Transcribed by Wanda Story. The original source for this information was the 1887 Williams Directory of BC.

The vast mineral region known as Cariboo extends from Horse-Fly River 150 miles north and is about 70 miles wide.

Although most noted for its alluvial gold mines, there are extensive stretches of good farming land throughout the district, and some sixty pre-emptions were recorded during the year 1886.

Three flour mills are in successful operation, selling flour at the rate (In Barkerville) of $8.50 and $9.00 per 100 pounds.

The beef grown on the ranches in the west and south of this district in not to be surpassed in any country.  Fruit will not ripen and has to be imported, and sells here retail (apples) at 50 cents per pound.

Vegetables are in abundance, and sell at from 10 cents per pound.

The quartz lodges known to exist throughout the district have been assayed this year with satisfactory results, and two quartz mills are to be erected immediately.  The amount of gold taken out averages $763 per annum per man employed.

The projected railway will pass through or near the centre of present mining operations, and in all probability a mining camp prospected late this year will be opened up in the spring.

There are four schools having an aggregate average attendance of about eighty-eight pupils.

The Mail is delivered weekly by stage at different stations.

The climate is cold but healthy.

Lumbering for the mines and building employs five mills.

The population is intelligent and social.  The Chinese mine much of the ground on the bars of the rivers, making two to three dollars per day.

Far by stage from Barkerville to Ashcroft, nearest railway station, 280 miles is $42.50.

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