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The Peace River Block The Peace River area in British Columbia is physically and economically a part of the Canadian Prairie Region. It lies to the east of the Rocky Mountains, on the Great Plains, adjoining the province of Alberta. The rolling plains average 2,500 feet in elevation, but a few hills, which increase in number toward the west and north, rise to 3,500 feet. The rivers of the area flow in fairly narrow valleys, which are entrenched as much as 500 feet below the level of the plain. Many of the bottom lands and terraces in the valleys have alluvial soils and, consequently, have been appropriated for agricultural use. On the wide interfluves, patches of Shallow Black Soils obtain, and they are the most highly prized for grain growing. The climate is humid continental. There is, normally, a moderate summer rainfall, but long droughts occasionally occur. The chance of frost during the growing season is not so great as in the Nechako Basin but nevertheless, serious summer frosts should be expected in one year out of five. The early fall season is much drier than in the Nechako region and harvesting is usually successful. The winter season is long and cold. Several sharp outbursts of intensely cold polar air drop temperatures to -30° F. every winter. Mixed farming characterizes the economic geography of the area. Grain growing and hog raising are normally the most important aspects but, of late, the cultivation of clover seeds has increased greatly. Oil exploration is now being actively pursued, and undoubtedly, its discovery will enhance the prosperity of the area. At present, less than one per cent of the population of British Columbia lives in the region. Urban Centres Dawson Creek is a small regional centre. It was named after Dr. George M. Dawson, the eminent Canadian geologist who first surveyed this area in the 1880's. Dawson Creek serves the surrounding farming communities, but has a wider function as the southern terminus of the Alaska Highway and the northern terminus of the Northern Alberta Railway. Recently, its position as a transportation focus has been expanded by the completion of a road to Prince George through Pine Pass. The town is also served by Canadian Pacific Airlines. Fort St. John, located 50 miles north of Dawson Creek on the Alaska Highway, has a population of about 900. It is a small supply centre. A large airport on the Northwest Staging Route is located here. Farming ends about 17 miles north of Fort St. John at Rose Prairie. Hudson Hope, toward the west, is a tiny mining and supply centre. Northern British Columbia Northern British Columbia is a vast area containing few people. In fact, most of the region is devoid of any settlement whatsoever. Surface configuration throughout the region is extremely varied. Mountains predominate, but dissected plateaus, narrow river valleys and some plains, are also important features. Little land is available for agricultural settlement. The Nelson Basin and the Kechika and Finlay River Valleys are the only large areas topographically suitable for farming. The climate imposes limitations on agriculture. The growing season is short and frequently interrupted by summer frosts. Rainfall is light and irrigation would be necessary. The winter season is very long and cold in eastern areas but is slightly more moderate in western districts. Trees in the area are scrubby and have little or no commercial value. The Alaska Highway runs diagonally across the region from Dawson Creek to Teslin in the Yukon. A few tourist camps have been built, but volume of traffic is light. Other settlements throughout the area are defense establishments, fur trading posts, mining camps and Indian villages. The chief types of transportation in areas away from the highway are the canoe in summer, the sleigh in winter and the aeroplane the year round. Population will remain sparse in the region unless the mining industry is greatly expanded. Home