheat and oats, although barley and rye are grown to a limited extent. The wheat is marketed, whereas the other three grains are used largely for feed. Nearly all, of the settlers carry on mixed farming. Horses, cattle and hogs are the principal kinds of stock raised, and of these the last has in recent years -been the most profitable. Dairying is carried on to a considerable extent, cream being sold to the creamery at Vermilion.
FUEL I
An abundance of poplar wood is available for fuel. When properly dried it burns weR and is considered satisfactory.
SCHOOLS AND POST OFFICES
Nearly all of the Slavonic children of school age can speak fairly good English. Each of the schools has but one teacher and all are well attended. They are located at the southeast corner of section 27, northwest comer of section 30, and, or the east side of section 5 of this township, and on the east side of section 36 of the township to the south. Adequate postal facilities are provided by Monkman, Slawa and Angle Lake post offices.
August, 1924.
(Sgd.) R. H. KNIGHT,
Dominion Land Surveyor,
