It is suggested that expectations of massive profits in the Vancouver Island colony may have blinded the PSAC directors to the reports from knowledgeable individuals within the colony of the poor quality of the land for farming. In a Descriptive Account of the Craigflower Farm from May of 1858, the vast majority of the 752 acres of the farm, is described as “rock and heavy timber affording little pasturage.” 432 acres of the farm were in this state. Only 80 acres were cultivated, “at heavy expense” and a further 70 acres were open pasturage, “but not susceptible to cultivation.”

Though the farm planted “wheat, oats, pease [sic], potatoes, turnips”, it apparently did not produce enough to regularly supply anyone but the farm itself. The report states that most of the produce was consumed by the farm itself with “small quantities from time to time to HBC and other farms.” This report conflicts with those of McKenzie regarding provisioning the Royal Navy, yet does lend evidence to the small production of the farm.

It should also be noted that there exists no source of fresh water close to the Craigflower farm, save from the mouth of Deadman’s Creek, nearly two kilometres away. [note]