Returning to Lytton, you registered your land claim officially with Mr. Ball. In town you find some simple plans for a log home. The shops in town sell building supplies and equipment, so you pack up your horse with everything you need, including a whipsaw. The trouble is, it takes two people to use a whipsaw, so you must find someone to help you.

Lytton, 1862 (BC Archives: a-03550)

On your way back, you pass a man heading for the Cariboo. He says he has no desire to mine for gold, but is looking for a job. His name is Charles Semlin, and you hire him to help you build your first ranch house.

Charles Augustus Semlin (BC Archives: f-07381)

For many weeks you are busy building a permanent home, fence and garden. The house is complete on October 31, 1862. Now with a functional ranch, you can offer to store horses at, say, $1.50 a horse per month over the winter. Most people will order before the winter and go until the spring, so it's a good chance to earn an income.

Land owners usually pre-order items needed in the spring season, and this can be done in Lytton. Some oxen for hauling logs would also be an asset. Do you want to into Lytton and order supplies now, or order them later so you can do more work around the ranch?

Last updated March 12, 1999. Produced by the Schoolnet Digital Collections Team.