Series consists of incoming correspondence together with memoranda and returns relating to applications for grazing leases, timber and mining permits, stock watering reserve, etc. After 1890, copies of departmental replies are frequently attached.
The records represent only a selected sample of the original body of the correspondence. Because of the great extent and the uniform nature of the files in the original series, a selection was made which would document the branch's activities on both a chronological and a geographical basis. The selected files together with the policy files were retained and the remainder of the series was destroyed. Volume 1295 is a "History of Timber Regulations" by G.W. Payton, Chief Forester of the department. A list of file numbers and subjects provides ready access to the series. An alphabetical index to permits for mineral sales in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as issued by the Branch, is retained in vol. 3172. The register is organized by the name of the permittee.
Note: the original oversized items in the following volumes or files have been moved to horizontal drawers: Vol. 1205, File 141376, Pt. 5 (Poster - Department of Interior - Stock Watering Reserves - Public Notice - Lands in Regina and Prince Albert Land Districts - 4 March 1903) is now located in Vol. 3198. Vol. 1205, File 141376, Pt. 5 (Poster - Department of Interior - Stock Watering Reserves - "Auction Sale of Dominion Lands" - Alberta - 2 May 1910) is now located in Vol. 3199. Vol. 1205, File 141376, Pt. 7 (Poster - Department of Interior - Public Notice - "List of Lands to be Withdrawn from the Stock Watering Reserves" - 28 February 1902) is now located in Vol. 3200. Vol. 1205, File 141376, Pt. 7 (Poster - Department of Interior - Stock Watering Reserves - Public Notice - Calgary Land District - 20 March 1903) is now located in Vol. 3200. Vol. 1205, File 141376, Pt. 7 (Poster - Stock Watering Reserves - Public Notice - Lands in Regina and Prince Albert Land Districts - 4 March 1903) is now located in Vol. 3201. Vol. 1205, File 141376, Pt. 7 (Poster - Department of Interior - Stock Watering Reserves - Public Notice - Lethbridge Land District - 20 March 1903) is now located in Vol. 3202. Vol. 1207, File 142200, Pt. 2 (Handbill - Department of Interior - 12 May 1891 - "The attention of the public is called to the following provisions of the Grazing Regulations approved by Order in Council of the 17th of September 1889") is now located in Vol. 3203. Vol. 1213, File 145330, Pt. 9 (Map/Plan - "Sketch Maps and Profiles of Base Lines and Meridians" - 19th and 20th Baselines, 24th to 29th Baselines, 29th and 30th Baselines and East Boundary of Range 8, plus profiles of other baselines - 1916) is now located in Vol. 3204. Vol. 1213, File 145330, Pt. 9 (Map Index to Townships in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia to Illustrate Progress of Dominion Lands Surveys - pre-31 March 1916 to 31 March 1917) is now located in Vol. 3205.
Cartographic material consists of three maps: an index to townships in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia showing townships open for entry up to July 1st, 1909; a map of the area along the fifth meridian in Alberta, showing grazing lands; and a general map of the Northwest Territories and of the province of Manitoba, revised and corrected to 31 August 1894.
